
Financial Planner Life Podcast
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 story to share, and The Financial Planner Life podcast is a platform for them to talk about their personal and professional journey. 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 is going to educate and spark a conversation within the industry with topics that may not be openly discussed. So, if you are thinking of becoming a financial adviser, or you’re curious about learning more about this brilliant sector, we urge 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 out as a trainer for leading product provider in the UK, 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 further who are 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/
Latest episodes

Jul 16, 2024 • 55min
Unlocking Career Growth: Sean Banks on Financial Planning, Mentorship, and Navigating Career Transitions
Ever wondered why some financial planners choose employment over entrepreneurship? Discover the compelling journey of Sean Banks, Senior Financial Planner at Pembrokeshire Financial Services, as he shares his career progression from administration and paraplanning to financial advice. You'll learn why Sean opted to remain employed, emphasising the unmatched benefits of skill development and personal growth within a structured environment. This episode is a must-listen for anyone feeling stuck in their current roles, offering refreshing perspectives on career pivots and the often misunderstood advantages of moving between employers.Career advancement isn't just about climbing the corporate ladder; it's about finding the right environment and mentors who can guide you to success. Sean Banks' story highlights the essential role of mentorship and foundational roles like paraplanning in shaping a fulfilling career in financial advice. We discuss the challenges faced by aspiring financial advisers and the importance of having a clear career path. Gain insights into how making your career ambitions known to your employer can lead to significant growth, and hear firsthand experiences that underscore the value of internal marketing and proactive engagement.Transitioning from self-employment to an employed role can be daunting, but it can also open doors to new opportunities and personal freedom. We explore various career paths within the financial planning profession, comparing the roles of an employee, self-employed advisor, and business owner. Through personal anecdotes and honest self-reflection, Sean and I debunk the myth that success only comes through entrepreneurship. This episode provides practical advice on navigating career transitions with courage and clarity, highlighting the importance of self-reflection, community, and mentorship in achieving long-term career satisfaction. Tune in to discover how to transform your career trajectory and find success within existing organizations.Begin your financial planning career journey todayWhether you are looking to become a paraplanner, administrator, mortgage and protection adviser or financial planner, the Financial Planner Life Academy is for you. With limited entry-level job roles, giving yourself the best financial planning career education, will not only kick start your financial planning journey with relevant qualifications and skills, but it’ll also help you achieve success much faster.&nbsBe sure to follow financial planner life on YouTube for extra content about a career within Financial Planning HIT THAT SUBSCRIBE BUTTON! If you're looking to start your career in Financial Planning, check out the Financial Planner Life Academy hereReach out to Sam@financialplannerlife.com in regards to sponsorship, partnerships, videography or career development.

20 snips
Jul 12, 2024 • 48min
Jonathon Jay - Why I joined Hoxton Capital Managment as Managing Director of UK Financial Planning - With Your Host Sam Oakes
Jonathon Jay, recently appointed as the Director of UK Financial Planning at Hoxton Capital Management, shares his journey from Investec to entrepreneurship. He discusses Hoxton's ambitious growth strategies and the innovative Matrix CRM technology. The conversation highlights the evolving role of financial planners, integrating personal dreams into financial planning, and the importance of relationship-building. Jonathon also touches on creating an engaging office culture and the firm’s international expansion opportunities, emphasizing a proactive approach to client relationships.

