Talk FS

In this episode, Ryan Venner interviews Marianne Lombardi, a self-employed mortgage advisor with 17 years of experience. Marianne shares her journey from being an employed mortgage advisor to starting her own business, highlighting the challenges and rewards of self-employment. She discusses the importance of community support for mortgage brokers, which led her to create Mortgage Chat, an online...

In this episode of Talk FS, host Ryan Venner is joined by Serena Smith, an inspiring mortgage adviser who built her self-employed business during lockdown — and hasn’t looked back since. 💬 Serena shares: - Why she left her employed role to go self-employed - The emotional and financial challenges of starting from scratch - How she balances business and being a mum - Her smart use of social media...

Join host Ryan Venner and guest Jason Butler, leading expert in financial wellbeing, as they tackle the rising importance of emotional intelligence (EQ) in financial services. With technology taking over routine tasks, Jason explains why cultivating emotional capacity and engaging in deeper conversations is now a critical competitive advantage for financial advisers. 🔍 What You’ll Learn: How auto...

In this episode of Talk FS, Ryan Venner sits down with Peter McGahan, Chief Executive of Worldwide Financial Planning, to uncover a powerful truth: true financial wellbeing starts with understanding why—not just the numbers. Peter shares how aligning financial planning with human emotional needs—like security, purpose, and connection—leads to better outcomes for clients, teams, and businesses. Tun...

In this episode, Emmanuel Asuquo shares his inspiring journey from being a cashier at Barclays to becoming a prominent financial advisor and content creator. He discusses the importance of financial education, especially for underserved communities, and how social media has allowed him to reach a wider audience. Emmanuel emphasises the role of financial influencers in bridging the gap for those wh...

In this episode of Talk FS, Ryan Venner interviews George Thomas, a financial planner and director at Four Pillars Financial Planning. They discuss George's journey from university to becoming a financial planner, the importance of mentorship, qualifications, and soft skills in the financial services industry, and the challenges and rewards of running a small business. George shares insights on bu...

In this episode of Talk FS, Ryan Venner interviews Ravi Bhalla, the former head of innovation at the FCA. They discuss the FCA's role in promoting innovation within the financial services sector, the importance of proactive engagement between firms and regulators, and the impact of the new consumer duty on the industry. Ravi shares insights on the regulatory sandbox, global collaboration in regula...

In this episode, Ryan Venner speaks with Julia Smith, a seasoned professional in financial planning and mortgage advisory. They explore the misconceptions surrounding networks in the financial services industry, the benefits of being part of a network, and the critical importance of business planning. Julia shares her insights on coaching versus mentoring, emphasising the need for accountability a...

In this episode of Talk FS, Ryan Venner engages with Adrian Watson, a seasoned expert in financial recruitment, to explore the current landscape of the financial planning market. They discuss the challenges faced in recruitment, the impact of economic factors such as cost of living and interest rates, and the evolving dynamics between employed and self-employed financial advisors. Adrian shares in...

In this episode, Ryan Venner interviews Elaine Cook, an expert in equity release and later life lending. They discuss common misconceptions about equity release, the evolution of products in the market, and the importance of independent advice. Elaine shares her journey in the industry, the regulatory protections in place for clients, and the significance of educating both clients and their famili...

In this episode of Talk FS, Linzi Webb shares her inspiring journey from aspiring financial advisor to achieving her goal. Starting as an administrator, she navigated her way through the financial services industry, gaining valuable experience as a paraplanner before finally becoming a financial advisor. Linzi discusses the importance of support from family and colleagues, the challenges of public...

In this episode of Talk FS, Ryan Venner speaks with Nick Hayes, Managing Director of Peer Financial Solutions, about the essential elements for success in the financial services industry. They discuss the significance of having a practical business plan, the importance of community among self-employed advisors, navigating market challenges, and the lessons learned from the 2008 credit crunch. Nick...

In this episode of Talk FS, Ryan Venner speaks with Helen Clague, Operations Director of Riverside Financial Consultants, about the importance of teamwork in financial planning. They discuss strategies for building the right team, the significance of fit in recruitment, and the value of career development. Helen shares insights on creating a strong team culture, the challenges of management, and t...

In this episode of the Talk FS podcast, Ryan Venner interviews Mike Morris, Operations Manager at Andrews Mortgage Services. They discuss Mike's transition from a decade-long career in recruitment to becoming a successful mortgage advisor and eventually a manager. The conversation covers the importance of people skills in mortgage advice, building long-term client relationships, navigating the ind...

Welcome to Talk FS, the podcast, hosted by Ryan Venner, where we delve deep into the world of financial services. Whether you're an IFA, Mortgage Broker, Paraplanner, Manager, or Financial Services Business Owner, this podcast is for you.  As we all know, the financial services industry is constantly evolving with new regulations, technologies and market impact shaping the way we do business. With...