A bi-weekly look at the monster movies, TV shows, cult films, and horror stuff that keeps YOU up at night! In the days before syndicated stations and 24 hour programming, television stations often showed old monster movies hosted by local on-air talent. It is in this spirit that “Test Pattern” is made – a little bit spooky, a little bit silly, but always informative! Jacob and Tab have a new topic each week, with a focus on the macabre offerings shown on television starting in the mid 1950s, ...
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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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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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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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How Financial Planners Can Win with Marketing in 2025 | Samantha Russell
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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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Paul Jackson from Invesco on Investment Strategy & Career Lessons
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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Can You Be a Financial Planner with ADHD & Dyslexia?
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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Hiring Missionaries, Not Mercenaries: How Guy Skinner Built a £1M Financial Planning Firm
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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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Want to Be a Financial Planner? Here’s What You Need to Know! - with Carla Brown
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
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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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Performance Coaching for Financial Planners: Unlock Your Full Potential - with Tony Fields
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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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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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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Behind the Headlines: Neil Woodford Reflects on His Career
1:30:16
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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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Switching From Mortgage Adviser to Chartered Financial Planner With Charlotte Walters
57:59
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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
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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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 Kyrgyzstan to UK Financial Planner: Cholpon Djanuzakova - Why Mindset And Hardwork, Always Wins!
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46:27"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 ston…
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What A Paraplanning Manager Does And How To Get Ahead In Your Paraplanner Career.
28:14
28:14
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28:14🤔 Are Paraplanning Managers Holding Back Trainee Financial Planners? Not at Foster Denovo, where growth, ambition, and clear career aspirations take center stage. In the latest Financial Planner Life Podcast, I spoke with Louise Headifen, Paraplanning Manager at Foster Denovo, about how she’s breaking the mold and championing career progression for…
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How we built a £2.5 Billion lending business, and why we are doing it again with TAB!
1:14:33
1:14:33
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1:14:33Chris Ball interviews Duncan Kreeger and Stephen Wasserman, the dynamic duo behind West One Loans and now TAB, in this fascinating episode of Financial Planner Life. Duncan and Stephen share their journey from a single desk in Duncan’s dad’s office to scaling £2.5 billion in lending. They also dive into how they’re reinventing property finance with…
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Financial Coaching: The Content Creation Gap in Financial Planning with Peter Komolafe (Conversation of Money)
55:29
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55:29Financial planners, prepare to embark on a journey with our special guest, Peter Komolafe from the Conversation of Money, as we explore the dynamic world of financial coaching and content creation! Discover the evolution from static "how-to" guides to vibrant discussions on economic trends and financial news, as Peter sheds light on the relentless …
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Interview with David Kneeshaw, Group Chief Executive of International Financial Group Limited (IFGL)
1:06:38
1:06:38
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1:06:38In this episode of Financial Planner Life, Chris Ball, CEO of Hoxton Wealth, interviews David Kneeshaw, Group Chief Executive of International Financial Group Limited (IFGL). With over two decades of experience in financial services and leadership roles, David shares his insights on career development, building resilient teams, and strategies for g…
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How I achieved £500,000 turnover as a self employed financial planner with Foster Denovo
46:47
46:47
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46:47Ever wondered what it takes to successfully transition from product sales to holistic financial planning? Today, Financial Planner Life host Sam Oakes sits down with Nikos Christoforou, a Senior Partner at Foster Denovo, to uncover the challenges, mindset shifts, and strategies that can make or break a career in financial planning. In this episode,…
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Part-Time Financial Planner, Why it works for me!
