What does it really take to break into the financial services industry? That's the topic of Episode 09 with Cathi Harrison, co-host Ilana Miller and guests Gerard McLaughlin and Shiven Agarwal.
Ilana is joined by Gerard, a building society branch manager, left school at 16 with no qualifications, has spent the last 25 years in financial services and is now pursuing his dream of becoming a financial adviser through our New Talent programme after being encouraged to apply by a colleague who believed in him when he didn't believe in himself.
Cathi then speaks with Shiven, a remarkable 17-year-old who has already written a financial literacy handbook for teenagers. He shares his outsider perspective on the industry, making a compelling case for more work experience opportunities, degree apprenticeships, and a less jargon-heavy, more positive approach to financial education in schools. Discover more about his books here.
2:33 - Gerard’s backstory
3:37 - The turning point
5:02 - Gerard ’s break in banking
9:22 - Gerard reflects on hiring
22:16 - Meet 17-year-old Shiven
24:19 - Shiven’s financial literacy handbook
30:47 - Shiven’s career plans
Cathi is Founder & CEO of Verve and the Verve Foundation, working to achieve their combined mission of building the future of financial services within the UK.
Ilana is Investment Development Director for Distribution at Royal London, and co-host on our New Talent episodes of the NewIn podcast.
Gerard has over two decades experience in financial services, and is currently completing his diploma through our New Talent programme.
Shiven is currently a sixth form student, who has published several books on financial literacy and the mathematics of engineering.
