Advertise on podcast: Do Business. Do Life. — The Financial Advisor Podcast — DBDL

Every advisor wants more referrals, but very few have built a business that consistently earns them. In this conversation, I sat down with Duncan MacPherson to unpack what actually makes an advisory firm referable. Duncan is the founder of Pareto Systems and one of the most respected coaches in financial services, with nearly 30 years spent working alongside top advisory firms.  He explains why the advisors who scale fastest stop pitching products, start positioning a clear planning process, and build businesses that get found instead of chased. 3 of the biggest insights from Duncan MacPherson… #1.) Advisors Don’t Need More Referrals, They Need to Be Referable Most advisors focus on asking for referrals, but Duncan explains why that actually creates friction. The real breakthrough happens when clients clearly understand (and can easily explain) what makes your process different.  #2.) The Best Advisors Don’t Sell Products, They Position Their Process The biggest shift in financial services isn’t technology, it’s philosophy. The most successful advisors have moved on from pitching products by effectively using branding and clearly articulating a proprietary process, creating deeper engagement, stronger loyalty, and a business that scales without becoming more complicated. #3.) A Business That Depends on You Is a Business That Limits You One of the clearest signals of a healthy business is whether it can operate without the founder’s constant presence. Duncan explains why documenting intellectual property, empowering teams, and depersonalizing the business isn’t about ego—it’s about freedom, sustainability, and enterprise value.  SHOW NOTES https://bradleyjohnson.com/154 FOLLOW BRAD JOHNSON ON SOCIAL TwitterInstagramLinkedIn FOLLOW DBDL ON SOCIAL: YouTubeTwitterInstagramLinkedInFacebook DISCLOSURE  DBDL podcast episode conversations are intended to provide financial advisors with ideas, strategies, concepts and tools that could be incorporated into their business and their life. No statements made in the episode are offered as, and shall not constitute financial, investment, tax or legal advice. Financial professionals are responsible for ensuring implementation of anything discussed related to business is done so in accordance with any and all regulatory, compliance responsibilities and obligations.  The Triad member statements reflect their own experience which may not be representative of all Triad Member experiences, and their appearances were not paid for.  Triad Wealth Partners, LLC is an SEC Registered Investment Adviser. Please visit Triadwealthpartners.com for more information. Triad Wealth Partners, LLC and Triad Partners, LLC are affiliated companies. TP02255163072 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What would make a 30-year-old with a corner office, a clear path to CEO, and more money than he ever imagined… walk away from it all? That’s the question at the center of this conversation with Daniel Harkavy. Daniel spent his 20s grinding in the mortgage banking world, chasing deals, money, and success. By 30, he was next in line to run the company—but a quiet inner voice told him this wasn’t the life he was meant to live. So he walked away. For the last three decades, Daniel has helped high-performing leaders do what this show is all about: build successful businesses without sacrificing their life in the process. As Founder of Building Champions, he’s coached CEOs and executive teams at organizations like Chick-fil-A, Pfizer, and Bank of America. We talk about why so many leaders burn out after they scale, how culture and leadership behavior quietly shape everything, and what it really means to do business and life by design. 5 of the biggest insights from Daniel Harkavy… #1.) Walking Away Wasn’t Quitting, It Was Clarity Daniel walked away at the height of his career because success didn’t feel sustainable anymore. A one-year sabbatical forced him to realize that continuing would have meant building a life he didn’t want, no matter how successful it looked. #2.) A Smart Approach to Hiring Top Performers Daniel built his team by intentionally spending time building relationships with his competitors — learning their goals, understanding where they were stuck, and finding ways to help them improve. By genuinely helping competitors grow where they were, he built trust, loyalty, and credibility. And when the time came, people chose him willingly. #3.) Scaling Without Vision Is How Advisors Get Stuck A lot of advisors scale because they think they’re supposed to. But if the “why” isn’t clear, growth just adds complexity, stress, and people problems. Scaling only works when you’re being pulled forward by a clear vision — not pushed by ego, comparison, or fear of missing out. #4.) Emotional Volatility Quietly Destroys Culture Emotional blowups cost more than most leaders realize. The energy spent repairing internal damage is energy not spent growing the business. Over time, volatility wears down culture, momentum, and trust, even when intentions are good. #5.) Fear Loses Power When You Zoom Out When you really ask, “What’s the worst case?” most of the fear driving decisions starts to shrink. Failure is part of building anything meaningful, but it’s rarely the disaster we imagine. Perspective changes the weight of decisions and helps you build with intention instead of fear. SHOW NOTES https://bradleyjohnson.com/153 FOLLOW BRAD JOHNSON ON SOCIAL TwitterInstagramLinkedIn FOLLOW DBDL ON SOCIAL: YouTubeTwitterInstagramLinkedInFacebook DISCLOSURE  DBDL podcast episode conversations are intended to provide financial advisors with ideas, strategies, concepts and tools that could be incorporated into their business and their life. No statements made in the episode are offered as, and shall not constitute financial, investment, tax or legal advice. Financial professionals are responsible for ensuring implementation of anything discussed related to business is done so in accordance with any and all regulatory, compliance responsibilities and obligations.  The Triad member statements reflect their own experience which may not be representative of all Triad Member experiences, and their appearances were not paid for.  