Talk FS

From Employee to Empowered: Claire's Financial Journey (S2, E9)

In this episode of Talk FS, Ryan Venner interviews Claire Bedswick, a financial planner who shares her inspiring journey from working behind the scenes in finance to becoming a self-employed financial planner. Claire discusses the challenges she faced, including balancing motherhood, self-doubt, and the importance of community support. She emphasizes the need for more women in financial planning and the role of education in empowering clients. Claire also highlights the emotional aspects of client relationships and the significance of mentorship in her career.
Takeaways:
- Claire's journey into financial planning was not traditional, starting from a bank role.
- She emphasises the importance of self-belief and overcoming doubts in pursuing a career.
- Transitioning to self-employment was a significant step for Claire, allowing her to control her destiny.
- Community support and having the right people around you are crucial for success.
- Balancing motherhood and a career in finance requires strong support systems.
- Education is key in financial planning, especially for women.
- Building trust with clients is essential for long-term relationships.
- Navigating the emotional side of client work can be challenging but rewarding.
- Mentorship plays a vital role in career development and confidence building.
- Encouraging more women to enter financial planning is necessary for the industry's growth.
Chapters:
00:00 Intro
01:00 Journey to Financial Planning
03:00 Overcoming Doubts and Building Confidence
05:20 Transitioning to Self-Employment
08:17 The Importance of Values and Community
10:52 Balancing Career and Family Life
12:54 The Drive for Financial Education
16:54 Building Trust with Clients
19:14 Navigating the Emotional Side of Financial Planning
22:09 Encouraging More Women in Finance
23:52 The Role of Mentorship
26:15 Supporting Career Changes in Finance
29:52 The Long-Term View in Financial Planning
33:20 Final Thoughts and Advice
Sound Bites:
"Just believe in yourself."
"Education is so important."
"Say yes to the opportunities."
Clare's Details: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clare-beswick-dippfs-6106a613/
Slaiyburn: https://www.slaiyburn.co.uk/clare-beswick
#TalkFS #FinancialPlanning #WomenInFinance #SelfEmployedAdviser #CareerChange #IFA #Podcast #PremierJobsUK

The Human Side of Money: Financial Coaching with Simonne Gnessen (S2, E8)

💬 Money isn’t just maths – it’s a mindset.
In this episode of Talk FS, brought to you by Premier Jobs UK, host Ryan Venner sits down with Simonne Gnessen, founder of Wise Monkey Coaching and a leading voice in financial coaching in the UK.
They explore how emotions, habits, and personal history shape our relationship with money — and why financial wellbeing isn’t just about numbers. Simonne shares her journey from financial adviser to coach, the power of behavioural change, and how advisers can use coaching skills to deepen client relationships and build trust.
You’ll also hear her thoughts on AI, technology, and why the human side of money will always matter.
Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction
00:49 – What is Financial Coaching?
02:43 – Why We Don’t Talk About Money
03:55 – How Childhood Shapes Money Habits
06:27 – The Financial Coaching Journey
09:37 – The Power of Accountability
11:32 – Empowerment Through Coaching
14:44 – From Financial Adviser to Financial Coach
18:59 – Training the Next Generation of Coaches
23:47 – Coaching & Financial Advice Combined
25:57 – AI, Technology & the Future of Advice
30:23 – Final Thoughts: The Mindset of Money
32:52 – Outro & Resources
🔗 Links & Resources:
📘 Simonne Gnessen – Wise Monkey Coaching: https://www.financial-coaching.co.uk/
📖 Book: Sheconomics by Simonne Gnessen and Karen Pine: http://www.sheconomics.com/
🎙 More episodes of Talk FS: https://www.youtube.com/@TalkFS
🌐 Premier Jobs UK: https://www.premierjobsuk.com
💼 IFA Acquisitions: https://www.ifa-acquisitions.co.uk
About Talk FS:
Talk FS is the podcast from Premier Jobs UK, connecting with leaders and innovators across the financial services industry. Each episode dives into key topics shaping advice, recruitment, and business growth — helping advisers, planners, and firms thrive in a changing market.
#TalkFS #FinancialCoaching #SimonneGnessen #WiseMonkeyCoaching #PremierJobsUK #FinancialAdvisers #FinancialWellbeing #MoneyMindset #BehaviouralFinance #FinancialAdvicePodcast #IFA #financialplanning

