The Financial Planning Podcast

Nila Mistry's journey into financial planning began in 1992, driven by instinct, resilience, and a desire to defy expectations. In this open and powerful conversation, Nila reflects on a career that's included working for Barclays Life, founding two businesses, navigating personal loss, and ultimately rediscovering her purpose through life planning. She shares what it really means to build a busin...

In this episode, Lewis is joined by David Scholes, Director of Wealth Sales at FE FundInfo, for an in-depth conversation about the tech that's powering better advice. David shares his journey from help desk to director, reflects on nearly two decades in the industry, and gets honest about what's broken in today's advice tech stacks, from data fragmentation to poor integrations. They also explore h...

With more than two decades in financial services and 14 years running his own business, Tim has built a reputation for helping firms get the most out of their back-office systems, particularly Intelliflo. In this episode, he shares how Cicadian supports advice firms of all sizes with income reconciliation, configuration, valuations and beyond, all with a practical, personable and process-driven ap...

After two decades in the investment world, Stuart is now stepping into financial planning with a fresh perspective, a ton of industry experience, and a healthy dose of imposter syndrome. From his early days as a discretionary fund manager to his current journey through the Verve Foundation's Consider and Build programmes, Stuart shares what it's like to go from observing planners to becoming one....

After cutting his teeth at Hargreaves Lansdown and spotting a disconnect between advisers' strengths and their day-to-day workload, Oren Henry decided to do something about it. Now founder of AutoAdvice, he's building AI-powered tools to ease the burden of admin and compliance, giving advisers back the time and headspace to focus on their clients. In this conversation, Oren shares the story behind...

In this episode, we dive into one of the most frustrating blockers in financial planning: the letter of authority process. Nick Green, from data integration specialists Criterion , joins us to explain how his team is tackling this long-standing issue and why collaboration is the key to moving forward. Nick shares his perspective on: How technology is evolving to serve advisers more efficiently Why...

After two decades helping financial planning firms scale, evolve and thrive, Keith Hare is now walking the talk. In this Podcast on Tour episode, we catch up with Keith as he prepares to launch Cadence Financial Planning,  a new, AI-enabled advice firm rooted in purpose, clarity, and control. Keith shares what it's like to go from consultancy to co-founder, why he's focused on building a business...

In this episode, we sit down with Keith Boyes, Director and Financial Planner at Spentwell , to explore the realities of launching and growing a purpose-led financial planning firm. From his early days in Edinburgh (and a stint in Hong Kong) to building a business around clarity, community, and creativity, Keith shares the lessons he's learned over six years in business. We dive into: The power of...

In this Podcast on Tour episode, we chat with Fred, founder of her own financial planning firm, fresh off her first year in business. She opens up about the reality of launching a practice while raising a family, the lessons she's learned, and the support systems that helped her get there (spoiler: community is everything). From the highs and lows of year one, to what it's really like navigating g...

In this Podcast on Tour episode, we sit down with Chris Miles from SM Advice, a marketing and operational support firm built exclusively for financial advisers. Chris shares how their innovative use of BSL content and social scheduling is helping advice firms stay visible, inclusive, and connected to their audience, without burning out. From mindset shifts and letting go of control to building a b...

In this episode, Lewis is joined by Gabriella Peters from the partnerships team at Saturn AI. With a background in science, Big Four experience, and a sharp eye on the future of advice, Gabby shares how Saturn is transforming financial planning firms from the inside out, helping to reduce admin, embed compliance, and free up time to focus on what really matters. From her personal career journey to...

In this episode of The Financial Planning Club Podcast, Lewis is joined by Mark Wintle , Business Development Manager at WAY Trustees , award-winning estate planner, and former IFA with over 30 years in the profession. Mark shares how advisers can naturally bring trusts into the conversation, what makes WAY's approach different, and why trust planning isn't just for the ultra-wealthy. With a uniqu...

In this Podcast on Tour episode, we sit down with Steven Rowe, Director and IFA at Lucent Financial Planning, for a conversation that goes well beyond the technical side of advice. Steven shares how he's built a business around connection, from community events for retirees to building a team of 15 and stepping back from doing it all himself. With warmth, wit, and a dose of real talk, he opens up...

