Financial Planner Life Podcast
Sam Oakes
Welcome to The Financial Planner Life Podcast. We cover an intimate and honest account of what it’s really like to work in the financial planning profession. Our guests share their stories of success, failures, and learnings, as well as what to expect from a career in the financial planning profession! We host guests at various stages in their careers, as well as multiple roles, to ensure that our audience has a variety each week. Financial planners, business owners, paraplanners, and back-office staff all have their own stories to share, and The Financial Planner Life podcast serves as a platform for them to discuss their personal and professional journeys. The podcast covers a multitude of topics, from mindset and motivation, health and wellbeing, all the way to diversity and inclusion. We approach each episode with the idea that it will educate and spark a conversation within the industry on topics that may not be openly discussed. If you're considering a career as a financial adviser or are curious about learning more about this exciting sector, we encourage you to give the podcast a listen. The Host: Sam Oakes is the host of The Financial Planner Life Podcast. since 2008 Sam has been supporting leading national and global financial planning firms in finding the best talent, he was the director of Recruit UK, a 7 figure turnover financial planning recruitment company that he successfully exited in 2024, Sam now works as the Head of Creative for Hoxton wealth, building out podcasts, YouTube and social content for this fast growing fee based international financial planning firm. Sam has always had a passion for financial services, starting as a trainer for a leading product provider in the UK, and he has been in the industry for over 20 years. He sees himself as a partner to the industry and wants to contribute useful resources, such as this podcast, to educate those who are further seeking advice and help about how to push their careers forward in this amazing profession.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jul 10, 2025 • 44min
“Built a £60 million AUM Financial Planning Business After Surviving Cancer” A Foster Denovo Special
From Critical Illness to £60M Practice: Russell Cook’s Story of Resilience, Mindset and Career Growth at Foster DenovoIn this special partnership episode of the Financial Planner Life podcast with Foster Denovo, we speak with Russell Cook — a senior partner, self-employed financial planner, and two-time survivor of life-threatening illness.Russell shares how he built a thriving £60 million practice advising 120 clients, despite facing a rare blood cancer diagnosis and later, a brain tumour. His story is a powerful reminder that success in financial planning is as much about mindset and support as it is about knowledge and advice.We cover: ✅ His seven-and-a-half-month hospital stay battling cancer ✅ How a critical illness policy helped him and his family stay afloat ✅ The power of team support under the Foster Denovo partner model ✅ Running multiple marathons post-recovery and raising £28,000 for charity ✅ Preparing for retirement while ensuring continuity and client care ✅ The role of Foster Denovo in his success and succession planning. This episode is about resilience, gratitude and the value of doing work that truly matters. If you’re a self-employed financial planner or considering a career at Foster Denovo, don’t miss it.🎧 Plus, discover more stories from those building successful careers in the Foster Denovo ecosystem on their new podcast: Foster Denovo Talks.Financial Planner Life is sponsored by Redmill AdvanceWhether you're starting out, already qualified, or building a training academy, Redmill Advance delivers expert-led learning, exam support and CPD from Level 4 to Chartered.✅ Trusted by top UK firms👉 www.redmilladvance.com/fplBe sure to follow Financial Planner Life on YouTube for extra content about career development within Financial Planning. Reach out to sam@financialplannerlife.com in regards to sponsorship, partnerships, videography or podcast production. Want to appear on the Financial Planner Life podcast? Drop Sam a message.
Jul 3, 2025 • 51min
From 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 media to attract clients, and became a trusted voice for financial education across the UK.Topics include: ✅ How to use social media for client generation ✅ The importance of authenticity and storytelling ✅ Why niching down builds stronger engagement ✅ The future of careers in financial planning ✅ Building trust through “edutainment”If you’re a financial planner looking to grow your business, build your brand, or attract the next generation of clients and talent, this is a must-watch (or listen).Financial Planner Life is sponsored by Redmill AdvanceWhether you're starting out, already qualified, or building a training academy, Redmill Advance delivers expert-led learning, exam support and CPD from Level 4 to Chartered.✅ Trusted by top UK firms👉 www.redmilladvance.com/fplBe sure to follow Financial Planner Life on YouTube for extra content about career development within Financial Planning. Reach out to sam@financialplannerlife.com in regards to sponsorship, partnerships, videography or podcast production. Want to appear on the Financial Planner Life podcast? Drop Sam a message.
