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-offi ...
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Welcome to The PRO Podcast, where Gary Das and a diverse range of experts share the blueprint for excellence in life and business. We're more than a podcast; we're a community dedicated to mastery in personal and professional growth, aiming for success in all areas of life. You’ll find real stories, actionable advice, and a wealth of insights inspiring you to achieve peak performance - mentally, physically, and financially. The PRO Podcast is your ultimate guide to building a business, incom ...
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Let Go or Burn Out: Jeri Williams’ Guide to Reclaiming Your Time
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29:27Jeri Williams on Scaling a Business, Letting Go of Control, and Building a Life with More Freedom In this episode of Financial Planner Life, Sam Oakes sits down with Jeri Williams, the powerhouse behind Smooth Accounting in the UK and now Smooth Dubai. Jeri shares how she built a business that runs without her, the mindset shift that allowed her to…
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4 Fixes to Systemise Your Business Fast | Ep 366
10:09
10:09
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10:09Feeling stuck in the same business chaos year after year? This episode is your wake-up call. Gary reveals the 4 silent business killers stopping advisers from scaling — and exactly how to fix them. With Q4 fast approaching, now’s the time to stop firefighting and start systemising for freedom, consistency and growth. 🔥 Complete the Scale Scorecard …
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The Signs It’s Time to Evolve Your Niche (Before It’s Too Late) | Ep 365
11:06
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11:06Are you creating content that gets zero engagement? Waking up to a diary full of non-ideal clients? 🔥 Complete the Scorecard to Understand How To Grow Your Business & Improve Your Income - https://scorecard.systemise-scale.com/ This episode is your wake-up call. Gary Das shares why most advisers are playing too broad, how to pinpoint your Ideal Cli…
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He Built £12M AUM With Just LinkedIn and a Laptop - Financial Planner Success! | Aleem Nijabat
44:59
44:59
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44:59In this episode of the Financial Planner Life podcast, Sam Oakes speaks with Aleem Nijabat, a self-employed financial planner who built £12 million in AUM without a client bank, without leads, and without a background in finance. Aleem started during lockdown, working alone from his bedroom. He had just qualified, had no clients, and relied entirel…
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Impatience Is Killing Your Business Growth | Ep 364
14:43
14:43
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14:43In this episode, Gary shares the real reason so many business owners stay stuck — they’re chasing quick wins instead of building long-term success. From setting the right growth targets to building a team and system that runs without you, this is a behind-the-scenes look at how to scale smart, not fast. If you're tired of spinning plates and ready …
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Why Hiring Might Be The Best Thing You Ever Do! | Ep 363
16:02
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16:02Hiring can feel like a massive risk—especially when cashflow is tight or you've been burned before. But if done right, it's one of the best investments you can make to scale your business, reclaim your time, and finally escape the bottleneck. In this episode, Gary shares his proven method for hiring A-players—without the stress, overwhelm, or finan…
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Why You Feel Anxious About Money (And Don’t Even Know It) - with Dennis Harhalakis
49:22
49:22
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49:22In this episode of Financial Planner Life, Sam Oakes is joined by certified money coach Dennis Harhalakis to explore the powerful emotional side of money - and why financial planners can't afford to ignore it. Dennis shares how our earliest money experiences shape the way we think, feel, and act around money as adults. Whether it’s shame, fear, sca…
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Why Advisers are Stuck at £20k/months | Ep362
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8:33
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8:33In this episode, I’m breaking down one of the biggest ceilings for mortgage and financial advisers — hitting £20k months and not knowing how to move beyond it. Whether you're at £5k, £20k or even £80k/month, you’ll face the same issues: overwhelm, firefighting, and the fear of letting go. Watch the free 10-minute training I mention here: https://sy…
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From ChatGPT to Chat SJP: The AI Revolution at St. James’s Place | John O'Driscoll & Wenyu Bai (SJP)
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48:12In this episode, Sam Oakes is joined by John O’Driscoll and Wenyu Bai from St. James’s Place to explore how AI and technology are being developed to support the future of financial planning. Discover how SJP’s 2030 vision is being built around: Advice Assistant: An AI-enabled tool already in production that reduces the time to produce advice packs …
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3 Reasons Most Entrepreneurs Stay Stuck (And How to Break Free) | Ep 361
7:40
7:40
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7:40If you’re working harder than ever but still not seeing progress, you’re not alone. In this episode, Gary Das reveals the 3 reasons most entrepreneurs stay stuck – and how to finally break free. Complete the Scorecard to Understand How To Grow Your Business & Improve Your Income - https://scorecard.systemise-scale.com/ What You Will Learn: ✅ Why Fi…
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20 Years, 450+ People: The Foster Denovo Growth Journey with Roger Brosch
