Why Sam Oakes Joined Hoxton Wealth as Head of Creative

After 16 years of building and running Recruit UK | Certified B Corp? , a successful recruitment business specializing in financial planning, Sam Oakes made a bold decision: he sold his business, packed his bags, and relocated his family to Dubai to join Hoxton Wealth as Head of Creative.

For Sam, the move marked not just a career change but a personal and professional evolution. Known for his entrepreneurial spirit and innovative mindset, he recognized that Hoxton Wealth offered the collaborative environment and resources he needed to thrive while continuing to make a meaningful impact on the financial planning profession.

From Recruitment to Storytelling

Sam’s journey to Hoxton Wealth began with a sense of restlessness. Though successful in recruitment, he found himself feeling unfulfilled and searching for new opportunities to apply his creativity.

That drive led him to create the Financial Planner Life podcast, a platform designed to share the real stories of financial planners and elevate the profession.

“It was my escape route,” Sam has said of the podcast. “Creating something that gave back to others gave me what I wanted. Laws of attraction, baby!”

Over time, the podcast evolved into much more than a side project. Sam successfully monetized Financial Planner Life, working with leading financial services brands to help them attract talent and build podcast-first marketing strategies. The podcast also became a powerful tool for career education and industry engagement, hosting live events and generating meaningful conversations across the profession.

Why Hoxton Wealth?

While Sam’s entrepreneurial journey was thriving, he realized something important: he didn’t want to go it alone. Joining Hoxton Wealth offered the opportunity to bring his skills and vision to an innovative, international business with a strong foundation for growth.

“I didn’t know if I wanted to run a business on my own anymore,” Sam shared in a recent episode of the Hoxton Life Podcast. “I wanted to be part of something bigger, surrounded by like-minded people who could challenge me and complement my skills.”

Hoxton Wealth, with its emphasis on collaboration and innovation, proved to be the perfect fit. The firm’s unique approach to international financial planning—backed by in-house technology, multi-jurisdictional expertise, and a clear commitment to professional development—aligned with Sam’s goals and values.

“When I joined Hoxton, I was blown away by what they’d built,” Sam said. “It’s not just a financial planning firm; it’s an ecosystem where people can thrive. For me, Hoxton is the innovative environment I’d been searching for.”

A Creative Vision for the Future

As Head of Creative, Sam has brought his expertise in storytelling and content creation to Hoxton Wealth, helping the firm enhance its brand and engage with audiences in new ways.

One of his most notable contributions has been the launch of the Hoxton Life Podcast, which provides a behind-the-scenes look at the firm’s culture, values, and success stories. Through the podcast, Sam has highlighted the unique journeys of Hoxton’s team members, showcasing how the firm supports its advisors and clients alike.

“Your most valuable talent attraction asset is your staff,” Sam has emphasized. “By sharing their stories, we’re not just promoting the business—we’re building trust and connection with the wider financial planning community.”

Sam’s creative vision extends beyond podcasts. He has also spearheaded the creation of story-driven video content, including a mini-documentary featuring Michael Yuille CFP? , a financial planner based in France. The project highlighted the international reach of Hoxton Wealth and the meaningful relationships the firm builds with its clients.

Goals for 2025

Looking ahead, Sam has ambitious plans for both Hoxton Wealth and Financial Planner Life. His goals for 2025 include:

• Documentaries and Story-Driven Content: Expanding on projects like the Mike Yule documentary to highlight financial education, corporate social responsibility, and client success stories.
• Live Podcast Events: Continuing to engage with the financial planning profession through events that inspire and educate.
• Podcast Marketing Strategies: Helping financial planning firms attract talent and elevate their brands through innovative content creation.
• Corporate Social Responsibility: Showcasing the human side of financial planning and making a positive impact on communities.

“Whether it’s through storytelling, innovation, or collaboration, I’m focused on making financial planning accessible to all,” Sam has said.

The Perfect Fit

For Sam, joining Hoxton Wealth has been about more than just a career move—it’s been about finding the right environment to grow and contribute.

“I’ve always described myself as a creative person who loves to play,” Sam explained. “At Hoxton, I’ve found my sandbox. I’m surrounded by skilled mentors and experts who complement each other, and I genuinely feel like part of an amazing team. It’s super exciting!”

Hoxton Wealth’s commitment to collaboration over competition resonates deeply with Sam. The firm’s focus on building a supportive, growth-oriented culture has provided the perfect foundation for him to pursue his creative and professional goals.

As Sam reflects on his journey, he remains grateful for the opportunities that brought him here.

“Life’s proper funny, isn’t it?” he said. “If you’d told me a year ago I’d be here, I wouldn’t have believed you. But deep down, this is exactly where I’m meant to be.”

Want to hear more about Sam's story? Watch the full episode on YouTube or tune in on Spotify and Apple Podcasts to catch every detail of this inspiring journey.