Foster Denovo Talks

AI is rapidly becoming part of the conversation across financial advice but turning it into something that genuinely supports growth is another challenge entirely. In this episode of Foster Denovo Talks, Helena sits down with Gary Abela to explore how firms should be thinking about AI in a more practical and strategic way. Drawing on his experience across both financial services and technology, Gary shares why AI should not be treated as a standalone solution, where firms are going wrong, and what a more effective approach looks like. They also explore how stepping outside the industry shaped Gary’s perspective, and whether the current pace of AI adoption could be leading towards a bubble. In this episode: Why AI should support strategy, not replace it Where firms are falling short with AI adoption The link between AI, efficiency and growth How different experiences shape better decision making Whether the industry is heading towards an AI bubble 

In this episode of Foster Denovo Talks, Helena is joined by Seb Balrow, who shares how he went from cold calling straight out of university to becoming a self-employed financial adviser at just 23. Seb talks about resilience, rejection and deliberately putting himself in uncomfortable situations to accelerate his growth. He reflects on qualifying while working full time, managing imposter syndrome in early client meetings and adjusting to a more complex proposition after joining Foster Denovo. He also opens up about the influence of his grandfather, whose work ethic shaped his mindset around ambition and responsibility. 🎧 In this episode: • From university to cold calling 100 people a day  • Qualifying within eight months while working full time • Advising clients at 23 and overcoming imposter syndrome • Why he chose Foster Denovo and what he looked for in a firm  • Adjusting to high net worth clients and a new proposition  • Advice for young people considering financial planning

In this episode of Foster Denovo Talks, Patrick Horwood is joined by Daniella Humble, our People and Culture Manager. From starting her career at the Wimbledon Championships to leading People and Culture during a period of rapid growth and acquisitions, Daniella shares how Foster Denovo has built a culture that puts people at the centre of everything. She talks about rebranding HR to People and Culture, achieving Investors in People Platinum status, embedding a six-pillar strategy and ensuring culture remains strong as the business scales. 🎧 In this episode: • How Daniella moved from Wimbledon into HR • Why she fell into HR and why she stayed • The evolution from HR to People and Culture  • Leading through Covid and rapid legislative change • Supporting acquisitions and cultural integration  • Achieving Investors in People Platinum  • The six pillar People and Culture strategy  • How Foster Denovo develops and retains talent • Why culture must evolve as businesses grow 

In this episode of Foster Denovo Talks, Helena is joined by Raymond Pirrie, founder of Rosemount Asset Management and now part of Foster Denovo, who shares an honest and practical account of what it really takes to prepare a business for sale. Raymond talks through his journey from founding Rosemount in 2010, to spending several years preparing the firm for acquisition, to becoming part of Foster Denovo. He shares the lessons he learned along the way, the mistakes others should avoid and why culture, values and people matter just as much as numbers. This episode is essential listening for advisers and firm owners who are thinking about selling their business, whether that decision is months or years away. 🎧 In this episode: • Founding Rosemount Asset Management • Why Raymond started thinking about selling years in advance • Preparing a firm properly for sale • The realities of due diligence for small firms • Choosing the right buyer and avoiding red flags • Independent versus restricted advice • What life looks like after an acquisition • Advice for firm owners considering their next step 

In this episode of Foster Denovo Talks, Helena is joined by Liberty Elder-Davis, who shares her powerful and honest journey through financial services, from starting her career overseas to rebuilding her life and career in the UK. Liberty talks about beginning her career in an IFA firm in Spain, where a planned gap year turned into a decade working in offshore advice. She opens up about being told she was too young, female and inexperienced to succeed, how becoming a mother shaped her perspective, and why stepping away from advising was not a failure but a strategic reset. Now based in the UK, Liberty reflects on what sustainable success really looks like, the importance of support and flexibility, and why the industry must evolve if it wants to attract and retain more women. 🎧 In this episode: • Liberty’s early career and move to Spain • How a gap year became a ten year career in offshore advice • Being told she was too young and female to succeed • Becoming a qualified adviser while working full time and raising a child • Building a client bank from scratch as a self-employed adviser • Burnout, identity and the decision to step back • Why returning to the UK changed everything • Finding a role that fits life, not the other way around • Why the financial services industry must change for women 