Jun 26, 2025 • 51min
She left the Army and became a Financial Planner Mum, With St James's Place Academy | Katie Volker
In 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 Academy (and how Katie passed her exams in just 6 months)✅ The importance of mentorship and building your support network✅ How social media, especially Instagram Stories, has helped her win new clients✅ Balancing business growth and motherhood, and how becoming a parent opened new networking opportunities✅ Why financial planning needs more diverse voices and more women in leadership✅ Tips for using LinkedIn and Instagram for business development✅ The power of storytelling and human connection in financial servicesWhether you’re ex-military, thinking about a career change, or wondering how to balance parenthood with self-employment, this is a must-watch.Financial Planner Life is sponsored by Redmill AdvanceWhether you're starting out, already qualified, or building a training academy, Redmill Advance delivers expert-led learning, exam support and CPD from Level 4 to Chartered.✅ Trusted by top UK firms👉 www.redmilladvance.com/fplBe sure to follow Financial Planner Life on YouTube for extra content about career development within Financial Planning. Reach out to sam@financialplannerlife.com in regards to sponsorship, partnerships, videography or podcast production. Want to appear on the Financial Planner Life podcast? Drop Sam a message.
Jun 19, 2025 • 29min
Let Go or Burn Out: Jeri Williams’ Guide to Reclaiming Your Time
Jeri 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 into Dubai - and how it’s transforming her business✅ The reality of stress and anxiety as a business owner✅ What it really means to delegate and build a self-sufficient team✅ Her obsession with time, freedom, and being present for her kids✅ How showing up consistently online has helped her grow a loyal client base✅ The role of marketing in building trust, visibility, and long-term success✅ Why community, not competition, is at the heart of her approachThis conversation is packed with practical insights for business owners, financial professionals, and anyone chasing more freedom without sacrificing success.🔗 Learn more about Jeri: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeriwilliams📚 Join the waitlist for her new book on moving to Dubai🎧 Subscribe for more career stories and insights from Financial Planner LifeFinancial Planner Life is sponsored by Redmill AdvanceWhether you're starting out, already qualified, or building a training academy, Redmill Advance delivers expert-led learning, exam support and CPD from Level 4 to Chartered.✅ Trusted by top UK firms👉 www.redmilladvance.com/fplBe sure to follow Financial Planner Life on YouTube for extra content about career development within Financial Planning. Reach out to sam@financialplannerlife.com in regards to sponsorship, partnerships, videography or podcast production. Want to appear on the Financial Planner Life podcast? Drop Sam a message.
Jun 10, 2025 • 44min
He Built £12M AUM With Just LinkedIn and a Laptop - Financial Planner Success! | Aleem Nijabat
In 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:How Aleem used LinkedIn Sales Navigator to connect with ideal clientsWhy consistency in cold outreach beats waiting for inbound leadsWhat it really felt like starting during a market downturnThe role mentorship played in levelling up his client baseHow joining Foster Denovo changed the game for his businessWhy testimonials and authentic content now matter to his strategyHis goal of becoming a Senior Partner before the age of 30This episode offers a real-world view of what it takes to build a financial planning business from the ground up. It’s not about shortcuts or luck - it’s about showing up every day and doing the work.👉 Ready to take control of your financial planning career?Subscribe for weekly conversations with the professionals shaping the future of this industry.Financial Planner Life is sponsored by Redmill AdvanceWhether you're starting out, already qualified, or building a training academy, Redmill Advance delivers expert-led learning, exam support and CPD from Level 4 to Chartered.✅ Trusted by top UK firms👉 www.redmilladvance.com/fplBe sure to follow Financial Planner Life on YouTube for extra content about career development within Financial Planning. Reach out to sam@financialplannerlife.com in regards to sponsorship, partnerships, videography or podcast production. Want to appear on the Financial Planner Life podcast? Drop Sam a message.
May 26, 2025 • 48min
Why You Feel Anxious About Money (And Don’t Even Know It) - with Dennis Harhalakis
In 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 adviceWhy planners must understand their own money beliefs firstThe power of creating emotional safety in client conversationsTools and training to help financial planners explore money coachingIf you're a financial planner who wants to build deeper trust, improve client outcomes, and bring more human connection into your advice process - this one's for you.🔗 Learn more about Dennis and Cambridge Money Coaching:https://www.cambridgemoneycoachinguk.com/📌 Subscribe to the channel for more career insights from the world of financial planning.👍 Like this video if it made you think differently about client conversations.🗣 Drop a comment — what’s your first memory of money?Financial Planner Life is sponsored by Redmill AdvanceWhether you're starting out, already qualified, or building a training academy, Redmill Advance delivers expert-led learning, exam support and CPD from Level 4 to Chartered.✅ Trusted by top UK firms👉 www.redmilladvance.com/fplBe sure to follow Financial Planner Life on YouTube for extra content about career development within Financial Planning. Reach out to sam@financialplannerlife.com in regards to sponsorship, partnerships, videography or podcast production. Want to appear on the Financial Planner Life podcast? Drop Sam a message.
