The real career journeys of our people at Carbon Financial

At Carbon Financial, there’s no single route into a successful career, and that’s exactly how we like it.

Our team is made up of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds: retail, audit, healthcare, call centres and beyond. What brings them together isn’t where they started, but where they are today, supporting clients to make confident decisions about their financial future.Just as importantly, it’s how they’ve been supported along the way. At Carbon, we’re committed to creating a culture of learning and development, where people are encouraged, supported and coached to achieve their qualifications and build careers that are meaningful to them.Here’s a closer look at the journeys behind our people.

From varied beginnings to meaningful careers

John Bell, Investment Director and Chartered Financial Planner, has built a broad and evolving career within financial services.

After graduating, John gained experience across roles including NHS administration, payroll, debt collection and reporting, before moving into investment oversight at HSBC. While this provided strong technical foundations, he found himself wanting to work more closely with people.

That led him to Carbon, where he joined in a client support role. With the support of structured training, professional study and ongoing coaching, he progressed through paraplanning into financial planning, ultimately becoming Investment Director. His journey reflects how development at Carbon is not just encouraged but actively supported at every stage.

Michael Wilson, Financial Planner, joined Carbon straight from university without a fixed plan. Starting in client services, he worked his way up to become a Chartered Financial Planner.

Today, he’s focused on giving clients peace of mind and helping them live the lives they want, something he finds deeply rewarding.

Exploring new paths and opportunities

Not everyone set out to work in finance.

Stephanie Chalmers, Client Support Associate, studied English Literature and once worked in a call centre handling customer complaints. After being made redundant, she found her way into financial services by chance and discovered a career she loves.

Despite initial concerns about maths, Stephanie has since achieved her Diploma in Financial Planning. Her background in communication now plays a key role in supporting clients.

Polly Milne, Financial Planner, began her career in audit, training as a Chartered Accountant. But she realised she wanted more purpose and closer client relationships.

Making the switch to financial planning meant starting again, but it led to a more fulfilling career. She’s now Chartered and supports clients through major life events, from retirement to inheritance planning.

Finding purpose through people

Richard Wadsworth, Financial Planner, started in accountancy before discovering financial advice through a graduate programme at Standard Life. Over time, he realised that working closely with clients and helping organise their finances around their lives was what he truly enjoyed.

After roles in London and EY, he joined Carbon to focus fully on financial planning and client relationships.

Julienne Christie-Henry, Operations Manager, took a different route. After studying marketing and working in agronomy, she joined Carbon as a graduate trainee and explored different areas of the business.

She now leads across operations, compliance and HR building a varied career by embracing new opportunities along the way.

Building confidence and new skills

Jack Didwell, Paraplanner, began in retail, working his way into management before transitioning into financial services without a university background.

Through studying and gaining experience, he successfully changed careers and now works on complex research and investment analysis at Carbon. His journey highlights the value of resilience, curiosity and continuous learning.

One team, many journeys

These stories show that there’s no “perfect” career path into financial planning.

At Carbon, it’s attitude, curiosity and a willingness to learn that matter most. Whether joining straight from university or changing direction later in life, every team member plays a part in helping clients achieve their goals.