BWD: In The Know

BWD
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Join us for expert interviews, engaging panel discussions, and recruitment insights. Listeners can expect to gain a deeper understanding of market trends, hear real-life success stories, and get practical advice on navigating the job market. "Offering a unique and dynamic platform for professionals in the financial services industry, our podcast aims to foster meaningful conversations, share valuable knowledge, and create opportunities for personal and professional growth in the ever-evolving financial services sector." - James Walker, Managing Director | BWD. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. The Human Side of Wealth Management with Emmelia Powell

    3 days ago

    The Human Side of Wealth Management with Emmelia Powell

    Emmelia Powell: Building Trust, Visibility and the Future of Advice  In episode 51 of BWD In the Know, Ellie Corkill hosts the second episode of her mini-series, The Human Side of Wealth Management. Ellie is joined by Emmelia Powell, Financial Adviser, for a conversation on building trust, finding your voice and creating a more personal, human version of financial advice. Emmelia shares her journey into the profession, from starting out in banking to entering financial advice after having three children, completing her exams and building a career that works around both her family and her clients. In this episode, they discuss: Emmelia’s journey into financial advice and how she found a career that fitsWhy financial advice can be such a powerful profession for women and working mumsBuilding trust with clients and why good advice starts with doing the right thingSupporting sports professionals, business owners and younger clientsWhy no two financial plans should ever look the sameThe role of empathy, patience and lived experience in client relationshipsBuilding a personal brand and the value of being visible onlineHow AI and technology are changing the advice professionWhat the next generation of advisers need to succeedWhy the future of advice needs to be more human, relatable and personal This is a thoughtful and honest conversation about trust, visibility, motherhood, client relationships and the realities of building a career in financial advice.   Whether you work in wealth management, are building a career in advice, or are interested in how the profession can continue to evolve, this episode is well worth a listen.   Chapters00:00 Introduction to Emmelia Powell and the episode’s focus on the human side of wealth management 02:45 Emmelia’s background and why she transitioned into financial advice 03:10 Balancing career growth and family life in wealth management 04:46 Internal narratives and challenges faced by women entering the industry 05:34 Experiences shaping Emmelia into her current advising style 06:55 Embracing continuous exploration and innovation in financial advice 07:22 Challenging industry stereotypes and traditional client approaches 09:10 How Emmelia’s client-centric philosophy influences her niche focus on sports professionals 10:04 Benefits of niche specialisation and understanding client nuances 12:31 Differentiating client approaches based on individual needs and circumstances 15:22 Insights into working with athletes, timing of advice, and financial planning nuances 17:36 The importance of early financial education and behaviour in wealth management 19:56 Personalisation, emotional anchors and why money management is human at its core 23:02 Building trust and openness: creating a safe environment for clients 24:04 Balancing empathy with challenging clients effectively 26:38 Influences and role models underpinning Emmelia’s professional development 28:44 Building personal brand online, authenticity and sharing your story 33:29 The role of AI in advice: tools, limitations and enhancing client service 36:26 Tips on using AI thoughtfully while maintaining a personal voice 38:23 The future of AI in wealth management and the human touch’s enduring importance 43:11 Soft skills essential for new advisers in a tech-driven landscape 45:00 Making wealth management appealing to the next generation and industry diversity 52:55 The benefits and challenges of niching: advice for aspiring specialists 56:43 Encouragement for early-career advisers to find their voice and gain visibility 59:58 Key takeaway: the importance of personalised, human-centric financial advice Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1hr 1min
  2. Future Fit Financial Planning: In Conversation with Ann-Marie Atkins