In this episode of Foster Denovo Talks, we meet Hayley Mills, Client Experience Team Leader, who joined the business just under 2 years ago and has already become a central part of adviser support, staff development and innovation across the firm. Hayley shares her career story, from starting work at fourteen, to moving through financial services, to discovering her love of developing people. She talks about her passion for staff progression, her role in acquisitions and the huge impact of Evie, the AI note taker she has helped train and implement across the business. Hayley explains how automation is freeing advisers to focus fully on clients, how client feedback is improving the way we work and why she finds helping people thrive the most rewarding part of her role. 🎧 In this episode: • Hayley’s early career and route into financial services • How she discovered her passion for people and progression • The move into IFA support, client relationships and paraplanning • Why culture and belonging drew her to Foster Denovo • Her role in acquisitions and adviser support • How Evie, the AI note taker, is transforming adviser efficiency  • How structured client feedback is helping the business improve and grow  • Why staff development and team culture matter so deeply to her 

In this episode of Foster Denovo Talks, we speak with Paul Hurley, Director of Compliance at Foster Denovo. Paul’s career spans an extraordinary journey: thirteen years in the military, over a decade as a financial adviser and a further two decades shaping the compliance function that underpins the business today. Paul talks candidly about how he unexpectedly moved into compliance, how the landscape has changed from rule-based regulation to today’s outcome-based model, and why vulnerability and consumer protection are now central to every decision advisers make. He also explains why small firms struggle with regulatory change, the realities of acquisitions from a compliance perspective and what the future may hold for the industry, from crypto products to greater scrutiny of ongoing reviews. 🎧 In this episode: • Paul’s journey from military service to financial services • Why he took a pay cut to move into compliance • How regulation evolved from rigid rule books to principle based, outcome driven supervision • Why consumer duty marks the biggest shift in a decade • What vulnerability really means and why it affects far more clients than advisers often think  • How acquisitions challenge smaller firms’ regulatory processes • Why the government is pushing the FCA to focus on growth in the coming years  • Paul’s view on what’s next for regulation, including crypto 

In this episode of Foster Denovo Talks, we sit down with Matthew Mitten, Director of Secondsight, the employee benefits division of Foster Denovo. With nearly thirty years in financial services, Matthew shares the journey from his early days chasing a sales job in London to building one of the most respected employee benefits teams in the industry. Matthew talks openly about the origins of Secondsight, the values that have held the business together over two decades, the challenges of practice buyouts and how the most recent acquisition has shaped a stronger, more aligned future across corporate benefits and private wealth. He also lifts the lid on what’s coming next: integration across advice propositions, the future of health and protection and why relationships will always cut through in a competitive market. 🎧 In this episode: • Matthew’s route into financial services • The moment he realised corporate advice could genuinely change people’s lives  • The creation and evolution of Secondsight • How shared values became the foundation for growth and acquisition integration  • What practice buyouts really felt like • Supporting teams through change • Why lateral integration across advice is creating opportunity for clients and colleagues alike  • What excites Matthew most about the future of health, protection and employee benefits 

In this episode of Foster Denovo Talks, we meet Leigh Cook, Partnership Practice Manager in Newcastle, who brings more than thirty years of experience acquired during her time at Wade Financial Leigh takes us through her career journey, from working in a small attic office to becoming the person who helped hold the Wade Financial acquisition together. She talks about the intense due diligence process, the challenges of outdated systems, and how she balanced running the office while preparing it for sale. Now, eighteen months after joining Foster Denovo, Leigh shares how her role has transformed. She talks about the support she now has, the career paths her team can finally see, and how the culture shift has changed day to day life for the better. 🎧 In this episode: • What it feels like to go through an acquisition from the inside • The pressure and responsibility of managing due diligence • The shift from small firm life to a national organisation • How her role has changed since joining Foster Denovo • What integration really looks like for teams and clients 

In this episode of Foster Denovo Talks, we meet Daniel Thomas, Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) Project Lead at Foster Denovo. Daniel joined the business in 2021 as a PA, unsure of where his career was heading. Fast forward three years, and he’s now a central figure in our mergers and acquisitions team, supporting every stage of the firm’s growth journey. He shares how his role evolved from admin support to project leadership, why he thrives on being at the centre of complex projects, and how Foster Denovo’s culture helped him build a role that truly fits his strengths. 🎧 In this episode: How Daniel moved from PA to Project Lead in just a few years The importance of curiosity, organisation and continuous learning What it’s really like working in the M&A team Why you don’t need a finance background to succeed at Foster Denovo 

In this episode of Foster Denovo Talks, we speak with Jamie Smith, Senior Partner at Foster Denovo. Jamie shares his journey from starting out as a self-employed adviser to becoming an employed Senior Partner, a less common route in financial advice. He talks about why he made the move, how the employed model has supported his growth, and why trust and relationships are still at the heart of what he does every day. 🎧 In this episode: What it is really like moving from self-employed to employed adviser How Foster Denovo supports advisers to grow and succeed Why advice is built on people, not products 

