Ep.122 – Growth Problems Are Leadership Problems: Sasha Wakefield on Decisions That Stall or Scale Growth

In this episode of Adviser 3.0 The Podcast, we are joined by Sasha Wakefield, founder of The Paraplanner Project, to explore what growth really looks like behind the scenes of a modern advice business.

Sasha shares her journey into paraplanning, how she built an outsourced business model around collaboration and trust, and why growth quickly becomes a leadership challenge rather than a technical one. She speaks candidly about employing a remote team, managing capacity without predictable income, and the pressure that comes with being responsible for other people’s livelihoods.

The conversation also covers the evolving role of paraplanners, the stigma that still exists around outsourcing, how firms are responding to AI, and why curiosity and asking better questions matter more than titles or qualifications. Sasha also reflects on leadership during major life changes, including shared parental leave and stepping back from day-to-day delivery without compromising service or culture.

This episode is essential listening for advisers, firm owners, and leaders thinking seriously about growth, delegation, and building businesses that scale without losing quality or trust.