Claim OwnershipAdviser 3.0: The Podcast
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The Adviser 3.0 Podcast is hosted by Abraham Okusanya. Get ready for his signature raw honesty, critical analysis and no-holds-barred insight at the intersection of retirement, investing and fintech.
131 Episodes
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You Built It. Can You Afford to Sell It?In Episode 126, Louise Jeffreys joins the show to discuss M&A, valuations and the market forces reshaping financial planning.We explore what firms are actually selling for, how buyers assess value, and why succession should begin years before an exit is agreed. Louise explains the difference between buy-side and sell-side models, the role of private equity in consolidation, and the importance of cultural fit over headline price.We also discuss the emotional side of selling, the risks that derail transactions, and what the next phase of the advice profession may look like.If you are building a firm today, this is a conversation about the future.
Financial Advice at the AI Crossroads: Empathy, Expertise, and Human Touch in the Agentic EraIn this episode of Soapbox, Matt, Abraham and Philippa Hann explore the evolving role of artificial intelligence in financial services.They examine whether AI challenges the empathy advantage of human advisers, the potential risks to entry-level roles, and the importance of protecting new professionals from scams. The discussion also addresses the debate around qualification standards and the persistent myth of market concentration risk.A thoughtful conversation about how the profession adapts to technological change without compromising trust, competence and human judgement.
What does it look like to build a financial planning firm that is not designed to be sold?In this episode, Abraham sits down with Andy Hounsell, Managing Director of Beyond Finance, to explore stewardship over ownership, leadership beyond control, and why succession should start far earlier than most advisers think.Since taking over the business in 2015, Andy has reshaped the firm around long-term responsibility rather than short-term valuation. A significant proportion of profits are committed to a charitable trust. An employee share scheme allows the team to participate in dividends. And the ownership structure is being designed to ensure the firm transcends its founder.This is a conversation about:Designing a firm to outlast youMoving from manager to multiplierTaking risks to unlock real growthSharing equity and responsibility with your teamPlanning for generations rather than an exitIf you are building a business you want to endure, not simply monetise, this episode will challenge how you think about leadership, ownership and scale.
In Episode 124 of Adviser 3.0, we are joined by Ian Dempsey to explore what it really takes to build a modern advice business.From going independent and finding his voice, to using content with intent rather than chasing followers, Ian shares a grounded perspective on growth, credibility, and control. He explains why independence brings responsibility, why audience size is often misunderstood, and why behavioural coaching has become a core part of how he adds value to clients.This is a practical conversation for advisers thinking seriously about independence, visibility, and how to build a business that lasts without losing focus on what matters.
In this episode of Adviser 3.0 The Podcast, Abraham is joined by Ashton Chritchlow, Managing Director and owner of IFC Max, to unpack one of the rarest outcomes in financial advice: internal succession that genuinely works.Ashton shares his full journey, from joining the firm in 2008 with no industry experience, to remortgaging his home to buy equity, taking on the role of Managing Director, and completing a successful management buyout.The conversation explores what separates employees from owners, why most succession plans fail, and what founders must do if they want their firm to outlive them. This is a practical, honest discussion about leadership, accountability, legacy, and the long game of ownership in financial advice.A must listen for founders thinking about succession, advisers aiming for ownership, and firms navigating growth without losing independence.
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.
SoapBox Ep.3 - Passive Investing Didn’t Break Markets, It Exposed Active ManagementHosts Abraham and Matt are joined by Carla Brown, President of the Personal Finance Society, for an unfiltered discussion on markets, behaviour and the realities of modern financial advice.The episode explores why UK investors continue to exit equity markets at the worst possible moments, even during periods of strong performance, and what this reveals about confidence, communication and access to advice.The conversation also covers active versus passive investing, loyalty to underperforming managers, and the growing tension between evidence and narrative. Alongside this, the panel addresses the advice profession’s succession problem, the ageing adviser population, and why attracting new talent has become a defining issue for the future of advice.
