Financial Planner Life Podcast

By Sam OakesBusiness Entrepreneurship Careers

Financial Planner Life Podcast episodes

December 11, 2025How A 20% Pay Cut Became A Career Breakthrough In Wealth Management | Neil Whiteside
In this episode of Financial Planner Life, Sam Oakes talks with Neil Whiteside, a financial planner at First Equitable, about his winding, risk‑reward career journey from starting as a cashier in banking to embracing financial planning, taking a pay cut for growth as a trainee Financial Planner, and ultimately choosing a role that lets him help build a business rather than just sustain one.
Neil shares:
How his early roles in banking taught him core skills (customer service, fact‑finding, relationship building).
The tough choice to leave a secure management path to pursue financial planning.
What it took to get back to his previous income after stepping into a trainee adviser role.
How specialisation (e.g., working with hospital doctors and understanding complex pension schemes) boosted his confidence and client value.
His transition from corporate structures to smaller firms, where influence, autonomy, and entrepreneurial energy matter.
Why protection advice is undervalued and the power it has to transform clients’ lives.
How voluntary work and governance roles are shaping his long‑term vision - including non‑executive director aspirations.
This episode offers honest career reflections and tactical lessons for aspiring and established advisors alike.
Financial Planner Life is sponsored by Redmill Advance
Whether you're starting out, already qualified, or building a training academy, Redmill Advance delivers expert-led learning, exam support and CPD from Level 4 to Chartered.
✅ Trusted by top UK firms
👉 www.redmilladvance.com/fpl

Be sure to follow Financial Planner Life on YouTube for extra content about career development within Financial Planning.
Want to appear on the Financial Planner Life podcast? Reach out to [email protected]
Reach out to [email protected] in regards to sponsorship, partnerships, videography or podcast production.
58 min
November 26, 2025Life as a Hyper Local Female Financial Planner in Bishop’s Stortford | Tammy Salmon & Emma Layton
In this episode of Financial Planner Life, Sam Oakes speaks with Tammy Salmon and Emma Layton of Salmon Financial Planning, a partner practice of St. James’s Place in Bishop’s Stortford.
We hear how Emma transitioned from redundancy to a qualified financial planner through the St. James’s Place Financial Adviser Academy, supported by Tammy’s mentorship. Tammy shares her 20-year journey in financial services and why creating a flexible, values-led business was essential for her success and her team’s.
Together, they explore:
Why women leave financial services mid-career
The power of local, relationship-led client acquisition
From mortgage adviser to business owner
Why visibility of women in leadership matters
How motherhood and financial planning can thrive side-by-side
If you’re considering a career in financial planning or want to build a more inclusive practice, this episode is for you.

00:00 - Intro to Tammy & Emma’s Story
01:45 - Why So Few Women Become Financial Advisers
04:30 - Tammy’s Journey from Mortgage to Financial Advice
07:50 - Emma’s Career Change & Entry via SJP Academy
11:10 - The Role of Mentorship in Career Progression
14:30 - Creating a Flexible, Family-First Advice Firm
18:15 - Visibility of Women in Leadership Roles
22:00 - Local Marketing & The Bishop’s Stortford Mummies
25:45 - Authenticity Over Aggression in Sales
29:00 - Work-Life Balance and Setting Boundaries
32:10 - Advice for Women Entering Financial Planning
35:20 - Who the SJP Academy is Right For
37:45 - Legacy, Purpose & Final Reflections
40:00 - Wrap Up & How to Connect
Financial Planner Life is sponsored by Redmill Advance
Whether you're starting out, already qualified, or building a training academy, Redmill Advance delivers expert-led learning, exam support and CPD from Level 4 to Chartered.
✅ Trusted by top UK firms
👉 www.redmilladvance.com/fpl

