SAM’S STORY – Financial Planner Life

SAM'SSTORY

SCROLL

INNOVATOR. CONNECTOR. STORYTELLER.

Award-winning podcast host Sam Oakes spent 16 years building a leading recruitment firm for the financial planning profession, which he successfully exited. which he successfully exited earlier this year. He also created Financial Planner Life, which has gone on to become a leading podcast and media platform spotlighting career opportunities in the financial planning space.

Who is Sam Oakes?

A Personal Journey Through Financial Planning

Sam’s career began in financial services at Aviva, where he worked as a trainer, educating staff on financial products. The turning point came when Sam realized he wanted more control over his future and earning potential. At the age of 27, he took a bold step into recruitment, specializing in financial planning. Within just 18 months, he became a 50% partner at Recruit UK, a company he would later help transform into a B-Corp.

During his time leading Recruit UK, Sam fostered a purpose-driven culture, working with some of the UK’s top financial planning firms. His focus on people, planning, and purpose laid the foundation for a successful business, driven by innovation and ethics. Yet, as his passion for marketing grew, Sam’s attention shifted towards a larger purpose—the future of the financial planning profession. Recognizing a massive talent shortage in the industry, Sam saw that nobody was talking about what it was really like to work in financial planning. This led to the creation of the Financial Planner Life Podcast, a platform where he interviews industry professionals at all stages of their careers, giving them a voice to share their stories, and in turn, attract new talent to the profession.

A Personal Journey Through Financial Planning

Within just 18 months, he became a 50% partner at Recruit UK, a company he would later help transform into a B-Corp. Recognizing a massive talent shortage in the industry, Sam saw that nobody was talking about what it was really like to work in financial planning. This led to the creation of the Financial Planner Life Podcast, a platform where he interviews industry professionals at all stages of their careers, giving them a voice to share their stories, and in turn, attract new talent to the profession.

Building on Success: The Podcast, The Academy, The Studios

The Financial Planner Life Podcast has rapidly gained traction, climbing into the Apple Top 10 Careers Podcasts in the UK. With over 200 episodes and over 5 million impressions each year, the podcast has become a beacon for aspiring financial planners, providing real-life insights and education for those considering a career in the field.

Sam’s journey didn’t just stop at the podcast. Recognizing the need for a support system for those starting out, he launched the Financial Planner Life Academy. This initiative helps individuals gain the qualifications they need before leaving their current jobs, offering a no-risk, fully supported pathway into financial planning. The Academy also partners with top firms to aid in talent attraction and development.

In addition, Sam founded Financial Planner Life Studios, a creative production hub that helps businesses create their own podcasts and video content for brand building, talent attraction, and business development.

After 16 years in recruitment, Sam has now decided to move into a new chapter. Meeting Chris Ball, CEO of Hoxton Wealth, opened up the opportunity to join forces and further transform the financial planning profession. Now, as Head of Creative for Hoxton Wealth, Sam drives their brand forward, helping attract both talent and new clients while continuing to promote financial wellbeing.

Building on Success: The Podcast, The Academy, The Studios

The Financial Planner Life Podcast has rapidly gained traction, climbing into the Apple Top 10 Careers Podcasts in the UK.

With over 200 episodes and over 5 million impressions each year, the podcast has become a beacon for aspiring financial planners, providing real-life insights and education for those considering a career in the field. Sam’s journey didn’t just stop at the podcast. Recognizing the need for a support system for those starting out, he launched the Financial Planner Life Academy. This initiative helps individuals gain the qualifications they need before leaving their current jobs, offering a no-risk, fully supported pathway into financial planning. The Academy also partners with top firms to aid in talent attraction and development. In addition, Sam founded Financial Planner Life Studios, a creative production hub that helps businesses create their own podcasts and video content for brand building, talent attraction, and business development. After 16 years in recruitment, Sam has now decided to move into a new chapter. Meeting Chris Ball, CEO of Hoxton Wealth, opened up the opportunity to join forces and further transform the financial planning profession. Now, as Head of Creative for Hoxton Wealth, Sam drives their brand forward, helping attract both talent and new clients while continuing to promote financial wellbeing.

A Purpose-Driven Mission

Sam’s personal struggles with financial insecurity and mental health have fueled his purpose. He is dedicated to making financial security accessible to everyone and promotes mental fitness as a key to success. As part of his work with Hoxton Wealth, Sam is involved in using technology, such as the Hoxton Wealth App, to deliver financial wellbeing to a global audience.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Sam is a strong advocate for mental health. He serves on the board of Talk Club, a charity focused on men’s mental fitness, and openly shares his own experiences with mental health challenges. His advocacy for mental wellbeing is woven into everything he does, ensuring that personal growth and support remain central to his mission. Sam’s philosophy centers around collaboration, not competition. Through the Financial Planner Life Podcast and his work at Hoxton Wealth, he encourages the financial planning profession to come together, share ideas, and grow collectively. His vision is clear: to reduce the advice gap, attract more talent, and foster a profession that is inclusive, diverse, and innovative. With over 40,000 followers on social media and an ever-growing international reach—expanding to the UAE, Australia, and the US—Sam continues to help people at every stage of their financial planning career.