BWD: In The Know

The Recruitment Industry’s Biggest Lie - And Why Clients Keep Falling for ItRecruitment has been running on fumes for years. The contingent model dominates, yet it delivers an 80% chance of wasted time.Louise Archer and I dug into why the industry clings to it, despite better alternatives.  Some key takeaways: Retained search isn’t just for execs in pinstripe suits—it’s a better way to recruit across the board.Clients often think contingent is faster and cheaper, but the reality? It’s slow, inefficient, and costs more in the long run.The biggest issue? A lack of education. Louise shared a story about a senior HR leader who spent 15 years rejecting retained search—until she finally had it explained properly. Now, she’s one of their top retained billers.AI will eat low-level, high-volume hiring. For recruiters to survive, they need to move up the value chain—retained search is the future. Thanks to Louise for a great conversation! So, is it time to stop treating recruitment like a gamble?  #Recruitment #RetainedSearch #TalentAcquisition #Hiring

It was a privilege to host Jeff Lange, Group CEO of TFAS Enterprises, on the podcast. Jeff shared fascinating insights into the evolving financial advice sector, the role of technology, and the future of client engagement. Here are the key takeaways from our conversation: 💻 Remote advice is thriving Face-to-face isn’t the only way. Remote advice, driven by trust and tech, is now the choice for even high-net-worth clients.🌍 Bridging the advice gap Streamlined processes and digital tools are making advice accessible to clients at all asset levels.🤖 AI in action From automating meeting summaries to compliance checks, AI is revolutionising how advice is delivered.🔄 Future-proofing with flexibility Combining traditional face-to-face advice with digital services ensures no client is left behind.

The Trilogy Nobody Thought Would Happen“All good things must come to an end”—and so does the final episode of our podcast series with the brilliant Dave Robinson.This time, we cover plenty of ground, including:1️⃣ Regrets on LinkedIn? Dave’s outspoken views have sparked debates, drawn praise, and even got him blocked! But does he regret any of it? His answer (and reasoning) is refreshingly honest.2️⃣ Thoughts on the CII Dave doesn’t hold back as we discuss the role of professional bodies and how the financial advice sector could raise its standards.3️⃣ The Case for Internal Succession Our main focus: Why internal succession is the key to long-term sustainability for firms, and how to navigate this complex process effectively.📘 Valuable Resource: Dave is generously sharing his Comprehensive Guide to Internal Succession, a must-read for any Principal planning their next steps.A huge thank you to Dave for his time, insights, and willingness to answer any question I threw at him.

"Talking with Archana was genuinely inspiring and thought-provoking. Her insights brought a fresh perspective on what leadership truly means, especially in today’s rapidly changing world." - James WalkerIn this episode, we unpacked:Redefining Leadership in a Post-Pandemic World: Archana shared how the role of leadership has transformed – it's no longer just about guiding teams but about creating environments where people feel genuinely connected and purposeful.Belonging vs. Fitting In: A standout moment was our discussion on the importance of belonging. Archana highlighted that belonging is about being valued for who you truly are, not just for the parts that ‘fit’ the mould. This shift is something every leader should consider as they cultivate their team culture.Boundaries in a Hybrid Work Environment: Navigating remote work has blurred boundaries between professional and personal life. Archana's insights on balancing these demands underscore the evolving responsibilities of leaders to support holistic well-being.Archana also shared insights from her upcoming book, The Through Line, which delves deeper into how storytelling, curiosity, and openness can transform both leadership and personal growth. Her reflections offer essential guidance for leaders committed to building meaningful connections.Tune in to explore these themes and more in what was a truly fascinating conversation. 

🚨 Alert: "Businesses must start transitioning to be data-led, or they risk becoming irrelevant. Those who fail to integrate data into their operations will fall behind as the industry evolves. It’s not just about compliance or efficiency anymore – it’s about survival."In this insightful episode, I sit down with Poppy Achilles to discuss three critical pillars for the future of UK financial planning:Data – Why it’s the foundation of any business and the importance of data quality in driving client experience, operations, and decision-making.Client Experience – The growing demand for digital-first, seamless interactions, especially as wealth transfers to a new generation of tech-savvy clients.AI – How AI can transform the industry, but only when supported by clean, structured data.If you're a business leader thinking about how to stay ahead in the financial services industry, this episode is a must-listen!

It was an absolute pleasure to sit down with Carla Brown, Managing Director of Oakmere and President of the PFS, to discuss some truly important and sobering topics.Carla shared her personal journey into financial services, highlighting the critical gaps in financial education that persist, particularly in schools. We touched on the need for early intervention and education to help the next generation avoid financial pitfalls and grow financially literate.One of the most eye-opening discussions was on financial abuse—a topic that hits close to home for Carla. She shared how a close friend experienced this in an abusive relationship, emphasising the subtle warning signs that can often be missed. It's a reminder to all of us that financial control is a form of abuse and something we need to be more vigilant about.We also discussed Carla’s role with the PFS, where she is focused on building stronger collaboration within the profession and working closely with the FCA to ensure the voice of financial advisers is heard in key policy decisions.Find out who inspired Carla in her journey and what she would do if she had a magic wand!?!This episode is a must-listen for every financial planner.