    17 Jun

    Future Fit Financial Planning: In Conversation with Ann-Marie Atkins

    Excellence, Not Perfection with Ann-Marie Atkins In this special 50th episode of BWD In The Know, James is joined by Ann-Marie Atkins, Head of Entrepreneurs at Evelyn Partners, for a conversation about what really sits behind long-term success in financial planning. Known as one of the UK's leading advisers in the entrepreneur and business owner space, Ann-Marie reflects on the experiences, values and lessons that have shaped her career. In this episode, they discuss:Ann-Marie's journey into financial services and the challenges she faced early in her career Confidence, emotional intelligence and communication in adviceWhy excellence matters more than perfectionBuilding trust with clients and professional introducersCollaboration in delivering better outcomesLeadership, mentoring and high-performing teamsAI, technology and the future of adviceThe growing importance of holistic financial planning This episode is a reminder that the best advisers don't simply provide advice — they bring people, expertise and ideas together to help clients make better decisions.   If you're a financial planner, adviser or leader looking to build trust, improve your impact and future-proof your career, this episode is for you. Chapters00:00 Introduction 00:28 Ann-Marie's Journey Into Financial Services 01:23 Building Confidence & Finding Your Voice 03:29 Fairness, Honesty & Authenticity 04:39 Learning Through Mistakes & Self-Reflection 05:42 Overcoming Fear & High-Stakes Situations 06:42 Understanding Your Core Values 08:36 Childhood Influences, Ambition & Competitiveness 09:16 Sport, Teamwork & Resilience 09:59 Being Taken Seriously in Financial Services 11:24 Mentors, Role Models & Career Development 13:19 Early Leadership Lessons 14:33 Managing Mistakes & High Standards 16:54 Why Collaboration Matters 17:42 Delivering Better Outcomes for Complex Clients 21:29 The Problem with Siloed Advice 24:28 The Risks of Disconnected Planning 27:11 Building Trust Over Time 28:44 Creating High-Performing Teams 30:28 A Client-First Culture 31:35 Excellence, Not Perfection 35:52 AI, Technology & The Future of Advice 44:17 The Future of Collaborative Advice 50:53 Authenticity as a Competitive Advantage 66:14 Closing Thoughts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1hr 6min
  3. The Human Side of Wealth Management with Jay Dhaliwal

    4 Jun

    The Human Side of Wealth Management with Jay Dhaliwal

    In episode 49 of BWD In The Know, Ellie Corkill hosts the first episode of her new mini-series, The Human Side of Wealth Management. Ellie is joined by Jay Dhaliwal APFS, Chartered Independent Financial Adviser at Chase de Vere, for a conversation on resilience, representation and the power of showing up. Jay shares her journey into financial advice, from starting her career in financial services to becoming Chartered, building a visible personal brand and using her platform to support others entering the profession. In this episode, they discuss: Jay’s journey into financial advice and the experiences that have shaped her careerThe reality of building a personal brand and putting yourself out thereThe importance of representation within the professionThe role resilience has played throughout Jay’s careerWhy soft skills and building genuine relationships still matterThe value of networking, giving back and supporting others entering the industryHow wealth management can continue to become more human, relatable and accessible This is an open and honest conversation about career journeys, confidence, community and the importance of continuing to show up - even when the path is not always linear. Whether you already work in wealth management, are building a career in financial advice or are simply interested in the people helping to move the profession forward, this episode is well worth a listen. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Jay’s Career Background 01:03 Early Influences and Education Choices 03:18 First Steps into Financial Services 04:37 Transition from Admin to Adviser 05:57 Overcoming Rejection and Career Persistence 06:42 Achieving Chartership and Professional Credibility 07:53 The Power of Intentional Career Planning 09:39 Representation and Diversity in Wealth Management 10:29 Dealing with Being a Minority in the Sector 12:18 Building Resilience and Confidence 14:06 The Role of Personal Branding and Visibility 16:45 Authenticity and Human Connection in Content Creation 18:10 Balancing Professionalism and Personality 20:39 Opportunities from Being Visible 23:01 Encouraging Others to Be Visible and Authentic 27:08 The Importance of Representation and Role Models 29:31 Mentoring and Giving Back to the Community 32:08 Managing Work-Life Balance and Overcoming Self-Doubt 34:28 The Impact of Fitness and Lifestyle on Professional Success 37:15 Networking Through Shared Interests 39:24 The Future of Wealth Management and Adviser Skills 41:40 Excitement for Sector Innovation and Young Talent 45:10 Advice for Aspiring Advisers and Personal Growth 48:33 Changing Perceptions of Age and Diversity in the Sector 49:53 Supporting the Next Generation of Advisers 51:37 Enhancing Diversity and Inclusion in Wealth Management 54:11 Key Takeaways: Resilience, Community, Giving Back 55:20 Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    56 min
  4. Future Fit Financial Planning: In Conversation with Paul Miller

