BWD: In The Know

From Actuary to Wall Street to Novelist: Mark W. Griffin on Risk, Reinvention & Storytelling

In this episode of BWD In The Know, guest host Harry McNeill is joined by Mark W Griffin for a fascinating conversation that blends actuarial insight with life beyond the spreadsheets.

Mark’s career has been anything but linear; from actuarial science to investment banking on Wall Street, and now to publishing his debut novel The Mortality Thief.

Along the way, he shares lessons in curiosity, mentorship, and leadership, while reflecting on what the 2008 financial crisis ta...

In this episode of BWD In The Know, Harry McNeill is joined by Kim Steiner, Head of North America's Life Practice at WTW, for a wide-ranging conversation on what it really means to build a career in life insurance.

Kim shares her journey from intern to industry leader, reflects on the rise of AI and its real impact on actuarial work, and gives sharp, honest advice for anyone starting in the profession.

From breaking down industry misconceptions to discussing the soft skills that matter most, this is essential listening for actuaries at...

In this episode of BWD In The Know, Harry McNeill sits down with Jeffrey Gomes, an actuary-turned-coach based in Canada to explore what it really takes to lead in today's actuarial world.

From starting out during the 2008 financial crisis to embracing the rise of AI, Jeffrey shares hard-earned lessons on resilience, people-first leadership, and unlocking potential through coaching.

Whether you're navigating exams, managing a remote team, or chasing your next promotion, this episode is packed with insights to help you stay the course and grow your impact on your terms.

Hosted on...

From losing his leg in a life-altering accident to becoming a Guinness World Record-holding endurance swimmer, Jonty Warneken has redefined what’s possible; physically, mentally, and professionally.

In this episode, Jonty shares his remarkable journey:

No Socks (with Crocs) Please, I'm French!

Caroline swapped investment banking for financial planning, bringing a French lens to British money habits, career choices, and yes, fashion faux pas.

In this episode of In The Know, we cover:

If you're considering a career change, this one’s for you.

“If you want the truth, you need trust.”

That line stayed with me.

In this week’s In The Know podcast, I spoke with Lena Sisco – former military interrogator turned leadership and communication expert – about trust, truth, and how to spot a lie.

She’s spent her career extracting the truth from people who had every reason not to share it. And it turns out the answer isn’t mind games or intimidation. It’s connection.

As AI removes the humdrum parts of our jobs, the human...

Less admin, more advice – AI without the hype. That’s the vision. But how do you actually get there?

In this episode, James speaks with Oren Henry, Co-Founder of AutoAdvise, about how financial advisers can use AI to reduce admin and improve client outcomes. They explore where firms are losing time, the risks of misusing ChatGPT-style tools, and what being truly ‘AI-ready’ looks like in practice.

What's Covered:

Once dubbed “The City’s Superwoman”, Nicola Horlick’s story isn’t just about finance. It’s about leadership in all its complexity.

From billion-pound turnarounds and public scandal to raising six children, navigating personal tragedy and building again - Nicola’s journey covers it all.

She shares her story openly, with the hope it inspires more women to lead in their own way.

We spoke about vision, loyalty, imposter syndrome, and what it really takes to lead through chaos in business and in life.

This one stay...

Is Financial Planning Dying?

That’s what I asked Tom Hegarty in the latest episode of In The Know - a follow-up to the post that sparked so much debate.

We covered:

📉 Adviser numbers – real growth, or just a pause before the cliff edge?

🔁 Why firms keep hiring experience but won’t back new talent

🧱 The power of apprenticeships and why more firms must engage

💬 How to shift short-term mindsets in firm leadership

🪄 And Tom’s magic wand moment

Do you agree with Tom? Are you a...

The Recruitment Industry’s Biggest Lie - And Why Clients Keep Falling for It

Recruitment has been running on fumes for years. The contingent model dominates, yet it delivers an 80% chance of wasted time.

Louise Archer and I dug into why the industry clings to it, despite better alternatives. 