53:41
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53:41Join us for an insightful conversation with Paula Leitch, a trailblasing part-time financial planner whose journey took her from Australia to the heart of Dublin's financial sector. Throughout our discussion, we explore her strategic decision to embrace part-time work, allowing her to balance a fulfilling career with family life, Sam of course trie…
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Paraplanning Disruptor - How 'Parapool' is creating a gig economy for Paraplanners! With Rebecca Livesey
54:33
54:33
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54:33In this episode of Financial Planner Life, Rebecca Livesey introduces Parapool, a gig-based, online marketplace that is revolutionising the paraplanning profession. By offering a flexible and scalable marketplace for paraplanners and financial advisers, Parapool addresses the current issues of rising paraplanning costs and talent shortages. Becky e…
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Financial Coaching vs. Financial Planning: Insights from Money Coach Alina Burlacu
55:34
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55:34In today's episode of Financial Planner Life, Alina Burlacu, financial coach (and qualified financial planner) shares her insights on the evolving role of financial coaching. Alina discusses her transition into coaching, highlighting how her experience in her profession, as well as financial planning, enables her to address the emotional and psycho…
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Supporting Women's Wellbeing in the Workplace: Emma Hall's Journey in Financial Planning
48:35
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48:35In this episode of Financial Planner Life, we are joined by Emma Hall, Chartered Financial Planner of the Year, who shares her career journey through a lens focused on workplace flexibility, women's wellbeing support, and mental health policies - and how these are essential for creating a thriving and resilient firm. For women in financial planning…
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Breaking the Age Bias: Investing in the Next Generation of Financial Planners with Kate Bailey and Ryan Milne
1:00:15
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1:00:15In this episode, Managing Director, Kate Bailey, and Associate Partner, Ryan Milne, explore how mentorship, training, and succession planning are driving the next generation of success in the profession. With a rapidly aging adviser workforce and a looming talent shortage, investing in young financial planners is more important than ever. Sam Oakes…
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Leadership & Perfecting Career Development Frameworks in Financial Planning - Helen Lovett - COO at Foster Denovo
48:31
48:31
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48:31Ever wondered how to create a thriving workplace that benefits employees, shareholders, and clients alike? Don't miss our enlightening conversation with Helen Lovett, COO of Foster Denovo, as she uncovers the power of clear career development frameworks. Learn firsthand why their strategic focus has elevated employee engagement and client satisfact…
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From Fitness to Finance: Tom Mangan's Journey to Becoming a Successful Young Financial Planner
1:01:19
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1:01:19Join us for an inspiring conversation with Tom Mangan, a financial planner at St James's Place, who transitioned from the fitness industry to financial planning. Discover how Tom's sports-centered upbringing, marked by his time playing football at Aston Villa and running a private training business, imparted essential qualities like resilience and …
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Risk Vs Reward, Career Lessons from Terry Smith CEO of Fundsmith
41:47
41:47
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41:47In this episode of Financial Planner Life, Chris Ball (CEO of Hoxton Wealth) steps in as host while Terry Smith, CEO of Fundsmith (and often referred to as the UK's answer to Warren Buffet), shares his fascinating journey from a career at Barclays Bank to becoming a widely known financial services disruptor! Starting in banking, he worked his way t…
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Women, Wealth and Podcasting: Tracy Brookes' Journey Through Her Financial Planning Career
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46:08In this episode of Financial Planner Life, host Sam Oakes sits down with financial planner Tracy Brookes for an honest and open conversation about her journey into the financial planning profession. Join us as Tracy discusses her remarkable journey from a chartered financial planner to becoming an influential voice in the financial planning communi…
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From Retail to Financial Planning: The Transformative Journey of Godfrey Asare
1:01:36
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1:01:36Discover the transformative journey of Godfrey Asare, who transitioned from the food retail sector to becoming a successful financial planner, all while emphasizing the importance of financial literacy for everyone. This episode promises to unravel Godfrey's incredible story—from working at Waitrose, Itsu, and Marks and Spencer to his graduation fr…
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From Accounting to Financial Planning: Charley Smith’s Journey to Success
38:08
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38:08Have you ever wondered what it’s like to make the leap from the UK to Dubai for a career in financial planning? In this episode, we sit down with Charley, a UK-born client services manager, to delve into her journey of transitioning from accounting in the UK to working in international financial planning in Dubai. Charley shares her personal motiva…
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From Admin to Paraplanner to Practice Manager - Paula Guedes Inspiring Journey in Financial Planning
44:54
44:54
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44:54What does it take to transition from an administrative role to a technical expert in financial planning? Join us as we talk with Paula Guedes, a dynamic practice lead at Foster Denovo. Paulas journey from Brazil to the UK, pursuing a master's in finance and economics, and working her way up from an entry-level position to a chartered paraplanner, i…
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Thriving in Dubai: This 22-Year-Old Financial Planner's Journey to Success - Ellie Gracie from Hoxton Wealth
37:55
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37:55Unlock the secrets to thriving in a tax-free entrepreneurial paradise as we sit down with Ellie Gracie, a driven 22-year-old financial planner from Hoxton Wealth who traded the historic streets of Edinburgh for the bustling avenues of Dubai. Ellie recounts her adventure of diving headfirst into Dubai’s high-energy, opportunity-laden environment, ga…
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From Graduate to Chartered Financial Planner & what I do in the paraplanner club - Matt Finch
36:08
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36:08From his humble beginnings as an administrator to his current role managing a client book as a financial planner in an investment Managment company , Matt's journey is nothing short of inspiring. He offers invaluable insights into the importance of a holistic, personalised approach to financial planning, and shares his experiences working with a di…
