The Financial Planner Life Podcast

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The Financial Planner Life Podcast

The financial planner life podcast

15/07/2025

What does it take to go self-employed at 25, with no pipeline - and triple your AUM in a year?

That’s exactly what Lawrence Bearman has done. At just 26, he’s managing £10M, working exclusively with high-earning lawyers, and building a brand with serious clarity and purpose.

In this week’s episode of the Financial Planner Life Podcast, he breaks down exactly how he’s done it. From niching early to investing in himself before he was even Chartered, Lawrence shares a roadmap for self-employed success that’s built around service, not sales. If you’re thinking about going solo - or simply want to attract the right clients without the cold calls - this episode is packed with practical takeaways.

🎧 Catch the full episode now on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

10/07/2025

What does it take to build a £60 million financial planning practice while facing two life-threatening illnesses?

In this special episode of Financial Planner Life, in partnership with Foster Denovo, we hear from Russell Cook - a financial planner whose story redefines what success really means. After surviving a rare blood cancer and, years later, a brain tumour, Russell didn’t just return to work - he built something extraordinary.

Russell’s resilience, gratitude, and sharp business focus are unmatched. He’s grown a thriving client bank of 120, scaled his impact with a support team, and credits Foster Denovo’s infrastructure for giving him the space to do what matters most: serve clients and live life with intention.

This one’s a powerful reminder of what’s possible when you lead with purpose.

Watch Russell's full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/g-c5lKbIHsI
Spotify: https://shorturl.at/H3mTb
Apple Podcasts: https://shorturl.at/fVUeN

03/07/2025

Five years ago, Emmanuel Asuquo was one of the first guests to appear on the Financial Planner Life podcast. Now, 239 episodes later, he joins us in Dubai reflecting on how far both the profession - and the platform - have come.

Emmanuel’s approach hasn’t changed, but the impact has grown. While many planners still hesitate to show up online, he’s built a thriving business by blending education with entertainment. His content reaches clients before they need advice, and inspires future planners to see what’s possible.

In this episode, Eman reminds us that financial planning isn’t just about technical know-how. It’s about visibility, authenticity, and human connection.

Catch the full episode to hear why real stories are what resonate most 👇

YouTube: https://youtu.be/QawJJTHeGv0
Apple Podcasts: https://shorturl.at/e4i2o
Spotify: https://shorturl.at/1nIS5

26/06/2025

What does career change REALLY look like in financial planning?

In this episode of the Financial Planner Life podcast, we’re joined by Katie, a former Army Officer who pivoted into financial planning, completed the SJP Academy in just six months, and went on to build a thriving business - while raising a young family.

Katie shares how she balances business development (yes, even through Instagram Stories and playdates) with parenting, and why her military background gave her the resilience to start strong in a brand-new profession.

It’s a great listen for anyone wondering whether it’s possible to build a successful advice career from scratch - and still have a life outside of work.

Full episode now live on YouTube: https://youtu.be/m-GLX-aGYMA
Apple Podcasts: https://shorturl.at/wf1LL
Spotify: https://shorturl.at/izIZ1

19/06/2025

When you hear someone’s name enough times after you move to a new country, you know they’ve built something that lasts.

That’s exactly what happened with Jeri Williams. Known for founding Smooth Accounting in the UK, Jeri expanded her brand into the UAE with Smooth Dubai - creating a business that continues to thrive, even though she no longer lives here full-time.

In this week’s episode of Financial Planner Life, we sat down with Jeri to talk about how she built a company that runs without her, what it really takes to protect your time as a business owner, and why letting go of control might be the smartest thing you do for your business.

It’s a story about scaling with intention, trusting your team, and never stepping away from the front foot of your brand presence. If you're a financial planner or business owner trying to balance growth with freedom, catch the full episode on:

YouTube: https://youtu.be/yU0z9KhV-MY
Spotify: https://shorturl.at/dfEGM
Apple Podcasts: https://shorturl.at/xvac2

10/06/2025

How do you build a £12M financial planning business with zero clients, no industry background, and no safety net?

