The Financial Planner Life Podcast

Matthew Samuel, UK Chartered Financial Planner and SEC Regulated Financial Planner at Titan Wealth International, has built a career across both the UK and the international market, specialising in advising clients with US connections and US assets from his base in Dubai.He holds his UK chartered status alongside the Series 65 qualification, which makes him a registered investment adviser under the SEC, the US regulator. That means he can advise American expats living anywhere in the world, UK pension holders based in the US, and anyone navigating assets across both jurisdictions. It is one of the most technically demanding niches in financial planning, and it is exactly where he chose to specialise.In this episode of Financial Planner Life, Sam Oakes sits down with Matthew in Dubai to find out what that career actually looks like day to day. How he established credibility as a young adviser without years of experience behind him, and why getting your exams done early is the single best thing a young financial planner can do. How Covid changed the way international advice is delivered, making it possible to speak to clients across New York, Texas and San Francisco all in one evening without boarding a single flight. And what the One Titan philosophy actually means in practice, from following clients across borders as their lives change to having specialists in-house for almost every jurisdiction in the world.Titan Wealth International is expanding into the US with advisers on the ground, building the infrastructure to serve clients wherever in the world they end up.This is an episode for UK financial planners thinking about an international career, for anyone curious about what advising US-connected clients actually involves, and for anyone who wants to understand what a genuinely global financial planning business looks like.The episode's key takeaways:Why Matthew combined his UK chartered status with the Series 65 to advise US-connected clients internationallyHow knowledge compensates for lack of experience in client meetings and why young advisers should prioritise their examsHow Covid changed international financial planning delivery and what that means for advisers thinking about going globalWhat a 401k is and why so many sit dormant and unreviewed for international clientsWhat the IRA rollover actually means and why it matters for US clients with UK connectionsWhat One Titan means in practice and why a borderless financial planning business changes everything for internationally mobile clientsWhy Titan Wealth International is expanding into the US and what that means for financial planners considering an international careerIf you are a UK financial planner thinking about taking your career international, this is the episode to listen to.Learn more about Titan Wealth International at www.titanwealthinternational.comFinancial Planner Life is sponsored by Redmill AdvanceWhether you're starting out, already qualified, or building a training academy, Redmill Advance delivers expert-led learning, exam support and CPD from Level 4 to Chartered.✅ Trusted by top UK firms

What does it take to leave a secure career, become self-employed and build a financial planning business managing close to £40 million in just three years?In this episode of the Financial Planner Life podcast, Sam Oakes speaks with Samantha Wood, founder of Wood Mitchell Financial Planning and a Partner at St. James's Place.Samantha's career began in the British Army, where she progressed from soldier to officer and developed the discipline, leadership and adaptability that would later shape her career in financial services.After leaving the military, Samantha moved into investment management, completed her Chartered Wealth Manager qualifications and spent almost a decade working with high-net-worth private clients. She later made the decision to leave employment, become a self-employed financial planner and build her own business from the ground up.Samantha shares how she started with zero clients, built trusted relationships with accountants and professional introducers, developed a niche working with business owners and grew her practice to nearly £40 million in assets under management.The conversation also explores why financial planning is about more than investment performance. Samantha explains how strong financial planning can reduce anxiety, improve financial well-being and give clients greater confidence about their future.This episode is essential listening for aspiring financial planners, investment managers considering a career change, military professionals exploring financial services and advisers who want to build a sustainable financial planning business.Subscribe to Financial Planner Life for more honest conversations about careers, leadership, business growth and opportunities within financial planning and financial services.In this episode, you will learn:00:00 From Zero to Nearly £40m Under Management00:40 Samantha Wood's Financial Planning Career Story01:40 Joining the British Army at 1603:29 Transferable Military Skills for Financial Services04:26 Leadership, Communication and Leading from the Front05:33 Discipline, Well-Being and High Performance06:34 Leaving the Military and Exploring New Careers10:50 Breaking into Investment Management13:11 Working with High-Net-Worth Private Clients15:40 Why Client Relationships Matter More Than Technical Knowledge17:27 Becoming a Chartered Wealth Manager19:44 Investment Management vs Financial Planning22:11 How Investment Experience Adds Value for Clients23:54 Financial Planning, Anxiety and Financial Well-Being27:47 Communicating with Clients During Market Volatility32:14 Why Samantha Chose a Career in Financial Planning34:00 Leaving Employment to Build a Financial Advice Business35:10 Why She Chose St. James's Place36:44 Making the Leap into Self-Employment39:31 Planning Your First Year as a Self-Employed Adviser41:02 How Long Does It Take to Earn Consistent Income?44:22 Building a Financial Planning Practice to Nearly £40m45:43 Finding a Financial Planning Niche47:09 Helping Business Owners Plan Beyond Their Business48:28 Building a Referral Network with Accountants50:13 Systems, Technology and Your First 12 Months52:12 Taking Smart Risks and Aiming Higher54:37 Autonomy, Family Life and Running Your Own Practice57:50 The Reality of Being a Financial Planner and Business OwnerTo find out more about Samantha's work at St. James's Place, visit www.sjp.co.ukFinancial Planner Life is sponsored by Redmill AdvanceWhether you're starting out, already qualified, or building a training academy, Redmill Advance delivers expert-led learning, exam support and CPD from Level 4 to Chartered.✅ Trusted by top UK firms

Romany Youell, Founder of The Finance Woman, qualified as the UK's youngest ever financial adviser at 18 after dropping out of college at 16. By 24 she had built a £10 million financial planning business. But the journey between those two moments nearly broke her.In this episode of Financial Planner Life, Sam Oakes sits down with Romany to hear the full story. How she grew up going to client meetings with her dad from the age of 11. How she dropped out of college at 16 and qualified as a mortgage adviser before most of her peers had finished their A-levels. How Quilter Financial Adviser School made a one-year exception to let her in early. And how, after becoming the UK's youngest financial adviser, she spent two to three years being told she would never succeed because she was a woman and nearly walked away from the profession entirely.The turning point came at a women in business networking event she almost cancelled. Six women around a table. One conversation. And the moment she realised it was not just her who did not fit into the industry. There was a whole community of people being left out of it. She went home that night and set up The Finance Woman.This is an episode for anyone early in their financial planning career who feels like they do not belong. For anyone who has been told they are not what the industry is looking for. And for anyone who wants to understand what it actually takes to build a financial planning business from scratch.The episode's key takeaways:How Romany dropped out of college at 16 and qualified as the UK's youngest financial adviser at 18What it was like growing up watching her dad build a mortgage business from his bedroomWhy Quilter Financial Adviser School made a one-year exception to let her in earlyThe comments she received from other advisers about being a woman in financial planningWhy trying to change her accent, wardrobe and language to fit in made things worseThe networking event she nearly cancelled that changed the direction of everythingHow one conversation with six women led to The Finance Woman being bornHow she built a £10 million financial planning business before the age of 24If you are building a financial planning career and feeling like you do not fit in, this is the episode to listen to.If you would like to find out more about Romany's work or get in touch, visit www.thefinancewoman.co.ukFinancial Planner Life is sponsored by Redmill AdvanceWhether you're starting out, already qualified, or building a training academy, Redmill Advance delivers expert-led learning, exam support and CPD from Level 4 to Chartered.✅ Trusted by top UK firms