Triad Wealth Partners, LLC is an SEC Registered Investment Adviser. Please visit Triadwealthpartners.com for more information. Triad Wealth Partners, LLC and Triad Partners, LLC are affiliated companies.TP01255162010  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, I sit down with Triad members Matt Dixon and Byron Hurren to break down how True North evolved from a founder-led advisory firm into a scalable, system-driven business. Just a few years ago, Matt was still running client appointments, and growth flowed almost entirely through him. Byron was another advisor on the team, trying to keep up inside a model that relied heavily on individual talent. Today, Matt is fully out of client meetings, Byron is leading and training a five-person sales team, and the firm is pacing for over $200M in new assets this year. We unpack exactly what changed — how they replaced personality-driven selling with a repeatable sales process, why conversations are replicated nearly word-for-word, and how training, accountability, and culture turned individual production into firm-wide scale. This episode is a clear look at what it actually takes to grow beyond the founder without losing control of the business.   3 of the biggest insights from Matt Dixon & Byron Hurren…   #1.) Scaling Requires One Process, Not Multiple Styles True North didn’t grow by hiring more talented closers. They grew by eliminating variation. Once every advisor followed the same repeatable process, results became predictable, coachable, and scalable.   #2.) Selling the Plan Changed Everything The shift from pitching products to selling an ongoing planning process created clarity for clients and confidence for advisors. Planning became the product, and the team became the value.   #3.) Accountability Is the Growth Multiplier Weekly training, recorded meetings, and direct feedback created a culture where improvement was non-negotiable. Advisors either followed the process or self-selected out. SHOW NOTES https://bradleyjohnson.com/152 FOLLOW BRAD JOHNSON ON SOCIAL TwitterInstagramLinkedIn FOLLOW DBDL ON SOCIAL: YouTubeTwitterInstagramLinkedInFacebook DISCLOSURE  DBDL podcast episode conversations are intended to provide financial advisors with ideas, strategies, concepts and tools that could be incorporated into their business and their life. No statements made in the episode are offered as, and shall not constitute financial, investment, tax or legal advice. Financial professionals are responsible for ensuring implementation of anything discussed related to business is done so in accordance with any and all regulatory, compliance responsibilities and obligations.  The Triad member statements reflect their own experience which may not be representative of all Triad Member experiences, and their appearances were not paid for.  Triad Wealth Partners, LLC is an SEC Registered Investment Adviser. Please visit Triadwealthpartners.com for more information. Triad Wealth Partners, LLC and Triad Partners, LLC are affiliated companies.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What if stronger relationships really did come down to just three things? In this episode, I sit down with Shasta Nelson, one of the most respected voices on the science of connection. She’s a speaker, author, and researcher whose work on relationships has been featured in Harvard Business Review and TIME, whose TEDx talks have reached nearly a million viewers, and whose frameworks are used by companies like Google, LinkedIn, and Walmart. Shasta breaks down the simple relationship triangle that explains why some connections grow deeper while others quietly drift away. We explore how this framework applies directly to the relationships advisors care about most, including clients, teams, spouses, and close friends. We also talk about why high-performing advisors can still feel disconnected, how trust is shaped in small moments rather than big gestures, and how you can intentionally start, strengthen, or even repair relationships instead of leaving them to chance. If you want deeper client trust, stronger teams, and relationships that actually support your life outside the office, this episode gives you a clear way to think about all of it. 3 of the biggest insights from Shasta Nelson… #1.) The Relationship Triangle Explains Why Connections Grow or Drift Shasta introduces a simple triangle built on positivity, consistency, and vulnerability. Every relationship, whether with clients, team members, or family, operates on these three forces. When one weakens, trust doesn’t usually break. It slowly fades. #2.) High Performers Can Be Surrounded by People and Still Feel Lonely Many advisors interact with people all day and still feel disconnected. Shasta explains that loneliness isn’t about a lack of relationships. It’s about a lack of depth. Without relationships at the top of the triangle, connection feels transactional instead of meaningful. #3.) Stronger Client and Team Relationships Can Be Designed Once you understand the triangle, relationships stop being accidental. From first impressions to final moments, rituals, and shared experiences, advisors can intentionally start, strengthen, and even repair relationships instead of leaving trust to chance. SHOW NOTES https://bradleyjohnson.com/151 FOLLOW BRAD JOHNSON ON SOCIAL TwitterInstagramLinkedIn FOLLOW DBDL ON SOCIAL: YouTubeTwitterInstagramLinkedInFacebook DISCLOSURE  DBDL podcast episode conversations are intended to provide financial advisors with ideas, strategies, concepts and tools that could be incorporated into their business and their life. No statements made in the episode are offered as, and shall not constitute financial, investment, tax or legal advice. Financial professionals are responsible for ensuring implementation of anything discussed related to business is done so in accordance with any and all regulatory, compliance responsibilities and obligations.  The Triad member statements reflect their own experience which may not be representative of all Triad Member experiences, and their appearances were not paid for.  Triad Wealth Partners, LLC is an SEC Registered Investment Adviser. Please visit Triadwealthpartners.com for more information. Triad Wealth Partners, LLC and Triad Partners, LLC are affiliated companies.