Talk FS

Mortgage advice is about far more than interest rates. In this episode of Talk FS, Ryan Venner sits down with Rob Gill, Managing Director and Co-Founder of Altura Mortgage Finance, to discuss his journey from investment banking into mortgage advice and the lessons he has learned from nearly three decades in financial services. After graduating from Exeter University with a degree in Economics, Rob began his career as an Equity Trader before making the move into mortgage broking just before the 2008 financial crisis. He shares how resilience, adaptability, and long-term thinking helped him navigate economic uncertainty, build successful businesses, and develop a leadership style centred around culture and values. The conversation explores mortgage advice, entrepreneurship, leadership, recruitment, and the importance of creating opportunities for the next generation entering financial services. Whether you're a mortgage broker, financial services professional, business owner, or someone looking to build a long-term career in the industry, this episode is packed with valuable insights. ⏱️ Chapters 00:32 – Introduction Meet Rob Gill and his journey into financial services 01:38 – From Investment Banking to Mortgage Advice How Rob's trading career shaped his financial services knowledge 04:23 – Why Resilience Matters in Financial Services Lessons from economic uncertainty and market shocks 06:27 – Mortgage Rates, Timing the Market & Family Homes Why buyers shouldn't put life on hold waiting for perfect conditions 09:27 – Starting Again in Mortgage Broking Taking a pay cut and changing careers before the financial crisis 11:56 – Launching a Business During the Credit Crunch The decision to start a company in 2009 14:38 – Entrepreneurship & The Reality of Business Ownership Why success often takes longer than expected 21:37 – Building Altura Around Culture and Values Creating a business that reflects personal principles 23:06 – "Be the Client" The philosophy that drives Altura's customer experience 30:15 – Diversity, Mentoring & Attracting New Talent Helping the next generation enter financial services 32:15 – Life Is Not a Straight Line Career lessons from speaking in schools and mentoring young people 36:37 – Collaboration in the Mortgage Industry Why asking for help can accelerate success 38:00 – Outro About Rob Gill Rob Gill graduated from Exeter University with a degree in Economics and began his career in investment banking, working as an Equity Trader for Japanese bank Nomura. He later moved into mortgage broking before co-founding his own firm in 2009 and subsequently co-founding Altura Mortgage Finance in 2019. Rob has worked with a wide variety of clients throughout his career, including first-time buyers, home movers, self-employed borrowers, high-net-worth individuals, and international clients. Rob's Links: Altura Mortgage Finance: https://alturamortgagefinance.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robgill1/ 👍 If you enjoyed the episode, don't forget to like, subscribe and follow Talk FS for more conversations with leaders across financial services. #MortgageAdvice #MortgageBroker #FinancialServices #Leadership #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #Property #MortgageIndustry #TalkFS

Mortgage advice is evolving, and in this episode of Talk FS, Ryan Venner sits down with Sarah Tucker, founder of The Mortgage Mum, to explore how branding, content, and authenticity are reshaping the mortgage industry. Sarah shares the journey behind building one of the most recognisable brands in UK mortgage advice, discussing everything from growing a business and building a team to creating content that genuinely connects with clients. The conversation covers the challenges of entrepreneurship, balancing business and family life, and the importance of personal branding in modern financial services. Sarah also shares insights into leadership, social media, and how advisers can stand out in an increasingly competitive market. Whether you're a mortgage adviser, financial professional, business owner, or someone interested in building a personal brand, this episode is packed with practical insights and honest experiences. Chapters: 01:00 – Introduction to Talk FS and Sarah Tucker 02:15 – Sarah's Early Career Journey 04:52 – The Birth of The Mortgage Mum 11:40 – The Evolution of the Brand 16:13 – Creating a Flexible Career for Women 20:24 – Manifestation and Vision for the Future 23:02 – Navigating Work-Life Integration 27:46 – The Importance of Community and Support 32:12 – Creating a Flexible Work Environment 36:48 – Future Aspirations and Evolving Missions About Talk FS: Talk FS is a podcast from Premier Jobs UK, featuring conversations with professionals across the financial services industry. Each episode explores business growth, career journeys, and the future of financial services. Sarah's Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themortgagemum/ Website: https://themortgagemum.co.uk/ 👍 If you enjoyed the episode, like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more conversations with leaders across mortgage advice and financial services.

