NRG Insights podcast

1:01:48

In this episode of NRG Insights , Marcus is joined by Anastasia Tfofis , co-founder and CEO of ILA , to explore what it really means to build a business (and a life) on your own terms. Anastasia’s path hasn’t been traditional. From high-stress roles in banking and finance law, she took a leap into the unknown, walking away from the corporate track to co-found ILA, a remote-first legal business that’s redefining how independent legal advice is delivered. In this conversation, Anastasia talks about launching a niche firm with no funding, no safety net, and no playbook, and why that was exactly what made it work. We also cover what it looks like to build a business around your values, your energy, and the kind of life you actually want to live. In this episode: ✅ How Anastasia left traditional law to launch a fully remote legal business ✅ What it takes to build a niche brand from scratch — and make it profitable ✅ The systems and tools that keep ILA running lean and fast ✅ Why authenticity is more than a brand play ✅ How Anastasia separates self-worth from business performance ✅ Mentorship, mindset shifts, and creating “freedom time” ✅ Why success means doing it your way Whether you're building your own business, breaking away from a career that no longer fits, or just trying to figure out what success should look like, this one’s for you. If you like this episode, don’t forget to share and tag NRG in your post and let us know what you liked so we can record more fantastic content for you.…

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From Football to Finance with Kelsey Phillips 50:18

8 days ago50:18

50:18

This week on NRG Insights, Marcus is joined by Kelsey Phillips, founder of Arose Finance. From chasing a career in professional football to landing a role on the trading floors at Goldman Sachs, Kelsey's journey has been built on resilience, ambition, and a drive to succeed against the odds. After establishing herself in investment banking, she took the bold leap to entrepreneurship, founding Arose Finance, a commercial brokerage that's already making an impact in the industry. In this episode, Kelsey shares how she navigated major career transitions, built a business from scratch, and why adaptability and determination are key ingredients to long-term success. In this conversation, we cover: How Kelsey went from professional football to financial services Lessons learned from high-pressure environments like Goldman Sachs Why she left investment banking to start her own brokerage The realities of building a business at 27 with no roadmap How to create trust and credibility fast in a competitive market Advice for anyone thinking about launching their own firm Kelsey's story is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, brokers, and anyone aiming to carve their own path in finance. If you like this episode, don’t forget to share and tag NRG in your post and let us know what you liked so we can record more fantastic content for you.…

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Culture Is the Strategy with Mark Harrington 41:04

22 days ago41:04

41:04

In this episode of NRG Insights, Marcus is joined by Mark Harrington, CEO of L&C, to talk about what it takes to build a strong business culture at scale. From his early days as a protection adviser to now leading a team of 440+ advisers, Mark shares the lessons learned, challenges faced, and what’s shaped his leadership journey. Whether you're building a brokerage, leading a team, or stepping into leadership for the first time, this episode is packed with insights on how to lead with empathy, create alignment, and build a business people want to be part of. Here's what's coming up... Mark’s journey from adviser to CEO of one of the UK’s largest brokerages The role of culture in scaling a financial services business Managing people through growth, change, and economic uncertainty Leadership lessons from nearly two decades in the industry Why visibility, empathy, and trust are critical to modern leadership How L&C is building its next generation of leaders Balancing remote working with team connection and productivity If you like this episode, don’t forget to share and tag NRG in your post and let us know what you liked so we can record more fantastic content for you.…

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Scaling a Modern Brokerage with Chris Schutrups 55:36

29 days ago55:36

55:36

In this episode of NRG Insights, Marcus is joined by Chris Schutrups, Founder and Managing Director of The Mortgage Hut, to unpack what it takes to build and scale a successful mortgage brokerage in today’s digital world. From dropping out of college at 16 to running one of the most recognised mortgage brands in the UK, Chris shares the key decisions, marketing strategies, and leadership lessons that have driven The Mortgage Hut’s growth over the last 14 years. We talk tech, team building, leaving the network model behind, and how to stay agile in a fast-moving industry. What’s Inside This Episode: 👉 How Chris built The Mortgage Hut from scratch 👉 The digital marketing tactics that actually work in 2025 👉 Why finding a niche is one of the most powerful tools for growth 👉 Balancing customer experience with operational scale 👉 Lessons from working abroad and building a remote-first mindset 👉 The mindset needed to grow a modern brokerage If you like this episode, don’t forget to share and tag NRG in your post and let us know what you liked so we can record more fantastic content for you.…

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Building Culture and Brand in Specialist Lending with Nick Hilton 41:56

5 weeks ago41:56

41:56

This week on NRG Insights, Marcus is joined by Nick Hilton, Managing Director at Glenhawk, to talk about leadership, resilience, and standing out in specialist finance. From breaking into the sector during the 2008 financial crisis to helping redefine bridging finance as a credible, client-focused solution, Nick shares the lessons, risks, and relationships that shaped his career. Whether you're in bridging, lending, or simply looking to grow in financial services, this episode is packed with insights from one of the most respected names in the industry. What’s coming up... ✅ How Nick broke into financial services without a traditional background ✅ Why 2008 was a turning point for bridging finance ✅ The role of mentorship in career growth ✅ How Glenhawk built a winning culture and loyal team ✅ Why calculated risks matter in leadership ✅ What sets the best lenders apart in today’s market Nick’s journey is proof that you don’t need the “perfect” CV to succeed, you need drive, clarity, and the right people around you. If you like this episode, don’t forget to share and tag NRG in your post and let us know what you liked so we can record more fantastic content for you.…