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When clients feel understood, everything gets easier. When they don’t, even the best advice falls flat. In this solo episode, I break down three lessons we can borrow from good doctors that make a huge difference in your meetings as an advisor. Just like in medicine, the best advisors don’t rush to solutions. They slow down, ask better questions, and explain things in a way people can actually follow. I’ll walk through why diagnosing before you prescribe matters, how your “bedside manner” shows up in financial conversations, and why a real plan is something you build with clients over time—not something you hand them once and hope for the best. If you’ve ever left a meeting thinking, “I know I gave them good advice, so why didn’t it land?” these three simple ideas will help you connect better, simplify your process, and create a better experience for every person you serve. 3 of the biggest insights from Brad Johnson… 1.) Diagnose Before You Prescribe Clients don’t want another advisor pushing their “favorite product.” They want someone who seeks to understand—who asks layered questions, listens deeply, and helps both spouses feel heard. This is the foundation of trust and the secret behind higher conversions. 2.) Simplify the Complex with Better Bedside Manner Planning jargon and 80-page printouts don’t impress clients—they overwhelm them. The advisors who win are the ones who translate complexity into simple, relatable frameworks and make clients feel comfortable, safe, and cared for. 3.) Build a Planning Journey, Not a One-Time Plan Delivering a plan is not the finish line, it’s the starting line. When you walk clients through decisions one step at a time and commit to ongoing planning, you avoid overwhelm, deepen your relationship, and increase lifetime value. SHOW NOTES https://bradleyjohnson.com/150 FOLLOW BRAD JOHNSON ON SOCIAL XInstagramLinkedIn FOLLOW DBDL ON SOCIAL: YouTubeTwitterInstagramLinkedInFacebook DISCLOSURE  DBDL podcast episode conversations are intended to provide financial advisors with ideas, strategies, concepts and tools that could be incorporated into their business and their life. No statements made in the episode are offered as, and shall not constitute financial, investment, tax or legal advice. Financial professionals are responsible for ensuring implementation of anything discussed related to business is done so in accordance with any and all regulatory, compliance responsibilities and obligations.  The Triad member statements reflect their own experience which may not be representative of all Triad Member experiences, and their appearances were not paid for.  Triad Wealth Partners, LLC is an SEC Registered Investment Adviser. Please visit Triadwealthpartners.com for more information. Triad Wealth Partners, LLC and Triad Partners, LLC are affiliated companies. TP12254981392 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What do fighter pilots and financial advisors have in common? More than you might think—especially when it comes to performing under pressure. In this episode, I sit down with Carey Lorhenz—the first female F-14 Tomcat fighter pilot in U.S. Navy history—to talk about how the Navy trains people to perform in high-stakes environments without leaving success to chance.  We get into simulation training before live reps, checklists built for people under pressure (because even really smart people forget things), and why debriefing is one of the fastest ways to build trust and alignment on a team. If you’re building an advisory team, trying to develop younger advisors, or tired of repeating the same mistakes as a firm, this episode gives you a playbook you can actually use. 3 of the biggest insights from Carey… #1.) Training Should Look More Like Simulation In the Navy, pilots don’t get thrown into real situations and told to figure it out. Carey explains why so much time is spent in academics and simulators—and why skipping this step is where a lot of advisor training breaks down. #2.) Checklists Exist Because People Forget Checklists aren’t about being rigid. They’re about performing when pressure is high. Carey breaks down how the Navy designs checklists for stressed humans—and why the same thinking applies to client meetings and important conversations. #3.) The Debrief Is Where Teams Actually Get Better Carey walks through a simple five-question debrief that builds trust, surfaces blind spots, and transfers knowledge fast—so teams improve week over week instead of repeating the same mistakes. SHOW NOTES https://bradleyjohnson.com/149 FOLLOW BRAD JOHNSON ON SOCIAL TwitterInstagramLinkedIn FOLLOW DBDL ON SOCIAL: YouTubeTwitterInstagramLinkedInFacebook DISCLOSURE  DBDL podcast episode conversations are intended to provide financial advisors with ideas, strategies, concepts and tools that could be incorporated into their business and their life. No statements made in the episode are offered as, and shall not constitute financial, investment, tax or legal advice. Financial professionals are responsible for ensuring implementation of anything discussed related to business is done so in accordance with any and all regulatory, compliance responsibilities and obligations.  The Triad member statements reflect their own experience which may not be representative of all Triad Member experiences, and their appearances were not paid for.  Triad Wealth Partners, LLC is an SEC Registered Investment Adviser. Please visit Triadwealthpartners.com for more information. Triad Wealth Partners, LLC and Triad Partners, LLC are affiliated companies.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What do you do when doing the right thing gets you fired? That’s the question at the center of this conversation with Keith Leverentz. Keith started his career as a high school science teacher before being recruited into a captive financial firm. He quickly became the number one producer in the organization—but he was doing something most advisors weren’t. He was putting clients first, even when it meant recommending solutions that were less profitable for the company. In 2012, that decision cost him everything. He lost his business, his clients, his niche, and spent a season wondering if he’d ever get back on his feet. Keith didn’t just bounce back. He rebuilt—this time with intention. Today, he leads a 25-person firm that’s on pace for more than $65M in new assets this year. He’s done it by building a real team, integrating his entire family into the business, and putting purpose, generosity, and client outcomes at the center of everything. If you’re a founder who’s been knocked down—or you’re carrying a weight that