The First Wealth Podcast: Recent Episodes
First Wealth Financial Planning
Hello and welcome to the First Wealth Podcast! I'm Rob Schwarz and I'm Scott Millar and we are both Financial Planners at First Wealth. We'll be your hosts for series 2 of the podcast supporting your journey whilst you carve your own path, disrupt industries and build innovative companies. This podcast is for the trailblazers, the visionaries and the rebels - who are consistently taking risks to push both their careers and lives to the next level. We’ll be having discussions with the figures standing out from the crowd, and making a name for themselves - and they’ll be sharing how you can do the same. At First Wealth, we offer an award-winning service to create confidence for tomorrow, so you can live life on your terms today, and with the First Wealth Podcast we’re talking entrepreneurial mindset and mastery to take your business to the next level - covering topics such as culture, communications, mindset, change management to name a few. Our mission is to make financial planning fun and joyous for our clients and we're very proud of our B-Corp status and passionate about our positive impact within the community - something we’re building upon within each new episode of this podcast.We'll be releasing a new episode every Tuesday, and you can follow the journey and find out more about us at https://www.firstwealth.co.uk/
Since 2020, there’s been a growing desire for business and personal connection, a challenge which Foundry is tackling head-on by curating SMEs around the country.
Their Co-Founder Adam Walker is brimming with the passion to reinvent coworking, and create a bustling community within each of their rapidly growing sites.
Adam joins us on The First Wealth Podcast for a look at the brand’s stellar growth, and how they’re achieving their purpose-led mission.
This episode covers:
- Adam’s early entrepreneurship and the roots upon which Foundry began
- The importance of going the extra mile to curate coworking communities
- Creating a vision with values and purpose over commerciality
- Imbuing local values into each location of Foundry’s wide-reaching mission
Get in touch: hello@firstwealth.co.uk
Last year there were 820+ gin distilleries in the UK, and only 4 who produced aquavit, a Scandinavian spirit. Sasha Cohen is CEO of the only one whose sole focus is aquavit.
To find and enter such a remarkable gap in the market takes a true trailblazer like Sasha, who committed fully to running Vintersol Distillery in 2019. We hear from Sasha on The First Wealth Podcast as he details the fascinating journey to creating such a prolific, industry-leading family business.
This episode covers:
- The process of creating Scandinavia’s answer to gin: Aquavit
- Overcoming the hurdle of bringing an unknown spirit to a new country
- Pushing comfort zones through drive and ‘bloody-mindedness’
- How Sasha develops a product range that shows off aquavit’s versatility
- The unique challenges and opportunities working in a family business
Get in touch: hello@firstwealth.co.uk
A quick glance at the fitness industry will often reveal only a dizzying array of conflicting information, social pressure and (possibly worst of all) advice perpetuating diet culture.
That’s where Lucy Mountain steps in to show that there’s a better way - one with no extremes, no guilt-tripping, and absolutely no BS.
Joining us on The First Wealth Podcast this week, Lucy is a recovered diet culture victim and Founder of Nobs App who shares her authentic approach to content, community-building principles, and how she stays on her entrepreneurial A-game.
This episode covers:
- Lucy’s evolution as an entrepreneur creating an app with social purpose
- The awful consequences of diet culture’s widespread prevalence
- Remaining authentic even if it becomes financially detrimental
- The importance of putting mental wellbeing first when running a business with such focus on social media and community
- How to get out of a funk, focus on small wins and set yourself up for success
Get in touch: hello@firstwealth.co.uk
Life often speaks to you and presents opportunities, sometimes you just need to listen. Erika Tamayo did, and it led her to creating a brand that’s reinventing the protein shake.
Erika, Founder of Hermosa, is also responsible for much of the marketing for Barry’s Bootcamp UK, so it’s safe to say that she knows how to stay level when the going gets tough.
In this week’s candid and colourful episode of The First Wealth Podcast, we hear about Erika’s entrepreneurial roots, the secrets to more effective comms, why mistakes are the best thing for us, and how she invites her team to ‘kill the ghost’.
This episode covers:
- Why making mistakes is the best thing you can do
- How Erika took risks and evolved
- Tips for overcoming periods of high stress and overwhelm
- The power of proper communications
- Long term goals for Hermosa
Get in touch: hello@firstwealth.co.uk
Links & references at: https://bit.ly/3taYezU
Dream it. Believe it. Do it. This is the 3 step mantra that leads Pete Pastides in all he’s achieving, whether it be as an accomplished triathlete or an experienced CMO.
