Before joining Nationwide in 2005, I worked overseas as a service and sales manager for a UK tour operator. The mixture of tough targets, long hours, and plenty of patience has got me where I am today. I chose Nationwide as I was impressed by the service aspect of the operation. In retail, a huge focus is on treating customers fairly and I think that shines through.

In the job I do now, I firmly believe that I can change people’s lives for the better. It’s not a sale or service that comes and goes, but a lifelong relationship. Each day poses new challenges. Competitor activity is something I watch closely, and I always aim to be the best in my class. Essentially, the service we provide is the product the customer walks away with, so making that whole process a pleasure on one of the biggest highlights.

The most important aspect of my role is being prepared. Knowledge is power and if you fail to prepare, prepare to fail. I also think it’s important to have absolute trust in my boss and the rest of the team around me. I don’t want to let anybody down. And I know every one of them feels the same.

The factors that have contributed most towards my success are first and foremost a strong work ethic. It’s important for me to enjoy what I do, and to be good at my role. Another factor would be the ambition that burns away inside me. I genuinely think that if you want to succeed more than anyone else, you will.

If you’re interested in a similar role to mine, I’d ask if you’re prepared to put all your energy and enthusiasm into your work; if you understand people; and if you genuinely enjoy helping others. If you can answer yes to all of the questions, then Nationwide is the place for you.