feels heavier than it should—Keith’s story is a powerful reminder of what’s possible on the other side. 3 of the biggest insights from Keith Leverentz… #1.) The Cost of Doing What’s Right (And Why It Paid Off Later) Keith was the #1 producer in his captive agency — until he refused to sell products that weren’t in his clients’ best interest. That decision got him fired. Keith explains the ethical dilemma that forced him out, the fear and isolation that followed, and how starting over with nothing eventually led to building a 25-person firm. If you’ve ever felt tension between growth and integrity, this part will hit close to home. #2.) Why Most Advisors Feel Overwhelmed (And How to Fix It) Keith explains why hiring an Executive Assistant dropped his stress by 40% — and why this role is one of the most overlooked leverage points in advisory firms. He also breaks down a hard truth about his own business: the org chart was “a mile wide and an inch deep.” This section is a masterclass on why founders become bottlenecks, how poor structure slows growth, and what it actually takes to scale beyond yourself. #3.) Why Undercharging Holds Advisors Back Keith shares how he realized he was undercharging — and why raising fees actually improved client outcomes instead of hurting relationships. You’ll hear how expanding planning capabilities, trusting a bigger team, and clearly communicating value allowed him to move up-market with confidence. If you’re worried about fee pressure, higher-net-worth clients, or whether you’re “ready” for the next level, this section reframes the entire conversation. SHOW NOTES https://bradleyjohnson.com/148 FOLLOW BRAD JOHNSON ON SOCIAL TwitterInstagramLinkedIn FOLLOW DBDL ON SOCIAL: YouTubeTwitterInstagramLinkedInFacebook DISCLOSURE  DBDL podcast episode conversations are intended to provide financial advisors with ideas, strategies, concepts and tools that could be incorporated into their business and their life. No statements made in the episode are offered as, and shall not constitute financial, investment, tax or legal advice. Financial professionals are responsible for ensuring implementation of anything discussed related to business is done so in accordance with any and all regulatory, compliance responsibilities and obligations.  The Triad member statements reflect their own experience which may not be representative of all Triad Member experiences, and their appearances were not paid for.  Triad Wealth Partners, LLC is an SEC Registered Investment Adviser. Please visit Triadwealthpartners.com for more information. Triad Wealth Partners, LLC and Triad Partners, LLC are affiliated companies.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Every advisor is looking back at the year — what worked, what didn’t, and what’s worth carrying into 2026. So I pulled the analytics, reviewed the conversations, and rounded up the five moments that advisors like you rewatched the most. Each clip reveals something different: how to build real structure inside your firm, how to scale yourself out of the bottleneck, how to create a compelling workshop experience, how to master your message, and how elite performers think about growth. If you want a quick way to reset your focus, sharpen how you lead, and build more freedom into your business next year, this episode will give you the clearest lessons from across the show in 2025. These are the ideas advisors trusted the most — and they can help you tighten your model, strengthen your team, and build a business that runs without burning you out. 3 of the biggest insights from the episode… 1.) Structure Is a Growth Multiplier, Not a Corporate Exercise Your business can only scale as quickly as your structure allows. Ladders, levels, delegated authority, and consistent titles aren’t bureaucracy — they’re clarity. And clarity is what frees a founder from becoming the bottleneck. 2.) You Can Duplicate Yourself Faster Than You Think Whether it’s sales or marketing, the advisors who scale the fastest stop relying on personality and start relying on process. When you systematize your approach, you unlock the ability to build a team that produces without you. 3.) Mastery Comes from Focus, Not Doing More Jordan. Kobe. Elite advisors. The common thread? They ignore the noise and obsess over the few skills that drive 80–90% of results. Growth isn’t adding more, it’s deleting what no longer serves the next level. SHOW NOTES https://bradleyjohnson.com/147 FOLLOW BRAD JOHNSON ON SOCIAL XInstagramLinkedIn FOLLOW DBDL ON SOCIAL: YouTubeTwitterInstagramLinkedInFacebook DISCLOSURE  DBDL podcast episode conversations are intended to provide financial advisors with ideas, strategies, concepts and tools that could be incorporated into their business and their life. No statements made in the episode are offered as, and shall not constitute financial, investment, tax or legal advice. Financial professionals are responsible for ensuring implementation of anything discussed related to business is done so in accordance with any and all regulatory, compliance responsibilities and obligations.  The Triad member statements reflect their own experience which may not be representative of all Triad Member experiences, and their appearances were not paid for.  Triad Wealth Partners, LLC is an SEC Registered Investment Adviser. Please visit Triadwealthpartners.com for more information. Triad Wealth Partners, LLC and Triad Partners, LLC are affiliated companies. TP 12254981392 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As a coach to independent financial advisors, I see a lot of advisors struggling with the same issue—they blend in with the advisor down the street. And when prospects can’t see what makes you unique, it becomes a lot harder for them to understand why they should choose you over anyone else. That’s why I loved today’s conversation with Glenn Street. Glenn built one of the most differentiated businesses I’ve ever seen—Street Characters, the company behind many of the most iconic mascots in the NFL, NHL, MLB, and major college sports. But the real lesson from this episode isn’t about mascots. It’s about how he picked a niche, went deep, and created a level of expertise and service that big competitors couldn’t match. Glenn didn’t try to be everything to everyone. He focused on a narrow lane, understood his customers better than anyone else, and delivered a product and experience no one else in his space could touch.  