Pete, a longstanding First Wealth client, joins us on this inspiring episode of the podcast this week to share how he jumped from IBM into being a first time Founder, his work with the Brownlee brothers on their fitness brand, the passion and determination behind his sporting endeavours, and much more.
This episode covers:
- Taking the intimidating leap into starting a new business
- Goal-setting to give your life and future a sense of purpose
- How Pete amassed his wealth of CMO experience and knowledge
- Collaborating with the Olympian Brownlee brothers on Brownlee Fitness
- Balancing business endeavours with staggering athletic achievements
Get in touch: hello@firstwealth.co.uk
Zanna Van Dijk arrived on the Instagram scene as one of its early adopters. Fast-forward 8 years, and Zanna boasts 385k followers, 2 journeys as a Co-Founder and one fantastic spot on Forbes’ 30 Under 30.
While Zanna may have found fortune in her timely arrival on the social media scene, it’s her resilience, determination and mindset that have secured her success with Swim Wild, and led her to create Thrive Money.
We hear Zanna’s incredible story and keys to success on this fascinating episode of The First Wealth Podcast!
This episode covers:
- Embracing social media and building a huge following
- How Stay Wild’s Co-Founders earned their spot on Forbes’ 30 Under 30
- Revenue streams to be found on social platforms
- The perils of entering a brand new, young industry
- Embracing the lack of balance that comes with new business ownership
- The dark side of social media
Get in touch: hello@firstwealth.co.uk
Business often walks hand-in-hand with human psychology, with marketing and technology either facilitating or coercing our every decision.
Nathalie Nahai is an expert in psychology, persuasive technology and human behaviour, deciphering the messaging we see from companies and which brands truly have your interests at heart.
Join us to hear from Nathalie about how virtual environments shape behaviour, where companies falter most frequently when communicating with consumers, the ethical grey area behind persuasive tech, and much more…
This episode covers:
- How behavioural sciences are applied in business
- The ways in which virtual environments shape our behaviour
- What businesses are missing when communicating with consumers
- Persuasive technology, and the difference between facilitation and coercion
- How consumer behaviour has changed post-pandemic
Get in touch: hello@firstwealth.co.uk
Links & references at: https://bit.ly/3taYezU
Fulwell 73’s staggering credits speak for themselves: ‘The Class of ‘92’, ‘Sunderland ‘Til I Die’, James Corden’s ‘The Late Late Show’, the Grammy Awards, and countless other productions demonstrate Gabe & Ben Turner’s passion & talent.
The brothers form two fifths of the partners behind this influential production company, pushing boundaries & breaking industry tradition to create incredible content.
On The First Wealth Podcast this week we peek behind the scenes of how they’ve built a prolific brand, worked with the likes of Usain Bolt & Berry Gordy, and continue innovating both on and off-screen.
This episode covers:
- Fulwell 73’s non-traditional introduction to the industry, breakout film debut & influential Netflix series ‘Sunderland ‘Til I Die’
- The unique sources of their innovative ideas, and how the creative team brings them to life
- Standout moments in Gabe & Ben’s career, from kickabouts with Paul Scholes to working with Motown legend Berry Gordy
- Sharing the joys of the journey with long-time friends and the closest of family
- How the team have learned from mistakes and channelled an admirable work ethic
Get in touch: hello@firstwealth.co.uk
Many of us get through school years without finding what makes us tick, only to find a passion that recontextualizes everything. The fitness world and coaching was that very key for Mark Coles.
A business coach & mentor, author and fitness professional, Mark’s skillset has come from his remarkable mindset and relentless dedication to self-improvement and education.
Learn the imperative value of consistent learning, clear visions for your team, visionaries & integrators, purpose, and paying it forward.
This episode covers:
- What constitutes ‘success’ or ‘failure’ in today’s education system, and how that can be changed
- The core differences between teaching vs coaching
- How personal development for business leaders catalyses success throughout a team
- Taking your learnings and paying them forward
Get in touch: hello@firstwealth.co.uk
Welcome to Series 2 of The First Wealth Podcast! Our new hosts Scott Millar & Rob Schwarz are kicking things off with a masterclass in mindset, motivation and accountability from the incredible Dan Lawrence.
Dan is a human performance coach who heads up Matchroom Boxing’s Strength & Conditioning, and founded Perform365 coaching, thanks in large part to his drive and a strong growth mindset.
