Name: Jack Davidson
Age: 36
Location: Kent
Qualification Year: 2025
Firm: London Money
Specialty: Holistic advice
Interests: Travelling, eating out and theatre.
Training and Career Beginnings
- Jack, you’ve had more than two decades in the performing arts, what inspired you to take the leap into mortgage broking?
Firstly, I love a challenge.
Secondly, I’m lucky — my wife is already a mortgage broker, so I’ve had a front-row seat to this fascinating world for years.
And finally, I believe that every so often you should stop, re-evaluate, and be prepared to pivot — to do something that scares you a little. This felt like the perfect moment to do just that.
- How did you first connect with London Money, and what drew you to work with them in particular?
I first connected with London Money through my wife, Catherine, who has worked with them for many years. At one of Martin’s London Money Christmas drinks, I met the team and instantly felt at home. So, when I decided to take this new path, I knew London Money was the right fit.
Martin and the whole gang are not only great people, but they also have decades of industry experience, having navigated both the highs and the lows of the financial world. These are exactly the kind of people I want to learn from.
- People might see theatre directing and mortgage broking as worlds apart, do you see any similarities?
Yes, on paper, directing theatre and mortgage broking probably seem worlds apart — although there are more similarities than you might think.
For instance, both require meticulous attention to detail. The passion that drives you to get a production just right for the audience is the same passion that drives you to work tirelessly for what’s right for the client.
Both worlds demand commitment, dedication, and a genuine love for what you do. That’s what makes you good at your job — and it’s all grounded in caring for the people you’re working for and working with.
- What skills from directing musicals and mentoring performers do you think will serve you best in the mortgage industry?
In theatre, I often talk about the three skills you need — the three P’s: Patience, Passion, Precision. And all three of these transfer seamlessly to the mortgage world.
- Was there a “lightbulb moment” when you decided it was time for a career change?
The lightbulb moment came last November when I suffered a knee injury during a dance show. For the first time in my life, I realised I wasn’t invincible — and that maybe some future-proofing wouldn’t be such a bad idea.
I’ve also been fortunate to enjoy great success in what I do, and I’ve reached a point where the idea of a new challenge feels incredibly enticing.
Working in the Mortgage Industry
You’ve trained national champions, led stage schools, and directed countless productions, how has that shaped your approach to working with clients?
When you put it like that, I suppose I have done quite a lot! But the key thread running through it all is simple — it’s about working with people.
I’ve been fortunate to work with individuals from all walks of life, from children as young as two or three to adults in their 90s, each with their own unique background and story. Treating people on a human level, and genuinely getting to know them, has always been at the heart of what I do.
Because once you truly know someone, you can tailor your advice — or your teaching — to suit the individual. Mortgage clients are no different from students in a classroom or performers on a stage. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Every actor and performer is different, just as every client who walks through the door will be.
- Do you think your performing arts background gives you a unique advantage when it comes to client relationships and communication?
Yes, I think it does. Coming from a performance background means I’m able to speak and communicate with confidence and clarity — skills that I believe will be invaluable in building strong relationships and maintaining clear, effective communication.
- Have you faced any unexpected challenges so far in your transition into mortgage broking?
Not as yet — but I know there will be plenty of challenges to come. The biggest challenge is often simply putting yourself out there in the first place and having the courage to take those first steps. From here, the focus will be on building up a strong client base and developing lasting working relationships within the industry.
So, timing is key. Timing and communication. And most importantly, caring.
- In theatre, timing is everything. How important is timing in the mortgage process?
As you say, in theatre, timing is… everything. And it’s exactly the same in the mortgage process. Everything has a structure, there is a process, and that process needs to happen in the right order — the right things need to be asked for and addressed at the right time.
- What’s been the most surprising thing you’ve learned since joining the world of finance?
The most surprising thing I’ve learnt about the world of finance is just how much happens behind the scenes — things the client will likely never see. The industry, especially in the current climate, is constantly adapting and evolving in response to ongoing changes.
Balancing act
- How do you balance your continuing commitments in the performing arts with your new role as a mortgage broker?
Well, being a trained dancer, my balance is impeccable — so the balancing act of switching between stage directions, cha-cha-chas, and base rate changes isn’t something I find daunting.
I’m used to moving between very different projects in completely different styles, genres, and venues. It’s all about adaptability and solid project planning — and that’s exactly what I’ll be bringing with me moving forward.
- What does success look like for you in this new career?
Well, that’s the age-old question — how do you measure success?
For me, success in this field means feeling confident and comfortable with the advice I’m giving to clients. It’s about providing solid, reliable guidance and then seeing their dream of becoming a homeowner turn into a reality.
Knowing that I’ve been a part of that journey — even just a small cog in the mechanics that made it happen — is what success will look like for me.
- In your experience, both theatre and finance involve a lot of behind-the-scenes work. Which is more nerve-wracking: opening night or mortgage completion day?
Both!
- What advice would you give someone thinking of making a big mid-career change like yours?
My biggest advice? Follow your gut. Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today — because tomorrow can quickly turn into an eternity.
Don’t be afraid of failing. Don’t be afraid of falling down. Keep pushing forward, and good things will always happen.
- And finally, if mortgage broking had a soundtrack, what would be your opening number?
Under Pressure!