In our latest Financial Planner Life episode, we speak to Aleem Nijabat, whose journey from lockdown-qualified planner to one of the youngest Senior Partners at Foster Denovo shows his consistency, clarity, and the value of taking control of your own growth. Using LinkedIn Sales Navigator, Aleem built connections from scratch, fine-tuned his messaging, and stayed relentlessly consistent.

Now managing £12M in AUM, Aleem shares how he’s evolving from outbound hustle to building long-term brand equity - with mentorship, structure, and a growing team behind him. This episode is proof that with the right mindset and strategy, you don’t need a client bank to build a thriving advice business.

🎧 Catch the full episode now on YouTube: https://youtu.be/OgHgFLBkVpM
Apple Podcasts: https://shorturl.at/Sq6my
Spotify: https://shorturl.at/Z6NPD

27/05/2025

What was money like for you growing up?

In our latest Financial Planner Life episode, we’re joined by Dennis Harhalakis, founder of Cambridge Money Coaching, to explore why emotional literacy is becoming an essential skill for modern financial planners. He challenges us to go deeper - asking not just what people earn or spend, but why they think the way they do about money.

Dennis works with advisers to unpack the subconscious beliefs that shape financial behaviour - not only in clients, but in the advisers themselves. Because the truth is, if someone doesn’t feel safe talking about money, they’re unlikely to take action on the advice they’re given.

This isn’t therapy. It’s next-level advice. And it might just be the future of financial planning.

Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/24eDKm3chkU

15/05/2025

AI isn’t coming for your job - but it is reshaping the way financial planning is executed.

In our latest episode, we sat down with John O’Driscoll, Director of Advice Tech, and Wenyu Bai, Head of AI and Machine Learning at St. James’s Place, to explore how one of the UK’s biggest advice businesses is investing in technology that empowers financial planners rather than replaces them.

Using time-saving tools like Advice Assistant and GPT-style knowledge systems like Chat SJP, it’s clear that AI is being used to strengthen - not sideline - human advice.

Tune in to hear how SJP is preparing for 2030 with a bold tech strategy that prioritises better outcomes, smarter workflows, and more time for what really matters: the client relationship - links below.

Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/sFVI_WWnMeo

08/05/2025

Two decades of progress, a standout year of growth - and now, a podcast of their own.

In this episode of Financial Planner Life, we welcome back Roger Brosch, CEO of Foster Denovo, to reflect on what’s been a defining year for the business - marked by major revenue growth, multiple acquisitions, and a culture that continues to evolve.

Following the success of our 2024 partnership showcasing stories from across the firm, we’re proud to now support the launch of Foster Denovo Talks - a new podcast produced by Financial Planner Life Productions. During Roger's episode, we explore how sharing stories and giving your people a platform can result in major changes for culture, growth, and brand.

Catch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/DKaEflrtZpQ
Apple Podcasts: https://shorturl.at/KVSrn
Spotify: https://shorturl.at/elrlu

30/04/2025

When Jay Dhaliwal was rejected twice for financial planner roles, she could have stepped back. Instead, she stepped up.

Already working as a paraplanner, Jay continued building her technical expertise, became a Chartered Financial Planner, and carved out a specialist niche in NHS pension advice - one of the most complex areas in the profession.

In this episode of the Financial Planner Life podcast, we speak to Jay about her journey, her resilience, and what it takes to stay the course when things don’t go to plan. It’s an inspiring conversation for anyone looking for their next career move in financial planning.

Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/u62fuLRYqyc

26/04/2025

This 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.” Like many neurodivergent individuals, the traditional education system left him with limiting beliefs about his potential.

Fast forward to today - he’s a successful financial planner with St. James’s Place, proving that thinking differently is an asset, not a weakness.

In this episode, we dive into:

✅ How neurodivergence can be a strength in financial planning

✅ The impact of school experiences on self-belief and career choices

✅ How St. James’s Place Academy supported Dan’s transition into finance

✅ The power of self-acceptance and working with - not against - your brain

✅ Why anyone can become a financial planner with the right mindset and support

If you've ever doubted yourself because you don’t fit the mould, this episode is for you. Your differences might just be your biggest advantage.

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