"A generation ready to make an impact": Our 30 Under 30 2026 alumni's take on today’s financial services industry
Financial Reporter 30 Under 30’s class of 2025 share their thoughts on the challenges and opportunities that young people are currently facing in mortgages and financial services.
Generational and cultural differences
A common thread is the tension that can arise between young professionals and more established colleagues. Kirtana Mahendran, senior marketing executive at Hampshire Trust Bank, says communication styles often differ.
“Older colleagues may prefer calls or face to face discussions, while younger teams rely more heavily on messaging and digital tools,” she explains.
In marketing, she adds, this divide is heightened by compliance demands. “Strict regulation encourages senior leaders to favour tried and tested approaches, while younger marketers push for creative, social-led activity. With every piece of content requiring approval, tension can build if decisions aren’t backed up with clear data and discussion.”
For Williams, cultural differences extend beyond communication. “Naturally, we reference different shows, use different language, and sometimes approach tasks in ways that feel unfamiliar to colleagues who have been in the industry longer,” she says. Technology - particularly AI - widens the gap further. But she believes it can be a positive.
“When both sides stay open minded, those different perspectives can work together in a really powerful way.”
The demographic profile of advisers is another longstanding challenge, with Daisy Richards, regional sales manager at PRIMIS, explaining that “shifting attitudes” can often cause challenges.
“I often feel I have to double prove my knowledge and skills compared with older colleagues,” she says, adding that recruitment and education must improve to bring more young people into advice roles.
