A networking event on 10th February 2025, for black mortgage professionals and their allies, underscored the critical role that collaboration and connection play in enhancing confidence within the industry.
The evening, themed ‘Confidence & Collaboration’, focused on how these elements contribute to professional growth.
Event organisers – Atlyn Forde, head of engagement and inclusion at Pepper Money and founder of Communicate Inclusively, Jeffrey Krampah-Williams, national key account manager at Santander, and Aleka Gutzmore, mortgage broker and financial adviser at Moneysprite – provided practical advice on networking, emphasising personal branding, finding common ground, and leveraging opportunities for professional growth.
The event aimed to foster a supportive and inclusive environment for black professionals and allies in the mortgage industry.
The event, hosted at HSBC’s headquarters in Canary Wharf, created an inclusive space for attendees to share their experiences and insights, highlighting how building relationships can foster support, mentorship, and advancement opportunities.
Oli O’Donoghue, director of mortgage lending at HSBC UK, reflected on the challenges faced by professionals who may feel underrepresented in the industry.
O’Donoghue said: “Many attendees may have at some point doubted themselves in this industry, if you feel your industry doesn’t represent society and the customers we serve, instantly you will be constantly looking up in terms of how do I grow in an industry where perhaps people cannot relate to who I am or what I look like, or even understand my cultural background.
“So owning your space and backing yourself is really important!”
O’Donoghue also highlighted the importance of confidence in career advancement.
O’Donoghue added: “You can have many tools in your toolbox to advance your career, but if you don’t build connectivity and collaboration with a wider network, you’ll be limiting yourself on what you can actually achieve.”
There was a clear demand for these networking opportunities following the success of the inaugural event.
The event featured a ‘Career Starter’ session with two young professionals discussing the importance of mentorship and the benefits of networking in building confidence.
As the event progressed, participants engaged in speed networking, with an emphasis on confidence-building in introduction scenarios.
A panel titled ‘The Power of Collaboration’ included industry leaders Siobhan Moran, Richard Goppy, Atlyn Forde, and Shane Chawatama, who discussed overcoming imposter syndrome and how leaders can inspire confidence in their teams through opportunities, constructive feedback, and public recognition.
They also shared their personal experiences about confidence and collaboration in the mortgage industry.
The discussion included ways leaders support others in building confidence and the impact of collaboration on overcoming challenges.
The panel also highlighted potential areas for collaboration, enhancing financial education for underserved communities, and promoting the mortgage industry to young people.
Gutzmore said: “This event is about supporting one another and using collective knowledge to thrive.
“Whether you are just starting out in the industry or have years of experience, you have something valuable to contribute.
“Challenge yourself tonight, connect with someone new, ask questions, and take a step towards building a stronger network.”
Goppy said: “Believe in yourself and confidence will follow. Winners are not the ones who fail but the ones that never quit.”
“The power lies in coming together and making change happen.”
One attendee said: “This event was a powerful demonstration of the mortgage industry’s commitment to supporting and empowering Black professionals.
“By fostering an inclusive space for dialogue and collaboration, we can unlock new opportunities and drive meaningful change.”