Aycan Richards, Chartered Financial Planner at Titan Wealth, spent 13 years building a financial planning career across Qatar and Dubai before making the decision to sell her business and hand her clients over to Titan Wealth.In this episode of Financial Planner Life, Sam Oakes sits down with Aycan to find out what that journey actually looked like. How she moved to Qatar in 2013 with a seven-year-old daughter and no existing client base. How she built trust from scratch using a referral-first approach that eventually became the foundation of a business worth selling. What it meant to be one of the few female chartered financial planners working in the international expat space. And what the emotional and practical reality of exiting a financial planning business actually looks like.Aycan also speaks openly about the misconceptions most people have about working and living in the Middle East as a woman, and why almost every concern she had before she moved turned out to be wrong. She talks about the "One Titan" philosophy and why Titan Wealth's presence across multiple countries was a key factor in her decision to sell her book to them rather than anyone else.This is an episode for women thinking about taking their financial planning career international, for advisers in the expat space wondering how to exit their business on their own terms, and for anyone who wants to understand what a long, respected international financial planning career actually looks like.The episode's key takeaways:What it was really like to move to Qatar in 2013 as a female financial planner with a young familyHow Aycan built a client base from scratch with no existing relationships in a new marketWhy almost every preconception about working and living in the Middle East as a woman turned out to be wrongWhat it means to be a female adviser in a profession where only 16% of UK advisers are womenWhy Aycan chose Titan Wealth to take over her clients and what the transition process looks likeWhat the "One Titan" philosophy means in practice for clients moving between countriesThe emotional reality of exiting a business you have spent years buildingWhy women considering international financial planning should reach out to Aycan directly on LinkedInIf you are a financial adviser thinking about going international or planning your exit, this is the episode to listen to.Learn more about Titan Wealth at www.titanwealthinternational.comFinancial Planner Life is sponsored by Redmill AdvanceWhether you're starting out, already qualified, or building a training academy, Redmill Advance delivers expert-led learning, exam support and CPD from Level 4 to Chartered.✅ Trusted by top UK firms

Most financial advisers already know they should be more active on LinkedIn. What they don't know is why what they're doing isn't working.Free LinkedIn Webinar - book here -  http://www.leadgenfs.co.uk/fpl    It's not the content. It's not the consistency. It's who they're connected to, what they're saying in messages, and whether they've ever stopped to define exactly who they're trying to reach. Get those three things wrong and LinkedIn produces nothing. Get them right and, as Louis Adkins puts it, consistent inputs get consistent outputs.In this episode of Financial Planner Life, Sam Oakes sits down with Louis Adkins, Founder of LeadGenFS, who started building his LinkedIn system at 19 during his second year of university. He was studying geography, had no marketing background, and no clients. His first break came through a friend's dad. By his third year he had a waiting list of 27 clients, built entirely from LinkedIn. He graduated and went straight into the business full time.In the last 12 months alone, LeadGenFS has worked with over 100 financial advisers, helping them generate 3 to 5 qualified appointments a week from LinkedIn. One adviser added £12 million in AUM in 12 months. Another booked 47 calls in 90 days. A third sent 20 messages, went for a shower, came back seven minutes later and had an interested reply waiting.Louis breaks down the full system in this episode. How to niche down so your message actually lands with the right people. Why automated outreach destroys trust and gets accounts banned. How to build content that speaks to clients rather than other advisers. How to generate ideas consistently from your own conversations. And how to use direct messages to convert your audience into booked appointments without opening with a pitch.He also covers why referrals, as good as they are, will never give you control over your own growth, and what to build instead as your primary source of new clients.The episode's key takeaways:Why referrals are a bonus, not a primary strategy, and what to build alongside themWhy 95% of financial advisers' LinkedIn connections are other advisers, not potential clientsWhy automated outreach gets accounts banned and never builds the trust needed to convertHow to niche down so your content and messages cut through to the right peopleWhy asking for business in the first message is like proposing on a first dateThe three legs of the LinkedIn system: connecting, content, and direct messagingHow to generate consistent content ideas from your own client conversationsThe three parts of every LinkedIn post: hook, value, and actionThe message priority ladder: who to contact first and in what orderWhy LinkedIn leads convert at around 30% versus 75% for referrals, and why that still makes LinkedIn the better primary sourceIf you are a financial adviser who wants to stop relying on referrals and start generating clients consistently, this is the episode to listen to.Louis has also put together a free resource for Financial Planner Life listeners: five of the best performing post templates from LeadGenFS, available athttp://www.leadgenfs.co.uk/fpl Want to build your personal brand and generate better client leads on LinkedIn? Sam Oakes and Louis Adkins are hosting a free webinar. Register here

Why 30 to 39 Is the Best Age to Become a Financial Adviser Is 30 too old to start a career in financial planning?A lot of people would say yes. The reality is the opposite.The 30 to 39 age group is the fastest growing cohort entering financial planning right now, up 13% according to fresh FCA data. And the average age of a financial adviser in the UK isn't 56, like most people assume. It's 48.In this episode, Sam sits down with John Somerville, Director of Financial Services at the London Institute of Banking and Finance (LIBF), and David Tait, Founder and Managing Director of Redmill Advance, to dig into why this is the perfect window to start, what the LIBF Level 4 qualification actually involves, and what firms need to do right now to attract the next generation.They also go deep on the qualification itself. How it works, how it differs from the CII and CISI, why exams can be taken at home with no booking required, and why the case study approach is changing how advisers learn and qualify.If you're between 30 and 39 and considering a switch into financial planning, studying for your Level 4, or trying to bring younger talent into your firm, this is the episode for you.What we cover in this episode:Why the 30 to 39 age group is the fastest growing cohort entering financial planning, up 13%Why the average age of a financial adviser is 48, not 56, and what the FCA data actually showsWhy fewer than 150 practicing IFAs in the UK are under the age of 25How the LIBF Level 4 qualification works and how it differs from the CII and CISIWhy LIBF exams are split into two parts and can be retaken without sitting the whole paper againHow the six-week case study replaces the traditional written examWhat the new LIBF Chartered Member status means and who it is forWhy not starting an academy is a missed opportunity for financial planning firmsWhat AI means for the future of financial advice and why relationship management is the answerFinancial Planner Life is sponsored by Redmill AdvanceWhether you're starting out, already qualified, or building a training academy, Redmill Advance delivers expert-led learning, exam support and CPD from Level 4 to Chartered.✅ Trusted by top UK firms

What's the best age to become a financial planner?Adele Cable changed career at 53, convinced she was nearly on the ‘scrapheap'. Victoria Cable started at 23, convinced nobody would trust someone her age with their finances. Together they've built a practice worth £2.8 million in three years, and Victoria's own business is already valued at £400,000 after just a year and a half.This week on Financial Planner Life, Sam is joined by an extraordinary mother-and-daughter duo from Advanced Wealth Management at St James's Place to share exactly how they got here, what they've learned, and why the age question that puts so many people off financial planning is completely irrelevant.From Adele's career in corporate sales at Xerox and HP, to Victoria starting as a bag carrier watching her mum in client meetings, to becoming the top 0.01% of advisers at SJP for protection advice, this is a story about what happens when you back yourself, find the right environment, and build something that genuinely changes people's lives.This one is for anyone who thinks they're too old, too young, or too inexperienced to make the move into financial planning.The episode's takeaways

Care costs up to £100,000 a year. 1 in 4 people in the UK sell their home to pay for it. And most financial planners are having the conversation far too late.Click here for the KareHero Website In this episode, Sam sits down with Stephanie Leung, founder and CEO of KareHero, a UK-based service helping families navigate the care system and access funding they did not know existed. Stephanie has been a carer since the age of 14. She left a C-suite career at Uber managing 20 countries across Europe, and built KareHero after her father became seriously ill during Covid. She knows this world from both sides, and she pulls no punches.If you have clients approaching later life, this is not a niche topic. 1 in 5 people in the UK are currently caring for someone. By age 50, there is a 50% chance your client is either a carer or being cared for. This is already your clients' reality. The question is whether you are ready for it.What we cover in this episode:Why care can cost up to £100,000 a year and why 1 in 4 families sell  their home to fund itThe three types of care funding available and who qualifies for eachWhy the care conversation should happen at the IHT planning stage, not in a crisisHow power of attorney works, what happens without it, and why it takes 8 to 10 weeks to processWhat reverse parenting is and the emotional reality of caring for a parent with dementiaHow KareHero has accessed £12.3 million in funding for families told there was nothing availableThe role financial planners can play in signposting clients before care becomes a crisisWhy this conversation is the key to building relationships with the next generation of clientsFinancial Planner Life is sponsored by Redmill AdvanceWhether you're starting out, already qualified, or building a training academy, Redmill Advance delivers expert-led learning, exam support and CPD from Level 4 to Chartered.✅ Trusted by top UK firms

