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Financial Planner Life PodcastI never thought someone like me could be a financial planner!Thinking about a career in financial planning?In this episode of Financial Planner Life, Miriam Murphy joins Sam Oakes to share her powerful career switch story, from Executive Assistant to qualified financial planner, with support from the St. James’s Place Academy.Miriam opens up about her early money mindset, paying off debt, buying a home, and how mentorship from Rob Gardner helped her see the potential she hadn’t yet recognised in herself. If you're considering becoming a financial planner or making a career change, this is t...2025-07-2951 minFinancial Planner Life PodcastRestricted or IFA? What is best for my Financial Planning Career - with Wayne Griffiths from One Financial Solutions. Wayne Griffiths | One Financial Solutions | Financial Planner CareersIn this episode of the Financial Planner Life podcast, Sam Oakes sit down with Wayne Griffiths, Managing Partner at One Financial Solutions, to explore how he’s creating meaningful, supportive career paths for self-employed financial planners.We also dive into the ongoing debate: what’s better, restricted or IFA? Wayne shares his honest views and explains why the best advice always comes down to trust and intention—not just labels.Wayne also opens up about his jou...2025-07-2453 minFinancial Planner Life PodcastSelf-Employed Chartered Financial Planner with £10M AUM, By 26 - Lawrence Bearman from Westminster Wealth ManagementFrom Admin to Self-Employed Financial Planner with £10M AUM by 26! In this episode of the Financial Planner Life Podcast, Sam Oakes sits down with Lawrence Bearman, a 26-year-old Chartered Financial Planner at Westminster Wealth Management who's gone from admin assistant to managing £10 million in assets, all within his first year of self-employment.We unpack:Why Lawrence chose to go self-employed with just £3M AUMHow he tripled his assets in 12 months without cold calls or networking eventsThe £10K personal investment he made to become a better communicatorHis laser-focused niche: high-earning lawyers - book a meeting here ...2025-07-1548 minFinancial Planner Life PodcastFrom Council Estate to Financial Planning TV & Social Media Influencer!In this episode of the Financial Planner Life podcast, host Sam Oakes reconnects with Emmanuel Asuquo, a leading financial planner, TV personality, and social media educator. Emmanuel was Sam’s second-ever guest when the podcast launched, making this a special full-circle conversation.They dive deep into Emmanuel’s journey from growing up on a council estate to becoming one of the UK’s most recognisable financial planners, using platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube to educate and entertain audiences.Discover how Emmanuel built a purpose-driven career in financial planning, leveraged social...2025-07-0352 minFinancial Planner Life PodcastShe left the Army and became a Financial Planner Mum, With St James's Place Academy | Katie VolkerIn this episode of the financial planner life podcast, Sam Oakes sits down with Katie, a former Army officer who transitioned into a successful financial planning career with the St. James’s Place Academy.Katie’s story is one of resilience, adaptability, and building a business that fits around life’s big moments, including becoming a mum mid-way through growing her firm.We cover:✅ How military skills like leadership, discipline, and resilience translate into financial planning✅ What it’s really like going through the St. James’s Place Academy2025-06-2651 minFinancial Planner Life PodcastLet Go or Burn Out: Jeri Williams’ Guide to Reclaiming Your TimeJeri Williams on Scaling a Business, Letting Go of Control, and Building a Life with More FreedomIn 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 finally let go of control, and why protecting her time is now non-negotiable.We dive deep into:✅ Why she expanded in...2025-06-1929 minFinancial Planner Life PodcastHe Built £12M AUM With Just LinkedIn and a Laptop - Financial Planner Success! | Aleem NijabatIn 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 entirely on cold outreach through LinkedIn to get started.This conversation is packed with practical advice for anyone considering a self-employed career in financial planning, especially those thinking about going it alone.What we cover:2025-06-1044 minFinancial Planner Life PodcastWhy You Feel Anxious About Money (And Don’t Even Know It) - with Dennis HarhalakisIn 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, scarcity, or self-worth, these emotional drivers often get in the way of good financial decision-making. We discuss:Why childhood money stories influence adult financial behaviourHow money shame blocks clients from implementing adv...2025-05-2649 minFinancial Planner Life PodcastFrom ChatGPT to Chat SJP: The AI Revolution at St. James’s Place | John O'Driscoll & Wenyu Bai (SJP)In 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 from hours to minutesChat SJP: An internal GPT-style assistant that delivers fast, accurate, compliant answers to technical questionsAgentic AI: The concept of digital support agents acting as a virtua...2025-05-1548 minFinancial Planner Life PodcastFrom Rejection to Chartered Financial Planner: Jay Dhaliwal's JourneyIn 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 the setbacks as motivation to deepen her technical expertise, achieve Chartered status, and carve out a specialist niche advising NHS medical professionals on their complex pension needs....2025-04-3046 minFinancial Planner Life PodcastFrom Recruiter to £266M Financial Planner | A Career Change That Paid Off - with Vikash KananiHow a Former Recruiter Built a £266M Financial Planning Business - Vikash’s Journey from BD to Chartered AdviserIn 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 story is one of intentional reinvention. After building a strong career in recruitment and business development, he stepped away from the boardroom and into financial planning - starting from scratch, taking a pay cut...2025-04-2144 minFinancial Planner Life PodcastChris Ball: Hoxton Wealth’s Big Plans for 2025Chris 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 everyone is a fan…Some call Chris a toxic disruptor, while others say he’s the breath of fresh air financial planning desperately needs. In this episode, w...2025-02-2759 minFinancial Planner Life PodcastGo All In on Your Niche When Building a Financial Planning Business from Scratch - Rohit RohelaIn 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 has played in his success. As a long-time listener of the Financial Planner Life Podcast, Rohit credits the show and its guests for sparking his strategy of focusing on specific client communities—a move that has transformed his business.What You’ll Learn in This Epis...2025-01-2352 minFinancial Planner Life PodcastFrom Kyrgyzstan to UK Financial Planner: Cholpon Djanuzakova - Why Mindset And Hardwork, Always Wins!"