Is a paraplanning background the secret behind better advice? That’s the key question asked in Episode 07 of the NewIn podcast with Cathi Harrison, co-host Ilana Miller, and guests Scott Shaftoe and Holly Johnson.
Scott Shaftoe started his career in financial services after spotting an Indeed advert for our New Talent programme, and after managing his studies alongside his full-time (and some!) role as a supermarket manager, he quit his job and joined the industry. He’s joined by Ilana to share his story.
Cathi is then joined by Holly Johnson to explore her journey from joining Verve’s graduate scheme as a trainee paraplanner to becoming a financial adviser.
02:23 - Career plans derailed by the 2008 financial crisis
04:31 - Growing up in an area where financial advice was the unknown
07:13 - Finding the Verve Foundation
08:26 - That “all or nothing” moment
10:33 - A weight lifted
22:44 - A tweet that changed everything
30:01 - The emotional impact of advising

Cathi is Founder & CEO of Verve and the Verve Foundation, working to achieve their combined mission of building the future of financial services within the UK.

Ilana is Investment Development Director for Distribution at Royal London, and co-host on our New Talent episodes of the NewIn podcast.

Scott is an Associate Financial Planner, who joined the industry through our New Talent programme after 15+ years working as a supermarket manager.

Holly is an Associate Financial Planner, who started her career in financial services as a Paraplanner through Verve's graduate scheme.