Breaking the Age Bias: Investing in the Next Generation of Financial Planners with Kate Bailey and Ryan Milne

In this episode, Managing Director, Kate Bailey, and Associate Partner, Ryan Milne,  explore how mentorship, training, and succession planning are driving the next generation of success in the profession. With a rapidly aging adviser workforce and a looming talent shortage, investing in young financial planners is more important than ever. Sam Oakes sit down with Ryan, a young financial planner, and Kate, his mentor, to discuss the challenges they’ve faced and how they’re working together to shape the future of the company - Kate Bailey Financial Planning - and the profession as a whole.

Ryan shares his journey, revealing how Kate’s hands-on mentorship helped him overcome common hurdles faced by younger advisors, such as age bias and skepticism from clients. He emphasizes how mentorship goes beyond exams and certifications—it’s about learning how to navigate client relationships, build trust, and add value. Kate’s commitment to his development shows how mentorship plays a crucial role in preparing young planners for long-term success.

The guests also touch on the critical role of business development, often overlooked within the financial planning career path, and why mastering this skill is essential for career growth. Kate highlights the importance of succession planning—not just for sustaining the success of the firm but to secure the future of client relationships. 

Tune in to this insightful discussion and learn how these strategies are shaping the future of financial planning, helping their firm grow and thrive across generations.

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