Advertise on podcast: Elite Achievement

Today I break down why a planning day only works when business planning becomes an ongoing process that starts before the meeting and continues long after it ends. I share how to use vision, reflection, focused priorities, and real accountability so a leadership team leaves with clarity and then actually executes. Key topics discussed in this episode: • Treating business planning as a process rather than a one-day event • Doing deep preparation beyond an agenda to design the right conversations • Reconnecting to vision as an inspiration and alignment tool • Reflecting on results to uncover the real “why” behind progress and shortfalls • Identifying limiting beliefs that shape behavior and reframing them with better questions Follow Elite Achievement for more conversations on leadership and high-level execution. About Kristin Burke Kristin Burke works with financial advisors and leaders in financial services who are building and scaling firms. She helps them lead more effectively, develop their team, and execute consistently on the priorities that drive growth. Work with Kristin If you are building a firm and want a strategic partner to help you think through leadership, team development, and execution, you can learn more about working with Kristin here: Website Connect on LinkedIn LinkedIn

Today we sit down with Vaughan Scott to unpack how a financial advisory firm survives big transitions by putting the team first and hiring people who treat advice as a calling. We dig into practical leadership moves that keep talent for decades, create clear growth plans, and make succession planning feel steady instead of scary. Key topics discussed in this episode: • The origin story behind Axiom Financial Strategies Group and lessons from industry upheaval • Why “team” beats individual heroics in firm growth • How long-term retention is built through care, support, and shared values • Why paraplanners can bridge service and advisory work • Succession planning mechanics, valuation, financing, and early economic clarity Follow Elite Achievement for more conversations on leadership and high-level execution. About Vaughan Vaughan Scott, MBA, CPWA®, is Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Axiom Financial Strategies Group, an independent registered investment advisor. He has advised family enterprises and entrepreneurs on financial, strategic, transition, and succession needs since 1997. Vaughan is also a professor in practice at the University of Louisville, where he teaches business consulting in MBA and graduate programs, and an instructor with the Family Firm Institute’s Global Education Network. Throughout his career, he has been dedicated to helping families preserve their wealth, capitalize on opportunities, and successfully transition their businesses, wealth, and values to future generations. Connect with Vaughan Website LinkedIn About Kristin Burke Kristin Burke works with financial advisors and leaders in financial services who are building and scaling firms. She helps them lead more effectively, develop their team, and execute consistently on the priorities that drive growth. Work with Kristin If you are building a firm and want a strategic partner to help you think through leadership, team development, and execution, you can learn more about working with Kristin here: Website Connect on LinkedIn LinkedIn Axiom Financial Strategies Group LLC (“Axiom”) is a registered investment advisor. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Axiom and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. The information provided is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice and it should not be relied on as such. It should not be considered a solicitation to buy or an offer to sell a security. It does not take into account any investor's particular investment objectives, strategies, tax status or investment horizon. You should consult your attorney or tax advisor. For additional information, please visit our website at https://www.axiomfsg.com/.

Today I share a coaching story from the early days of training new financial advisors and the hard moment when missing expectations led to a contract termination. We explain how raising standards, coaching beyond the minimum, and following through consistently changes performance and culture. Key topics discussed in this episode: • A 75-day onboarding system with three 25-day review periods and clear activity requirements • The pressure and consequences of missing early targets and letting everything ride on the final period • Changing our coaching to focus on surpassing standards, not just meeting the minimum • How repeating expectations early and often improves clarity and execution • Why inconsistent enforcement creates a new standard for everyone watching Follow Elite Achievement for more conversations on leadership and high-level execution. About Kristin Burke Kristin Burke works with financial advisors and leaders in financial services who are building and scaling firms. She helps them lead more effectively, develop their team, and execute consistently on the priorities that drive growth. Work with Kristin If you are building a firm and want a strategic partner to help you think through leadership, team development, and execution, you can learn more about working with Kristin here: Website Connect on LinkedIn LinkedIn

