Explore every episode of the podcast Beyond the numbers: Articulating the true value of financial advice
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| "They have enough. So why donât they feel it?â | 10 Jul 2025 | 00:44:43 | |
What if the biggest breakthrough in your advice practice didnât come from the numbers, but from asking better questions? In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, I sit down with Simonne Gnessen, financial coach, pioneer of the UKâs coaching movement, and co-author of Sheconomics. We explore how advisers can deepen their impact by shifting from 'advice-giving' to 'life-guiding'. Simonne shares powerful insights on how early money experiences shape our financial behaviour, why clients often âhave enough but donât feel it,â and how advisers can create space for deeper, more transformative conversations. We unpack what it means to âcoach the client, not just the topic,â and why your ability to listen, challenge assumptions, and hold space may be the most valuable thing you offer. Top 10 Takeaways Coach the client, not just the topic: Financial behaviours are often driven by emotion, not logic. Advisers can unlock breakthroughs by understanding the person behind the plan. Early experiences shape money beliefs: Clients often carry unconscious financial scripts from childhood - what Simonne calls âglass wallsâ they donât know exist until they hit them. Clients may have enough⌠But not feel it: Technical projections mean little if emotional needs are not addressed. Security is a feeling, not a spreadsheet! Set the tone with 'Contracting': Begin meetings by setting expectations and getting permission to go deeper. âWhat would make this conversation meaningful for you?â Send questions in advance: Giving clients time to reflect before meetings increases insight and creates space for more productive conversations. Youâre not a Therapist â and thatâs OK: Coaching can be therapeutic, but the goal is to hold space for reflection, not to diagnose. Ask without assumptions: Coaching means asking questions you donât know the answer to. Your curiosity can be more powerful than your expertise. Shift the 'Ladder of Success': Help clients assess not just how high they are climbing, but whether their ladder is leaning against the right wall. Make space for both voices in couples: Financial conversations often centre around the louder partner. Invite the quieter one in first, to create balance. AI canât replace empathy: As automation handles technical work, your value will lie in emotional intelligence, insight, and human connection.  Great Phrases
 Resources
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| âWhat Would Make This a Valuable Use of Your Time?â | 04 Jun 2025 | 00:43:19 | |
Recourses âAce Your Annual Reviewâ - Downloadable guide Humansing money - fortnightly newsletter 'Finesse your first meeting' - Mentoring programme Communicate for Impact Course - Writing cohort for advisers The Kinder Reminder fortnightly newsletter What if the biggest factor in your success as a financial adviser isnât your technical expertise, but how well you listen? In this episode, I sit down with Melissa Kidd, communications expert, coach, and founder of Motem, to explore the overlooked skill at the heart of powerful advice: meaningful conversation. With a background in psychology, coaching, and NLP, Melissa shares practical tools to help advisers shift from presenting information to creating impact - by listening deeply, asking better questions, and understanding the emotional side of money. From finessing the first meeting to running better annual reviews, Melissa explains why emotions run high when talking about money, and how advisers can create safety, connection, and clarity by mastering the art of listening and asking the right questions. We explore how to dissolve jargon, build trust faster, and use proactive communication to turn avoiders into advocates. Top 8 Takeaways Open Strong: Begin every meeting by asking, âWhat would make this a valuable use of your time?â - a powerful question that invites co-creation and sets the tone for trust. The First Meeting Is Critical: Emotions run high, and clients often feel a power imbalance. Your job isnât to impress - itâs to settle minds, listen deeply, and humanise the conversation. Clients Define Value: Advisers often default to showcasing technical skill. But real value is defined by the client - feeling understood, making smart decisions, and knowing what âenoughâ looks like. Silence Isnât Awkward, Itâs Powerful: Many advisers fear silence. But space invites deeper thinking and reflection. Listen to understand, not to respond. Ask 'What' Not 'Why': âWhat led you to come and see an adviser like me today?â invites insight without defensiveness. âWhyâ can feel intrusive. Scale for Confidence: Use a simple 1â10 scale to ask, âHow confident are you feeling about your financial situation?