Advisors can do the exact same thing—especially in a market where most firms look and sound identical. When you specialize with intention, understand your audience on a deeper level, and build a brand that feels unmistakably yours, you become the advisor people talk about, remember, and seek out. 3 of the biggest insights from Glenn Street… #1.) Niching Down in a Commoditized Industry One of the things I loved about Glenn’s story is how he didn’t try to compete with the Disneys of the world. He found a narrow lane—sports mascots—and went deeper than anyone else. That’s exactly what most advisors need today. When you pick a niche and truly understand the people you serve, you stop blending in and start becoming the advisor everyone talks about. #2.) Core Values Don’t Matter Unless You Actually Live Them A lot of firms have core values, but very few bring them to life the way Glenn does. His team starts and ends their day with them. They use them to make decisions, solve problems, and hold each other accountable. It’s a simple reminder that culture isn’t something you write, it’s something you practice. #3.) The Right Incentives Turn Good Teams Into Great Ones Glenn has built a culture where A-player behavior is recognized and rewarded—whether that’s through peer shoutouts, clear performance targets, or a team trip to Mexico when they hit their goals. These aren’t random perks; they’re intentional systems that reinforce what “great” looks like.  SHOW NOTES https://bradleyjohnson.com/146 FOLLOW BRAD JOHNSON ON SOCIAL TwitterInstagramLinkedIn FOLLOW DBDL ON SOCIAL: YouTubeTwitterInstagramLinkedInFacebook DISCLOSURE  DBDL podcast episode conversations are intended to provide financial advisors with ideas, strategies, concepts and tools that could be incorporated into their business and their life. No statements made in the episode are offered as, and shall not constitute financial, investment, tax or legal advice. Financial professionals are responsible for ensuring implementation of anything discussed related to business is done so in accordance with any and all regulatory, compliance responsibilities and obligations.  The Triad member statements reflect their own experience which may not be representative of all Triad Member experiences, and their appearances were not paid for.  Triad Wealth Partners, LLC is an SEC Registered Investment Adviser. Please visit Triadwealthpartners.com for more information. Triad Wealth Partners, LLC and Triad Partners, LLC are affiliated companies. TP11254981386 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Advisors everywhere are feeling the pressure to scale, hire, and prepare for a wave of retirements that will reshape the industry. At the same time, firms are struggling to attract women, keep next-gen advisors engaged, and build teams that actually create freedom instead of more work. That’s why I wanted to bring Lindsey Lewis on the show. After building a $200M book in her first year at Vanguard, Lindsey shifted her career toward research at The American College so she could help the profession fix its biggest blind spots—especially around women in finance, advisor retention, and the future talent pipeline. We dig into the data shaping the next decade of financial services: what women uniquely bring to advisory firms, why Gen Z is more interested in this profession than any generation before them, and how training, compensation, and career clarity determine whether young advisors stay or disappear. 4 of the biggest insights from Lindsey … #1.) The Biggest Talent Gap in Advisor History We’re staring down a generational shift in this profession. Tens of thousands of advisors are aging out. And when you run the math, the industry would need to hire over a million new people just to meet today’s demand. Lindsey walks through the data behind this massive workforce gap and why the firms who build real training, career paths, and development now will be miles ahead of everyone else over the next decade. #2.) Women Advisors Are a Huge Missed Opportunity The numbers don’t lie: women make up 25% of CFPs… but only a small fraction are in sales/growth positions. And it’s not a talent issue, it’s how the industry has shaped roles, pay structures, and expectations over time. Lindsey breaks down why women often outperform in retention, personalization, referrals, and relationship depth, yet get pushed into service tracks or stay risk-averse because of cultural narratives, confidence gaps, or biases inside firms. The upside for the firms who fix this is enormous. Women represent one of the biggest untapped growth engines in financial services. #3.) Gen Z Wants In, But Poor Onboarding Pushes Them Out Here’s the part no one expects: financial services is now Gen Z’s top-preferred industry over tech and medicine. But at the same time, 1 in 4 early-career advisors say their onboarding wasn’t effective — and those are the same people who leave within seven years. Lindsey lays out exactly what this generation needs to stay: mentorship, sponsorship, clear career paths, ongoing education, and roles that evolve with their confidence. If you want a talent pipeline that sticks, it starts with the first 12–18 months. #4.) Compensation Makes or Breaks Your Team Comp plans aren’t just about money, they’re about psychology. Young advisors need stability before they’re ready to take on variable comp. Others crave upside and hate the idea of a flat salary. Lindsey explains the difference between income risk tolerance and income risk capacity, and why misalignment between the person and the pay structure is one of the biggest drivers of turnover. When firms get comp wrong, they churn through talent. When they get it right, people stay, grow, and eventually step into the very roles the industry is desperate to fill.  SHOW NOTES https://bradleyjohnson.com/145 FOLLOW BRAD JOHNSON ON SOCIAL TwitterInstagramLinkedIn FOLLOW DBDL ON SOCIAL: YouTubeTwitterInstagramLinkedInFacebook DISCLOSURE  DBDL podcast episode conversations are intended to provide financial advisors with ideas, strategies, concepts and tools that could be incorporated into their business and their life. No statements made in the episode are offered as, and shall not constitute financial, investment, tax or legal advice. Financial professionals are responsible for ensuring implementation of anything discussed related to business is done so in accordance with any and all regulatory, compliance responsibilities and obligations.  