BWD: In The Know

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 personalThis 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 management02:45 Emmelia’s background and why she transitioned into financial advice03:10 Balancing career growth and family life in wealth management04:46 Internal narratives and challenges faced by women entering the industry05:34 Experiences shaping Emmelia into her current advising style06:55 Embracing continuous exploration and innovation in financial advice07:22 Challenging industry stereotypes and traditional client approaches09:10 How Emmelia’s client-centric philosophy influences her niche focus on sports professionals10:04 Benefits of niche specialisation and understanding client nuances12:31 Differentiating client approaches based on individual needs and circumstances15:22 Insights into working with athletes, timing of advice, and financial planning nuances17:36 The importance of early financial education and behaviour in wealth management19:56 Personalisation, emotional anchors and why money management is human at its core23:02 Building trust and openness: creating a safe environment for clients24:04 Balancing empathy with challenging clients effectively26:38 Influences and role models underpinning Emmelia’s professional development28:44 Building personal brand online, authenticity and sharing your story33:29 The role of AI in advice: tools, limitations and enhancing client service36:26 Tips on using AI thoughtfully while maintaining a personal voice38:23 The future of AI in wealth management and the human touch’s enduring importance43:11 Soft skills essential for new advisers in a tech-driven landscape45:00 Making wealth management appealing to the next generation and industry diversity52:55 The benefits and challenges of niching: advice for aspiring specialists56:43 Encouragement for early-career advisers to find their voice and gain visibility59:58 Key takeaway: the importance of personalised, human-centric financial advice

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 careerConfidence, 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 planningThis 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 Introduction00:28 Ann-Marie's Journey Into Financial Services01:23 Building Confidence & Finding Your Voice03:29 Fairness, Honesty & Authenticity04:39 Learning Through Mistakes & Self-Reflection05:42 Overcoming Fear & High-Stakes Situations06:42 Understanding Your Core Values08:36 Childhood Influences, Ambition & Competitiveness09:16 Sport, Teamwork & Resilience09:59 Being Taken Seriously in Financial Services11:24 Mentors, Role Models & Career Development13:19 Early Leadership Lessons14:33 Managing Mistakes & High Standards16:54 Why Collaboration Matters17:42 Delivering Better Outcomes for Complex Clients21:29 The Problem with Siloed Advice24:28 The Risks of Disconnected Planning27:11 Building Trust Over Time28:44 Creating High-Performing Teams30:28 A Client-First Culture31:35 Excellence, Not Perfection35:52 AI, Technology & The Future of Advice44:17 The Future of Collaborative Advice50:53 Authenticity as a Competitive Advantage66:14 Closing Thoughts

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 accessibleThis 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.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Jay’s Career Background01:03 Early Influences and Education Choices03:18 First Steps into Financial Services04:37 Transition from Admin to Adviser05:57 Overcoming Rejection and Career Persistence06:42 Achieving Chartership and Professional Credibility07:53 The Power of Intentional Career Planning09:39 Representation and Diversity in Wealth Management10:29 Dealing with Being a Minority in the Sector12:18 Building Resilience and Confidence14:06 The Role of Personal Branding and Visibility16:45 Authenticity and Human Connection in Content Creation18:10 Balancing Professionalism and Personality20:39 Opportunities from Being Visible23:01 Encouraging Others to Be Visible and Authentic27:08 The Importance of Representation and Role Models29:31 Mentoring and Giving Back to the Community32:08 Managing Work-Life Balance and Overcoming Self-Doubt34:28 The Impact of Fitness and Lifestyle on Professional Success37:15 Networking Through Shared Interests39:24 The Future of Wealth Management and Adviser Skills41:40 Excitement for Sector Innovation and Young Talent45:10 Advice for Aspiring Advisers and Personal Growth48:33 Changing Perceptions of Age and Diversity in the Sector49:53 Supporting the Next Generation of Advisers51:37 Enhancing Diversity and Inclusion in Wealth Management54:11 Key Takeaways: Resilience, Community, Giving Back55:20 Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

CRM Wars: Endgame for the Legacy?In conversation with Paul MillerIn 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 rightThis 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.

Marketing isn’t the colouring in department.In conversation with Emma HardimanIn 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 influenceThis 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.

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

Back to the Future (of Advice)In conversation with John White & Mike TooleNo 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 relationshipsUltimately, 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 Overview04:00 Guest Introductions – John White & Mike Toole11:30 The Current Financial Advice Landscape20:15 Changing Expectations of Financial Planners29:40 Communication, Trust & Client Relationships39:10 Technology vs Human Connection48:30 Skills That Matter Most in Modern Advice58:00 Professional Development & Continuous Learning01:07:20 Regulation, Value & Commercial Reality01:16:45 Building Credibility & Differentiation01:26:10 Future-Proofing Careers in Financial Planning01:35:30 Advice Firm Culture & Leadership01:44:15 Key Takeaways From the Discussion01:51:30 Final Reflections & Closing Thoughts

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.

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 adviceIf 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 Background09:00 Making Financial Advice Accessible18:30 Technology, Algorithms & Real Life27:30 Behavioural Psychology & Inertia35:45 The Limits of Traditional Financial Planning43:45 Capturing People at the Right Moment52:30 Money Culture & National Financial Habits01:01:00 Shiny Objects vs Long-Term Freedom01:10:15 What Can (and Can’t) Be Changed01:18:45 Big Numbers, Misconceptions & Wrap-Up