The PFP Podcast

Do you ever wish you felt more confident making money decisions as a woman? Women often hold back from taking financial risks - and that mindset is built up from childhood. But there is a way to use it to your advantage. In this episode we find out how women can take control of their finances - and find the confidence to make the bold decisions really required for building wealth. With advice from four financial experts, find out how culture is shaping your understanding of money - and get top tips on how to make better financial decisions today. Don't miss an episode - subscribe now: https://podfollow.com/1726157181 🎧 Stay tuned to learn about: ➡ Why women are more risk aware - and how that’s shaped from an early age ➡ How a woman’s approach to risk can become a strength in generating wealth ➡ Why it’s important to have “what if” questions about the future when it comes to money ➡ Why role models and mentors are so vital ➡ How improving financial confidence for women also benefits men Chapters (00:00) Intro - Finding confidence to make financial decisions (00:25) Why risk taking happens less for women (06:40) The ‘perfection’ gap (08:12) Does societal expectation impact a woman’s confidence? (09:53) Why the language we use is so important (15:06) Why women need to be in the room for money talks (17:43) The “what if” conversations that you need to have (19:33) The transformational impact of cash-flowing (21:28) How to get women more involved in money decisions (24:34) We need to get comfortable talking about money (28:15) The importance of mentoring and role models (31:33) Why you should just go for it - and be bold! (32:27) Why women don’t negotiate on their salaries (34:25) Diversity is not a compromise - it’s an asset (36:33) How to teach risk tolerance from an early age (40:03) Top tips for women and employers to increase financial confidence About the podcast: Wealth and Women is a podcast from the Personal Finance Society, offering guidance and advice to women in work. Season 3 covers financial confidence, how to navigate big life events, how to thrive through the menopause and how to support neurodiversity at work. About your hosts: Emma Hall is a Chartered Financial Planner at 75point3 Hazel Bowen is a Senior Wealth Planner at Canaccord Wealth Alina Burlacu is a PFS Award-winning financial educator Tracy Brookes is a Chartered Financial Planner at 75point3 Connect with PFS Website: https://www.thepfs.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-personal-finance-society/ Email: [email protected]

How to get into Paraplanning. In this episode of the PFP podcast, as part of our paraplanner series, Hannah Wynick, is joined by fellow PFS Paraplanning Panel members Sophie Brown, and Alan Gow, to discuss: ✅ How they got involved in Paraplanning ✅ The skills you need to succeed in the role ✅ The challenges they faced as a Paraplanner ✅ The opportunities that make a career as a Paraplanner so rewarding

In this episode we are joined by Kate Gannon – Vice President and Fellow of the Personal Finance Society, and Director and Chartered Financial Planner at Themis Wealth Management. We’ll explore Kate’s journey in the financial planning profession and role with the PFS board as well as how the PFS is supporting its members, the key challenges facing financial planning today, and what’s ahead for the rest of 2026. Pathway to the Profession: https://www.thepfs.org/careers-in-personal-finance/pathway-to-the-profession/ The Festival of Financial Planning: https://www.pfsfestival2026.org/

In this episode, CII Group Chief Executive Matthew Hill joins us to give an update on the CII Group's Strategic Plan, including the focus for 2026, and what we have achieved so far.

In this episode we are talking with members of some of the PFS Local Committees about the importances of the Regions, PFS Local, and the power of volunteering. Joining us on the podcast is Ciara Octigan, Chartered Champion for Greater Manchester, Lewys Richards, Chair and Professional Qualifications Officer for South Wales, and Natalie- Jayne Bush, New Professionals Officer and Professional Qualifications Officer for Isle of Man. Find your PFS Local Committee here: https://www.thepfs.org/membership/pfs-local-committees/ and explore the My Personal Finance Skills initiative here: https://mypersonalfinanceskills.org/

In this episode of the PFP podcast, we speak with PFS Board Member Eddie Grant. We talk about his long standing relationship with the PFS and CII Group, his roles with the European Financial Planning Association (EFPA) and as Disability Champion for Financial Services.

In this episode of Inside Paraplanning, Alan Gow, Laura MacLeod and Hannah Wynnick discuss the benefits and pitfalls of cashflow models in helping clients plan for their future.

