The Elite Financial Advisor Podcast With Sten Morgan

In this episode, Sten Morgan sits down with Blake Brewer, the founder of Legacy Letter, who’s on a mission to help one million people write a meaningful, lasting letter to the people they love most. Blake shares the moment that shaped his entire life: at 19, while snorkeling with his dad in Hawaii, his father drowned in treacherous waters. Hours later, Blake’s mom handed him a letter his dad had written for him—words that brought comfort, clarity, peace, and direction when he needed it most.That legacy letter didn’t just help Blake grieve—it helped him grow. Years later, as a father himself, Blake realized writing a letter to his own kids was both harder and more transformative than he expected. That experience became the spark for a structured process—workshops, templates, prompts, and an online program—that has now helped 20,000+ people write their own legacy letters.Sten and Blake also unpack why this matters deeply for financial advisors: many clients are building wealth, but struggle to pass down values, voice, and relationship. The legacy letter becomes a powerful tool—not only for families, but for advisors who want to deepen trust, create more meaningful client conversations, and build multi-generational relationships. It’s simple, but it’s not easy—and it might be one of the most impactful “gifts” an advisor can introduce to a client’s life.TakeawaysA legacy letter can change someone’s life. Blake’s father’s letter became a source of comfort, clarity, and stability after sudden loss.Simple doesn’t mean easy. Most people want to write a letter—but perfectionism, emotion, and “where do I start?” keep them stuck.Your words become their inner voice. What parents say becomes what children repeat to themselves—confidence or criticism often starts at home.Writing the letter changes the writer. The process clarifies values, strengthens identity, and gives you something to “go live out.”Legacy isn’t just money—it’s relationship, meaning, and values. Advisors can help clients pass down more than wealth.It can restore relationships. A well-written letter can soften conflict, reopen connection, and rebuild family rhythms.For advisors, this creates deeper trust. Clients often become more bonded to the advisor who helps them do something this meaningful.It gives advisors better conversations than performance alone. In down markets, legacy conversations can matter more than numbers.It can become part of a repeatable practice. Not a “one-off idea,” but a woven-in component alongside estate planning and family planning.There’s a scalable pathway. Blake offers workshops, a $97 online program, and an advisor “Legacy Letter Advocate” model to roll it out to clients.https://gobeelite.com/

In this conversation, Ritik Malhotra shares his entrepreneurial journey, discussing his early passion for technology, the challenges of starting and scaling companies, and the importance of product-market fit. He emphasizes the need for small, resilient teams during the ideation phase and the significance of clear communication and leadership styles. Malhotra also provides insights for financial advisors, highlighting the importance of understanding their unique value propositions and the role of technology in supporting their businesses. He concludes by discussing Savvy Wealth's mission to empower advisors and the importance of focusing on the purpose behind their work.TakeawaysRitik's journey began with a love for computers at a young age.The ideation phase is akin to a science lab experiment.Small teams are crucial during the product-market fit phase.Clarity in communication helps alleviate team anxiety.Written communication fosters understanding and alignment.Successful leadership requires balancing inspiration and example.Overcoming mental resistance is key to entrepreneurial success.Financial advisors must find their unique value propositions.Savvy Wealth aims to empower advisors by reducing friction.The purpose of work goes beyond daily activities. https://gobeelite.com/

In this conversation, Sten Morgan and Wendell Moon explore the dynamics of teamwork, leadership, and personal growth within a professional setting. They discuss the importance of open communication, trust, and vulnerability in fostering a supportive work environment. The dialogue delves into the challenges of navigating personal and team friction, the significance of setting clear expectations, and the value of collaboration in achieving shared goals. Through their experiences, they highlight the need for leaders to balance their styles with the diverse needs of their teams while embracing discomfort as a catalyst for growth.TakeawaysIt's refreshing to work with someone confident in who they are.Trust is essential in navigating team dynamics.Open communication can prevent misunderstandings.Leaders must create an environment where everyone feels connected.Discomfort can lead to growth and innovation.Setting clear expectations is crucial for accountability.Collaboration fosters deeper connections among team members.Learning from unhealthy work relationships is valuable.Leaders should balance their styles with team needs.Personal growth is intertwined with team success.https://gobeelite.com/

Duane Murray, an experienced leader, C12 chair, and former healthcare executive, shares insights on balancing mission and margin in business. He emphasizes that a sustainable business is essential for fulfilling a meaningful mission. Throughout their discussion, Duane highlights how personal experiences fuel passion and purpose in leadership. He encourages entrepreneurs to prioritize margin as the 'fuel' for their mission-driven work and urges them to practice generosity, reminding listeners that true engagement comes from connecting purpose with profit.

