Financial Planner Life Podcast
Sam Oakes
Welcome to The Financial Planner Life Podcast. We cover an intimate and honest account of what it’s really like to work in the financial planning profession. Our guests share their stories of success, failures, and learnings, as well as what to expect from a career in the financial planning profession! We host guests at various stages in their careers, as well as multiple roles, to ensure that our audience has a variety each week. Financial planners, business owners, paraplanners, and back-office staff all have their own stories to share, and The Financial Planner Life podcast serves as a platform for them to discuss their personal and professional journeys. The podcast covers a multitude of topics, from mindset and motivation, health and wellbeing, all the way to diversity and inclusion. We approach each episode with the idea that it will educate and spark a conversation within the industry on topics that may not be openly discussed. If you're considering a career as a financial adviser or are curious about learning more about this exciting sector, we encourage you to give the podcast a listen. The Host: Sam Oakes is the host of The Financial Planner Life Podcast. since 2008 Sam has been supporting leading national and global financial planning firms in finding the best talent, he was the director of Recruit UK, a 7 figure turnover financial planning recruitment company that he successfully exited in 2024, Sam now works as the Head of Creative for Hoxton wealth, building out podcasts, YouTube and social content for this fast growing fee based international financial planning firm. Sam has always had a passion for financial services, starting as a trainer for a leading product provider in the UK, and he has been in the industry for over 20 years. He sees himself as a partner to the industry and wants to contribute useful resources, such as this podcast, to educate those who are further seeking advice and help about how to push their careers forward in this amazing profession. Be sure to check out Financial Planner Life Academy - start your career today! https://financialplannerlife.com/academy/
Episodes
Mentioned books
Aug 6, 2025 • 55min
AI Is a Fuel, Not a Tool: Redefining Financial Advice with Saturn - Rohit Vaisha
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💡 Whether you're an adviser, paraplanner, compliance lead, or business owner, this is your blueprint for using AI to grow your firm without losing the human touch.👉 Book a meeting with Saturn AI: hereBe 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.
Jul 29, 2025 • 51min
I never thought someone like me could be a financial planner!
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)👉 Interested in finding out more about the St. James’s Place Academy? Click here: https://www.sjp.co.uk/academyBe 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.
Jul 24, 2025 • 53min
Restricted or IFA? What is best for my Financial Planning Career - with Wayne Griffiths from One Financial Solutions.
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.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.
Jul 15, 2025 • 48min
Self-Employed Chartered Financial Planner with £10M AUM, By 26 - Lawrence Bearman from Westminster Wealth Management
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/wwmrecruitmentBe 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.
Jul 10, 2025 • 44min
“Built a £60 million AUM Financial Planning Business After Surviving Cancer” A Foster Denovo Special
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.🎧 Plus, discover more stories from those building successful careers in the Foster Denovo ecosystem on their new podcast: Foster Denovo Talks.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.
Jul 3, 2025 • 51min
From Council Estate to Financial Planning TV & Social Media Influencer!
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).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.
Jun 26, 2025 • 51min
She left the Army and became a Financial Planner Mum, With St James's Place Academy | Katie Volker
In this episode of the financial planner life podcast, Sam Oakes sits down with Katie, a former Army officer who transitioned into a successful financial planning career with the St. James’s Place Academy.Katie’s story is one of resilience, adaptability, and building a business that fits around life’s big moments, including becoming a mum mid-way through growing her firm.We cover:✅ How military skills like leadership, discipline, and resilience translate into financial planning✅ What it’s really like going through the St. James’s Place Academy (and how Katie passed her exams in just 6 months)✅ The importance of mentorship and building your support network✅ How social media, especially Instagram Stories, has helped her win new clients✅ Balancing business growth and motherhood, and how becoming a parent opened new networking opportunities✅ Why financial planning needs more diverse voices and more women in leadership✅ Tips for using LinkedIn and Instagram for business development✅ The power of storytelling and human connection in financial servicesWhether you’re ex-military, thinking about a career change, or wondering how to balance parenthood with self-employment, this is a must-watch.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.
Jun 19, 2025 • 29min
Let Go or Burn Out: Jeri Williams’ Guide to Reclaiming Your Time
Jeri Williams on Scaling a Business, Letting Go of Control, and Building a Life with More FreedomIn this episode of Financial Planner Life, Sam Oakes sits down with Jeri Williams, the powerhouse behind Smooth Accounting in the UK and now Smooth Dubai.Jeri shares how she built a business that runs without her, the mindset shift that allowed her to finally let go of control, and why protecting her time is now non-negotiable.We dive deep into:✅ Why she expanded into Dubai - and how it’s transforming her business✅ The reality of stress and anxiety as a business owner✅ What it really means to delegate and build a self-sufficient team✅ Her obsession with time, freedom, and being present for her kids✅ How showing up consistently online has helped her grow a loyal client base✅ The role of marketing in building trust, visibility, and long-term success✅ Why community, not competition, is at the heart of her approachThis conversation is packed with practical insights for business owners, financial professionals, and anyone chasing more freedom without sacrificing success.🔗 Learn more about Jeri: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeriwilliams📚 Join the waitlist for her new book on moving to Dubai🎧 Subscribe for more career stories and insights from Financial Planner LifeBe 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.
Jun 10, 2025 • 44min
He Built £12M AUM With Just LinkedIn and a Laptop - Financial Planner Success! | Aleem Nijabat
In this episode of the Financial Planner Life podcast, Sam Oakes speaks with Aleem Nijabat, a self-employed financial planner who built £12 million in AUM without a client bank, without leads, and without a background in finance.Aleem started during lockdown, working alone from his bedroom. He had just qualified, had no clients, and relied entirely on cold outreach through LinkedIn to get started.This conversation is packed with practical advice for anyone considering a self-employed career in financial planning, especially those thinking about going it alone.What we cover:How Aleem used LinkedIn Sales Navigator to connect with ideal clientsWhy consistency in cold outreach beats waiting for inbound leadsWhat it really felt like starting during a market downturnThe role mentorship played in levelling up his client baseHow joining Foster Denovo changed the game for his businessWhy testimonials and authentic content now matter to his strategyHis goal of becoming a Senior Partner before the age of 30This episode offers a real-world view of what it takes to build a financial planning business from the ground up. It’s not about shortcuts or luck - it’s about showing up every day and doing the work.👉 Ready to take control of your financial planning career?Subscribe for weekly conversations with the professionals shaping the future of this industry.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.
May 26, 2025 • 48min
Why You Feel Anxious About Money (And Don’t Even Know It) - with Dennis Harhalakis
In this episode of Financial Planner Life, Sam Oakes is joined by certified money coach Dennis Harhalakis to explore the powerful emotional side of money - and why financial planners can't afford to ignore it.Dennis shares how our earliest money experiences shape the way we think, feel, and act around money as adults. Whether it’s shame, fear, scarcity, or self-worth, these emotional drivers often get in the way of good financial decision-making. We discuss:Why childhood money stories influence adult financial behaviourHow money shame blocks clients from implementing adviceWhy planners must understand their own money beliefs firstThe power of creating emotional safety in client conversationsTools and training to help financial planners explore money coachingIf you're a financial planner who wants to build deeper trust, improve client outcomes, and bring more human connection into your advice process - this one's for you.🔗 Learn more about Dennis and Cambridge Money Coaching:https://www.cambridgemoneycoachinguk.com/📌 Subscribe to the channel for more career insights from the world of financial planning.👍 Like this video if it made you think differently about client conversations.🗣 Drop a comment — what’s your first memory of money?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.
