What does it take to build one of the UK's fastest-growing fintech businesses without compromising on service or culture? 

In this extended episode of The Bearded IFA Diaries, I'm joined by Ola Abdul, Founder and CEO of Fundment, for a fascinating conversation about entrepreneurship, innovation and leadership in the financial services industry. 

Ola shares his journey from spotting an opportunity in the adviser platform market to creating Fundment—a technology business designed to make life easier for financial advisers while delivering an exceptional experience for their clients. 

We explore why Fundment was founded, how the industry has evolved over recent years, and what the future of financial advice might look like as technology and Artificial Intelligence continue to reshape the profession. 

One of the standout themes of our conversation is culture. As Fundment has grown rapidly, Ola explains why protecting the company's values has been just as important as scaling the business itself. We discuss the importance of hiring the right people, building high-performing teams and ensuring growth never comes at the expense of the customer experience. 

This isn't just a conversation about fintech—it's about building a business with purpose, leading through change and creating an environment where great people can do their best work. 

Whether you're in financial services, leading a growing business, or simply interested in entrepreneurship and innovation, this extended episode is packed with valuable insights. 

In this episode: 

🚀 The story behind Fundment
💡 Why Ola founded the business
📈 Scaling a high-growth fintech company
🤝 Maintaining exceptional service while growing rapidly
🌱 Why culture is a business's greatest asset
👥 Hiring, developing and retaining the right people
🤖 The future of financial services and the impact of AI
🎯 Leadership lessons from a dynamic CEO 

This is one of our longer conversations—but every minute is filled with thoughtful discussion, practical insights and honest reflections from a founder who is helping shape the future of financial advice. 

The Bearded IFA Diaries — real conversations with business leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators, exploring the ideas and people shaping the future. 🎙️🧔🏻‍♂️🚀 

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How do we prepare children for jobs that don't even exist yet?

In this episode of The Bearded IFA Diaries, I'm joined by Hayley Laidlaw-Wilson, co-founder of Sniff and Snails, a business on a mission to inspire the next generation of innovators, creators and problem-solvers.

Together with her brother, Hayley has developed hands-on kits, educational resources and engaging content that help children build essential STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) skills while challenging outdated stereotypes about who technology is for.

In a world where technology is evolving at an incredible pace, creativity, curiosity and critical thinking have never been more important. We discuss why these skills matter, how parents and educators can encourage them, and why inspiring young people to think differently could shape the future of our workforce.

Hayley also shares the story behind Sniff and Snails—from the original idea and the challenges of launching a business, to growing a brand with a clear social purpose. We talk openly about entrepreneurship, resilience and the realities of building a business that's making a genuine difference.

Whether you're a parent, teacher, business owner or simply passionate about education and innovation, this episode is full of thought-provoking ideas and practical inspiration.

In this episode:

🚀 The story behind Sniff and Snails
🧠 Why STEAM skills are more important than ever
💡 Encouraging creativity and problem-solving in children
💻 Breaking down stereotypes around technology and engineering
👩‍💼 Building a purpose-driven business with family
📈 The challenges of launching and growing a business
🌍 Preparing young people for the careers of tomorrow
✨ Hayley's vision for the future of Sniff and Snails

This conversation is about much more than education. It's about giving the next generation the confidence, curiosity and skills they'll need to thrive in an ever-changing world.

The Bearded IFA Diaries — real conversations with inspiring people, exploring business, leadership, innovation and the ideas shaping tomorrow. 🎙️🧔🏻‍♂️🚀🧩 

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What does it take to grow a professional services business from the ground up to a team of more than 50 people? 

In this episode of The Bearded IFA Diaries, I'm joined by Glyn Jelley, Founder and Managing Director of Summit Chartered Accountants, for an honest conversation about entrepreneurship, leadership and building one of the region's leading accountancy firms. 

Glyn shares the story of his career, what inspired him to establish Summit, and the challenges that come with growing a business while maintaining the culture and values that made it successful in the first place. 

As the business has expanded, so too have the responsibilities. We discuss what it's really like leading a growing team, the importance of developing people, and how the role of a business owner changes as your organisation evolves. 

No conversation about professional services would be complete without discussing Artificial Intelligence. We explore how AI is beginning to reshape the accountancy profession, the opportunities it presents for firms and clients alike, and why human relationships, judgement and trusted advice will continue to play a vital role. 

