Friendly, patient and down-to-earth, Karen Gorbutt puts clients at ease with her caring, no-pressure approach. She takes time to listen and explain things clearly, helping people feel more confident about their financial future. As a mum of teenage boys and someone who juggles family life with amateur dramatics and karate, Karen is a real people person. Which makes her perfectly suited to the world of financial advice.
How did you get started in financial services?
After taking some time out to raise my sons, I was looking for a part-time admin job locally and happened to join a small independent financial advice firm. I started off helping with paperwork, but my interest in the job grew really quickly. I decided to take the exams and became a paraplanner, and it seemed a natural step to qualify as an adviser.
I listen. I just let people talk...
What were you doing before that?
I worked at Morgan Stanley in Canary Wharf for several years, but in more of a support role. It gave me a bit of exposure to financial services, but it wasn’t until I worked in a smaller firm that I really got stuck into the advice side.
What made you want to become an adviser?
I realised I was doing all the background prep for meetings and then handing it over for someone else to talk to the client. So, I thought, hang on, I’d quite like to do that bit too! So I started sitting in on meetings and eventually did the exams to qualify. It made sense to be involved from start to finish.
Figuring out what they want to achieve and how to get there. I love helping it all come together.
How do you approach client meetings now?
I listen. I just let people talk, especially in those first meetings. Everyone’s different, and I think it’s important to make clients feel comfortable. Some are naturally chatty, others need a few more prompts. But once they open up, that’s when you really understand what they need and how you can help.
What do you enjoy about being a financial adviser?
It’s the variety. Every client is different, every day’s different. When I meet someone new, it’s like starting a fresh puzzle. Figuring out what they want to achieve and how to get there. I love helping it all come together.
Also, knowing you’ve helped someone feel more in control, especially when they’ve come to you feeling anxious or overwhelmed. You can make a huge difference, and that’s really satisfying.
What’s a common misconception people have about financial advice?
That you need lots of money to speak to an adviser! I’ve had people say, “I don’t think I’d qualify as a client,” and yet they’ve got pensions, savings, all sorts. Advice is for anyone who wants to make their money work better for them. It’s for everyone. The earlier you start planning ahead, the better the chance of achieving your goals.
What makes Citrus Financial different?
It’s very people-focused. We build real relationships with clients and make sure they know we’re always here if they need us. Unlike larger businesses, our clients aren’t just a number, we know them personally. We’re also a tight team, and that shows, there’s always someone around to help.
If you weren’t working in financial services, what would you be doing?
I always fancied the idea of event planning. I love organising parties and holidays for family and friends. But I think it’s probably best kept as a hobby!
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
I like to keep busy, whether it’s helping my son with driving practice (brace position fully engaged!), spending time with family and friends, or doing amateur dramatics and karate. It’s a good way to blow off steam and have fun.
What might clients be surprised to learn about you?
Some might know I do amateur dramatics, I have had clients come to see a show! I suppose the most surprising thing is that I studied Italian and Film & Drama at university.
Quickfire Round
Tea or coffee?
Coffee!
Beach holiday or countryside break?
Beach
Early bird or night owl?
Night owl
Favourite film?
Bridget Jones’s Diary and Frasier
Best book recently?
I love crime thrillers — Jeffrey Deaver is a favourite
You can meet more members of the team here.
The value of pensions and investments can fall as well as rise. You may get back less than you invested.
Approver Quilter Financial Services Limited & Quilter Mortgage Planning Limited. 28/06/2025