Following the recent Spring Forecast, the continued fallout from the November Budget, and the recent conflict in the Middle East, financial and tax planning have become more complex than ever. In this episode, Dr Matthew Connell of the CII Group is joined by Sam Paterson of the PFS POWER Panel and Phil Greenwood of the PFS Paraplanning Panel to discuss the current climate and the challenges facing planners and their clients.

In this episode, Rebecca Aston, Head of Professional Standards, and Adam Harper, Executive Director, Strategy, Advocacy and Professional Standards at the CII Group are discussing Continuing Professional Development, or CPD. They will be talking about the requirement for CII and PFS Members, common themes in CPD members are undertaking, and the process of CPD audits. You can email the CPD team at: [email protected]

As part of Chartered Week 2026, we’re diving into what it really means to be Chartered — beyond the letters, beyond the badge. In this episode of podcast, we unpack how Chartered status shapes culture, strengthens trust, and sets a higher bar for standards across our profession. We’ll explore the difference it makes inside firms, the impact it has on client relationships, and why it continues to be a gold standard for integrity in financial planning. We are joined by Gemma Siddle, Chartered Financial Planner and Director of Client Services at Eldon Financial Planning, and Nick Onslow, Chartered Financial Planner at Progeny.

In the second installment of Inside Paraplanning, hosts Hannah Wynick, Laura Macleod, and Alan Gow, discuss vulnerability. Including recognising it from fact-finds, and working closer with Financial Planners to ensure it is properly documented. Visit the PFS Paraplanner LinkedIn Group here: www.linkedin.com/groups/12304985/

Welcome to our National Apprenticeship Week episode of the PFP Podcast. We take a look at Personal Finance apprenticeships, early‑career pathways, and how real apprentices are building their futures in the profession. In this episode, we’ll explore what an apprenticeship in the personal finance profession involves, how apprentices balance work and study, the skills they develop, and how quickly they make an impact. You’ll also hear why employers invest in apprentices, what makes a great apprenticeship experience, and honest advice for anyone considering this route. Joining the podcast is Paul Langley, Sara Rees and Sophia Bell, all from Succession Wealth.

In this episode of the podcast we speak to PFS President and Chair, Carla Brown as she starts her second term as president. She talks about the year ahead as well as looking back at some of the highlights from her first term. You can watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/lDK7Qd4O74Q

In the first of a new monthly series from the PFS Paraplanning panel, hosts Alan Gow, Laura Macleod, and Hannah Wynick discuss all things Paraplanning with Rob Kingsbury, editor or Professional Paraplanner magazine. Visit their LinkedIn Group here: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12304985/

In this episode of the podcast, Ian Simons, Content and Capabilities Director for the CII Group, talks with Alan Whittle and Sebastian Elwell, members of the PFS Sustainable Financial Adviser Panel, on shifting the paradigm in sustainable financial planning. Find the PFS Sustainable Finance hub here: https://www.thepfs.org/about-us/initiatives/sustainable-finance/

Struggling with motivation, mood, or energy during winter? You’re not alone. In this episode of the podcast, we speak to Dr Stephanie Fitzgerald, a Chartered Clinical Psychologist and Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society. We are talking about practical tips to support your mental and emotional wellbeing through the winter months, inspired by psychological insight and real-life experience.

In this episode of the podcast we look at debunking some myths around vulnerability and how firms can better serve vulnerable customers. Head of Research and Insight for the CII Group and lead author of 'Managing customer vulnerability in insurance and personal finance' Vanessa Riboloni, is joined in conversation by co-author Martin Grimwood, Director of FWD Consulting and Mandy Hunt, Managing Director Shape Underwriting. Read the guidance here: https://media.umbraco.io/ciigroup-dxp/eaedofqi/managing-customer-vulnerability-in-insurance-and-personal-finance-a-practical-implementation-guide.pdf

Recorded at this year's PFS National Conference, which took place at the Excel in London on Thursday 13 November 2025, this special podcast captures content from the event, along with interviews with some of the speakers, delegates and members of the PFS Board. You can watch recordings of the sessions here: https://event.on24.com/eventRegistration/EventLobbyServlet?target=reg20.jsp&eventid=5128355&sessionid=1&key=14DC1EE2A834D325CE6995EFB065431A&groupId=6431472&sourcepage=register You can also watch the video version on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9Z77HnQKCM&feature=youtu.be

In this special episode of the PFP Podcast we provide some immediate reaction to the Budget 2025 in relation the insurance and financial planning professions. The episode was recorded on Wednesday 26 November.

