Financial Planner Life Podcast

🤔 Are Paraplanning Managers Holding Back Trainee Financial Planners?Not at Foster Denovo, where growth, ambition, and clear career aspirations take center stage. In the latest Financial Planner Life Podcast, I spoke with Louise Headifen, Paraplanning Manager at Foster Denovo, about how she’s breaking the mold and championing career progression for her team of 15. Whether it’s becoming a financial adviser, developing a specialist career in paraplanning, or exploring other paths, Louise and Foster Denovo’s career framework have it covered.🎙 Key Takeaway:"If you tell me in the interview you want to become a financial adviser, I’ll do everything I can to make it happen. Progression is about honesty, ambition, and having the right support system." - Louise HeadifenWe dive into:✅ Why Louise hires for skills over job titles to build strong, cohesive teams.✅ Clear pathways for paraplanners to grow, from junior roles to subject matter experts in areas like protection and estate planning.✅ How Foster Denovo actively supports paraplanners who aspire to transition into financial advice roles.✅ The power of a growth mindset and how collaboration fuels success.Whether you’re a paraplanner looking for your next opportunity, a financial adviser exploring new horizons, or someone considering a career in financial planning, this episode offers actionable insights and inspiration.👉 Tune in now and discover how Louise’s leadership and Foster Denovo’s framework are empowering financial planning professionals to thrive at every stage of their careers.💬 What’s your career aspiration in financial planning? Let’s discuss in the comments!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.

Chris Ball interviews Duncan Kreeger and Stephen Wasserman, the dynamic duo behind West One Loans and now TAB, in this fascinating episode of Financial Planner Life.Duncan and Stephen share their journey from a single desk in Duncan’s dad’s office to scaling £2.5 billion in lending. They also dive into how they’re reinventing property finance with TAB, leveraging technology and AI to build smarter, faster, and more ethical lending processes.You’ll learn about:The origins of West One LoansScaling to billions in lending during the 2008 financial crisisThe challenges and rewards of mixing friendship with businessWhy belief and confidence are the keys to successHow TAB is transforming property financeIf you’re curious about entrepreneurship, innovation, or financial services, this episode is packed with value.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.

Financial planners, prepare to embark on a journey with our special guest, Peter Komolafe from the Conversation of Money, as we explore the dynamic world of financial coaching and content creation! Discover the evolution from static "how-to" guides to vibrant discussions on economic trends and financial news, as Peter sheds light on the relentless dedication required to thrive in this ever-changing industry. Learn how adapting to audience preferences is not just a luxury but a necessity to maintain relevance and engagement in today's fast-paced digital landscape.We also tackle the intergenerational financial knowledge gap, focusing on those nearing retirement. Peter and I discuss how social media platforms like YouTube can be powerful tools for Financial planners to educate and establish trust. By addressing common concerns about retirement planning and financial management, Financial Planners can position themselves as credible sources while effectively generating leads. The conversation reveals the exciting potential for collaborations and lifestyle enhancements, especially for expats navigating their financial futures.Finally, join us as we explore the shifting financial mindset among younger generations, who are increasingly drawn to entrepreneurial ventures over traditional careers. We delve into the transformative power of defining personal goals, with Peter sharing insights on the advantages of being a financial planner or coach in a vibrant location like Dubai. Learn about the unique opportunities it presents, from tax benefits to global client reach, and the importance of pen and paper in crystallizing future aspirations. This episode promises a wealth of insights for those ready to redefine their financial paths.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.

