BWD: In The Know

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

    FEB 17

    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.

    1h 51m
  2. Future Fit Financial Planning: In Conversation with Vicki Hicks

    12/09/2025

    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.

    1h 41m
  3. Future Fit Financial Planning: In Conversation with Tom Francis

    11/28/2025

    Future Fit Financial Planning: In Conversation with Tom Francis

    Is the role of the Financial Planner about to change?# In the first episode of the Future Fit Financial Planning series, our host James Walker is joined by Tom Francis of Octopus Money to explore what the next stage of advice might really look like. They discuss how technology and behavioural psychology are reshaping personal finance, why so many people struggle to act on good financial advice, and how scalable, tech-enabled models could help millions make better money decisions. With a clear mission to reach 5 million people and a willingness to share their thinking openly, this conversation offers a powerful glimpse into the future of the profession. In this episode, we cover: The changing role of the financial plannerCoaches vs traditional advisersWhy traditional advice fails to reach most peopleBehavioural nudges and money habitsHuman relationships supported by structured techShort-term lifestyle vs long-term goalsThe future of scalable, accessible advice If you’re a financial adviser, advice firm leader, or anyone interested in the future of financial planning, this episode is for you.   Chapters: 00:00 Introduction & Tom’s Background 09:00 Making Financial Advice Accessible 18:30 Technology, Algorithms & Real Life 27:30 Behavioural Psychology & Inertia 35:45 The Limits of Traditional Financial Planning 43:45 Capturing People at the Right Moment 52:30 Money Culture & National Financial Habits 01:01:00 Shiny Objects vs Long-Term Freedom 01:10:15 What Can (and Can’t) Be Changed 01:18:45 Big Numbers, Misconceptions & Wrap-Up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 28m

  4. 11/05/2025

    In Conversation with Paul Hance

    In this episode of BWD In The Know, guest host Harry McNeill is joined by Paul Hance, a seasoned actuary whose career reflects how leadership, learning, and relationships define success in today’s actuarial profession.   From technical beginnings to leadership roles, Paul shares how continuous learning, humility, and adaptability have shaped his journey. He offers practical insights on navigating setbacks, balancing technical expertise with business skills, and embracing technology and AI as tools for growth.   In Building Relationships, Not Just Models: Paul Hance on the Modern Actuary, they explore: ✅ The blend of technical and business skills actuaries need today ✅ How continuous learning drives professional growth ✅ The role of relationships and communication in leadership ✅ Overcoming setbacks and learning from experience ✅ Embracing technology and AI to stay relevant   An insightful listen for actuaries at every stage, from exams to executive leadership.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Actuarial Profession 02:47 Navigating Early Career Challenges 05:47 The Importance of Continuous Learning 08:34 Transitioning to Leadership Roles 12:00 Building Relationships and Trust 14:42 Balancing Qualifications and Business Skills 17:56 Overcoming Setbacks and Learning from Mistakes 20:44 Current Challenges in the Actuarial Field 23:28 Embracing Technology and AI 26:32 Advice for Aspiring Actuaries 29:31 Working Your Way Out of a Job Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    37 min

  5. 10/17/2025

    In Conversation with Gerrit Marais

    In this episode of BWD In The Know, guest host Harry McNeill is joined by Gerrit Marais, an actuary whose career spans continents, from South Africa to Canada. Gerrit shares how curiosity, connection, and continuous learning have shaped his professional journey, and why building relationships can be just as important as mastering technical skills. In Building Networks, Not Just Numbers: An Actuarial Journey with Gerrit Marais, we discuss: ✅ The power of networking & relationship-building ✅ Why mentorship matters more than ever ✅ Balancing work, study, and life ✅ Continuous learning & career adaptability ✅ Moving countries — and careers — with purpose An inspiring listen for actuaries at every stage, from exams to executive roles. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Actuarial Market 03:04 Gerrit's Journey into Actuarial Science 05:54 Navigating Early Career Challenges 08:49 The Importance of Networking and Mentorship 11:57 Transitioning to Canada and Career Growth 14:50 Practical Tips for Aspiring Actuaries 17:51 Balancing Work, Study, and Life 20:45 Debunking Myths about Actuarial Careers 23:40 Lifelong Learning and Career Advice Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    41 min

