NRG Insights

Hosted by Marcus Nanson

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Episodes

156

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

EN-GB

About the show

NRG Insights is a series interviewing industry leaders within the financial sector, hosted by Marcus Nanson from NRG Resourcing. The series dives into key areas of business, discussing everything from social media, company progression, industry news and tips to success.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 15, 2026Episode 14125 min

Rising Stars 2026: Why Good BDMs Do More Than Sell with Harry Pleasance

In this episode of NRG Insights: Rising Stars 2026, Marcus sits down with Harry Pleasance, Business Development Manager at Glenhawk.Harry has spent more than a decade in financial services, building experience across retail banking, investment platforms, later life lending, residential mortgages, buy-to-let, commercial finance and bridging.That broad background has shaped how he approaches business development today.Rather than focusing purely on products and transactions, Harry believes the best BDMs become trusted partners to brokers by understanding the wider market, helping solve problems and supporting clients beyond their own proposition.The conversation explores Harry’s journey from corporate banking into specialist lending, the lessons he's learned along the way, and why relationships continue to be one of the biggest differentiators in a competitive market.Harry also shares his thoughts on education, market knowledge and what younger professionals can do to build credibility and trust early in their careers.In this episode:Harry’s route into financial services and specialist lendingThe move from corporate environments into specialist financeWhy good BDMs do more than just sell productsBuilding long-term relationships with brokersThe importance of education in a fast-moving industryHow broad market knowledge helps brokers and clientsWhat makes a BDM valuable in today’s marketLessons learned from working across multiple lending sectorsWhether you're a broker, lender, BDM or someone building a career in specialist finance, this episode offers a practical look at what relationship-led business development really looks like.Listen on SpotifyWatch on YouTubeIf 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.

June 8, 2026Episode 14024 min

The Career Advice That Keeps Coming Up in Finance

People build careers in finance in very different ways.Some start in sales. Some come through lending. Some build businesses. Others progress through leadership roles over time.But despite those different paths, certain pieces of advice seem to come up again and again.In this episode, we bring together highlights from previous NRG Insights conversations with Adam Butler, Paula Mercer, Andy Alvarez, Aby Pickford and Roz Cawood.The discussion covers some of the themes that repeatedly surface across the industry, including relationships, resilience, career progression, leadership and personal growth.While every guest has a different perspective and experience, there are clear similarities in how successful people approach challenges, opportunities and long-term career development.Topics discussed include: The career advice that continues to resonate across the industry Why relationships play such an important role in long-term success Learning from setbacks and difficult periods The importance of consistency and reputation Leadership, growth and progression Taking opportunities when they arise Featured guests: Adam Butler Paula Mercer Andy Alvarez Abi Pickford Roz Cawood Whether you're early in your career or have spent years in the industry, this episode offers a collection of perspectives from people who have built successful careers across financial services.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.

May 26, 2026Episode 13944 min

What Makes a Great Sales Leader in Finance with Adam Tauber

In this episode of NRG Insights, Marcus is joined by Adam Tauber, Head of Sales at Phoenix205 Money.With more than two decades of experience across sales, broking and specialist finance, Adam shares the journey that took him from early sales roles into senior leadership within the lending industry.The conversation looks at how sales skills translate into finance, what separates strong sales leaders from average ones, and why relationships still sit at the centre of business growth in specialist lending.Adam also reflects on working across both lender and broker sides of the industry, and how those experiences shaped the way he now leads teams, structures deals and builds partnerships.In this episode: How Adam got started in sales at 17 Lessons learned from early sales environments Moving into financial services and specialist finance The transition between lending and broking What makes a strong sales leader in finance Building high-performing teams and culture Why relationships still drive business growth How Phoenix205 Money is evolving its broker proposition This episode is a practical look at leadership, progression and relationship-building in specialist finance, from someone who has worked across multiple sides of the industry.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.

May 18, 2026Episode 1386 min

7 Minutes of Career Advice for Young People in Finance

In this special short-form episode of NRG Insights Rising Stars 2026, we bring together highlights from our first four guests: Calypso Cox Jack Cope Francesca Starkey Razvana Horton Four honest perspectives on what helps younger professionals progress early in their careers.Across just seven minutes, this episode pulls together some of the biggest themes that have come up throughout the Rising Stars series so far.From confidence and networking, to resilience, adaptability and taking opportunities when they appear.Whether you’re starting out in finance, changing direction, or trying to build momentum early in your career, there’s a lot packed into this episode.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.

May 11, 2026Episode 13724 min

Rising Stars 2026: What Helps Young People Progress in Finance with Calypso Cox

In this episode of NRG Insights: Rising Stars 2026, Marcus sits down with Calypso Cox from Stamford Finance.Calypso’s route into finance wasn’t planned in the traditional sense.With a background in English Literature and Art History, she found herself entering the industry through a marketing internship before moving into a role that combined marketing, relationship management and business development.Since then, she’s built experience across both BD and marketing, developing a strong understanding of how relationships, communication and consistency help people progress in a relationship-led industry.This conversation looks at what actually helps young people build momentum early in their careers.From networking and learning quickly, to understanding people, building confidence and making the most of unexpected opportunities.It’s also an honest discussion about entering a male-dominated industry at a young age, and how younger professionals are finding their place within it.In this episode:How Calypso found her way into financeThe crossover between marketing and business developmentWhat helps young people build confidence early in their careersWhy networking and relationships matter so much in financeThe challenges of entering a male-dominated industryHow young professionals can stand out and build credibilityWhy saying yes to opportunities often matters more than having a fixed planIf you’re early in your career, trying to build confidence, or looking to understand how progression actually happens in finance, this episode is worth a listen.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.

