E14: Daniel Kerry and Iain Johnstone from the aviation industry

Landing success: how two partners moved from aviation to financial advice

Dan and Iain, business and life partners at Horizon Wealth Consultancy in Norfolk, value simplicity in their approach to financial advice, focusing on understanding their clients' needs and goals. Dan’s passion for aviation began in childhood and led to a long career in the industry, working for companies like KLM and EasyJet. However, after years of stress from long commutes and evolving job roles, he sought a career change in 2010, leading him to join the St. James's Place Financial Adviser Academy and advise in his father’s successful financial advice practice.

Dan and Ian have both have found autonomy, better work-life balance, and the flexibility to take time off, which he now considers one of the best decisions of his life. They are heavily involved in the SJP LGBTQ+ community and are committed to providing inclusive, straightforward financial advice, navigating complex needs like polyamorous relationships and clients living with HIV. They focus on a strong online presence and referrals, ensuring their clients feel supported through every transition.

Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
00:45 – Who are Daniel and Ian?
01:10 – What does financial advice mean to you?
02:25 – What were your backgrounds before SJP and what are your current roles? (aviation industry) – Daniel
06:25 - What were your backgrounds before SJP and what are your current roles? (aviation industry) – Ian
07:35 – What valuable skills did you learn from your time in the aviation industry?
07:58 – What were some of the challenges you faced? Why did you look to make a career change?
11:12 – What did you decide to do next?
13:58 – “In 2010, our work/life balance completely changed”
14:40 – What was your journey like into the financial advice business? What roles have you both done?
17:15 – What are the transferable skills that you brought from your previous careers?
20:05 – What was your experience like in the St. James’s Place Financial Adviser Academy? (interview and exams)
22:38 – What was it like traveling to London for your training?
25:18 – What was the support like?
26:58 – How did you find doing the maths-side of the qualifications?
28:08 – What technical support can you use from St. James’s Place Financial Adviser Academy?
29:30 – How was your experience of Dan going through the training?
30:40 – What do the 4 Terms look like?
31:38 – How long have you been advising now? (Dan)
33:23 – What does life look like now as a financial adviser? What are the benefits?
34:34 – Client acquisition: How do you find new clients?
35:25 – Client acquisition: Joining another financial advice practice from the LGBTQ+ community
36:25 – How do you help clients from the LGBTQ+ community?
38:07 – What’s next for Horizon Wealth?
43:16 – How do you find the culture at St. James’s Place?
45:00 – What is your advice for any aspiring financial advisers?
46:30 – How rewarding is your role as a financial adviser?

Connect with them: https://www.horizonwealthconsultancy....

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