â Revisit over time to track emotional and financial progress. Reframe Annual Reviews: Shift from âannual reviewâ to âprogress planning meetingâ - clients are more likely to attend when it feels forward-focused and purposeful. Donât Sell, Start a Conversation: When networking, your goal isnât to close. Itâs to connect. Focus on being memorable, relatable, and curious. The real opportunities often come later, over coffee - not in the room.  Great Phrases The first meeting is all about creating safety, not showcasing expertise Itâs not about the facts and figures. Itâs about uncovering motivations and needs. If they only come to you for performance, theyâll leave you for performance. Money is emotional. If we ignore that, we miss the heart of the conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| The Pracademicâs Playbook: Emotional Intelligence for Modern Advisers | 28 May 2025 | 01:01:00 | |
In this episode, Scott speaks with James Woodfall - a previous SJP Partner, coach, and co-author of The Heart of Finance - about the transformational role of emotional intelligence in financial advice. James draws from his experience as a former SJP Partner and researcher (a Pracademic!) to explain how advisers can better connect with clients, improve outcomes, and future-proof their role in a world increasingly shaped by AI. The conversation ranges from defining emotional intelligence and its practical components, to tailoring communication styles, managing difficult conversations, and overcoming compassion fatigue. Youâll walk away with science-backed tools, real-life examples, and tactical strategies to strengthen client relationships and enhance your personal performance. Â Top 10 Takeaways Clients Value Time & Trust, Not Just Numbers: Clients seek advice because they lack time or knowledge. Value lies in saving them from mistakes - not just in performance. EQ Is a High-Performance Skill: Emotional intelligence strongly correlates with increased sales, retention, and referrals. It's not soft. It's strategic. EQ Can and Should be Measured: Use self-reporting, ability-based, or scenario-based tools. What gets measured improves. AI Can Simulate Empathy But Canât Feel It: Artificial empathy mimics emotion, but only humans offer genuine understanding. Your edge is emotional connection. Basic Emotions Are Predictable. Learn Them: Emotions like fear, anger, and sadness have clear triggers and behaviours. Understanding them helps you manage client reactions and build trust. Trust Grows When You Notice Feelings: Ignoring emotions breaks rapport. Attunementâ"I sense somethingâs off, shall we pause?" - strengthens relationships. Mirror, Donât Flatten, Emotions: During tough conversations, match emotional intensity at 80%. It shows empathy and helps clients feel heard. Tailor Your Language to How Clients Think: Segment clients by thinking style: Logical thinkers want data; emotional thinkers want to feel safe. Their language gives them away. Self-Reflection Is a Superpower: Build 10 minutes post-meeting to ask: What went well? What could I improve? What actions will I take? Continuous improvement starts here. Fee Resistance Is an Emotional Cue: Be assertive and empathic. âExpensive compared to what?â reframes the conversation around value, not cost. Empathise, but donât apologise. Â Great Phrases âWhen we pay careful attention to the emotions of others, trust grows.â âAI cannot replicate the human connection.â âItâs not just about tailoring advice -itâs about tailoring the conversation.â âPay attention to peopleâs words to understand if they are more logical or more emotional thinkers.â âSegment clients by communication needs.â âPeople like people who are like themselves.â âCompassion fatigue can affect your performance.â âBe assertive and stand your ground in fee discussions.â Resources Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Money Made Human: Mindset, Meaning & the Real Value of Advice | 21 May 2025 | 00:39:43 | |
In this deeply human conversation, Jeremy Askew and Suzan Issa from Town Close Financial Planning join us to share their heartfelt philosophy: "Serve, donât sell." Together, they explore what it truly means to create value for clients, by listening deeply, shifting mindsets, and focusing on what really matters. From bereavement to generational transitions, Jeremy and Suzan walk us through how they meet clients at lifeâs most pivotal moments and help them navigate not just their money, but their meaning. We discuss how financial wellbeing is more about how it feels than whatâs in the bank account, why "money dysmorphia" is on the rise, and how authentic relationships, not just technical expertise, build lasting trust. Suzan also shares their inward-facing work with the team: creating a 'no-blame, no-shame' culture where staff are encouraged to grow as humans, not just professionals. From a widow asking how to spend money once meant for two, to five-generation family engagements, to quiet reflections on what clients donât say, this episode shows how powerful advice becomes when it is rooted in presence, empathy, and shared humanity. Top 8 Takeaways
