Category Archives: Financial Advisor

Why Elite Advisors Think Differently Ep. 91

Why Elite Advisors Think Differently (Ep. 91)

Advisor, Business, Coaching, Consulting, Education, Finance, Financial, Financial Advisor, Uncategorized, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Most financial advisors are really good at their job, and that might be exactly what’s holding them back!

Duncan MacPherson is joined by Pareto coaches Jason Westover and Mike “Cy” Cajthaml Jr. for a candid, high-level conversation on what the best financial advisors are doing right now to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry.

Together, they unpack what it truly means to become the “advisor of the future”,  from growing up-market and attracting ideal clients, to making the pivotal shift from technician to CEO. As disruption accelerates and AI reshapes workflows, the discussion centers on how top-performing advisors are leveraging both technology and human insight to build scalable, enterprise-value businesses.

The conversation explores the widening gap between complacency and ambition, the power of intentional practice management, and why relationship excellence, not technical expertise alone, remains the ultimate differentiator. Jason and Mike also share real-world observations from coaching some of the most sophisticated advisory teams in North America, highlighting the habits, structures, and mindset shifts that separate sustainable firms from stalled practices.

Key highlights include:

  • Why growing “up-market” often starts with refining your top 50 relationships
  • The transition from advisor to CEO, and why delegation unlocks scale
  • How leading teams are using AI to compress time without compromising trust
  • The importance of client advisory councils and feedback loops
  • Why no one wants to buy your job, only your business

This is a practical, forward-looking discussion for financial advisors who want to avoid plateauing, build enterprise value, and design a business that ultimately serves their life, not the other way around.

Tune in for strategic insight, tactical ideas, and a clear roadmap for what’s next in advisory leadership.

Promotions:

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Connect With Mike “Cy” Cajthaml Jr.:

About Our Guests:

Jason Westover has spent over 20 years helping financial advisors, sales teams, and wholesalers perform at their best. After discovering Pareto Systems 15 years ago, he became one of its strongest advocates, using its proven coaching methods to help top performers elevate their businesses. Today he’s also leading conversations on how AI tools can transform advisor effectiveness and client outcomes across the industry.

Jason lives near Kansas City with his wife and three children. Outside of work he’s a competition BBQ cook and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitor.

Mike “Cy” Cajthaml Jr. brings 17 years of financial services experience to his role as a Pareto coach. His background spans insurance marketing, nationwide advisor consulting, and working alongside his father as a financial advisor in Overland Park, KS. That blend of wholesale and retail experience gives Mike a unique perspective in helping advisory firms integrate the Pareto Process and build toward their ideal practice.

Mike lives in Overland Park with his wife Ashley and their two sons, Cameron and Carson. Outside of work he enjoys golf, a good cigar, and cheering on the Chicago Bears.

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The Financial Advisor’s Long Game with Brad Johnson (Ep. 90)

Advisor, Business, Coaching, Consulting, Education, Finance, Financial, Financial Advisor, Uncategorized, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

What will separate the advisors who thrive over the next decade from those who get left behind?

Join Duncan as he sits down with Brad Johnson, co-founder of Triad Partners and host of the Do Business. Do Life. podcast, for a wide-ranging conversation on what it truly takes to build a sustainable, future-ready advisory business. Together, they explore how innovation, long-term thinking, and human-centered planning are redefining success in financial services. As demographic shifts accelerate and complexity increases for both advisors and clients, Brad shares insights on why advisors must evolve beyond portfolio management and toward holistic planning that balances growth, protection, income, and purpose.

The conversation also dives into the importance of resilience, perspective, and values, drawing on lessons from entrepreneurship, market cycles, and life itself. Brad outlines why the next decade may be the greatest opportunity Financial Advisors have ever seen, provided they embrace process, patience, and genuine service.

Key highlights include:

  • Why true financial planning goes far beyond portfolios and products
  • The impact of demographic shifts and the “silver tsunami” on advisory opportunities
  • How income planning and distribution strategies are often the missing link for retirees
  • The role of alternative assets, personal interests, and non-traditional wealth in modern planning
  • Building a business that serves life, not one that sacrifices it

Tune in for a thoughtful, practical discussion on becoming a trusted, long-term partner to clients while building a business, and a life, that endures through every season.

Promotions:


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About Our Guest:

Brad Johnson is co-founder of Triad Partners and the host of the transformative “Do Business. Do Life.” podcast. Embodying a humble upbringing in rural Minneapolis, KS, on a farm alongside his parents and brother, Brad’s roots instilled unwavering values of hard work and treating others with respect.

