Talk FS

Talk FS

Join us as we dive into the world of financial services, bringing you insightful conversations with industry leaders and key figures. Whether you’re a Financial Adviser, Mortgage Adviser, Paraplanner, or a Financial Services Business Owner, Talk FS is your go-to podcast for uncovering the lessons learned and experiences that have shaped successful careers in the UK financial services sector. Tune in for expert advice, industry trends, and personal stories that will inspire and inform your journey in the financial services world. Subscribe now and never miss an episode!

  1. Why Paraplanning Is a Career — Not a Stepping Stone | Luke Sparkes (S2, E15)

    5D AGO

    Why Paraplanning Is a Career — Not a Stepping Stone | Luke Sparkes (S2, E15)

    Paraplanning is often seen as a stepping stone to financial advice — but is that perception outdated? In this episode of Talk FS, Ryan Venner is joined by Luke Sparkes, an award-winning paraplanner and member of the PFS Paraplanning Panel, to explore the realities of careers in financial services. Luke shares his journey from administrator to adviser, and ultimately back into paraplanning — explaining why it became the right long-term career choice. The conversation covers work–life balance, sales pressure in advice roles, the growing importance of paraplanners, and how the profession is evolving through technology, regulation, and changing industry expectations. Luke also offers practical advice for anyone considering paraplanning as a career, or questioning whether their current role is the right fit. This episode is ideal for: • Aspiring paraplanners • Financial advisers and administrators • Students considering financial services careers • Firms looking to better understand the paraplanner’s role ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 Intro 02:18 Why Move From Adviser Back to Paraplanning? 05:50 What First Attracted Luke to Financial Advice? 19:11 Did He Ever Consider Leaving the Industry? 24:18 What’s Next for the Paraplanning Profession? 32:45 How Advising Experience Shapes Paraplanning 41:13 Should Paraplanners Be Client-Facing? 43:35 Advice for Aspiring Paraplanners Luke also discusses: • Paraplanning as a long-term profession • Breaking the adviser–paraplanner hierarchy • AI and technology in financial planning • Industry recognition and professional development 📌 Connect with Luke Sparkes https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-sparkes-fpfs-41a552150/ 🎧 Subscribe to Talk FS for more conversations with professionals shaping the future of financial services. Youtube: https://youtu.be/ygE676woQto

    45 min
  2. How Mortgage Brokers Scale Their Business with Clarity, Consistency & Creativity | Ash Borland (S2,E14)

    JAN 27

    How Mortgage Brokers Scale Their Business with Clarity, Consistency & Creativity | Ash Borland (S2,E14)

    How do financial advisers and mortgage brokers build real business growth in today’s competitive market? In this episode of Talk FS, Ryan Venner is joined by Ash Borland — financial services marketing specialist, sales and business coach — to explore what it really takes to scale an advisory business in the modern digital era. Ash shares practical insights on building powerful professional communities, overcoming fear of competition, systemising one-person businesses, generating consistent leads, and unlocking the untapped revenue potential of protection. He also introduces his Three C’s Framework: Clarity, Consistency and Creativity — a proven approach to personal branding and marketing for advisers who want sustainable long-term growth. Whether you’re a self-employed mortgage broker, financial adviser, or business owner looking to scale, this episode is packed with actionable strategies you can apply immediately. Key Topics Covered: ✔️ Building community in financial services ✔️ Overcoming fear of competitors ✔️ The challenges of self-employed advisers ✔️ Why systems must come before scaling ✔️ Scaling problems caused by lack of leads ✔️ The protection opportunity most advisers miss ✔️ Doing right by clients while increasing revenue ✔️ Generating leads through modern marketing ✔️ The Three C’s: Clarity, Consistency & Creativity Chapters: 00:33 – Introduction 01:25 – The Power of Community in Financial Services 04:36 – Overcoming the Fear of Industry Competition 06:56 – The Challenges of the Self-Employed Advisor 10:43 – Systems Before Scaling 18:48 – The Problem with Scaling Without Leads 21:04 – The Untapped Goldmine: Protection 25:56 – Doing Right by the Client 31:40 – Generating Leads Through Marketing 42:19 – The Three C’s Framework 56:20 – Outro About Ash Borland: Ash Borland is a Sales and Marketing Coach for mortgage brokers who feel like they’re working harder than ever but not seeing the results they deserve. His belief is simple: most brokers don’t have a work problem — they have a framework problem. You’re already putting in the effort. What’s missing is a system that turns that effort into consistent leads, loyal clients, and predictable income — without chaos, guesswork, or late-night CRM stress. Ash helps mortgage brokers simplify their marketing, sharpen their sales process, and build a memorable personal brand that attracts the right clients for the right reasons. His no-fluff frameworks and clear strategies are designed to help advisers build businesses that run smoothly — so they can finally enjoy the life they’ve been working so hard for. Hard work built your business. The right framework will scale it. Connect with Ash Borland: Website: https://ashborland.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashborland/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ashborland About Talk FS: Talk FS is the podcast from Premier Jobs UK, exploring the business, marketing, and growth strategies shaping the financial services industry. Featuring industry leaders, business owners, and innovators, each episode delivers practical insight for advisers and firms looking to stay ahead. If you enjoyed this episode: 👍 Like the video 💬 Comment with your key takeaway 🔔 Subscribe for more Talk FS episodes #TalkFS #MortgageBroker #FinancialAdviser #LeadGeneration #MarketingForBrokers #BusinessScaling #PersonalBranding #ProtectionSales #AshBorland

