From Fitness to Finance: Tom Mangan's Journey to Becoming a Successful Young Financial Planner

How a Disciplined Athlete's Mindset and Entrepreneurial Drive Paved the Way for a Thriving Career in Finance

In the latest episode of the Financial Planner Life podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Tom Mangan , a financial planner from the St. James's Place Financial Adviser Academy . What struck me most about Tom's story was the resilience and determination he demonstrated in making a bold career change—from professional football and running a fitness business to becoming a thriving financial planner. This episode sheds some light on Tom’s journey and the lessons he learned along the way - and hopefully will inspire anyone looking to forge their own path in financial services.

From Football to Financial Advice

Tom’s career didn’t start in the world of finance. Instead, his early ambitions revolved around becoming a professional footballer. This background in sports laid the foundation for many of the qualities that have contributed to his success in financial planning today—discipline, dedication, and a relentless work ethic. Although his football career didn’t unfold as planned, the lessons he took from football played a key role in how he approached both business and finance.

Building Resilience in Business: The Fitness Entrepreneur

Before stepping into finance, Tom built his own fitness business. This entrepreneurial experience gave him a deep understanding of what it means to manage and grow a business from the ground up. He developed the ability to adapt, innovate, and stay committed—traits essential for succeeding in any entrepreneurial endeavor. Running a business also sharpened his leadership skills and taught him how to navigate the ups and downs that come with self-employment, all of which would later prove invaluable when he made the leap into financial planning.

"The usual argument is 'if you're self-employed it's quite risky', well actually I think if you're employed it's riskier because you've got somebody else that's deciding what the future looks like for you - I think I like the edge, and I like controlling my own destiny. That's what gets me out of bed in the morning."

Transitioning into Finance: The Challenge of Starting Over

Transitioning from the world of fitness to finance wasn’t easy for Tom, and it came with its fair share of challenges. As we discussed during the episode, one of the biggest hurdles for anyone looking to switch careers is the steep learning curve. Tom openly shared how he navigated this transition, the fears he had to overcome, and the moments of doubt that came along the way. His story is a testament to the importance of persistence, learning from failures, and not being afraid to start over.

Filling the Financial Literacy Gap

One of Tom's passions is financial education, especially for younger generations. He brought to the forefront many significant gaps in financial literacy that exist today, particularly in schools. Teaching others about financial planning has not only deepened his own knowledge but has also helped him forge stronger connections with clients. His belief in the value of education and the need for greater financial literacy is something we both agreed can change the trajectory of many young people's lives.

"[My workshop] gave people the opportunity to talk to me interactively, but I would go through their life stages and talk to them about solutions that they might find at different times... so they could plot out how they thought their financial future would look and any missed opportunities."

The Support System That Helped Him Thrive

Lastly, we touched on the importance of having a robust support system in place. For Tom, the comprehensive training and mentorship he received at St. James's Place were crucial to his success. From structured guidance to continuous professional development, these resources allowed him to build a thriving practice. He also highlighted the importance of personal relationships and self-motivation in maintaining momentum, especially in a profession where challenges can sometimes feel overwhelming.

Tom Mangan’s journey is an inspiring example of how persistence, discipline, and a willingness to learn can lead to unexpected success, even when starting over in a new profession. His experience underscores the importance of staying true to your passions and being open to change.

If you’re interested in hearing more about Tom’s transition from fitness to finance, his thoughts on financial education, or how he built a six-figure income, watch the full episode on YouTube or listen on your favorite podcast platform .