In this episode of The Purposeful Strategist, Belden Menkus sits down with Dean Proctor, CEO of 7IM – a UK-based investment management firm with nearly £30 billion in assets and a team of around 850 colleagues. Under Dean’s leadership, 7IM has grown significantly over the past six years through a blend of organic growth and strategic acquisitions. Throughout its growth, the firm had remained grounded in its founding values and a deep commitment to client success.
Dean shares how 7IM is working to scale with integrity—keeping purpose, people, and performance aligned as the firm evolves:
· How 7IM’s B2B2C and direct-to-consumer models inform and strengthen each other.
· Why reinforcing values through storytelling helps sustain a client-first culture at scale.
· The role of colleague-led initiatives in advancing sustainability and diversity.
· Trends driving wealth management consolidation, and why the UK needs younger, more diverse financial advisers.
· How AI and technology can lower barriers to financial advice to expand access.
Listen in to hear how Dean and his team are building a culture of ‘succeeding together’—and what it takes to lead a growing business with purpose.
