The Financial Planning Podcast

We're back on tour. To kick off our Podcast on Tour series from Verve Transformation 2026, The Financial Planning Club co-founders sit down together for a proper catch-up on all things Club. Recorded live from the event, they talk about what's coming up over the next few months, the role the Club plays for owner-managers, why accountability and community matter so much, and how they're continuing to evolve the support available to financial planning firms. They also get into upcoming Club events, future plans, Insights Discovery, Experience the Club, and what 2027 is starting to look like, with the usual mix of practical business chat, honest reflections and a fair amount of duck-related chaos along the way. It's a relaxed first episode to set the scene for the series, before we hand the mic over to more guests recorded live at Verve Transformation 2026. 🎙️ Recorded live at Verve Transformation 2026.

Simplifying Financial Advice: Tech, Time & the Future of Planning with Nick Ryan & Hayley Rabbets Nick Ryan and Hayley Rabbets join Lewis on The Financial Planning Club Podcast to talk about one of the biggest challenges facing advice firms today, complexity. They discuss why so many firms are still losing time to clunky processes, duplicated systems and overcomplicated tech stacks, and why adding another bit of software often isn't the answer. Nick and Hayley share the thinking behind Pilot, the importance of starting with your process before choosing technology, and how better systems can create more capacity for advisers to spend time where it actually matters, with clients. They also get into AI, operational efficiency, the advice gap and why sometimes the biggest improvement comes from stripping things back rather than adding more. If you're looking at your processes, tech stack or capacity inside your advice business, this one is well worth a listen.

Two Years of Growth, Leadership & Getting Out of the Way Lee Waters is back on The Financial Planning Club Podcast, two years after his first appearance. This time, we revisit the journey and look at what's changed inside Barwells Wealth, from leadership and delegation to operational efficiency, team culture and creating a business that isn't completely reliant on the owner. Lee shares practical lessons on removing yourself as the bottleneck, improving processes, creating more capacity and using technology with purpose. We also discuss the future of financial planning, the role of AI and why the human side of advice is only becoming more important. If you're an owner manager looking to build a better, more scalable advice business, there are plenty of useful takeaways in this one. Listen to the full episode of The Financial Planning Club Podcast.

Harry Thiel joins Lewis Byford on The Financial Planning Podcast to share the reality of building Wealthwave Financial from the ground up. From buying a client bank and moving into a new office, to balancing family life, long hours and the pressure of growing a business, Harry opens up about the highs and challenges of becoming an owner-manager in financial planning. Lewis and Harry discuss delegation, imposter syndrome, succession opportunities, work-life balance, building a modern advice business and why community matters when you're trying to grow something meaningful. If you're a financial planner, adviser or business owner trying to build a firm that works for both your clients and your family, this episode will resonate. Connect with Lewis Byford Connect with Harry Thiel

In this episode of The Financial Planning Podcast, Lewis Byford sits down with Rebecca Aldridge, Managing Director of Balance Wealth Planning. Rebecca shares how she built her firm from the ground up with no clients, no shortcuts, and a clear vision of doing things differently. They dive into what it really takes to build a scalable financial planning business, from putting the right operational framework in place early, to creating a culture where people can grow, take ownership and genuinely enjoy their work. Rebecca also breaks down her approach to fixed fees, why transparency matters more than ever, and how many firms are still getting it wrong when it comes to aligning value with what clients actually need. This is a conversation about building a business with intention, not just as a financial planner, but as a business owner. If you're an owner manager looking to step back, scale up and build something that runs properly, this episode is packed with practical insight. Listen to the full episode to hear how Rebecca built Balance and what you can take into your own firm. Connect with Lewis Byford Connect with Rebecca Aldridge

In this episode of The Financial Planning Club Podcast, Lewis sits down with Claudia Clark from Saturn to unpack one of the biggest challenges facing advice firms right now… operational efficiency. Claudia brings a fresh perspective from both discretionary fund management and the fast-moving AI and tech space, working closely with over 700 advice firms to understand what's really slowing them down. This isn't a conversation about chasing shiny new tech. It's about getting clear on your process, fixing the real bottlenecks, and using technology properly to enhance both your business and your client experience. Lewis and Claudia dive into what's actually happening inside advice firms day-to-day, where most are getting stuck, and how small changes can unlock serious capacity. Connect with Lewis Byford Connect with Claudia Clark

