🔥 From Burnout to Breakthrough: How Performance Coaching Transforms Careers 🔥

In this episode of The Financial Planner Life Podcast, I sit down with Tony Fields, a former chartered financial planner turned performance coach, to discuss how high achievers in financial planning—and beyond—can break free from burnout, find clarity, and reach their full potential.

💡 We cover:

✅ Why performance coaching isn’t just for top performers—or those at rock bottom

✅ How obsession with success can become toxic if not managed properly

✅ The warning signs of burnout and how to prevent it

✅ Why financial planners struggle to create their own long-term life plans

✅ How working with a coach can help you achieve faster, more sustainable success

I also share my own struggles with obsession, burnout, and the pressure to constantly achieve—plus how working with Tony, Chris Ball from Hoxton Wealth, and financial planner Bobby Sohota helped me create a clear, structured plan for my future.

👉 If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just want to sharpen your focus, this episode is for you.
🎧 Listen now and take control of your career, mindset, and future!

🔔 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on all things financial planning careers!

Begin your financial planning career journey today

Whether 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.&nbs

Be 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 here

Reach out to [email protected] in regards to sponsorship, partnerships, videography or career development.

Bitcoin just smashed past $100K—but is it just another speculative bubble, or is it cementing its place as the digital gold of the future?

To get real answers, I sat down with Lisa Tyshchenko, Alternative Investment Specialist, while she was in Dubai. Lisa is a globally connected expert in digital assets, regularly working with family offices, private banks, and institutional investors to navigate the crypto space.

In this episode of the Financial Planner Life podcast, we discuss:

🔹 Bitcoin vs. Gold—Is Bitcoin really a competitor, or can they coexist?
🔹 Institutional Adoption—Why are big players quietly adding Bitcoin to their portfolios?
🔹 Quantum Computing—Could it break Bitcoin’s security and destroy its future?
🔹 Trump, ETFs & Regulation—How politics and policy could shape Bitcoin’s next move.
🔹 Avoiding Hype Investing—Including how I lost £3,000 on Dogecoin chasing the crowd!
🔹 Portfolio Strategy? Lisa shares why some research suggests a 4% Bitcoin allocation could enhance returns—but also why this is just an observation, not investment advice.

💡 I’m not endorsing Bitcoin—but I wanted to understand it. If institutions are taking it seriously, maybe we should at least ask why.

🔥 Is Bitcoin the future or just another speculative bubble? Let’s discuss.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube
📺 Watch the full video on YouTube
🔗 Follow Lisa Tyshchenko on LinkedIn

Begin your financial planning career journey today

Whether 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.&nbs

Be 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 here

Reach out to [email protected] in regards to sponsorship, partnerships, videography or career development.

In this episode of the Financial Planner Life podcast, we sit down with Joanna Butler, Director of Client Operations at Foster Denovo. Joanna’s 18-year career within the company is a testament to the firm’s culture of innovation, career development, and commitment to diversity.

We explore Joanna’s journey from marketing to operations, how Foster Denovo supports financial planners through a robust operational infrastructure, and the significance of leadership diversity—50% of Foster Denovo’s leadership team is female.

Joanna shares insights into team building, scaling a financial planning business, and the importance of investing in talent. She also discusses the impact of Crestline’s recent investment in Foster Denovo and how the company is positioning itself for future growth.

For anyone interested in the operational side of financial planning firms, career growth, or the future of the industry, this is a must-listen episode.

Begin your financial planning career journey today

Whether 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.&nbs

Be 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 here

Reach out to [email protected] in regards to sponsorship, partnerships, videography or career development.

Would you trust a financial planner under 30?

There’s a big debate in financial planning: Does age matter?

 Some say younger advisors lack life experience—that they can’t guide clients through retirement, divorce, or legacy planning. Others argue that young planners bring fresh perspectives, long-term commitment, and up-to-date knowledge.

After sitting down with Karl and Harry—a father-son duo from St. James’s Place—on the Financial Planner Lifepodcast, I’ve seen both sides of the coin.

Karl has spent nearly 40 years in financial planning, taking over his father’s business at just 20 after an unexpected loss.

Harry, his son, started his career as a musician before transitioning into financial advice via the SJP Academy. Now, at 27, he’s already leading client meetings and preparing to take over the firm.

Their approach to succession planning is a lesson for all financial planning firms:

✅ Clients aren’t waking up to a sudden change—they’ve seen Harry stepping in for years.
✅ Karl isn’t rushing out the door—he’s mentoring Harry while slowly shifting responsibilities.
✅ Harry isn’t just inheriting a business—he’s growing it, with a modern mindset and fresh ideas.

The best part? Their philosophy isn’t just about money. They focus on ROL (Return on Life), not just ROI (Return on Investment).

I asked Harry if he ever feels clients don’t take him seriously because of his age. His response?

