Dont Shoot The Messenger

In this episode of Don’t Shoot the Messenger, Chris sits down with Paul Taylor, a financial planner turned coach who has spent over 25 years working with business owners and entrepreneurial families.After building a £100m client book, Paul stepped away to focus on what he believes is the most undervalued skill in the profession: Communication that actually drives action.In this episode, we cover:- Why clients do not act on financial advice- Why “sales” has become a dirty word (and why that is a problem)- The role of emotion in decision-making- How better conversations lead to better outcomesIf you are a financial planner, advisor, or business owner looking to improve how you communicate, influence, and deliver real value to clients, this episode is for you.If you want to see what life in Hoxton Wealth is like, please visit:  / @hoxtonlife  For more information on Hoxton Wealth careers, please https://www.careers-page.com/hoxtonwealth.comFor my videos by Chris, please visit his Youtube:  ⁨@ChrisBallHoxton⁩  

In this episode of Don’t Shoot the Messenger, Chris Ball sits down with Alan Smith, Founder and CEO of Capital Asset Management, to unpack what it really takes to build a successful financial planning business.Alan started his firm over 20 years ago from a small office in Victoria. Today, he is widely recognised as one of the most respected voices in UK financial planning.They cover:- How Alan went from a salaried role to building his own firm- Why being a great adviser does not automatically make you a great business owner- The reality of starting from scratch and managing early uncertainty- How referrals, niche positioning and content drive consistent growth- The story behind The Real Adviser Podcast (TRAP) and its impact on the profession- Why AI could elevate financial planning rather than replace itIf you are a financial planner thinking about building a business, growing your client base, or positioning yourself in a changing industry, this episode is worth your time.If you want to see what life in Hoxton Wealth is like, please visit:  / @hoxtonlife  For more information on Hoxton Wealth careers, please https://www.careers-page.com/hoxtonwealth.comFor my videos by Chris, please visit his Youtube:  ⁨@ChrisBallHoxton⁩  

When I started Hoxton Wealth in 2018, we had $35 million of assets, five people, and two small offices.Today the business manages over $4 billion for more than 10,000 clients globally, with licences and offices across multiple jurisdictions.But the journey from there to here was not simple.In this episode of Don't Shoot the Messenger, I sit down on my own to walk through the full story of how Hoxton grew.If you are a financial planner thinking about starting your own firm, or someone building a business from scratch, this episode will give you a realistic view of what the journey actually looks like.If you enjoy the episode, make sure to subscribe and follow the show.If you want to see what life in Hoxton Wealth is like, please visit:  / @hoxtonlife  For more information on Hoxton Wealth careers, please https://www.careers-page.com/hoxtonwealth.comFor my videos by Chris, please visit his Youtube:  ⁨@ChrisBallHoxton⁩  

In this episode of Don’t Shoot the Messenger, Chris Ball sits down with Don Bennyhoff, former Vanguard investment leader and one of the key architects behind the widely referenced “Advisor Alpha” research.Don spent nearly 23 years at Vanguard, helping redefine how financial advisors communicate their value beyond portfolio performance. He later served as CIO and Investment Committee Chair at a $1.7bn RIA and now works as a fractional CIO through Bennyhoff & Co, helping advisory firms build disciplined, repeatable investment frameworks.This conversation goes beyond the headlines of “3% alpha” and into what truly drives long-term value in financial advice.We discuss:• What Advisor Alpha actually meant, and what it never claimed • Why behavioural coaching often adds more value than stock picking • The dangers of unnecessary portfolio complexityIf you are building an advisory firm, refining your investment philosophy, or thinking about the evolution of financial planning, this episode is packed with practical insight.Because in the end, the real value of advice is not about outperforming markets. It is about helping clients make better decisions over time.If you want to see what life in Hoxton Wealth is like, please visit:  / @hoxtonlife  For more information on Hoxton Wealth careers, please https://www.careers-page.com/hoxtonwealth.comFor my videos by Chris, please visit his Youtube:  ⁨@ChrisBallHoxton⁩  

Behavioral finance legend Carl Richards explains what great financial planners actually get paid for, and why human connection is becoming the most valuable skill in advice.In this episode of Don’t Shoot the Messenger, Chris Ball sits down with Carl Richards (author of The Behavior Gap and The One-Page Financial Plan, and former New York Times “Sketch Guy”) to talk about the real craft of advice: trust, communication, and meaningful relationships.📌 Featured resourceCarl’s community for planners: The Society of Advice → https://www.thesocietyofadvice.com/🎧 Listen on @HoxtonLifePodcast💬 Question for you: What do you think advisors will need to double down on in the next 5 years, technical skill or human connection?#HoxtonWealth #FinancialPlanning #BehaviouralFinanceIf you want to see what life in Hoxton Wealth is like, please visit:  / @hoxtonlife  For more information on Hoxton Wealth careers, please https://www.careers-page.com/hoxtonwealth.comFor my videos by Chris, please visit his Youtube:  ⁨@ChrisBallHoxton⁩  

