Graduate showcase: looking back at our former graduates

At Carbon Financial Partners, we believe in nurturing talent from the ground up. Our graduate trainee program has helped many bright individuals grow into Chartered Financial Planners, Associate Directors, and leaders across all areas of the business, including operations, investments, and Paraplanning. Not everyone follows the same path, and that is something we celebrate.

This year, we’re excited to welcome two new trainees to the team, and to mark the occasion, we asked 11 colleagues who began as graduates to share one piece of advice for those just starting. Their insights are a testament to the supportive, forward-thinking culture that defines Carbon.

Team takeaways: lessons from the journey

Name: John Bell
Current Role: Investment Director, Chartered Financial Planner
Joined as a Graduate in: 2007
Advice for New Graduate Trainees: “Be curious and try to remember that everything we do is about helping clients.”

Name: Julienne Christie-Henry
Current Role: Operations Manager
Joined as a Graduate in: 2012
Advice for New Graduate Trainees: “Get involved in as much as you can, show willingness and enjoy it!”

Name: Matthew Duncan
Current Role: Associate Director, Chartered Financial Planner
Joined as a Graduate in: 2013
Advice for New Graduate Trainees: “Learn as much as you can from everyone you meet.”

Name: Gary Wright
Current Role: Associate Director, Chartered Financial Planner
Joined as a Graduate in: 2014
Advice for New Graduate Trainees: “Take opportunities when they are offered. Opportunities to learn, get involved and grow.”

Name: Darren Lees
Current Role: Associate Director, Chartered Financial Planner
Joined as a Graduate in: 2010
Advice for New Graduate Trainees: “Focus on doing a great job for your colleagues, especially the ones in your team, Client Support, lean on their experience and knowledge to give yourself the foundations to progress.”

Name: Iain Harper
Current Role: Associate Director, Chartered Financial Planner
Joined as a Graduate in: 2013
Advice for New Graduate Trainees: “My one tip is - do good, consistent work with attention to detail and where appropriate take initiative/find solutions.”

Name: Liam Kerr
Current Role: Director, Chartered Financial Planner
Joined as a Graduate in: 2015
Advice for New Graduate Trainees: “My advice would be to get involved where you can in projects across the business, particularly in areas that interest you.”

Name: Michael Wilson
Current Role: Chartered Financial Planner
Joined as a Graduate in: 2010
Advice for New Graduate Trainees: “If you can instil a good work ethic when you are young, then it will stand you in good stead for the rest of your life. This often means working longer hours than your usual core working hours, but it also involves taking pride in your work, being reliable, staying disciplined, and consistently striving to improve. Over time, these habits compound, opening up opportunities, building trust with others, and helping you reach your long-term goals.”

Name: Ben Lingard
Current Role: Head of Paraplanning
Joined as a Graduate in: 2013
Advice for New Graduate Trainees: “You won’t know everything at first, and that is alright. Curiosity and consistency will take you further than confidence alone.”

Name: Dean McFarlane
Current Role: Chartered Financial Planner
Joined as a Graduate in: 2020
Advice for New Graduate Trainees: “Ask lots of questions and say yes to opportunities that come your way.”

Name: Finlay Wilson
Current Role: Trainee Financial Planner
Joined as a Graduate in: 2022
Advice for New Graduate Trainees: “Say yes to opportunities outside your daily tasks, getting involved across the business is the best way to grow and progress.”

Name: Andrew Hogg
Current Role: Client Support Associate/Graduate Trainee
Joined as a Graduate in: 2024
Advice for New Graduate Trainees: “Get involved, be curious, and never be afraid to ask questions.”