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27:45Roger Brosch | 20 Years of Foster Denovo, 47% Growth, and the Launch of Foster Denovo Talks In this episode of Financial Planner Life, we welcome back Roger Brosch, CEO of Foster Denovo, to reflect on a standout year for the business. 47% revenue growth 200+ new hires 7 acquisitions A thriving culture that’s stronger than ever Roger shares what’s d…
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The Huge Mistakes Advisors Make at £10k–£20k/month | Ep 360
13:17
13:17
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13:17🚨 Are you a mortgage or financial adviser struggling to break through the £10k–£20k/month ceiling? The real obstacle? The fear of delegation. In this episode, Gary Das reveals the delegation mistakes holding advisers back and how to shift from doing everything yourself to strategically outsourcing, creating more time and increasing revenue. It’s ti…
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How to Scale from £5k to £10k/Month Mortgage or Financial Advisor | Ep 359
21:15
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21:15Feeling stuck at the £5k/month mark? In this episode, I reveal the exact strategies you need to double your income and build a business that runs with more consistency, freedom, and momentum. Whether you’re relying too heavily on referrals or drowning in admin, this is the step-by-step blueprint to systemise, automate, and scale. What you will lear…
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From Rejection to Chartered Financial Planner: Jay Dhaliwal's Journey
46:56
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46:56In this episode of the Financial Planner Life podcast, host Sam Oakes sits down with Jay Dhaliwal, Chartered Financial Planner at Chase de Vere, to talk about her inspiring career journey. Jay shares how facing rejection twice for financial planner roles early in her career didn’t stop her - it fueled her. Already working as a paraplanner, she used…
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How to Hit Your First £5k/Month as a Mortgage or Financial Advisor | Ep 358
25:40
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25:40Starting from zero? In this high-impact episode, I break down the exact three steps you need to follow to consistently generate £5,000 per month as a mortgage or financial adviser. Whether you’re new to the game or making the leap into self-employment, this episode gives you the foundations to grow faster, attract ideal clients, and close more sale…
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From Recruiter to £266M Financial Planner | A Career Change That Paid Off - with Vikash Kanani
44:57
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44:57How a Former Recruiter Built a £266M Financial Planning Business - Vikash’s Journey from BD to Chartered Adviser In this episode of the Financial Planner Life podcast, Sam Oakes is joined by Chartered Financial Planner Vikash, who shares how he made the bold move from a successful recruitment career into the world of financial advice. Vikash’s stor…
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3 Proven Ways to Get Better Quality Leads in 2025 | Ep 357
15:20
15:20
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15:20Lead generation in 2025 is a different beast — and if you’re still using tactics from 2020, you’re already falling behind. In this episode, Gary Das shares a powerful live training taken straight from the Systemise & Scale Battleplan event. You’ll discover why old lead-gen methods are no longer effective — and what to do instead if you want to cons…
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How Financial Planners Can Win with Marketing in 2025 | Samantha Russell
42:02
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42:02This week on the Financial Planner Life podcast, I sat down with Samantha Russell, one of the most respected voices in financial adviser marketing in the US. She shared insight after insight. Here’s one that really stuck with me: “Even if someone is referred to you, they’re still going to Google you. What they find next decides whether they pick up…
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10 Lessons That Took Me 10 Years to Learn in Business | Ep 356
6:22
6:22
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6:22A decade ago, I thought I had it all figured out—7-figure turnover, 15 staff, good money. But behind the scenes? I was stressed, overworked, and wearing every hat in the business. In this episode, I’m sharing the 10 biggest business lessons I’ve learned over the last 10 years—so you can skip the struggle and scale smarter. Whether you’re a financia…
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Mastermind Power Transforms Success | Ep 355
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8:13🎙️ Mastermind Power TRANSFORMS Success In this episode, I dive into the power of masterminds and how they can completely transform your business outcomes, mindset, and motivation. Whether you’re a solo adviser working from home or managing a growing team, this is your guide to building unstoppable momentum through collaboration, accountability, and…
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Paul Jackson from Invesco on Investment Strategy & Career Lessons
1:11:14
1:11:14
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1:11:14In this episode of the Financial Planner Life podcast, Chris Ball sits down with Paul Jackson, Global Head of Asset Allocation Research at Invesco, to explore the career pivots, market cycles, and investment principles that shaped his journey from working-class beginnings to global leadership. Paul shares his honest reflections on a non-linear care…
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How To Scale Your Business While On Holiday | Ep 354
8:54
8:54
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8:54What if your business could keep growing while you’re skiing in Austria or relaxing with your family? In this episode, I share the real strategies that let me take three holidays already this year—without slowing down growth. This isn’t theory... it's exactly how I’ve systemised, delegated, and networked my way to more time, freedom, and profit. Wh…
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Can You Be a Financial Planner with ADHD & Dyslexia?
