BWD: In The Know

BWD

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. 20h ago

    Future Fit Financial Planning: In Conversation with James Connor

    Some careers follow a carefully mapped-out route. Others take an unexpected turn. In this episode of Future Fit Financial Planning, James Walker is joined by James Connor, Founder & CEO of Connor Broadley, to explore the journey from professional footballer to business owner, and the principles that have shaped nearly two decades of independent financial planning. From earning just £250 in their first month of trading to building one of the City's most respected wealth management firms, James reflects on the importance of client relationships, long-term thinking and staying true to your values, even as the profession continues to evolve. Together, they discuss: James' journey from Millwall Football Club to financial planningWhy client relationships should always come before commercial growthBuilding Connor Broadley with patience, purpose and clear principlesIndustry consolidation and what independent firms should protectSuccession planning and preparing businesses for the futureTechnology, infrastructure and attracting the next generation of clientsWhat leadership, resilience and partnership really look like over the long term Whether you're a financial planner, adviser, business owner or simply interested in building a business with lasting values, this episode offers an honest conversation about growth, integrity and creating something that stands the test of time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Future Fit Financial Planning: In Conversation with James Connor
  2. Jul 23

    The Human Side of Wealth Management with Marie Smith

    Marie Smith: Confidence, Community and Creating Meaningful Change   In this episode of BWD In the Know, Ellie Corkill hosts the latest instalment of her mini-series, The Human Side of Wealth Management.   Ellie is joined by Marie Smith, Relationship Associate Partner at Cooper Parry Wealth, for a conversation about confidence, community, inclusive leadership and creating meaningful change within the financial planning profession.   Marie shares her journey from starting in an administrative role to progressing through paraplanning, advice and leadership. She reflects honestly on experiencing imposter syndrome, the importance of mentorship and advocacy, and how learning to recognise her own strengths helped shape her career.   In this episode, they discuss: ·      Marie’s journey from administration and paraplanning into financial advice and leadership ·      Overcoming imposter syndrome and building confidence throughout your career ·      Why you do not need to feel 100% ready before taking your next step ·      The difference between mentoring talented people and actively advocating for them ·      How leaders can recognise those who may not naturally shout the loudest ·      Why firms need to develop diverse talent rather than simply recruit it from elsewhere ·      What the Women in Finance Charter means and how firms can turn commitments into meaningful action ·      Building professional communities and the story behind SheRocks Business ·      How strengths-based leadership can help people thrive and progress ·      Why empathy, active listening and storytelling will become even more valuable as AI develops ·      The human skills advisers need to continue demonstrating their value ·      Marie’s advice for people beginning their careers in financial planning   This is an open and thoughtful conversation about confidence, representation, leadership and the importance of creating environments in which people can succeed.   Whether you work in wealth management, are developing your career in financial advice, or are interested in how the profession can become more inclusive and human, this episode is well worth a listen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    The Human Side of Wealth Management with Marie Smith
  3. Jun 25

    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.

    The Human Side of Wealth Management with Emmelia Powell
  4. Jun 17

    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.

    Future Fit Financial Planning: In Conversation with Ann-Marie Atkins
  5. Jun 4

    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.

    The Human Side of Wealth Management with Jay Dhaliwal
  6. Mar 26

    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.

    Future Fit Financial Planning: In Conversation with James McPartland

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.