Facing an uncertain future, the young Leslie attended a networking event that would change his life
From his humble beginnings as a young man searching for direction, to leading a thriving specialist finance brokerage, Cameron Leslie (pictured) has consistently demonstrated his ability to turn challenges into opportunities. Now a specialist finance broker and managing director at GO Financial Services, Leslie’s story is one of resilience, growth, and ambition. His journey into the mortgage industry is a testament to the power of seizing opportunities, even when the path forward isn’t immediately clear.
Getting into the industry
At just 19 years old, Leslie found himself at a crossroads, having left an engineering apprenticeship early. An attempt to carve out a niche in online sales proved unsuccessful, leaving him without a clear career direction or a steady income. Rather than settle into disillusionment, Leslie sought new opportunities through business networking events, despite feeling like an outsider due to his youth.
It was during one of these events at a BNI chapter in Edinburgh that Leslie’s life took a pivotal turn. He met Greig Oliver, a seasoned mortgage broker who saw potential in the young and ambitious Leslie.
“We chatted about my future ambitions, and he was intrigued by what he heard,” Leslie recalled. “Greig decided to mentor me, introducing me to the world of buy-to-let and specialist funding. His guidance paid off, as what started with Greig as a one-man-band mortgage broker has now grown into an 11-person organisation servicing clients across the UK and overseas.”
Motivation to continue as a broker
For Leslie, the financial rewards of mortgage brokering are undeniable, but they are not his primary motivation. His drive comes from a deeper, more personal place — his desire to help others succeed. One of his proudest achievements is watching his best friend Michael, who he recruited from a minimum-wage call center job, transform into a high-earning broker under his guidance.
“Seeing Michael go from that to earning a multi-six-figure income in just two and a half years is worth more to me than any monetary gain,” Leslie shared.
This focus on personal development and team growth underscores Leslie’s leadership style. He thrives on helping his team members flourish, and it’s this dedication to people that has likely played a significant role in the rapid growth of GO Financial Services.
Additionally, Leslie is drawn to the specialist aspect of the mortgage brokering world. He enjoys the challenges of pulling together complex deals, a skill that sets him apart in an industry where expertise and the ability to navigate intricate funding scenarios are invaluable.
Looking to the future
As for the future, Leslie’s ambitions are as expansive as his journey has been inspiring. In the short term, he aims to diversify GO Financial Services’ offerings by venturing into unsecured and asset/invoice funding. By leveraging their existing clientele, Leslie sees an opportunity to broaden their product range and continue growing the team.
“This expansion will allow us to broaden our product offering and grow the team,” he said. “I also plan to increase our business presence in England, where we have a growing number of clients.”
But his vision doesn't stop there. In the medium to long term, Leslie has his sights set on becoming a lender.
“I aspire to enter the lending market as a lender, which feels like a natural progression given the clientele and deals we have worked on,” he explained.
Leslie is also contemplating an international expansion, with the possibility of opening a sister company in the United States. This move would mark a significant milestone in his career, expanding his impact and influence beyond the UK.
As he continues to grow GO Financial Services and explore new avenues, one thing is clear: Leslie is not just in the mortgage business for the financial gain. His real passion lies in building something greater — helping others succeed, navigating complex deals, and setting ambitious goals for the future.
In an industry where success often hinges on who you know and what you know, Cameron Leslie has proven that with the right mix of mentorship, hard work, and a people-first approach, anything is possible.
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