Tune in to the series premiere to hear how daily non-negotiables are the foundation to achieving goals, the 4 pillars of high performance, how to realign your career path, and much more.
This episode covers:
- The power of upholding daily non-negotiables
- 4 pillars of high performance
- Maintaining a growth mindset, and how to seize new opportunities
- The incredible principles behind Dan’s most successful elite & everyday athletes
Get in touch: hello@firstwealth.co.uk
Take a listen to the trailer for series 2 of “The First Wealth Podcast” launching Tuesday 13th September!
This new series will be led by our own Financial Planners, Robert Schwarz and Scott Millar, who’ll be chatting to innovative business visionaries discussing how they got to where they are today.
New episodes will be dropping every Tuesday, so make sure to subscribe via your favourite podcasting platform to be the first to hear episode 1 and 2 on launch day…!
First Wealth Website: https://www.firstwealth.co.uk/category/podcast
In light of the challenges we’ve all faced in years prior, it’s safe to say that company culture has had to make an essential evolution to prepare for a future of hybrid working.
Culture Amp’s Nick Matthews is well placed to see what makes a great manager, and which skills will be brought into play in the coming years. Hear Nick’s insights on how culture feeds into employee experience, and the necessity to build trust with your team, on episode 10 of The First Wealth Podcast.
This episode covers:
- How culture feeds directly into employee experience
- The essential, but surprising, skillset required in management roles
- Ways to build trust with your team around company culture and policies
- Predictions for the future of working on and off-site
Get in touch: hello@firstwealth.co.uk
Links & references at: https://bit.ly/3taYezU
Creating a brand from scratch can be a daunting prospect, so to have Co-Founders who’ve done so twice in different industries on The First Wealth Podcast is an invaluable opportunity for anyone looking to enter the world of startups.
Anthony Villis is joined by Luke Shelley & Marcus Ereira, Co-Founders of Central 23. We hear their insights into how local businesses can leverage unique marketing techniques, the lessons they’ve learned from setting up Tavistock Tutors, and how it’s helped their unique brand stand out from the crowd.
This episode covers:
- The endearing response from the Central 23 customer base initiated by having a unique product
- Finding innovative marketing methods for drumming up local business
- Structuring a talented team and growing a faithful client base
Get in touch: hello@firstwealth.co.uk
Links & references at: https://bit.ly/3taYezU
Covid has presented an unparalleled challenge to our economy, and with the uncertainty surrounding our fiscal future it’s high time to prepare your business to ride the wave and come out on top.
Who better to gaze into the crystal ball and help shine a light on how to move forward than Shamik Dhar, Chief Economist at BNY Mellon. Shamik breaks down what might happen moving forwards as a result of Covid, and whether we’ve anything to learn from previous crises.
This episode covers:
- Similarities and differences between responses to Covid & the 2008 economic crisis
- The financial impacts of Covid on a national and global scale
- Our potential routes out of national debt
- How you can prepare your business to ride out the wave of economic uncertainty
Get in touch: hello@firstwealth.co.uk
Links & references at: https://bit.ly/3taYezU
Copywriting is a sometimes overlooked, but entirely essential, marketing tool with which to share the one thing that will always set you apart from the rest of an industry - your story.
Caroline Mays is the Founder of Switchblade Lemonade, a professional platform-building & bio-writing salon for thought leaders, speakers, authors, and artists.
In this exciting episode of The First Wealth Podcast Caroline dishes out the secrets to stellar storytelling, how to avoid cliches, and ways to turn a static bio into a sea of content about your journey.
This episode covers:
- The secrets to crafting bios that set you apart from your industry
- How copywriting can be considered its own niche worth learning, even for already-talented writers
- Weaving your journey into text and focusing on the art of storytelling
Get in touch: hello@firstwealth.co.uk
Links & references at: https://bit.ly/3taYezU
With two years to go before the Sydney Olympic Games, Ben Hunt-Davis was part of a team that set an audacious goal with concrete measures underneath it. Two years later, Team GB stood on the podium with gold around their necks.
Ben channels this into his performance training for businesses, sharing the collective winning mindset with entrepreneurs looking to achieve huge goals of their own.
On this episode of the podcast we’ll hear some of the tales from Ben’s rowing career, how their elite sporting principles translate into business, and how to get buy-in from your whole team.