In this episode of Foster Denovo Talks, hosted by Darren Laverty, we sit down with Joanne Bunn, Head of Client Operations at Secondsight, to explore how a career can evolve when you follow your strengths, stay curious and lean into change. Jo reflects on her 14-year journey with the business from her first role in marketing to leading the client operations team through growth, change and a large acquisition. She shares how she made that pivot, what helped her succeed in operations, and why understanding people has always been her secret strength. We also discuss how the business doubled in size through the acquisition of Punter Southall Aspire and how Jo played a central role in making that transition smooth, structured and culture-first. 🎧 In this episode: How Joanne moved from marketing into operations Advice for people wanting to pivot their careers internally Leading through a major acquisition The power of values and culture in operational change What has kept her at Secondsight for over a decade 

In this episode of Foster Denovo Talks, Chris Thomas, Head of Investment Management, joins Helena and Nikos to unpack what his role involves and why the investment function exists to serve advisers and their clients, not the other way around. Chris breaks down the four core pillars of his work: adviser development, proposition design, the investment committee, and leading the internal team. But this is not a technical episode. It is about helping advisers feel more confident in how they talk about investment and making sure every product has a purpose. He also talks about where innovation fits in, how disagreement can drive progress, and what makes a good investment conversation in the first place. 🎧 In this episode: What investment management means at Foster Denovo Why adviser development is at the heart of the role How proposition ideas are tested, challenged and built Using collaboration (and sometimes disagreement) to create better outcomes What advisers need most from investment conversations 

In this episode of Foster Denovo Talks, we speak with Marnel Stafford, Senior Partner, about the power of specialisation and how her lived experience shaped a career focused on supporting women through complex life stages. Marnel works with clients navigating divorce, menopause, and major financial transitions. She shares how she built trust in this space, the types of conversations that matter most, and why women deserve advice that reflects both their challenges and their goals. She also talks about building a multi-generational practice with her junior adviser, and how she’s helping families prepare for the upcoming great wealth transfer. 🎧 In this episode: Finding a niche in women’s financial planning Supporting clients through divorce and menopause Creating space for women to ask the right questions Building a two-adviser model across generations Tackling the gender wealth gap and intergenerational advice 

In this episode of Foster Denovo Talks, we speak with Neal Shepherd, Senior Partner at Foster Denovo, who reflects on more than 25 years with the business. Neal talks us through the early days, joining the firm that would eventually become Foster Denovo, and how his role evolved over the years. From sales manager to private wealth adviser to employee benefits specialist, he shares the pivotal decisions that shaped his path. He also opens up about his recent practice buyout, the advice that helped him make that move, and why it has given him the freedom to focus on what matters most to him now. 🎧 In this episode: Neal’s early career and transition into Foster Denovo Moving from private wealth to employee benefits What changed (and what stayed the same) over 25 years Reflections on team culture, longevity and leadership His successful practice buyout and future plans 

In this episode of Foster Denovo Talks, we speak with Gavin Zaprzala-Banks, Head of Client Consulting at Foster Denovo, about leading through the acquisition of Punter Southall Aspire and managing one of the smoothest transitions the business has seen.Gavin shares his experience of joining Foster Denovo through acquisition - from client communications and adviser alignment to building a shared culture that works. He offers honest insight into what helped, what surprised him and what others in the industry can learn from it.“It wasn’t about choosing one culture over the other. It was about building something new.”🎧 In this episode:·       What happens when your firm is acquired·       How to manage culture, teams and systems during a transition·       Building trust with clients through clarity and consistency·       Why open communication makes or breaks an integration·       Lessons for other firms wanting to join Foster Denovo

In this episode of Foster Denovo Talks, we speak with Gracie McAuliffe, Client Relationship Manager at Foster Denovo, about her career journey, the challenges she has faced, and what it means to grow professionally in a business that supports your ambitions.Gracie joined Foster Denovo four years ago and has developed her role from the ground up. She speaks openly about what the last year has meant for her both personally and professionally, and why it has been the most rewarding period of her career so far.From choosing not to pursue the traditional adviser route, to leaning into leadership and operational responsibility, Gracie’s story shows how diverse career paths in financial services can be.🎧 In this episode:Starting out in financial services through an apprenticeshipMaking the transition to Foster Denovo and growing within the teamWhy hybrid working gives her the balance to thriveTaking on responsibility and becoming a go-to person for othersChoosing a career path that reflects her strengths and interests