Today we talk with James Spinelli about how he helps scale Great Valley Advisor Group from a startup into a community supporting 200+ advisors and more than 400 people. We break down what changes as growth accelerates, from hiring and meetings to data, culture, and the hard work of letting go. Key topics discussed in this episode: • Building trust through one-on-one conversations and shared transition experience • The leadership shift after 100+ advisors, managing time and expectations • Creating advisor success and business strategy roles to stay connected at scale • Reinforcing mission and values through department leads and consistent communication • Stepping into the CEO role by getting out of the weeds and upgrading seats • Handling tough people decisions, documenting processes, and avoiding “drag” Follow Elite Achievement for more conversations on leadership and high-level execution. About James James Spinelli is Co-Founder and CEO of Great Valley Advisor Group (GVA), a Pennsylvania-based RIA supporting nearly 200 advisors and managing more than $12 billion in assets. James built GVA from the ground up, growing it from a start-up RIA into a nationally recognized firm focused on helping independent advisors grow, build enterprise value, and achieve true ownership. Before launching GVA, he worked at Comcast Corporation in capital forecasting, financial systems, and operational efficiency. James is also the founder of AdvisorBOB, a fintech platform designed to simplify advisor compensation and business management, which was acquired by AdvicePay in 2025. Connect with James Website LinkedIn About Kristin Burke Kristin Burke works with financial advisors and leaders in financial services who are building and scaling firms. She helps them lead more effectively, develop their team, and execute consistently on the priorities that drive growth. Work with Kristin If you are building a firm and want a strategic partner to help you think through leadership, team development, and execution, you can learn more about working with Kristin here: Website Connect on LinkedIn LinkedIn

Today we challenge ourselves to judge team meetings by outcomes, not agendas, and to lead conversations that turn updates and scorecards into real decisions. We share a practical approach to accountability that feels like coaching, plus a reminder that consistent meetings create momentum for the whole firm, including us as leaders. Key topics discussed in this episode: • Auditing the last team meeting by asking what changed because it happened • Shifting from scorecard review to decisions, blockers, and next actions • Turning project updates into action items with clear ownership • Using a coaching tone to remove shame and surface what got in the way • Creating leader accountability through preparation and planning cadence Follow Elite Achievement for more conversations on leadership and high-level execution. About Kristin Burke Kristin Burke works with financial advisors and leaders in financial services who are building and scaling firms. She helps them lead more effectively, develop their team, and execute consistently on the priorities that drive growth. Work with Kristin If you are building a firm and want a strategic partner to help you think through leadership, team development, and execution, you can learn more about working with Kristin here: Website Connect on LinkedIn LinkedIn

Today we talk with Carrie Deveney about why talent is the number one strategy for exponential growth in wealth management and how recruiting becomes a long-term system instead of a last-minute scramble. We break down what top candidates look for today, how equity changes the conversation, and why starting sooner protects clients and increases enterprise value. Key topics discussed in this episode: • Treating succession planning as a competitive advantage for client retention • Shifting recruiting from an event to an ongoing growth strategy • Using training, development, coaching, and mentorship as a clear growth framework • Sourcing next gen advisors through existing relationships and a clear firm vision • Using equity and results-based compensation to attract high performers Follow Elite Achievement for more conversations on leadership and high-level execution. About Carrie Carrie Deveney is Director of Growth at Northwestern Mutual Chicago, where she partners with 11 of the firm’s largest advisory practices to drive growth through leadership, recruiting, succession planning, and advisor development. She helped develop the Pathway to Partnership platform to strengthen talent pipelines and create more intentional career paths for future advisors. As a CFP® professional, Carrie is passionate about helping firms build enduring businesses, maximize enterprise value, and fulfill their promise to clients by developing exceptional leaders and the next generation of financial advisors. Connect with Carrie LinkedIn About Kristin Burke Kristin Burke works with financial advisors and leaders in financial services who are building and scaling firms. She helps them lead more effectively, develop their team, and execute consistently on the priorities that drive growth. Work with Kristin If you are building a firm and want a strategic partner to help you think through leadership, team development, and execution, you can learn more about working with Kristin here: Website Connect on LinkedIn LinkedIn