In this episode of the podcast CII Group Communications Director, Chris Shadforth, takes us around this year's CII & PFS Apprenticeship and Education Awards held at Westminster Central Hall, he speaks to some of those presenting awards as well as some of the worthy winners.

Your rest is your superpower. But do you constantly feel like you're running on empty? In this episode of the PFP Podcast, we speak to Anna Reddy, Workplace Health, Wellbeing & Leadership Coach, and founder of Leap Health, about the power of sleep, top tips on how to get a good night's sleep and ideas that you can easily put in place to recharge your batteries and optimise your rest and recovery. This podcast comes off of a recent webinar, as part of the CII Group's Mental Health and Wellbeing Month. For more webinars and information around Mental Health and Wellbeing month, please click here: https://www.cii.co.uk/about-us/initiatives/social-impact/wellbeing-hub/wellbeing-podcasts-and-webinars/?srsltid=AfmBOorh5kv21y6ukANh_OD9NJS-iqm7rYI-w6EZz2XGDhbDF_GK_z97

What's one small, sustainable change you've made to your diet that has had a surprisingly big impact on your health? In this episode of the PFP Podcast, we speak to Anna Reddy, Workplace Health, Wellbeing & Leadership Coach, and founder of Leap Health, about the ways we respond to different foods, the best way to fuel our bodies and tips to improve our health and live a healthy lifestyle. Find more information about the webinars and Mental Health and Wellbeing month in the link here: https://www.cii.co.uk/about-us/initiatives/social-impact/wellbeing-hub/wellbeing-podcasts-and-webinars/

In this episode, we speak to Dr Stephanie Fitzgerald, a Chartered Clinical Psychologist, Neuropsychologist, international keynote speaker and award-winning author, focusing on stress, resilience and well-being. You'll learn about the signs of stress in ourselves and others, the effects stress have on us mentally and physically and practical everyday ways we can look after and manage your mental health.

In this podcast, Carla Brown, President and Chair of the Personal Finance Society, is joined by Toyin Oyeneyin, Tax Product Specialist at Octopus investments, and Emma Geale, Private Client Solicitor at Mills and Reeve, to discuss inheritance tax changes and the resulting great wealth transfer.

In this episode of the podcast we speak with the CII Group’s chief executive, Matthew Hill, about the first half of 2025 and planning for 2026. Including discussing the Professional Map - https://www.ciigroup.org/professional-map/, Corporate Chartered - https://www.cii.co.uk/membership/join-us/chartered/corporate-chartered/, the PFS Pathway to the Profession - https://www.thepfs.org/careers-in-personal-finance/pathway-to-the-profession/ .

In today’s podcast we are discussing the Pathway to the Profession. The Pathway to the Profession is a £1 million investment by the Personal Finance Society to help show aspiring professionals the way to a career in financial planning. It comprises a series of initiatives to guide individuals in taking their first step into a new career, for those looking for new purpose, or those ready to return the profession after a period away. The mission of the PFS is to invest, inspire, involve and inform, creating a route into the financial planning profession that anyone can find and follow. In July, the PFS welcomed representatives from across the profession to RSA House in London to announce the programme. In the following podcast, you’ll hear from speakers at the event – including PFS President and Chair; Carla Brown, PFS Non-Executive Director and Past President Edward Grant; Executive Director of Member Engagement and Learning, Gill White; and myself – concluded with a Q&A and ideas session on how we can support education and career development for the next generation of financial planning professionals. Find out more about the pathway here: https://www.thepfs.org/careers-in-personal-finance/pathway-to-the-profession/