In this episode of Foster Denovo Talks, we speak with Ross Stevens, Financial Adviser at Foster Denovo, about what it means to take full ownership of your work.Ross joined the firm during the pandemic, inheriting a client bank from three retiring Partners. It was a steep learning curve, but one that taught him how to lead with trust, build strong client relationships and develop his own rhythm.He shares how he moved from a self-employed role to an employed one, and why that shift did not change the way he works. With the right culture and support, Ross explains, being employed still means working with freedom and purpose.🎧 In this episode:What it was like joining Foster Denovo in lockdownTaking over client relationships with care and patienceMoving from self-employed to employed, and what changed (or didn’t)Building a career that feels like your own businessAdvice for advisers facing the same kind of transition

In this episode of Foster Denovo Talks, we speak with Ameeta Bhayani, Senior Partner at Foster Denovo, about her career journey from cashier to qualified adviser and how she found the right fit after many years in financial services. Ameeta shares: Her early days working in the finance industry What it was like to take on a client bank and make it her own How she managed personal challenges with professional support Why she feels empowered and genuinely backed in her role This is an honest and reflective conversation about career growth, resilience and finding the kind of environment where you can thrive. 🎧 What you will hear about: The value of long-term relationships, both professionally and personally How culture and flexibility contribute to career satisfaction What sets Foster Denovo apart for advisers who want more than just a job 

What’s it really like to go through an acquisition and come out the other side stronger? In this episode of Foster Denovo Talks, we sit down with David Hulland, Partner and former adviser at Brian Mole, who shares his honest experience of being acquired by Foster Denovo. Rather than a job move or a fresh start, this was a full-scale transition, professionally and emotionally. David opens up about what it was like to go from smaller advice firm to integrating into a larger advisory business through an acquisition. We explore the real life challenges that come with an acquisition, the uncertainty, the questions, and the shift in culture but also the surprising upsides; the support, the structure, and the renewed energy that came with being part of something bigger. Now firmly embedded within Foster Denovo, David reflects on the impact it’s had on him, his clients, and his outlook. 🎧 In this episode: What it’s really like to be part of an acquisition Why Foster Denovo stood out with their support How the transition affected clients, team and culture What life looks like now as an adviser at Foster Denovo Advice for advisers facing change and uncertainty 

How do you build a culture where people feel safe, supported, and inspired to do their best work? In this episode of Foster Denovo Talks, Louise Blair, Director of People and Culture, shares how the firm approaches culture, wellbeing, and talent in a fast-evolving financial services environment. Louise speaks openly about the challenges and opportunities of driving cultural change, from improving internal communication to redefining what employee wellbeing really looks like. She also unpacks the firm’s journey with belonging and inclusion, and why creating a sense of safety is essential for innovation and high performance. 🎧 In this episode: How Foster Denovo has redefined its approach to wellbeing What “belonging” means in a modern financial firm The evolving role of HR in post-pandemic workplace culture Why wellbeing is the foundation for performance Leadership lessons from inside a values-led business Whether you're leading a team, or looking to evolve your firm’s internal culture, this episode offers real insight into the people-first principles behind Foster Denovo’s success. 

Selling your business is one of the biggest decisions an adviser can make and Ian Little has done just that. In this episode of Foster Denovo Talks, Ian shares the journey behind selling his financial advisory business and why Foster Denovo was the right partner for the next chapter. From the emotional side of letting go to the strategic benefits of joining a larger firm, Ian reflects on what really matters in a successful sale and how Foster Denovo supported his team, preserved his brand, and delivered on what was promised. He talks about: The key considerations when selling an advice firm Why cultural alignment more important than commercial terms How Foster Denovo helped him retain his identity while gaining national-level support The future he sees for the business, his clients, and his career If you're an adviser thinking about your next move, whether you're planning ahead or actively exploring your options then this episode is essential listening. 🎧 In this episode: Selling a financial advice business and what to expect Making the right decision for your clients and team How Foster Denovo integrates firms while maintaining culture Advice for others approaching a sale or transition 

In this episode of Foster Denovo Talks, COO Helen Lovett sits down with host’s Helena and Nikos to reflect on an extraordinary year of growth, transformation, and innovation. Helen shares: Insights into Foster Denovo’s seven recent acquisitions and how the firm integrates new Partners (advisers) while maintaining cultural alignment. The emergence of new roles and career opportunities for people across the business. The firm’s pragmatic approach to technology and AI, focusing on how automation helps teams focus on high-value human work. A forward-looking discussion about the future of financial advice and what’s next for the Foster Denovo group. If you’re an adviser, or curious about how progressive organisations evolve, this episode is for you. 🎧 Listen to gain insight into: Strategic firm integration and cultural fit AI's role in financial services Career progression within a growing firm The vision for the future of Foster Denovo