Today we step back from “questions as coaching” and treat great questions as one of the most powerful leadership tools we have for clarity, growth, and firm building. We share practical questions we use for weekly and quarterly reflection, plus simple ways to coach, recruit, and plan without jumping straight to answers. Key topics discussed in this episode: • Using questions to lead ourselves through weekly wins, lessons, and priorities • Running a quarterly review with on track vs off track and the key “why” • Identifying what is no longer serving us, from beliefs to habits • Asking better questions in recruiting, client work, and difficult conversations • Scaling decision-making by creating group discussions and clearer planning day agendas Follow Elite Achievement for more conversations on leadership and high-level execution. About Kristin Burke Kristin Burke works with financial advisors and leaders in financial services who are building and scaling firms. She helps them lead more effectively, develop their team, and execute consistently on the priorities that drive growth. Work with Kristin If you are building a firm and want a strategic partner to help you think through leadership, team development, and execution, you can learn more about working with Kristin here: Website Connect on LinkedIn LinkedIn

Today we talk with John Gatewood about why elite financial advisors win through listening, not knowledge, and how real connection is what motivates clients to act. We break down practical language, coaching habits, and preparation routines that help advisors and firm leaders build trust, clarity, and conviction. Key topics discussed in this episode: • Advisor training crisis driven by high attrition and looming retirements • Communication skills as the true differentiator in wealth management • Data-backed perception gap between how advisors think they listen and how they actually show up • Being interested versus being interesting to deepen trust fast • Empathy and clarification to reach the root issue behind client goals Follow Elite Achievement for more conversations on leadership and high-level execution. About John John Gatewood, CFP®, CLU®, is the founder and Director of Advisor Development at Gatewood Wealth Solutions and author of The Listening Advisor: Winning Loyal Clients Through Authentic Human Connection. During his 45-year career as a financial advisor, John was recognized on Barron’s list of the top 1,200 advisors and earned Top Ten standing at LPL Financial and Forum honors at Northwestern Mutual. After selling his practice in 2021, he shifted his focus to helping advisors master the communication skills that build lasting client relationships. Connect with John Website LinkedIn The Listening Advisor – Building Client Loyalty through Authentic Human Connection About Kristin Burke Kristin Burke works with financial advisors and leaders in financial services who are building and scaling firms. She helps them lead more effectively, develop their team, and execute consistently on the priorities that drive growth. Work with Kristin If you are building a firm and want a strategic partner to help you think through leadership, team development, and execution, you can learn more about working with Kristin here: Website Connect on LinkedIn LinkedIn

Today we unpack the hidden work that drives real leadership results, even when nobody sees it. We share how we protect preparation, think time, and mindset work so our firms run better as they grow. Key topics discussed in this episode: • Why outcomes get credit while the setup stays invisible • Protecting preparation time to run better leadership meetings • creating think time that starts with specific prompts and decisions • Using coaching as a thought partner for clearer execution • The leadership shift from doing tasks to creating conditions for success Follow Elite Achievement for more conversations on leadership and high-level execution. About Kristin Burke Kristin Burke works with financial advisors and leaders in financial services who are building and scaling firms. She helps them lead more effectively, develop their team, and execute consistently on the priorities that drive growth. Work with Kristin If you are building a firm and want a strategic partner to help you think through leadership, team development, and execution, you can learn more about working with Kristin here: Website Connect on LinkedIn LinkedIn