In this episode of Don’t Shoot the Messenger, Chris sits down with Adam to break down what it really looks like to start in advice from scratch, build a client book, and make the leap from a network model into a larger practice without losing your entrepreneurial edge.Adam joined Hoxton Wealth in March last year and brought over a significant book of business. He started with no prior experience, cut his teeth in mortgages and protection, and over time transitioned into full wealth management. We talk honestly about the messy middle: confidence, structure, support, and why so many advisors feel stuck doing everything themselves.We cover:- How Adam started in advice with no prior experience- The reality of being advisor, admin, and paraplanner all at once- The moment you realise solo growth has a ceiling- How to retain independence while plugging into a bigger team- Where new business really comes from: referrals, leads, and professional connections- The fundamentals that separate great advisors: responsiveness, delivery, client-first thinking- Advice for anyone in a network or solo setup wondering what is nextDon’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon to get notified when new episodes drop.If you want to see what life in Hoxton Wealth is like, please visit:  / @hoxtonlife  For more information on Hoxton Wealth careers, please https://www.careers-page.com/hoxtonwealth.comFor my videos by Chris, please visit his Youtube:  ⁨@ChrisBallHoxton⁩  

Why does property feel easier than stocks for so many people, even smart, high-earning professionals?In this episode of Don’t Shoot the Messenger, Chris sits down with Lámidé Elizabeth, an ex-investment banker turned entrepreneur and investor to unpack the real psychology behind property vs stock market investing.We cover:- Why property feels more “understandable” than stocks- The psychological comfort of bricks and mortar vs market volatility- Property vs stocks from a risk, liquidity, and cash flow perspective- UK vs Dubai vs South Africa property opportunities- The dangers of being asset-rich but cash-poor- Why diversification matters more than choosing sidesThis content is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, investment advice, or a recommendation to buy or sell any financial product or asset.All views expressed are personal opinions based on experience and general discussion. Individual circumstances vary, and investing involves risk, including the potential loss of capital.You should always seek independent professional advice before making any financial or investment decisions.Past performance is not indicative of future results.If you want to see what life in Hoxton Wealth is like, please visit:  / @hoxtonlife  For more information on Hoxton Wealth careers, please https://www.careers-page.com/hoxtonwealth.comFor my videos by Chris, please visit his Youtube:  ⁨@ChrisBallHoxton⁩  

Pete Matthew is the founder of Meaningful Money, one of the most established personal finance platforms in the UK.What started in 2010 with a cheap camera and a simple idea has grown into:Over 10 million views145,000 subscribersNearly 700 videosA business generating consistent enquiries and long-term client trustIn this episode of Don’t Shoot The Messenger, Chris Ball sits down with Pete to unpack how video and content can transform the way financial advisers build credibility, attract clients, and grow sustainably.They discuss:Why YouTube builds trust before the first meetingHow consistency beats perfection in content creationThe moment Pete realised video was changing his businessWhy advisers do not need expensive equipment to startHow content improves client conversations, not just marketingThe reality behind monetisation and funnels in financial servicesThis conversation is essential listening for advisers who want to grow without chasing, communicate more clearly, and build long-term trust at scale.If you want to see what life in Hoxton Wealth is like, please visit:  / @hoxtonlife  For more information on Hoxton Wealth careers, please https://www.careers-page.com/hoxtonwealth.comFor my videos by Chris, please visit his Youtube:  ⁨@ChrisBallHoxton⁩  

In this conversation, Chris sits down with Jamie McNish, Regional Director at Hoxton Wealth London, who previously led an £11 billion office with over 250 advisors at St. James’s Place (SJP). Jamie shares hard won lessons from decades working across Tenerife, Madrid, Dubai, Singapore and the UK, and what he looks for in truly exceptional advisers.In this episode, you will learn:Advisor performance and career growthThe habits that separated the top 10 per cent of SJP advisors from the restWhy work ethic and consistency still decide who wins in adviceHow to build momentum in your first 6 to 12 months as a plannerProspecting, networking and nicheWhy social media alone will not build your advice businessThe traits Jamie looks for when bringing advisors into Hoxton’s UK businessWhy community, collaboration and accountability matter more than everHow the Hoxton platform removes friction so advisors can spend more time with clientsIf you want to see what life in Hoxton Wealth is like, please visit:  / @hoxtonlife  For more information on Hoxton Wealth careers, please https://www.careers-page.com/hoxtonwealth.comFor my videos by Chris, please visit his Youtube:  ⁨@ChrisBallHoxton⁩  

