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/

In this episode of Talk FS, Ryan Venner interviews Ravi Bhalla, the former head of innovation at the FCA. They discuss the FCA's role in promoting innovation within the financial services sector, the importance of proactive engagement between firms and regulators, and the impact of the new consumer duty on the industry. Ravi shares insights on the regulatory sandbox, global collaboration in regulatory innovation, and the significance of academic partnerships. He also reflects on career advice and the importance of viewing one's career as a journey with various paths.

Key Takeaways:

• The FCA aims to preserve market integrity, protect consumers, and promote competition.
• Innovation is essential for the FCA to fulfil its regulatory mandate.
• Proactive engagement with the FCA leads to better outcomes for firms.
• The regulatory sandbox allows firms to test their business models with real consumers.
• Global collaboration among regulators enhances regulatory innovation.
• The new consumer duty focuses on putting the customer at the centre of financial services.
• Academic partnerships can drive regulatory innovation and knowledge exchange.
• Career paths are not always linear; sidesteps can be purposeful.
• Measuring the effectiveness of consumer protection is crucial for the FCA.
• The pandemic has changed the way regulators and firms interact.

Contact Us:

✉️ talkfs@premierjobsuk.com

💬 https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanvenner/

In this episode, Ryan Venner speaks with Julia Smith, a seasoned professional in financial planning and mortgage advisory. They explore the misconceptions surrounding networks in the financial services industry, the benefits of being part of a network, and the critical importance of business planning. Julia shares her insights on coaching versus mentoring, emphasising the need for accountability and clear communication in achieving business success. The conversation highlights the value of patience and regular reviews in business planning, encouraging listeners to reflect on their own practices.

Key takeaways from this episode:

• Misconceptions about networks often lead to unrealistic expectations.
• Joining a network means collaboration, not isolation.
• Networks invest in compliance and regulatory support for their members.
• Clear communication is essential for network success.
• Business planning should start with the end goal in mind.
• Regular reviews of business plans are crucial for success.
• Coaching provides accountability, while mentoring offers long-term guidance.
• Patience is key in both personal and professional growth.
• Utilising network resources can enhance business performance.
• Choosing the right network is vital for business alignment.

Contact Us:

✉️ talkfs@premierjobsuk.com

💬 https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanvenner/