🌍 Running Your Own Race: Global Perspectives in Financial Planning w/ Mark Hedderman 🇮🇪

In this episode, I sit down with Mark Hedderman of Hedderman Financial Solutions in Ireland. We talk about how we met at the Future Proof Festival and what stood out about the culture there—real collaboration, transparency, and advisors actually helping each other grow.

Mark shares the evolution of financial planning in Ireland and how the profession has shifted from product sales to real, client-centered advice. We discuss the importance of ongoing education, mentorship, and developing as both a professional and a person.

We also get into what it means to be an advisor today—showing up for clients not just with numbers, but with empathy, support, and clarity through life’s major transitions.

At the core of our conversation is the idea that success in this business isn’t about being the biggest or loudest—it’s about authenticity, meaningful relationships, and helping people live better lives.

(00:00) Future Proof & First Impressions

(02:00) Openness Over Competition

(04:00) Mentorship & Collective Growth

(06:00) Accessibility of Industry Leaders

(09:30) Founding Hedderman Financial Solutions

(12:45) CFP Standards & Raising the Bar in Ireland

(16:00) Regulation: Ireland/EU vs. United States

(20:30) Real-World Financial Planning

(28:15) Human Connection, Media Noise & Mental Health

(34:50) Legacy, Balance & Advice to Younger Advisors

NEWSLETTER (WHAT NOW): https://substack.com/@9icapital?r=2eig6s&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page

Linkedin: / kevin-thompson-ricp%c2%ae-cfp%c2%ae-74964428