The Financial Planner Life Podcast (2025)

10/04/2025

We often hear that more marketing equals better marketing. More posts. More content. More visibility. But as Samantha Russell shared with us on this week’s episode of the Financial Planner Life podcast, more isn’t always better - especially when it comes to building trust with the right clients.

Samantha is one of the most respected voices in adviser marketing in the US, and in this conversation, she breaks down what’s actually working in today’s digital landscape. You'll hear about why your referral strategy is only half the battle, and also understand the importance of a strong digital presence that speaks directly to your ideal client.

If you're looking to grow your firm in a way that feels more personal, intentional, and aligned with how people make decisions today, this one’s not to be missed.

Samantha is also heading to the UK this summer to lead in-person workshops for financial planners - and after hearing this episode, you’ll want a seat at that table.

28/03/2025

What if Paul Jackson had accepted that his path was set? No university, no financial career, just a job on the factory floor. Instead, he took a different route - one that led to the top of global finance.

This week on the Financial Planner Life podcast, we welcomed back Chris Ball, CEO of Hoxton Wealth, as a special host. He sat down with Paul Jackson, Global Head of Asset Allocation Research at Invesco, to explore a career journey that defies the traditional path into financial services.

Paul’s career spans some of the biggest names in the industry - Morgan Stanley, SocGen, and now Invesco. But it didn’t begin with elite university connections or a fast-track into the City. It started in a factory in York, packing Smarties. As the first in his family to stay in school past 14, Paul’s path was shaped by curiosity, resilience, and a passion for economics that eventually led him to LSE and Oxford.

Beyond career milestones, this conversation is a powerful reminder that success isn’t just about climbing the ladder—it’s about knowing when to pause, understanding the value of time in the market, and building strong relationships along the way.

A career in financial services isn’t always linear, and Paul’s journey proves there’s no single way to succeed. Tune into the full episode now.

12/03/2025

Too many financial firms fall into the same trap - hiring "big talkers" who promise the world but disappear when it’s time to deliver. But what if recruitment wasn’t about chasing rainmakers and instead focused on building a firm with lasting impact?

In this week’s episode of Financial Planner Life, we speak with Guy Skinner, Founder of Citygate Financial Planning, about his approach to business growth. Instead of targeting high-net-worth clients, he built his firm by focusing on newly qualified solicitors - understanding their financial challenges, positioning himself as an expert, and growing 139 client relationships in his first year alone. That same values-driven mindset shapes how he hires, prioritizing long-term relationships over short-term wins.

Guy shares why hiring ‘missionaries, not mercenaries’ is the key to building a sustainable financial planning business. Tune into the full episode now - links below.

05/03/2025

The financial planning profession is growing - but are we truly setting new talent up for success?

In the latest episode of the Financial Planner Life Podcast, we sit down with Carla Brown, President of the Personal Finance Society (PFS) and CEO of Oakmere Wealth Management, to discuss the real challenges facing new talent in the industry.

From the PFS Professional Map shaping career pathways to the growing skills gap beyond technical knowledge, Carla shares her insights on what’s missing and what needs to change.

With a 46% increase in under-25s joining the profession, there’s progress - but is it enough? Initiatives like PFS Power Webinars and Wealth and Women are driving impact, but the need for clearer career development and better training in relationship-building and sales is still pressing.

Financial planning offers incredible opportunities, but without the right support, we risk losing future talent before they even get started.

What do you think - are we doing enough? Let us know in the comments!

YouTube: https://youtu.be/s2GpI3LolTE
Apple Podcasts: https://shorturl.at/ZY6tl
Spotify: https://shorturl.at/CNnnl

27/02/2025

International financial planning has a reputation - a mixed one, at that.

For years, stories have circulated about commission-driven models, a lack of transparency, and questionable sales tactics targeting expats. That side of the profession still exists. But Hoxton Wealth is proving there’s another way.

