The Financial Planning Podcast

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 business that doesn’t run you, this is a brilliant chat about scalable marketing, smart delegation and unlocking more time to focus on the bits you actually enjoy. A must-listen for any advice firm owner who knows they should be doing more on social, but doesn’t know where to start. Connect with Lewis Byford Connect with Chris Miles

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 about the realities of growing a firm, managing stress, hiring too late, and what he’d do differently if he had to start again. Down-to-earth, insightful, and quietly full of gold, this one’s for every adviser who's building something that matters. Connect with Lewis Byford Connect with Steven Rowe  

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 planning more visible and accessible in his local community. It’s a powerful reminder that the next generation of planners are already here and they’re shaping the future. A brilliant listen for anyone building a career, a client base, or a business they want to be proud of. Connect with Amanda Ford Connect with Ryan Milne

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 finding your tribe, this chat goes beyond product talk and gets to the heart of what helps advisers thrive, both in business and in life. Packed with energy, honesty and ideas, this one’s well worth a listen. Connect with Amanda Ford Connect with Kate Phillips

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 planners thrive without compromising their independence. From grassroots mentoring to AI innovation, this is a masterclass in doing business with purpose. One for anyone who loves this profession and wants to leave it better than they found it. Connect with Amanda Ford Connect with Justine Randall  

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 hiring, and why building a lifestyle business around his young family is the goal right now. Real, relatable, and packed with lessons for any adviser running their own firm. It’s a brilliant listen for anyone juggling growth and balance in their advice business. Connect with Amanda Ford Connect with Freddie Winter

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-proof their operations without compromising their identity. This one’s for anyone trying to make sense of systems, CRMs, AI and how to take the next step without the overwhelm. A calm, grounded voice in the noise of the tech revolution. Well worth a listen. Connect with Lewis Byford Connect with Paul Ravenscroft

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 disruptive business, what he’s learned from years in commercial insurance, and why surrounding yourself with the right people is non-negotiable. If you’ve ever dreaded PI renewal, this one might just change your mindset. Connect with Lewis Byford Connect with Jonathan Newell

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 version of success. From managing pressure to scale, to mentoring the next generation of planners, this conversation is all about defining success on your own terms. A must-listen for any adviser wondering if “bigger” really means “better.” Connect with Lewis Byford Connect with Greg Moss

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 with insight for firm owners ready to scale. If you're still wearing every hat in your firm, Cathy’s advice might be exactly what you need to hear. Listen now and get inspired to do things differently. Connect with Lewis Byford Connect with Cathi Harrison 

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 actionable insight for ops directors and owner-managed firms, this one’s full of practical takeaways for firms navigating growth, AI and the future of advice. Oh and a healthy dose of padel vs. paddle debate thrown in. If you’re wondering what real AI integration can look like in your firm, start here. Connect with Lewis Byford Connect with Gabriella Peters Follow The Financial Planning Club

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 unique perspective from both sides of the advice process, Mark explains how smart estate planning drives better client outcomes, across generations. Connect with Lewis Byford Connect with Mark Wintle Follow The Financial Planning Club

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 Connect with Allen Johnson Follow The Financial Planning Club

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 business owner. From scaling without over-hiring, to simplifying client journeys, Nick offers practical insight for any advice firm owner looking to reclaim their time and run a smoother, leaner business. He also reflects on how running two businesses (and being a parent) forced him to get ruthless about focus, systems and mindset. If you’ve ever felt buried in platforms, tasks or to-do lists, this one’s for you. Connect with Lewis Byford Connect with Nick Ryan Follow The Financial Planning Club

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 management, to the hidden cost of trying to do it all yourself, this episode is packed with perspective for advice firm owners. She also opens up about work-life rhythm, leadership, and how Tatton supports over 1,100 financial planning firms across the UK through collaborative, advisor-led partnerships. If you're serious about building a future-ready advice business, this one’s for you. Connect with Lewis Byford Connect with Justine Randall Follow The Financial Planning Club The Financial Planning Club Website 

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 journey from private banking at Coots to operations leadership in Devon, including how she re-entered the workforce after five years at home, the shift from culture activities to a culture of consistency, and what she’s learned from reshaping the Yellowtail team for growth. From DIY to leadership, tech overwhelm to team kindness, this episode is packed with practical takeaways for owner-managers serious about building a better business. 🎧 A must-listen for anyone navigating change, culture, or team growth in a modern advice firm. Connect with Lewis Byford Connect with Sarah Steele Follow The Financial Planning Club The Financial Planning Club Website   

This week on The Financial Planning Podcast, host Lewis Byford is joined by Nick Hutchings, Chartered Financial Planner and founder of The Retirement Lounge. Nick didn’t set out to run his own firm, but after years of cultural misalignment and compromise, he decided to create a business that fits his life and values. In this episode, he shares how he found his niche in later life advice, why outsourcing is key to his model, and how being authentic has transformed the way he works. From school struggles to SOLLA accreditation, this is a refreshingly honest take on lifestyle firms, freedom, and designing work around the life you actually want. 🎧 Whether you're DA, AR, or just rethinking the way you run your business this one will resonate. Connect with Lewis Byford Connect with Nick Hutchings Follow The Financial Planning Club The Financial Planning Club Website 

This week on The Financial Planning Podcast, host Lewis Byford is joined by Victor Sacks, Director of VS Associates and one of the industry’s straightest talkers. Victor opens up about the reality of building a firm from scratch, the setbacks, the slow starts, and the mindset shifts that helped him turn things around. From cold calls in industrial estates to running a business on his own terms, Victor shares the unfiltered truth about what it really takes. If you’re an adviser who never set out to be a business owner, this one’s for you. 🎧 Expect insight on resilience, referrals, personal branding, and how to stay human in a fast-paced profession. Connect with Lewis Byford Connect with Victor Sacks Follow The Financial Planning Club The Financial Planning Club Website 

This week on The Financial Planning Podcast, host Lewis Byford is joined by Leticia Fonseca, Independent Financial Adviser and Founder of Master Your Finances. Leticia’s journey from Brazil to becoming a UK-qualified adviser is as inspiring as her mission, making financial education accessible to all. With a background in tech marketing and a passion for helping others, she empowers people to build better money habits through workshops, mentoring, and bilingual courses. Outside of work, she’s a proud mum, lifelong learner, and advocate for personal growth. Tune in to hear how Leticia is breaking down barriers and helping people master their finances with confidence. Connect with Lewis Byford Connect with Leticia Fonseca Follow The Financial Planning Club The Financial Planning Club Website 

This week on The Financial Planning Podcast, host Lewis Byford welcomes Gareth Higton, Director and Independent Financial Planner at Finli. Gareth brings a fresh and commercial approach to financial planning, blending deep advice expertise with experience in growth, acquisitions, and partnerships across financial services. He’s passionate about helping clients achieve real financial freedom and building businesses that deliver meaningful results. Tune in to hear how Gareth supports both people and firms in getting the most out of life and planning. Connect with Lewis Byford Connect with Gareth Higton Follow The Financial Planning Club The Financial Planning Club Website