Should UK financial planners be looking at the international advice market? Andreas Hollas has spent 13 years in Dubai building expertise that has no textbook, and the career it's given him is unlike anything available in the UK.In this episode of Financial Planner Life, Sam sits down with Andreas Hollas, chartered financial planner and technical advice director at Titan Wealth International, to explore what international financial planning actually looks like, the clients, the cases, the complexity, and the career opportunity most UK advisers don't even know exists.Andreas came straight out of university into financial services, built the largest client book at HHR, and now supports 80 advisers across Titan Wealth International with the most complex cross-border cases in the business. His clients span from the Dominican Republic to the Republic of Korea. His cases have no rulebook. His answers come entirely from experience.The result? A career at the front edge of a growing market that is desperately short of advisers genuinely equipped to serve it.If you're a UK financial planner curious about the international space, already working overseas and wondering what's next, or simply looking for a career path that rewards deep specialisation, then this is the episode for you.What we cover in this episode:What international financial planning actually means and who the clients really areWhy cross-border advice has no textbook and why that's the entire opportunityHow Andreas built the largest client book in his firm without being the busiest adviserThe supply and demand gap in the international market and what it means for career progressionWhat the One Titan philosophy means in practice for globally mobile clientsThe two routes into Titan Wealth International for UK advisers considering the moveWhy moving internationally doesn't mean losing your existing UK client relationshipsWhat the Denmark/Dubai case study reveals about what 13 years of experience actually buys youHow Titan Wealth's Next Generation Leaders programme is developing the next generation of international advisersWhy the international market rewards specialisation faster than almost anywhere in the UK profession

Take the Adviser Advantage test here!

Hannah Wooldridge isn't only the person keeping Financial Planner Life running behind the scenes. She's also training to become a financial planner, and sharing every step of the journey in real time.In this episode, Sam sits down with Hannah for the second update in an ongoing series following her path from a complete beginner to a qualified financial planner. She's one exam down, five to go, and already doing things most trainees don't think about until they're qualified.They dig into what it actually felt like to sit her R01 after 11 years away from exams, what she's learning by shadowing real client meetings, and why she's already thinking seriously about the business she hasn't launched yet. Most importantly, Hannah makes the case, without even realising it, for why waiting until you're ready isn't the way to building success.This one's for anyone who's thinking about becoming a financial planner, currently in the middle of their exams, or wondering what the path to self-employment actually looks like from the very beginning.The key takeaways

For most financial planners, the point of entry into the industry is either from an adjacent field or by working up from admin through paraplanning roles.But not Tim. His route stands out as unconventional, but it's far from hindering his professional success. Law school. A year in Swansea chasing training contracts that never materialised. A sales recruitment firm. And then, a client engagement role at a financial planning firm in Cheltenham, a job he recruited for without really knowing the industry. On day one, his main question was: What exactly is financial planning?In this episode of Financial Planner Life, Sam sits down with Tim Brienza, a self-employed financial planner with Montpelier Asset Management, to trace the full arc of his career, from that accidental entry point to managing close to £50 million in assets under management as a chartered fellow in his mid-thirties.Tim talks with Sam about how the unique first role that gave him a bird's-eye view of the profession, before he ever gave a piece of advice, how he leapt into advice and got chartered within 12 months of his first client meeting, but most importantly, his deliberate approach to networking that built his client base over a decade without him ever chasing the wrong people in the wrong rooms.He also breaks down the reality of going self-employed and what it's like to help build a firm from scratch. He shares the tips and ambitious approach he's adopted to propel him into a career as a financial adviser, now managing £50AUM. Tim also explains his voluntary role with the Personal Finance Society and how their inaugural New Gen programme aims to bring more young people into a profession he believes is one of the best-kept career secrets going.The episode's key takeaways

75% of financial advisers lose their AUM when a client passes away. Not because of bad performance. Not because of high fees. Simply because nobody built a relationship with the next generation.Ben Mason form Kinvault did something about that. In this episode of Financial Planner Life, Sam sits down with Ben Mason, the founder of Kinvault, to discuss the technology he built to address one of the most overlooked risks in financial planning: intergenerational wealth transfer. Ben explains why AUM walks out the door on death, why families are being failed at their most vulnerable moments, and how a simple, white-labelled platform is changing both of those things at once.They get into the real numbers, why 25% of beneficiaries don't even know they can stay with the existing adviser, why only 4% of Gen X clients retain the family's financial adviser after inheriting, and why 90% of widows who do switch move to a female adviser. They also discuss what KinVault does for clients while they're still alive, why Ben believes this kind of solution will be a baseline industry expectation within five years, and the story of the adviser who lost £2.6 million over Christmas and called Ben in January to say he should have done it sooner.At £10 per household per year, the maths speak for themselves.Whether you manage a book of 200 clients or 2,000, if you haven't thought seriously about what happens to your AUM when your clients die, this is the episode to start with.In this episode, we discuss…Why 75% of AUM leaves on client death, and the three reasons behind itHow Kinvault builds a relationship with the next generation before it's ever neededWhat the platform does for clients during their lifetime, not just at the point of deathThe generational retention gap that should concern every adviser Why women are being left out of the financial planning process, and what that costs at the point of transferCost, implementation, and why this won't become shelfwareThe story of the adviser who lost £2.6 million over Christmas and signed up in JanuaryFinancial Planner Life is sponsored by Redmill AdvanceWhether you're starting out, already qualified, or building a training academy, Redmill Advance delivers expert-led learning, exam support and CPD from Level 4 to Chartered.✅ Trusted by top UK firms

Most financial planning firms have both a financial planner and an investment manager. Far fewer have a team that operates as a single unit, with a shared philosophy, clearly defined roles, and a consistent client experience regardless of who's in the room or where the client happens to be.In this episode of Financial Planner Life, Sam sits down with George Davey (Financial Planner) and Matt Beddall (Regional Managing Partner) from Titan Private Wealth, to discuss what that kind of partnership looks like in practice and why it makes such a difference for the clients they work with.George manages over £100 million in client assets and specialises in repatriation work for clients returning to the UK from the Middle East. Matt spent 25 years at some of the UK's largest investment management firms before joining Titan to help build something different. Together, they argue that the relationship between a financial planner and an investment manager is among the most undervalued in the profession.George and Matt discuss what a genuine house view means for client outcomes, how their roles complement each other during client meetings, and why service will always matter more than performance when building long-term trust.They also get into the One Titan philosophy, what it means for clients who move abroad, come back to the UK, or have financial lives that span more than one country, and why very few firms can follow a client through those transitions the way Titan can.The episode's key takeaways

Should technical professionals go freelance immediately or start as employed advisers? Alwyn Van Staden's journey offers a fresh perspective on entering financial planning from a technical background.In this episode of Financial Planner Life, we chat to Alwyn about his strategic career path from investment management to financial advice. Despite having deep technical knowledge and years of experience at major firms, Alwyn made a choice to join St. James's Place as an employed adviser instead of going independent immediately.The result? He's now managing over £150 million in client assets as an independent adviser with Pinnacle Wealth Management.Alwyn shares his perspective on why employment first worked better than jumping straight into freelance life, how technical skills transfer to client success, and why building confidence matters more than rushing into independence.Sam and Alwyn discuss the real pressures of starting a financial planning career, the benefits of structured training programmes, and how employment can actually be more liberating than restrictive for career changers.The episode's key takeaways

