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
May 15, 2025 • 47min
From ChatGPT to Chat SJP: The AI Revolution at St. James’s Place | John O'Driscoll & Wenyu Bai (SJP)
In this episode, Sam Oakes is joined by John O’Driscoll and Wenyu Bai from St. James’s Place to explore how AI and technology are being developed to support the future of financial planning.Discover how SJP’s 2030 vision is being built around:Advice Assistant: An AI-enabled tool already in production that reduces the time to produce advice packs from hours to minutesChat SJP: An internal GPT-style assistant that delivers fast, accurate, compliant answers to technical questionsAgentic AI: The concept of digital support agents acting as a virtual back officeThe Innovation Sandbox: A safe space for financial planners to test and build new toolsA strategic focus on simplifying, streamlining and elevating the planner and client experienceThis isn’t about replacing financial planners. It’s about giving them better tools, more time, and the freedom to focus on what they do best - building meaningful relationships with clients.Whether you’re considering your future as a planner, leading a firm, or just want to understand where the profession is headed, this episode is for you.🎧 Listen now and subscribe for weekly insights from the front lines of financial planning careers.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 8, 2025 • 27min
20 Years, 450+ People: The Foster Denovo Growth Journey with Roger Brosch
Roger Brosch | 20 Years of Foster Denovo, 47% Growth, and the Launch of Foster Denovo TalksIn this episode of Financial Planner Life, we welcome back Roger Brosch, CEO of Foster Denovo, to reflect on a standout year for the business.47% revenue growth200+ new hires7 acquisitionsA thriving culture that’s stronger than everRoger shares what’s driven Foster Denovo’s success over the last 12 months, who he credits for the results, and why they’ve just launched their own podcast, Foster Denovo Talks, produced by Financial Planner Life Productions.We dive into:The power of culture in driving performanceThe importance of transparency in talent attractionWhy storytelling is now part of their employer brandWhat Foster Denovo Talks aims to achieveWhether you're an aspiring financial planner, a firm owner, or simply curious about what people-first leadership looks like at scale - this is an episode worth tuning into. 📢 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and follow Foster Denovo Talks for more insights from inside one of the fastest-growing firms in the UK.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.
Apr 30, 2025 • 46min
From Rejection to Chartered Financial Planner: Jay Dhaliwal's Journey
Jay Dhaliwal, a Chartered Financial Planner at Chase de Vere, specializes in advising NHS medical professionals on complex pension needs. In this engaging conversation, Jay recounts her journey through early rejections, transforming setbacks into a drive for excellence. She shares insights into the significance of resilience and mentorship in the financial industry. Jay emphasizes the need for specialized knowledge, especially in identifying the unique challenges medical professionals face, while also touching on the importance of empathy in client relationships.
Apr 21, 2025 • 44min
From Recruiter to £266M Financial Planner | A Career Change That Paid Off - with Vikash Kanani
How a Former Recruiter Built a £266M Financial Planning Business - Vikash’s Journey from BD to Chartered AdviserIn this episode of the Financial Planner Life podcast, Sam Oakes is joined by Chartered Financial Planner Vikash, who shares how he made the bold move from a successful recruitment career into the world of financial advice.Vikash’s story is one of intentional reinvention. After building a strong career in recruitment and business development, he stepped away from the boardroom and into financial planning - starting from scratch, taking a pay cut, and retraining in his early 30s.Now, ten years later, he co-leads Chatsworth Wealth Management, a thriving practice with £266 million in Assets Under Management, serving over 1,000 families.We talk about:What made him walk away from recruitmentWhy recruiters are uniquely skilled for financial planningHow he took over and scaled an existing practiceBuilding client trust and social proof through contentThe future of advice, succession planning, and team cultureThe value of understanding client happiness and purposeIf you're in recruitment and wondering what’s next, or you're considering a second career in financial advice, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration.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.