We also tackle one of the biggest challenges facing businesses today: recruitment. From attracting talented people to retaining them in an increasingly competitive market, Glyn shares his thoughts on what firms need to do to build teams that thrive. 

Whether you're an accountant, business owner, entrepreneur or leader, this episode is packed with practical insights from someone who has successfully built and scaled a modern professional services business. 

In this episode: 

📈 Growing Summit Chartered Accountants to more than 50 staff
🚀 Glyn's journey from accountant to business owner
👥 Leading and developing a growing team
🎯 How leadership changes as your business grows
🤖 The impact AI is having on the accountancy profession
💼 Recruitment, retention and attracting great people
📊 The future of professional services
💡 Lessons learned from building a successful business 

This is much more than a conversation about accountancy. It's about leadership, resilience, growth and the realities of building a business that stands the test of time. 

The Bearded IFA Diaries — real conversations with business leaders, entrepreneurs and professionals, sharing the stories, lessons and ideas behind lasting success. 🎙️🧔🏻‍♂️📈 

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What does it take to leave the security of employment and build a law firm from the ground up? 

In this episode of The Bearded IFA Diaries, I'm joined by Emily Littlehales, founder of Celtic Law, an award-winning specialist law firm providing expert advice in Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Probate and Trusts. 

Rather than trying to be everything to everyone, Emily made the bold decision to focus on a specific area of law, choosing not to offer services such as conveyancing or litigation. We discuss why specialising has been central to Celtic Law's growth, how it allows the team to deliver exceptional client care, and why saying no can often be one of the best business decisions you make. 

Emily also shares her personal journey—from knowing at a young age that she wanted to become a lawyer, through qualifying, to taking the leap and launching her own business. We explore the challenges of entrepreneurship, building a strong team and creating a culture centred around expertise and client service. 

With an all-female team of three, Emily has built a firm with a clear purpose and vision, proving that success doesn't always come from offering the widest range of services—but from becoming exceptional at what you do. 

We also discuss one of the biggest talking points facing the legal profession today: Artificial Intelligence. How will AI change legal services? What opportunities does it create? And where will human expertise, empathy and judgement always remain irreplaceable? 

Whether you're a business owner, aspiring entrepreneur, legal professional or someone interested in protecting your family's future, this episode is packed with valuable insights. 

In this episode: 

⚖️ Why Emily chose to specialise in private client law
🚀 The journey to founding Celtic Law
🎯 The benefits of niching your business
👩‍💼 Building an all-female legal team
💡 Lessons learned from starting a law firm
🤖 How AI could transform the legal profession
📈 Growing a business with purpose and focus
❤️ Why people will always matter in professional services 

If you've ever considered starting your own business, wondered whether specialising is the right strategy, or are curious about the future of the legal profession, this is an episode you won't want to miss. 

The Bearded IFA Diaries — real conversations with inspiring people, exploring business, leadership, entrepreneurship and the stories behind success. 🎙️🧔🏻‍♂️⚖️🚀 

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What is Public Relations... and why does every business need to understand it? 

In this episode of The Bearded IFA Diaries, I'm joined by Anthony Bullick, Managing Director of the award-winning Outwrite PR, to demystify the world of public relations and explain why it's about far more than simply getting your name in the newspaper. 

We explore the role PR plays in building trust, protecting reputations and helping businesses communicate effectively with clients, the media and the wider public. Anthony shares practical advice on when businesses should start thinking about PR, how it complements marketing, and why good communication can often be the difference between thriving and simply surviving. 

We also tackle one of the biggest challenges facing businesses today—online reputation. From Google reviews and customer feedback to fake reviews and the influence of television programmes like Four in a Bed, we discuss how public perception can change overnight and what businesses should (and shouldn't) do when faced with criticism online. 

Finally, we look to the future as we discuss the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence. How is AI changing the PR industry? What opportunities does it create? And where will human creativity and authentic storytelling always remain essential? 

Whether you're a business owner, entrepreneur, marketer or simply interested in how brands build trust, this episode is packed with practical insights and real-world examples. 

In this episode: 

📰 What PR actually is—and what it isn't
📣 The difference between PR and marketing
🏢 When businesses should invest in PR
⭐ Managing your reputation in a digital world
💬 Responding to reviews—good, bad and fake
📺 The impact of programmes like Four in a Bed on public perception
🤖 How AI is changing communications and public relations
🚀 Building trust through authentic storytelling 

Your reputation is one of your most valuable business assets. This conversation explores how to build it, protect it, and communicate with confidence in an increasingly digital world. 

