Advertise on podcast: The Financial Planning Podcast

In this episode of The Financial Planning Podcast, Lewis sits down with Lewis Brasseaux from Aspen to talk about the evolution of financial planning, building trust and what advisers really need from their investment partners. Lewis shares his unconventional route into financial services, from playing basketball at national academy level to car sales, before moving into financial services and ultimately joining Aspen. He also reflects on Aspen's incredible growth journey, from around £70m in assets under management to approaching £1bn. They get into the challenges Lewis is seeing advice firms face right now, including business development, communicating change to clients and creating a better client experience. There's also a brilliant conversation around goals-based investing and bucketing – moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach and instead aligning investment solutions with what clients are actually trying to achieve. Lewis also shares a powerful personal story about his grandad which shaped his approach to trust, relationships and always doing what you say you're going to do. And, as a long-standing Financial Planning Club collaborator, Lewis talks about Aspen's relationship with the Club, why the two businesses align so well and the importance of surrounding yourself with people who genuinely want to improve the profession. A great conversation about trust, relationships, better client outcomes and where financial planning goes next.

In this episode of The Financial Planning Podcast, Lewis sits down with Nick Hawkins, founder of NH Wealth, to talk about leaving the corporate world, starting a financial planning firm from scratch and the power of finding your niche. Nick shares his journey from investment management into financial planning, why he launched NH Wealth in 2023, and how a desire for more control over his time and family life played a huge part in making the leap into business ownership. They dive into Nick's decision to specialise in working with lawyers, the common financial challenges faced by high earners, and why getting really clear on who you want to serve can transform your marketing and business development. Nick also talks openly about the reality of starting a firm with zero clients, learning to market yourself, creating his Lawyers Financial Blueprint, and his ambition to make NH Wealth the go-to financial planning firm for lawyers in the UK. From niching and lead generation to lifestyle creep, financial education and building a business around the life you want, there are loads of practical lessons in this one for financial planners and owner managers.

In this episode of The Financial Planning Podcast, Lewis sits down with Nila Mistry, founder of Prosperity Life Planning, for a brilliant conversation about building a financial planning business around the life you actually want to live. With more than 30 years in financial services, Nila shares how her career has evolved from commission-only roles and standing outside tube stations speaking to potential clients, through to discovering life planning and building a boutique business centred around deeper conversations, connection and giving clients the confidence to make big life decisions. They explore why great financial planning starts with listening, the importance of giving clients space to think, and how technology, outsourcing and the right support can actually help planners become more human, not less. Nila also opens up about her own journey as a business owner, creating better processes, taking a full month away from the business for the first time, and redefining what success looks like at this stage of her life. From life planning and client conversations to freedom, health, retirement and building a business aligned with your values, this is a really energising episode for planners who want to create a business that works for their clients and for them.

Next up on Podcast on Tour from Verve Transformation 2026, we're joined by Anna Butcher, Head of Operations at Finova Money. Anna talks about settling into a new role after 12 years with her previous firm, helping Finova Money grow its team, and why she thrives on building the processes and structure that sit behind a growing business. We also get into the launch of the Uniquely Wired Network, Anna's work around neurodiversity in financial services, and why creating more neuro-inclusive workplaces and client experiences could make a real difference across the profession. 🎙️ Recorded live at Verve Transformation 2026.

Next up on Podcast on Tour from Verve Transformation 2026, we're joined by Stephanie Woodward from Poole Townsend. Stephanie shares her journey back into financial services after time working in the NHS and environmental consultancy, and how those experiences have shaped the way she now approaches leadership, problem-solving and client work. We also talk about Poole Townsend's move to employee ownership, the challenge of leading people through change, improving processes and compliance, and why getting the foundations right creates more space to focus on what matters most, clients and relationships. 🎙️ Recorded live at Verve Transformation 2026.

Next up on Podcast on Tour from Verve Transformation 2026, we're joined by Conor O'Sullivan, Founder of O'Sullivan Financial Planning. Conor shares his journey from corporate financial services into building his own firm, how the business has grown from a small lifestyle practice into a growing team, and why his long-term ambition is to build a firm that can serve clients and their families for generations. We also talk about outsourcing, AI, using technology to remove friction, and why great financial planning should always focus on the client's journey rather than just the products and vehicles around it. 🎙️ Recorded live at Verve Transformation 2026.