The Triad member statements reflect their own experience which may not be representative of all Triad Member experiences, and their appearances were not paid for.  Triad Wealth Partners, LLC is an SEC Registered Investment Adviser. Please visit Triadwealthpartners.com for more information. Triad Wealth Partners, LLC and Triad Partners, LLC are affiliated companies. TP11254981366 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A few years ago, Triad members Dana and Tyler Dunkelberger were gathering $35M in new assets with a four-person team. And like most advisors, when growth started ramping up, they kept their foot on the gas. They ran 100+ dinner seminars a year, added clients as fast as they could, and tried to solve capacity issues by adding more advisors to the team. But the harder they pushed, the more obvious it became — their model couldn’t keep up. They were growing, but it was completely unsustainable. They were building a service nightmare that was slowly swallowing their time, their energy, and their quality of life. Fast forward to today, and not only has their firm tripled growth, pacing for $100M in new assets, but they now have a 17-person team, clearly defined roles, and a model that actually scales.  Dana is here today to walk through the steps they took, the hires they made, and the mindset shifts that turned an unsustainable business into one that scales with purpose and significance. 3 of the biggest insights from Dana Dunkelberger… #1.) Why “Stepping on the Gas” Eventually Stops Working Dana talks about how running 100+ seminars a year filled the pipeline fast — but also created more service work than he and Tyler could ever keep up with. The harder they pushed, the more buried they became. Adding another advisor didn’t fix it either, because it just duplicated the same problem. The real issue wasn’t effort… it was the model. #2) The Shift That Quietly Fueled Their $100M Pace For a long time, Reliance looked like every other firm — same products, same conversations, same playbook. Then Dana and Tyler built a simple, repeatable framework that showed clients exactly how they work and what makes them different. That shift in structure and message made their meetings clearer, their value easier to understand, and became a major driver behind their growth. #3) The One Hire That Opened the Door to $1M+ Clients Dana didn’t realize how much he was holding the business back by trying to build all the plans himself. Bringing on a dedicated planner changed everything. The plans got better, the advisors got to stay in their lane, and higher-net-worth clients suddenly saw a firm with real depth. It was the missing piece that finally allowed the business to scale. SHOW NOTES https://bradleyjohnson.com/144 FOLLOW BRAD JOHNSON ON SOCIAL TwitterInstagramLinkedIn FOLLOW DBDL ON SOCIAL: YouTubeTwitterInstagramLinkedInFacebook DISCLOSURE  DBDL podcast episode conversations are intended to provide financial advisors with ideas, strategies, concepts and tools that could be incorporated into their business and their life. No statements made in the episode are offered as, and shall not constitute financial, investment, tax or legal advice. Financial professionals are responsible for ensuring implementation of anything discussed related to business is done so in accordance with any and all regulatory, compliance responsibilities and obligations.  The Triad member statements reflect their own experience which may not be representative of all Triad Member experiences, and their appearances were not paid for.  Triad Wealth Partners, LLC is an SEC Registered Investment Adviser. Please visit Triadwealthpartners.com for more information. Triad Wealth Partners, LLC and Triad Partners, LLC are affiliated companies. TP11254981357  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Are you struggling to attract and close more high-net-worth clients? What if the reason has nothing to do with your financial plans and everything to do with your office design? In this solo episode, I share one of the most surprising lessons I’ve learned in 20+ years of coaching advisors: the design and intention behind your office directly impacts the clients you attract and the culture you create. Your office is more than a workspace. It’s a physical reflection of your values, beliefs, and the experience you promise to your clients. I’ll show you how thoughtful design can elevate your credibility, boost team culture, and transform how prospects perceive your brand. I’ll also walk you through the three lessons that shaped Triad’s new headquarters, so you can apply the same principles to your own firm and start attracting higher-net-worth clients while building a culture your team loves coming to every day. 3 of the biggest insights from Brad… #1.) Celebrate What Matters in Business and Life Most advisors design an office that looks good on paper, but doesn’t feel like them. In this episode, I share how to build a space that actually tells your story. From our Do Business, Do Life wall filled with team goals to the way you showcase client experiences instead of sales awards, I’ll show you how to create an environment that instantly connects and builds trust with million-dollar clients. #2.). Speak Things Into Existence That Matter At Triad, we believe language creates culture. So when we built our new office, we wanted our walls to literally speak our values. Instead of labeling rooms A, B, and C, we named them after the beliefs we live by—like the “Significance Suite” and the “Day One Café.” We even have an “Empty Chair” in every conference room to represent our members, reminding us to always build on their behalf. It’s a simple way to make sure what we say we believe shows up in how we work every day. #3.) Create a Collision-Friendly Environment We fixed one of the biggest mistakes from our first office—silos. In our new space, we built what I call a “hub-and-spoke” design that sparks connection. The hub is where ideas collide—coffee stations, couches, even a kegerator—and the spokes are where deep work happens. I’ll share how this setup boosted creativity, broke down barriers, and created a vibe that everyone—from team members to visiting advisors—can feel the moment they walk in. SHOW NOTES https://bradleyjohnson.com/143 FOLLOW BRAD JOHNSON ON SOCIAL XInstagramLinkedIn FOLLOW DBDL ON SOCIAL: YouTubeTwitterInstagramLinkedInFacebook DISCLOSURE  DBDL podcast episode conversations are intended to provide financial advisors with ideas, strategies, concepts and tools that could be incorporated into their business and their life. No statements made in the episode are offered as, and shall not constitute financial, investment, tax or legal advice. Financial professionals are responsible for ensuring implementation of anything discussed related to business is done so in accordance with any and all regulatory, compliance responsibilities and obligations. The Triad member statements reflect their own experience which may not be representative of all Triad Member experiences, and their appearances were not paid for. Triad Wealth Partners, LLC is an SEC Registered Investment Adviser. Please visit Triadwealthpartners.com for more information. Triad Wealth Partners, LLC and Triad Partners, LLC are affiliated companies. TP11254897334.