Frazer James aren't looking for every candidate. They're looking for A++ people.Check out the jobs and book a meeting with James Mackay today!!And if that's you, or if you're also interested in attracting some of the industry's best talent, then this episode was made for you.In this week's episode of Financial Planner Life, Sam Oakes is joined by James Mackay, co-founder of Frazer James, to find out what a firm that's serious about attracting exceptional talent actually looks like from the inside.James and Chris Hindle built Frazer James from scratch, with no clients or referrals, and today it's growing at 40% year on year. The reason? A founding philosophy that is rarely brought to fruition: build the business you'd actually want to work for.He breaks down exactly what that means in practice. Explaining the five-stage career framework inside every role. The benefits package, which includes a four-month paid sabbatical, a 5% personal growth allowance and up to three months working abroad. Plus, the associate financial planner pathway, a carefully designed development programme that actually delivers on what most firms only promise.The episode's key takeaways

What actually determines whether a financial advice firm can be successfully sold?In this episode of Financial Planner Life, we sit down with Dan Dickinson to explore the reality behind selling a business and why most advisers are thinking about exit in the wrong way.From the outside, exit often looks like a financial event.Valuations, deal structures, and timing.But as Dan shares, the real pressure points sit elsewhere: in culture, in structure, and in whether a business can truly operate without its founder.He talks through his own journey of exploring multiple offers before joining Titan Wealth, and why many deals fell through despite strong financial terms.Because when conditions start affecting client outcomes or how a business operates day to day, the decision becomes far more complex.This episode also explores what happens beyond the deal:

What if financial advisers could spend 70%… or even 100% of their time with clients?Book a demo - here In this episode of Financial Planner Life, we sit down with Alan Gurung, founder of AdvisoryAI, to explore how AI is reshaping the way advice firms operate.From disconnected tech stacks and time-heavy admin, to compliance bottlenecks and the growing advice gap, this conversation gets to the core of what's really holding advisers back.Alan shares how AI agents like Colin, Evie and Atlas are already helping firms reduce admin, improve compliance oversight, and uncover insights hidden across multiple systems.But this isn't just about technology: It's about time.Because if advisers can spend more of it with clients, everything changes: capacity, growth, and the ability to serve more people.If you're thinking about the future of financial advice or how to scale without burning out, this episode is for you.⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Introducing AdvisoryAI & the vision01:55 – From financial planner to AI builder03:17 – Why financial advice doesn't scale06:12 – The advice gap explained09:47 – The biggest bottlenecks in advice firms12:40 – Introducing Atlas: connecting the tech stack14:18 – Real-world AI use cases for advisers18:24 – The future of AI in financial planning28:05 – Meet the AI agents: Evie, Emma & Colin43:05 – Rethinking compliance with AI48:58 – Increasing capacity & serving more clients

Consolidation is rapidly reshaping the financial planning profession.But what's really driving it? And what does it actually mean for advisers, firm owners, and the future of advice businesses?In this episode of Financial Planner Life, Sam Oakes sits down with James Kaberry and Andrew Fearon, co-founders of Titan Wealth, to unpack the reality behind consolidation, private equity, and the structural changes happening across the industry.Drawing on their experience building one of the UK's fastest-scaling advice businesses, James and Andrew share an inside perspective on what it really takes to grow through acquisition, integrate firms, and create a centralised model that goes beyond the traditional approach to financial advice.They also explore the deeper forces driving consolidation, including an ageing adviser population, increasing regulatory pressure, and the growing need for businesses that are scalable, transferable, and built for the future.A key part of the conversation focuses on Titan Wealth's global expat advice model, supporting UK clients as they move across jurisdictions. This approach highlights how scale is no longer just about growth, but about building the capability to serve increasingly complex client needs.Alongside this, James and Andrew discuss their working relationship, the role of trust in leadership, and how private equity is enabling a new generation of advice firms to emerge.This episode offers a clear and honest look at where financial planning is heading and what advisers need to consider as the profession continues to evolve.

What happens when you realise your relationship with money needs to change, and it ends up changing your entire life?In this episode of Financial Planner Life, Sam Oakes speaks with Hannah Wooldridge about her journey from living with £10,000 of debt without concern to becoming debt-free and pursuing a career in financial planning.Hannah shares the moment that shifted her perspective, how she paid off her debt within a year, and why that experience sparked a deeper curiosity about saving, investing, and financial independence.She also opens up about leaving a job that no longer aligned with her values, how building an emergency fund gave her the freedom to step away, and what it's like exploring financial planning as a career in real time.This episode highlights the power of mindset, the importance of financial education, and why lived experience is becoming increasingly valuable in the next generation of financial advisers.Key Takeaways

What happens when a professional athlete's career comes to an end… and what comes next? In this episode of Financial Planner Life, Sam Oakes sits down with Ethan Waller, a former professional rugby player turned financial planner at Titan Wealth, to explore the reality of transitioning out of sport and into a new career. Ethan shares his personal journey from a 14-year rugby career into financial planning, opening up about the emotional challenges that come with losing identity, structure and purpose, even when you think you're prepared. He breaks down Titan Wealth's Sports Academy, a new programme designed to help athletes retrain as financial advisers while still playing, giving them the qualifications, experience and support needed to step into a second career with confidence. This episode covers the hidden side of life after professional sport, why financial planning is a natural fit for athletes, and how, with the right structure, community and opportunity, it can open up an entirely new pool of professionals. Key Takeaways

In this episode of the Financial Planner Life Podcast, Sam Oakes is joined by Helen Longland from Openwork and David Tait from Redmill Advance to explore how advisers are really being developed in today's profession and what it takes to build an academy that works at scale without losing quality.Helen and David bring a long-standing working relationship into the conversation. Having partnered on previous academies, they share how that experience shaped the decision for Openwork to work with Redmill again when launching its new Academy. This episode gives a clear view of how that partnership operates in practice and why trust, transparency, and delivery matter when developing new advisers.The discussion begins with the wider industry context. An ageing adviser population, ongoing challenges in attracting new talent, and why firm-led recruitment alone is no longer enough to address the advice gap. From there, Helen explains how the Openwork Academy has been structured to provide a clearer, more supported route into the profession.Listeners are taken step by step through the Academy journey. Starting with RO qualifications and internal licensing, where technical knowledge is built alongside advice skills and communication. This is supported by Redmill through structured learning, blended delivery, and clear visibility on learner progress.The journey then moves into central employed practice, where individuals begin working with real clients while being supported by experienced advisers, managers, and coaches. This stage also includes Competent Adviser Status sign-off, removing a key barrier many face when entering the profession.From there, the focus shifts to ongoing development. Advisers continue to build their capability through Openwork's Business School, with access to continuous professional development, leadership training, and further qualifications. For those looking to build their own businesses, the Route to Principal provides a structured pathway into running a firm, supported by peer-to-peer learning and growth programmes.The episode also explores the flexibility within the Academy. Individuals can progress at their own pace, with the option to specialise in protection or mortgages, or continue through to full diploma-level advice. A key part of this is the employed route, which remains rare in the market and plays an important role in attracting both younger entrants and second careerists.Alongside this, Helen shares insight into OWL Financial, where she is Director. This provides a self-employed protection route, with real examples of individuals building advice businesses alongside existing careers before progressing further.Throughout the episode, David explains how Redmill supports the Academy at every stage. From Financial Planner Life is sponsored by Redmill AdvanceWhether you're starting out, already qualified, or building a training academy, Redmill Advance delivers expert-led learning, exam support and CPD from Level 4 to Chartered.✅ Trusted by top UK firms

How can financial advisers use AI to grow their business without hiring more staff?Book Free Demo of Wealth Space - HereIn this episode of Financial Planner Life, Sam Oakes sits down with Max Anderson, former financial planner and founder of Wealth Space, to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the day-to-day reality of running an advice firm.Max built Wealth Space after experiencing the same challenge most advisers face today: capacity.Advice firms are not short of demand. They are short of time.Client meetings, suitability reports, compliance documentation, and administration create an operational bottleneck that stops firms from scaling.In this conversation we explore how AI for financial advisers can reduce admin, improve productivity, and help firms grow without increasing headcount.Max also shares how the technology was used in his own advice business and how it helped replace adviser capacity for £149 per month.We also discuss:• How AI is changing financial planning • Reducing suitability report time from 90 minutes to 20 minutes • Using technology to increase adviser capacity • Growing from 80 clients to 120 clients per adviser • Why the biggest challenge in advice firms is operational workflow • How AI tools can support paraplanners and advisers • The future of advice technology and the Polaris junior adviser modelIf you're curious about AI in financial planning, wealthtech, or how advice firms can scale more efficiently, this episode is for you.

