Early Beginnings

Karl began his career in 1985 at just 16, when he joined his father in the financial services profession. Four years later, his father died suddenly, and Karl found himself continuing the work they had begun together at only 20 years old.

This experience shaped his belief that life is fragile and time is precious.

It also taught him that any plan needs to be flexible, not fixed.

Life is unpredictable for us all, and having a plan that can adapt to the cards life deals you is what allows you to stack the deck in your favour.

A Different Approach to Financial Planning

Karl came to a simple but profound realisation:

Most people have a plan for when they’re dead — a Will — but very few have a plan for when they are alive.

And yet, the evidence consistently shows that people who write down a clear plan — and share it with someone they trust — are far more likely to achieve it.

This belief became the foundation of Your Financial Life Plan, the framework Karl designed when he founded Lehmann Financial Management in 2003.

It was created to help clients:

define the life they truly want
build a written plan to support it
live with clarity and confidence, without fear of running out of money

Experience, Credentials & Contributions

Across a 40-year career, Karl achieved some of the profession’s highest qualifications:

Certified Financial Planner (CFP®)
Chartered Fellow Wealth Manager (FCSI)

He is also a two-time bestselling author and co-host of the Dream It, Plan It, Live It podcast.

But Karl’s greatest contribution is not his qualifications.

It is the thousands of real client journeys he has supported — retirements, business exits, bereavements, windfalls, divorces, family transitions, and new beginnings. He understands not just the financial decisions, but the human emotions, hopes, and transitions behind them.

Supporting the Next Generation

Karl now works in a strategic mentoring role, supporting Harry — the Practice Principal — as he leads the next chapter of Lehmann Financial Management Limited.

Harry is responsible for shaping the client experience, evolving the service proposition, and guiding the firm’s long-term growth.

Karl offers continuity, perspective, and four decades of wisdom to ensure Harry and the team have the support, clarity, and long-term vision they need.

Harry leads the firm. Karl strengthens it. Together, they ensure clients benefit from both experience and innovation.

Life Beyond Work

Outside of his mentoring role, Karl is committed to embracing the principles he has encouraged clients to live by for decades.

With more space in his life, he is focusing on what matters most to him:

volunteering with the RNLI
travelling more
mountain biking
staying active in the gym
long walks with his two cocker spaniels
improving his guitar playing — and even exploring the idea of forming a band

Karl lives in Devon with his wife, Sarah, who has been part of his personal and professional journey. Together, they are now enjoying the opportunities and freedom that come with this next chapter of life.

This stage of Karl’s journey reflects his core belief:

Life is not a rehearsal — the greatest return on life comes from doing more of what brings joy, purpose, and connection.

Business exit Strategies may include the referral to a service that is separate and distinct to those offered by St. James's Place.

Meet the Team

Harry Lehmann

Principal

Karl Lehmann

Business Mentor

Dawn McGovern

Practice Manager

Kirsty Sidgreaves

Operations Support

Harry Lehmann

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