Some key takeaways:

It was a privilege to host Jeff Lange, Group CEO of TFAS Enterprises, on the podcast. Jeff shared fascinating insights into the evolving financial advice sector, the role of technology, and the future of client engagement. Here are the key takeaways from our conversation:

💻 Remote advice is thriving

Face-to-face isn’t the only way. Remote advice, driven by trust and tech, is now the choice for even high-net-worth clients.

🌍 Bridging the advice gap

Streamlined processes and digital tools are making advice accessible to clients at all asset levels.

🤖 AI in...

The Trilogy Nobody Thought Would Happen

“All good things must come to an end”—and so does the final episode of our podcast series with the brilliant Dave Robinson.

This time, we cover plenty of ground, including:

1️⃣ Regrets on LinkedIn?

Dave’s outspoken views have sparked debates, drawn praise, and even got him blocked! But does he regret any of it? His answer (and reasoning) is refreshingly honest.

2️⃣ Thoughts on the CII

Dave doesn’t hold back as we discuss the role of professional bodies and how the financ...

"Talking with Archana was genuinely inspiring and thought-provoking. Her insights brought a fresh perspective on what leadership truly means, especially in today’s rapidly changing world." - James Walker

In this episode, we unpacked:

🚨 Alert: "Businesses must start transitioning to be data-led, or they risk becoming irrelevant. Those who fail to integrate data into their operations will fall behind as the industry evolves. It’s not just about compliance or efficiency anymore – it’s about survival."

In this insightful episode, I sit down with Poppy Achilles to discuss three critical pillars for the future of UK financial planning:

It was an absolute pleasure to sit down with Carla Brown, Managing Director of Oakmere and President of the PFS, to discuss some truly important and sobering topics.

Carla shared her personal journey into financial services, highlighting the critical gaps in financial education that persist, particularly in schools. We touched on the need for early intervention and education to help the next generation avoid financial pitfalls and grow financially literate.

One of the most eye-opening discussions was on financial abuse—a topic that hits close to home for Carla. She shared how a cl...

Join me for an illuminating conversation with the brilliant Brendan Frazier, Chief Behavioural Officer at RFG and host of the Human Side of Money podcast.

This episode is packed with valuable insights for financial planners, and anyone interested in the human side of financial advice!

You don’t want to miss this!

Key topics discussed:

🌟 The Human Element in Finance: Brendan shares his passion for integrating psychology and human behaviour into financial planning.

🚀 Helping Clients Take Action: Practical strategies to bridge the gap between knowing what to do an...

In another Ask The Actuary special, Kieran Mistry shares his actuarial journey with us, from Deloitte to Hymans and finally, the award-winning Bulk Purchase Annuity (BPA) insurer, Standard Life in January 2022 – the last 2.5 years have been very busy in the BPA market!

Keiran describes the difference between being an actuary advising the trustee side of a BPA deal to being an actuary acting for the insurer, before offering some sage advice to nearly/newly-qualified actuaries, including:

“…Look for opportunities to grow and learn. If you're learning, I have a view that things w...

🎙️ Get ready for a special Ask the Actuary episode of BWD’s In The Know podcast! This time, we're joined by Adrienne (Ostroff) Lieberthal – the powerhouse CEO and Founder of Athena Actuarial Consulting and co-founder of NAWA (Network of Actuarial Women and Allies), boasting over 3,000 followers across the US.

🚀 Tune in to hear Adrienne's inspiring journey from her days as a college athlete in Philadelphia to conquering the actuarial world. Discover how she leveraged her competitive edge to ace those tough exams and land her first roles in the field.

🎉 Life took a thrilling turn...

Here’s Part II of our latest "In the Know" podcast featuring Dave Robinson FCCA APFS MCSI TEP LLAA IMC 🎙️✨

By any metric, Dave has been remarkably successful in the financial planning industry, and in this episode, we discuss his blueprint for building a successful financial advisory firm.

Here are some key highlights:

🔹 Reflections on SJP: We discuss the feedback from the first podcast.

🔹 Building a Successful Business: Learn the core principles and strategies that have defined Dave's career and contributed to his firm's success.

