Adviser 3.0: The Podcast

In this episode, Abraham sits down with James Mackay and Chris Hindle, co-founders of Frazer James, a modern financial planning firm with a mission to reshape how young professionals engage with their finances.James and Chris share the story behind Fraser James — from the early days of launching their business to navigating the realities of entrepreneurship in a competitive industry. They open up about the challenges of building a client base, growing a team, and the strategic use of content and digital marketing to reach their audience.The conversation dives deep into the mindset of younger entrepreneurs in the financial sector, the importance of minimising regret in career choices, and how meaningful client relationships are built through honest, early conversations. James and Chris also reflect on the lessons they’ve learned, the importance of patience in hiring, and their vision for making a lasting impact in the financial planning space.Whether you’re a financial professional, aspiring entrepreneur, or simply curious about how modern businesses grow and adapt, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration.

In this episode, Sarah Roughsedge, Chartered Financial Planner and founder of Eva Wealth, shares her journey from neuroscience to finance, and why she’s on a mission to change how women experience financial advice. She opens up about building Clarus Wealth with her husband, launching Eva to meet women’s unique financial needs, and challenging traditional models of financial planning.

We dive into the gender wealth gap, the importance of financial education and community, and how Eva Wealth is reshaping the conversation around money—one woman at a time.

On this episode of Adviser 3.0, Abraham Okusanya sits down with Phil Bray, founder of The Yardstick Agency — the go-to marketing expert for financial planners. Together, they dive into what really works when it comes to marketing your advice firm in 2025 and beyond.

In this episode, Emmelia Powell opens up about her journey into financial planning, offering a candid look at the highs and lows of building a career while raising a family. She delves into the unique financial pressures faced by professional athletes, shining a light on the concept of "social debt"—the often invisible burden of success, especially for those who rise quickly in their careers.Emmelia also shares her insights on client engagement, the importance of resilience, and the realities women face in the financial advisory industry. From breaking into a competitive field to redefining her own path, she reflects on the lessons she's learned and the power of staying curious in the face of uncertainty.

What does financial planning look like when your entire career might be over by 30? In this episode of Adviser 3.0, Abraham Okusanya sits down with Patrick Foley—founder of Sonar Financial Services and specialist adviser to elite footballers—for a rare behind-the-scenes look into the world of money, mindset, and management in professional sport.From million-pound mortgages and early retirements to family dynamics and locker room whispers, Patrick reveals why working with athletes requires more than spreadsheets—it demands trust, empathy, and a deep understanding of life in the spotlight.Whether you're a planner, a football fan, or just fascinated by how high performers manage their wealth, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.#adviser3point0 #podcast #football #eliteathletes #financialadvice

In this episode of the Adviser 3.0 Podcast, Kate Phillips sits down with Emma Napier, a leading industry expert at Next Wealth, to discuss her extensive journey in the financial services sector. Emma takes us through her early days in insurance, the challenges of navigating regulatory changes like RDR, and her time working with platforms such as True Potential and Bravura. With a wealth of experience across various roles, Emma shares valuable insights on the evolving landscape of financial advice, from firm consolidation to the impact of technology. Join us for an engaging and insightful conversation that sheds light on the real-world challenges advisers face today, and why staying adaptable is key to success in the industry.

Every financial adviser will face the inevitable decision to exit their business, but how do you ensure it’s on your terms? In this episode of Adviser 3.0, host Abraham Okusanya sits down with Jon Slater, an experienced financial planner who successfully navigated the sale of his firm, Manse Capital. Together, they explore the challenges, decisions, and strategies involved in preparing a business for sale, choosing the right buyer, and managing the transition while staying true to your values. Whether you're contemplating your own exit or simply curious about the process, this episode offers a firsthand account filled with insights and lessons learned. Tune in to discover what it takes to exit with confidence and purpose.

Join Abraham and George Kinder as they discuss the future of financial planning with a focus on mindfulness, personal freedom, and living in the moment. George shares insights from his new book, The Three Domains of Freedom, exploring how freedom unfolds in each moment, throughout life, and within society.

They dive into the three key questions that help clients discover true freedom, the role of financial planners as life guides, and George's vision for a fiduciary society that values humanity and the planet above profit.