    57 min
  3. The Future of Financial Planning: Empathy, SOLLA Accreditation & Client Confidence | Henrietta Grimston (S2, E13)

    JAN 8

    The Future of Financial Planning: Empathy, SOLLA Accreditation & Client Confidence | Henrietta Grimston (S2, E13)

    In this episode of Talk FS, Ryan Venner speaks with Henrietta Grimston, a financial planner dedicated to empowering clients through empathetic and holistic financial advice. Henrietta shares her journey from investment management to financial planning, emphasising the importance of understanding clients' emotional and psychological needs. They discuss the SOLLA accreditation, the necessity of financial education in the UK, and the role of technology in transforming the financial planning industry. Henrietta also highlights the significance of intergenerational wealth transfer and the need for a diverse workforce in financial services. The conversation concludes with advice for aspiring financial planners to find their passion in the field. ⏱️ Chapters 01:00 - Introduction: Meet Henrietta Grimston 01:20 - From Investment Management to Financial Planning 03:06 -How an Investment Background Helps Clients Today 04:24 -Why Client Conversations Matter 06:17 -Financial Wellbeing & Breaking the Money Taboo 07:55 -Why Henrietta Chose SOLLA Accreditation 09:57 -What SOLLA Accreditation Really Means for Clients 13:43 -Teaching Young People About Money 18:50 - Encouraging the Next Generation Into Financial Planning 20:59 -Diversity, Representation & the Future Adviser Workforce 22:20 -Career Lessons from Henrietta’s Journey 25:49 -Technology, AI & the Future of Financial Advice 29:40 -Final Advice for Financial Planners 🔗 Henrietta's links: 👉 Staltus — https://www.saltus.co.uk/our-team/henrietta-grimston 👉 FCA — https://register.fca.org.uk/s/individual?id=003b000000LW6MFAA1 👉 LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/henriettagrimston/?originalSubdomain=uk #FinancialPlanning #FinancialAdviser #SOLLAAccreditation #FinancialWellbeing #ClientConfidence #LaterLifePlanning #FinancialEducation #TalkFSPodcast #WealthManagement

    31 min
  4. Pete Matthew on Content-Led Growth in Wealth Management (S2, E12)

    12/08/2025

    Pete Matthew on Content-Led Growth in Wealth Management (S2, E12)

    How do you build a trusted financial-advice brand from scratch — and turn it into a thriving business? In this episode of Talk FS, Ryan Venner speaks with Pete Matthew, Chartered Financial Planner, CEO of Jackson’s Wealth and founder of Meaningful Money, about turning consistent content into real client growth, bridging the advice gap, and the future of financial services in the UK. Pete shares: 🔸 Why he started Meaningful Money — to help ordinary people access clear, honest financial education when traditional advice became out of reach. 🔸 The power of showing up consistently: how 15 years of videos, articles and podcasts turned early credit-card debt stories into life-changing outcomes for thousands. 🔸 How content drives business: 85% of new enquiries for Jackson’s now come via Meaningful Money — reshaping what a modern IFA firm looks like. 🔸 Why simplicity, transparency and trust win over complexity — the importance of educating rather than selling. 🔸 How the financial-advice industry is evolving: from traditional IFA models to hybrid advice + education + coaching, and why it matters for client outcomes. ➡️ Whether you’re a financial adviser, paraplanner, content creator — or someone curious about money — this episode gives a rare behind-the-scenes look at building a values-driven finance brand that scales without compromising ethics. ⏱️ Chapters 00:44 — Introduction & Pete’s back-story 02:16 — Building a Legacy 05:04 — Who the Content is For 07:52 — Trends in Audience Questions 10:36 — Are People Overpaying Advisers? 13:15 — Choosing Advice vs DIY 14:25 — The Rise of Financial Coaching 17:29 — Showing Up Online 22:44 — Repeating Topics in Content 25:15 — Repetition Builds Credibility 28:52 — Impact of Content on Growth 36:40 — Turning Away Smaller Clients 39:47 — Meaningful Academy as a Solution 43:06 — Outro 🔗 Useful links 👉 Meaningful Money — https://meaningfulmoney.tv/ 👉 Jackson’s Wealth Management — https://jacksons.life/ 👉 Meaningful Academy — https://meaningfulacademy.com/ If you enjoy this episode — please **Like**, **Subscribe**, and **Turn On Notifications** to stay up to date with more industry insights from Talk FS. #TalkFS #MeaningfulMoney #PeteMatthew #FinancialAdviceUK #IFA #PersonalFinance #ContentMarketing #WealthManagement #FinancialWellbeing