Great Phrases âThe money is often a cover story. The real work is a change in mindset.â âYou know when youâve been truly listened to. And so do your clients.â âServe, donât sell.â âIf you command someoneâs time, you have a place in their heart.â âItâs not about the pot of money. Itâs about the dream it enables.â âQualifications get you to the front door. They donât get you through it.â âWe seek first to understand. Thatâs where the value lives.â âWeâre not afraid to say: this isnât the right fit.â âMoney dysmorphia: when someoneâs perception of their financial reality is emotionally distorted. ââFinancial wellbeing is only wellbeing if it feels good to you.â Resources:
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| Funded Contentment: Coaching Clients Toward a Life of Meaning | 14 May 2025 | 00:52:48 | |
Summary: In this deeply human episode of Beyond the Numbers, Scott Stevens is joined by Brian Portnoy, author of The Geometry of Wealth and co-founder of Shaping Wealth, to explore what it truly means to live a meaningful financial life. Brian challenges traditional norms in financial advice by asking a powerful question: What if true wealth isn't about getting more, but about funding a life that actually matters to you? He introduces the concept of âfunded contentmentâ - the ability to underwrite a life that is meaningful, and unpacks how advisers can use this idea to transform their client relationships. Drawing on behavioural finance, storytelling, and coaching psychology, Brian explains why most clients donât need more information, they need empathy, clarity, and confidence. This conversation is a masterclass in how to show up not just as a technician, but as a guide through lifeâs uncertainties. If youâre ready to grow your practice by going deeper with your clients, this episode is your roadmap. Top 10 Takeaways
 Great Phrases âTrue wealth is the ability to underwrite a life that is meaningful to you.â, . âClients would rather talk about death than money. Itâs an emotional lightning rod.â, âBeing rich is the pursuit of more. Being wealthy is something deeper.â âEmpathy is not a soft skill. Itâs a power skill.â. Resources (linked) Brian's books: https://www.shapingwealth.com/ Series of available programmes and coaching sessions: https://www.shapingwealth.com/experiences Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| From Complexity to Clarity: The Role of Advisers in Retirement Planning. | 06 May 2025 | 00:47:05 | |
In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Scott Stevens sits down with Claire Trott, Divisional Director of Retirement and Holistic Planning at SJP and Director of Technical Connection. Widely recognised as one of the UKâs leading experts on pensions and retirement planning, Claire has spent years simplifying the complexities of SIPPs, tax planning, and regulatory changes. She is a trusted voice in both national and trade press, providing clear, insightful commentary on some of the most pressing issues in retirement planning today. In this candid and thought-provoking conversation, Claire shares her journey into financial services and the passion that drives her to help clients navigate complex pension decisions. She discusses the true value of financial advice - building confidence and clarity for clients, and why cutting through technical jargon is essential. Her approach centres on making financial concepts accessible without oversimplifying, always tailoring explanations to each clientâs level of understanding. The discussion covers everything from the power of cash flow modelling and the importance of human connection, to the latest pension legislation changes and the fine balance between regulatory compliance and client trust. Packed with valuable insights and practical advice, Claireâs expertise offers a masterclass for advisers looking to enhance their approach and better support their clients. Â Â Key Takeaways:
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| Advising Entrepreneurs: Process, Purpose, and the Power of Content | 29 Apr 2025 | 01:05:05 | |
What do entrepreneurs really need from a financial adviser? In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, weâre joined by Alan Smith - CEO of Capital Asset Management, co-host of TRAP: The Real Adviser Podcast, and host of Bulletproof Entrepreneur - to explore what it truly means to deliver advice that resonates with business owners. Alan shares how he positions financial advice not just as a service, but as a strategic relationship - one that begins with a simple 15-minute âcoffee callâ and unfolds into a human-first onboarding journey built on trust, clarity, and collaboration. We talk about: Why most entrepreneurs donât need more information. The need the right questions.