From Military to Mortgage Broker: Lewis Shaw’s Journey & Lessons for Advisers (S2, E7)

In this episode of Talk FS, Ryan Venner speaks with Lewis Shaw, a self-employed mortgage advisor with a unique background in the military. Lewis shares his journey into the mortgage industry, emphasising the importance of mentorship and practical experience in becoming a successful mortgage advisor. The conversation explores the shift in consumer behaviour post-COVID, the significance of avoiding negative outcomes in mortgage advice, and the challenges posed by misinformation in the industry. Lewis also discusses the role of protection in financial resilience and offers valuable advice for aspiring mortgage brokers.
Takeaways:
- Lewis transitioned from a military career to mortgage advisory by chance.
- Mentorship played a crucial role in Lewis's early career.
- Avoiding the worst outcomes is key in mortgage advice.
- COVID has significantly changed consumer behaviour in the mortgage market.
- Protection is essential for financial resilience.
- Misinformation from social media poses challenges for mortgage brokers.
- New entrants in the industry need more support and training.
- Every day is a learning opportunity in the mortgage industry.
- Empathy is vital when dealing with clients' financial concerns.
- Networking and seeking advice from experienced brokers is important.
Chapters:
00:00 - From Military to Mortgages: A Unique Journey
05:41 - The Importance of Mentorship in Mortgage Advisory
11:32 - Shifting Focus: Avoiding Negative Outcomes
17:46 - The Role of Protection in Financial Resilience
22:04 - Navigating the Post-COVID Mortgage Landscape
30:39 - The Future of Mortgage Advisory in an AI World

Chris Budd - Transforming Financial Advice Through Coaching (S2, E6)

In this episode, Chris Budd, a financial advisor and founder of Ovation Finance, discusses the evolution of financial advising towards a more human-centered approach. He emphasises the importance of coaching, listening, and understanding clients' true needs and desires to enhance their financial wellbeing. Chris shares personal experiences that led him to adopt coaching techniques in his practice, highlighting the disconnect between what clients want and what advisors often provide. The conversation explores the significance of finding meaning and purpose in financial planning, the role of support teams, and the future of financial advice as it shifts towards wellbeing.
 
Takeaways: Coaching skills enhance the financial advising process.
- Listening is more important than imparting information.
- Clients want to discuss their future plans and lifestyle.
- Financial wellbeing is about finding meaning and purpose.
- The evolution of financial advice includes cash flow forecasting.
- Understanding client happiness is crucial for effective advising.
- Empowering support teams can improve client relationships.
- Asking open questions leads to deeper client insights.
- Financial advisors should focus on long-term wellbeing, not just products.
- Building strong client relationships leads to referrals and loyalty.
 
Chapters:
0:00 - Intro
5:00 - Overcoming Resistance to Coaching
9:20 - The Importance of Listening in Financial Advisory
12:40 - Finding Meaning and Purpose in Financial Planning
16:40 - The Evolution of Financial Advice to Wellbeing
21:20 - The Pursuit of Happiness in Financial Planning
24:27 - Developing Coaching Skills for Financial Advisers
26:02 - The Relationship Between Money and Happiness
28:00 - The Importance of Social Relationships
30:00 - Empowering Support Teams in Financial Advisory
35:53 - Empowering Team Members for Better Client Care
38:15 - Outro
 
Chris Budd:
Website: https://www.chrisbudd.co.uk/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-budd-80b75413/
 
Mentions:
Harvard Longitudinal Study Video: https://youtu.be/aFwG_1_XBCM?si=_GcXehtWRKISQ6jI
The Good Life: https://the-good-life-book.com/
It's not about the nail: https://youtu.be/-4EDhdAHrOg?si=L-lzfq3jMHOqvTa9
 

From Employee to Entrepreneur: Marianne's Mortgage Journey (S2,E5)