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 stones. Tune in as Cholpan shares the secrets to her success and how she uses her cultural heritage to make unforgettable connections in the financial world.Join host Sam Oakes as he and Cholpan delve into how embracing personal h...2024-12-1146 minFinancial Planner Life PodcastHow I achieved £500,000 turnover as a self employed financial planner with Foster DenovoEver 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, Nikos shares his journey from stockbroking and product-focused sales to a values-driven approach in financial planning. Starting as a self-employed advisor, Nikos quickly realized the differences between selling a product and offering comprehensive financial advice. This transformation wasn’t easy, as it required hi...2024-11-0746 minFinancial Planner Life PodcastBreaking the Age Bias: Investing in the Next Generation of Financial Planners with Kate Bailey and Ryan MilneIn 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 sit down with Ryan, a young financial planner, and Kate, his mentor, to discuss the challenges they’ve faced and how they’re working together to shape the future of the company - Kate Bailey Financial Planning - and the profession as a whole.Ryan share...2024-10-091h 00Financial Planner Life PodcastWomen, Wealth and Podcasting: Tracy Brookes' Journey Through Her Financial Planning CareerIn 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 community as the new host of the Wealth and Women podcast. She shares her valuable insights on leadership, organisational strategies, and the importance of a supportive, growth-minded work environment. Learn firsthand how her podcast with the Personal Finance Society (PFS) aims to attract more women to...2024-09-2046 minFinancial Planner Life PodcastGlobal Compliance in Financial Planning: Insights from Paul Tate of Hoxton Capital ManagementUnlock 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 compliance can positively impact lives across different markets including the UK, Australia, the US, Cyprus (Europe), and South Africa.Navigate the intricate web of global financial regulations as Paul unravels the complex landscape of multi-jurisdictional compliance and...2024-08-2344 minFinancial Planner Life PodcastThe Transformative Journey of a Young Financial Planner - Dylan EllisTrigger Warning - We discuss Suicide and Addiction. Hosted by: Sam OakesGuest: Dylan Ellis, Financial Planner at St James's PlaceEpisode 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. Dylan candidly shares his story of growing up in poverty, the profound impact of losing his brother to suicide, and his mother's battle with addiction and subsequent death, and how these pivotal moments steered hi...2024-08-211h 04Financial Planner Life PodcastWhy Switching from Mortgage Advice to IFA is a good idea! With Daniel Hobbs of New LeafAre 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 making the shift from mortgage advice to financial planning. They discuss the role of networks like New Leaf in supporting advisors through this transition, the potential for increased financial security and business growth as an IFA, and the key considerations for th...2024-08-1545 minFinancial Planner Life PodcastLife Protection, Careers and International Opportunities at Hoxton Capital with new hire Adrian Benjamin and Sam OakesAnd 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 move, discussing Hoxton's innovative approach to financial services, their ambitious growth plans, and international reach. Reflecting on his journey over the past two years, Adrian shares his dedication to raising awareness about protection services, his s...2024-08-1227 minFinancial Planner Life PodcastEmotional Intelligence in Financial Planning with James Woodfall & Sam OakesUnlock 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 impact on the bottom line. James explains why emotional intelligence is crucial for navigating high-stakes financial conversations. We delve into the science behind neuroplasticity and how mindfulness techniques can catalyse personal and professional growth. Witness the transformational power of empathy and self-awareness in enhancing job performance and client...2024-07-301h 27Financial Planner Life PodcastBuilding an International Financial Planning Business with $2bil AUM in 6 years! Chris Ball of Hoxton Capital ManagementCurious 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 Oakes was so impressed with Chris, and Hoxton Capital Management, that he decided to join the company as Head of Creative! in this episode, Chris reveals the company's strategic growth, including navigating the challenges of 2022 and 2023, and the pivotal role of a...2024-07-2354 minFinancial Planner Life PodcastJonathon Jay - Why I joined Hoxton Capital Managment as Managing Director of UK Financial Planning - With Your Host Sam OakesThis 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 calling Hoxton Life! What it's really like working for an International Financial Planning Company. Join us as we explore Hoxton Capital Management's ambitious expansion plans in the UK and globally. Jonathan shares in...2024-07-1247 minFinancial Planner Life PodcastHow I 6x My Turnover as a Financial Planner - Tom Schofield of Foster Denovo shares with Sam OakesWhat 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 rigorous training at the Quilter Financial Advisory School played crucial roles in reshaping his career path.Tom Schofield walks us through the essential building blocks of a thriving financial advising career. He opens up about the perseverance...2024-07-0950 min