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Live from Future Proof, I sat down with Jason Early, Founder and CEO of RISR — an AI platform that’s helping financial advisors rethink how they serve business-owner clients. Here’s the truth: for most entrepreneurs, their business is their biggest asset — but most advisors just ask, “What’s it worth?” jot down a guess, and move on. Jason and his team built RISR around a simple belief: business owners deserve better advice, and the advisors who serve them need better tools to give it. RISR connects directly to a company’s financials, uses AI to generate real-time valuations, and gives advisors the insights they need to guide clients through growth, succession, and exit planning. It helps advisors have the right conversations — earlier — so they’re there long before the liquidity event, not chasing it after the fact. In this conversation, Jason shares how top advisors are using RISR to win business-owner clients, deepen relationships, and deliver the kind of advice that builds lasting trust. 3 of the biggest insights from Jason Early… #1.) How Top Advisors Are Using RISR to Stand Out Advisors aren’t just running valuations, they’re using RISR to open doors, deepen trust, and win business-owner clients long before a liquidity event. By showing up with real data on what the client’s business is worth, advisors shift the conversation from “asset management” to “business strategy.” It’s helping them justify planning fees, spark succession discussions, and position themselves as the quarterback for every major decision that impacts the owner’s wealth and legacy. #2.) The Truth About Business Valuation (and Why It’s Usually Wrong) Most business owners miscalculate what their company is worth — often by millions. Jason breaks down why, from owner dependency and client concentration to “country club math” and non-normalized EBITDA. He also explains how objective valuation data brings alignment between partners and families, turning tough money talks into clarity. #3.) What Every Advisor Should Know About Succession & Exit Planning Business owners rarely plan their exits well. Jason explains how advisors can use valuation insights to build readiness conversations, prevent conflict between partners, and even influence deal outcomes. These are high-trust, high-value planning opportunities that position advisors as long-term strategic partners — not just investment managers. SHOW NOTES https://bradleyjohnson.com/142 FREE GIFT + JOIN THE DBDL INSIDER CREW Today's Gift: 30 minute 1:1 coaching call with Brad Are you a financial advisor who feels stuck, needs help, or simply wants to have a conversation with Brad? Text “Coaching” to 785-800-3235 to apply for a 30 minute Zoom coaching session and we’ll send you a link to Apply. That will also make you a DBDL Insider with VIP access to future resources and exclusive content. *Message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP at any time to opt-out of receiving text messages. FOLLOW BRAD JOHNSON ON SOCIAL TwitterInstagramLinkedIn FOLLOW DBDL ON SOCIAL: YouTubeTwitterInstagramLinkedInFacebook DISCLOSURE  DBDL podcast episode conversations are intended to provide financial advisors with ideas, strategies, concepts and tools that could be incorporated into their business and their life. No statements made in the episode are offered as, and shall not constitute financial, investment, tax or legal advice. Financial professionals are responsible for ensuring implementation of anything discussed related to business is done so in accordance with any and all regulatory, compliance responsibilities and obligations.  The Triad member statements reflect their own experience which may not be representative of all Triad Member experiences, and their appearances were not paid for.  Triad Wealth Partners, LLC is an SEC Registered Investment Adviser. Please visit Triadwealthpartners.com for more information. Triad Wealth Partners, LLC and Triad Partners, LLC are affiliated companies.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Live from Future Proof, I sat down beachside with Eden Ovadia, Co-Founder and CEO of FINNY—the AI-powered marketing platform helping advisors solve one of the biggest challenges in wealth management: organic growth. For years, the industry has relied on market returns and acquisitions to drive scale. But when the market slows, most firms discover they don’t actually have a growth engine—they have a valuation problem. Eden saw that gap and built FINNY to fix it. In less than a year, she launched the company, joined Y Combinator, raised $6.5 million, and created a 15-person team that’s helping advisors identify ideal prospects, automate personalized outreach, and attract new clients at scale. Eden also shares how her decision to live in her office became a powerful expression of belief in what she’s building. That unwavering faith in the mission inspired her team to buy in completely—creating a culture grounded in trust, shared conviction, and the certainty that they’re building something extraordinary together. 3 of the biggest insights from Eden Ovadia… 1.) The Industry’s Organic Growth Problem Is Getting Too Big to Ignore Advisors have been riding market returns and acquisitions for years—but when the market dips, most firms realize their “growth” isn’t really growth. Eden breaks down why the industry’s obsession with M&A has masked a massive organic growth crisis—and how advisors who solve it are commanding double the valuations of their peers. 