🎙️ In this episode, we sit down with Roland Whyte, CEO of Nokkel, to dive deep into the critical role property plays in financial planning, especially as clients near retirement. 🏠💼 Roland shares his expert insights on how property, often the largest asset individuals own, is frequently overlooked in retirement strategies and explains why integrating it can significantly enhance wealth management. We explore: 📊 The role of technology in modern wealth management 💰 The challenges around liquidity and equity release 🤝 How financial advisors' roles are evolving to manage holistic wealth strategies Roland emphasizes the importance of viewing property as both a financial and emotive asset. Don't miss this valuable conversation on optimizing retirement outcomes by including property in your financial plan! #WealthManagement #RetirementPlanning #PropertyInvestment #FinancialAdvisors #RealEstate #EquityRelease #HolisticWealth #TechInFinance #RetirementStrategy #FinancialPlanning

In this episode, Abraham sits down with David Hole to explore the world of non-regulated financial planning and his journey from being a financial advisor to becoming a money coach. David shares his motivations behind this career shift and offers insights into the value of non-regulated financial planning and the growing role of money coaching. We discuss the impact of timeline software, the importance of regulated advisors, and how alternative financial models are shaping the future of the industry. David also highlights how lower charges can enhance client outcomes and stresses the need for a client-centric approach in today’s evolving financial landscape.

In this episode, hosted by Abraham Okusanya, Mary Waring shares her inspiring journey from mortgage adviser to running a solo financial advice practice. Discover why she chose to charge fixed fees, the challenges she faced with regulatory issues, and the importance of specialising in a niche market. Mary also offers valuable insights into the art of financial planning, including the crucial role of understanding client psychology and finding joy in your work. Whether you’re an aspiring financial adviser or a seasoned professional, Mary’s story provides plenty of food for thought on running a successful and fulfilling business. Tune in to learn more!

Tune in for an insightful conversation with Neil Cowell, former head of UK distribution at Vanguard, as he shares his experiences of transforming Vanguard UK from a small start-up into a major force in the asset management industry. Neil delves into the evolving role of financial advisers, the critical importance of strong leadership, and why prioritising client needs is more vital than ever. Discover the tools and strategies Neil used to achieve success, and why he values the guidance of trusted advisers. Whether you’re in asset management or simply curious about the industry, this episode offers valuable insights you won’t want to miss.

Join us as Guy Skinner, Managing Director of Citygate Financial Planning, reveals his journey into financial planning and the impact of his early experiences with money. He shares his insights on the importance of teaching children about financial literacy, the challenges in connecting with clients, and the evolution of his business philosophy. Guy discusses how building credibility and leveraging referrals have fueled his success, and he emphasises the need for more ambition and disruption in the industry. Tune in to hear about the future of financial planning, the role of education and technology, and Guy’s vision for making a meaningful impact.

Join Charles Hall and host Abraham Okusanya as they dive into the current challenges facing the UK equity market and explore innovative solutions to reinvigorate investment. With pension funds favoring global assets and a decline in listed UK companies, the conversation highlights key strategies like increasing local equity investments, introducing a UK ISA, and reforming stamp duty. Discover how these changes could boost share prices, attract IPOs, and stimulate economic growth. Whether you're an investor or industry professional, this episode offers valuable insights into revitalizing the UK's financial landscape. Don't miss it!

Join Katherine Waller and Ollie Saiman, founders of Six Degrees, as they delve into their journey in financial services and the creation of their wealth management firm. Discover how their independent approach offers superior quality advice and addresses the high net worth advice gap with purpose-driven wealth planning. From navigating regulatory challenges to developing a unique investment philosophy, Katherine and Ollie share valuable insights on building a successful brand, differentiating from competitors, and shaping the future of wealth management. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation on balancing strategy and emotion in financial planning.

Caroline Hawkesley, UK Managing Director of Progeny, discusses her journey in financial services and the growth of Progeny as an independent financial planning firm. She highlights the importance of defining the financial planning profession and the need to attract the next generation of advisers. Caroline also explains Progeny's acquisition strategy and how they integrate acquired businesses while preserving their unique qualities. She emphasises the company's focus on client-centric services and the goal of making a positive difference in the industry. Additionally, Caroline discusses the Progeny Academy and their efforts to develop well-rounded advisers.

Simon Rogerson, Founder and CEO of the Octopus Group, shares the story of how he founded Octopus and the challenges they faced in the early days. He emphasises the importance of trust and simplicity in the financial services industry and how Octopus aims to build businesses that prioritise customer happiness. Rogerson also discusses the success of Octopus Energy and their disruptive force in the energy market. He explains the thinking behind Circle, Octopus' platform market venture, and their long-term commitment to building special businesses. Rogerson concludes by discussing Octopus' decision to remain a private company and their focus on creating value over the long term. Simon Rogerson discusses the possibility of Octopus Energy becoming a public company and his personal motivations for running the business.

