Marketing isn’t the colouring in department.

In conversation with Emma Hardiman

In this episode, James is joined by Emma Hardiman to explore the role marketing should really play inside a financial planning business, and why it’s often misunderstood.

Too often, marketing is treated as a support function, brought in at the end to “make things look good” rather than influence how a firm grows. In this conversation, Emma shares why marketing should sit at the centre of client understanding, trust and strategic decision-making.

In this episode, they discuss:

• Why marketing is often treated as a “colouring in” function
• The gap between brand, strategy and real growth
• How trust is built before any client interaction
• Why clients buy belief, not just advice
• The role marketing should play in shaping a business
• Moving from reactive activity to strategic influence

This episode challenges how financial planning firms think about marketing, and what needs to change for it to truly drive growth.

If you’re a financial planner, business owner or marketer within an advice firm, this episode is for you.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Adviser Who Walked Away

In conversation with James McPartland

In this episode, James is joined by James McPartland to explore the story behind building and ultimately walking away from a £400m financial planning business.

Built from scratch under the St. James’s Place model, James and his partners grew a highly successful firm before making the decision to leave and start again. In this candid conversation, he shares what pushed them to that point, what they got wrong along the way, and what they would do differently if they had their time again.

In this episode, they discuss:

• Building an advice business from scratch in your twenties
• Growing organically to £400m of client assets
• The realities of operating within a large advice model
• The frustrations that led to the decision to leave
• What happens when you resign from your own business
• The risks, pressure and personal impact of starting again
• Lessons learned — and what they would do differently
• Why client relationships matter more than brand names

This episode offers a candid and practical look at one of the biggest decisions an adviser can make, and what it really takes to start again.

If you’re a financial planner, adviser or business owner thinking about the future of your firm, this episode is for you.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

02:20 How James Fell Into Financial Planning

07:00 Starting Out With Just a Phone

12:00 Building an Advice Business in Your Twenties

18:00 Joining St. James’s Place

24:00 Growing the Business to £400m

32:00 When Things Started to Feel Misaligned

40:00 The Frustrations That Built Over Time

48:00 Deciding to Leave the Business

57:00 The Risks of Walking Away

01:05:00 Stress, Family and the Reality of the Decision

01:12:00 Planning the Exit Strategy

01:20:00 Rebuilding the Business From Scratch

01:28:00 Technology, Platforms and the New Proposition

01:36:00 What Other Advisers Should Know

01:44:00 Final Thoughts

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In conversation with John White & Mike Toole

No DeLorean. No flux capacitor. But in this episode, James is joined by John White and Mike Toole to explore a genuinely interesting question: what does the future of financial planning actually look like?

And, somewhat ironically, the answer might feel familiar.

Rather than consolidation cycles, efficiency drives or purely transactional relationships, the conversation looks toward a future that resembles the best parts of advice’s past — where judgement, empathy and trust sit at the centre of client relationships, supported (not replaced) by technology.

John and Mike share their thinking behind building a firm from scratch with quality and character at its core, alongside a view of how AI and automation are reshaping the technical side of planning while leaving the human side more important than ever.

In this episode, they discuss:

• What the “future” of financial advice may actually look like
• Why the human elements of advice are becoming more valuable, not less
• Building firms around character, culture and long-term quality
• AI’s role in reducing technical and administrative load
• Judgement, empathy and trust as competitive advantages
• Moving away from transactional throughput toward meaningful relationships

Ultimately, this episode offers a forward-looking yet grounded perspective on where the profession is heading — and why the future of advice may be less about reinvention and more about rediscovery.

If you’re a Financial Planner, Adviser or leader within an advice firm, this episode is for you.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction & Episode Overview

04:00 Guest Introductions – John White & Mike Toole

11:30 The Current Financial Advice Landscape

20:15 Changing Expectations of Financial Planners

29:40 Communication, Trust & Client Relationships

39:10 Technology vs Human Connection

48:30 Skills That Matter Most in Modern Advice

58:00 Professional Development & Continuous Learning

01:07:20 Regulation, Value & Commercial Reality

01:16:45 Building Credibility & Differentiation

01:26:10 Future-Proofing Careers in Financial Planning

01:35:30 Advice Firm Culture & Leadership

01:44:15 Key Takeaways From the Discussion

01:51:30 Final Reflections & Closing Thoughts

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

AI will not increase your business value. It will protect it.

In the second episode the Future Fit Financial Planning series, James is joined by Vicky Hicks, Co-Founder of Melo, for an honest conversation about business value, identity, leadership and the realities of today’s M&A market.

Vicky shares her journey of building and selling a firm, the personal identity shift that followed, and the lessons she learned about value creation, culture and operational discipline. She offers a rare, candid look at what is really happening in the M&A landscape; from price pressure to what buyers now expect from advice firms.

They explore how clearer propositions, consistent processes and strong operational foundations protect long-term value, and why technology has become essential infrastructure rather than a differentiator.

In this episode, they cover:

• How advisers are evolving into coaches, communicators and planners
• Why clear propositions and consistent processes protect business value
• Technology as core infrastructure, not a “nice to have”
• What buyers are really looking for in today’s M&A market
• Rising price pressure and shifting valuation expectations
• Lessons from both nightmare sale stories and record-valuation exits
• Identity, resilience and planning for your own future — not just your clients’

This episode gives owner-managers, advisers and firm leaders a grounded view of where the market is heading — and a reminder that value isn’t created at exit, but in the everyday.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is the role of the Financial Planner about to change?#

In the first episode of the Future Fit Financial Planning series, our host James Walker is joined by Tom Francis of Octopus Money to explore what the next stage of advice might really look like.