In this episode of the Financial Planner Life Podcast, Sam Oakes speaks with Caroline Laudren-Quillet, who transitioned from investment banking at Deutsche Bank to becoming a self-employed IFA and financial planner.Just two years into her financial planning career, Caroline has built £14 million assets under management, while balancing family life and designing a career with genuine flexibility.Caroline shares her full journey from investment banking to financial planning, including how she qualified, why she chose the self-employed IFA route, and how she evaluated different firms before joining a directly authorised financial planning firm.We also dive into the practical realities of becoming a financial adviser in the UK. This includes how much money you need saved before going self-employed, how adviser revenue splits work, and what support new financial planners should look for when joining a firm.Caroline also explains how she generated clients in her first two years as an IFA through Unbiased leads, networking groups, accountant referrals, and financial wellbeing workshops.If you are exploring a career change into financial planning, thinking about becoming a financial planner or financial adviser, or weighing up the self-employed IFA route, this episode is packed with practical insights.What we cover:Moving from investment banking to IFA Completing financial planning qualifications (Level 4) Choosing between IFA academies vs smaller financial planning firms The realities of becoming a self-employed financial adviser How much savings you need before going self-employed How financial advisers are paid and how fee splits work Building your client bank from scratch Lead generation for financial planners Networking, referrals and LinkedIn for advisers Why financial planning offers purpose and flexibilityThis episode of Financial Planner Life is essential listening for anyone considering a career as a financial adviser, financial planner, or self-employed IFA.00:00 - Ex-Deutsche Bank Investment Banking to IFA: self-employed start + £14m AUM 01:23 - Mindset check: “It's Friday” + starting your Financial Adviser journey 02:34 - Why she left Investment Banking: COVID, redundancy, pregnancy, Plan B 03:56 - Finding the UK Financial Planning route: Sam's videos + where to begin 05:27 - Lifestyle + family: why becoming a Self-Employed IFA fit her life 06:58 - Choosing a small firm: Directly Authorised IFA vs bigger routes 11:01 - Big bank to small Financial Planning firm: freedom, purpose, building a team 15:27 - Comparing firms: Quilter/SJP academy vs smaller IFA setup 17:20 - Going self-employed as a financial adviser: the 9–12 month savings rule 21:34 - What support should look like: paraplanners,Financial Planner Life is sponsored by Redmill AdvanceWhether you're starting out, already qualified, or building a training academy, Redmill Advance delivers expert-led learning, exam support and CPD from Level 4 to Chartered.✅ Trusted by top UK firms

The Evolution of International Financial Planning | Titan Wealth International | Dubai Careers and Global Financial Advice OpportunitiesInternational Financial Planning is evolving and Titan Wealth International is helping shape what comes next.In this episode of Financial Planner Life, Sam Oakes sits down with Tyla Phillips and William Burrows, now part of the senior leadership team at Titan Wealth International, to explore their journey from starting at the bottom in Dubai to becoming leaders within one of the fastest-growing global financial planning businesses.Both Tyla and Will share the harsh early realities of building an international financial planning career. No safety net. No guaranteed pipeline. Just resilience, ambition and a willingness to learn.They went on to become top producers in the international space before founding Harrison Rose. That business later merged with Arlo to form AHR, combining leadership, infrastructure and ambition. Eventually, AHR was acquired by Titan Wealth, marking the creation of a true global powerhouse in international financial planning.In this episode we cover:• The real story of starting a financial planning career in Dubai • Building Harrison Rose from scratch • Merging with Arlo to create AHR • Why they chose to join Titan Wealth • What makes Titan Wealth International different • Clear career structures and employed adviser opportunities • Market leading remuneration models • The adviser marketing fund and fair lead distribution system • The importance of culture and cognitive calm in high performance environments • What One Titan means across global officesTitan Wealth now manages £44 billion in assets, employs over 1,400 people globally and benefits from long term private equity backing. The group continues to expand internationally, offering financial planning careers and global financial advice opportunities across Dubai, Mexico City, the USA, Europe, the Channel Islands, the UK and beyond.Whether you are:• Considering a move into international financial planning • Exploring Dubai careers • Looking for global financial advice opportunities • Or thinking about exiting your business and want to hear from founders who have successfully gone through an acquisition with Titan WealthThis episode is essential listening. Reach out to Sam@financialplannerlife.com if you are interested in careers at Titan Wealth.  International financial planning is entering a new era, and this conversation gives you an inside look at where the profession is heading.Listen now.Financial Planner Life is sponsored by Redmill AdvanceWhether you're starting out, already qualified, or building a training academy, Redmill Advance delivers expert-led learning, exam support and CPD from Level 4 to Chartered.✅ Trusted by top UK firms

Thinking about a career change into financial planning?How do you become a financial adviser if you're changing careers? In this episode of The Financial Planner Life Podcast with Titan Wealth, Azela explains the fastest practical route into the profession after moving from engineering into financial advice.Should you start as a paraplanner before becoming a financial adviser? Azela breaks down why paraplanning builds technical knowledge, client meeting experience, and confidence — making it one of the strongest entry points into a trainee financial planner role.What do firms look for in career changers entering financial planning? We discuss mindset, transferable skills, qualifications, and how to stand out when moving into the UK financial advice profession.Check out Titan Wealth career opportunities here, or speak to me directly!  This episode is essential listening for anyone researching a financial planning career, exploring the move from paraplanner to financial adviser, or planning a career pivot into finance.In this episode we cover: • Changing careers from engineering into financial planning • The quickest route to becoming a financial adviser • Why paraplanning is a powerful entry point • Building confidence in client meetings • Skills needed for trainee financial planners • Career opportunities inside Titan Wealth • Real expectations of the financial advice profession • Advice for career changers entering financeIf you're asking “how do I become a financial adviser?” this episode gives practical answers from someone who's done it.Financial Planner Life is sponsored by Redmill AdvanceWhether you're starting out, already qualified, or building a training academy, Redmill Advance delivers expert-led learning, exam support and CPD from Level 4 to Chartered.✅ Trusted by top UK firms

In this special episode of the Financial Planner Life podcast, Sam Oakes welcomes David Tate, Managing Director and Founder of Redmill Advance, our official training and development sponsor for 2026.David shares the inspiring growth journey of Redmill Advance and how they are transforming training and development in the financial planning profession through accessible qualifications, CPD, and behavioural support. From self-study learners to large-scale corporate academies, David explains how their tech-first, learner-centric approach is improving pass rates and raising industry standards.We explore learning styles, neurodiversity, and how financial planning firms can deliver consistent, high-quality CPD. With a first-time pass rate above 85% in their academies and less than 5% client churn since inception, Redmill Advance is quietly becoming one of the most impactful education providers in financial services.This episode is a must-listen for aspiring financial planners, T&C professionals, and business leaders seeking to develop internal talent and futureproof their advice businesses.Key Subjects Covered in This Episode:

This week on the Financial Planner Life podcast, I'm joined by Sean Standerwick, co-owner of MLP Wealth Management, a financial planning firm based on the high street in Surrey with a powerful story: a 42-year legacy that's now being run with the mindset and energy of a startup.Sean and his brother have taken the reins from their father, infusing the business with a culture built on innovation, career development, and deep local community ties. From installing a defibrillator on their office wall to hosting pitch meetings where team members create service ideas, MLP isn't your average advice firm, and Sean isn't your average leader.We talk about:How being on the high street has driven client engagement and local brand dominanceBuilding a startup culture in an established firm (and why that matters for talent attraction)The journey of James, a trainee-turned-adviser, and what great career development looks likeHow Sean's practice of Buddhism influences company culture, emotional intelligence, and leadershipWhat makes MLP's recruitment and onboarding process different (and more human)Why hyper-local marketing still works in a digital-first worldAnd how one small idea, pitched internally, led to new service lines like wills and LPAsIf you're an aspiring financial planner looking for a forward-thinking firm, or an established adviser wanting to run your own business without losing your soul, this one's for you.Financial Planner Life is sponsored by Redmill AdvanceWhether you're starting out, already qualified, or building a training academy, Redmill Advance delivers expert-led learning, exam support and CPD from Level 4 to Chartered.✅ Trusted by top UK firms

In this episode of Financial Planner Life, Sam Oakes speaks with Heather Hiley, founder of Heather Hiley Financial Planning and a Partner Practice with St. James's Place. Heather shares her inspiring transition from retail and e-commerce into financial planning via the St James's Place Financial Adviser Academy at the age of 45, showing what's possible with courage, curiosity, and commitment.

