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.

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