May 15, 2025 • 47min
From 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 virtual back officeThe Innovation Sandbox: A safe space for financial planners to test and build new toolsA strategic focus on simplifying, streamlining and elevating the planner and client experienceThis isn’t about replacing financial planners. It’s about giving them better tools, more time, and the freedom to focus on what they do best - building meaningful relationships with clients.Whether you’re considering your future as a planner, leading a firm, or just want to understand where the profession is headed, this episode is for you.🎧 Listen now and subscribe for weekly insights from the front lines of financial planning careers.Financial Planner Life is sponsored by Redmill AdvanceWhether you're starting out, already qualified, or building a training academy, Redmill Advance delivers expert-led learning, exam support and CPD from Level 4 to Chartered.✅ Trusted by top UK firms👉 www.redmilladvance.com/fplBe sure to follow Financial Planner Life on YouTube for extra content about career development within Financial Planning. Reach out to sam@financialplannerlife.com in regards to sponsorship, partnerships, videography or podcast production. Want to appear on the Financial Planner Life podcast? Drop Sam a message.
May 8, 2025 • 27min
20 Years, 450+ People: The Foster Denovo Growth Journey with Roger Brosch
Roger Brosch | 20 Years of Foster Denovo, 47% Growth, and the Launch of Foster Denovo TalksIn this episode of Financial Planner Life, we welcome back Roger Brosch, CEO of Foster Denovo, to reflect on a standout year for the business.47% revenue growth200+ new hires7 acquisitionsA thriving culture that’s stronger than everRoger shares what’s driven Foster Denovo’s success over the last 12 months, who he credits for the results, and why they’ve just launched their own podcast, Foster Denovo Talks, produced by Financial Planner Life Productions.We dive into:The power of culture in driving performanceThe importance of transparency in talent attractionWhy storytelling is now part of their employer brandWhat Foster Denovo Talks aims to achieveWhether you're an aspiring financial planner, a firm owner, or simply curious about what people-first leadership looks like at scale - this is an episode worth tuning into. 📢 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and follow Foster Denovo Talks for more insights from inside one of the fastest-growing firms in the UK.Financial Planner Life is sponsored by Redmill AdvanceWhether you're starting out, already qualified, or building a training academy, Redmill Advance delivers expert-led learning, exam support and CPD from Level 4 to Chartered.✅ Trusted by top UK firms👉 www.redmilladvance.com/fplBe sure to follow Financial Planner Life on YouTube for extra content about career development within Financial Planning. Reach out to sam@financialplannerlife.com in regards to sponsorship, partnerships, videography or podcast production. Want to appear on the Financial Planner Life podcast? Drop Sam a message.
Apr 30, 2025 • 46min
From Rejection to Chartered Financial Planner: Jay Dhaliwal's Journey
Jay Dhaliwal, a Chartered Financial Planner at Chase de Vere, specializes in advising NHS medical professionals on complex pension needs. In this engaging conversation, Jay recounts her journey through early rejections, transforming setbacks into a drive for excellence. She shares insights into the significance of resilience and mentorship in the financial industry. Jay emphasizes the need for specialized knowledge, especially in identifying the unique challenges medical professionals face, while also touching on the importance of empathy in client relationships.
Apr 21, 2025 • 44min
From Recruiter to £266M Financial Planner | A Career Change That Paid Off - with Vikash Kanani
How 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, and retraining in his early 30s.Now, ten years later, he co-leads Chatsworth Wealth Management, a thriving practice with £266 million in Assets Under Management, serving over 1,000 families.We talk about:What made him walk away from recruitmentWhy recruiters are uniquely skilled for financial planningHow he took over and scaled an existing practiceBuilding client trust and social proof through contentThe future of advice, succession planning, and team cultureThe value of understanding client happiness and purposeIf you're in recruitment and wondering what’s next, or you're considering a second career in financial advice, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration.Financial Planner Life is sponsored by Redmill AdvanceWhether you're starting out, already qualified, or building a training academy, Redmill Advance delivers expert-led learning, exam support and CPD from Level 4 to Chartered.✅ Trusted by top UK firms👉 www.redmilladvance.com/fplBe sure to follow Financial Planner Life on YouTube for extra content about career development within Financial Planning. Reach out to sam@financialplannerlife.com in regards to sponsorship, partnerships, videography or podcast production. Want to appear on the Financial Planner Life podcast? Drop Sam a message.