“At first, maybe. But after a few conversations, if you know your stuff, clients trust you. Plus, they know I’ll be here for the next 30 years—can they say the same about an advisor nearing retirement?”

👉 What do you think? Would you trust a financial planner in their 20s, or do you believe experience only comes with age?

Begin your financial planning career journey today

Whether 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.&nbs

Be 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 here

Reach out to [email protected] in regards to sponsorship, partnerships, videography or career development.

This week on the Financial Planner Life Podcast, Chris Ball hosts a long-form, unedited conversation with Neil Woodford—one of the most talked-about figures in UK financial services.

Neil’s career has been one of immense ambition, remarkable success, and intense scrutiny. From humble beginnings sleeping on his brother’s floor to managing billions of pounds at Invesco Perpetual, Neil’s story takes us through his rise to the top of fund management, his role in creating some of the UK’s most successful funds, and the collapse of his own fund—a moment that left many investors facing significant losses.

This episode doesn’t shy away from the pain and fallout of those events. But it also raises bigger questions:
❓ What is truth, and what is lies?
❓ How far can media scrutiny go before it crosses a line?
❓ When does accountability turn into cruelty?

Neil reflects on the immense pressures he faced, the toll it took on his mental health and personal life, and the role the media played in shaping public perception. But this is more than a look back—it’s also about the future. Neil shares what he’s doing now, the lessons he’s learned, and his plans to rebuild and contribute to the financial services industry.

This episode offers a balanced, in-depth look at Neil’s extraordinary career, without overlooking the pain experienced by investors, or the challenges of being in the public eye.

One thing for sure is, Neil has had an interesting career story.

Begin your financial planning career journey today

Whether 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.&nbs

Be 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 here

Reach out to [email protected] in regards to sponsorship, partnerships, videography or career development.

In this inspiring episode of the Financial Planner Life Podcast, host Sam Oakes sits down with Chartered Financial Planner Rohit Rohela, affectionately known as The Tax Terminator and Architect of Financial Freedom. Rohit shares the incredible journey of building his financial planning business, Finsbridge, and the pivotal role that niching down has played in his success. As a long-time listener of the Financial Planner Life Podcast, Rohit credits the show and its guests for sparking his strategy of focusing on specific client communities—a move that has transformed his business.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

1. The Power of Niching Down

Rohit explains how identifying and committing to specific niches—Indian professionals, dentists, and later optometrists—has elevated his business. By understanding their unique financial challenges, aspirations, and professional journeys, Rohit has tailored his services to provide bespoke financial solutions. He outlines the importance of:

• Focusing on a niche to stand out in a crowded market.
• Building trust through deep expertise in the nuances of each group.
• Forming strategic partnerships with key players in each niche, such as accountants, coaches, and brokers.

2. Transitioning into Financial Planning

Rohit’s path from a computer science engineer to a Chartered Financial Planner reveals the importance of self-awareness and finding the right fit. A people person with a knack for listening and understanding unspoken concerns, Rohit realized financial planning could be a more fulfilling career than his initial tech-focused roles. He discusses:

• His early experiences in compliance and banking, which shaped his client-first mindset.
• How leaving a restrictive product-selling environment led him to establish his own client-focused business.
• Lessons learned from overcoming early challenges, such as financial pressures and a partnership that didn’t work out.

3. Building a Business from the Ground Up

Finsbridge started as a one-person operation and has since grown into a thriving team. Rohit discusses how he scaled his business, including:

• Hiring financial planners with complementary skills and niches, such as optometrists and NHS professionals.
• Training and mentoring new advisors to align with the Finsbridge ethos of delivering bespoke, client-first solutions.
• The importance of having a robust operational backbone, managed by his wife and business partner, Lavika, and their operations manager.

4. The Client Journey: From Vision to Execution

Rohit walks through his signature "Finsbridge Master Plan," which maps out a client's life goals and financial needs. From fact-finding to cash flow planning and implementation, he explains how he helps clients navigate their journey with clar

Begin your financial planning career journey today

Whether 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.&nbs

Be 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 here

Reach out to [email protected] in regards to sponsorship, partnerships, videography or career development.

In this episode of the Financial Planner Life podcast, we are joined by Charlotte Walter, an award-winning chartered financial planner and founder of Avail Financial Planning a partner practice of St. James’s Place Wealth Management based in Woburn near Milton Keynes. Charlotte shares her inspiring journey from mortgage advising to running her successful financial planning practice.

This episode dives into:

• Prospecting and Business Development: Charlotte opens up about her early struggles with business development, including the emotional challenges she faced. She emphasizes the importance of persistence, networking, and relationship building.

• Working with Business Owners: As a niche specialist, Charlotte explains her focus on helping business owners grow, extract profits tax-efficiently, and plan their exit strategies. She shares actionable tips for building referral relationships with professionals like accountants.

• Living a Purpose-Led Life: Charlotte highlights how running her own business has enabled her to design a life aligned with her values, including giving back to her community through mentoring and volunteering.