Today we dig into what it really takes to lead and scale a financial advisory firm, from personal standards and authenticity to the daily habits that shape culture. Dustin Corrente shares the leadership principles behind growing an organization to more than 150 advisors and boosting revenue by more than 400%. Key topics discussed in this episode: • Lessons from golf and sports about leading yourself before leading others • Spotting the gap between “ideal self” and real commitment • Why authenticity and follow-through create trust at scale • Rebuilding a firm from transactional sales to financial planning • Building a bench of future leaders to handle inevitable change Follow Elite Achievement for more conversations on leadership and high-level execution. About Dustin Dustin Corrente is the Founder of Mid-Atlantic Financial Group. With more than 24 years in financial services, he has served as a financial advisor and leader, building a firm that has grown from 72 to more than 150 advisors while increasing revenue by over 400%. Passionate about servant leadership, Dustin is dedicated to developing advisors and helping them build meaningful, high-performing careers. Connect with Dustin Website Connect on LinkedIn LinkedIn About Kristin Burke Kristin Burke works with financial advisors and leaders in financial services who are building and scaling firms. She helps them lead more effectively, develop their team, and execute consistently on the priorities that drive growth. Work with Kristin If you are building a firm and want a strategic partner to help you think through leadership, team development, and execution, you can learn more about working with Kristin here: Website Connect on LinkedIn LinkedIn

Join us on this special episode where we talked with Mary Becker, COO of MHF Wealth Partners, about building a people-first culture while redesigning firm structure for long-term growth. We break down how clear values, intentional hiring, and early communication make change feel safer for teams and simpler for clients. Key topics discussed in this episode: • Employee-first culture built through small, consistent actions • Onboarding system that speeds trust and connection across the team •Hiring process that gives the team real say on cultural fit • Kindness as a stated firm value alongside integrity, excellence, accountability, and resourcefulness • Reasons for restructuring: growth, client transitions, and a consistent client experience Follow Elite Achievement for more conversations on leadership and high-level execution. About Mary Mary Becker joined the MHF team in 2020 as the Chief Operating Officer. In her role, Mary is responsible for driving strategic planning and execution, operational excellence and ensuring an impactful experience for both the team members and clients. Mary brings an extensive Northwestern Mutual background after spending over 15 years providing strategic leadership to home office operational teams in underwriting, in-force servicing, and claims. Mary has an MBA from Marquette University, a BS in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse and holds her RICP licensing. Mary and her husband Marc live on the East Side of Milwaukee, have two college age children who both attend the University of Oregon. While not at work, or visiting her kids, Mary can most often be found outdoors – either running, playing golf or attempting to walk her two Labrador retrievers. Connect with Mary LinkedIn Website About Kristin Burke Kristin Burke works with financial advisors and leaders in financial services who are building and scaling firms. She helps them lead more effectively, develop their team, and execute consistently on the priorities that drive growth. Work with Kristin If you are building a firm and want a strategic partner to help you think through leadership, team development, and execution, you can learn more about working with Kristin here: Website Connect on LinkedIn LinkedIn

Today we challenge the common habit of waiting for someone to “look ready” before investing in leadership development, and we argue that early exposure is often what creates the aspiration to lead. Kristin reflects on formative moments from her career and shares a simple stewardship mindset for building a stronger leadership bench as your firm grows. Key topics discussed in this episode: • Why leadership development often starts too late • How exposure to leadership can create vision • What happens when growth outpaces personal coaching capacity • The risk of keeping an underperforming leader in place Follow Elite Achievement for more conversations on leadership and high-level execution. About Kristin Burke Kristin Burke works with financial advisors and leaders in financial services who are building and scaling firms. She helps them lead more effectively, develop their team, and execute consistently on the priorities that drive growth. Work with Kristin If you are building a firm and want a strategic partner to help you think through leadership, team development, and execution, you can learn more about working with Kristin here: Website Connect on LinkedIn LinkedIn