In this episode of the Financial Planner Life podcast, we sit down to explore how Hoxton Wealth has built a fee-based, highly regulated, and client-focused financial planning firm at a global scale. With a sharp focus on efficiency, technology, and talent development, they’re redefining what success in financial planning looks like. At the center of it all is Chris Ball, a leader some see as a disruptor and others as a return to old-school financial planning. So, which is it?

We break down Hoxton Wealth’s journey, its impact in 2024, and what’s next as they continue to challenge the status quo. Financial planning has been stagnant for too long - this conversation reveals why that’s changing, fast.

Tune into the full episode:

YouTube: https://youtu.be/ToRBz299tmQ
Apple Podcasts: https://shorturl.at/49sKE
Spotify: https://shorturl.at/4k0gC

20/02/2025

Burnout isn’t just about feeling tired - it’s what happens when stress turns into complete mental and physical shutdown. It’s something many professionals in financial planning experience, yet few see it coming until it’s too late.

In our Financial Planner Life latest episode, we sit down with Tony Fields, a former chartered financial planner turned performance coach, to ask a crucial question: can burnout be prevented?

We explore why high achievers often ignore the warning signs, when coaching can make the biggest impact, and the mindset shifts that separate those who thrive from those who crash.

This isn’t about working harder - it’s about recognising the patterns that lead to burnout before they take over. Listen to Tony's episode - and you'll rethink the way you approach performance and success.

11/02/2025

Bitcoin just hit $100K - what does this really mean for investors?

On the latest episode of the Financial Planner Life podcast, we sit down with Lisa Tyshchenko, an Alternative Investment Specialist with deep connections in the digital asset space.

With institutional investors quietly adding Bitcoin to their portfolios, we explore what this means for financial planning, whether Bitcoin is truly the new gold, and if emerging tech like quantum computing poses a threat.

Lisa brings a fascinating perspective on the future of crypto and what financial professionals should be paying attention to. Is Bitcoin a smart hedge - or just another hype cycle? Listen now to find out.

YouTube: https://youtu.be/Fi3jJJU2t1U
Apple Podcasts: https://shorturl.at/IVij3
Spotify: https://shorturl.at/MIJ2g

06/02/2025

What does it take to scale as a financial planner?

Great advice is just the start - it’s about having the right team behind you. In our latest episode, we sit down with Joanna Butler, who has spent 18 years shaping the operational backbone of Foster Denovo, a firm known for its commitment to supporting self-employed financial planners.

Joanna shares how her team helps planners scale faster, serve clients better, and focus on what they do best. We also explore why Foster Denovo has become a magnet for female professionals in a traditionally male-dominated industry and what makes their approach to business support so effective.

This episode marks the final instalment of our series with Foster Denovo - but is it really the end? Stay tuned. Something exciting is coming. Watch the full episode:
Watch the full episode:
https://youtu.be/eza6F5ZW2m4

04/02/2025

Would you trust a financial planner under 30?

It’s a question that often sparks debate in the profession. Some argue that younger advisers lack the life experience needed to guide clients through major financial milestones like retirement, divorce, or legacy planning. Others believe that age isn’t the defining factor - what matters is knowledge and their long-term commitment.

On the latest episode of the Financial Planner Life podcast, we spoke with Karl and Harry, a father-son duo from St. James’s Place. Karl took over his father’s business at just 20 after an unexpected loss, building nearly 40 years of experience in the profession. Harry, once a musician, transitioned into financial planning through the SJP Academy and, at 27, is already leading client meetings and preparing to take over the firm.

Their approach to succession planning highlights a crucial lesson for financial planning firms: smooth transitions happen when the next generation is involved early, mentored properly, and empowered to bring fresh ideas.

When asked whether his age was ever a barrier with clients, Harry was clear: “At first, maybe. But if you know your stuff, trust follows. Plus, clients know I’ll be here for the next 30 years—can they say the same about an adviser nearing retirement?”

Would you trust a financial planner in their 20s, or do you believe experience only comes with age?