• Transition from Mortgage to Financial Planning: Charlotte details her career evolution, starting at McDonald’s, moving into mortgage advice, and finally finding her passion in financial planning.

• Challenges of Entrepreneurship: She discusses the tough conversations and challenges she faced while transitioning to her own partner practice at St. James’s Place.

If you are inspired by Charlotte's journey and interested in starting a career with St. James’s Place Wealth Management - check out the St. James's Place Financial Adviser Academy and start your career today.

Begin your financial planning career journey today

Whether 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.&nbs

Be 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 here

Reach out to [email protected] in regards to sponsorship, partnerships, videography or career development.

In this episode of the Financial Planner Life Podcast, we’re joined by Marnel Stafford, a financial planner at Foster Denovo, who shares her remarkable story of pivoting into the profession at 50 and making waves in her first year.

💬 "Starting at 50 might seem late to some, but for me, it was the perfect time. My life experience became my greatest strength."

Marnel talks candidly about her journey—why she decided to make the leap, the challenges she faced, and how she’s already on track to hit £400k in her first year. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience, adaptability, and the value of building strong client relationships.

💬 "Clients don’t just want technical knowledge; they want someone who understands their lives. That’s where experience comes in."

Key takeaways from this episode include:

• Why it’s never too late to start a new career: Marnel explains how her age became an asset, helping her connect with clients on a deeper level.
• The mindset for rapid success: She shares how focusing on intentional actions, like building trust and delivering exceptional value, made all the difference.
• Turning challenges into opportunities: Marnel reflects on overcoming self-doubt and using her past experiences to build credibility and confidence.

💬 "It’s not about your age—it’s about showing up, being present, and genuinely caring about the people you serve."

Whether you’re considering a career in financial planning or seeking inspiration for your own journey, Marnel’s story proves that success knows no age limits.

Begin your financial planning career journey today

Whether 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.&nbs

Be 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 here

Reach out to [email protected] in regards to sponsorship, partnerships, videography or career development.

Laura North, a former college lecturer with 16 years of experience, shares her incredible journey of moving from the classroom to becoming a successful financial planner. Discover how she navigated this life-altering transition, leveraging her teaching skills in a whole new way. Laura's story is a beacon of inspiration for anyone contemplating a career switch, revealing the intricacies of reshaping professional goals and the courage it takes to follow one's passion.

Throughout our chat, Laura opens up about the role of the St James's Place Academy in her transformation, providing invaluable support and guidance. Her narrative shines a light on the unique opportunities within financial planning, particularly for women, and how educators can utilize their skill set to thrive in this industry. We also delve into the balance between personal and professional life, highlighting the significance of building a supportive network and fostering genuine connections.

We explore the art of networking and the power of genuine curiosity in forming meaningful relationships. Laura emphasizes the importance of being part of a strong community and how these connections not only enriched her career but also her life. Her approach to financial planning is centered around education and trust, offering a fresh perspective on how to engage with clients. This episode is packed with insights and encouragement for anyone looking to embark on a new professional journey.

Begin your financial planning career journey today

Whether 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.&nbs

Be 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 here

Reach out to [email protected] in regards to sponsorship, partnerships, videography or career development.

"Imagine starting over in a new country, grappling with a new language, and breaking into a competitive industry. This is Cholpan Djanuzakova's reality. 

Her journey from Kyrgyzstan to becoming a top financial adviser and business owner in the UK is a testament to the incredible things you can achieve when you turn your challenges into stepping stones. Tune in as Cholpan shares the secrets to her success and how she uses her cultural heritage to make unforgettable connections in the financial world.

Join host Sam Oakes as he and Cholpan delve into how embracing personal heritage and overcoming adversity can dramatically shape your professional path. Cholpan's story isn’t just about overcoming hurdles; it's about transforming them into opportunities to rise and stand out, especially in financial planning.

Learn about her early years in Kyrgyzstan, her adventurous move to the UK, and the challenges of language and cultural assimilation she faced. Discover how she uses the Komuz, a national instrument, at networking events to create lasting impressions and how this unique approach has carved a niche for her in the financial industry. Cholpan’s journey is a powerful reminder of the role of resilience and perseverance in achieving professional recognition and success.

Gain actionable insights on using your uniqueness to captivate and grow a client base, and get inspired by her innovative networking strategies that blend tradition with modern business practices to stand out.

Don’t miss out on more inspiring tales like Cholpan’s—subscribe now! Follow us on LinkedIn for updates and discussions on turning personal trials into professional triumphs. If Cholpan’s story has inspired you, or if you’re looking to make your own unique mark in your career, reach out to us; we’re always looking to spotlight unique journeys in financial planning."

Begin your financial planning career journey today

Whether 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.&nbs

Be 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 here

Reach out to [email protected] in regards to sponsorship, partnerships, videography or career development.