In this episode, Ryan Venner interviews Marianne Lombardi, a self-employed mortgage advisor with 17 years of experience. Marianne shares her journey from being an employed mortgage advisor to starting her own business, highlighting the challenges and rewards of self-employment. She discusses the importance of community support for mortgage brokers, which led her to create Mortgage Chat, an online platform for brokers to connect and share knowledge. Marianne emphasises the value of flexibility in her work-life balance and the lessons learned from past financial crises.
Chapters:
00:00 Marianne's Journey to Mortgage Advisory
07:54 Transitioning to Self-Employment
11:06 Navigating Challenges: The Impact of COVID-19
17:12 Building a Community: The Birth of Mortgage Chat
24:24 Future Plans and Community Initiatives
 
Takeaways:
Marianne transitioned from a cashier to a mortgage advisor at West Bromwich Building Society.
The 2008 financial crisis led to her redundancy, which opened new opportunities.
Working at Countrywide exposed her to a wider range of mortgage solutions.
Going self-employed allowed her to provide personalised service and build relationships.
Flexibility in her work schedule has improved her work-life balance as a mother.
The COVID-19 pandemic was a challenging time but reinforced her decision to stay self-employed.
Marianne's business has grown significantly since going self-employed in 2019.
Mortgage Chat was created to support mortgage brokers and foster community.
The community provides a platform for sharing knowledge and experiences among brokers.
Marianne is passionate about educating young people on credit management.

How Serena Built a Mortgage Business From Scratch During Lockdown | Self-Employed Success Story (S2, E4)

In this episode of Talk FS, host Ryan Venner is joined by Serena Smith, an inspiring mortgage adviser who built her self-employed business during lockdown — and hasn’t looked back since.
💬 Serena shares:
- Why she left her employed role to go self-employed
- The emotional and financial challenges of starting from scratch
- How she balances business and being a mum
- Her smart use of social media to attract clients
- Why she charges fees — and how it filters serious enquiries
- The power of personal branding in financial services
Whether you’re an aspiring mortgage adviser, self-employed professional, or just curious about how to build a business that works around your life — this episode is packed with practical takeaways and honest insight.
00:10 - Intro
01:00 - The leap to self-employment
5:15 - Navigating the challenges of self-employment
9:35 - The ups and downs of being self-employed
13:50 - Finding balance as a parent and business owner
19:15 - Understanding client misconceptions
21:35 - Building trust through personal connection
23:45 - Evolving business practices for efficiency
26:05 - Navigating the emotional challenges in mortgages
30:35 - The impact of social media on business growth
34:15 - How does self-employment influence your approach to social media?
38:55 - Outro 🎧 Listen now to learn how to set boundaries, build trust, and win loyal clients without buying leads.
📍 Guest: Serena Smith
🔗 https://mortgageswithserena.com/
YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/9sAK7X2aZAE 
👉 Subscribe for more conversations on self-employment, finance, and growing your business the right way.
 
#MortgageBroker #SelfEmployedLife #FinancialServices #TalkFS #WomenInFinance #MortgageMarketing #SocialMediaMarketing #businessgrowth

As Tech Automates, Deep Emotional Awareness Is Your Secret Weapon — Insights from Jason Butler (S2, E3)

Join host Ryan Venner and guest Jason Butler, leading expert in financial wellbeing, as they tackle the rising importance of emotional intelligence (EQ) in financial services. With technology taking over routine tasks, Jason explains why cultivating emotional capacity and engaging in deeper conversations is now a critical competitive advantage for financial advisers.
🔍 What You’ll Learn:
How automation in advisory roles highlights the need for emotional depth
Why emotional intelligence strengthens client trust and engagement
Practical strategies to enhance emotional capacity in your day-to-day work
The value of rich, client-focused conversations in driving satisfaction and retention
📌 Who Should Watch:
Financial advisers adapting to technology-driven workflows
Practice leaders looking to differentiate through empathetic service
Anyone interested in the intersection of tech and emotion in finance
⏱️ Timestamps:
0:00 – Introduction
03:53 — Building a client-centric approach
07:31 — The challenges of entrepreneurship
10:30 — Innovating in financial services
15:18 — The importance of emotional intelligence
20:15 — Finding purpose and connection in finance
24:11 — The importance of training and delegation
25:16 — Overcoming adversity and building self-awareness
26:36 — Harnessing personal strengths
28:35 — The value of attitude over skills
31:04 — The role of technology in financial services
34:30 — Navigating client relationships and expectations
38:45 — Niche Specialisation in financial advisory
45:35 — Outro
✅ Subscribe to Talk FS for more episodes on mindset, leadership, and innovation in financial advice.
👍 If you’ve seen the impact of EQ in your practice, comment below: “How are you deepening emotional connection with your clients?”
🔗 Related Resources: Visit Premier Jobs UK for career tools and adviser support: https://www.premierjobsuk.com/contact...
Prefer to listen? you can listen to our podcast here:
Check out Jason Butler: https://www.jason-butler.com/ #TalkFS
#JasonButler #EmotionalIntelligence #FinancialAdvice #Automation #ClientEngagement