🔹 Specialisation and Collaboration...

We're excited to share our latest episode featuring a fascinating conversation with George Kinder, the father of the life planning movement and renowned author. In this episode, George delves into his early influences, the origin of life planning, and offers a glimpse into the future. Key topics include:

We're delighted to bring you another Ask the Actuary Special episode of BWD’s In The Know podcast, with LCP’s Bart Huby (the Football Actuary).

Bart is an actuary with over 40 years’ experience in the pensions industry, but he’s managed to combine his passion for data science and Sport - in particular, football (or soccer for those of you in the States! - as Head of Sport Analytics at LCP, involved in developing and marketing LCP’s innovative soccer player recruiting platform, TransferLab, in partnership with leading football consultancy Analytics FC.

He qualified a...

We're excited to share the full episode featuring Dave Robinson FCCA APFS MCSI TEP LLAA IMC.

While many of you may skip ahead to the SJP discussion (1hr35), we encourage you to listen to the entire episode.

In the first part, Dave shares his career highs and lows, offering valuable insights into why his belief system is deeply rooted in Independent Financial Planning, without conflict.

Dave is a fascinating guest and a great sport, allowing me to ask him any question. It was a pleasure to sit down with him...

In this engaging conversation, Ed takes us through his career from aspiring car designer to a leading figure in financial services.

Key topics discussed:

🌟 Career Evolution: From creativity in car design to strategic leadership in financial services.

🥊 Adapting to Change: "Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face." – Ed shares insights on navigating industry shifts.

📈 Benchmark's Vision: How Benchmark supports financial planners and their growth journey.

🚀 Breakaway Advisors: The rise of advisers starting their own practices and how Benchmark supports them.

✨ Magic Wand: If given a...

We're excited to share our latest episode featuring a fascinating conversation with Liz Frazier-Peck, a fee-only Certified Financial Planner and author of "Beyond Piggybanks and Lemonade Stands."

In this episode, Liz delves into her unique career in financial services and her passion for financial education for kids. Key topics include:

In this episode, Ben takes us through his journey in financial services, from his early days as an actuary to leading innovation at Wealth Wizards.

Key topics include:

👨‍💼 Career Path: From the Edinburgh Fringe Festival to actuary to CEO, Ben's career and the lessons learned.

💡 Wealth Wizards' Mission: Making financial advice accessible.

📊 Guidance vs. Advice: Insights on the Advice Guidance Boundary Review.

🤝 Consumer Trust: Building trust and driving engagement in the digital age.

This episode is packed with valuable insights and a timely update on the Advice Guid...

Join us as Guy Skinner, Director at Citygate Financial Planning, shares his insights on starting solo, building a team, and working with the "Henrys". Topics covered include:

🙏 A special thanks to Guy for his openness and sharing his expertise.

#FinancialPlanning #Leadership #CareerGrowth #Podcast

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Let Tess take you on her actuarial journey from failing her probation as an actuarial trainee at WTW to becoming UK Wealth Strategy Leader (a job title she made up herself!) and Partner at Mercer – via investment consultancy, Head of Retirement Practice (or as Tess puts it “the proper actuaries”) in Manchester, DC Leader for the North, and UK People Leader responsible for people strategy and colleague development (a role she held during the pandemic!)

And hear her advice to nearly/newly qualified actuaries, including “Just say ‘Yes’ to opportunities!” and “Don’t worry…it’ll all work out…it’s ju...

🚀 Latest BWD In The Know Episode: Business Exit Strategies Uncovered 🎧

In this episode, we explore the intricate world of exiting a business, focusing on innovative strategies that go beyond the traditional. Join us as we delve into:

🤝 Employee Ownership Explained: Chris shines a light on Employee Ownership, where founders sell to a Trust, reaping benefits like zero capital gains tax, and why it's on the rise.

❤️ The Value Beyond Tax Breaks: Discover the heartfelt reasons behind choosing Employee Ownership, from safeguarding legacy and culture to staying involved on your own terms.

🔍 Future Implicati...