The Bearded IFA Diaries — real conversations with remarkable people, sharing practical insights into business, leadership, communication and success. 🎙️🧔🏻‍♂️📢 

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Is great customer service enough anymore? 

In this episode of The Bearded IFA Diaries, I'm joined by Rhian Anstey, Region Director at Insight6, to explore one of the biggest differentiators for any successful business: customer experience. 

Too often, businesses focus solely on customer service, but as Rhian explains, true customer experience goes much further. It's every interaction, every touchpoint, every emotion and every impression a client has from the moment they first discover your business through to becoming a loyal advocate. 

We discuss why so many businesses, particularly within professional services are unintentionally creating friction in their client journeys, where firms commonly fall short, and the practical steps they can take to deliver experiences that genuinely stand out. 

As a business that regularly measures our own client experience, I found this conversation particularly insightful. It's a reminder that exceptional client experiences don't happen by accident, they're carefully designed, measured and continually improved. 

We also look ahead to the Insight6 Customer Experience Awards, celebrating organisations across North Wales, Chester and the Wirral that are raising the bar and putting their customers at the heart of everything they do. 

Whether you're a business owner, director, manager or simply passionate about delivering outstanding service, this episode is packed with ideas you can apply immediately. 

In this episode: 

⭐ Why customer experience is far more than customer service
 🗺️ Understanding the complete client journey
 📉 The biggest mistakes businesses are making
 🏢 Why professional services often overlook the experience they deliver
 📊 Measuring what your customers really think
 💬 Turning feedback into meaningful improvements
 🏆 The Insight6 Customer Experience Awards and why businesses should enter
 🚀 Practical ways to stand out from your competitors 

If you're serious about building a business that people genuinely enjoy working with and one that earns loyalty through exceptional experiences, this is an episode you won't want to miss. 

The Bearded IFA Diaries — real conversations with inspiring people, sharing ideas that help businesses, leaders and professionals thrive. 🎙️🧔🏻‍♂️✨ 

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How do you take an idea that's been years in the making and finally bring it to the screen? 

In this episode of The Bearded IFA Diaries, I'm joined by Michael Roberts, actor, filmmaker and founder of Take The Cask Productions, to discuss the exciting journey behind Morbid—a comedy sitcom centred around the day-to-day lives of a funeral directors. 

With the second pilot episode now released, Michael shares the inspiration behind the series, where the original idea came from, and why a funeral parlour proved to be the perfect setting for comedy. We explore the creative process, the challenges of independent filmmaking, and the determination needed to turn an ambitious concept into reality. 

Michael also talks about balancing acting, directing and producing, working with talented casts and crews, and why perseverance is one of the most important qualities for anyone working in the creative industries. 

Whether you're interested in filmmaking, comedy, entrepreneurship or simply enjoy hearing the stories behind creative projects, this episode offers a fascinating insight into what it takes to bring an original television series to life. 

In this episode: 

🎬 The story behind Morbid
⚰️ Why a funeral directors became the setting for a sitcom
💡 Where the inspiration came from
🎭 Acting, directing and producing independent films
🎥 The challenges of creating a pilot episode
🚀 Why persistence is essential in the creative industries
🎞️ What's next for Morbid and Take The Cask Productions 

If you've ever wondered how a television series gets off the ground—or how years of ideas eventually become reality—this is an episode you won't want to miss. 

🎥 Watch the Morbid Pilot Episode 2 here:
https://youtu.be/h7ZY13mkwww?is=oSDS4nCnRGOsAzUl 

The Bearded IFA Diaries — real conversations with remarkable people, uncovering the stories behind business, creativity, leadership and success. 🎙️🧔🏻‍♂️🎬 

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How do you start a career in financial services when you're just 19 years old? 

In this episode of The Bearded IFA Diaries, I sit down with Lucy Gittins, the first Apprentice Administrator at Celtic Financial Planning, to discuss her journey into the financial services profession and what life is really like working within a busy firm of Independent Financial Advisers. 

Lucy shares her honest experiences of joining the industry, balancing work with studying for her NVQ qualification, and adapting to a professional environment where every day presents new challenges and opportunities. 

We discuss what attracted her to financial services, what surprised her most after joining the profession, the support she's received along the way, and some of the realities that people don't always see when considering a career in the industry. 