Title: From 17 Clients to £500M AUM: How Marc Norris Built a Thriving Financial Planning FirmIn this episode of Financial Planner Life, Sam Oakes is joined by Marc Norris, founder of Twelve Wealth Management, to explore how he went from estate agency to building a financial advice business with over £500 million under management.Marc shares his journey from day one of the St. James's Place Academy, through the early years of client acquisition, to leading a team of 38 advisers and staff, with big plans to triple the size of the business in the next five years.

In this episode of Financial Planner Life, Sam Oakes talks with Neil Whiteside, a financial planner at First Equitable, about his winding, risk‑reward career journey from starting as a cashier in banking to embracing financial planning, taking a pay cut for growth as a trainee Financial Planner, and ultimately choosing a role that lets him help build a business rather than just sustain one.Neil shares:How his early roles in banking taught him core skills (customer service, fact‑finding, relationship building).The tough choice to leave a secure management path to pursue financial planning.What it took to get back to his previous income after stepping into a trainee adviser role. How specialisation (e.g., working with hospital doctors and understanding complex pension schemes) boosted his confidence and client value.His transition from corporate structures to smaller firms, where influence, autonomy, and entrepreneurial energy matter.Why protection advice is undervalued and the power it has to transform clients' lives.How voluntary work and governance roles are shaping his long‑term vision - including non‑executive director aspirations.This episode offers honest career reflections and tactical lessons for aspiring and established advisors alike.Be sure to follow Financial Planner life on YouTube for extra content about career development within Financial Planning. Reach out to sam@financialplannerlife.com in regards to sponsorship, partnerships, videography or podcast production. Want to appear on the Financial Planner Life podcast? Drop Sam a message.

In this episode of Financial Planner Life, Sam Oakes speaks with Tammy Salmon and Emma Layton of Salmon Financial Planning, a partner practice of St. James's Place in Bishop's Stortford.We hear how Emma transitioned from redundancy to a qualified financial planner through the St. James's Place Financial Adviser Academy, supported by Tammy's mentorship. Tammy shares her 20-year journey in financial services and why creating a flexible, values-led business was essential for her success and her team's.Together, they explore:Why women leave financial services mid-careerThe power of local, relationship-led client acquisitionFrom mortgage adviser to business ownerWhy visibility of women in leadership mattersHow motherhood and financial planning can thrive side-by-sideIf you're considering a career in financial planning or want to build a more inclusive practice, this episode is for you.00:00 - Intro to Tammy & Emma's Story01:45 - Why So Few Women Become Financial Advisers04:30 - Tammy's Journey from Mortgage to Financial Advice07:50 - Emma's Career Change & Entry via SJP Academy11:10 - The Role of Mentorship in Career Progression14:30 - Creating a Flexible, Family-First Advice Firm18:15 - Visibility of Women in Leadership Roles22:00 - Local Marketing & The Bishop's Stortford Mummies25:45 - Authenticity Over Aggression in Sales29:00 - Work-Life Balance and Setting Boundaries32:10 - Advice for Women Entering Financial Planning35:20 - Who the SJP Academy is Right For37:45 - Legacy, Purpose & Final Reflections40:00 - Wrap Up & How to ConnectBe sure to follow Financial Planner life on YouTube for extra content about career development within Financial Planning. Reach out to sam@financialplannerlife.com in regards to sponsorship, partnerships, videography or podcast production. Want to appear on the Financial Planner Life podcast? Drop Sam a message.

This week on the Financial Planner Life podcast, Sam Oakes sits down with Rosie Hooper, Chartered Fellow and Financial Planner at Quilter Cheviot. Rosie shares her inspiring 26-year journey from her early days in bank management, through corporate employee benefits, to becoming a highly respected private client planner.Rosie talks candidly about how growing up in a household where money was tight shaped her relationship with finances and fuelled her passion for planning. She opens up about the emotional depth of her client work, why she proudly calls herself a "financial planner" rather than an advisor, and how truly understanding her clients' lives, not just their portfolios, makes all the difference.In this episode, you'll learn:The mindset shift from corporate benefits to private client advice, and how the two worlds are more connected than you thinkHow to create a referral engine by delivering a first-class, emotionally resonant client experienceThe power of coaching and mentorship in developing new talent (and why "menchoring" might be the secret sauce)Why confidence is just as important as competence, and how Rosie helps emerging planners build bothHow AI is enhancing client service at Quilter Cheviot while preserving the all-important human touchRosie's two "magic wand" wishes for the future of the financial planning professionPlus, hear about the "health and wealth seesaw” she uses to help clients balance financial goals with living a fulfilling, healthy life. Discover how this approach, alongside her deep client relationships, has earned her the nickname Rosie Poppins.Whether you're new to financial planning or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with insight, honesty, and practical wisdom for building a client-focused, referral-based business.Be sure to follow Financial Planner life on YouTube for extra content about career development within Financial Planning. Reach out to sam@financialplannerlife.com in regards to sponsorship, partnerships, videography or podcast production. Want to appear on the Financial Planner Life podcast? Drop Sam a message.

This week on the Financial Planner Life podcast, Sam Oakes speaks with James Westpfel, a financial planner at Foster Denovo, who shares his career journey from self-employed to employed and how going hyper-local helped him build a thriving client base from scratch.After 22 years working in a building society, James made the leap into self-employment. With no client book and no lead funnel, he turned to his local community for opportunity. His strategy? Show up in person, build trust and offer financial guidance where people needed it most.By setting up a weekly financial advice clinic in a local community library, James became a familiar, approachable presence. That hyper-local client strategy helped him win over 40 clients organically, through word of mouth and relationships built face-to-face.In this episode, James opens up about:✅ His transition from redundancy to retraining as a financial planner✅ The highs and lows of being a self-employed financial planner✅ How he used a hyper-local strategy to win clients and build trust✅ Why he moved to an employed role at Foster Denovo✅ How structure and support have helped him thrive, managing a book of 170 clients✅ What financial planners should consider when choosing between self-employed and employed pathsIf you're exploring a financial planner career, looking for new ways to connect with clients, or considering the realities of self-employed vs employed advice, this episode is packed with insight and real-world experience.00:00 – Intro: Why finding clients is the hardest part  00:30 – Redundancy after 22 years in banking  01:45 – From cashier to branch manager: James' early career  04:00 – The reality of high street banking and community connection  06:20 – Is banking still a good route into financial planning?  08:00 – Retraining at 42: Overcoming fears and starting again  09:40 – Finding opportunities after qualification  10:20 – Choosing the self-employed route in financial advice  11:30 – The biggest challenge: confidence and standing out  12:40 – The hyper-local idea that changed everything  14:00 – Setting up a financial advice clinic in a community library  16:00 – Becoming “The Library Guy” and winning 40+ clients  18:10 – Why James works with clients of all wealth levels  19:40 – Building a referral network with care and integrity  22:00 – Hyper-local visibility: how trust builds trust  24:00 – Connecting with local businesses and schools  26:30 – From library pop-ups to career opportunities  27:20 – Why James chose to join Foster Denovo  29:00 – Managing 170 clients: structure, support, and growth  30:30 – Balancing work, family, and purpose  32:00 – Keeping the community work alive at Foster Denovo  34:00 – Advice for planners considering employed vs self-employed  36:00 – Final thoughts: trust, career clarity, and client care  Be sure to follow Financial Planner life on YouTube for extra content about career development within Financial Planning. Reach out to sam@financialplannerlife.com in regards to sponsorship, partnerships, videography or podcast production. Want to appear on the Financial Planner Life podcast? Drop Sam a message.