This episode covers:
- The incredible story behind Ben’s Olympic victory in Sydney
- How to set crazy goals and convert them into solid strategies
- Communicating plans in with more discussion to engage your team
- The value of having collective accountability in a team
Get in touch: hello@firstwealth.co.uk
Links & references at: https://bit.ly/3taYezU
Carole Spiers is a recognised, world-leading authority on wellbeing & workplace stress, two highly pertinent topics for the current work climate.
On this episode of the podcast, we’re breaking down how to keep in touch with teams and keeping wellbeing at the top of the agenda, throughout the pandemic and beyond.
We hear how a culture of listening starts at the top, ways to keep up communications while working from home, and tips on maintaining a positive mindset in light of negative situations.
This episode covers:
- How healthy workplace culture starts with the CEO
- Where to start when considering a communications programme
- Tips on communication & productivity while working from home
Get in touch: hello@firstwealth.co.uk
Links & references at: https://bit.ly/3taYezU
The hospitality industry is one with such an impact on all our lives, and we stand to learn from the resilience they’ve shown throughout Covid’s most prevalent years.
Josh Katz is a renowned restaurateur and Founder of Berber & Q, and is the perfect guest on The First Wealth Podcast to talk about the incredible undertaking of opening new restaurants, even for those well acquainted with the process.
We also hear how the pandemic has presented a chance for a pivot in priorities on both a business and personal level, and their amazing £40k fundraising effort as part of a movement to feed the NHS.
Anthony is joined by renowned restaurateur and Berber & Q founder Josh Katz to discuss how he started up his two critically acclaimed restaurants, and talk about the impact of Coronavirus on the hospitality industry. He also talks about the incredible work his team has done in raising over £40,000 for the NHS!
This episode covers:
- The lengthy, laborious but highly rewarding process of opening restaurants
- How Berber & Q have had to react to the uncertainty of Covid
- Josh’s incredible initiative to raise money for NHS workers
- Realigning your time to focus on more personal goals
Get in touch: hello@firstwealth.co.uk
Links & references at: https://bit.ly/3taYezU
Covid-19 is a crisis that has prompted us all to consider how we communicate, from tone and frequency to methods, and the lessons we take from the pandemic will serve us well in future crises.
In episode 3 of The First Wealth Podcast, Anthony is joined by Iain Anderson, who divulges tips from his 25 years’ experience in communications on how business leaders can collaborate effectively in even the most world-altering events.
Anthony is joined by Iain Anderson of Cicero/AMO to discuss his thoughts on how business leaders should communicate in a crisis, as well as how COVID-19 could shape the way we work forever, even after the crisis.
This episode covers:
- Ways in which the pandemic has brought businesses into closer collaboration
- Re-evaluating the need for in-person office work based on our desire for connection
- The essential factor of nailing your tone in communications to clients and staff alike
Get in touch: hello@firstwealth.co.uk
Links & references at: https://bit.ly/3taYezU
When pressured to make the right decision, it’s easy to overlook the power of unconscious biases and human evolution, which are exacerbated in times of crisis.
Behavioural expert Neil Bage is a specialist in the behaviours driving our decisions - and how to counter them.
In episode 2 of The First Wealth Podcast we hear from Neil on how ‘lazy’ decisions might actually be shrewd ones, what to look out for in the way we process information, and the often-underestimated power of ‘sleeping on it’.
This episode covers:
- The human evolution behind our unconscious, snap-decision making processes
- How the presentation of information dramatically affects our perception of it
- Sleeping on an issue, and how it engages the parasympathetic nervous system to clear your head
Get in touch: hello@firstwealth.co.uk
Links & references at: https://bit.ly/3taYezU
Welcome to The First Wealth Podcast, a podcast that’ll support your journey as you carve your own path, disrupt industries, and build your innovative ventures.
We kick off series 1 with the Co-Founders of First Wealth, Anthony Villis (your host for the series) and Robert Caplan. Anthony & Robert break down the inception of their award-winning financial planning firm and the advice that entrepreneurs can take from their experiences.
The economic parallels between the recession and current challenges make this episode an invaluable resource, where you’ll hear how to weather the storm of market uncertainty, why it’s key to look through to the other side (as counterintuitive as it may feel), and how to focus on your future as Anthony & Robert have..
This episode covers:
- Anthony & Robert’s journey to Co-Founding First Wealth
- Preparing your business for the threat of economic turbulence
- The key steps to unlocking your business’ growth potential
- How to pause and plan for the future to carve a path towards your goals, both business & personal
Get in touch: hello@firstwealth.co.uk
Links & references at: https://bit.ly/3taYezU