Be sure to follow Financial Planner Life on YouTube for extra content about career development within Financial Planning.
Want to appear on the Financial Planner Life podcast? Reach out to [email protected]
Reach out to [email protected] in regards to sponsorship, partnerships, videography or podcast production.
57 min
November 19, 2025How to Build a Referral-Driven Financial Planning Business with Rosie Hooper
This week on the Financial Planner Life podcast, Sam Oakes sits down with Rosie Hooper, Chartered Fellow and Financial Planner at Quilter Cheviot. Rosie shares her inspiring 26-year journey from her early days in bank management, through corporate employee benefits, to becoming a highly respected private client planner.
Rosie talks candidly about how growing up in a household where money was tight shaped her relationship with finances and fuelled her passion for planning. She opens up about the emotional depth of her client work, why she proudly calls herself a "financial planner" rather than an advisor, and how truly understanding her clients’ lives, not just their portfolios, makes all the difference.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
The mindset shift from corporate benefits to private client advice, and how the two worlds are more connected than you think
How to create a referral engine by delivering a first-class, emotionally resonant client experience
The power of coaching and mentorship in developing new talent (and why "menchoring" might be the secret sauce)
Why confidence is just as important as competence, and how Rosie helps emerging planners build both
How AI is enhancing client service at Quilter Cheviot while preserving the all-important human touch
Rosie's two "magic wand" wishes for the future of the financial planning profession
Plus, hear about the "health and wealth seesaw” she uses to help clients balance financial goals with living a fulfilling, healthy life. Discover how this approach, alongside her deep client relationships, has earned her the nickname Rosie Poppins.
Whether you're new to financial planning or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with insight, honesty, and practical wisdom for building a client-focused, referral-based business.
Financial Planner Life is sponsored by Redmill Advance
Whether you're starting out, already qualified, or building a training academy, Redmill Advance delivers expert-led learning, exam support and CPD from Level 4 to Chartered.
✅ Trusted by top UK firms
👉 www.redmilladvance.com/fpl

Be sure to follow Financial Planner Life on YouTube for extra content about career development within Financial Planning.
Want to appear on the Financial Planner Life podcast? Reach out to [email protected]
Reach out to [email protected] in regards to sponsorship, partnerships, videography or podcast production.
46 min
November 12, 2025 He Built 40 Clients in a Library. Now He Manages £58M AUM | James Westpfel
This week on the Financial Planner Life podcast, Sam Oakes speaks with James Westpfel, a financial planner at Foster Denovo, who shares his career journey from self-employed to employed and how going hyper-local helped him build a thriving client base from scratch.

After 22 years working in a building society, James made the leap into self-employment. With no client book and no lead funnel, he turned to his local community for opportunity. His strategy? Show up in person, build trust and offer financial guidance where people needed it most.

By setting up a weekly financial advice clinic in a local community library, James became a familiar, approachable presence. That hyper-local client strategy helped him win over 40 clients organically, through word of mouth and relationships built face-to-face.

In this episode, James opens up about:
✅ His transition from redundancy to retraining as a financial planner
✅ The highs and lows of being a self-employed financial planner
✅ How he used a hyper-local strategy to win clients and build trust
✅ Why he moved to an employed role at Foster Denovo
✅ How structure and support have helped him thrive, managing a book of 170 clients
✅ What financial planners should consider when choosing between self-employed and employed paths

If you're exploring a financial planner career, looking for new ways to connect with clients, or considering the realities of self-employed vs employed advice, this episode is packed with insight and real-world experience.