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Why Relationships Still Win in Lending with Andy Reid 50:54

6 weeks ago50:54

50:54

In this episode of NRG Insights , Marcus sits down with Andy Reid , Sales Director at TAB, to talk about the one thing that still closes deals in specialist lending — relationships . With over two decades in financial services, Andy has worked across underwriting, business development, and sales leadership. His career has taken him from humble beginnings as a lifeguard and pub worker to senior roles in blue-chip and challenger firms — proving that success in lending is as much about people as it is about products. Whether you're a BDM, broker, underwriter or lender, this episode is packed with insight on building trust, staying relevant, and leading in a changing market. 🔍 What’s Inside This Episode ✅ Why face-to-face connection still beats digital when it comes to sales ✅ Andy’s journey from underwriting to sales leadership ✅ How to build a network that supports long-term career growth ✅ Why mentoring the next generation matters more than ever ✅ The mindset needed to thrive through industry shifts and setbacks ✅ What COVID taught Andy about resilience, adaptability, and leading under pressure If you like this episode, don’t forget to share and tag NRG in your post and let us know what you liked so we can record more fantastic content for you.…

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How to Lead High-Performing Teams in 2025 - SPECIAL 16:00

7 weeks ago16:00

16:00

The way we build, manage, and scale teams is evolving. Strong leadership today creates a culture that keeps them performing at their best. In this episode of NRG Insights, we bring together Tanya Elmaz, Martin Stewart, and Louisa Sedgwick to break down what it takes to lead high-performing teams in financial services in 2025. From company culture to career progression to the future of remote work, our guests share what’s working (and what’s not) when it comes to managing people, driving results, and adapting to a changing workforce. What’s Coming Up in This Episode? ✅ Why company culture is the foundation of any successful team ✅ How to set clear personal development plans that drive career growth ✅ The challenges and realities of remote work in financial services ✅ Why leadership presence and communication are more important than ever ✅ How businesses can balance flexibility with productivity in 2025 Featured Guests 🔹 Tanya Elmaz (Director of Intermediary Sales, Together) – How culture drives success in specialist lending. 🔹 Martin Stewart (Managing Director, London Money) – The importance of career planning for long-term success. 🔹 Louisa Sedgwick (Managing Director of Mortgages, Paragon Bank) – Leadership, presence, and the reality of remote work. If you like this episode, don’t forget to share and tag NRG Resourcing in your post. For more visit: www.nrg-resourcing.co.uk If you like this episode, don’t forget to share and tag NRG in your post and let us know what you liked so we can record more fantastic content for you.…

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How to Scale Operations The Right Way with William Lloyd-Hayward 48:36

8 weeks ago48:36

48:36

Everyone talks about sales… but what about operations? The best mortgage businesses don't sell well, unless they run well. Operations might not get the spotlight, but without the right systems, processes, and people behind the scenes, scaling is impossible. This week on NRG Insights, I sat down with William Lloyd-Hayward, Group COO of Brightstar Group, to talk about why operational excellence is the key to long-term success in financial services. Will went from a career in politics to running one of the UK’s leading mortgage packaging firms, proving that strategy, leadership, and innovation drive growth—not just sales. Inside this episode: 👉 How to scale mortgage operations the right way 👉 Why operations teams are just as important as sales teams 👉 How technology and automation are changing financial services 👉 The importance of mentorship, leadership, and company culture 👉 Why diversity and inclusion matter in finance If you like this episode, don’t forget to share and tag NRG in your post. If you like this episode, don’t forget to share and tag NRG in your post and let us know what you liked so we can record more fantastic content for you.…

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Understanding the Customer Journey with Ky Benjamin 53:24

9 weeks ago53:24

53:24

The mortgage process is more about people, than numbers. In this episode of NRG Insights, Ky Benjamin, Operations and Lending Director at Century Capital, joins Marcus Nanson to talk about the mortgage customer journey and why every role in the industry, whether broker, underwriter, or lender, plays a part in sales. With experience across underwriting, lending, and operations, Ky explains how financial professionals can better understand customer needs, build stronger relationships, and align their roles with business success. What’s inside this episode... ✅ The key stages of the mortgage customer journey ✅ Why every role in financial services is connected to sales ✅ How underwriters and lenders can improve relationship management ✅ Balancing traditional lending with modern technology ✅ The impact of mentorship, learning, and career development ✅ How company culture influences the lending experience Whether you’re a broker, underwriter, lender, or business owner, this episode provides actionable insights on improving the customer experience and growing in the mortgage industry. If you like this episode, don’t forget to share and tag NRG in your post. For more visit: www.nrg-resourcing.co.uk If you like this episode, don’t forget to share and tag NRG in your post and let us know what you liked so we can record more fantastic content for you.…