With a profound belief in the power of the “and” approach to life and business, Brad has revolutionized the financial advisory landscape. At Triad Partners, he forges an intimate and carefully curated community, redefining partnerships. Guided by his enduring principles, Brad empowers advisors to embrace growth, freedom, and joy in their professional and personal lives.

Prior to founding Triad, Brad was a Vice President of Advisor Development for over 13 years at Advisors Excel, one of the country’s largest Field Marketing Organizations.  In that role, Brad coached a group of independent advisors who gather more than $1 billion of assets annually. Before joining Advisors Excel to work closely with advisors, Brad was an analyst at Payless Shoe Source for three years.

Brad received his Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems from Emporia State University, where he played football. Brad currently lives in Silver Lake, Kansas with his wife, Sarah, and their three children.

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How to Win Liquidity Events with Roger Silk (Ep. 89)

Advisor, Business, Coaching, Consulting, Education, Finance, Financial, Financial Advisor, Uncategorized, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

What if your client could sell a highly appreciated asset without triggering capital gains tax? And what if you were the advisor who made that possible?

In this episode of the “Always On Podcast,” host Duncan McPherson sits down with Roger Silk, the CEO and co-founder of Sterling Foundation Management. They discuss the evolving role of financial advisors and the increasingly complex needs of high-net-worth clients. As financial landscapes shift, advisors must adapt to new challenges and opportunities, particularly when it comes to managing significant liquidity events.

Roger Silk shares his expertise on asset diversification trusts, a powerful tool that allows clients to sell appreciated assets without incurring capital gains tax. This episode highlights the importance of proactive planning and the strategic value of long-term partnerships between financial advisors and their clients.

Key highlights include:

  • The role of asset diversification trusts in tax-efficient asset management.
  • The necessity of early planning for liquidity events to maximize client benefits.
  • Strategies for financial advisors to strengthen client relationships through collaboration.
  • Insights into leveraging philanthropic solutions for wealth preservation and growth.

Tune in and discover the insights needed to become trusted partners in their clients’ financial journeys, ensuring both immediate and long-term success.

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Connect With Roger Silk, Ph.D.:

About Our Guest:

Roger D. Silk, Ph.D. , is the CEO of Sterling Foundation Management, LLC and President of Lifetime Perspectives, Inc. Dr. Silk is widely recognized as a leading expert and innovator in the emerging field at the intersection of finance and philanthropy.

Dr. Silk has more than three decades of experience working with and advising wealthy clients, high net worth families, and the advisors who work with them on a variety of issues ranging from the use of private foundations to the integration of sophisticated charitable planning into multi-generational estate plans. He has worked with numerous investment, accounting, financial planning, and legal professionals to educate them, their firms, and their clients about the benefits and characteristics of a full suite of solutions, entities and planning tools.

Dr. Silk is the author of several books, including The Investor’s Dilemma Decoded (Wiley, 2024), Managing Foundations and Charitable Trusts (Bloomberg Press, 2011), Creating a Private Foundation (Bloomberg Press, 2003), and Politicians Spend, We Pay (Sterling Lifetime Press, 2022). He has published dozens of articles that have appeared in periodicals such as Estate Planning, Philanthropy, the Journal of Financial Planning and Trusts & Estates. He has spoken to audiences around the country on the types and uses of charitable entities, and he frequently conducts educational seminars for financial professionals focusing on integrating the full suite of charitable entities into the financial planning process.

Prior to co-founding Sterling, Dr. Silk was a Treasury officer at the World Bank, where he was responsible for a multi-billion-dollar repo portfolio.

Dr. Silk holds a Ph.D. and an M.A. in Applied Economics from Stanford University, as well as a B.A. in Economics (with distinction). He earned his CFA in 1990.

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The Financial Advisor’s Blind Spot with Natasha Kennedy

The Financial Advisor’s Blind Spot with Natasha Kennedy (Ep. 88)

Advisor, Business, Coaching, Consulting, Education, Finance, Financial, Financial Advisor, Uncategorized, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Nearly 90% of heirs leave their parents’ financial advisor. The real risk in the Great Wealth Transfer is not market volatility. It is irrelevance.

Join Duncan MacPherson as he speaks with Natasha Kennedy, Pareto-certified coach and family legacy specialist, for a timely conversation on the greatest risk facing financial advisors during the great wealth transfer.

Natasha breaks down why most heirs ultimately leave their parents’ advisor, how silence and avoidance around legacy planning erode trust, and why preparing heirs has become a critical differentiator in today’s advisory landscape.

