In the hot seat with Kate Burns – Mortgage Advisor

I was recently interviewed for the Huddersfield Business Week series ‘In the hot seat’ You can read my answers and get to know more about me here!

What was your first job?

I worked in all sorts of jobs, from a very young age through to being a student – including retail, bar, and waitressing work. Taking these jobs from a young age gave me a strong footing in life and taught me how important it is to work hard for what you want.

My first job after education was an administration role in a corporate estate agency. Now, as a mortgage advisor, my experience in that role gives me the ability to negotiate on behalf of my clients.

What does your company do, and how does your role support the company goal?

We provide mortgage and protection advice for clients who are looking to purchase their first property, move home, re-mortgage or invest in a buy-to-let. I am passionate about service and provide a customer journey, saving them money, time, and hassle.

If you weren’t in your current position, where would you be?

I always thought I would be in the police when I was younger as I felt that every day would be different and I liked that idea, however realistically I’m not sure I could do that now.

I think I would be a business account manager as I like to build relationships with people and businesses.

Are you an early bird or a night owl?

I wouldn’t say I am either! I’m not the best in a morning, I need a coffee first thing to get me ready for my day. I’m a midday kind of person.

What behaviour or personality trait do you most attribute your success to, and why?

I think I’m a hard worker. I am passionate about what I do and care about my clients.

What is your proudest achievement (personal or work-related)?

When it comes to business, I am proudest of the customer satisfaction levels we have – and the reviews to show it. I have built a good reputation and it means the world when people take the time to write a review and are happy with my service.

In my personal life, it would be building my own home. It was a very challenging year at times, but I am proud of the end result.

If you could choose a superpower, what would it be?

I know it sounds cliché, but I would say invisibility. I am super nosey and would love to be a fly on the wall!

What is your top tip for success in business/career?

Put in the work, believe in yourself and you will get results. It doesn’t happen overnight and be prepared to learn from your mistakes.

If you could snap your fingers and become an expert in something, what would it be?

Learning to control the mind and how it works.

What’s your most-used emoji?

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What are your hopes for the future of Huddersfield (say, 10 years from now)?

I would like the town centre to be improved. There are many beautiful parts of Huddersfield and I feel the town lets it down.

What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?

I don’t like milk or dark chocolate!

If you were to host a dinner party with three influential people (alive or deceased) who would you have dinner with and why?

• Richard Branson – I would like to understand his business ideas and how he got to where he is now
• The Queen – Because she’s the Queen
• Steve Jobs – For his creativity and imagination

Who has influenced you most when it comes to how you approach your work?

My parents have always worked hard – it’s in my blood! I have the ethic that things don’t come for free or get given and you have to work for it.

What would you do if you won the Lottery?

Travel the world, give to charity, and treat my friends and family.

How KB Mortgage Services can help:

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