Jul 9, 2024 • 51min
How I 6x My Turnover as a Financial Planner - Tom Schofield of Foster Denovo shares with Sam Oakes
What happens when an aspiring professional rugby player swaps the field for financial advising? Join us for a conversation with Tom Schofield, a partner at Foster Denovo, who shares his compelling journey from the highs and lows of sports to carving out a successful career in the financial sector.Discover how his father's influence and the rigorous training at the Quilter Financial Advisory School played crucial roles in reshaping his career path.Tom Schofield walks us through the essential building blocks of a thriving financial advising career. He opens up about the perseverance required in the early years, from tackling insurance and mortgages to expanding into comprehensive financial planning services. Gain valuable insights into the snowball effect of client referrals and understand the immense value of financial protection and planning. Tom shares heartfelt stories illustrating how life insurance and financial safeguards offer emotional and psychological security, bringing peace of mind to clients during life's unpredictable moments.Learn how the supportive and flexible work environment at Foster Denovo has been a catalyst for Tom's business growth. Tom discusses the benefits of mentorship, collaboration, and delegating tasks to focus on client acquisition and management. Understand the significance of learning from high-performing peers and harnessing company resources to scale a business effectively. This episode is packed with practical advice and motivating stories for anyone in the financial advisory sector or those contemplating a career change, showcasing how resilience, support, and a commitment to learning can lead to remarkable success.if you are interested in joining Foster Denovo. - Reach out here Begin your financial planning career journey todayWhether you are looking to become a paraplanner, administrator, mortgage and protection adviser or financial planner, the Financial Planner Life Academy is for you. With limited entry-level job roles, giving yourself the best financial planning career education, will not only kick start your financial planning journey with relevant qualifications and skills, but it’ll also help you achieve success much faster.&nbsBe sure to follow financial planner life on YouTube for extra content about a career within Financial Planning HIT THAT SUBSCRIBE BUTTON! If you're looking to start your career in Financial Planning, check out the Financial Planner Life Academy hereReach out to Sam@financialplannerlife.com in regards to sponsorship, partnerships, videography or career development.

Jul 4, 2024 • 1h 4min
Sam Oakes Talks to Jack Dudley about his career change, from teaching to financial advice and how to get a job in financial planning.
What happens when you blend military precision with classroom teaching and then pivot to financial planning? Meet Jack Dudley, a former Royal Engineer and Secondary School educator, who shares his intriguing journey on this episode of the Financial Planner Life podcast. Learn how Jack transitioned from the high-pressure world of teaching to a successful career in financial planning, leveraging his skills in numbers and relationship-building to redefine his professional path. Jack's story offers inspiration and practical advice for anyone considering a major career shift.We pull back the curtain on the essential traits and varied pathways that lead to success in financial planning. Jack and I discuss why age and direct experience might not be as crucial as you think, and how transferable skills from seemingly unrelated fields can make all the difference. From understanding the financial commitments involved in obtaining qualifications to strategically positioning yourself to potential employers, this episode covers it all. Explore the importance of a tailored career path and how forcing individuals into unsuitable roles can hinder their potential.Small business owners in the financial advisory space face unique challenges when it comes to hiring and retaining talent. Jack and I dissect these challenges and offer solutions, emphasizing the importance of engaging career development plans and practical training. We also delve into the proactive approaches job hunters should take, the significance of building long-term client relationships, and the evolving landscape of career paths in financial planning. Reflect with Jack as he shares invaluable advice he’d give his past self, highlighting the importance of external recognition and the small adjustments that can make a significant impact. Don't miss out on these insights and real-life success stories that could transform your career trajectory.Begin your financial planning career journey todayWhether you are looking to become a paraplanner, administrator, mortgage and protection adviser or financial planner, the Financial Planner Life Academy is for you. With limited entry-level job roles, giving yourself the best financial planning career education, will not only kick start your financial planning journey with relevant qualifications and skills, but it’ll also help you achieve success much faster.&nbsBe sure to follow financial planner life on YouTube for extra content about a career within Financial Planning HIT THAT SUBSCRIBE BUTTON! If you're looking to start your career in Financial Planning, check out the Financial Planner Life Academy hereReach out to Sam@financialplannerlife.com in regards to sponsorship, partnerships, videography or career development.