Protection insurance explained in this episode of Talk FS, where host Ryan Venner is joined by Karla Edwards, founder of The Protection Parent. Karla shares how she unexpectedly entered financial services, built a successful protection business through social media, and became one of the UK’s strongest advocates for better protection awareness. In this episode, Ryan and Karla discuss: ✅ Why protection insurance education matters more than ever ✅ The importance of income protection, critical illness cover and life insurance ✅ What advisors need to know about Global Treatment and Zurich Accelerate ✅ How Karla built The Protection Parent brand through authentic social media content ✅ Social media strategies for mortgage and protection advisors ✅ Why “conscience over commission” is central to Karla’s business philosophy If you work in financial services, mortgages, protection or financial advice, this episode offers valuable insight into educating clients, building trust, and growing a personal brand in the industry. Chapters: 00:00 Hook 00:43 Introduction 01:37 Meet Karla Edwards 02:04 How Karla entered financial services 07:48 Why protection education matters 16:03 Why Karla is passionate about Global Treatment 18:20 Building The Protection Parent brand 33:38 Global Treatment & Zurich Accelerate explained 39:46 What’s next for The Protection Parent 🎙️ Guest: Karla Edwards – Founder of The Protection Parent Subscribe for more interviews with leading professionals across financial services, mortgages, recruitment, protection and adviser businesses. Karla's links: The Protection Parent: https://theprotectionparent.co.uk/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karla-edwards-9ba043189/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theprotectionparent Prefer to listen? Follow the link below: https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-468d8-1ac1ef4 #ProtectionInsurance #FinancialServices #IncomeProtection #CriticalIllnessCover #LifeInsurance #MortgageAdvisers #ProtectionParent

Transitioning into a career in financial advice is the focus of this episode of Talk FS, as Ryan Venner sits down with Matt Machan to explore his journey from professional cricket into building a successful financial planning business. After his cricket career was cut short through injury, Matt was forced to rethink his future earlier than expected. In this conversation, he shares how the mindset, discipline, and resilience developed in elite sport helped him transition into financial services and launch his own advice business. Matt discusses the challenges of entering a completely new industry, lessons from building client relationships, and what advisers can learn from applying a professional athlete mindset to business growth. Whether you're considering a career in financial advice, growing your own firm, or interested in career transitions into financial services, this episode is packed with valuable insights. Chapters 00:30 – Introduction Who is Matt Machan? 01:34 – Leaving Professional Cricket Behind How injury changed Matt’s career path 03:13 – Why Financial Advice? Choosing a new direction after sport 07:52 – Adapting to the Real World The biggest challenges after elite sport 10:09 – Building a Financial Advice Business Early wins, exams, and business growth 12:23 – Thinking Long-Term in Business Moving from seasons to long-term planning 15:28 – Scaling the Business the Right Way Growth, systems, and future plans 18:20 – Building a Client Base From Scratch Why Matt didn’t rely on his sporting network 24:24 – The Importance of Mentorship Learning from experienced advisers 27:05 – What Matt Would Do Differently Lessons from building a business 28:54 – Career Lessons From Sport How elite sport shaped his mindset 29:40 – Outro Final reflections and takeaways About Talk FS Talk FS is a podcast from Premier Jobs UK, featuring conversations with professionals across the financial services industry. Each episode explores career journeys, industry insights, and the future of financial advice. Prefer to Listen? Follow the link below. https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-k4e2r-1ab032a 👍 If you enjoyed the episode, like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more conversations with leaders across financial services.

Building a successful financial planning business is the focus of this episode of Talk FS, as Ryan Venner is joined by James Woodfall to explore what it takes to grow and sustain a modern financial advice firm. James shares his experience working within financial planning, offering insight into how advisers can build strong client relationships, develop their proposition, and create a business that delivers long-term value. From winning new clients to maintaining trust and delivering consistent advice, this episode provides practical takeaways for financial advisers at all stages of their career. The conversation also dives into the challenges facing today’s financial advice profession, including client expectations, business growth, and maintaining high standards in a competitive market. James offers his perspective on what separates successful advisers and how firms can continue to evolve. Whether you're an established financial adviser or looking to grow your financial planning business, this episode is packed with actionable insights and real-world experience. Chapters: 00:30 – Introduction Who is James Woodfall? 02:10 – Starting in Financial Planning James’ journey into financial services 06:40 – Early Career Lessons What shaped his approach to advice 11:20 – Building Client Relationships The foundation of a successful advice business 16:05 – Growing a Financial Planning Business Strategies for long-term success 20:45 – Winning & Retaining Clients What clients really value from advisers 25:30 – Challenges in Financial Advice Today Navigating a changing industry 30:10 – What Sets Top Advisers Apart Key traits of high-performing professionals 34:20 – The Future of Financial Planning Opportunities and industry direction 37:30 – Final Thoughts Key takeaways from James Woodfall Prefer to Listen? Download the audio podcast here: https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-amtnk-1a9b0c3 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7LsjUXvzCY8tj8qwgnYjrM?si=XtLIOMAKTnqV9mAZToOUzg Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/building-a-successful-financial-planning-business/id1773707382?i=1000761323581 Jame's Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-woodfall-raise-your-ei/ Website: https://www.jameswoodfall.co.uk/ About Talk FS Talk FS is a podcast from Premier Jobs UK, featuring conversations with professionals across the financial services industry. Each episode explores real stories, career journeys, and insights shaping the future of financial advice. 👍 If you enjoyed the episode, like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more conversations with leaders in financial planning and financial services.