00:00 – Intro: Why finding clients is the hardest part
00:30 – Redundancy after 22 years in banking
01:45 – From cashier to branch manager: James’ early career
04:00 – The reality of high street banking and community connection
06:20 – Is banking still a good route into financial planning?
08:00 – Retraining at 42: Overcoming fears and starting again
09:40 – Finding opportunities after qualification
10:20 – Choosing the self-employed route in financial advice
11:30 – The biggest challenge: confidence and standing out
12:40 – The hyper-local idea that changed everything
14:00 – Setting up a financial advice clinic in a community library
16:00 – Becoming “The Library Guy” and winning 40+ clients
18:10 – Why James works with clients of all wealth levels
19:40 – Building a referral network with care and integrity
22:00 – Hyper-local visibility: how trust builds trust
24:00 – Connecting with local businesses and schools
26:30 – From library pop-ups to career opportunities
27:20 – Why James chose to join Foster Denovo
29:00 – Managing 170 clients: structure, support, and growth
30:30 – Balancing work, family, and purpose
32:00 – Keeping the community work alive at Foster Denovo
34:00 – Advice for planners considering employed vs self-employed
36:00 – Final thoughts: trust, career clarity, and client care
Financial Planner Life is sponsored by Redmill Advance
Whether you're starting out, already qualified, or building a training academy, Redmill Advance delivers expert-led learning, exam support and CPD from Level 4 to Chartered.
✅ Trusted by top UK firms
👉 www.redmilladvance.com/fpl

Be sure to follow Financial Planner Life on YouTube for extra content about career development within Financial Planning.
Want to appear on the Financial Planner Life podcast? Reach out to [email protected]
Reach out to [email protected] in regards to sponsorship, partnerships, videography or podcast production.
37 min
November 07, 2025From the Trading Floor To Financial Planner with £70 Million AUM | Kanishk Swarup
In this episode of the Financial Planner Life podcast, Kanishk Swarup shares his incredible journey from high-stakes equity derivatives trading at JP Morgan and Credit Suisse to launching his own financial planning practice through the St. James’s Place Academy.
We explore what it’s really like to work on a trading floor, the burnout behind big bonuses, and the unexpected truth: even successful finance professionals often have no financial plan.
Kanishk opens up about growing up in a small town in India, landing a scholarship at LSE, navigating culture shock in the UK, and building a life from scratch — all leading to a career defined by purpose over pressure.
He now runs Compound Wealth Planning, a thriving partner practice with £70 million in assets under management.
🧠 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
The harsh truths behind trading at global investment banks
Why burnout pushed Kanishk to rethink his career trajectory
How helping colleagues with their bonuses sparked a career shift
What made the St. James’s Place Academy the perfect next step
The mindset it takes to build a successful planning business from zero
Why lifestyle creep is the hidden enemy of financial freedom
How Kanishk defines success today — and why it’s not about the money
✨ Who This Episode is For:
Career changers curious about financial planning
Professionals in high-stress finance roles questioning their path
Aspiring planners interested in the St. James’s Place Academy
Financial services leaders looking to attract new talent
Anyone who believes in the power of long-term thinking and purpose-driven work
🔗 Resources & Mentions:
Learn more about St. James’s Place Academy

Follow Kanishk Swarup on LinkedIn

Check out Compound Wealth Planning
Connect with Sam Oakes on LinkedIn
Financial Planner Life is sponsored by Redmill Advance
Whether you're starting out, already qualified, or building a training academy, Redmill Advance delivers expert-led learning, exam support and CPD from Level 4 to Chartered.
✅ Trusted by top UK firms
👉 www.redmilladvance.com/fpl

Be sure to follow Financial Planner Life on YouTube for extra content about career development within Financial Planning.
Want to appear on the Financial Planner Life podcast? Reach out to [email protected]
Reach out to [email protected] in regards to sponsorship, partnerships, videography or podcast production.
47 min
October 29, 2025Active vs Passive investing: A Pointless Debate for Financial Planners? | Andrew Spence
In this episode of Financial Planner Life, host Sam Oakes sits down with Andrew Spence, Co-Founder of Aspen, to challenge the industry’s most controversial questions - what we call the Marmite topics of financial planning.
Aspen was born out of something deeper than disruption. After a personal health crisis led Andrew to reflect on the impact of his work, he decided to build a model portfolio service that put purpose, clarity & client outcomes first.
Now, he’s leading the charge on topics that divide financial services professionals daily.
🚨 Here’s what we cover:
Is evidence-based investing just clever branding - or genuinely better for clients?
Why most risk profiling tools are broken & unhelpful
Should financial planners choose sides in the active vs passive debate?
The rise of Bitcoin, the return of gold, & the role of private equity in portfolios
How Aspen uses tech that actually works for financial planners & their clients
Why first-principles thinking beats copy-paste product design
Andrew shares why financial planners need to stop overcomplicating things & start designing investment experiences that genuinely serve the people behind the portfolios.
This is a must-watch for:
✔️ Financial planners seeking clarity in the chaos
✔️ Firms looking to improve their MPS offering
✔️ Advisers questioning the one-size-fits-all model
✔️ Anyone ready to rethink what investment management should look like
📩 Learn more about Aspen or book a discovery session.
🔗 Follow Sam Oakes & Financial Planner Life on LinkedIn