Jun 11, 2024 • 28min
Change Manager Olivia Crease on Driving Growth and Innovation at Foster Denovo
What if navigating the complex world of financial planning could be made simpler and more accessible for everyone? In our latest episode, we sit down with the dynamic Olivia Crease, a change manager at Foster Denovo, to unravel the intricacies of her role in fueling the company’s growth strategy through acquisitions. Olivia shares her journey of ensuring smooth transitions for newly acquired companies, highlighting the pivotal role of culture, support, and collaboration in the process. From dealing with diverse personalities to the thrill of integrating various departments, she offers an inside look into the challenges and rewards of change management.Join us as we celebrate strong female leadership in the financial services industry and explore the vibrant new London office of Foster Denovo. Olivia gives us a peek into strategic projects aimed at bridging the financial advice gap with innovative digital solutions. We delve into the essential skills required for effective project management and the importance of a supportive, innovative workplace culture. This episode is packed with insights on how Foster Denovo is making financial planning more accessible, particularly within corporate settings, and why this makes it an exciting avenue for career growth. Don’t miss this comprehensive discussion that underscores the value of teamwork and continuous improvement in a thriving financial services firm.To find out more about working for Foster Denovo - click here Begin your financial planning career journey todayWhether you are looking to become a paraplanner, administrator, mortgage and protection adviser or financial planner, the Financial Planner Life Academy is for you. With limited entry-level job roles, giving yourself the best financial planning career education, will not only kick start your financial planning journey with relevant qualifications and skills, but it’ll also help you achieve success much faster.&nbsBe sure to follow financial planner life on YouTube for extra content about a career within Financial Planning HIT THAT SUBSCRIBE BUTTON! If you're looking to start your career in Financial Planning, check out the Financial Planner Life Academy hereReach out to Sam@financialplannerlife.com in regards to sponsorship, partnerships, videography or career development.

Jun 10, 2024 • 1h 3min
Is Self Employed The Wrong Way To Fix The Financial Adviser Gap? Rob Atherton Shares Why We Need More Employed Options For Trainee Financial Planners.
Can the financial planning industry sustain itself without adapting to the needs of new talent? Join us on the Financial Planner Life podcast for a thought-provoking conversation with Rob Atherton as we tackle this urgent question. We start by examining entry-level opportunities and the growing debate between employed and self-employed roles. Both Rob and I stress the need for companies to transform their career development plans to cater to ambitious individuals, even those without prior experience. My own career journey—from recruitment to a leadership role at Hoxton Capital—adds a personal layer to our discussion, highlighting the diverse paths within the financial planning profession.As we navigate the complexities of this industry, we focus on the persistent challenges faced by aspiring financial planners, particularly the struggle to find meaningful training opportunities. With a significant portion of current advisors nearing retirement, the urgency to fill the impending advice gap has never been greater. We share our insights and experiences from mentoring individuals through LinkedIn, emphasizing the crucial role of persistence and self-advocacy. Rob and I delve into the barriers that continue to hinder new entrants and advocate for industry-wide changes to provide more employed roles, ultimately ensuring the profession's sustainability and growth.Our conversation doesn't shy away from the need for modernization within the financial advisory field. We discuss the efficiency gaps caused by outdated processes and underscore the pivotal role of training academies in nurturing new talent. Highlighting the success stories of smaller firms and debating the effectiveness of such investments, we call on large, established companies to lead by example. Imagine a future where financial planning is as structured and supportive as professions like law or accountancy; that's the vision we hope to inspire. Tune in to hear how innovative firms like Hoxton are paving the way, setting new standards, and embracing fresh perspectives to transform the industry for future generations.Begin your financial planning career journey todayWhether you are looking to become a paraplanner, administrator, mortgage and protection adviser or financial planner, the Financial Planner Life Academy is for you. With limited entry-level job roles, giving yourself the best financial planning career education, will not only kick start your financial planning journey with relevant qualifications and skills, but it’ll also help you achieve success much faster.&nbsBe sure to follow financial planner life on YouTube for extra content about a career within Financial Planning HIT THAT SUBSCRIBE BUTTON! If you're looking to start your career in Financial Planning, check out the Financial Planner Life Academy hereReach out to Sam@financialplannerlife.com in regards to sponsorship, partnerships, videography or career development.

