BWD: In The Know

💡 “He who looks outside dreams, he who looks inside awakens.”

That line came up in my latest In The Know with Anthony Flynn, and it set the tone for one of the most open and vulnerable conversations I’ve had on the podcast.

Anthony spoke not just about career milestones, but about the deeper currents that shape who we are and how we lead.

The conversation explored:

• External validation: how much of what we do is driven by proving ourselves to others
• Resilience & choice: your background shapes you, but it doesn’t define you
• Composure pendulum: learning to return to centre when life swings between extremes
• Success vs meaning: the shift from chasing titles to searching for purpose

For financial planners and business owners, these themes will feel familiar: imposter syndrome, the pressure to perform, and the quiet question of what’s it all for. All of it is here in this conversation.

👉 If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to take off the professional mask, this is one to listen to or watch via our YouTube Channel.

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From Actuary to Wall Street to Novelist: Mark W. Griffin on Risk, Reinvention & Storytelling

In this episode of BWD In The Know, guest host Harry McNeill is joined by Mark W Griffin for a fascinating conversation that blends actuarial insight with life beyond the spreadsheets.

Mark’s career has been anything but linear; from actuarial science to investment banking on Wall Street, and now to publishing his debut novel The Mortality Thief.

Along the way, he shares lessons in curiosity, mentorship, and leadership, while reflecting on what the 2008 financial crisis taught him about risk, resilience, and reinvention.

For actuaries, consultants, and anyone considering how to make bold career moves, this episode challenges the idea of “traditional” career paths and explores the growing opportunities in areas like AI and climate risk.

It’s a story of numbers, narrative, and the courage to carve your own way.

📖Mark’s book is now available to purchase. Order Your Copy OR Buy on Amazon

Inspired by true events, The Mortality Thief is a razor-sharp and authentic thriller that's ripped from the headlines.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mark's Career Journey

02:46 Transitioning from Actuarial Science to Wall Street

05:47 Navigating the Investment Banking Culture

08:50 Curiosity and Learning in a New Environment

11:42 Leadership Lessons from CRO and CIO Roles

14:35 Reflections on the 2008 Financial Crisis

17:23 The Evolution of Risk Management

20:12 Career Advice for Aspiring Actuaries

23:10 The Importance of Curiosity and Networking

26:11 The Impact of Mentorship on Career Decisions

29:03 Exploring Writing as a New Venture

31:44 The Mortality Thief: Blending Actuarial Themes with Fiction

34:52 Parallels Between Risk Management and Writing

37:38 Defining Success in a New Chapter

40:46 Book Release and Closing Thoughts

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In this episode of BWD In The Know, Harry McNeill is joined by Kim Steiner, Head of North America's Life Practice at WTW, for a wide-ranging conversation on what it really means to build a career in life insurance.

Kim shares her journey from intern to industry leader, reflects on the rise of AI and its real impact on actuarial work, and gives sharp, honest advice for anyone starting in the profession.

From breaking down industry misconceptions to discussing the soft skills that matter most, this is essential listening for actuaries at any stage of their journey. 

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In this episode of BWD In The Know, Harry McNeill sits down with Jeffrey Gomes, an actuary-turned-coach based in Canada to explore what it really takes to lead in today's actuarial world.

From starting out during the 2008 financial crisis to embracing the rise of AI, Jeffrey shares hard-earned lessons on resilience, people-first leadership, and unlocking potential through coaching.

Whether you're navigating exams, managing a remote team, or chasing your next promotion, this episode is packed with insights to help you stay the course and grow your impact on your terms.

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From losing his leg in a life-altering accident to becoming a Guinness World Record-holding endurance swimmer, Jonty Warneken has redefined what’s possible; physically, mentally, and professionally.

In this episode, Jonty shares his remarkable journey:

• Growing up in Yorkshire and carving out a career in wealth management
• The accident that changed everything, and how he rebuilt his identity
• What it really takes to complete Ice Miles and solo swims in freezing water
• How he prepares for extreme pain, mentally and physically
• And why resilience, in all its forms, has become the thread that runs through his life

This isn’t just a story about endurance, it’s about mindset, recovery, and choosing to lean into challenge, even when it hurts.

It’s a powerful conversation that will stay with you. I hope you find it as inspiring as I did.

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No Socks (with Crocs) Please, I'm French!

Caroline swapped investment banking for financial planning, bringing a French lens to British money habits, career choices, and yes, fashion faux pas.

In this episode of In The Know, we cover:

• How redundancy and motherhood sparked a total career rethink
• Building a client base from scratch with two toddlers and no local network
• The cultural clash of money, mindset, and crocs
• Her advice to anyone thinking of a move into financial planning

If you're considering a career change, this one’s for you.

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“If you want the truth, you need trust.”

That line stayed with me.

In this week’s In The Know podcast, I spoke with Lena Sisco – former military interrogator turned leadership and communication expert – about trust, truth, and how to spot a lie.

She’s spent her career extracting the truth from people who had every reason not to share it. And it turns out the answer isn’t mind games or intimidation. It’s connection.

As AI removes the humdrum parts of our jobs, the human stuff – trust, empathy, communication – becomes even more important.

Lena’s view?

🧠 Be honest in your communication

🔁 Be consistent in your actions

🙋‍♂️ Be accountable for your mistakes

In an era of deepfakes and digital doubt, that advice feels pretty timeless.

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Less admin, more advice – AI without the hype. That’s the vision. But how do you actually get there?

In this episode, James speaks with Oren Henry, Co-Founder of AutoAdvise, about how financial advisers can use AI to reduce admin and improve client outcomes. They explore where firms are losing time, the risks of misusing ChatGPT-style tools, and what being truly ‘AI-ready’ looks like in practice.

What's Covered:

• Where advisers are losing the most time – and how to get it back
• Why process beats platform, every time
• What most miss about AI, data privacy and regulation
• What ‘AI-ready’ really looks like in advice firms

If you’re exploring AI but don’t want the fluff, this one’s for you.

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Once dubbed “The City’s Superwoman”, Nicola Horlick’s story isn’t just about finance. It’s about leadership in all its complexity.

From billion-pound turnarounds and public scandal to raising six children, navigating personal tragedy and building again - Nicola’s journey covers it all.

She shares her story openly, with the hope it inspires more women to lead in their own way.

We spoke about vision, loyalty, imposter syndrome, and what it really takes to lead through chaos in business and in life.

This one stayed with me. Hope it does the same for you.

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Is Financial Planning Dying?

That’s what I asked Tom Hegarty in the latest episode of In The Know - a follow-up to the post that sparked so much debate.

We covered:

📉 Adviser numbers – real growth, or just a pause before the cliff edge?

🔁 Why firms keep hiring experience but won’t back new talent

🧱 The power of apprenticeships and why more firms must engage

💬 How to shift short-term mindsets in firm leadership

🪄 And Tom’s magic wand moment

Do you agree with Tom? Are you as optimistic or is this just the beginning of the end?

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