1:01:18
1:01:18
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1:01:18This week on The Financial Planner Life Podcast, we’re celebrating Neurodiversity Celebration Week with an inspiring conversation featuring Dan Buckland, a financial planner who has ADHD, dyslexia, and dyscalculia. Dan’s story is one of self-doubt, resilience, and transformation. Growing up, he was told by teachers he’d “never amount to anything.” …
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The 5 Steps To Get More Clients - My L.E.A.D.S Strategy | Ep 353
10:00
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10:00In this episode, I reveal the 5 essential steps to generate more leads, book more appointments, and close more deals – without constantly chasing clients. Whether you're in financial services, mortgages, or running a coaching business, these strategies will help you scale faster and create consistent revenue. If you're tired of feast and famine cyc…
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Building the Right Team Took Me 5 Years | Ep 352
10:20
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10:20Building a successful business isn’t about hiring more people—it’s about hiring the right people. After recruiting over 65 employees since 2006, I’ve learned first-hand what works, what doesn’t, and how to create a high-performing team that drives revenue without adding stress. In this episode, I share the hard lessons, key strategies, and the mist…
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Hiring Missionaries, Not Mercenaries: How Guy Skinner Built a £1M Financial Planning Firm
51:30
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51:30Hiring Missionaries, Not Mercenaries with Guy Skinner In this episode of Financial Planner Life, we welcome back Guy Skinner, founder of Citygate Financial Planning, to discuss what it really takes to build a sustainable, mission-driven financial planning firm. Key Takeaways: 🔹 Why ‘Missionaries, Not Mercenaries’ Is the Hiring Philosophy That Works…
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How We Turned 703 Mortgage Leads Into 611 Booked Calls | Ep 351
5:56
5:56
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5:56Most mortgage brokers struggle with converting leads into appointments—but what if you could consistently turn prospects into clients? In this episode, I break down the exact strategies that helped my team convert 703 mortgage leads into 611 booked calls. You’ll discover how to attract, nurture, and convert leads using lead magnets, content marketi…
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Want to Be a Financial Planner? Here’s What You Need to Know! - with Carla Brown
35:44
35:44
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35:44🚀 How Do We Attract and Develop the Next Generation of Financial Planners? In this episode of Financial Planner Life, I sit down with Carla Brown, President of the Personal Finance Society (PFS) and Founder & CEO of Oakmere Wealth Management, to discuss the biggest challenges and opportunities in financial planning today. 🎯 We cover: ✅ The PFS Prof…
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Chris Ball: Hoxton Wealth’s Big Plans for 2025
59:22
59:22
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59:22Chris Ball is back on the Financial Planner Life Podcast, and this time, we’re diving deep into Hoxton Wealth’s explosive growth in 2024 and what’s coming in 2025. From smashing revenue and AUM targets to a complete brand transformation, Hoxton Wealth has gone from industry underdog to one of the most disruptive firms in financial planning. But not…
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I Built £20M In Turnover From A £2k Loan | Ep 350
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15:17In this special 350th episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes of how I built a multi-million-pound business from a £2,000 loan. From the challenges of the credit crunch to discovering the power of marketing and automation, I’ll share the lessons, mistakes, and strategies that helped me scale. If you're a mortgage broker, financial adviser, or ent…
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Performance Coaching for Financial Planners: Unlock Your Full Potential - with Tony Fields
46:25
46:25
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46:25🔥 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 ful…
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The Truth About “Seven-Figure” Mortgage Brokerages | Ep 349
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8:13
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8:13Many mortgage and financial advisers chase the dream of a seven-figure brokerage, but is it really a scalable, profitable business? In this episode, I pull back the curtain on my journey—why relying on self-employed advisers was a high-risk strategy, how I transformed my business model, and why focusing on profit over turnover is the key to long-te…
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3 Steps to Scaling Your Business & Reclaiming Your Time | Ep 348
9:18
9:18
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9:18Are you stuck working endless hours, feeling trapped in the daily grind, and struggling to scale your business? In this episode, I reveal the three key strategies that helped me escape the employee mindset, build systems that create time (not just income), and grow my business – even when I stepped away! If you’re a financial adviser, business owne…
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Crypto, ETFs & Big Money—Why Institutions Are Moving Into Bitcoin. - With Lisa Tyshchenko
32:23
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32:23Bitcoin 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, priv…
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Want to Grow as a Financial Planner? Build the Right Team Around You - with Joanna Butler
32:18
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32:18In 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 De…
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Hiring A Digital Marketing Exec For My Mortgage Business | Ep 347