Jun 6, 2024 • 53min
St James's Place Adviser Academy Update 2024 - A Deep Dive Into Terms 5 & 6 with Gee Foottit
We are back with Gee Footitt from St James's Place for an update on the SJP Adviser Academy. In this updated episode for 2024, we take a look at some of the changes to the Academy and hyper-focus on terms 5 & 6! where we cover coaching and mentoring and ongoing support for new Financial Advisers and Partners. if you haven't already watched the first episode where we take a deep dive into terms 1-4 you can watch it here on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube. Terms 5 and 6, that lay the foundation for a thriving career. Understand the meticulous selection process and the dual roles of business owner and financial planner, ensuring you're fully prepared for the financial and professional challenges ahead.Discover the invaluable support and mentorship offered by St James's Place, designed to guide you seamlessly from business owner to solopreneur. We discuss the role of Academy Relationship Managers and Development Managers and the significance of constructing a robust client base. Learn how the academy's structured approach and bespoke financial aid help foster self-sufficiency and continued growth, transforming your financial advisory career.Finally, explore the opportunities and benefits that come with joining the St James's Place Academy. Hear about the comprehensive training on business sale purchases and the essential strategies for talent attraction and retention. Whether you're starting your own business or joining an existing practice, gain the insights needed to ensure a well-prepared and successful entry into a career in financial advice. Tune in for practical advice on engaging with the academy, attending open events, and initiating conversations that could change your career path. interested in joining the academy? Begin your financial planning career journey todayWhether you are looking to become a paraplanner, administrator, mortgage and protection adviser or financial planner, the Financial Planner Life Academy is for you. With limited entry-level job roles, giving yourself the best financial planning career education, will not only kick start your financial planning journey with relevant qualifications and skills, but it’ll also help you achieve success much faster.&nbsBe sure to follow financial planner life on YouTube for extra content about a career within Financial Planning HIT THAT SUBSCRIBE BUTTON! If you're looking to start your career in Financial Planning, check out the Financial Planner Life Academy hereReach out to Sam@financialplannerlife.com in regards to sponsorship, partnerships, videography or career development.

16 snips
Jun 4, 2024 • 1h 11min
Ceri Griffiths - Why I Work With Women Divorcing Multi Millionaire CEO's - Niche Financial Planning.
Special guest Ceri Griffiths, specializing in advising women divorcing multi-millionaire CEOs, shares her expertise in financial abuse, narcissism, and conflict-free divorce practices. She discusses the challenges faced by women divorcing powerful men and her mission to empower women financially. The podcast highlights the importance of niche marketing, strategic networking, and impactful content creation in the world of financial planning.

May 29, 2024 • 12min
Why I joined the Financial Planning Profession as Head of Creative for Hoxton Capital - Sam Oakes
Dive into the exciting transition from recruitment to leading the creative team at Hoxton Capital. Discover how past branding experiences shape new initiatives in financial planning. The speaker shares insights on balancing business success with creative passions, supported by mentorship. Plus, there's a call to action for those interested in joining the innovative world of financial planning!

May 22, 2024 • 53min
Life’s Good - It’s The Disease That’s The Problem. Financial Education Through Personal Tragedy
When life throws you curveballs, financial foresight can be your greatest ally. Hazel Carter, a retired financial services professional , today shares how she turned tragedy into a mission of education. Hazels shares her husbands Alan's battle with motor neuron disease that strikes at the heart of why financial preparation is so crucial. We talk about the book she wrote - ‘Life’s Good it’s the Disease That’s Problem’ and how this is being used in financial planning academies and financial planning firms. Hazel's book not only guides professionals in the field but also serves as a beacon for anyone grappling with life's uncertainties.We talk about why life protection, and financial planning is so important. By purchasing her book, our listeners aid in the continuation of Hazel's philanthropic endeavors, reminding us all that preparedness isn't just about the numbers—it's about the life those numbers allow us to lead.To buy Hazels Book - https://lifesgoodbook.co.uk/To contact Hazel to give a talk - https://lifesgoodbook.co.uk/contact/Hazel’s Linked in profile - https://www.linkedin.com/in/hazelcarter-hodgeBegin your financial planning career journey todayWhether you are looking to become a paraplanner, administrator, mortgage and protection adviser or financial planner, the Financial Planner Life Academy is for you. With limited entry-level job roles, giving yourself the best financial planning career education, will not only kick start your financial planning journey with relevant qualifications and skills, but it’ll also help you achieve success much faster.&nbsBe sure to follow financial planner life on YouTube for extra content about a career within Financial Planning HIT THAT SUBSCRIBE BUTTON! If you're looking to start your career in Financial Planning, check out the Financial Planner Life Academy hereReach out to Sam@financialplannerlife.com in regards to sponsorship, partnerships, videography or career development.