28/01/2025

Neil Woodford’s career is one of the most talked-about stories in UK financial services, and in our latest episode of the Financial Planner Life podcast, we take an unfiltered look at his journey. Hosted by Chris Ball, this long-form conversation delves into the highs, the lows, and the lessons from a career marked by immense success and public scrutiny.

From managing billions at the peak of his career to the collapse of his fund, Neil’s story is a reminder of the weight of responsibility that comes with managing other people’s wealth. The episode doesn’t shy away from the impact of those events—or the investors that were left facing life-changing losses. How far should media scrutiny go? When does accountability cross the line into cruelty? And what happens when a leader is left to rebuild after a public fall from grace?

At its core, this episode is about more than Neil Woodford—it’s about the human side of leadership, ambition, and redemption. His story is one of resilience, and the search for renewal, and it challenges us to think critically about the complexities of success and failure in financial services. Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts—links in the comments.

24/01/2025

Doubling your AUM in a small IFA practice—what’s the secret? For Chartered Financial Planner Rohit Rohela, niching down has been a game-changer for his business. In our latest Financial Planner Life podcast episode, Rohit shares how focusing on specific niches has helped him build a six-figure business and created a clear path for further growth.

Rohit describes his role as an "architect of financial freedom." He focuses on helping clients imagine their ideal life and design a strategy that leads to financial freedom—what he calls the Finsbridge Masterplan. His philosophy? Life is not a rehearsal, so having a clear plan is the only way to truly shape your journey.

If you want to find out how niching down can elevate your financial planning practice, this episode is for you - listen now on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple.

https://youtu.be/aMXDqIXMxqk

11/12/2024

Imagine moving to a new country, unable to speak the language, and starting over from scratch—this was Cholpon’s reality.

What does it take to overcome language barriers, cultural shifts, and industry challenges to thrive in financial planning? In this week’s Financial Planner Life Podcast, we sit down with Cholpon Djanuzakova DipPFS CII, whose story is a masterclass in resilience and ambition.

From arriving in the UK with no English to becoming a top-ranked financial planner and business owner, Cholpon’s journey highlights the power of hard work, mindset, and embracing your unique story.

🎵 Hear how she blends her Kyrgyz heritage with her professional life, including using her national instrument, the Komuz, to build authentic connections that stand out in the industry.

Cholpon’s insights are a reminder: no challenge is insurmountable when you believe in your potential.

🎙 Don’t miss this episode—stream it now or watch the full episode on YouTube to discover how she turned obstacles into stepping stones for success.

05/12/2024

Could paraplanning managers be limiting growth opportunities? Foster Denovo is breaking that mold.

In our latest episode, we speak with Louise Hedderfen, Paraplanning Manager at Foster Denovo, who is redefining career progression in financial planning. Leading a team of 15, Louise ensures every team member has a clear path to success—whether that’s transitioning to a financial adviser role, specialising in paraplanning, or exploring new opportunities.

💡 "If you tell me in the interview you want to become a financial adviser, I’ll do everything I can to make it happen." – Louise Hedderfen

This episode covers:

✅ The skills-first approach to building strong paraplanning teams.

✅ Pathways for career growth, from junior roles to subject matter experts.

✅ How Foster Denovo supports paraplanners who want to become advisers.

✅ Why collaboration and ambition are key to thriving in financial planning.

If you’re in financial planning—or thinking about starting your journey—this is a must-listen.

🎧 Tune in now and see how Foster Denovo is empowering professionals at every career stage.

29/11/2024

What happens when you scale and exit a £2.5 billion lending business with your best friend? You do it all over again!

In this episode of the Financial Planner Life podcast, Chris Ball reconnects with Duncan Kreeger and Stephen Wasserman, two financial services legends and co-founders of TAB, their property finance company. 🏠💰

It's always refreshing to hear from leaders outside of the financial planning space, and this conversation offers incredible insights from the broader financial services community. Duncan and Stephen’s journey from building West One Loans from scratch to scaling £2.5 billion in loans—and then starting TAB—is a story of resilience, innovation, and camaraderie.