Why Most Financial Advice Gets It Backwards — Peter McGahan on Human-First Planning (S2, E2)

In this episode of Talk FS, Ryan Venner sits down with Peter McGahan, Chief Executive of Worldwide Financial Planning, to uncover a powerful truth: true financial wellbeing starts with understanding why—not just the numbers. Peter shares how aligning financial planning with human emotional needs—like security, purpose, and connection—leads to better outcomes for clients, teams, and businesses.
Tune in for inspiring lessons on:
✅ Values-led financial advice
✅ The “9 Emotional Needs” every client has (and most ignore)
✅ How to avoid costly emotional decisions in retirement
✅ Why financial planning is not about chasing higher returns
✅ The one question Peter asks daily to grow as a leader
01:20 Understanding the 'why' in financial planning
07:45 Emotional needs and financial security
12:16 The impact of emotional needs on decision making
17:16 Retirement planning and emotional well-being
21:45 Understanding emotional needs in financial planning
28:05 The importance of values in financial advice
37:30 Learning from experience: The Key to Growth
Check out Peter McGahan: https://linktr.ee/PeterMcGahan

From the Bank Floor to the Big Stage: Emmanuel Asuquo on Financial Education (S2, E1)

In this episode, Emmanuel Asuquo shares his inspiring journey from being a cashier at Barclays to becoming a prominent financial advisor and content creator. He discusses the importance of financial education, especially for underserved communities, and how social media has allowed him to reach a wider audience. Emmanuel emphasises the role of financial influencers in bridging the gap for those who may not have access to traditional financial advice. He also addresses the challenges within the financial advisory industry and offers insights for young aspiring advisors.
Key Takeaways:
- Emmanuel started his journey as a cashier while studying finance.
- He transitioned to a financial advisor to help those in need.
- Social media became a platform for him to educate others about finance.
- Content creation took off during the lockdown, leading to greater visibility.
- Emmanuel emphasises the importance of sharing financial knowledge with the community.
- Financial influencers play a crucial role in providing relatable advice.
- The financial advisory industry needs more qualified professionals.
- Young advisors should focus on helping clients rather than competition.
- Emmanuel's TV experience opened doors for greater impact.
- It's essential to maintain authenticity and a client-first approach.

IFA Admin to IFA Business Owner: The Journey with George Thomas #9

In this episode of Talk FS, Ryan Venner interviews George Thomas, a financial planner and director at Four Pillars Financial Planning. They discuss George's journey from university to becoming a financial planner, the importance of mentorship, qualifications, and soft skills in the financial services industry, and the challenges and rewards of running a small business. George shares insights on building client relationships, the significance of goal setting, and how his experiences have shaped his career.
Key Takeaways:
- George transitioned from retail to financial services.
- He found his passion in working with people.
- Qualifications are essential, but soft skills matter more.
- Mentorship played a crucial role in George's development.
- He learned from multiple advisors to create his own style.
- Running a small firm offers closer client relationships.
- Goal setting and accountability drive progress.
- Continuous learning is vital in the financial industry.
- George emphasises the importance of personal connections.
- The journey of becoming a director has been rewarding.
 
Contact Us:
✉️ talkfs@premierjobsuk.com
💬 https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanvenner/