Monthly Archives: April 2025

Volatility, Value, and Vision: How Leading Advisors Are Winning in Changing Times (Ep. 76)

Advisor, Business, Education, Finance, Financial, Uncategorized, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

In this episode of Always On, Duncan MacPherson welcomes back Chris Jeppesen, Chief of Advisory Practices at First Trust, for a timely conversation rooted in real-world field experience. As volatility continues to test the industry, the best financial advisors aren’t retreating, they’re leaning in. Duncan and Chris unpack how the most effective teams are embracing this environment as a catalyst for deeper relationships, elevated leadership, and long-term enterprise value.

They explore the mindset and tactical shifts that top performers are making, from transitioning toward advice-centric models and AI adoption, to scaling their practices without diluting the client experience. The conversation also addresses the advisor’s personal evolution, with insights on leadership, strategic planning, and legacy-building.

Key takeaways include:

  • How to “value stack” with proactive communication, personalized planning, and future-focused conversations
  • What advisors must do now to stay ahead of shifting client expectations and emerging competition
  • Why AI isn’t optional, and how to use it to develop IP, scale client acquisition, and enhance team efficiency
  • Leadership, delegation, and building a business that creates both freedom and fulfillment

Resources:

Connect With Duncan MacPherson:

Connect With Chris:

About Our Guests:

Chris Jeppesen is the head of advisory practices at First Trust, a firm known not only for its robust investment product line which includes UITs, ETFs, SMAs, and VAs (to name a few) but also for its commitment to the growth of financial advisors. First Trust has dedicated many years to finding (and investing in) creative ways to help financial advisors grow their practices. Chris’ goal over the last 18 years has been to give financial advisors the tools to develop an efficient business model focused on building long-term client trust and loyalty. Chris is also the co-author of The Advisor Playbook and The Blue Square Method.

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Bridging Money and Meaning: Dr. Amy D’Aprix on Purpose-Driven Financial Advice (Ep. 75) In this episode, Duncan sits down with Dr. Amy D’Aprix, a certified gerontologist, life transition expert, author, and the founder of LifeBridge Strategies to talk about how financial professionals can go beyond the numbers and deepen their client relationships.

Bridging Money and Meaning: Dr. Amy D’Aprix on Purpose-Driven Financial Advice (Ep. 75)

Advisor, Business, Education, Finance, Financial, Uncategorized, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

In this episode, Duncan sits down with Dr. Amy D’Aprix, a certified gerontologist, life transition expert, author, and the founder of LifeBridge Strategies to talk about how financial professionals can go beyond the numbers and deepen their client relationships.

Amy has spent decades helping advisors bring more empathy, purpose, and relevance into their process. Our conversation centered around the “life side” of retirement, how to align money with meaning and position yourself as the advisor of choice, especially in a world where loyalty, longevity, and family dynamics are all evolving.

In this episode, they discuss:

  • How to elevate your conversations beyond financial metrics and into what truly matters to clients
  • A simple framework, Listen, Empathize, Reassure, Act (LERA), to make empathy part of your process
  • Real-world stories of how authentic connection drives client retention and high-quality introductions
  • Why it’s essential to build relationships with the entire family, especially women and the next generation
  • How to help clients (and yourself) avoid burnout by rethinking retirement as a shift toward fulfillment
  • Tangible ways to become indispensable in a time when AI can replace knowledge, but not emotional intelligence

If you’re looking to become more referable, more memorable, and more valuable, this conversation will give you practical ways to do just that.

Resources:

Connect With Duncan MacPherson:

Connect with Dr. Amy D’Aprix:

About Our Guest

Amy D’Aprix is an internationally respected expert on lifestyle issues relating to retirement, aging, caregiving, and family dynamics. With a Ph.D. in Social Work, “Dr. Amy,” as she is affectionately known, provides down-to-earth, practical, and professionally informed guidance on Life Transitions to individuals, professionals, and organizations.

A compelling and pragmatic speaker, and coach, Dr. Amy, has inspired thousands of Financial Advisors and their clients across North America. She has consulted for the financial industry and trained advisors for over 20 years, providing sound guidance in navigating life’s events and challenges to ensure the success of overall life goals and financial plans.

This passion is reflected in LifeBridge Strategies offerings, such as Trusted Advisor of Choice™, a program for financial professionals to better understand their clients’ concerns and LifeMap™, an exclusive membership site to help advisor’s clients proactively prepare for the life transitions they face.

Amy is a Certified Professional Consultant on Aging (CPCA). She has authored the book, From Surviving to Thriving: Transforming Your Caregiving Journey and created the Life Memories Journal and Caring Cards to inspire more meaningful conversations between generations. Amy is also a Director of The International Federation on Ageing.

Dr. Amy is regularly featured and interviewed on television, radio, podcasts, and online publications.

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