In this episode of Financial Planner Life, Chris Ball, CEO of Hoxton Wealth, interviews David Kneeshaw, Group Chief Executive of International Financial Group Limited (IFGL). With over two decades of experience in financial services and leadership roles, David shares his insights on career development, building resilient teams, and strategies for growth in the international financial landscape.Career Journey & Leadership PhilosophyDavid’s path has taken him from Times Newspapers, where he worked with Rupert Murdoch, to becoming a marketing director at Swiss Life and ultimately the CEO of IFGL, managing over £20 billion in assets under advice. He emphasizes the importance of structured, objective decision-making and maintaining a client-centered approach, saying, “If you care about what you do and people see that, they’ll forgive you quite a lot.”Key Insights on Team BuildingDavid believes in hiring based on attitude and intelligence, underscoring the need for leaders who can communicate and collaborate effectively. His advice to young professionals is to “choose your boss wisely,” as early mentorship profoundly shapes career growth. He’s built his own team on these values, creating a culture where long-term loyalty and growth are prioritized.Navigating Private Equity & International GrowthDavid discusses the challenges and rewards of IFGL’s management buyout from Royal London, highlighting the importance of aligning with investors who share the company’s values and vision. He also explores IFGL’s expansion into new regions and the vital role of technology in delivering efficient, client-focused services. According to David, technology is essential in today’s financial services to ensure seamless service and maintain a competitive edge.This episode is rich with advice for aspiring leaders in financial services, offering lessons in leadership, adaptability, and strategic growth. David’s practical insights on leadership, team-building, and navigating private equity make this a must-listen for those looking to grow in the financial 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.

Ever wondered what it takes to successfully transition from product sales to holistic financial planning? Today, Financial Planner Life host Sam Oakes sits down with Nikos Christoforou, a Senior Partner at Foster Denovo, to uncover the challenges, mindset shifts, and strategies that can make or break a career in financial planning.In this episode, Nikos shares his journey from stockbroking and product-focused sales to a values-driven approach in financial planning. Starting as a self-employed advisor, Nikos quickly realized the differences between selling a product and offering comprehensive financial advice. This transformation wasn’t easy, as it required him to unlearn sales tactics and adopt a holistic approach that placed his client’s needs at the forefront.With insights into the mindset shifts required to build a sustainable client base, Nikos talks candidly about the challenges he faced in his early years and the invaluable support he received from Foster Denovo. He emphasizes that "trust takes ages to build but can be gone in an instant," highlighting the importance of strong foundations and client relationships.Through a structured "Four Pillars" approach to financial planning, Nikos explains how he educates clients on cash flow, asset optimization, protection planning, and investment management. This framework has helped him gain clarity with clients, leading to stronger relationships and long-term trust. He also shares the impact of niching down with specific client types, such as lawyers and shipbrokers, which has allowed him to master industry-specific needs and streamline his services.Sam and Nikos also discuss the benefits of working within an ecosystem like Foster Denovo, where mentorship, peer accountability, and support for scaling one’s business are readily available. Nikos stresses the importance of having a robust support network, being disciplined, and investing in personal development to maintain mental resilience in a high-pressure industry. Whether you’re new to financial planning or looking to deepen your expertise, this episode provides actionable insights for growth, both personally and professionally. Nikos’s experience shows that to succeed in financial planning, it's not just about numbers—it's about building strong foundations, finding the right support, and understanding the real value you bring to clients.If you’re interested in a career with Foster Denovo click 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.

Join us for an insightful conversation with Paula Leitch, a trailblasing part-time financial planner whose journey took her from Australia to the heart of Dublin's financial sector.Throughout our discussion, we explore her strategic decision to embrace part-time work, allowing her to balance a fulfilling career with family life,  Sam of course tries to convince her to become "mama money"—a key influencer in the financial industry.We also navigate the intricate landscape of financial planning across Ireland and the UK, through Paula's transition from an accounting firm to a pension trustee company. Hear about the challenges she encountered while balancing a demanding career and family life, including temporarily stepping away from the work. Despite these hurdles, Paula remained connected to her passion for financial planning through volunteering and ongoing education, which fueled her return to the industry. Additionally, we delve into the importance of building meaningful relationships over rigid system processes, and Paula's belief in creativity and innovation over repetitive tasks.Our conversation further highlights the empowering potential for women in financial planning, especially for those juggling motherhood and a career. Paula shares her insights on carving out a niche tailored for families and the rewarding nature of educating children about money through financial planning. We wrap up the episode with a warm reflection on our mutual appreciation and discuss exciting opportunities for future collaboration. Tune in for a blend of inspiration, practical advice, and an uplifting journey into the world of financial planning.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.