Together, they unpack how advisors can embed continuity, succession, and family investment legacy into their value proposition in a way that deepens relationships, strengthens referability, and positions them as indispensable stewards of multi-generational wealth.

Key takeaways:

  • Why nearly 90% of heirs don’t stay with their parents’ advisor
  • How legacy and succession conversations increase advisor retention and fee worthiness
  • Practical ways to engage heirs without creating entitlement
  • How continuity planning protects relationships through generational transitions

Tune into now to unlock the secrets to keeping clients for generations by addressing the blind spot most advisors overlook.

Promotions:

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Connect With Natasha Kennedy:

About Our Guest:

Natasha Kennedy, who brings more than a decade of financial services experience, beginning her career on Wall Street and then working with First Trust Advisors, and now focused on psychology and counselling.

Today, Natasha is a consultant with Pareto Systems helping advisors to strengthen client relationships, and build purposeful businesses. With her background in both finance and psychology, Natasha is the ideal person to guide us through the human side of this great wealth transfer, specifically on adding Intergenerational Planning & Family Meetings into your process.

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The Lost Art of Client Events – Creating Unforgettable Moments with Angela York & Elyse Stone

The Lost Art of Client Events – Creating Unforgettable Moments with Angela York & Elyse Stoner (Ep. 66)

Advisor, Business, Coaching, Consulting, Education, Finance, Financial, Financial Advisor, Uncategorized, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Duncan MacPherson sits down with Angela York and Elyse Stoner from Event Advisors to discuss the lost art of client events and how financial professionals can reinvigorate their approach. As they explore the comeback of in-person gatherings, Angela and Elyse share strategies for designing meaningful, memorable, and measurable client experiences. Listeners will learn about the concept of ROM (Return on the Moment), creative approaches to blending education and entertainment, and how to ensure that events deepen relationships and build client loyalty.

Discover the why, the how, and the what’s next for client events in the financial industry. Angela and Elyse also share practical examples, from small micro-events to larger thematic experiences, and how advisors can leverage partnerships with wholesalers to elevate event success. For those looking to expand their thinking about client engagement, this episode is packed with innovative ideas to help create client events that leave a lasting impact.

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About Our Guests:

Event Advisors – Elyse Stoner & Angela York

Meet Elyse Stoner and Angela York, the driving force behind Event Advisors. Their collaboration brings together Elyse’s extensive background in sports, entertainment, and higher education strategic event marketing with Angela’s wealth of experience in advisor marketing and event planning within the financial services industry. Together, they offer a fresh perspective and innovative strategies, revolutionizing the approach to client relationship events for financial services professionals.

Elyse’s emphasis on the “Return on the Moment” (ROM) paradigm redefines the marketing value of events. By uncovering the underlying motivations behind events and leveraging psychographic stimuli, she creates engaging opportunities that inspire attendees not only during the event, but also before and after, driving sustained momentum. Her firsthand experience in converting infrequent buyers into committed supporters translates seamlessly into the realm of Financial Services, providing unique insights for client relationship growth.

Angela’s decades-long expertise in FinServ event planning and marketing adds a layer of depth to their collaborative efforts. Her forward-thinking approach to event organization, coupled with a deep network of industry relationships, equips her to craft compelling marketing experiences. Angela’s commitment to sharing her knowledge within the financial services sector underscores her dedication to helping clients realize their business objectives.

Their collective mission revolves around delivering high event ROM through Ideal Client-focused goal setting, meticulous planning, and detailed follow-up for each event moment. By challenging traditional FinServ marketing and event paradigms, Elyse and Angela have established themselves as the go-to experts for professionals seeking innovative and actionable insights in the event space

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Purpose-Driven Practice: Elevating Client Experiences with Rob Brown (Ep. 65)

Advisor, Business, Coaching, Consulting, Education, Finance, Financial, Financial Advisor, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Building meaningful client relationships is essential for long-term success in financial services.

How can you enhance client experiences and ensure lifelong fulfillment while delivering unmatched value?

This week, Duncan MacPherson is joined by Rob Brown, Founder of the Truest Fan Coaching and co-host of The Purpose-Focused Advisor podcast.

They explore the significance of purpose in building a client-centric practice, the distinctions between client service and client experience, and actionable insights from Rob’s book, “The Truest Fan” and its forthcoming sequel, “The Truest Fan Blueprint.”

They discuss:

  • Enhancing Client Experience: The difference between client service and client experience
  • The Truest Fan Blueprint: Rob’s upcoming book, which provides a roadmap for financial advisors to incorporate purpose into their practice
  • Balancing Productivity with Purpose: The importance of maintaining purpose-driven productivity and understanding clients to solve their problems effectively
  • Leveraging Technology: The role of AI and video messaging in personalizing client relationships and enhancing process efficiency
  • Personal Touches: The value of small, thoughtful gestures in client interactions
  • Niche Marketing: Strategies for identifying and serving specific client segments effectively
  • And more!