In this Podcast on Tour episode, we chat with Ryan Milne, Senior Partner at Kate Bailey Financial Planning, about what it really looks like to build a long-term career in financial advice starting from the age of 16. Ryan shares his journey from an apprenticeship at Prudential to becoming a partner in an established firm, how he's overcome self-doubt, and why he's passionate about making financial...

In this Podcast on Tour episode, we're joined by Kate Phillips, Head of Sales at Timeline, for an open, upbeat conversation on what's really going on inside advice firms today. Kate shares her journey into the profession, why she's passionate about making financial planning more inclusive, and the work she's doing to support women across the sector. From information overload to the power of findin...

In this Podcast on Tour episode, we sit down with Justine Randall, Chief Commercial Officer at Tatton Investment Management, for an inspiring conversation on careers, culture, and creating meaningful change in financial services. Justine shares her journey from medical school dropout to industry leader, why she believes financial planning needs more transferable talent, and how Tatton is helping p...

In this episode of our Podcast on Tour series, we catch up with Freddie Winter, Director and Chartered Financial Adviser at Gratitude Financial Planning. Freddie shares what it's really like to go from adviser to business owner, from wearing every hat in the early days to learning how (and when) to outsource. He opens up about the challenges of staying visible on social media, the reality of hirin...

In this episode of our Podcast on Tour series, we sit down with Paul Raventscroft, Strategic Business Development Specialist at Intelliflo, to unpack what digital transformation really means for advice firms today. Paul shares his perspective on where tech can help (without getting in the way), why data quality is now crucial under the FCA's evolving expectations, and how firm owners can future-pr...

In this episode of our Podcast on Tour series, we sit down with Greg Moss, Chartered Financial Planner and founder of his own advice practice, to talk about what happens when you shift from chasing new business to focusing on deep, meaningful client relationships. Greg shares the moment he realised the traditional employed route was no longer serving him and how he's designed a business around his...

In this episode of our Podcast on Tour series, we're joined by Jonathan Newell, Founder and CEO of BareRock, the business rewriting the rulebook on PI insurance. Jonathan talks about moving the sector out of the dark ages, why governance and culture matter more than product types, and how BareRock rewards great firms with practical, tailored support. He also shares the realities of launching a dis...

In this first episode of our Podcast on Tour mini-series, we're live at the Verve Evolution Conference in London, kicking things off with none other than Cathi Harrison, CEO of Verve. In this energetic chat, Cathi shares what it really takes to build a business that grows without grinding you down. From the power of delegation to the mindset shift from adviser to business owner, this one's packed...

In this special episode of The Financial Planning Podcast, Lewis sits down with  Allen Johnson — coach, speaker, and founder of Allen Johnson Coaching, to talk fitness, mindset, and the power of small changes. AJ helps career-driven parents and business owners ditch the dad bod, boost their energy, and lead by example, without giving up wine, chocolate, or a social life. Connect with Lewis Byford...

In this episode, Lewis is joined by Nick Ryan, IFA, business owner, and Co-Founder of Pilot, for a real-world conversation about tech, time, and the systems holding advice firms back. Nick shares the journey behind building Pilot, a new all-in-one CRM designed by advisors, for advisors. But this isn't just a tech story, it's about what happens when you stop firefighting and start thinking like a b...

In this episode, Lewis is joined by Justine Randall, Chief Commercial Officer at Tatton Investment Management, for a practical and inspiring conversation about how financial planning firms can scale without burning out. Justine shares her journey through financial services and explores what it really takes to grow a lean, profitable advice business. From the importance of outsourcing investment ma...

This week on The Financial Planning Podcast, host Lewis Byford is joined by Sarah Steele, Operations Director at Yellowtail Financial Planning. With 20+ years in financial services, Sarah shares her refreshingly honest view of what it really takes to build a high-performing team, deliver an outstanding client experience, and lead a values-driven firm. In this conversation, she opens up about her j...