In this episode of the Financial Planning Podcast, Lewis sits down with Jonathan Newell, CEO and co-founder of BareRock, for a practical conversation about PI, risk and what good support should actually look like for financial planning firms. Jonathan shares the story behind BareRock, the frustrations that led to its creation, and why too many quality firms are still being treated like everyone else when it comes to PI. They also get into complaints handling, policy wording, risk management, why PI should be seen as a strategic asset, and what firms need to understand before simply renewing year after year. This is a valuable episode for owner managers who want to build stronger, more resilient businesses and think more carefully about the support sitting behind them. Connect with Lewis Byford Connect with Jonathan Newell

In this episode of the Financial Planning Podcast, Lewis sits down with Marina Herbert from Herbert & Webster for a refreshingly honest conversation about the role operations plays in building a strong financial planning business. Marina shares her journey into the profession, how Herbert & Webster grew from the early days, and why they have been so deliberate about building the firm around values, process, client experience and the right external support. They get into outsourcing, systems, operational leadership, business growth, and the reality of making strategic decisions when you do not always know the answer straight away. A must-listen for owner managers who want to strengthen what is happening behind the scenes, not just what clients see at the front end. Connect with Lewis Byford Connect with Marina Herbert

In this episode of the Financial Planning Podcast, Lewis sits down with Vanessa Barnes for a brilliant conversation on how financial planning has changed over the last 40 years and where the profession still needs to improve. Vanessa shares her perspective on the shift from a sales-led industry to a true profession, why rapport, communication and client understanding still matter so much, and how planners can better support people through major life stages. They also talk about women's wealth, the pension gender gap, vulnerability, AI, and how owner managers can build firms around the life they actually want. This is a practical and thought-provoking episode for advisers and business owners who care about better conversations, better client outcomes and the long-term future of financial planning. Connect with Lewis Byford Connect with Vanessa Barnes

In this episode of the Financial Planning Podcast, Lewis sits down with Chris Palmer, Managing Director of Hansford Bell, for a brilliant conversation about leadership, growth and what it really takes to build a strong advice business. Chris shares his journey from the Royal Navy into financial services, the lessons that shaped his leadership style, and how Hansford Bell has built a collaborative culture with a clear sense of direction. They also get into the realities of recruitment, creating progression for good people, moving fully into financial planning, and why the firm introduced a four-day week. This is a practical episode for owner managers who want to build a business with better systems, stronger people and a clearer plan for growth. Connect with Lewis Byford Connect with Chris Palmer

In this episode of the Financial Planning Podcast, Lewis sits down with Debbie Brant, Managing Director of Bigmore Associates. Debbie shares her 25-year journey in financial services, from starting out as a junior paraplanner to now leading a growing multi-service firm with a strong people-first culture. They discuss career progression, apprenticeships, leadership, values-led recruitment, and why building from within has been such a powerful part of Bigmore's growth. Debbie also reflects on confidence, imposter feelings, succession planning, and the role coaching and external support can play in helping both firms and individuals grow. It's an honest, insightful conversation about building a business where people want to stay, develop and thrive. Connect with Lewis Byford Connect with Matt Campbell Follow The Financial Planning Club

In this episode of the Financial Planning Podcast, Lewis sits down with Matt Campbell, founder of Stadium Wealth and a member of the Financial Planning Club. After more than a decade working in banking, Matt made the leap into financial advice before eventually launching his own firm, building a business designed around flexibility, purpose and the clients he wants to serve. They discuss the realities of starting an advice firm, building resilience as a business owner, and why creating an inclusive environment for clients, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community, can make financial advice more accessible. A must-listen for advisers thinking about starting their own firm, or building a business that truly fits their life. Connect with Lewis Byford Connect with Matt Campbell Follow The Financial Planning Club

In this episode of the Financial Planning Podcast, Lewis sits down with Max Sullivan, Chartered Financial Adviser and founder of Archgate Wealth. After a life-changing medical setback in his teens redirected him away from a planned army career, Max built a career in financial services, achieving Chartered status and eventually turning down a leadership role at HSBC to launch his own independent firm. Max shares the realities of building from scratch: managing shiny tech distractions, protecting "commercial time," choosing aligned partnerships like Aspen, and designing a business around independence and flexibility. A grounded and honest conversation about resilience, ownership, and building a firm that reflects who you actually are. Connect with Lewis Byford Connect with Max Sullivan Follow The Financial Planning Club