Resources:


Connect With Duncan MacPherson:

Connect With Rob Brown:

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About Our Guest:

Rob Brown is the founder of Truest Fan Coaching and the author of Truest Fan: Live, Love, and Lead with Purpose and Impact and Delivering the Ultimate Client Experience. His journey from being a top financial advisor to becoming a sought-after mentor for hundreds of advisors highlights his leadership strengths. Now, as a coach to some of the industry’s top advisors, Rob turns his insights into actionable strategies—the foundation of Truest Fan Coaching. He also hosts The Purpose-Focused Advisor podcast, where he shares his experience and wisdom. His upcoming book, The Truest Fan Blueprint, will be released soon. On a personal note, Rob is a devoted husband, father of triplet daughters, proud grandfather, and a lifelong Cleveland Guardians fan.

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The Power of Personalized Gratitude: Building Client Loyalty with Cathi Durrell (Ep. 64)

Advisor, Business, Coaching, Consulting, Education, Finance, Financial, Financial Advisor, Uncategorized, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Join Duncan as he sits down with Cathi Durrell, co-founder of Lavish Cards, to discuss the power of personalized gratitude in building lasting client relationships for Financial Advisors. Discover how sending customized cards to clients can enhance your client retention strategies, foster loyalty, and increase client advocacy.

Cathi shares insights from her 12+ years of experience in helping Financial Advisors use hand-crafted greeting cards to make a lasting impact with clients.

Tune in to learn:

  • Why Thanksgiving cards can give your business an edge over competitors
  • How to make gratitude part of your daily routine to deepen client relationships
  • Real stories of financial advisors using gratitude to boost referrals and client advocacy
  • The BRAG method: How Belonging, Recognition, Appreciation, and Gratitude drive client engagement
  • A look at Lavish Cards’ One Card at a Time program designed for financial professionals

This episode is full of actionable strategies to humanize your client experience, foster stronger client loyalty, and generate organic referrals.

Resources:

Connect With Duncan:

Connect With Cathi:

 

About Our Guest:

Cathi Durrell, along with her husband Glen, who is a professional photographer, are the owners of Lavish Fine Art Cards, a company they co-founded 11 years ago. Lavish has grown extensively over the past 11 years and specializes in catering to the bespoke communication needs of their clients. The entire crew at Lavish are committed to creating and supplying the highest quality greeting cards. In her spare time, Cathi enjoys traveling and exploring “the back-roads” with Glen, in search of the next image for Lavish.

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Empowering Financial Advisors: Core Values, Work-Life Balance, and Client-Centric Strategies with Sybil Verch (Ep. 63)

Advisor, Business, Coaching, Consulting, Education, Finance, Financial, Financial Advisor, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Balancing client needs, industry best practices, and personal life can be challenging in financial services.

How do you maintain integrity while fostering client relationships and achieving work-life balance?

In this episode, Duncan MacPherson chats with Sybil Verch, wealth advisor, TV show host, and author. Together, they explore themes such as benevolence and charitable giving, the distinction between transactional sales and directional stewardship, and how these practices foster deeper client relationships.

Listen in to gain actionable insights on maintaining work-life harmony, positioning charitable giving within client relationships, and transitioning from aggressive sales tactics to a nurturing, long-term business strategy.

Sybil discusses:

  • Inspiring women in finance through her book, The Female Edge
  • The shift from transactional salesmanship to providing long-term value for clients
  • Customizing work-life solutions and setting boundaries for personal fulfillment
  • Effective strategies for decommoditizing your value and maintaining professional integrity
  • Integrating philanthropy into professional practice to create a lasting legacy
  • And more

Resources:

Connect With Duncan MacPherson:

Connect With Sybil Verch:

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About Our Guest:

Sybil Verch, with her 30+ years of industry experience and a former executive role at Raymond James Ltd., is focused on serving an exclusive group of C-Suite Executives and successful entrepreneurs. She provides them with the best tools and platform in the industry to help them feel in control of their financial situation and achieve their life goals. Whether it’s about nearing retirement and ensuring adequate income for life, managing stock options, reducing taxes, funding new adventures, taking care of family, giving back to the community, or leading a corporation to new heights through increased market share, Sybil believes that success is dependent on the successful implementation of a strategy.

