During the conversation with CSF’s group sales and marketing director, Jason Berry, Andrew largely focuses on four areas which have shaped his personality and career, including asking for help, role reversals, overcoming grief and envy.

Disclaimer: Readers will be advised that some of this article contains references to grief and suicide.

From a personal perspective, Andrew discusses the loss of his mother when he was just 20 years old and the devastation of recently losing a close university friend to suicide.

He also talks about how mentorship, both given and received, can help address many issues.

Andrew said: “Many people seem to think that talking openly or expressing emotions is a sign of weakness, but to me it’s a sign of strength. 

“Wherever you are in your career, people all have their own issues and inhibitions to deal with.

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“I have always found that talking openly about these not only releases some of the pressure, but means you connect in a deeper way to people. 

“I hope this initiative helps in some small way for people to know that they are not alone.”

Andrew is one of 12 CSF mentors who have agreed to step forward during 2021 to provide inspiration with their stories and make themselves available to support those individuals who may need someone to talk to about their own difficulties. 

Contact details are included at the end of each video.

A previous interview took place with Scott Howitt, sales director at Chartwell FS, who talked about his recovery from two separate cancer diagnoses and his career in financial services, including the difficult issues he faced in the 2008 recession and in the current Covid-19 pandemic.

The interview series is part of CSF’s ongoing health and wellbeing campaign, which is looking to help individuals in the financial services sector identify and take the necessary steps to overcome isolation, stress, grief, financial worries and fears about the future.

“For these leading finance professionals to take time out of their busy schedules, both for the interview and to also offer mentoring to others in the industry, shows just how seriously they take mental health,” commented Jason.

“We certainly discuss some uncomfortable topics, but the importance of communicating with others and not suffering in silence is a consistent theme.”

The full interview with Andrew can be viewed here.

When life is difficult, Samaritans are here – day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at [email protected], or visit www.samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.