We are delighted to bring you another "In The Know" episode featuring Alan Smith ➡️ CEO of Capital Asset Management 🌟. Join us as we explore:

🌱 Core Values: Alan discusses how core values such as family, travel, adventure, learning, and giving back, not only guide his personal life but also his professional practice. 

🚀 Podcast Gems: "Bulletproof Entrepreneur" highlights key entrepreneur traits: resilience, vision, and innovation.

🔍 Pricing Models: Hear Alan's move to value-based subscription models, moving beyond traditional AUM fees. Alan discusses the shift to pricing that reflects true value delivered to clients. Explore the transformation:<...

Dive into an insightful episode of "In The Know," featuring Phil Bray, Founder and Director of the Yardstick Agency, a firm that stands at the forefront of marketing for Financial Planners.

📊 Understanding the Essence of Marketing

🛑 Busting Myths: Tackling Misconceptions and Limiting Beliefs in Marketing

📈 Essential Strategies for Financial Planners

Discussing the recent Schroders UK Financial Adviser Survey with the brilliant Gillian Hepburn. 

5 key topics of conversation explored:

We're diving deep into the world of Professional Services with Ian Gibson, Managing Partner at Evelyn Partners. A seasoned expert with 35+ years of experience, Ian discusses the importance of listening, removing the ego, and being a professional chameleon. Plus, he provides us with some honest insights into the current and future world of Financial Services.

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In our 6th instalment, we're diving deep into the world of financial advice with Ben Wright, MD at Changed Squared, a seasoned expert whose 20+ years’ experience provides us with some honest insights into the current and future world of financial services.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/benwright/

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Welcome to another episode of BWD IN THE KNOW, the premier podcast for Financial Services.

In the latest instalment, we delve into valuable insights about selling your business with Solicitor Paul Trudgill, Partner at Knights.  

Some of the discussion points are: 

If you enjoy the episode, don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review!

If you would like to know mor...

Welcome to another episode of BWD IN THE KNOW. In our 4th instalment, we're diving deep into the world of financial services with John White, Head of Financial Planning at Hurst Point, a seasoned expert who has led some of the largest advice firms.

Here’s a peek into the insightful topics we cover: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-white-516b481b/

https://bwd-search.com/

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In our third instalment of IN THE KNOW, we host our first group discussion episode, where we delve into the transformative world of Artificial Intelligence and its potential impact on financial planning and the adviser landscape.

Joining our host James Walker (MD of BWD), we have a stellar lineup of real human guests to discuss AI and its impact on Financial Planning.

Topics Covered:

In this insightful second episode, Rob Hammond and John Okafor interview the impressive Katey Walker, Chief Commercial Officer with Aon's Strategy and Technology Group. 

Katey shared her unique and insightful perspective on various hot topics from the excitement and expectations of AI and technological advances and the impact on the insurance sector but also the reluctance for change, to the importance and difference of inclusion and representation within a changing but still very male-dominated industry. 

Katey Walker has twenty years of experience in the property/casualty industry as a consultant and in E...

In this insightful episode of BWD IN THE KNOW, hosts John Okafor and Rob Hammond interview the inspiring Linley Baker. A high achiever from Massachusetts, Linley excelled at the Wharton School of Business before launching a successful actuarial career, earning Fellowship in the Society of Actuaries at just 25. After pausing her career to raise her six children in four different countries, she reentered the professional world in 2012, rising to the position of vice president within five years. Linley advocates for unconventional career paths and shares her wisdom in her motivational book, "Don't Be Afraid to Do What You Really...

A short clip from our first episode of BWD: IN THE KNOW. Hosts John Okafor and Rob Hammond interview the inspiring Linley Baker. A high achiever from Massachusetts, Linley excelled at the Wharton School of Business before launching a successful actuarial career, earning Fellowship in the Society of Actuaries at just 25. After pausing her career to raise her six children in four different countries, she reentered the professional world in 2012, rising to the position of vice president within five years. Linley advocates for unconventional career paths and shares her wisdom in her motivational book, "Don't Be Afraid to Do What...