Lucy also talks openly about what she was doing before joining Celtic Financial Planning, why she decided to take the leap into financial services, and how her confidence and knowledge have developed during her apprenticeship. 

For young people considering their future careers, parents looking to understand apprenticeship opportunities, or firms interested in attracting the next generation of talent, this episode offers a refreshing and honest insight into the early stages of a career in financial services. 

In this episode: 

🎓 What it's like starting a financial services career at 19
📚 Combining an NVQ qualification with full-time work
💼 Working inside a busy Independent Financial Adviser firm
🤔 What surprised Lucy most about the profession
👍 The things she enjoys most about her role
📈 Learning new skills and building confidence
🤝 The support available through apprenticeships
🚀 Advice for other young people considering financial services 

This episode is a reminder that there are many different routes into a successful career and that sometimes taking a chance on a new opportunity can be the start of something special. 

The Bearded IFA Diaries — sharing real stories, real journeys and real conversations with people from all walks of life. 🎙️🧔🏻‍♂️📈✨ 

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What separates good businesses from great ones? 

In this episode of The Bearded IFA Diaries, I sit down with David Roberts, one ofm North Wales' most respected business leaders. David's portfolio of roles includes Business Coach, Non-Executive Director, Chairman, and Chair of the Institute of Directors (IoD) North Wales, giving him a unique perspective on what drives business success. 

Our conversation explores the vital role that business coaches can play in helping entrepreneurs, directors and leadership teams unlock their potential. David shares his insights into how business owners can find the right coach, what questions they should be asking, and why the relationship between coach and business owner is so important. 

We also discuss one of the most common challenges faced by growing businesses: losing sight of the reason they started in the first place. David explains why retaining your "why" is critical to long-term success and how purpose can act as a powerful guide through both opportunities and challenges. 

Along the way, we delve into leadership, governance, strategy, culture, personal development and the lessons David has learned from working with businesses across a wide range of sectors. 

Whether you're running an established company, launching a start-up, leading a team, or simply interested in business and leadership, this episode is for you.

In this episode: 

✅ What a business coach actually does
✅ How to choose the right business coach
✅ Why every business owner needs an external perspective
✅ The importance of retaining your "why"
✅ Leadership lessons from the boardroom
✅ Governance, strategy and sustainable growth
✅ Common mistakes business owners make
✅ Building businesses that thrive for the long term 

David's experience spans coaching, chairmanships, board leadership and supporting businesses throughout Wales and beyond, making this a fascinating conversation for anyone looking to grow personally or professionally. 

The Bearded IFA Diaries — real conversations, remarkable people, and lessons that can help us all build better businesses and better lives. 🎙️🧔🏻‍♂️🚀📈 

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What does it take to rebuild your life when you've been told your racing career might be over? 

In the very first episode of The Bearded IFA Diaries, I sit down with professional motorcycle racer and former British Supersport Champion, Ben Currie, to discuss an incredible journey of determination, resilience and success. 

Ben opens up about how he got started in professional motorcycle racing, the sacrifices required to compete at the highest level, and the reality of living with the risks that come with racing at speeds most of us can barely imagine. 

We also explore one of the defining moments of his career – a devastating accident that left him with a severed spine. Against the odds, Ben fought his way back, returning to racing and ultimately achieving championship success. 

Beyond the racetrack, we discuss the importance of planning for life after sport, building a personal brand, developing multiple income streams and creating opportunities beyond racing. Ben also shares insights into growing his successful YouTube channel and the lessons he's learned from running his own business ventures. 

This is a conversation about much more than motorcycles. It's about overcoming adversity, embracing risk, planning for the future and finding ways to keep moving forward when life throws its toughest challenges your way. 

Whether you're a motorsport fan, business owner, entrepreneur or simply someone looking for inspiration, this episode is packed with valuable lessons and incredible stories. 

In this episode: 

🏍️ Getting started in professional motorcycle racing
 🏆 Becoming a British Supersport Champion
 💥 Recovering from a life-changing spinal injury
 🧠 Managing risk and mental resilience
 📈 Building a career beyond sport
 🎥 Growing a successful YouTube channel
 💼 Business, entrepreneurship and personal branding
 🚀 Planning for life after racing 

Follow Ben's journey:
 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Bencurrie61 

The Bearded IFA Diaries — real conversations, remarkable stories, and lessons from people who have dared to do extraordinary things. 🎙️🧔🏻‍♂️🏍️ 

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