    30 Apr

    Future Fit Financial Planning: In Conversation with Paul Miller

    CRM Wars: Endgame for the Legacy?In conversation with Paul Miller In this episode, James is joined by Paul Miller to explore why most financial planning firms don’t have a true tech strategy, and why that’s becoming a serious risk. After leading technology at IWP, one of the UK’s early consolidators, Paul has seen first-hand what happens when multiple firms attempt to operate as one, with different systems, inconsistent processes and fragmented data underneath it all. At the centre of the problem is the assumption that the CRM is the source of truth; when in reality, it often isn’t. In this episode, they discuss: Why most firms don’t have a true tech strategyThe limitations of CRM as a “source of truth”The challenge of integrating multiple firms and systemsA practical approach to improving data without stopping the businessThe hidden risks of “shadow AI”Why data quality is becoming critical in M&A valuationsWhy AI will amplify problems if the data isn’t right This episode offers a practical and honest look at the infrastructure behind advice firms — and why getting the foundations right matters more than ever. If you’re a financial planner, firm owner or leader thinking about data, systems or AI, this episode is for you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1hr 13min
  5. Future Fit Financial Planning: In Conversation with Emma Hardiman

    1 Apr

    Future Fit Financial Planning: In Conversation with Emma Hardiman

    Marketing isn’t the colouring in department. In conversation with Emma Hardiman In this episode, James is joined by Emma Hardiman to explore the role marketing should really play inside a financial planning business, and why it’s often misunderstood. Too often, marketing is treated as a support function, brought in at the end to “make things look good” rather than influence how a firm grows. In this conversation, Emma shares why marketing should sit at the centre of client understanding, trust and strategic decision-making.   In this episode, they discuss: Why marketing is often treated as a “colouring in” functionThe gap between brand, strategy and real growthHow trust is built before any client interactionWhy clients buy belief, not just adviceThe role marketing should play in shaping a businessMoving from reactive activity to strategic influence This episode challenges how financial planning firms think about marketing, and what needs to change for it to truly drive growth.   If you’re a financial planner, business owner or marketer within an advice firm, this episode is for you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1hr 25min
  6. Future Fit Financial Planning: In Conversation with James McPartland

    26 Mar

    Future Fit Financial Planning: In Conversation with James McPartland

    The Adviser Who Walked Away  In conversation with James McPartland    In this episode, James is joined by James McPartland to explore the story behind building and ultimately walking away from a £400m financial planning business.    Built from scratch under the St. James’s Place model, James and his partners grew a highly successful firm before making the decision to leave and start again. In this candid conversation, he shares what pushed them to that point, what they got wrong along the way, and what they would do differently if they had their time again.    In this episode, they discuss:  Building an advice business from scratch in your twenties Growing organically to £400m of client assets The realities of operating within a large advice model The frustrations that led to the decision to leave What happens when you resign from your own business The risks, pressure and personal impact of starting again Lessons learned — and what they would do differently Why client relationships matter more than brand names   This episode offers a candid and practical look at one of the biggest decisions an adviser can make, and what it really takes to start again.    If you’re a financial planner, adviser or business owner thinking about the future of your firm, this episode is for you.  Chapters  00:00 Introduction  02:20 How James Fell Into Financial Planning  07:00 Starting Out With Just a Phone  12:00 Building an Advice Business in Your Twenties  18:00 Joining St. James’s Place  24:00 Growing the Business to £400m  32:00 When Things Started to Feel Misaligned  40:00 The Frustrations That Built Over Time  48:00 Deciding to Leave the Business  57:00 The Risks of Walking Away  01:05:00 Stress, Family and the Reality of the Decision  01:12:00 Planning the Exit Strategy  01:20:00 Rebuilding the Business From Scratch  01:28:00 Technology, Platforms and the New Proposition  01:36:00 What Other Advisers Should Know  01:44:00 Final Thoughts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1hr 13min
  7. Future Fit Financial Planning: In Conversation with John White and Mike Toole