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Building a Mortgage Business with Purpose with Ross Jones 55:00

10 weeks ago55:00

55:00

What does it mean to build a mortgage business with impact? In this episode of NRG Insights, Ross Jones, founder of Home Financial and Evolve Commercial, joins Marcus to share his journey from serving in the Navy to building a successful mortgage business. What’s coming up... ✅ From the Navy to financial services – How Ross made the leap into mortgages and finance ✅ The corporate lessons that shaped his business approach ✅ How a personal turning point led to launching his own firm ✅ Why finding a niche and engaging with the community drives business growth ✅ The role of mindset, wellbeing, and leadership in business success ✅ How to scale a mortgage business while staying true to your values Whether you're a mortgage broker, business owner, or thinking about scaling your firm, this episode is packed with insights on leadership, business growth, and creating a lasting impact. If you like this episode, don’t forget to share and tag NRG in your post and let us know what you liked so we can record more fantastic content for you.…

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Authenticity and Content Creation in Mortgages with Ash Borland 50:43

11 weeks ago50:43

50:43

How do mortgage brokers stand out online? Authenticity. In this episode of NRG Insights, Ash Borland, mortgage marketing strategist, business coach, and brand expert, joins Marcus Nanson to discuss how brokers can leverage content to attract clients, build trust, and grow their business without constantly chasing new leads. Here's what's coming up... ✅ The biggest mistakes brokers make in marketing (and how to fix them) ✅ How to create content that actually brings in business ✅ Why authenticity is the key for brokers ✅ The right way to use social media and content to grow as a mortgage broker If you like this episode, don’t forget to share and tag NRG in your post and let us know what you liked so we can record more fantastic content for you.…

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How to Stand Out as a Leader in Mortgages with Louisa Sedgwick 1:00:51

12 weeks ago1:00:51

1:00:51

What does it take to become a standout leader in the mortgage industry? From starting on a Youth Training Scheme with no qualifications to becoming Managing Director of Mortgages at Paragon Bank, Louisa Sedgwick has become a true leader in mortgages. But how did she do it, and what can mortgage professionals learn? In this episode of NRG Insights, Marcus Nanson sits down with Louisa to discuss: ✅ How she went from admin temp to MD in mortgages ✅ The leadership lessons that shaped her career ✅ Why mentorship and visibility are crucial for career growth ✅ The biggest challenges facing brokers and lenders today ✅ The future of the mortgage market and how to stay ahead Whether you're an aspiring leader, a broker, or just someone looking for career-changing insights, Louisa is proof that success in finance is about more than just experience. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to share and tag NRG Resourcing on social media. For more visit: www.nrg-resourcing.co.uk If you like this episode, don’t forget to share and tag NRG in your post and let us know what you liked so we can record more fantastic content for you.…

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Building a Top Sales Team in Specialist Lending with Tanya Elmaz 49:49

13 weeks ago49:49

49:49

What makes a top-performing sales team in specialist lending? Hiring the right people, training them properly, and giving them the tools to succeed, it all sounds simple, but few get it right. A strong sales team is the backbone of any brokerage or lender, but building one is never easy. In this episode of NRG Insights, Tanya Elmaz, Director of Intermediary Sales at Together, joins Marcus Nanson to share her expertise on developing and leading high-performing sales teams in mortgages and specialist lending. What’s coming up in this episode: ✅ The key ingredients of a high-performing sales team in specialist lending ✅ How to recruit, train, and retain top talent in financial services ✅ Why brokers need to diversify beyond residential mortgages to stay competitive ✅ The biggest mistakes sales leaders make and how to avoid them ✅ How culture and leadership shape long-term sales success Whether you're running a brokerage, leading a sales team, or looking to improve your own skills, Tanya’s insights will help you get ahead in specialist lending. If you like this episode, don’t forget to share and tag NRG in your post and let us know what you liked so we can record more fantastic content for you.…

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How to Succeed in Mortgages and Beyond with Martin Stewart 52:34

14 weeks ago52:34

52:34

🎙️ What does it take to thrive in the mortgage industry and beyond? In this episode of NRG Insights, Marcus Nanson speaks with Martin Stewart, Managing Director of London Money, about his journey in financial services, the challenges of scaling a business, and his transition into writing. Martin shares insights on business growth, industry regulation, and creative exploration. In this episode, you’ll learn: The key to long-term success in the mortgage industry How to scale a business without losing control The impact of regulation on mortgage brokers Why mindset matters for entrepreneurs and leaders How Martin ventured into writing his first book Practical advice for business owners and aspiring authors 💡 Whether you’re in finance, running a business, or exploring creative passions, Martin’s story offers actionable insights for success. 👉 Watch now and subscribe for more expert conversations! If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to share and tag NRG Resourcing on social media. For more visit: www.nrg-resourcing.co.uk If you like this episode, don’t forget to share and tag NRG in your post and let us know what you liked so we can record more fantastic content for you.…

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Scaling and Driving Change in Finance [SPECIAL EPISODE] 16:12

20 weeks ago16:12