  6. 10/03/2025

    In Conversation with Michelle Young

    Beyond Risk: Michelle Young on Reinsurance, Resilience & the Human Side of Actuarial Work In this episode of BWD In The Know, guest host Harry McNeill is joined by Michelle Young for a conversation that goes beyond risk to uncover the human side of actuarial work. Michelle reflects on her career in reinsurance and shares why actuaries are far more than just the numbers. From the societal impact of actuarial decisions to the importance of communication, mentorship, and volunteering, she highlights how resilience and curiosity can shape a fulfilling career. Along the way, Michelle also explores the role of AI as a supportive tool, the value of embracing uncertainty, and why taking opportunities early can lead to unexpected growth. A must-listen for actuaries at every stage, from exams to executive leadership. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Actuarial Profession 01:37 Michelle's Journey into Reinsurance 03:12 The Passion for Being an Actuary 04:34 Understanding the Broader Impact of Actuarial Work 06:26 The Societal Impact of Actuarial Decisions 07:34 Volunteering and Its Influence on Professional Growth 09:21 Transitioning from Technical to Strategic Roles 12:47 Actuaries and Uncertainty in Decision Making 14:29 Explaining Actuarial Work to Outsiders 15:31 Actuaries and Climate Change 18:44 The Role of AI in the Actuarial Field 21:34 The Role of Communication in Actuarial Training 24:24 Embracing Growth Through Discomfort 26:28 Exploring the Reinsurance Market 28:26 Navigating Career Paths and Leadership Roles 33:38 Unique Career Journeys and Opportunities Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    40 min

  7. 09/22/2025

    In Conversation with Anthony Flynn

    💡 “He who looks outside dreams, he who looks inside awakens.”   That line came up in my latest In The Know with Anthony Flynn, and it set the tone for one of the most open and vulnerable conversations I’ve had on the podcast. Anthony spoke not just about career milestones, but about the deeper currents that shape who we are and how we lead. The conversation explored: External validation: how much of what we do is driven by proving ourselves to othersResilience & choice: your background shapes you, but it doesn’t define youComposure pendulum: learning to return to centre when life swings between extremesSuccess vs meaning: the shift from chasing titles to searching for purpose For financial planners and business owners, these themes will feel familiar: imposter syndrome, the pressure to perform, and the quiet question of what’s it all for. All of it is here in this conversation. 👉 If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to take off the professional mask, this is one to listen to or watch via our YouTube Channel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 43m

  8. 09/18/2025

    In Conversation with Mark W. Griffin

    From Actuary to Wall Street to Novelist: Mark W. Griffin on Risk, Reinvention & Storytelling In this episode of BWD In The Know, guest host Harry McNeill is joined by Mark W Griffin for a fascinating conversation that blends actuarial insight with life beyond the spreadsheets. Mark’s career has been anything but linear; from actuarial science to investment banking on Wall Street, and now to publishing his debut novel The Mortality Thief. Along the way, he shares lessons in curiosity, mentorship, and leadership, while reflecting on what the 2008 financial crisis taught him about risk, resilience, and reinvention. For actuaries, consultants, and anyone considering how to make bold career moves, this episode challenges the idea of “traditional” career paths and explores the growing opportunities in areas like AI and climate risk. It’s a story of numbers, narrative, and the courage to carve your own way. 📖Mark’s book is now available to purchase. Order Your Copy OR Buy on Amazon Inspired by true events, The Mortality Thief is a razor-sharp and authentic thriller that's ripped from the headlines. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Mark's Career Journey 02:46 Transitioning from Actuarial Science to Wall Street 05:47 Navigating the Investment Banking Culture 08:50 Curiosity and Learning in a New Environment 11:42 Leadership Lessons from CRO and CIO Roles 14:35 Reflections on the 2008 Financial Crisis 17:23 The Evolution of Risk Management 20:12 Career Advice for Aspiring Actuaries 23:10 The Importance of Curiosity and Networking 26:11 The Impact of Mentorship on Career Decisions 29:03 Exploring Writing as a New Venture 31:44 The Mortality Thief: Blending Actuarial Themes with Fiction 34:52 Parallels Between Risk Management and Writing 37:38 Defining Success in a New Chapter 40:46 Book Release and Closing Thoughts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    44 min
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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
    46
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © BWD
  • Show Website
    BWD: In The Know

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