Will AI replace financial advisers, paraplanners, and investment analysts, or just change how the best ones work? In this episode, Chris and JJ explain exactly how AI is reshaping financial planning careers and what you need to do to stay ahead.In this episode of Don’t Shoot the Messenger, Chris and JJ cover how AI is already being used inside a $3.5 billion advice business, and what it means for your job, your clients, and the future of smaller firms.They cover:Will AI really replace financial advisers, or just the ones who refuse to use itWhy human judgment, empathy, and trust still sit at the centre of great adviceHow Hoxton is using AI for training, file notes, customer service, and knowledge systemsWhich roles are most at risk (admin, basic paraplanning, investment analysis)Practical ways advisers and business owners can start using AI every dayIf you’re a financial planner, paraplanner, or running an advice firm, this episode will show you how to use AI as an advantage instead of seeing it as a threat.Don’t Shoot the Messenger is a podcast for financial advisers who want to sharpen their skills, grow faster, and build a world-class career in a rapidly changing industry.If you want to see what life in Hoxton Wealth is like, please visit:  / @hoxtonlife  For more information on Hoxton Wealth careers, please https://www.careers-page.com/hoxtonwealth.comFor my videos by Chris, please visit his Youtube:  ⁨@ChrisBallHoxton⁩  

Most financial planners say they want more clients……but they’re still relying on referrals, cold calls, and hope.In this episode, Chris sits down with Alan Turner, Group Marketing Director at Hoxton Wealth, to break down the exact advertising and marketing system that helped the firm scale across the UK, UAE, USA, Australia, and beyond.They cover:- Why ads matter now more than ever- How to structure Top, Middle, and Bottom of Funnel campaigns- Mistakes financial planners make when targeting- The truth about ad agencies (and when to use one)- Why compliance scares people, and how to navigate it- The “follow-up failure” costing advisers thousandsIf you want more volume, more consistency, and predictable growth, this episode gives you a blueprint.If you want to see what life in Hoxton Wealth is like, please visit:  / @hoxtonlife  For more information on Hoxton Wealth careers, please https://www.careers-page.com/hoxtonwealth.comFor my videos by Chris, please visit his Youtube:  ⁨@ChrisBallHoxton⁩  

In this episode of Don’t Shoot the Messenger, Chris and Jacob have one of their most honest conversations yet, about tough times.Because behind every success story, there’s usually a stretch of life that felt impossible.The late nights. The setbacks. The near-misses. The moments you almost gave up.Chris and Jake open up about their own struggles, from sleeping on floors and living off takeaway rice to facing financial pressure, burnout, and personal loss, and how those experiences shaped who they are today.If you’re in a tough spot right now, this episode might be exactly what you need to hear.If you want to see what life in Hoxton Wealth is like, please visit:  / @hoxtonlife  For more information on Hoxton Wealth careers, please https://www.careers-page.com/hoxtonwealth.comFor my videos by Chris, please visit his Youtube:  ⁨@ChrisBallHoxton⁩  

What does a day really look like for a financial advisor managing £250 million in assets?In this episode of Don’t Shoot the Messenger, Chris Ball (CEO of Hoxton Wealth) is joined by Jonathan Jay (JJ), Head of UK Operations of Hoxton Wealth, for a behind-the-scenes look at the daily structure, mindset, and systems it takes to build and manage a quarter-billion-pound book of business.From early morning routines and prospecting strategies…To team structures, client relationships, time management, and emotional resilience, Chris and JJ break down the real day-to-day life of top-tier advisers.Whether you're a new planner, a seasoned pro, or someone curious about the profession, this episode gives you a raw and practical insight into:- What advisers actually do all day- How to balance new business vs existing clients- Why routine and preparation are critical- Building the right team around you- When to scale, delegate, and invest in support- What they wish more advisers understood- The mindset behind staying sharp and constantly learningIf you want to see what life in Hoxton Wealth is like, please visit:  / @hoxtonlife  For more information on Hoxton Wealth careers, please https://www.careers-page.com/hoxtonwealth.comFor my videos by Chris, please visit his Youtube:  ⁨@ChrisBallHoxton⁩  