In this episode of the Financial Planning Podcast, Lewis sits down with Taylor Beavis, founder of Universe Financial Advice, a deliberately small, boutique firm built around lifestyle, freedom, and intentional growth. From emailing Pete Matthew before he'd even become an adviser, to adopting his son mid-business journey, Taylor shares the mindset shifts that shaped his career, including his powerful question: "What would you do if you were 10 times bolder?" They explore direct authorisation, keeping a firm intentionally small, setting boundaries, transitioning clients respectfully, and building a business that works for your life, not the other way around. A thoughtful and refreshingly honest conversation for advisers who want clarity over scale. Connect with Lewis Byford Connect with Taylor Beavis Follow The Financial Planning Club

In this episode, Lewis sits down with Justin King, Chartered & Certified Financial Planner, Registered Life Planner and founder of MFP Wealth Management. Justin shares his remarkable personal story: from a youth training scheme at 16 to building a life-centred financial planning firm. He reflects on lessons from early struggles, what truly makes a fulfilling life, and how life planning gave him the framework to help clients get clarity and direction. One for both new entrants and experienced planners alike. Connect with Lewis Byford Connect with Justin King Follow The Financial Planning Club

In this episode, Lewis sits down with Frazer Cronin, Head of Operations at First Wealth, to explore what it really takes to build a modern financial planning firm from the inside out. Frazer shares his journey from career-changer to Head of Operations in under six years and how curiosity, skill development, and strong culture shaped that path. They discuss scaling without losing client focus, embedding technology intelligently, attracting new talent into the profession, and why great financial planning businesses are built on systems, not just advisers. A powerful episode for firm owners, operations leaders, and anyone looking to future-proof their financial planning business. Connect with Lewis Byford Connect with Frazer Cronin Follow The Financial Planning Club

In this episode, Lewis speaks with Tim Horrocks, founder and CEO of RockWealth, about building a client-first, evidence-led financial planning business and how his partnership with Albion Strategic has supported that mission. Tim shares the journey from starting RockWealth to building a national presence, the mindset shifts it took to scale without sacrificing quality, and why structure, delegation, and collaboration are key to success as a business owner. A must-listen for financial planners, business owners, and future firm builders. Connect with Lewis Byford Connect with Tim Horrocks Follow The Financial Planning Club

In this episode, Lewis sits down with Amy Goodall-Smith, founder of Goodall-Smith Wealth Management, to explore what it really means to build a values-led financial planning firm. Amy shares how she left a big national to create a more human, empathetic, and purpose-driven experience for clients, one where people always come before profit. From aligning personal values with business strategy, to supporting clients through life's messiest transitions with grace and clarity, this conversation is a masterclass in intentional leadership. Connect with Lewis Byford Connect with Amy Goodall-Smith Follow The Financial Planning Club

In this episode of The Financial Planning Podcast, Lewis is joined by Tom Hegarty, CEO of SimplyBiz and Chair of the New Talent Alliance, for a warm, insightful conversation about building a more sustainable, impactful advice profession. Tom reflects on his 30-year journey across advice, education and leadership and the mindset shifts that have helped him evolve along the way. From tackling imposter syndrome to embracing the power of apprenticeships, this is a masterclass in how small changes can lead to meaningful, long-term impact. Whether you're an established adviser or just starting your career, Tom's lessons on people, purpose and legacy are ones we can all learn from. Connect with Lewis Byford Connect with Tom Hegarty Follow The Financial Planning Club

In this episode of the Financial Planning Podcast, Lewis sits down with Wes Wilks, CEO of Iron Market Wealth and Fint Invest, for a rich and inspiring conversation about building a truly client-led financial advice business. Wes shares how he went from being made redundant to founding one of the UK's most innovative firms, how he manages work-life balance as a father of three, and his vision for revolutionising financial literacy for Gen Z through technology. Whether you're a financial planner, business owner or just someone looking for inspiration on purpose-led leadership, this episode is packed with practical takeaways, candid insights and real emotion. Connect with Lewis Byford Connect with Wes Wilkes Follow The Financial Planning Club