Financial Advisor Success
Michael Kitces
The Financial Advisor Success podcast brings you real success stories and insights from the most successful financial advisors, and leading industry consultants, about how to take your advisory business to the next level. Get a glimpse of what it's like behind the scenes building a successful advisory business, and how entrepreneurial advisors navigate the inevitable highs, and lows, of growing a firm. Whether you're a new financial advisor trying to get started on the right foot, or an experienced advisor who's hit a wall, we're here to give you the insights and inspiration you need to break through and reach the level of success you want to achieve. Subscribe to the show, and get even more at the leading industry blog Nerd’s Eye View at www.Kitces.com.
Episodes
Mentioned books
23 snips
Feb 25, 2025 • 1h 30min
Ep 426: Rolling Out An Equity Compensation Plan To Align The Entire Team On Client Service And Profitable Growth with Jennifer des Groseilliers
Jennifer des Groseilliers, CEO of The Mather Group, shares insights from managing over $15 billion in assets. She discusses how her firm implemented a broad-based equity compensation plan to align employee interests with client service and growth. Jennifer highlights the importance of performance metrics, SMART goals, and the separation of sales and advisory roles for optimal results. The conversation also covers how emotional intelligence fosters effective leadership and the benefits of equity over cash in motivating teams.
Feb 18, 2025 • 1h 30min
Ep 425: Implementing A Financial Planning Quality Control System To Improve Both Client Outcomes And Referrals with Sebastian Guerra
Sebastian Guerra, President of Guerra Wealth Advisors, shares insights on enhancing client outcomes through an innovative quality control system. His firm follows up with clients after meetings for immediate feedback, boosting referrals and improving service quality. He discusses onboarding nearly 480 households in a year through educational events and a streamlined process. Guerra reveals how adopting the Entrepreneurial Operating System has aided their growth and emphasizes the balance between his personal life as a new husband and father alongside business commitments.
20 snips
Feb 11, 2025 • 1h 30min
Ep 424: Executing A Successful Internal Succession Plan In The Private Equity Era Of Advisor M&A with David Grau Jr.
David Grau Jr., president of Succession Resource Group, brings two decades of expertise to the table, dissecting the intricate world of internal succession planning for financial advisors. He addresses the allure of high valuations from private equity and why founders should consider the long-term legacy of transitioning their firms internally. David shares strategies for establishing clear career paths, managing ownership transitions, and the financial benefits of structured succession plans. He emphasizes that thoughtful planning can enhance external valuations while ensuring client continuity.
12 snips
Feb 4, 2025 • 1h 30min
Ep 423: Expanding Across The Household By Helping (Affluent) Sandwich Generation Kids With Their Parents’ Financial Needs with Cristina Livadary
In a fascinating discussion, Cristina Livadary, CEO of Mana Financial Life Design, shares her journey in helping the sandwich generation manage the financial needs of both their children and aging parents. She elaborates on the complexity-based fee structure her firm adopted and the importance of 20-minute 'fit' meetings with potential clients. Cristina's personal experiences provide insight into the emotional and logistical challenges faced by this demographic. She emphasizes the value of empathetic communication and the essential role of defined team roles in fostering effective client services.
4 snips
Jan 28, 2025 • 1h 30min
Ep 422: Developing Your Leadership Skillset On The Path From Intern To President Of A $13B AUM Enterprise with Kay Lynn Mayhue
In this engaging discussion, Kay Lynn Mayhue, President of Merit Financial Advisors, reflects on her remarkable journey from intern to leading a $13 billion firm. She shares key leadership lessons learned from early management mistakes and the importance of empathy and team relationships. Kay highlights how personality assessments enhance hiring and client interactions, and discusses her proactive approach to mergers and acquisitions. Additionally, she explores strategies for fostering organic growth and the psychology behind effective leadership in the advisory sector.
25 snips
Jan 21, 2025 • 1h 24min
Ep 421: Integrating Tax Preparation Without Hiring In-House CPAs To Bring More Tax-Focused Value with Daniel Friedman
Daniel Friedman, CEO of WMGNA, shares insights from his hybrid advisory firm managing $270 million in assets. He discusses integrating outsourced CPA tax preparation into client services, allowing his team to focus on tailored tax strategies. Friedman elaborates on the 'Restylement' concept, helping clients redefine life transitions, and underscores the importance of a ‘director of first impressions’ in client relations. He also highlights the unique subscription-based fee model and the rare invocation of a money-back guarantee, which speaks to his firm's commitment to exceptional service.
36 snips
Jan 14, 2025 • 1h 30min
Ep 420: Making Financial Planning More Repeatable Without Losing The Customization Where Clients Prioritize What Matters Most with Michelle Underwood Gass
Michelle Underwood Gass, the Founding Principal of Paradigm Advisors, discusses her innovative approach to financial planning, blending standardized processes with custom solutions for clients. She details her 5-part planning framework, including unique 'Get to Know You' meetings that uncover client priorities. Michelle explains her use of technology for seamless onboarding and highlights her dual fee structure that caters to high-earning professionals. She shares her journey from hedge fund management to finding fulfillment in building a purpose-driven advisory firm.
Jan 7, 2025 • 1h 30min
Ep 419: Attracting Clients Who Want To Align Their Investments With Their Values With A Sustainable Investing Approach with Peter Krull
Peter Krull, Director of Sustainable Investing at Earth Equity Advisors, specializes in aligning investments with personal values. He shares insights on the evolution from traditional investing to sustainable practices, emphasizing the importance of ESG factors. Peter discusses how focusing on specific sectors can boost business and adapt to changing client demographics post-pandemic. He highlights practical steps for building diversified sustainable portfolios and the value of self-awareness in investment strategies, ultimately guiding clients toward investments that reflect their vision for the future.
11 snips
Dec 31, 2024 • 1h 30min
Ep 418: Developing The “Middle” Management Layer To Scale Up Team Leadership Capacity For $3B Of AUM with Stacey McKinnon
Stacey McKinnon, COO of Morton Wealth, discusses her innovative leadership training program designed for middle managers in a rapidly growing firm. As the team expanded from 30 to 60 employees, she tackled managerial challenges, identifying common archetypes and fostering effective communication. The podcast highlights the shift to a more flexible client meeting schedule, strategies for empowering a self-sustaining team, and insights from U.S. Women's National Soccer Team Coach Emma Hayes on nurturing leadership. Stacey emphasizes the importance of adjusting management styles to maintain productivity amidst growth.
Dec 24, 2024 • 1h 40min
Ep 417: Establishing Your Authority As An Expert By Following A Short Book Formula For Authorship with Paul G McManus
Paul G McManus, CEO of More Clients More Fun, helps financial advisors publish impactful books in just six weeks. He discusses how authorship can bolster trust and differentiate advisors in a competitive market. McManus emphasizes that books should be viewed as marketing tools rather than profit sources, and he shares effective strategies for launching and promoting them. He also explores the evolving audiobook landscape and the importance of concise writing in establishing authority. This insightful conversation reveals how leveraging authorship can significantly enhance client engagement.