In the episode of Adviser 3.0: The Podcast, we speak with Alasdair Walker, Managing Director and owner of Optimum Financial Planning, about the conversation most firm owners delay for too long: ownership and control.Alasdair shares his full journey from trainee adviser to completing a management buyout, offering rare insight into how internal succession actually works in financial planning firms. He explains why early equity alignment matters, how unclear ownership expectations create long-term risk, and why many firms default to selling when succession planning is avoided.The discussion also explores founder transitions, trust between generations, and what firm owners need to understand about incentives, transparency and long-term value. Later in the episode, Alasdair shares his perspective on AI adoption in financial planning, including where technology adds value and why it cannot fix poor structure or unresolved ownership issues.This episode is essential listening for financial advisers, firm owners, principals and next-generation leaders thinking seriously about succession, equity and the future of their business.Topics covered:Financial planning succession and ownershipManagement buyouts and internal successionFounder transitions and controlSelling versus long-term independenceAI adoption in advice firms
In this episode of Adviser 3.0 The Podcast, we sit down with psychologist and human optimisation specialist Ross Anderson to explore how high performers approach growth.Ross unpacks the relationship between mind, performance and behaviour, challenging the idea that growth is driven by motivation alone. Drawing on psychology, behavioural science and lived experience, he explains why sustainable performance starts with awareness, strong foundations and better decision making.The conversation explores how high performers think differently about growth, why behaviour matters more than intention, and how clarity and structure support long-term performance.Ross will also be joining us on the road in 2026 as part of the Timeline Growth Series, where he will be sharing these ideas live with advisers across the UK.This episode is a grounded discussion for professionals who want to grow with intent, consistency and resilience.
A clear and practical conversation with Will Webber on resilience, networks and the habits that support sustainable growth across fintech.Will shares lessons from the military, BlackRock and professional services, covering mindset, commercial development, community building and the future of the sector.
In the episode of Adviser 3.0 The Podcast, the familiar SoapBox duo return with a new guest who has deep experience across advice, technology and consumer behaviour. The conversation opens with the FCA’s attempt at gamified education, the reaction to recent budget speculation and the impact of changes to VCT incentives and salary sacrifice rules. From there the trio take apart the realities of AI inside large organisations and why so much investment fails to reach production.They explore how the advice gap may evolve, how future clients will expect to interact with advice and what the profession needs to consider as digital journeys scale. The session ends with a clear eyed assessment of pension transfer delays and the providers still operating with outdated processes.A lively, insightful and highly relevant discussion for advisers, planners, firm owners and anyone keeping an eye on the future of the profession.
David Jones, outgoing Vice President and head of the UK and Ireland advisor group at Dimensional, joins Abraham to reflect on over two decades of change within the financial planning profession. He discusses the shift from product-focused advice to a holistic planning model that centres on clients’ goals, values and long-term wellbeing.David shares his views on the apparent plateau in the number of practising planners, why younger professionals are bringing new energy into the field, and how technology and AI may reshape both the work and expectations of planners. He also offers practical insights on what sets successful firms apart, from simplification to consistent implementation and clear communication.As he looks ahead to his own next chapter, David speaks openly about legacy, leadership, purpose and the value of good planning in helping clients live fulfilled lives. This is a reflective and encouraging conversation for anyone interested in the future of the profession.
In this first SoapBox session, Abraham sits down with two industry voices to explore the figures behind adviser decline, the realities of client disengagement, the influence of consumer duty, and what the latest FCA data reveals about firms, revenue and capacity.From service models and profitability to the future of talent and technology, this episode explores the questions the profession cannot ignore.If you work in planning, paraplanning, compliance or leadership, this session offers thought-provoking insight into where the sector stands and what may come next.Listen to the full discussion and stay tuned for future SoapBox sessions.
In this episode, Abraham Okusanya sits down with Laurentius van den Worm, Head of Investment Strategy at Timeline, for a deep dive into the thinking behind global market cap weighting. They explore whether global equity investing still makes sense in a world where the US dominates, discuss behavioural biases that influence allocation decisions, and unpack the role of the so-called “Magnificent Seven” companies in shaping global returns.Laurentius shares insights on why global market cap remains a powerful equilibrium point, how profitability and value factors play into long-term performance, and what investors can learn from market concentration, currency risk, and diversification. It’s a thoughtful conversation on the collective wisdom of markets and what it really means to be a global investor.