    43 min
  5. From Adviser to AI Innovator: How Tech Will Transform Financial Advice with Chanelle Pattinson (S2, E11)

    11/20/2025

    From Adviser to AI Innovator: How Tech Will Transform Financial Advice with Chanelle Pattinson (S2, E11)

    In this episode of Talk FS, Ryan Venner sits down with Chanelle Pattinson — Associate Research Director at NextWealth, Chartered Financial Planner, fintech innovator, and host of the Her Future Bright podcast. Chanelle shares her journey from financial advice to the world of tech and AI, giving us a unique insider view on how innovation is reshaping the future of financial services. With experience across advice, startups, product development, and research, Chanelle provides rare insight into where the industry is heading — and what advisers should be preparing for. Together, Ryan and Chanelle explore the human element of advice, AI adoption trends, adviser tech stacks, client engagement, and the real-world challenges and opportunities presented by new technology. Whether you're an adviser, paraplanner, business owner, or simply curious about the role of AI in professional services, this conversation is packed with valuable takeaways. ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – Introduction 01:10 – Chanelle’s Journey from Financial Advisor to AI Innovator 06:24 – Will AI Replace Advisers? 09:48 – Human Listening vs. AI Tools 11:55 – Introducing the NextWealth AI Lab 15:23 – Ryan’s Own Tech Journey 17:51 – Implementation Challenges 20:30 – What Advisers Rate Most in Tech 22:33 – Innovation in Back-Office & New Players 25:09 – Generational & Attitude Differences 28:16 – Fear of Missing Out Driving AI Adoption 30:11 – Using AI in Everyday Life 31:24 – Chanelle’s Custom GPTs 33:15 – The Security Question 35:25 – The Future of AI 37:20 – A New Era for Advisers 38:56 – Is AI Here to Stay? 39:33 – Closing Thoughts 🔗 Connect with Chanelle: 👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chanelle-paynter-n%C3%A9e-pattinson-b6064496/ 👉 NextWealth Profile: https://nextwealth.co.uk/team-members/chanelle-pattinson/ 🎙️ About Talk FS: Talk FS brings you unfiltered conversations with influential voices across financial services — exploring innovation, careers, technology, leadership, and the future of financial advice.

    40 min
  6. Why Critical Thinking Will Make You a Better Financial Adviser | Jacqueline Lockie (S2, E10)

    11/05/2025

    Why Critical Thinking Will Make You a Better Financial Adviser | Jacqueline Lockie (S2, E10)

    In this episode of Talk FS, Ryan Venner interviews Jacqueline Lockie, founder of Lockie Consultants, discussing the critical importance of critical thinking in financial services. Jacqueline emphasises the need for financial professionals to engage their critical thinking skills to better serve clients, navigate their careers, and adapt to technological advancements. The conversation also touches on the significance of mentorship, the human element in financial planning, and practical advice for aspiring financial professionals. Takeaways - Critical thinking is essential for effective client relationships. - Financial professionals must engage their critical thinking skills regularly. - Role plays can help test and improve critical thinking abilities. - Employers value attitude and interpersonal skills over technical knowledge. - Managing client expectations is crucial in financial planning. - Technology can assist but should not replace human interaction. - Self-reflection is key to personal and professional growth. - Networking is vital for career progression in financial services. - Reading widely enhances knowledge and critical thinking. - Mentorship can provide valuable guidance and support. 00:00 – Welcome & Introduction 01:07 – Why Critical Thinking Matters 04:00 – Testing Your Critical Thinking 07:15 – Learning Through Feedback 08:30 – Standing Out in Your Career 10:35 – Attitude Over Exams 12:00 – Critical Thinking for Self-Growth 13:40 – Learning vs. Racing Through Exams 18:50 – Handling Feedback & Confidence 25:00 – Finding the Right Mentor 28:16 – Technology & Lazy Thinking 29:45 – AI and the Human Element 36:35 – The Future of Financial Advice 40:30 – Advice for the Next Generation 42:55 – Closing Thoughts Lockie Consultants: https://www.lockieconsultants.com/ Jacqueline Lockie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqueline-lockie-cfp%E2%84%A2-certified-financial-planner-training-636a3322/?originalSubdomain=uk

    44 min
  7. From Employee to Empowered: Claire's Financial Journey (S2, E9)

    10/23/2025

    From Employee to Empowered: Claire's Financial Journey (S2, E9)