In this episode of the PFP podcast, we speak with PFS President Carla Brown at the halfway point of her tenure to reflect on her presidency so far, the current focus of the PFS, and what members can expect for the rest of 2025, including PFS POWER: https://pfspower.org/ and Pathway to the Profession: https://www.thepfs.org/careers-in-personal-finance/pathway-to-the-profession/

Do you want to be part of the New Generation Programme? In this week's episode of The Journal podcast, we're discussing what the CII New Generation Programme is, who it's for and how it can benefit your career. In addition, we speak about the introduction of the PFS New Generation Programme for 2025 and the impact this will have on individuals within the financial planning profession. Joining Dr Matt Connell, Policy and Public Affairs Director at the CII, the conversation this week is PFS President, Carla Brown, and a current member of the New Generation Programme, Sam Taylor. To find more information and apply for the 2025/26 New Generation Programme, visit: https://www.cii.co.uk/newgen

In our latest episode, Christopher Digby, Executive Director at Howden Specialty, speaks with three of the newest members of the CII’s Professional Standards Committee: Chris Cowton, a leading academic in financial ethics and Emeritus Professor at the University of Huddersfield, where he served as Dean of the Business School and Professor of Accounting. Chris continues to publish and advise businesses, professional bodies, and regulators on embedding ethical practice in professional life. Diane Maxwell, an Independent Consumer Representative, brings a global perspective and a strong focus on ethical leadership, behavioural insight, and public interest - gained from a diverse background spanning pensions, financial services and public policy. Neil Freshwater, Group Integration Director at Aviva, with over 30 years of international insurance experience. Neil has held senior roles across actuarial, finance, and operational leadership in Lloyd’s, General Insurance, Life Insurance, and Reinsurance. His governance and regulatory expertise spans the UK, Europe, America, and Asia. 🎧 In this episode they explore the role of the Committee, their motivations for joining, challenges to upholding standards and the value they bring to the profession.

In this podcast, taken from a recent webinar, we hear from Liz Syms, David Coleman, Hannie Mason and Simon Coward of the Society of Mortgage Professionals board on what they think are the key topics shaping the future of the mortgage profession. https://www.smp.org.uk/

In this episode of the podcast Dr Matt Connell is joined by Steve Hennessy, Resolution Accredited Financial Planner at Beeswax Wealth Management, and Melanie Bataillard-Samuel, Family Law Solicitor at MBS Family Law and Chair of Resolution. You can find a recent report by resolution here: https://resolution.org.uk/unlock-the-divorce-and-separation-market/

In this episode of the podcast, Adam Harper, Executive Director, Strategy, Advocacy & Professional Standards at the CII Group speaks with recently appointed Chair of the Society of Mortgage Professionals, Liz Syms.

In this episode of the podcast we are joined by Anna Reddy, Founder of Leap Health, a provider of bespoke, innovative and simple corporate wellbeing & wellness solutions. We discuss the impact of health and wellbeing in the workplace and tips on how to improve your physical and mental health. Resources: PFS Wellbeing Hub: https://www.thepfs.org/about-us/initiatives/wellbeing-hub/ leaphealth.co.uk/resources/ www.mind.org.uk/

In this podcast we are looking back at the Autumn and Spring Statements, focusing on inheritance tax and pensions changes that financial planners and their clients need to be aware of. We are joined by Toyin Oyeneyin, Tax Product Specialist at Octopus Investments, and Dr Matt Connell, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at the PFS.

This podcast focuses on Regional Matters, discussing the work of PFS Regional Committees, the benefits of volunteering on your local committee and some of the exciting events they have planned. Megan Webb, Programme Development & Partnership Manager at the Personal Finance Society, will be speaking with Alan Whittle, Regional Chair for North Scotland, Rosa Nash, New Professionals Officer for Exeter and North Devon, and Annabel Gray, Regional Chair for Birmingham. Find your local region here: https://www.thepfs.org/membership/pfs-local-committees

In the final episode of the season, Tracy Brookes and Hazel Bowen are joined by Emma Geale, Private Client Solicitor, Principle Associate at Mills & Reeve, no 9 in the Q4 Legal LinkedInfluencer rankings and self-proclaimed Swiftie. In this episode Emma mentions the power of mentoring, the PFS has an e-mentoring platform, free to members: https://www.thepfs.org/membership/benefits/connect/

In this episode of the miniseries, Alina Burlacu and Hazel Bowen are joined by Kim Uzzell, CISI President for the East Anglia Region, Founder and Director of The Financial Wellbeing Academy and a Financial Psychologist, Financial Wellbeing Coach and Wealth Mentor.

