Protection and Mortgage Adviser, Mortgages by McAteer.
For many people, a career in financial advice doesn’t begin with a single decision. It’s something that sits in the background, a path that feels right, but one that has to wait until life allows.
For Carly Kennedy, that moment came after years of experience, reflection and preparation.
“Alongside my previous role in financial administration, I studied for and gained my CeMAP qualifications,” she explains. “I’d felt for several years that becoming an adviser was the right move for me, it was just a case of timing it alongside family commitments.”
It’s a position many people recognise. The interest is there. The capability is there. But balancing a career move with everyday life can make taking that next step feel difficult without the right support in place.
When Carly decided the time was right, she joined The Openwork Partnership.
That decision marked the shift from considering a career in advice to actively building one.
With support from her Partnership Development Manager, Lisa Cook, Carly completed her onboarding and took those first steps into the profession. The process gave her structure, but more importantly, it gave her clarity and confidence at a point where many new advisers can feel uncertain.
From there, Carly began to shape a business that reflects both her expertise and her approach to working with clients.
Today, she supports a broad range of people through the homebuying journey, from first-time buyers navigating the process for the first time, through to experienced investors looking to expand their portfolios. Each client comes with different priorities, different pressures and different levels of understanding, and Carly adapts her approach to meet them where they are.
“My area of expertise lies in guiding homebuyers of all kinds through the purchasing process,” she says. “I’m there to anticipate challenges, explain options clearly, and help clients make confident, well-informed decisions that align with their goals.”
What stands out in Carly’s approach is not just the technical side of advice, it’s how she supports clients through the moments that sit behind the transaction.
Buying a home is rarely just a financial decision. It often sits alongside major life events. Some are exciting. Others are more difficult. Carly recognises that and brings a level of understanding that goes beyond process and products.
“My age and life experience allow me to support people through tough times too, such as divorce or bereavement,” she explains.
This ability to combine knowledge with empathy is what helps build trust over time. And in a role like this, trust is what turns one-off conversations into long-term relationships, and long-term relationships into a growing, sustainable business.
For Carly, that is where the real value of her career lies.
“The highlight of my career has been having the opportunity to help people reach important milestones,” she says. “Seeing clients feel confident, supported and successful at the end of the process, and often returning or referring others, is incredibly rewarding.”
That progression, from supporting one client to building a network of returning clients and referrals, is what makes advice a career rather than just a role. It’s something that grows with you over time.
But Carly is clear that this doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built on a strong foundation of listening, consistency and trust.
“A good adviser listens first and truly understands their client’s goals, concerns and circumstances,” she says. “They communicate clearly, act with integrity, and provide honest guidance, even when it’s not the easiest answer. It’s about being a trusted partner throughout the whole journey.”
Having the right environment to develop that approach has been key.
For Carly, being part of The Openwork Partnership has meant she can focus on building her client base and growing her reputation, without feeling like she has to navigate everything alone.
“I like being part of The Openwork Partnership because it values professionalism, integrity and long-term relationships,” she says. “It allows advisers to remain client-focused while being supported by strong compliance, high standards and a collaborative network.”
That balance is what enables advisers to move from getting started to building a business that is both sustainable and scalable.
Openwork’s role sits behind this progression. From structured onboarding through to ongoing development, advisers are supported at each stage of their journey. Marketing support helps them build visibility and attract new clients. A strong compliance framework provides confidence in a regulated market. And being part of a wider network brings access to knowledge, experience and shared best practice.
Together, that creates an environment where advisers can focus on what really drives growth, building trust with clients, developing a strong pipeline and creating a business that works for their individual goals and circumstances.
Carly’s story is one example of what that can look like. It didn’t start with a perfect plan or a straight line into the role. It started with an idea, built over time, and turned into something real when the right support was in place.
And finally, a lesser-known fact about Carly…
“I was once an extra in Coronation Street!”
Could this be your next step?
If you’ve ever considered a career in financial advice, Carly’s journey may feel familiar.
You might already be working in financial services. You might be studying for qualifications alongside another role. Or you might simply be thinking about a career that offers more flexibility, more purpose and greater long-term potential.
What often makes the difference is having the right environment to take that next step.
The Openwork Partnership provides the structure, support and community to help you move from consideration to action. With guided onboarding, ongoing development and access to marketing and compliance expertise, you’re supported from day one and as your business grows.
That means you can focus on building something meaningful, developing trusted client relationships, generating referrals and creating a career you love.