Next up on Podcast on Tour from Verve Transformation 2026, we're joined by Nathan McKerlie, Partnerships Manager at Albemarle Street Partners. Nathan talks about how Albemarle supports independently minded financial advisers beyond investment management, from marketing and client communications to education and business growth, and why collaboration sits at the heart of its approach. We also get into the next generation of investors, the intergenerational wealth transfer, and why advisers may need to rethink how they engage younger clients whose attitudes towards investing, technology and risk can look very different from previous generations. 🎙️ Recorded live at Verve Transformation 2026.

Next up on Podcast on Tour from Verve Transformation 2026, we're joined by Zoe Howard from Rathbones. Zoe talks about the role of bespoke investment management, how advisers and investment specialists can work together, and why more complex client needs often benefit from a genuinely tailored approach. We also get into retirement planning, Rathbones' three-pot approach to decumulation, and the importance of balancing investment strategy with the very human and emotional side of retirement. 🎙️ Recorded live at Verve Transformation 2026.

Next up on Podcast on Tour from Verve Transformation 2026, we're joined by Ryan Edwards from Foster Denovo. Ryan shares his journey from apprenticeship and administration into financial planning, and why he believes technical knowledge is only part of what makes a great adviser, the real value comes from understanding people, their goals and the decisions that matter most to them. We also talk about the role of cashflow planning, building a high-touch client service, finding your niche, and what it's like growing a career in advice as part of the next generation entering the profession. 🎙️ Recorded live at Verve Transformation 2026.

Next up on Podcast on Tour from Verve Transformation 2026, we're joined by Gretchen Betts, MD of Magenta Financial Planning and founder of SheFinance. Gretchen reflects on 10 years of running Magenta, the role financial education can play in closing the advice gap, and why younger adults in particular need better access to useful, practical conversations about money. We also talk about the importance of team culture, embracing change, and why in a world increasingly shaped by tech, AI and hybrid working, financial planning businesses still need to protect the human connection at the heart of what they do. 🎙️ Recorded live at Verve Transformation 2026.

Next up on Podcast on Tour from Verve Transformation 2026, we're joined by Adrian Denton from Fundment. Adrian talks about Fundment's growth as a tech-led platform, why owning its own technology helps it move quickly, and how automation, open APIs and better integration can remove friction from financial planning businesses. We also get into platform efficiency, the challenges of replatforming, the importance of strong adviser support, and why firms should think about their platform as part of their wider business strategy, not just as a standalone piece of tech. 🎙️ Recorded live at Verve Transformation 2026.

Next up on Podcast on Tour from Verve Transformation 2026, we're joined by Becky Adams and Emma Bird, Directors and Financial Planners at Hansford Bell. Becky and Emma talk about running the firm as part of a five-person leadership team, balancing client work with growing the business, and why having the right people and culture matters just as much as growth itself. We also get into their ambition to champion financial planning in the South West, bringing firms together through initiatives like Edge Southwest, and the importance of collaboration across the profession. 🎙️ Recorded live at Verve Transformation 2026.

Next up on Podcast on Tour from Verve Transformation 2026, we're joined by Richard Fletcher and Jackie Hickson, founders of Fletcher Hickson Legal Services. Richard and Jackie share how their combined financial services and legal experience led them to launch their own specialist law firm, and why understanding the realities of the profession gives them a different perspective when supporting advisers and firms. We also get into some of the legal issues business owners often overlook, from shareholder agreements and what happens when relationships change, to self-employed adviser contracts, restrictive covenants and the importance of getting things right before a dispute arises. 🎙️ Recorded live at Verve Transformation 2026.

Next up on Podcast on Tour from Verve Transformation 2026, we're joined by Nick Green from Criterion. Nick explains the work Criterion does behind the scenes to help financial services firms connect systems, share data more effectively and reduce friction across the advice journey. We also talk about why interoperability matters, what financial planners should be asking technology providers, and how avoiding vendor lock-in can help firms stay flexible as their tech stack evolves. 🎙️ Recorded live at Verve Transformation 2026.

Next up on Podcast on Tour from Verve Transformation 2026, we're joined by Oliver Secomb from Pentins Financial Planners. Oliver shares his journey from administrator to adviser and now managing director, including the transition of leadership from his mum and the challenge of stepping into a bigger role while staying true to his own personality and approach. We also talk about delegation, building clear processes as a team grows, embracing AI and technology, and Oliver's ambition to create a business that "runs on rails" while continuing to improve the experience for clients. 🎙️ Recorded live at Verve Transformation 2026.