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9:23In this episode, I share why hiring a Digital Marketing Exec can be an absolute game-changer for your mortgage business. After running my brokerage without dedicated marketing support since 2021, I’ve realised the untapped potential a focused marketing role can bring. If you’re looking to generate more leads, boost sales, and scale your business wi…
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Father & Son in Finance: How St. James’s Place Academy Shapes Careers & Succession
48:02
48:02
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48:02Would 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 sitt…
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I Lost £20,000 On An SEO Campaign Targeting High Net Worth Mortgages | Ep 346
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12:34I made a £20,000 mistake on an SEO campaign for high net worth mortgages—and I don’t want you to do the same! 🚨 In this episode, I break down exactly why my SEO strategy failed, the biggest SEO mistakes financial services businesses make, and the better way to generate leads. If you're relying on SEO alone, you NEED to hear this before you waste ti…
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Behind the Headlines: Neil Woodford Reflects on His Career
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1:30:16This 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 o…
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Go All In on Your Niche When Building a Financial Planning Business from Scratch - Rohit Rohela
52:50
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52:50In 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 ha…
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Advisors Want 2 Things: Leads and Clients | Ep 345
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9:14
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9:14Most mortgage and financial advisors want more leads and better-quality clients, but many struggle to attract the right people. The secret? Defining your Ideal Client Profile (ICP). In this episode, I reveal how identifying your perfect niche can transform your lead generation, boost conversions, and help you scale your business with ease. 🚀 🔑 What…
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5 Steps Mortgage & Financial Advisors Can Take To Dominate Q1 | Ep 344
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6:15In this episode, I break down five powerful steps to help you dominate the first quarter of 2025 and set the foundation for a record-breaking year. 🚀 Whether you're a business owner, adviser, or entrepreneur, these strategies will help you unlock hidden revenue, retain clients, and stand out in your market. It's time to take bold action and grow yo…
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Switching From Mortgage Adviser to Chartered Financial Planner With Charlotte Walters
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57:59In 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 succ…
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Starting a Financial Planning Career at 50 & Writing £400k in Year 1 at Foster Denovo
58:19
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58:19In 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 …
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Growing Your Business? It's All About THESE Two Key Employees! | Ep 343
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8:45🎙️ Ready to take your business from solo success to scaling greatness? I dive into the two essential hires every business owner needs to make in 2025. Learn how these roles can help you streamline operations, grow leads, and build a sustainable, future-ready business. 🚀 What You Will Learn: Why a Personal Assistant (PA) is your first must-have hire…
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How To Make The Leap From Self-Employed To Business Owner and Succeed! | Ep 342
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6:00🚀 Ready to escape the self-employment trap and finally scale your business? In this episode, we’re diving deep into the practical steps to transition from self-employed to business owner. Discover how to automate, systemise, and attract quality leads, so your business works for you—not the other way around. 🌟 This isn’t just theory; it’s a roadmap …
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🎙️ 2024 cost me six figures in revenue! In this episode, I’m breaking down the 5 biggest mistakes I made this year and the lessons you can take away to avoid the same costly errors. From personal challenges to business missteps, this honest reflection will help you grow faster, smarter, and more effectively in 2025. Whether you're scaling your busi…
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From Classroom to Client Meetings: Laura North's Journey from Teacher to Financial Planner
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1:05:45Laura 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 ca…
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From Bullied Schoolboy To Multi-Millionaire: Matt Fiddes | Ep 340
1:16:41
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1:16:41In this episode, I sit down with Matt Fiddes — martial arts legend, multi-millionaire entrepreneur, and property investor. From being bullied as a child to building a global empire with over 2,000 locations, Matt reveals the mindset, strategies, and lessons that shaped his journey. He shares hard-hitting truths about overcoming adversity, staying a…
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How to Make £1 Million in 2025 As A Financial Services Professional | Ep 339
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8:41Are you ready to scale your financial services business to the coveted £1 million turnover? In this episode, we’ll break down the 3 simple steps to hit your revenue goals: Automated Systems, Social Selling, and Predictable Sales Strategies. Whether you’re a mortgage adviser, financial planner, or insurance professional, this episode is packed with …
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