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 Paul Miller

    5D AGO

    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.

    1h 13m
  2. Future Fit Financial Planning: In Conversation with Emma Hardiman

    APR 1

    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.

    1h 25m
  3. Future Fit Financial Planning: In Conversation with James McPartland

    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.

    1h 13m
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
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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
    49
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © BWD
  • Show Website
    BWD: In The Know

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