Artificial intelligence isn't just changing financial planning, it's revolutionising it from the ground up. This candid conversation explores how AI is transforming daily operations for advisors and reshaping client relationships in ways previously unimaginable.We dive into practical applications that are already delivering results: dictating meeting plans during commutes, creating training materials in minutes instead of hours, and deploying sophisticated meeting assistants that capture every client detail while advisors focus entirely on the human connection. For planners drowning in administrative tasks, these tools offer a lifeline, automating the mundane while enhancing what matters most.The privacy question looms large in our discussion. How do we balance leveraging AI's capabilities with protecting sensitive client information? We explore approaches some firms are taking, including developing proprietary systems that compartmentalise client data by advisor. Beyond compliance concerns, we examine the deeper question of whether client data is truly at risk and how to navigate these waters responsibly.If you want to see what life in Hoxton Wealth is like, please visit:  / @hoxtonlife  For more information on Hoxton Wealth careers, please https://www.careers-page.com/hoxtonwealth.comFor my videos by Chris, please visit his Youtube:  ⁨@ChrisBallHoxton⁩  

Is the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) qualification worth the significant time investment? In this revealing episode, we dive deep into what it really takes to achieve financial planning's highest credential and whether it actually matters for your career success.For those considering the qualification, this episode offers invaluable insights into the potential salary uplift (with chartered and certified planners commanding up to £100,000 compared to £35,000-£60,000 for those with basic qualifications), employer support for the qualification process, and the practical benefits in day-to-day client work.Whether you're early in your financial planning career or considering your next professional development step, this honest conversation will help you determine if the master's-level CFP qualification deserves a place in your career strategy. Subscribe now for more insights that help you build a thriving financial planning practice.If you want to see what life in Hoxton Wealth is like, please visit:  / @hoxtonlife  For more information on Hoxton Wealth careers, please https://www.careers-page.com/hoxtonwealth.comFor my videos by Chris, please visit his Youtube:  ⁨@ChrisBallHoxton⁩  

In this episode of Don’t Shoot the Messenger, Chris Ball sits down with Jake, Hoxton Wealth’s Global Advice Manager, to break down one of the most underrated drivers of success in financial advice: tracking your numbers.Together, they cover:- Why tracking activity and results is the fastest way to grow your business- The exact metrics Hoxton advisers track daily (and why)- How data has helped Hoxton scale to $3B+ AUM across multiple countries- Why accountability beats motivation every time- How to set targets you’ll actually hit (and avoid setting yourself up to fail)- The simple tracking habits that turn “busy” advisers into high-performing onesIf you’re a financial adviser who wants to grow faster, earn more, and scale your practice with clarity, this episode is packed with practical strategies and real-world lessons you can apply immediately.If you want to see what life in Hoxton Wealth is like, please visit:  / @hoxtonlife  For more information on Hoxton Wealth careers, please https://www.careers-page.com/hoxtonwealth.comFor my videos by Chris, please visit his Youtube:  ⁨@ChrisBallHoxton⁩  

In this episode of Don’t Shoot the Messenger, Chris Ball sits down with Bobby Sahota, a top-rated UK financial adviser with over 20 years of experience, £160m AUM managed, and a track record of mentoring, endurance challenges, and charity work.Bobby shares:- How prospecting has evolved from high-volume cold calls to trust-based relationships- Her top strategies for building a client base from scratch- Why passion is non-negotiable in financial advice- The power of events, networking, and an authentic online presence- Overcoming challenges as a woman in a male-dominated industry- How complacency kills growth – and how to stay sharp- Whether you’re an aspiring adviser, an experienced planner, or simply interested in the business of building trust, this episode is packed with practical tips, real-world lessons, and inspiring stories.Whether you’re an aspiring adviser, an experienced planner, or simply interested in the business of building trust, this episode is packed with practical tips, real-world lessons, and inspiring stories.Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon to get notified when new episodes drop.If you want to see what life in Hoxton Wealth is like please visit:  @HoxtonLife  For more information on Hoxton Wealth careers, please https://www.careers-page.com/hoxtonwealthIf you want to see what life in Hoxton Wealth is like, please visit: / @hoxtonlifeFor more information on Hoxton Wealth careers, please https://www.careers-page.com/hoxtonwealth.comFor more videos by Chris, please visit his Youtube: ⁨@ChrisBallHoxton⁩If you want to see what life in Hoxton Wealth is like, please visit:  / @hoxtonlife  For more information on Hoxton Wealth careers, please https://www.careers-page.com/hoxtonwealth.comFor my videos by Chris, please visit his Youtube:  ⁨@ChrisBallHoxton⁩  