They discuss how technology and behavioural psychology are reshaping personal finance, why so many people struggle to act on good financial advice, and how scalable, tech-enabled models could help millions make better money decisions. With a clear mission to reach 5 million people and a willingness to share their thinking openly, this conversation offers a powerful glimpse into the future of the profession.

In this episode, we cover:

• The changing role of the financial planner
• Coaches vs traditional advisers
• Why traditional advice fails to reach most people
• Behavioural nudges and money habits
• Human relationships supported by structured tech
• Short-term lifestyle vs long-term goals
• The future of scalable, accessible advice

If you’re a financial adviser, advice firm leader, or anyone interested in the future of financial planning, this episode is for you.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction & Tom’s Background

09:00 Making Financial Advice Accessible

18:30 Technology, Algorithms & Real Life

27:30 Behavioural Psychology & Inertia

35:45 The Limits of Traditional Financial Planning

43:45 Capturing People at the Right Moment

52:30 Money Culture & National Financial Habits

01:01:00 Shiny Objects vs Long-Term Freedom

01:10:15 What Can (and Can’t) Be Changed

01:18:45 Big Numbers, Misconceptions & Wrap-Up

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of BWD In The Know, guest host Harry McNeill is joined by Paul Hance, a seasoned actuary whose career reflects how leadership, learning, and relationships define success in today’s actuarial profession.

From technical beginnings to leadership roles, Paul shares how continuous learning, humility, and adaptability have shaped his journey. He offers practical insights on navigating setbacks, balancing technical expertise with business skills, and embracing technology and AI as tools for growth.

In Building Relationships, Not Just Models: Paul Hance on the Modern Actuary, they explore:

✅ The blend of technical and business skills actuaries need today

✅ How continuous learning drives professional growth

✅ The role of relationships and communication in leadership

✅ Overcoming setbacks and learning from experience

✅ Embracing technology and AI to stay relevant

An insightful listen for actuaries at every stage, from exams to executive leadership.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Actuarial Profession

02:47 Navigating Early Career Challenges

05:47 The Importance of Continuous Learning

08:34 Transitioning to Leadership Roles

12:00 Building Relationships and Trust

14:42 Balancing Qualifications and Business Skills

17:56 Overcoming Setbacks and Learning from Mistakes

20:44 Current Challenges in the Actuarial Field

23:28 Embracing Technology and AI

26:32 Advice for Aspiring Actuaries

29:31 Working Your Way Out of a Job

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of BWD In The Know, guest host Harry McNeill is joined by Gerrit Marais, an actuary whose career spans continents, from South Africa to Canada.

Gerrit shares how curiosity, connection, and continuous learning have shaped his professional journey, and why building relationships can be just as important as mastering technical skills.

In Building Networks, Not Just Numbers: An Actuarial Journey with Gerrit Marais, we discuss:

✅ The power of networking & relationship-building

✅ Why mentorship matters more than ever

✅ Balancing work, study, and life

✅ Continuous learning & career adaptability

✅ Moving countries — and careers — with purpose

An inspiring listen for actuaries at every stage, from exams to executive roles.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Actuarial Market

03:04 Gerrit's Journey into Actuarial Science

05:54 Navigating Early Career Challenges

08:49 The Importance of Networking and Mentorship

11:57 Transitioning to Canada and Career Growth

14:50 Practical Tips for Aspiring Actuaries

17:51 Balancing Work, Study, and Life

20:45 Debunking Myths about Actuarial Careers

23:40 Lifelong Learning and Career Advice

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Beyond Risk: Michelle Young on Reinsurance, Resilience & the Human Side of Actuarial Work

In this episode of BWD In The Know, guest host Harry McNeill is joined by Michelle Young for a conversation that goes beyond risk to uncover the human side of actuarial work.

Michelle reflects on her career in reinsurance and shares why actuaries are far more than just the numbers. From the societal impact of actuarial decisions to the importance of communication, mentorship, and volunteering, she highlights how resilience and curiosity can shape a fulfilling career.

Along the way, Michelle also explores the role of AI as a supportive tool, the value of embracing uncertainty, and why taking opportunities early can lead to unexpected growth.

A must-listen for actuaries at every stage, from exams to executive leadership.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Actuarial Profession

01:37 Michelle's Journey into Reinsurance

03:12 The Passion for Being an Actuary

04:34 Understanding the Broader Impact of Actuarial Work

06:26 The Societal Impact of Actuarial Decisions

07:34 Volunteering and Its Influence on Professional Growth

09:21 Transitioning from Technical to Strategic Roles

12:47 Actuaries and Uncertainty in Decision Making

14:29 Explaining Actuarial Work to Outsiders

15:31 Actuaries and Climate Change

18:44 The Role of AI in the Actuarial Field

21:34 The Role of Communication in Actuarial Training

24:24 Embracing Growth Through Discomfort

26:28 Exploring the Reinsurance Market

28:26 Navigating Career Paths and Leadership Roles

33:38 Unique Career Journeys and Opportunities

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.