In this episode on the Wealth and Women podcast miniseries, Emma Hall and Alina Burlacu are joined by Katy Barker-Cook, Head of Operations at Nationwide. Katy talks through her career and her top tips to accelerate action for women in financial services.

In this second episode of the Wealth and Women mini series, Tracy Brookes and Emma Hall are joined by Helen Howcroft, Private Client Director, Head of Women's Financial Advice & Senior Chartered Financial Planner, Atomos Wealth. They discuss Helen's journey in the profession and her top tips for accelerating action.

The Wealth and Women panel are back for International Women's Day. In the first episode of this season, Emma Hall, Alina Burlacu, Tracy Brookes and Hazel Bowen discuss the theme of Accelerate Action, and give their top tips to women and firms. Some ways the PFS is helping to attract and develop talent are listed below: Virtual Work Experience - https://www.springpod.com/virtual-work-experience/personal-finance-with-personal-finance-society/WEXP-00221 E-mentoring - https://www.thepfs.org/membership/benefits/connect/connect-e-mentoring/ Professional Map - https://www.ciigroup.org/professional-map/ FutureMe - https://futureme.careercentre.me/welcome/futureme

In this episode of the podcast we’re discussing the CII’s and PFS's plans for 2025 with Chartered Insurance Institute Group Chief Executive, Matthew Hill.

In this episode of the podcast, we are in conversation with the Personal Finance Society President for 2025, Carla Brown. As well as serving as PFS President, Carla is Managing Director and Chartered Financial Planner at Oakmere Wealth Management, and was the PFS Chartered Financial Planner of the Year for 2021/22.

This week on the podcast with discuss the benefits of mentoring with three users of the PFS's Connect platform. We are joined by mentors Adrian Golifer and Andrew Holdway, and mentee Mariela George.

Recorded at the CII and PFS 2024 Apprenticeship Awards, which celebrate apprentices and the role they play in bringing in fresh and diverse talent to the profession. We spoke to attendees and winners about the awards and their thoughts on apprenticeships.

In this episode of the podcast, we explore the key findings of the People Report 2024, commissioned by Davies, which highlights the ongoing challenges faced by insurance and financial services firms in talent attraction, development, and retention. We are joined by Craig Potter, Senior Partner at Davies.

In this episode of the podcast, we are talking to delegates at this year’s PFS National Conference, hosted in Manchester. We recorded live interviews with some of the delegates at this year’s conference to get their thoughts and feedback on the event at the event.

Recorded live at the 2024 PFS National Conference, Tracy Brookes, Emma Hall, Hazel Bowen and Alina Burlacu explore how technology is transforming the financial planning landscape.

In this episode of the podcast, we are talking to two of the 2024-25 PFS Personal Finance Awards winners. The Personal Finance Awards celebrate excellence and achievement within the financial planning profession and recognise the outstanding contributions made by individuals, firms, and initiatives in the financial advice sector. We are joined by Michael Colyer, Chartered Wealth Manager and Chartered Financial Planner of Colyer Associates who was named Chartered Financial Planner of the Year at this year’s awards, and Steve Hughes, director and co-founder of Five Wealth, who were our PFS Chartered Financial Planning Firm of the Year, Steve was also awarded Education Champion of the Year.

In today’s episode, we’re discussing the Professional Map which launched back in 2022. Vanessa Riboloni, Professional Capabilities and Insight Manager for the CII is joined by Philip Greenwood, Head of Technical Consulting at EQ Investors.

In this episode of the podcast, we are discussing Personal Development and neuro linguistic programming. Tim Groves, Programme Development & Partnership Manager for the Chartered Insurance Institute, is joined by Caroline Martin, Leadership Coach & NLP Trainer at Enabling Wings.