May 5, 2026Episode 13626 min

Rising Stars 2026: Starting in Property, Moving Into Finance with Razvana Horton

In this episode of NRG Insights: Rising Stars 2026, Marcus sits down with Razvana Horton, Business Development Manager at Hampshire Trust Bank.Razvana didn’t start in finance.Her early career was in property, working across off-plan sales in both UK and international markets. When the market shifted during the pandemic, she had to adapt quickly, moving her focus towards income-generating property and thinking more commercially about deals.That shift eventually led her into financial services.This conversation looks at what that transition really involved, from learning a new side of the industry, to understanding deals in more depth, and building the relationships that sit behind them.It’s a practical look at how people move into finance without a traditional route, and what helps once you’re in.In this episode:- Starting out in property and off-plan sales- Adapting to market changes during the pandemic- Moving from property into financial services- The transition from brokering into lending- Why relationships matter more than most people think- The role of mentors and leadership in career progression- What helps new entrants build confidence and credibilityIf you’re looking to move into finance, change direction, or build a career in a relationship-led industry, this episode gives a clear view of what that journey can look like.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.

April 27, 2026Episode 13525 min

Rising Stars 2026: From Redundancy to Rising Star with Francesca Starkey

In this episode of NRG Insights: Rising Stars 2026, Marcus sits down with Francesca Starkey, Business Development Manager at Project & Co.Francesca’s route into the industry wasn’t straightforward. After facing two redundancies in 2024, she found herself reassessing what came next and applying for new opportunities without a fixed plan.That next step led her into specialist finance and into a BDM role she’d never done before.What followed has been rapid progress, strong industry recognition, and proof that experience isn’t always the only thing that matters.This conversation looks at how Francesca backed herself, adapted quickly, and turned her personality into a genuine advantage in a relationship-led industry.It’s also an honest look at confidence, resilience, and what early career progression can really look like when you’re willing to learn on the move.In this episode:How Francesca dealt with redundancy and found a new directionMoving into a BDM role with no previous BDM experienceWhy personality and authenticity can be a real advantageThe importance of building trust and relationships earlyHow confidence is often misunderstood in businessThe role mentors and supportive networks play in progressionAdvice for young professionals entering financial servicesIf you’re early in your career, changing direction, or trying to build momentum in a competitive industry, this episode is packed with perspective.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.

April 22, 2026Episode 13426 min

Rising Stars 2026: Saying “Yes” Can Change Your Career with Jack Cope

In the first episode of our Rising Stars series 2026, Marcus sits down with Jack Cope, Head of Mortgages at Bridgemore Capital.Jack’s career didn’t follow a straight, planned path. Like a lot of people in finance, he found his way into the industry, learned on the job, and took opportunities as they came.What’s made the difference is how he approached those opportunities.From starting out in customer-facing roles to moving into brokering and stepping into leadership, Jack shares how saying “yes” early on, backing himself, and being willing to learn has helped him build momentum in his career.This episode is a grounded look at what early careers in finance actually look like, and what tends to make the difference over time.In this episode:How Jack got started in financial servicesWhy early roles matter more than people thinkThe transition from employed roles into brokeringWhat helped him progress into leadershipWhy saying “yes” to opportunities can accelerate your careerThe role of mentors and learning from people around youAdvice for anyone starting out or looking to move forwardIf you’re early in your career in mortgages, specialist lending or financial services, this episode gives a realistic view of how careers develop and what actually helps you move forward.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.

April 7, 2026Episode 13337 min

Why Hiring in Finance Feels Harder Than Ever with Kallie Henson

In this episode of NRG Insights, Marcus sits down with Kallie Henson, Senior Consultant at NRG Recruitment, to talk about how hiring in financial services has changed over the past 12–18 months.There are still roles being filled. There are still good candidates in the market.But the way hiring decisions are being made has shifted.Processes are more considered. Expectations are higher on both sides. And what makes someone the “right fit” isn’t always as straightforward as it once was.This conversation looks at what’s actually driving that change, and what hiring managers and candidates need to understand to navigate it properly.In this episode:Why hiring processes are becoming more consideredWhat’s changed in how candidates are being assessedWhy cultural fit is playing a bigger role in hiring decisionsHow expectations have shifted on both sides of the processWhat stands out in a more competitive and selective marketHow to approach hiring and job moves more effectively right nowAbout Kallie HensonKallie Henson is a Senior Consultant at NRG Recruitment, specialising in the lending and specialist finance market.She started her career in senior and executive finance recruitment before moving into specialist lending, where she focuses on short-term finance, development finance and commercial mortgages.Working closely with both hiring managers and candidates, Kallie brings a clear, up-to-date view of how the recruitment market is evolving.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.

March 30, 2026Episode 1329 min

Why Relationships Are the Real Currency In 2026

In this episode of NRG Insights, we bring together perspectives from Kunal Mehta, Ashley Ilsen and Duncan Kreeger to look at what’s actually driving deals and long-term success in financial services.With more technology, more automation and more tools than ever, it’s easy to assume the industry is moving away from people.But in reality, the opposite seems to be happening.The processes might be faster, the systems more efficient, but the value still sits in relationships, communication and trust.Across this episode, the conversation focuses on how experienced operators are balancing technology with personal interaction, and why the human side of the industry is becoming more important, not less.In this episode:Why technology improves process but doesn’t replace relationshipsHow strong relationships continue to drive deals in competitive marketsThe role communication plays in building trust with clients and partnersWhy different communication styles matter across clients and generationsHow to balance efficiency with a more personal approachAs the industry continues to evolve, the fundamentals haven’t changed.People still back people.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.