    In this episode of Talk FS, Ryan Venner interviews Claire Bedswick, a financial planner who shares her inspiring journey from working behind the scenes in finance to becoming a self-employed financial planner. Claire discusses the challenges she faced, including balancing motherhood, self-doubt, and the importance of community support. She emphasizes the need for more women in financial planning and the role of education in empowering clients. Claire also highlights the emotional aspects of client relationships and the significance of mentorship in her career. Takeaways: - Claire's journey into financial planning was not traditional, starting from a bank role. - She emphasises the importance of self-belief and overcoming doubts in pursuing a career. - Transitioning to self-employment was a significant step for Claire, allowing her to control her destiny. - Community support and having the right people around you are crucial for success. - Balancing motherhood and a career in finance requires strong support systems. - Education is key in financial planning, especially for women. - Building trust with clients is essential for long-term relationships. - Navigating the emotional side of client work can be challenging but rewarding. - Mentorship plays a vital role in career development and confidence building. - Encouraging more women to enter financial planning is necessary for the industry's growth. Chapters: 00:00 Intro 01:00 Journey to Financial Planning 03:00 Overcoming Doubts and Building Confidence 05:20 Transitioning to Self-Employment 08:17 The Importance of Values and Community 10:52 Balancing Career and Family Life 12:54 The Drive for Financial Education 16:54 Building Trust with Clients 19:14 Navigating the Emotional Side of Financial Planning 22:09 Encouraging More Women in Finance 23:52 The Role of Mentorship 26:15 Supporting Career Changes in Finance 29:52 The Long-Term View in Financial Planning 33:20 Final Thoughts and Advice Sound Bites: "Just believe in yourself." "Education is so important." "Say yes to the opportunities." Clare's Details: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clare-beswick-dippfs-6106a613/ Slaiyburn: https://www.slaiyburn.co.uk/clare-beswick #TalkFS #FinancialPlanning #WomenInFinance #SelfEmployedAdviser #CareerChange #IFA #Podcast #PremierJobsUK

    35 min
  8. The Human Side of Money: Financial Coaching with Simonne Gnessen (S2, E8)

    10/09/2025

    The Human Side of Money: Financial Coaching with Simonne Gnessen (S2, E8)

    💬 Money isn’t just maths – it’s a mindset. In this episode of Talk FS, brought to you by Premier Jobs UK, host Ryan Venner sits down with Simonne Gnessen, founder of Wise Monkey Coaching and a leading voice in financial coaching in the UK. They explore how emotions, habits, and personal history shape our relationship with money — and why financial wellbeing isn’t just about numbers. Simonne shares her journey from financial adviser to coach, the power of behavioural change, and how advisers can use coaching skills to deepen client relationships and build trust. You’ll also hear her thoughts on AI, technology, and why the human side of money will always matter. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction 00:49 – What is Financial Coaching? 02:43 – Why We Don’t Talk About Money 03:55 – How Childhood Shapes Money Habits 06:27 – The Financial Coaching Journey 09:37 – The Power of Accountability 11:32 – Empowerment Through Coaching 14:44 – From Financial Adviser to Financial Coach 18:59 – Training the Next Generation of Coaches 23:47 – Coaching & Financial Advice Combined 25:57 – AI, Technology & the Future of Advice 30:23 – Final Thoughts: The Mindset of Money 32:52 – Outro & Resources 🔗 Links & Resources: 📘 Simonne Gnessen – Wise Monkey Coaching: https://www.financial-coaching.co.uk/ 📖 Book: Sheconomics by Simonne Gnessen and Karen Pine: http://www.sheconomics.com/ 🎙 More episodes of Talk FS: https://www.youtube.com/@TalkFS 🌐 Premier Jobs UK: https://www.premierjobsuk.com 💼 IFA Acquisitions: https://www.ifa-acquisitions.co.uk About Talk FS: Talk FS is the podcast from Premier Jobs UK, connecting with leaders and innovators across the financial services industry. Each episode dives into key topics shaping advice, recruitment, and business growth — helping advisers, planners, and firms thrive in a changing market. #TalkFS #FinancialCoaching #SimonneGnessen #WiseMonkeyCoaching #PremierJobsUK #FinancialAdvisers #FinancialWellbeing #MoneyMindset #BehaviouralFinance #FinancialAdvicePodcast #IFA #financialplanning

    34 min

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Join us as we dive into the world of financial services, bringing you insightful conversations with industry leaders and key figures. Whether you’re a Financial Adviser, Mortgage Adviser, Paraplanner, or a Financial Services Business Owner, Talk FS is your go-to podcast for uncovering the lessons learned and experiences that have shaped successful careers in the UK financial services sector. Tune in for expert advice, industry trends, and personal stories that will inspire and inform your journey in the financial services world. Subscribe now and never miss an episode!