There were only 174 financial advisers under the age of 25 in the entire UK in 2024.Yes, you read that right.In this episode, Chris Ball sits down with Sam Oaks to unpack a growing problem that’s been swept under the rug for too long: the advice gap.Why are young people avoiding a career in financial planning?What’s stopping them from entering one of the most meaningful, high-earning professions?We discuss:- The shocking talent shortage in financial advice- Why the industry has an image problem- Barriers to entry for new advisers- What needs to change - from education to leadershipIf you care about the future of wealth, this one’s worth your time.If you want to see what life in Hoxton Wealth is like please visit:  @HoxtonLife  For more information on Hoxton Wealth careers, please https://www.careers-page.com/hoxtonwealthIf you want to see what life in Hoxton Wealth is like, please visit: / @hoxtonlife For more information on Hoxton Wealth careers, please https://www.careers-page.com/hoxtonwealth.comFor my videos by Chris, please visit his Youtube: ⁨@ChrisBallHoxton⁩If you want to see what life in Hoxton Wealth is like, please visit:  / @hoxtonlife  For more information on Hoxton Wealth careers, please https://www.careers-page.com/hoxtonwealth.comFor my videos by Chris, please visit his Youtube:  ⁨@ChrisBallHoxton⁩  

 Ithis episode of Don’t Shoot the Messenger, Chris Ball and Sam Oakes dive into the brutal truths of running a business.We talk:- Why anger almost wrecked our businesses- How alcohol was killing our productivity- The cost of hiring the wrong people (and how to do it better)- The dangers of perfectionism and launching too late- The importance of coaching, mentors, and extreme ownershipNo fluff. No fake guru chat. Just real stories, real mistakes and what we learned.If you want to see what life in Hoxton Wealth is like please visit:  @HoxtonLife  For more information on Hoxton Wealth careers, please https://www.careers-page.com/hoxtonwealthIf you want to see what life in Hoxton Wealth is like, please visit:  / @hoxtonlife  For more information on Hoxton Wealth careers, please https://www.careers-page.com/hoxtonwealth.comFor my videos by Chris, please visit his Youtube:  ⁨@ChrisBallHoxton⁩  

In this episode of Don’t Shoot the Messenger, Chris Ball and Sam Oakes dive into the REAL truth about sales, especially in financial services.Chris Ball shares his personal sales journey, from being terrible at selling to building a £250 million+ business through relentless prospecting, learning from mistakes, and developing a simple, repeatable sales process.We cover:Why sales isn’t a “dirty word” (especially in financial advice)Common mistakes new advisors make with sellingThe art of building trust without being pushyHow to handle objections (before they even come up!)Prospecting, follow-ups, and booking more meetingsThe power of process and why structure beats winging itWhy some people are naturals at selling, and why it doesn’t matter if you’re notWhether you’re a financial advisor, entrepreneur, or just someone who wants to improve their sales skills, this episode is packed with practical insights, funny stories, and brutally honest lessons.If you want to see what life in Hoxton Wealth is like, please visit: / @hoxtonlife For more information on Hoxton Wealth careers, please https://www.careers-page.com/hoxtonwealth.comFor my videos by Chris, please visit his Youtube: ⁨@ChrisBallHoxton⁩If you want to see what life in Hoxton Wealth is like, please visit:  / @hoxtonlife  For more information on Hoxton Wealth careers, please https://www.careers-page.com/hoxtonwealth.comFor my videos by Chris, please visit his Youtube:  ⁨@ChrisBallHoxton⁩  

In this episode, Sam and Chris open up about their different parenting styles, from discipline and structure to emotional safety and open communication.They dive into real conversations around:- Teaching values like kindness, respect, and accountability- Navigating screen time and digital exposure- Talking to kids about money, alcohol, and mental health- Encouraging creativity and entrepreneurship at home- Why leading by example beats being a “perfect” parentNo fluff. No filters. Just the truth about entrepreneurship most people avoid.Subscribe for weekly straight-talking conversations on business, money, and mindset.If you want to see what life in Hoxton Wealth is like, please visit: / @hoxtonlife For more information on Hoxton Wealth careers, please https://www.careers-page.com/hoxtonwealth.comFor my videos by Chris, please visit his Youtube: ⁨@ChrisBallHoxton⁩If you want to see what life in Hoxton Wealth is like, please visit:  / @hoxtonlife  For more information on Hoxton Wealth careers, please https://www.careers-page.com/hoxtonwealth.comFor my videos by Chris, please visit his Youtube:  ⁨@ChrisBallHoxton⁩