In this episode of the Financial Planner Life podcast, Kanishk Swarup shares his incredible journey from high-stakes equity derivatives trading at JP Morgan and Credit Suisse to launching his own financial planning practice through the St. James's Place Academy.We explore what it's really like to work on a trading floor, the burnout behind big bonuses, and the unexpected truth: even successful finance professionals often have no financial plan.Kanishk opens up about growing up in a small town in India, landing a scholarship at LSE, navigating culture shock in the UK, and building a life from scratch — all leading to a career defined by purpose over pressure.He now runs Compound Wealth Planning, a thriving partner practice with £70 million in assets under management.

In this episode of Financial Planner Life, host Sam Oakes sits down with Andrew Spence, Co-Founder of Aspen, to challenge the industry's most controversial questions - what we call the Marmite topics of financial planning.Aspen was born out of something deeper than disruption. After a personal health crisis led Andrew to reflect on the impact of his work, he decided to build a model portfolio service that put purpose, clarity & client outcomes first.Now, he's leading the charge on topics that divide financial services professionals daily.

Karen Berisford, Chartered Financial Planner and Fellow of the PFS, left a prestigious investment role at JP Morgan to build a client-first advice practice with St. James's Place. She prioritised trust, time control, and service over scale-at-all-costs.In this episode of the Financial Planner Life podcast, Karen shares how she grew to £150M AUM without relying on social media or paid marketing. Instead, she focused on referrals and long-term, values-led growth.You'll learn:How to transition from investments to adviceThe fear and reward of becoming client-facingTurning one ex-colleague's “yes” into a thriving networkWhy trust, consistency, and integrity beat any sales pitchThe realities of flexible working when you run your own practiceHow the Women Returners Network helped her hire two standout advisersThe compounding effect of delegation, leadership, and supportThe key benefits of the SJP partnership modelWhy building optionality starts long before a saleIf you're serious about building a meaningful career in financial planning, this is your blueprint.

Is This the Best IFA Network? Sam Oakes Meets Sam Wallis – New Leaf Distribution Visit: reach out to new leaf - click here Welcome back to the Financial Planner Life Podcast, where we explore what it really takes to build a meaningful and rewarding career in financial planning.This week, host Sam Oakes speaks with Sam Wallis, Managing Director of New Leaf Distribution, to unpack how this IFA network is giving self-employed advisers true branding freedom, community support, and the tools they need to thrive.If you're wondering “Is this the best IFA network?” — this episode might help you decide.New Leaf currently supports around 350 advisers across mortgages, protection, and financial advice. Whether you're a newly qualified adviser, a mortgage professional looking to futureproof your business, or a registered individual stuck in an outdated setup, this could be your next move.

In this episode of the Financial Planner Life podcast, Sam Oakes sits down with Hannah Witty, Chartered Financial Planner at Foster Denovo, to explore her inspiring journey into financial planning. From working on superyachts to becoming one of the earliest Chartered female planners in the UK, Hannah shares the personal and professional hurdles she faced as a woman, a mother, and a leader in a male-dominated industry.We talk about her career beginnings, the impact of becoming a mother, navigating flexibility as an employed adviser, and the emotional realities of returning to work. Hannah also offers insight into what it's like working at Foster Denovo post-acquisition, as well as the importance of workplace culture, flexibility, and recognition.Her story is a powerful reminder that you can excel as both a parent and a financial professional. She's living proof that success isn't just about titles, it's about happiness, purpose, and support.This episode is a must-listen for:Women considering a career in financial planningWorking parents seeking flexibilityFirms striving to build inclusive and supportive culturesAnyone who believes in the power of mentorship and representationBe sure to follow Financial Planner life on YouTube for extra content about career development within Financial Planning. Reach out to Sam@financialplannerlife.com in regards to sponsorship, partnerships, videography or podcast production. Want to appear on the Financial Planner Life podcast? drop Sam a message.

Welcome to Day 2 of the Financial Planner Life Golf Day – where birdies, bogeys, and brilliant business insights go hand in hand.You can watch this episode on youtube or spotify!  here This round sees Michael Yuille CFP™ (aka Mr #ChickenTuesday) and Sam Oakes take on Carla Brown (President of the PFS) and Guy Skinner (Citygate Financial Planning) in a best-of-seven match play showdown — with caddies, clubs, and competitive spirit fully loaded.What starts as a light-hearted game quickly turns into a meaningful conversation about building a career in financial planning, winning business, and doing the right thing — both on and off the course.

How do you pass the CII RO exams and achieve the DipPFS? In this episode of Financial Planner Life, host Sam Oakes speaks with Gary Paul (Academy Relationship Manager, St. James's Place Academy), John Smith (Qualifications/Technical Trainer, Redmill Advance) and Rebecca Bidwell, who passed the DipPFS in just 5 months.We answer the top questions aspiring advisers ask:What are the RO exams? → Six modules (RO1–RO6) that make up the CII DipPFS qualification.Which RO exam is hardest? → Most students struggle with RO3 (Personal Taxation).How long does DipPFS take? → Many take 12–18 months, but Rebecca did it in 5 with the right support.Do I need experience? → No. With the Academy and Redmill Advance, even career changers can pass.As a Back to School Special, the St. James's Place Financial Adviser Academy have 100 discount codes to get 50% OFF RO1 learning materials with Redmill Advance. Financial Planner Life listeners can access the codes on a first come first served basis:

How do you get clients as a financial planner without buying leads or relying on referrals?In this episode of Financial Planner Life, Sam Oakes interviews Jak Ali, Managing Director of J.A. Financial Planning Ltd, a Partner Practice of St. James's Place Wealth Management.Jak shares exactly how he generates clients as a financial adviser using creative, confident, and relationship-based business development. He has built his entire client base without depending on lead providers or a legacy client book.After training as a barrister and working on a death penalty case in California, Jak switched careers and moved to Dubai, where he began his financial planning career in a pure business development role. No leads. No shortcuts. Just hard work and smart strategy.It was there he learned a powerful truth:If you can master business development, you will never need to rely on anyone again.He later joined St. James's Place at age 26, going straight into self-employment with full confidence that he could build a book of clients himself. And he did.Check out St James Place Academy here - https://www.sjp.co.uk/academyOne of his most inspiring stories?Jak saw a Vodafone executive on LinkedIn, but calls and emails went unanswered.So he flew to Luxembourg, waited by the stage at a tech summit with two cans of Irn-Bru (the exec was Scottish), and landed a 20-minute meeting.That conversation led to a new client and a mindset shift that changed everything.In this episode, you will learn:

Mortgage Adviser Explains Why She Went Self-Employed, and Will Never Go Back!