Today we break down what it really takes to share equity and build a multi-partner advisory firm without creating resentment or chaos. We talk through internships, trust, healthy conflict, and the long game of developing leaders who actually want the obligations of ownership. Key topics discussed in this episode: • Building an internship program to source future service and lead advisors • Keeping interns productive with real projects, fast onboarding, and clear SOPs • Why owners show up differently and why equity should be granted carefully • Designing a passage to partnership, including a two to three year evaluation window • Reframing collaboration as challenge without hostility and making feedback normal Follow Elite Achievement for more conversations on leadership and high-level execution. About Luke Luke was born and raised in North Idaho, growing up in a rural log cabin without electricity for much of his childhood. That upbringing taught him early on that wealth is more than money, but going without financially also gave him a deep appreciation for the stability financial security can bring a family. That dual perspective has shaped his approach to financial planning and enterprise leadership ever since. Luke earned a B.S. in Economics with a focus in Finance from the University of Idaho and began his career in 2002 as an intern at Northwestern Mutual in Seattle, WA. Over 23 years, he held nearly every field leadership position in the firm, leading a highly productive district office in Bellevue. In 2018, Luke stepped away from his Managing Director role to focus full-time on Pillar Financial Group, which he co-founded with Keith Foe and Kevin Kent. At the time, Pillar managed roughly $400 million in assets with a team of eight. Today, as CEO, Luke has helped grow the firm through disciplined organic growth and targeted acquisitions to 35 team members and close to $2 billion in assets under management. Pillar has since reaffiliated with Cetera Advisors, continuing to scale the firm's capabilities so it can deliver an exceptional client experience for generations to come. Connect with Luke LinkedIn About Kristin Burke Kristin Burke works with financial advisors and leaders in financial services who are building and scaling firms. She helps them lead more effectively, develop their team, and execute consistently on the priorities that drive growth. Work with Kristin If you are building a firm and want a strategic partner to help you think through leadership, team development, and execution, you can learn more about working with Kristin here: Website Connect on LinkedIn LinkedIn

Today we step back from the daily rush and face a simple coaching question that exposes how well we’re actually building for growth. Learn why “working on the business” gets postponed and how small, focused actions can quietly shape the future of the firm. Key topics discussed in this episode: • The coaching question that reveals your current leadership focus • The difference between work tied to deadlines and work tied to growth • Practical examples like documenting processes and redesigning the calendar • Why leaders have to create time instead of waiting to get caught up Follow Elite Achievement for more conversations on leadership and high-level execution. About Kristin Burke Kristin Burke works with financial advisors and leaders in financial services who are building and scaling firms. She helps them lead more effectively, develop their team, and execute consistently on the priorities that drive growth. Work with Kristin If you are building a firm and want a strategic partner to help you think through leadership, team development, and execution, you can learn more about working with Kristin here: Website Connect on LinkedIn LinkedIn

Today we talked with Socium Advisors founder and CEO Scott Underwood about the moment he decides to either become a real CEO or hire one, then commits to building the leadership skill set. He shares how a planning-first model and serious investment in people help drive growth from roughly $500M to nearly $5B AUM. Key topics discussed in this episode: • Building written comprehensive financial plans so products serve the plan • Creating an organization to deliver high-quality service at scale • Hitting the CEO inflection point and committing to leadership growth • Delegating with clarity so teams get real professional autonomy • Reducing micromanagement to build trust and performance Follow Elite Achievement for more conversations on leadership and high-level execution. About Scott Scott Underwood is the Founder and CEO of Socium Advisors, where he leads with a simple belief: the employee experience drives the client experience. Under his leadership, Socium has grown from an insurance-focused practice into a nationally recognized advisory firm serving individuals, families, and businesses through comprehensive financial planning. Scott began his career with a Northwestern Mutual internship in 1991 and was recognized as a Top 10 Intern for three consecutive years, including one year as the top intern in the company. As the industry evolved, Scott expanded his vision and built a firm centered on partnership, long-term relationships, and exceptional client service. Today, Scott is consistently recognized as one of the top advisors in the country, earning honors such as the Barron’s Top 1200 Advisors award and the Forbes Financial Security Award. He also serves on the Forbes Finance Council. Throughout his career, Scott has remained committed to helping clients navigate complex financial decisions while building a culture where both team members and clients can thrive. Connect with Scott LinkedIn Instagram Website About Kristin Burke Kristin Burke works with financial advisors and leaders in financial services who are building and scaling firms. She helps them lead more effectively, develop their team, and execute consistently on the priorities that drive growth. Work with Kristin If you are building a firm and want a strategic partner to help you think through leadership, team development, and execution, you can learn more about working with Kristin here: Website Connect on LinkedIn LinkedIn