In this conversation, the speakers delve into the intricacies of financial planning and advisory practices, discussing the evolution of their careers, the importance of communication skills, and the challenges faced by financial advisors. They explore the significance of charging for financial planning services, the role of technology in enhancing efficiency, and the dynamics of hiring and team management. The discussion emphasizes the need for personal growth, curiosity, and the pursuit of excellence in the financial advisory field, while also addressing the importance of creating a sustainable business model that can thrive independently of the advisor's direct involvement.TakeawaysThe journey of a financial advisor often involves learning from mistakes and seeking better paths.Charging for financial planning services can enhance perceived value and client commitment.Communication skills are crucial for success in the financial advisory industry.Building efficient practices requires delegation and effective team dynamics.Technology can streamline financial planning processes and improve client deliverables.Hiring the right talent is essential for scaling a financial advisory practice.Personal growth and continuous learning are vital for long-term success.Creating a sustainable business model allows for greater freedom and work-life balance.Understanding the value of financial advice can shift client perspectives on fees.Embracing discomfort and seeking challenges can lead to significant personal and professional growth.https://gobeelite.com/

In this conversation, Caleb Brown discusses the challenges and strategies in hiring within the financial planning industry. He shares his journey into the field, the importance of hiring the right talent, and the role of paraplanners. The discussion also covers the demand for talent, the hiring process, and the challenges that come with it. Caleb emphasizes the need for firms to be proactive in their hiring strategies to ensure growth and success.TakeawaysCaleb's journey into financial planning began with a lack of opportunities for new graduates.The financial planning industry needs more diversity and career changers.Hiring should be proactive, not reactive, to avoid overwhelming situations.Paraplanners can significantly enhance a firm's efficiency and client service.The hiring process should be clear and well-defined to attract the right candidates.Firms often wait too long to hire, leading to burnout and inefficiency.The right hire can transform a firm's culture and client relationships.Recruiting is not just about skills; cultural fit is equally important.The demand for talent in financial planning is high, but firms often seek specific profiles.A structured hiring process can prevent costly mistakes and improve firm performance.https://gobeelite.com/

Roger Pine, co-founder of Holistaplan and a former financial advisor, delves into the transformative impact of technology on financial advising. He emphasizes the intrinsic value of financial planning, urging advisors to embrace inclusivity regardless of client wealth. The discussion highlights the importance of efficient practices for job satisfaction and the need for advisors to communicate their worth beyond transactions. Roger also shares insights on scaling advice through innovative software, enabling advisors to enhance client experiences while managing increased capacities.

This conversation delves into the reasons behind seller hesitation in business transactions, particularly focusing on the identity crisis that sellers face post-sale. Mark Osborne emphasizes the importance of financial advisors in helping sellers navigate their options and develop a clear plan for life after selling their business, which can instill confidence and reduce the likelihood of deals falling through.TakeawaysThe biggest reason why deals don't transact is because the seller gets cold feet.Sellers often face an identity crisis after selling their business.Financial advisors play a crucial role in guiding sellers through their options.Having a clear plan post-sale can boost seller confidence.Sellers need to consider what they will do after selling.Options for sellers include starting a foundation or pursuing new career stages.Understanding seller hesitation can improve transaction success rates.Deal teams should address sellers' concerns about their future.Confidence in selling is essential for business owners.Navigating post-sale life is as important as the sale itself.https://gobeelite.com/

Darryll Stinson, a former high-level Division I athlete turned speaker and mental health advocate, shares his remarkable journey of transformation. He delves into how pain can drive change while purpose leads the way, highlighting the power of storytelling for personal growth. Stinson emphasizes emotional clarity as vital for effective leadership and suggests aligning financial success with meaningful impact. He introduces daily emotional accounting as a practice for greater self-awareness, stressing that reflecting on life experiences can unlock personal potential.

Timothy Smith, a former actor turned successful financial advisor and RIA founder, shares his transformative journey into finance. He stresses the importance of having a strategic plan, effective communication, and mentorship for career success. Tim highlights the challenge of transitioning firms and the need for self-awareness and lifelong learning in the advisory field. He advocates for a balanced approach between insurance and investment advice while setting bold goals to reignite passion in one’s career, revealing his target market of ultra-high-net-worth clients.