In this episode, Abraham Okusanya speaks with David Morrey, Partner at Grant Thornton and one of the UK’s leading experts on financial services regulation.David helps advisers make sense of the ever-changing regulatory landscape — from consumer duty and ongoing advice to the FCA’s growth agenda and the rise of targeted support. He explains how the regulator’s tone has shifted, why flexibility is now part of the FCA’s toolkit, and what firms can do to stay ahead without losing focus on good client outcomes.They explore how advisers can evidence value, manage fair value assessments, and prepare for greater scrutiny in the years ahead. David also shares insights on consolidation, private equity involvement in the sector, and how firms can navigate these pressures while building sustainable advice models.If you want to understand how regulation is evolving — and how to thrive within it — this conversation is essential listening.
Financial storytelling is not about numbers. It is about meaning.In this episode, Mike LeGassick joins us to explore how advisers can use stories, metaphors and even props to help clients truly understand their money. From crystal balls to noise-cancelling headphones, Mike shares the tools he uses to make complex ideas clear, relatable and human.We also talk about building trust through communication, why emotions matter more than spreadsheets, and how advisers can inspire confidence rather than confusion in every client conversation.🎙️ Guest: Mike LeGassick, author of The Art of Storytelling for Financial Advisers💡 Topics: storytelling in finance, client communication, behavioural advice, purpose driven planning
In this episode, Kate sits down with Samantha Challis, founder of Another View Financial Services. Samantha shares how redundancy turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to her, giving her the chance to reinvent herself and create a business built on authenticity, trust, and family values.From her early career at Barclays to launching her own firm, Samantha explains why being present for her son was the biggest driver behind her success. She discusses how offering her time freely has helped build long-term client relationships, why she sees her clients as friends, and how focusing on culture over money leads to sustainable growth.This is a powerful conversation about resilience, staying true to your values, and why putting people before products transforms both clients and businesses.
In this episode of Advisor 3.0 The Podcast, Abraham sits down with Tom Morgan, founder and managing director of Orca Wealth, to explore how financial planning can create meaningful impact in clients’ lives.Tom shares his journey from breaking into the advice profession after RDR, to building his own firm with his wife Emily, and why the book Die With Zero reshaped his philosophy. They talk about the challenges of starting out in financial advice, building a client-centred firm that values personal connection and meaningful outcomes, why retirement should be planned in seasons, how to help clients shift from accumulation to purposeful spending, and rethinking legacy, generational wealth, and how money can be a tool for life fulfilment.This conversation is packed with insights for advisers who want to go beyond products and investments, and instead help clients live fully, with confidence and clarity.
In this episode of Advisor 3.0, Kate sits down with Shadi Kirk, co-founder of Transform Financial Planning. Shadi shares her journey from studying chemistry and working at the Financial Times to building a financial planning business with her husband Angus.We talk about the rebrand from Bridge Investments, the importance of putting client relationships at the heart of advice, and how aesthetics, processes, and even colour choices can shape trust. Shadi also opens up about the challenges of losing a key team member, working with mentors to rebuild, and how financial planning is evolving with coaching and technology.This is an inspiring conversation about resilience, transformation, and the real meaning of financial planning.
Live from Adviser 3.0 2025, marketing powerhouse Samantha Russell, Chief Evangelist at FMG, shares the secrets behind today’s fastest-growing advice firms. From Answer Engine Optimisation to Google Reviews, LinkedIn and YouTube, this keynote is your step-by-step guide to scaling with clarity, connection and confidence.In this episode, you’ll discover:• How AI is transforming how clients find advisers• Why Google Reviews are your ultimate digital referrals• Smart content ideas that grab attention• The top platforms for adviser marketing success• How showing your face speeds up trustFor more insights, visit adviser3point0.co
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