Apr 10, 2025 • 41min
How Financial Planners Can Win with Marketing in 2025 | Samantha Russell
This week on the Financial Planner Life podcast, I sat down with Samantha Russell, one of the most respected voices in financial adviser marketing in the US.She shared insight after insight.Here’s one that really stuck with me:“Even if someone is referred to you, they’re still going to Google you. What they find next decides whether they pick up the phone – or move on.”That’s the shift.Referrals alone aren’t enough.Generic messaging doesn’t cut through.And your digital footprint? It’s your first impression – every single time.We spoke about:The real reason clients leave their advisers (hint: it’s not performance)Why financial planners must lean into video – even if it feels uncomfortableHow AI is changing the way people find their adviser (and what you can do about it)Practical ways to grow your presence on LinkedIn – without being salesySamantha’s coming to the UK this summer to run in-person marketing workshops for financial planners – and I’ll definitely be there.This isn’t theory. It’s what’s working right now.If you’re serious about growing your firm, building trust, and attracting the clients you really want to work with – this one’s worth your time.Download Samatha's free gift here.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.
Mar 28, 2025 • 1h 10min
Paul Jackson from Invesco on Investment Strategy & Career Lessons
In this episode of the Financial Planner Life podcast, Chris Ball sits down with Paul Jackson, Global Head of Asset Allocation Research at Invesco, to explore the career pivots, market cycles, and investment principles that shaped his journey from working-class beginnings to global leadership.Paul shares his honest reflections on a non-linear career across firms like Morgan Stanley, Société Générale and Invesco, including the bold decisions that worked and the ones that didn’t. They discuss mini-retirements, the danger of chasing performance, and why “time in the market” still beats timing it.You’ll hear Paul’s views on:• Long-term investing and market concentration• Why he avoids world indices in his personal allocation• Where he sees long-term value including China, Europe and bank loans• How asset allocators should think about dispersion, not just volatilityIf you’re in financial services, wealth management or portfolio strategy, this is a masterclass in career resilience and investment clarity.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.
Mar 20, 2025 • 1h
Can You Be a Financial Planner with ADHD & Dyslexia?
This week on The Financial Planner Life Podcast, we’re celebrating Neurodiversity Celebration Week with an inspiring conversation featuring Dan Buckland, a financial planner who has ADHD, dyslexia, and dyscalculia.Dan’s story is one of self-doubt, resilience, and transformation. Growing up, he was told by teachers he’d “never amount to anything.” Like many neurodivergent individuals, the traditional education system left him with limiting beliefs about his potential. Fast forward to today—he’s a successful financial planner with St. James’s Place, proving that thinking differently is an asset, not a weakness.In this episode, we dive into:✅ How neurodivergence can be a strength in financial planning✅ The impact of school experiences on self-belief and career choices✅ How St. James’s Place Academy supported Dan’s transition into finance✅ The power of self-acceptance and working with—not against—your brain✅ Why anyone can become a financial planner with the right mindset and supportIf you've ever doubted yourself because you don’t fit the mould, this episode is for you. Your differences might just be your biggest advantage.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.
Mar 12, 2025 • 51min
Hiring Missionaries, Not Mercenaries: How Guy Skinner Built a £1M Financial Planning Firm
In this engaging discussion, Guy Skinner, founder of Citygate Financial Planning, emphasizes a hiring philosophy of 'Missionaries, Not Mercenaries.' He shares how focusing on values-driven team members enhances client outcomes. Guy's unique approach targets young legal professionals, bringing in 139 clients in his first year. He reveals how sketches of financial concepts improve client engagement and trust. Additionally, he explores using technology to bridge the advice gap, making financial guidance accessible for younger generations.
6 snips
Mar 5, 2025 • 35min
Want to Be a Financial Planner? Here’s What You Need to Know! - with Carla Brown
In this discussion, Carla Brown, President of the Personal Finance Society and CEO of Oakmere Wealth Management, shares insights on shaping the future of financial planning. She highlights the essential skills gap, emphasizing the importance of relationship-building alongside technical know-how. Carla addresses the surge of young talent but stresses the need for more women in the field. Key initiatives like PFS webinars are spotlighted as tools to inspire and educate the next generation of planners, paving clearer pathways for aspiring professionals.
19 snips
Feb 27, 2025 • 58min
Chris Ball: Hoxton Wealth’s Big Plans for 2025
Chris Ball, a key player at Hoxton Wealth, dives into the firm's explosive expansion and transformative plans for 2025. He reveals how they achieved £2.13 billion in assets under management and £20 million in revenue, while discussing the significance of their rebranding from Hoxton Capital Management. The conversation explores their commitment to lifestyle financial planning, upcoming acquisitions, and the vital role of authentic branding and social media in shaping the future of financial services.