In this episode of Financial Planner Life, Rebecca Livesey introduces Parapool, a gig-based, online marketplace that is revolutionising the paraplanning profession. By offering a flexible and scalable marketplace for paraplanners and financial advisers, Parapool addresses the current issues of rising paraplanning costs and talent shortages. Becky explains how advisers can save up to 40% on paraplanning costs while paraplanners gain control over their workload and pricing, creating a more efficient and adaptable financial planning ecosystem.Becky also discusses the future model of Parapool, one that fosters collaboration rather than competition,  offering paraplanners not only jobs on their terms but also career development and networking opportunities. She emphasises the importance of ensuring quality work through bid thresholds, protecting paraplanners from undervaluing their services. This creates a sustainable, high-quality marketplace that serves both advisers and paraplanners well, even amidst rising client demands and increasingly restrictive regulations.Tune in to discover how Parapool is addressing the critical shortage of paraplanners in the profession, and how its gig-based model is reshaping talent management in financial planning - making financial planning more agile, cost-efficient, and collaborative.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.

In today's episode of Financial Planner Life, Alina Burlacu, financial coach (and qualified financial planner) shares her insights on the evolving role of financial coaching. Alina discusses her transition into coaching, highlighting how her experience in her profession, as well as financial planning, enables her to address the emotional and psychological aspects of clients' financial behaviours. By integrating her coaching techniques, financial professionals can provide more personalised and effective guidance, allowing clients to overcome any mental blocks that hold them back from making informed decisions.Our conversation delves into the importance of collaboration between financial coaches and planners. Alina explains how her coaching sessions prepare clients for significant life changes, ensuring they are “advice-ready” when engaging with planners. This collaborative approach not only enhances the planning process, but also builds trust with clients so they feel more confident and supported in their financial journey. With current research showing that a significant portion of individuals experience anxiety when discussing finances, Alina’s strategies to foster emotional readiness are particularly relevant in today’s climate.Tune in to gain valuable insights into how financial coaching can streamline the financial planning process and improve client outcomes. There seems to be an ever-growing need for financial professionals to adopt a holistic approach that addresses both emotional and technical aspects of money management. Find out how integrating coaching principles into your practice can lead to deeper client relationships and a more successful financial planning career. 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.

In this episode of Financial Planner Life, we are joined by Emma Hall, Chartered Financial Planner of the Year, who shares her career journey through a lens focused on workplace flexibility, women's wellbeing support, and mental health policies  - and how these are essential for creating a thriving and resilient firm.  For women in financial planning, these are not just HR topics—they directly affect retention, career progression, and overall workplace culture. With Emma’s real-world experience and actionable insights, this conversation goes beyond the surface to address current gaps in support systems within the financial planning profession.Emma highlights the increasing demand for flexible work arrangements, especially as more professionals seek a balance between their personal lives and high-pressure careers. However, Emma makes a critical distinction: flexibility must be paired with meaningful in-office interactions, particularly for those new to the field. Firms need to foster an environment where both experienced professionals and emerging talent can grow. The key takeaway? Companies that fail to offer flexibility risk losing top-tier talent, but those that embrace it, paired with strong onboarding and mentoring systems, will have a competitive edge.We also delve into often-overlooked but critical issues like menopause and mental health in the workplace. Menopause affects multitudes of women in the workforce, yet few financial planning firms have policies in place to support women during this stage of life. Emma’s advocacy brings attention to the need for real-time mental health resources and open conversations about life events that impact professional performance. Emma’s message is clear: businesses that prioritize well-being—by offering comprehensive mental health policies and menopause support—create not only a more inclusive culture but also a more sustainable one. 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.

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.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.