In order to expand her reach beyond the select clients she personally works with, Sybil hosts and produces a nationally broadcast financial literacy talk show, The Wealthy Life. Her aim is to help Canadians make smart financial decisions to make the most of what they have. She offers real-world, no-nonsense advice to educate individuals on how to better deal with financial challenges. Sybil interviews guest experts on topics such as increasing cash flow, business succession planning, tax saving tips, retirement & estate planning, risk management, and investment options.

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Attract, Don’t Chase: Mastering Client Acquisition and Stewardship with Daniel Burns and Stephen Comerford (Ep. 62)

Advisor, Business, Coaching, Consulting, Education, Finance, Financial, Financial Advisor, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Are you seeking proven strategies to enhance client acquisition without high-pressure sales tactics?

This week on The Always On Podcast, Duncan MacPherson sits down with Daniel Burns and Stephen Comerford, co-hosts of The Sales Problem Podcast.

The discussion pivots around the significance of client acquisition, growth, and productivity from the perspective of stewardship rather than salesmanship.

You will gain valuable insights into refining their client acquisition strategies, enhancing onboarding processes, and developing a sustainable service model that transforms clients into advocates.

They touch on:

  • The difference between salesmanship and stewardship in client acquisition
  • How to craft a fit process to attract clients without chasing them
  • Strategies for a comprehensive onboarding process that leads to client advocacy
  • The importance of maintaining an effective ongoing service model
  • And more!

Resources:

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Connect With Stephen Comerford:

Promotions:

About Daniel Burns:

Daniel Burns is a seasoned professional with 22 years of experience in Sales and Management. His first decade was marked by remarkable achievements, including the Top Sales Award, entry into the Presidents club, and substantial annual bonuses.

In the last decade, his focus shifted towards making significant contributions. He constantly asks, “Who can I assist? How can I provide support?” His goal is to coach and support others, striving to enhance their success.

A true leader, Daniel believes in the continuous development of oneself while aiding others in their growth. His mission is to evolve into his best version while assisting others in achieving the same, focusing on the mind, body, and sales. His journey is a testament to his leadership and dedication.

About Stephen Comerford:

Stephen Comerford’s extensive career has been characterized by his results-driven approach as a sales and marketing leader. His energy, positivity, and focus on results have been the foundation of his success. He has always ensured strong internal relationships and has been hands-on in developing the business strategies that have helped him succeed in a highly competitive marketplace.

Over the years, Stephen has developed a unique skill: the ability to sell-up to senior leaders, sell-across to internal stakeholders, and sell-down to frontline salespeople. His focus has always been on making the people around him and those he interacts with successful.

Stephen has had the privilege of working for several renowned companies, including Pitney Bowes, Xerox, Ricoh, Canon, and Canada Post.

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AI Insights and Breakthroughs – Especially for Financial Advisors! with Kevin Bishopp (Ep. 61)

Advisor, Business, Coaching, Consulting, Education, Finance, Financial, Financial Advisor, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

AI will not replace humans. It will replace humans who don’t embrace AI.

Ever-curious advisors committed to learning about AI’s latest use cases are more likely to achieve professional contrast and elevate their client experience!

To learn what’s new with AI (especially for advisors), join Duncan MacPherson’s conversation with Kevin Bishopp, Vice President and Performance Coach for the Advisor Consulting Group at First Trust. They explain why you shouldn’t fear AI, but rather leverage it for content creation, research, client communications, and much more.

They discuss:

  • The evolution of AI from early machine learning to generative AI
  • Practical applications of AI for financial advisors — with specific examples
  • How to use AI to see through the lens of your clients and discover unmet needs
  • Easy-to-use prompts you can start using right away
  • Recent AI breakthroughs and future potential
  • And more

Resources:

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Connect With Kevin:

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About Our Guest:

Kevin Bishopp is a Vice President and Performance Coach for the Advisor Consulting Group at First Trust. His focus is the best practices and mission-critical strategies that propel professionals/firms to be truly unique within the industry. His insights into key metrics, resource allocation, team structure, marketing and client acquisition equip professionals/firms to make high-quality strategic decisions that can generate dynamic results. Prior to joining First Trust, Kevin spent 12 years with Russell Investments, where he held positions as Director of Practice Management, RIA Channel Head and Business Development Director. In those roles, he focused on coaching, content creation, sales management, national account management, and business development. Before joining Russell Investments, Kevin spent 5 years as a wealth manager for The Bishopp Group LLC, a family-owned wealth management practice. In 1994, he started his career in financial services as an associate for Principal Financial Group. Kevin holds an MBA from the Michael G. Foster School of Business at the University of Washington and a BA in Finance from Eastern Washington University.

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