If you're a newly Level 4 Diploma qualified financial adviser with or without CAS status, an experienced financial planner wanting to run your own practice, or a mortgage broker looking to expand into financial planning, this episode of the Financial Planner Life podcast is a must-listen.This week, host Sam Oakes speaks with Mark Hobbs, founder of New Leaf Distribution - an IFA network that supports advisers at every stage of their career. From helping mortgage brokers future-proof their income by transitioning into IFA, to supporting financial planners ready to launch their practice, and guiding newly qualified advisers without CAS into successful self-employment, New Leaf is redefining what a supportive network looks like.With over 60% of New Leaf's 108 financial advisers coming from a mortgage background, many have seen huge success in year one, some building six-figure incomes by adding financial planning services alongside mortgages. This approach helps advisers not only boost revenue but also safeguard their careers against the rise of AI in mortgage processing.We're also proud to produce The New Leaf Podcast — over 30 testimonials from members sharing the highs and lows of self-employment, and how New Leaf's hands-on, family-first culture has supported them every step of the way.Whether you're curious about becoming self-employed, scaling your advice business, or making the leap from mortgages to IFA, you'll hear real-world success stories, practical advice, and why so many advisers choose to call New Leaf home.Links & Resources:

What if your advisers could serve 20–30 more clients, save 45 minutes per meeting, and reduce suitability report time from 3 hours to 10 minutes - all without hiring more support staff?That's what Saturn AI is already delivering for over 600 financial planning firms  ( 1600 Advisers ), and in this episode of the Financial Planner Life Podcast, Sam Oakes sits down with co-founder Rohit Vaisha to explore how.But this isn't another “AI will replace advisers” narrative.Saturn's mission is to enhance human connection, not remove it, using AI as fuel to scale trust, proactivity, and personalised client care.In this episode, you'll discover:How Saturn AI boosts adviser productivity and efficiency across the advice journeyWhy paraplanners and compliance teams are key to scaling with AIThe rise of proactive, always-on client engagement (and what advice firms can learn from Instagram and Netflix)The “universal adviser” model - what it is, and why it's the futureWhy AI is only as good as the problems it's solving — and the partners implementing it

Thinking about a career in financial planning?In this episode of Financial Planner Life, Miriam Murphy joins Sam Oakes to share her powerful career switch story, from Executive Assistant to qualified financial planner, with support from the St. James's Place Academy.Miriam opens up about her early money mindset, paying off debt, buying a home, and how mentorship from Rob Gardner helped her see the potential she hadn't yet recognised in herself. If you're considering becoming a financial planner or making a career change, this is the episode for you.We cover:How the St. James's Place Academy supports career changersThe emotional journey from debt to financial freedomWhy executive assistants make brilliant financial plannersThe power of mentorship in shaping your careerHow financial planning changed Miriam's lifeBuilding a business with purpose and empathyThe mindset shifts that make you better with moneyCreating a niche offering as an Executive Financial Assistant (EFA)

 Wayne Griffiths | One Financial Solutions | Financial Planner CareersIn this episode of the Financial Planner Life podcast, Sam Oakes sit down with Wayne Griffiths, Managing Partner at One Financial Solutions, to explore how he's creating meaningful, supportive career paths for self-employed financial planners.We also dive into the ongoing debate: what's better, restricted or IFA? Wayne shares his honest views and explains why the best advice always comes down to trust and intention—not just labels.Wayne also opens up about his journey from financial planner to business leader, his passion for life cover and protection advice, and how his firm supports advisers at every stage of their journey - whether you're starting out, looking to grow, or transitioning your career.If you're an IFA or employed financial planner considering your next step, this episode is packed with insights about control, earnings, and working within a values-driven firm.In this episode:Building careers in financial planningThe value of protection and life coverSelf-employed IFA career supportIFA vs. restricted adviceWhy One Financial Solutions stands outAdvice for new and experienced financial plannersInterested in joining One Financial Solutions? Click here or reach out to Wayne directly.Begin your financial planning career journey todayWhether you are looking to become a paraplanner, administrator, mortgage and protection adviser or financial planner, the Financial Planner Life Academy is for you. With limited entry-level job roles, giving yourself the best financial planning career education, will not only kick start your financial planning journey with relevant qualifications and skills, but it'll also help you achieve success much faster.&nbsBe sure to follow financial planner life on YouTube for extra content about a career within Financial Planning HIT THAT SUBSCRIBE BUTTON! If you're looking to start your career in Financial Planning, check out the Financial Planner Life Academy hereReach out to Sam@financialplannerlife.com in regards to sponsorship, partnerships, videography or career development.

From Admin to Self-Employed Financial Planner with £10M AUM by 26! In this episode of the Financial Planner Life Podcast, Sam Oakes sits down with Lawrence Bearman, a 26-year-old Chartered Financial Planner at Westminster Wealth Management who's gone from admin assistant to managing £10 million in assets, all within his first year of self-employment.We unpack:Why Lawrence chose to go self-employed with just £3M AUMHow he tripled his assets in 12 months without cold calls or networking eventsThe £10K personal investment he made to become a better communicatorHis laser-focused niche: high-earning lawyers - book a meeting here Why Westminster Wealth gave him the freedom to build his business his wayLawrence's story is packed with actionable insight for both aspiring advisers and experienced professionals ready to take control of their financial planning careers.https://linktr.ee/wwmrecruitmentBegin your financial planning career journey todayWhether you are looking to become a paraplanner, administrator, mortgage and protection adviser or financial planner, the Financial Planner Life Academy is for you. With limited entry-level job roles, giving yourself the best financial planning career education, will not only kick start your financial planning journey with relevant qualifications and skills, but it'll also help you achieve success much faster.&nbsBe sure to follow financial planner life on YouTube for extra content about a career within Financial Planning HIT THAT SUBSCRIBE BUTTON! If you're looking to start your career in Financial Planning, check out the Financial Planner Life Academy hereReach out to Sam@financialplannerlife.com in regards to sponsorship, partnerships, videography or career development.

From Critical Illness to £60M Practice: Russell Cook's Story of Resilience, Mindset and Career Growth at Foster DenovoIn this special partnership episode of the Financial Planner Life podcast with Foster Denovo, we speak with Russell Cook — a senior partner, self-employed financial planner, and two-time survivor of life-threatening illness.Russell shares how he built a thriving £60 million practice advising 120 clients, despite facing a rare blood cancer diagnosis and later, a brain tumour. His story is a powerful reminder that success in financial planning is as much about mindset and support as it is about knowledge and advice.We cover: ✅ His seven-and-a-half-month hospital stay battling cancer ✅ How a critical illness policy helped him and his family stay afloat ✅ The power of team support under the Foster Denovo partner model ✅ Running multiple marathons post-recovery and raising £28,000 for charity ✅ Preparing for retirement while ensuring continuity and client care ✅ The role of Foster Denovo in his success and succession planning.             This episode is about resilience, gratitude and the value of doing work that truly matters. If you're a self-employed financial planner or considering a career at Foster Denovo, don't miss it.

In this episode of the Financial Planner Life podcast, host Sam Oakes reconnects with Emmanuel Asuquo, a leading financial planner, TV personality, and social media educator. Emmanuel was Sam's second-ever guest when the podcast launched, making this a special full-circle conversation.They dive deep into Emmanuel's journey from growing up on a council estate to becoming one of the UK's most recognisable financial planners, using platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube to educate and entertain audiences.Discover how Emmanuel built a purpose-driven career in financial planning, leveraged social media to attract clients, and became a trusted voice for financial education across the UK.Topics include: ✅ How to use social media for client generation ✅ The importance of authenticity and storytelling ✅ Why niching down builds stronger engagement ✅ The future of careers in financial planning ✅ Building trust through “edutainment”If you're a financial planner looking to grow your business, build your brand, or attract the next generation of clients and talent, this is a must-watch (or listen).Begin your financial planning career journey todayWhether you are looking to become a paraplanner, administrator, mortgage and protection adviser or financial planner, the Financial Planner Life Academy is for you. With limited entry-level job roles, giving yourself the best financial planning career education, will not only kick start your financial planning journey with relevant qualifications and skills, but it'll also help you achieve success much faster.&nbsBe sure to follow financial planner life on YouTube for extra content about a career within Financial Planning HIT THAT SUBSCRIBE BUTTON! If you're looking to start your career in Financial Planning, check out the Financial Planner Life Academy hereReach out to Sam@financialplannerlife.com in regards to sponsorship, partnerships, videography or career development.