2.) AI Is Revolutionizing Prospecting for Advisors Eden’s company, FINNY, gives advisors access to over 300 million data profiles and turns that data into personalized marketing automation—helping them find and convert ideal clients faster than ever before. From identifying business owners researching “exit planning” to filling dinner seminars with precision, FINNY shows what’s possible when prospecting meets AI. 3.) Great Leaders Build Belief Before They Build Teams Eden scaled FINNY from 0 to 15 employees in a year—but her real advantage wasn’t speed, it was conviction. From living in her office to creating a culture that feels like family, she proves that people don’t just join startups—they join founders who believe deeply in their vision. Her playbook for culture, hiring, and customer obsession applies to any advisor building a business that lasts. SHOW NOTES https://bradleyjohnson.com/141 FREE GIFT + JOIN THE DBDL INSIDER CREW Today's Gift: 30 minute 1:1 coaching call with Brad Are you a financial advisor who feels stuck, needs help, or simply wants to have a conversation with Brad? Text “Coaching” to 785-800-3235 to apply for a 30 minute Zoom coaching session and we’ll send you a link to Apply. That will also make you a DBDL Insider with VIP access to future resources and exclusive content. *Message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP at any time to opt-out of receiving text messages. FOLLOW BRAD JOHNSON ON SOCIAL TwitterInstagramLinkedIn FOLLOW DBDL ON SOCIAL: YouTubeTwitterInstagramLinkedInFacebook DISCLOSURE  DBDL podcast episode conversations are intended to provide financial advisors with ideas, strategies, concepts and tools that could be incorporated into their business and their life. No statements made in the episode are offered as, and shall not constitute financial, investment, tax or legal advice. Financial professionals are responsible for ensuring implementation of anything discussed related to business is done so in accordance with any and all regulatory, compliance responsibilities and obligations.  The Triad member statements reflect their own experience which may not be representative of all Triad Member experiences, and their appearances were not paid for.  Triad Wealth Partners, LLC is an SEC Registered Investment Adviser. Please visit Triadwealthpartners.com for more information. Triad Wealth Partners, LLC and Triad Partners, LLC are affiliated companies. TP11254897301 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, I got to catch up with three amazing Triad members — Gary Hansen, Jaris Hansen, and Josh Cumrine — to break down how they turned a founder-led firm, Retirement Planning Center of the Rockies, into a team-driven business that’s tripled in size over the past three years, now closing in on $40 million of new assets in 2025. Gary started this thing back in the ’70s as a one-man insurance practice. Fast forward a few decades, and his son Jaris and son-in-law Josh are now running the next chapter. But it wasn’t always smooth sailing. For years, they were grinding — three advisors running three different playbooks, sitting in every client meeting, and doing everything themselves. The effort was there, but the structure wasn’t. They were growing busier, not bigger. Then in 2022, everything shifted. They stopped running three different playbooks and decided to run one. They quit selling products and started leading clients through a clear, repeatable process. They put the right people in the right seats and built systems that gave clients confidence and their team freedom. Today, RPC isn’t just a family business. It’s a growing legacy — built on values, powered by structure, and set up to keep scaling for generations to come. 3 of the biggest insights from RPC Financial… 1.) From Chaos to Clarity — How Structure Unlocked Growth For years, each advisor ran their own show. Once they unified under one brand and clarified responsibilities, the firm took off. Structure created consistency and consistency created scale. 2.) The Mindset Shift That Led to a 95% Close Rate When they stopped “selling products” and started leading clients through a proven process, everything changed. By the second meeting, 95% of qualified prospects were saying yes — without doing any upfront planning for free. 3.) Building a Brand That Connects and Keeps Evolving Words matter. The language your team uses shapes how people see and trust you. By creating their Summit Retirement Guide and using simple, powerful language like “confidence in the path ahead” and “sleep well at night,” RPC built a message clients actually remember. And the best part? They’re still refining it, making sure their brand grows right alongside their business. SHOW NOTES https://bradleyjohnson.com/140 FREE GIFT + JOIN THE DBDL INSIDER CREW Today's Gift: 30 minute 1:1 coaching call with Brad Are you a financial advisor who feels stuck, needs help, or simply wants to have a conversation with Brad? Text “Coaching” to 785-800-3235 to apply for a 30 minute Zoom coaching session and we’ll send you a link to Apply. That will also make you a DBDL Insider with VIP access to future resources and exclusive content. *Message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP at any time to opt-out of receiving text messages. FOLLOW BRAD JOHNSON ON SOCIAL TwitterInstagramLinkedIn FOLLOW DBDL ON SOCIAL: YouTubeTwitterInstagramLinkedInFacebook DISCLOSURE  DBDL podcast episode conversations are intended to provide financial advisors with ideas, strategies, concepts and tools that could be incorporated into their business and their life. No statements made in the episode are offered as, and shall not constitute financial, investment, tax or legal advice. Financial professionals are responsible for ensuring implementation of anything discussed related to business is done so in accordance with any and all regulatory, compliance responsibilities and obligations.  The Triad member statements reflect their own experience which may not be representative of all Triad Member experiences, and their appearances were not paid for.  Triad Wealth Partners, LLC is an SEC Registered Investment Adviser. Please visit Triadwealthpartners.com for more information. Triad Wealth Partners, LLC and Triad Partners, LLC are affiliated companies. TP10254897290 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.