In this episode of Foster Denovo Talks, we speak with Neal Shepherd, Senior Partner at Foster Denovo, who reflects on more than 25 years with the business. 

Neal talks us through the early days, joining the firm that would eventually become Foster Denovo, and how his role evolved over the years. From sales manager to private wealth adviser to employee benefits specialist, he shares the pivotal decisions that shaped his path. 

He also opens up about his recent practice buyout, the advice that helped him make that move, and why it has given him the freedom to focus on what matters most to him now. 

🎧 In this episode: 

• Neal’s early career and transition into Foster Denovo 
• Moving from private wealth to employee benefits 
• What changed (and what stayed the same) over 25 years 
• Reflections on team culture, longevity and leadership 
• His successful practice buyout and future plans 

In this episode of Foster Denovo Talks, we speak with Gavin Zaprzala-Banks, Head of Client Consulting at Foster Denovo, about leading through the acquisition of Punter Southall Aspire and managing one of the smoothest transitions the business has seen.

Gavin shares his experience of joining Foster Denovo through acquisition - from client communications and adviser alignment to building a shared culture that works. He offers honest insight into what helped, what surprised him and what others in the industry can learn from it.

“It wasn’t about choosing one culture over the other. It was about building something new.”

🎧 In this episode:

·       What happens when your firm is acquired

·       How to manage culture, teams and systems during a transition

·       Building trust with clients through clarity and consistency

·       Why open communication makes or breaks an integration

·       Lessons for other firms wanting to join Foster Denovo

In this episode of Foster Denovo Talks, we speak with Gracie McAuliffe, Client Relationship Manager at Foster Denovo, about her career journey, the challenges she has faced, and what it means to grow professionally in a business that supports your ambitions.

Gracie joined Foster Denovo four years ago and has developed her role from the ground up. She speaks openly about what the last year has meant for her both personally and professionally, and why it has been the most rewarding period of her career so far.

From choosing not to pursue the traditional adviser route, to leaning into leadership and operational responsibility, Gracie’s story shows how diverse career paths in financial services can be.

🎧 In this episode:

• Starting out in financial services through an apprenticeship
• Making the transition to Foster Denovo and growing within the team
• Why hybrid working gives her the balance to thrive
• Taking on responsibility and becoming a go-to person for others
• Choosing a career path that reflects her strengths and interests

In this episode of Foster Denovo Talks, we speak with Ross Stevens, Financial Adviser at Foster Denovo, about what it means to take full ownership of your work.

Ross joined the firm during the pandemic, inheriting a client bank from three retiring Partners. It was a steep learning curve, but one that taught him how to lead with trust, build strong client relationships and develop his own rhythm.

He shares how he moved from a self-employed role to an employed one, and why that shift did not change the way he works. With the right culture and support, Ross explains, being employed still means working with freedom and purpose.

🎧 In this episode:

• What it was like joining Foster Denovo in lockdown
• Taking over client relationships with care and patience
• Moving from self-employed to employed, and what changed (or didn’t)
• Building a career that feels like your own business
• Advice for advisers facing the same kind of transition

In this episode of Foster Denovo Talks, we speak with Ameeta Bhayani, Senior Partner at Foster Denovo, about her career journey from cashier to qualified adviser and how she found the right fit after many years in financial services. 

Ameeta shares: 

• Her early days working in the finance industry 
• What it was like to take on a client bank and make it her own 
• How she managed personal challenges with professional support 
• Why she feels empowered and genuinely backed in her role 

This is an honest and reflective conversation about career growth, resilience and finding the kind of environment where you can thrive. 

🎧 What you will hear about: 

• The value of long-term relationships, both professionally and personally 
• How culture and flexibility contribute to career satisfaction 
• What sets Foster Denovo apart for advisers who want more than just a job 

What’s it really like to go through an acquisition and come out the other side stronger? 

In this episode of Foster Denovo Talks, we sit down with David Hulland, Partner and former adviser at Brian Mole, who shares his honest experience of being acquired by Foster Denovo. 

Rather than a job move or a fresh start, this was a full-scale transition, professionally and emotionally. David opens up about what it was like to go from smaller advice firm to integrating into a larger advisory business through an acquisition. 

We explore the real life challenges that come with an acquisition, the uncertainty, the questions, and the shift in culture but also the surprising upsides; the support, the structure, and the renewed energy that came with being part of something bigger. 

Now firmly embedded within Foster Denovo, David reflects on the impact it’s had on him, his clients, and his outlook. 

🎧 In this episode: 

• What it’s really like to be part of an acquisition 
• Why Foster Denovo stood out with their support 
• How the transition affected clients, team and culture 
• What life looks like now as an adviser at Foster Denovo 
• Advice for advisers facing change and uncertainty 

How do you build a culture where people feel safe, supported, and inspired to do their best work? 

In this episode of Foster Denovo Talks, Louise Blair, Director of People and Culture, shares how the firm approaches culture, wellbeing, and talent in a fast-evolving financial services environment. 

Louise speaks openly about the challenges and opportunities of driving cultural change, from improving internal communication to redefining what employee wellbeing really looks like. 

She also unpacks the firm’s journey with belonging and inclusion, and why creating a sense of safety is essential for innovation and high performance. 

🎧 In this episode: 

• How Foster Denovo has redefined its approach to wellbeing 
• What “belonging” means in a modern financial firm 
• The evolving role of HR in post-pandemic workplace culture 
• Why wellbeing is the foundation for performance 
• Leadership lessons from inside a values-led business 

Whether you're leading a team, or looking to evolve your firm’s internal culture, this episode offers real insight into the people-first principles behind Foster Denovo’s success. 

Selling your business is one of the biggest decisions an adviser can make and Ian Little has done just that. 

In this episode of Foster Denovo Talks, Ian shares the journey behind selling his financial advisory business and why Foster Denovo was the right partner for the next chapter. 

From the emotional side of letting go to the strategic benefits of joining a larger firm, Ian reflects on what really matters in a successful sale and how Foster Denovo supported his team, preserved his brand, and delivered on what was promised. 

He talks about: 

• The key considerations when selling an advice firm 
• Why cultural alignment more important than commercial terms 
• How Foster Denovo helped him retain his identity while gaining national-level support 
• The future he sees for the business, his clients, and his career 

If you're an adviser thinking about your next move, whether you're planning ahead or actively exploring your options then this episode is essential listening. 

🎧 In this episode: 

• Selling a financial advice business and what to expect 
• Making the right decision for your clients and team 
• How Foster Denovo integrates firms while maintaining culture 
• Advice for others approaching a sale or transition 

In this episode of Foster Denovo Talks, COO Helen Lovett sits down with host’s Helena and Nikos to reflect on an extraordinary year of growth, transformation, and innovation. 

Helen shares: 

• Insights into Foster Denovo’s seven recent acquisitions and how the firm integrates new Partners (advisers) while maintaining cultural alignment. 
• The emergence of new roles and career opportunities for people across the business. 
• The firm’s pragmatic approach to technology and AI, focusing on how automation helps teams focus on high-value human work. 
• A forward-looking discussion about the future of financial advice and what’s next for the Foster Denovo group. 

If you’re an adviser, or curious about how progressive organisations evolve, this episode is for you. 

🎧 Listen to gain insight into: 

• Strategic firm integration and cultural fit 
• AI's role in financial services 
• Career progression within a growing firm 
• The vision for the future of Foster Denovo