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Global Compliance in Financial Planning: Insights from Paul Tate of Hoxton Capital Management
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44:31Unlock the secrets of global compliance in financial planning with our special guest, Paul Tate, the Global Head of Compliance at Hoxton Capital Management. From his humble beginnings as a financial advisor in South Africa to his influential role in Dubai, Paul shares his compelling journey and the passion that drives him. Discover how ethics and c…
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The Transformative Journey of a Young Financial Planner - Dylan Ellis
1:04:40
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1:04:40Trigger Warning - We discuss Suicide and Addiction. Hosted by: Sam Oakes Guest: Dylan Ellis, Financial Planner at St James's Place Episode Overview: In this deeply insightful episode of the Financial Planner Life Podcast, host Sam Oakes talks with Dylan Ellis, who at just 26 years old has transformed personal adversity into professional success. Dy…
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Why Switching from Mortgage Advice to IFA is a good idea! With Daniel Hobbs of New Leaf
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45:25Are you a mortgage advisor looking for more stability and long-term growth in your career? Transitioning to an Independent Financial Advisor (IFA) might be the strategic move you’ve been searching for. In this episode of the Financial Planner Life podcast, Sam Oakes sits down with Daniel Hobbs from New Leaf to explore the benefits and challenges of…
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Life Protection, Careers and International Opportunities at Hoxton Capital with new hire Adrian Benjamin and Sam Oakes
27:30
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27:30And another top hire for Hoxton Capital Managment in the UK! Join us on this episode of the Financial Planner Life podcast as we sit down with Adrian Benjamin, who recently joined Hoxton Capital Management as a protection consultant. this is Adrians second spin on the Financial Planner Life Podcast! Adrian delves into his motivations for the career…
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Financial Planning Talent Attraction and Management with Helena Bogdanovski of Foster Denovo
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30:02Want to know the secrets to successful recruitment in the financial planning profession? Our special guest, Helena Bogdanovski from Foster Denovo today shares her expertise in talent attraction. Learn how she navigates the intricate process of hiring self-employed financial advisers, focusing on relationship-building and understanding their unique …
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Why I didn't take recruiter advice, and how I secured my first job in Financial Planning as a Financial Planner! Tom Brookes
56:44
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56:44Unlock the secrets to a fulfilling career in financial planning with Tom Brookes from Mosaac Financial Planning. Tom's journey is nothing short of inspirational, from his early ventures in the property market to his transformative "quarter life crisis" that led him to the world of financial advising. His story is a testament to the power of self-be…
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Unlocking Success in Global Financial Advice: Insights from Dubai with Jacob Hall of Hoxton
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57:50Unlock the secrets to succeeding in the global financial advice with insights from Jacob Hall, the Global Head of Advisory for Hoxton Capital Management. Jacob takes us through his transformative journey from self-employment to leading a dynamic team of 40 professionals. You'll gain a deep understanding of the evolving industry landscape, the innov…
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Emotional Intelligence in Financial Planning with James Woodfall & Sam Oakes
1:27:34
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1:27:34Unlock the secrets of emotional intelligence in financial planning with James Woodfall, our special guest and ex-financial planner turned EQ expert. Discover how emotional intelligence stacks up against traditional IQ in shaping successful careers in financial planning. Learn why EQ is a game-changer in recruitment, training, and its profound impac…
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From Luxury Cars to £63m in AUM, a Financial Planning Career Pivot With Nathan Ind of St James's Place
49:06
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49:06Ever wondered how selling luxury cars could lead to managing 63 million in assets? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Nathan Ind, a partner at St James's Place, as he shares his remarkable career journey from the motor trade to financial planning via the St James's Place Academy. Nathan's story isn't just about changing careers—it's abou…
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Building an International Financial Planning Business with $2bil AUM in 6 years! Chris Ball of Hoxton Capital Management
54:46
54:46
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54:46Curious about the international Financial planning space? Join us for an exclusive conversation with Chris Ball, CEO of Hoxton Capital Management, as he shares the impressive journey of evolving from a business set up at his kitchen table, to a client-centric financial planning powerhouse with over 250 staff in 6 countries, including the UK. Sam Oa…
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Unlocking Career Growth: Sean Banks on Financial Planning, Mentorship, and Navigating Career Transitions
54:33
54:33
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54:33Ever wondered why some financial planners choose employment over entrepreneurship? Discover the compelling journey of Sean Banks, Senior Financial Planner at Pembrokeshire Financial Services, as he shares his career progression from administration and paraplanning to financial advice. You'll learn why Sean opted to remain employed, emphasising the …
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Jonathon Jay - Why I joined Hoxton Capital Managment as Managing Director of UK Financial Planning - With Your Host Sam Oakes
47:50
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47:50This week on the Financial Planner Life Podcast, we welcome back Jonathon Jay who first appeared on the podcast 3.5 years ago and lots has changed since then! This is a special episode for me because I get to announce Jonathon Jay joining Hoxton Capital Management as Director of UK Financial Planning. This is the first episode in the series I'm cal…
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How I 6x My Turnover as a Financial Planner - Tom Schofield of Foster Denovo shares with Sam Oakes
50:48
50:48
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50:48What happens when an aspiring professional rugby player swaps the field for financial advising? Join us for a conversation with Tom Schofield, a partner at Foster Denovo, who shares his compelling journey from the highs and lows of sports to carving out a successful career in the financial sector. Discover how his father's influence and the rigorou…
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