 If you're curious how content, clarity, and process can elevate the client experience, and how great advice helps entrepreneurs shift from working in their business to intentionally designing a life beyond it, this episode is packed with insights on how to articulate your value in a way that truly connects.  Top Takeaways
Entrepreneurs face complex, often conflicting priorities. Your role is to simplify, clarify, and create a strategic path forward.
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| Love More, Judge Less, and Go Deep | 22 Apr 2025 | 00:55:08 | |
What if the true value of financial advice wasnât in the numbers, the spreadsheets, or the perfect retirement portfolio⌠but in the way your client feels about their life right now? When you focus on the person, not just the plan, everything changes. Alongside John Dashfield - coach, author, and a leading voice in client-centred financial advice - we explore what happens when advisers stop being product-pushers and start being life-changers. The biggest shift in advice begins with how you see yourself.  In our deep dive into the real role of the modern adviser, we explore practical strategies and deeper human truths. We unpack how to ask better questions, how to build trust, and why technical skills arenât enough in a world where advice is increasingly about connection, communication, and changing lives. Top 10 Takeaways Â
 Great phrases:
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| From Products to Purpose: Rethinking Financial Advice | 08 Apr 2025 | 00:56:52 | |
In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Scott Stevens sits down with Neil Parker. Neil is on a mission to revolutionise financial planning, shifting the focus from products and portfolios to people and purpose. As the Founder and CEO of PlanHappy, he has pioneered a business-in-a-box system designed to help advisers deliver clarity, confidence, and consistency to their clients. In this thought-provoking conversation, Neil traces the evolution of the profession - from product sales to financial advice, and from financial planning to true lifestyle-centred advice. He argues that the greatest value advisers can offer isnât just technical expertise, but the ability to guide clients in understanding what money really means to them. At times refreshingly contrarian, Neil challenges conventional wisdom on investment risk, client engagement, and the role of technology, offering practical, game-changing insights for advisers who want to build deeper, more trusted relationships. From mastering the power of first impressions to striking the right balance between human connection and digital efficiency, Neil shares his unique perspective on what it takes to thrive in modern financial planning. Whether youâre looking to deepen client relationships, articulate your value more effectively, or rethink traditional approaches, this conversation will challenge your thinking and equip you with fresh, practical strategies to elevate your advice. Key Takeaways
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| What Clients Really Value (and Why Advisers Get Fired) | 07 Apr 2025 | 00:45:31 | |
In this first in the series episode of Beyond the Numbers, Scott Stevens is joined by Vince Tiseo. Based in the United States, Vince heads up the Goldman Sachâs advisory consultancy service, helping US advice firms get better. Heâs a seasoned strategist with a passion for leadership, client experience, and delivering real, tangible value. With a career that spans boardrooms and battlefields, Vince brings a unique blend of discipline and insight to the world of financial advice. This conversation goes far beyond spreadsheets and into the psychology of what clients truly value in their advisers. From cultural nuances between the U.S. and U.K. to the universal challenges all advisers face - attracting, serving, and retaining clients in an era of rising expectations. Vince offers real-world advice grounded in research and experience. Â Youâll hear:
 Whether you're new to advice or leading a multi-adviser firm, this is a masterclass in staying relevant, valuable, and indispensable. Tune in and start making the incremental shifts that lead to extraordinary results.  Key Takeaways Â
 Great phrases Â
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| Beyond the Numbers - Articulating the True Value of Financial Advice | 06 Apr 2025 | 00:02:20 | |
In a world of rising costs and fee pressure, advice has never been more essential, or more scrutinised. Beyond the Numbers helps Advisers clearly, confidently, and consistently articulate their value. Each episode delivers expert insights and practical tips to boost client conversations, build trust, and show the real worth of advice. This isnât just storytelling, itâs a toolkit for todayâs Adviser. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||