Platforms 1.0 and 2.0 were not fit for purpose, but platform 3.0 is a true revolution. It prioritises the adviser-client relationship and allows for a fully digital proposition. The data fragmentation and lack of API integration in platform 2.0 led to a dysfunctional ecosystem. Platform 3.0 aims to align with advisers and their clients, moving control of the market closer to the customer. The commercial alignment of cost and the availability of real-time data are crucial for a successful platform. API-first companies like Stripe have set a new standard for seamless integration and instant data availability. In this conversation, Abraham and David discuss the differences between API-first and API-facade approaches in platform development. They explore the challenges of migrating from legacy systems to new technology and the impact it has on businesses. They also discuss the importance of creating a seamless integration of critical advice tools for financial advisers and the role of platforms in the distribution of financial services. They highlight the need for long-term commitment and resources to build and sustain a platform. Overall, they express excitement about the partnership between Timeline and Seccl and the potential for transformation in the financial advice industry.

Dennis Hall and Sarah Steele share their career journeys and the evolution of Yellowtail Financial Planning. Dennis started in direct sales and eventually transitioned to fee-based financial planning. Sarah joined Yellowtail after struggling to find part-time work in the industry. Together, they have transformed the business and focused on client-centric financial planning. They discuss the challenges of transitioning to a fee-based model and the importance of community and collaboration in the industry. They also highlight the impact of COVID-19 on remote client meetings and the need for adaptability in the changing landscape of financial advice. In this conversation, Dennis Hall and Sarah Steele discuss the future of Yellowtail Financial Planning and the challenges they face as they transition to the next generation of practitioners and managers. They emphasise the importance of organic growth, maintaining a mall and defined number of clients, and providing exceptional service. They also discuss the need for an economic model that allows the next generation to take over the business while preserving the legacy and value that has been built. They express their commitment to never selling the business to a consolidator and their desire to continue making a positive impact in the industry.

Nik Marsh, the managing director of Ashlea Financial Planning, shares his journey of transitioning from a career in high finance to financial planning and navigating the process of internal succession planning. He discusses his background, the challenges he faced, and the importance of finding a different way to provide financial advice. The conversation explores the role of Diane Weitz, the founder of Ashlea Financial Planning, and her desire to ensure the continuity of the business and the well-being of her clients. The chapter concludes with the restructuring of the management buyout and the future succession plans for the firm. In this conversation, Nik Marsh discusses the challenges of business transition and the need for a suitable model for financial planners. He shares insights on transitioning to the next generation and the difficulties of seller financing in management buyouts (MBOs). The conversation also covers the use of preferred shares and the importance of setting up the next generation of owners. Nik Marsh talks about the structure and team of Ashlea, as well as the technology stack and CRM challenges faced by the firm. The conversation concludes with a discussion on future plans and success.

Loic Fonteneau, Investment Director at Blackfin, discusses the influx of capital into the financial advice and wealth management space, particularly in the form of venture capital backing technology firms. He shares his background in VC and how he came to join Blackfin. Loic explains the differences between private equity and venture capital, highlighting the focus on majority ownership and control in private equity, while venture capital takes minority stakes and partners with founders. He also discusses the investment strategy of BlackfinTech, the venture capital arm of Blackfin, and why they invested in Timeline. Loic shares his insights on the current state of the venture market and the future of venture investing.

Join Abraham Okusanya as he chats with Pete Matthew, CEO of Jacksons Wealth Management & Financial Planner.

Discover the fascinating history of Jacksons as it celebrates its centenary milestone, and learn how Pete emphasises building a business centred around people. Uncover insights into the power of business as a tool for making a difference and pushing boundaries.

In episode 77, Abraham Okusanya is joined by Samantha Secomb, a chartered financial planner and founder of Women's Wealth.

Don't miss this incredibly insightful episode where Samantha shares her journey and insights into women seeking financial advice. She discusses her innovative business strategy likening financial advice to a gym membership, the importance of certainty, and why women are often more inclined to be highly qualified in their pursuits compared to their counterparts. Tune in for valuable perspectives on navigating financial planning and empowerment.

Join us for our latest episode on 'Fixing Adviser Tech Integration & Data Aggregation Headaches', where Abraham is joined by Nicky Sevel (Founder of Woven Advice).