00:00 - Intro: From engineering to investment management
00:34 - Andrew's early career & first role in wealth management
02:45 - A personal health crisis & the search for purpose
04:44 - Is finance a noble profession?
05:39 - Why start an MPS business in a saturated market?
08:06 - How engineering logic shaped Aspen's investment approach
09:33 - Building intuitive tech for financial planners
11:05 - Starting from scratch: Aspen’s early days & growth
13:28 - Early supporters & the power of trust in MPS
14:41 - Social proof & buying decisions in financial planning
16:17 - Could AI avatars replace financial advisers?
18:21 - Active vs Passive - is the debate pointless?
22:34 - Is evidence-based investing just marketing?
25:16 - Why risk profiling is broken
29:01 - Should Bitcoin or gold be in portfolios?
32:44 - Is private equity too complex for clients?
34:43 - Andrew’s approach to LinkedIn & thought leadership
37:04 - Sam’s take: Building trust & visibility on LinkedIn
41:04 - Why YouTube is a goldmine for financial planners
42:37 - Sam’s full breakdown of a video-first marketing setup
45:19 - Turning content into conversations & conversions
46:32 - Engagement matters: Don’t post & ghost
48:24 - What’s next for wealth management & MPS?
50:01 - Final reflections & how to connect with Aspen
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Financial Planner Life is sponsored by Redmill Advance
Whether you're starting out, already qualified, or building a training academy, Redmill Advance delivers expert-led learning, exam support and CPD from Level 4 to Chartered.
✅ Trusted by top UK firms
👉 www.redmilladvance.com/fpl

Be sure to follow Financial Planner Life on YouTube for extra content about career development within Financial Planning.
Want to appear on the Financial Planner Life podcast? Reach out to [email protected]
Reach out to [email protected] in regards to sponsorship, partnerships, videography or podcast production.
56 min
October 08, 2025From JP Morgan to £150M AUM: - Building a Referral-Only Financial Advice Practice | Karen Berisford
Karen Berisford, Chartered Financial Planner and Fellow of the PFS, left a prestigious investment role at JP Morgan to build a client-first advice practice with St. James’s Place. She prioritised trust, time control, and service over scale-at-all-costs.
In this episode of the Financial Planner Life podcast, Karen shares how she grew to £150M AUM without relying on social media or paid marketing. Instead, she focused on referrals and long-term, values-led growth.
You’ll learn:
How to transition from investments to advice
The fear and reward of becoming client-facing
Turning one ex-colleague’s “yes” into a thriving network
Why trust, consistency, and integrity beat any sales pitch
The realities of flexible working when you run your own practice
How the Women Returners Network helped her hire two standout advisers
The compounding effect of delegation, leadership, and support
The key benefits of the SJP partnership model
Why building optionality starts long before a sale
If you’re serious about building a meaningful career in financial planning, this is your blueprint.
🎧 Listen now, subscribe, and share the one insight you’ll put into action this week.
Financial Planner Life is sponsored by Redmill Advance
Whether you're starting out, already qualified, or building a training academy, Redmill Advance delivers expert-led learning, exam support and CPD from Level 4 to Chartered.
✅ Trusted by top UK firms
👉 www.redmilladvance.com/fpl

Be sure to follow Financial Planner Life on YouTube for extra content about career development within Financial Planning.
Want to appear on the Financial Planner Life podcast? Reach out to [email protected]
Reach out to [email protected] in regards to sponsorship, partnerships, videography or podcast production.
39 min
October 03, 2025 Can 105 Financial Advisers Be Wrong? Find Out! | Sam Wallis
Is This the Best IFA Network?
Sam Oakes Meets Sam Wallis – New Leaf Distribution Visit:
reach out to new leaf - click here
Welcome back to the Financial Planner Life Podcast, where we explore what it really takes to build a meaningful and rewarding career in financial planning.