How to build a successful career in financial advice is the focus of this episode of Talk FS, as Ryan Venner sits down with Sam Patterson to explore the realities of working in financial planning today. Sam shares his journey into financial services, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and the mindset required to grow within a competitive and evolving industry. From early career decisions to developing as a modern financial adviser, this episode is packed with practical insights for anyone looking to succeed in financial advice. The conversation also dives into the importance of continuous development, building strong client relationships, and navigating opportunities within the profession. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to progress your career, this episode offers valuable, real-world advice. Chapters: 00:30 – Introduction Who is Sam Patterson? 02:30 – Getting Started in Financial Advice How Sam began his career journey 08:45 – Early Career Lessons Key experiences that shaped his approach 14:10 – Developing as a Financial Adviser Skills, mindset, and growth 19:40 – Challenges in Financial Services What advisers need to navigate today 24:55 – Building a Long-Term Career What success looks like in financial planning 30:20 – Advice for New Advisers Tips for entering the profession 35:10 – The Future of Financial Advice Careers Opportunities and industry direction 38:30 – Outro Final thoughts and key takeaways Sam's Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-patterson-apfs/ Company: https://equilibrium.co.uk/people/sam-paterson/ About Talk FS Talk FS is a podcast from Premier Jobs UK, featuring conversations with professionals across the financial services industry. Each episode explores real stories, career journeys, and insights shaping the future of financial advice. 👍 If you enjoyed the episode, like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more content on financial advice careers and industry insights.

In this episode of Talk FS, we’re joined by Amyr Rocha Lima — an award-winning financial planner and TEDx speaker — to break down the truth about retirement planning, pensions, and financial freedom. If you’ve ever asked yourself: * “How much do I need to retire?” * “Am I saving enough for retirement?” * “What does a good financial plan actually look like?” …this episode is for you. Amyr shares practical insights from his experience helping professionals retire on their terms, including the mindset shifts, strategies, and common mistakes that could be costing you your future. 🎯 Whether you're early in your career or approaching retirement, this conversation will help you take control of your financial future. --- 🔗 Learn more about Amyr Rocha Lima: https://www.amyr.co.uk/ 🎥 Watch Amyr’s TEDx Talk: https://youtu.be/JxdUWsudi6g?si=1NMYWyEatcDeW1JY --- ⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:58 Introduction 02:10 Who is Amyr Rocha Lima? 04:43 Why most people get retirement planning wrong 08:28 How much do you actually need to retire? 13:13 The biggest financial planning mistakes 17:38 Understanding pensions and long-term investing 22:08 The psychology of money and financial behaviour 26:53 How to build a financial plan that works 31:18 Financial freedom vs retirement – what’s the goal? 35:08 Lessons from Amyr’s TEDx Talk 39:43 Advice for financial advisers and professionals 43:28 Final thoughts & key takeaways --- 📈 KEY TOPICS COVERED: * Retirement planning UK * How much you need to retire * Financial planning strategies * Pension advice and investing * Financial freedom mindset * Behavioural finance --- 👍 If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with leading voices in financial services. #RetirementPlanning #FinancialPlanning #PensionsUK #FinancialFreedom #WealthManagement

The Future of Financial Planning | Rohan Sivajoti on Building the Plannex Community In this episode of Talk FS, Ryan Venner sits down with Rohan Sivajoti, co-founder of Plannex (formerly NextGen Planners), to explore how a small online community grew into one of the most influential networks in the UK financial planning profession. What began as a simple idea between two advisers looking for better collaboration has evolved into a thriving community of over 2,500 members. Through Plannex, Rohan and his team are helping advisers connect, develop their skills, build better businesses, and raise standards across the profession. During the conversation, Rohan shares the story behind the creation of NextGen Planners, why the organisation rebranded to Plannex, and how community, collaboration, and continuous learning are shaping the next generation of financial advisers. Ryan and Rohan also discuss the mindset required to build a successful advice business, the importance of values in career decisions, and why creating the right environment for advisers to learn from one another can have a powerful ripple effect across the entire industry. Chapters 00:31 – IntroductionRohan Sivajoti on building Plannex 02:00 – The Story Behind NextGen PlannersHow one disappointing industry event sparked a movement 10:19 – Redefining Financial Services EventsGrowing the network and redefining financial services events 17:16 – Leaving Financial Advice to Build PlannexThe decision to step away from advising 22:04 – The Rebrand From NextGen Planners to PlannexWhy the community evolved into a new identity 27:45 – An Exciting AnnouncementExpanding the community beyond the UK 30:11 – Raising Standards Across Global Financial AdviceThe opportunity to improve international markets 34:42 – Lessons From Launching 200+ Advice FirmsWhat successful advisers focus on 36:20 – OutroInternational growth and what's next Learn more about Plannex 🌐 https://plannex.co.uk/ Connect with Rohan Sivajoti 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/rohan-s-6010b438/ About Talk FS: Talk FS is a podcast from Premier Jobs UK featuring conversations with leading voices across the financial services profession. Each episode explores insights, trends, and real experiences shaping the future of financial advice. 👍 If you enjoyed the episode, like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more conversations with leaders across the financial services industry. Download the Audio Version here: https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-gpnw7-1a61c76