Composing a legacy; mixing a jazz career with estate planning

The latest episode of the Today's Wills and Probate Podcast, takes a musical tur as host David Opie welcomes John Heavens, CEO of Your Legacy Solutions - and a professional jazz musician. John shares with David his background and how the worlds came to collide; and how he manages to balance his two professions. By day, he leads a tech-driven estate planning firm. By night, he’s a signed vocalist and flautist with a London jazz and blues label. His musical roots run deep, with a family history steeped in performance, including a great-great-grandfather who played organ at Melbourne Cathedral.The conversation explores how John manages his time and works with those around him. Discipline, organisation, and a strong support team are key... with practice at 5.30am part of his daily ritual. John reflects on the parallels between music and estate planning. Both require structure, precision, and creativity. He discusses the mathematical nature of music theory and how it complements analytical thinking in business.Technology plays a central role in John’s work. Legacy Solutions is nearly paperless, with systems built by co-director Andrew Cooper. AI is used cautiously for marketing, but John remains curious - and slightly wary - about its growing influence in both estate planning and the music industry.The podcast also touches on the realities of being a professional musician. Beyond the glamour lies obsessive discipline, years of training, and a commitment to craft. John’s upcoming album, 90 Minutes from New York to Paris, launches on vinyl in May 2026 at the World Heartbeat Music Academy.It’s a compelling listen for anyone interested in creativity, business, and the evolving role of technology in both. You can find more at johnheavens.com.The Today's Wills and Probate podcast is available on your preferred podcast provider, and at www.todayswillsandprobate.co.uk. Subscribe today to hear all the latest news and views across the wills and probate sector.Thank you to our podcast sponsors LEAP Estates, Estate Research, Property Ladder Group and Finders International.