As Stephen Wasserman shares, “Belief is infectious. If you believe, people around you believe, and that’s how success happens.”

In this episode, you'll find out:

✅ How they launched West One Loans during the 2008 financial crisis
✅ The challenges of mixing friendship and business
✅ How technology and AI are transforming property finance at TAB
✅ The lessons learned from scaling to billions and doing it all again

This episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone in financial services, aspiring entrepreneurs, or those looking to learn from success stories. Don’t miss it—links below!

19/11/2024

How can financial planners turn content into connection? 💡

In the latest episode of the Financial Planner Life podcast, Peter Komolafe, award-winning author and creator of Conversation of Money, joins us to explore how financial planners can bridge the divide between education and engagement through content creation. From his early days starting a YouTube channel to becoming a leading voice in financial coaching, Peter shares invaluable lessons on why storytelling and digital platforms are crucial for reaching new audiences.

With YouTube now becoming one of the most powerful tools for financial education 📹, Peter reveals how embracing content creation can not only build trust and credibility but also attract diverse audiences—including the over-50 demographic actively seeking advice. His insights offer a roadmap for planners who want to use coaching content to make financial planning more accessible, relatable, and impactful.

Tune in to find out how financial planners can harness the power of coaching and content to shape the future of the profession 🎙️

12/11/2024

What does it take to lead an international financial services group in today’s ever-evolving profession?

David Kneeshaw, Group Chief Executive of International Financial Group Limited (IFGL), joins us to share his leadership philosophies, career journey, and the values that have shaped his success.

In this episode, David recounts his path from Times Newspapers with Rupert Murdoch to Swiss Life and, eventually, the CEO of IFGL, where he manages over £20 billion in assets under advice. His career has been a study in resilience, client focus, and the power of structured, objective decision-making. For David, building trust with clients and teams starts with genuine care: “If you care about what you do and people see that, they’ll forgive you quite a lot.”

With thoughtful reflections on navigating private equity and international expansion, he provides a powerful playbook for aspiring leaders in financial services. Watch the full episode on YouTube or listen across all podcast platforms - links in comments 🎧

07/11/2024

"Are you building a financial planning career focused on lasting impact rather than quick wins?"

In our latest episode of the Financial Planner Life podcast, Sam Oakes speaks with Nikos Christoforou, Senior Partner at Foster Denovo, about his journey from product-focused sales to holistic financial planning—a transition that redefined his career.

Some key takeaways from the conversation include:

🧠 Mindset Shift: Nikos highlights how moving from product sales to client-focused planning meant aligning with clients’ long-term goals, not just immediate results, setting up a foundation for sustainable growth.

🤝 Trust and Relationships: "Trust takes ages to build but can be gone in an instant." Nikos emphasises that establishing genuine connections and trust is key to fostering enduring client relationships.

🎯 The Power of Niching Down: By specialising with clients like lawyers and shipbrokers, Nikos has tailored his services to meet industry-specific needs, allowing him to deepen his expertise and provide more relevant advice.

Whether you’re new to the profession or looking to build a client-focused practice, Nikos’s story offers invaluable insights. Check the links in the comments to discover how you can build a resilient and purpose-driven career in financial planning. 🎧

27/04/2024

I’ve been suprised by how much I have enjoyed my time in , I can 💯 see why it’s an attractive place to live and work.

I will miss this morning view! 🥹

Impressed with the quality of firms that I have met, not gonna lie I wasn’t expecting that! 🤣

The energy is electric! 💪

If you are considering Dubai as an option drop me a DM, happy to share my experience and the realities of a ‘proper job’ out here.

I’m heading to the beach this morning 🏖️ for a day of relaxation before I’m back in the UK tomorrow ☔️

I’ll be catching up on all the messages and emails Monday. 🤓

Have a great weekend. 🙏☀️

The Financial Planner Life Podcast