    17 Feb

    Future Fit Financial Planning: In Conversation with John White and Mike Toole

    Back to the Future (of Advice)In conversation with John White & Mike Toole No DeLorean. No flux capacitor. But in this episode, James is joined by John White and Mike Toole to explore a genuinely interesting question: what does the future of financial planning actually look like? And, somewhat ironically, the answer might feel familiar. Rather than consolidation cycles, efficiency drives or purely transactional relationships, the conversation looks toward a future that resembles the best parts of advice’s past — where judgement, empathy and trust sit at the centre of client relationships, supported (not replaced) by technology. John and Mike share their thinking behind building a firm from scratch with quality and character at its core, alongside a view of how AI and automation are reshaping the technical side of planning while leaving the human side more important than ever. In this episode, they discuss: What the “future” of financial advice may actually look likeWhy the human elements of advice are becoming more valuable, not lessBuilding firms around character, culture and long-term qualityAI’s role in reducing technical and administrative loadJudgement, empathy and trust as competitive advantagesMoving away from transactional throughput toward meaningful relationships Ultimately, this episode offers a forward-looking yet grounded perspective on where the profession is heading — and why the future of advice may be less about reinvention and more about rediscovery. If you’re a Financial Planner, Adviser or leader within an advice firm, this episode is for you. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction & Episode Overview 04:00 Guest Introductions – John White & Mike Toole 11:30 The Current Financial Advice Landscape 20:15 Changing Expectations of Financial Planners 29:40 Communication, Trust & Client Relationships 39:10 Technology vs Human Connection 48:30 Skills That Matter Most in Modern Advice 58:00 Professional Development & Continuous Learning 01:07:20 Regulation, Value & Commercial Reality 01:16:45 Building Credibility & Differentiation 01:26:10 Future-Proofing Careers in Financial Planning 01:35:30 Advice Firm Culture & Leadership 01:44:15 Key Takeaways From the Discussion 01:51:30 Final Reflections & Closing Thoughts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1hr 51min
  8. Future Fit Financial Planning: In Conversation with Vicki Hicks

    09/12/2025

    Future Fit Financial Planning: In Conversation with Vicki Hicks

    AI will not increase your business value. It will protect it. In the second episode the Future Fit Financial Planning series, James is joined by Vicky Hicks, Co-Founder of Melo, for an honest conversation about business value, identity, leadership and the realities of today’s M&A market. Vicky shares her journey of building and selling a firm, the personal identity shift that followed, and the lessons she learned about value creation, culture and operational discipline. She offers a rare, candid look at what is really happening in the M&A landscape; from price pressure to what buyers now expect from advice firms. They explore how clearer propositions, consistent processes and strong operational foundations protect long-term value, and why technology has become essential infrastructure rather than a differentiator. In this episode, they cover: How advisers are evolving into coaches, communicators and plannersWhy clear propositions and consistent processes protect business valueTechnology as core infrastructure, not a “nice to have”What buyers are really looking for in today’s M&A marketRising price pressure and shifting valuation expectationsLessons from both nightmare sale stories and record-valuation exitsIdentity, resilience and planning for your own future — not just your clients’ This episode gives owner-managers, advisers and firm leaders a grounded view of where the market is heading — and a reminder that value isn’t created at exit, but in the everyday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1hr 41min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Join us for expert interviews, engaging panel discussions, and recruitment insights. Listeners can expect to gain a deeper understanding of market trends, hear real-life success stories, and get practical advice on navigating the job market. "Offering a unique and dynamic platform for professionals in the financial services industry, our podcast aims to foster meaningful conversations, share valuable knowledge, and create opportunities for personal and professional growth in the ever-evolving financial services sector." - James Walker, Managing Director | BWD. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    BWD
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    52
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © BWD
  • Show Website
    BWD: In The Know

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