In this episode, Abraham Okusanya is joined by the guys behind the new business, Finova Money - Scott Millar, Rob Bell & Rob Schwarz. They shed light on their bad introductions to the profession, what made them take the step towards creating their own business and what the first few months since launch have been like.

In our next episode, Abraham is joined by James de Lisle Wells to discuss 'The Joys & Pains of Going Solo'. 🗣️

You'll get insight into frustrated successors, managing the legacy of a business and knowing when it's 'right' to start your own business, as well as hearing what's next for de Lisle Financial Planning.

Join us on an exciting journey in this podcast episode, as Abraham Okusanya delves into Brett Davidson's groundbreaking whitepaper, 'How To Solve The Scale Problem (in financial planning businesses)'.

The duo cover: making an impact, scaling up your business and rewriting the status quo. You won't want to miss it! ✨🚀

Dan Martin, Managing Director of MDM Wealth, joins Abraham for a chat on the dynamics of joining and taking over ownership of a family financial planning business. He also sheds light on how the exit was funded, what the business looks like today and the strength of being a young adviser in today's industry.

In early September 2023, the Timeline leadership team embarked on an inspiring journey to California, attending two significant conferences in the heart of technological innovation: Saastr and FUTUREPROOF.

This experience notonly offered us valuable insights into financial advisory technology trends but also provided a unique opportunity for team bonding. Here's a glimpse of the key takeaways and observations from this transformative trip.

Join Abraham Okusanya for a new episode of Adviser 3.0: The Podcast.

In this episode he is joined by guests, Jacqueline Lockie CFP™ & Philippa Hann, discussing how technology is used to enhance professional connections between Financial Planners and accountants/lawyers. 

Join Abraham Okusanya for a bonus episode on St. James's Place. On Friday 13th October 2023, SJP market shares fell by over 20%,, as well as losing 46% of its market cap over recent months and why it's had no choice but to cut its fees.

In this episode, Abraham Okusanya is joined by Mike LeGassick (Behavioural Investment Coach and Author) for a fascinating episode on financially educating clients.

Mike sheds light on the crucial significance of framing questions adeptly, particularly when broaching complex subjects like the risk ladder and the stock market with clients. Their discussion underscores how the choice of language can significantly impact a client's comprehension, particularly for those with limited prior knowledge. Don't miss out on this enlightening episode that promises valuable insights - tune in now!

Here's the first episode of our podcast under our new name, 'Adviser 3.0: The Podcast'.

Today Abraham is joined by Alex Whitson, Managing Director at VouchedFor, for a brilliant episode. Alex provides insights into his early career and where he started out, to where he is today.

Join Abraham Okusanya for an insightful episode with Lloyd Davies, owner of RockWealth Aberdeen.

Here’s what is covered in the episode:

• 19 years in Financial Services and what that looks like

• Two questions to consider when taking the next step in business

• The entrepreneurial journey and ‘getting permission’

• The power of the press and social media

• What’s next for RockWealth Aberdeen

This week we are joined by Jonathan Gunby, Chief Executive of Transact, for a fantastic episode on all things tech.

Here’s what is covered in the episode:

• How Jonathan came to join Transact - from CTO to CEO

• Where does Integrafin fit in

• Does Transact really have no competitors?

• Ian Taylor & the legacy he left behind

• Is there a benefit to not being outsourced?

• How will the market evolve in the coming years

As awareness and concerns for environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues continue to grow, there has been a significant surge in demand for ESG investing. Financial advisers and investors are increasingly interested in incorporating ESG considerations into their investment strategies. However, the actual impact of ESG investing on the real world is still a subject of debate.

Hosted by Nicki Hinton-Jones CFA, Chief Investment Officer at Timeline, this discussion explores the following key questions:

• Does ESG investing move the needle in the real world and how can we judge its results?

• What data is required to measure the outcomes, and how can it be obtained and analysed effectively? 

• What is really needed from the investment community to drive change?

• What are the opportunities for innovation to improve both investor and real-world outcomes?

Recorded live at Adviser 3.0: Change Agents. We apologise in advance for the poor audio quality but the content is a must-hear for every financial planner.

Are you an ambitious financial planning firm owner/manager with an aspiration to exceed £5m in revenue over the next 5 years? Then, you'll want to hear from our panel of heavyweights - Gaynor Rigby, Tim Horrocks & Alan Smith.

This episode was recorded live at 'Adviser 3.0: Change Agents' in May 2023. The audio quality is poorer compared to previous episodes due to the recording circumstances.