This week, host Sam Oakes speaks with Sam Wallis, Managing Director of New Leaf Distribution, to unpack how this IFA network is giving self-employed advisers true branding freedom, community support, and the tools they need to thrive.

If you’re wondering “Is this the best IFA network?” — this episode might help you decide.

New Leaf currently supports around 350 advisers across mortgages, protection, and financial advice. Whether you're a newly qualified adviser, a mortgage professional looking to futureproof your business, or a registered individual stuck in an outdated setup, this could be your next move.

👉 Interested in joining New Leaf Distribution?
Visit: https://newleafdistribution.co.uk

🔑 What we cover in this episode:

Building your brand as a self-employed IFA

What it's like being an appointed representative under New Leaf

The importance of community, mentorship and real development

Why some advisers are leaving other networks for New Leaf Distribution

AI tools, paraplanning support and pre-approval compliance

Attracting new talent into the profession

The rise of mortgage advisers transitioning into financial planning

What makes a truly supportive IFA network in 2025

👤 About Sam Wallis

Sam Wallis is the Managing Director at New Leaf Distribution, a progressive IFA network focused on empowering advisers to build their own businesses and brands, with the right infrastructure and support behind them. His vision is to combine branding freedom with a strong compliance framework, mentoring and community.

🔗 Learn more at: https://newleafdistribution.co.uk
Financial Planner Life is sponsored by Redmill Advance
Whether you're starting out, already qualified, or building a training academy, Redmill Advance delivers expert-led learning, exam support and CPD from Level 4 to Chartered.
✅ Trusted by top UK firms
👉 www.redmilladvance.com/fpl

Be sure to follow Financial Planner Life on YouTube for extra content about career development within Financial Planning.
Want to appear on the Financial Planner Life podcast? Reach out to [email protected]
Reach out to [email protected] in regards to sponsorship, partnerships, videography or podcast production.
35 min
September 26, 2025Working 3 Days a Week as a Financial Planner and Thriving! | Hannah Witty
In this episode of the Financial Planner Life podcast, Sam Oakes sits down with Hannah Witty, Chartered Financial Planner at Foster Denovo, to explore her inspiring journey into financial planning. From working on superyachts to becoming one of the earliest Chartered female planners in the UK, Hannah shares the personal and professional hurdles she faced as a woman, a mother, and a leader in a male-dominated industry.
We talk about her career beginnings, the impact of becoming a mother, navigating flexibility as an employed adviser, and the emotional realities of returning to work. Hannah also offers insight into what it's like working at Foster Denovo post-acquisition, as well as the importance of workplace culture, flexibility, and recognition.
Her story is a powerful reminder that you can excel as both a parent and a financial professional. She’s living proof that success isn’t just about titles, it’s about happiness, purpose, and support.
This episode is a must-listen for:
Women considering a career in financial planning
Working parents seeking flexibility
Firms striving to build inclusive and supportive cultures
Anyone who believes in the power of mentorship and representation

Financial Planner Life is sponsored by Redmill Advance
Whether you're starting out, already qualified, or building a training academy, Redmill Advance delivers expert-led learning, exam support and CPD from Level 4 to Chartered.
✅ Trusted by top UK firms
👉 www.redmilladvance.com/fpl

Be sure to follow Financial Planner Life on YouTube for extra content about career development within Financial Planning.
Want to appear on the Financial Planner Life podcast? Reach out to [email protected]
Reach out to [email protected] in regards to sponsorship, partnerships, videography or podcast production.
28 min
September 11, 2025Career Tips From Successful Financial Planners Part 2 - Golf Day
Welcome to Day 2 of the Financial Planner Life Golf Day – where birdies, bogeys, and brilliant business insights go hand in hand.
You can watch this episode on youtube or spotify! here
This round sees Michael Yuille CFP™ (aka Mr #ChickenTuesday) and Sam Oakes take on Carla Brown (President of the PFS) and Guy Skinner (Citygate Financial Planning) in a best-of-seven match play showdown — with caddies, clubs, and competitive spirit fully loaded.
What starts as a light-hearted game quickly turns into a meaningful conversation about building a career in financial planning, winning business, and doing the right thing — both on and off the course.
🏌️‍♂️ Today’s Golfers & Caddies:
Michael Yuille CFP™ – France-based Certified Financial Planner™, U.K. pension specialist, and U.S. investment adviser helping UK/US expats retire in France. Known for viral LinkedIn content under #ChickenTuesday.
Sam Oakes – Host of the Financial Planner Life Podcast, producer of content for the financial services, and founder and seller of a 7-figure turnover financial planning recruitment company. Expert in video-first marketing and passionate about attracting fresh talent to the profession.
Carla Brown – President & Chair of the Personal Finance Society and MD of Oakmere Wealth Management. Champion of inclusivity and a major voice for women in financial planning.
Guy Skinner – Director at Citygate Financial Planning and patron of Stand By Me, a bereavement counselling charity. Specialises in protection-led planning and advising legal professionals.
🎤 You’ll also hear from:
Paul Bradley – Founder of Chiltern Hills Financial Planning, passionate about values-based, lifestyle-led advice.
Jay Dhaliwal – Chartered Financial Planner and Young Achiever of the Year 2023, representing the next generation of high-impact advisers.
Paul Taylor FPFS – Chartered Planner, Certified Coach and Wealth Management Coach, helping planners grow personally and professionally.
Vikash Kanani – Managing Director of Chatsworth Wealth Management Ltd, building a people-first advice business with empathy and integrity.
🎯 In this episode, we explore:
Why referrals are still the #1 business development tool
How protection advice opens the door to long-term client relationships
The key to building a client bank under 45
Carla’s mission to attract more women into financial planning
How to get comfortable with asking for referrals (without sounding salesy)
Why personality matters just as much as qualifications
Building your brand on LinkedIn through authenticity and humour
Succession, hiring the right people, and getting your culture right
❤️ Charity Spotlight:
This episode also highlights Stand By Me, a bereavement support charity for children and young people, with Guy Skinner as a proud patron. If you enjoyed the episode and want to give back, please consider making a donation:
Financial Planner Life is sponsored by Redmill Advance
Whether you're starting out, already qualified, or building a training academy, Redmill Advance delivers expert-led learning, exam support and CPD from Level 4 to Chartered.
✅ Trusted by top UK firms
👉 www.redmilladvance.com/fpl

Be sure to follow Financial Planner Life on YouTube for extra content about career development within Financial Planning.
Want to appear on the Financial Planner Life podcast? Reach out to [email protected]
Reach out to [email protected] in regards to sponsorship, partnerships, videography or podcast production.
48 min

About Financial Planner Life Podcast

From the publisher's feed

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 then worked as the Head of Creative for Hoxton Wealth in Dubai, building out podcasts, YouTube and social content for this fast growing fee based international financial planning firm before leaving Hoxton Wealth in 2025 to focus purely on financial planner life podcast and the financial planner life creative studio helping product/service providers and financial planning firms build podcasts and video content into their social marketing strategies.

Sam Oakes 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 financial planning profession 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.

Please reach out to sam oakes directly on [email protected] if you would like to be a guest on this podcast or build a strategic advertising partnership. We welcome product and service providers that want to promote their product, services or tech to financial planners as well as companies who want to attract talent (recruitment ) to their financial planning company.