Tag Archives: Practice Management

Making the American Dream a Reality: A Conversation with Sathya Chey Patterson (Ep. 70)

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

In this episode of the Always On Podcast, host Duncan MacPherson engages in a profound and inspiring discussion with Sathya Chey Patterson CFP®, Esq., AIF®, Managing Partner at Arise Private Wealth. Recognized as a 2023 Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisor and a 2024 AdvisorHub Advisors to Watch, Sathya shares her incredible journey from adversity to achievement, demonstrating the power of resilience and vision.

This conversation is divided into three compelling parts:

  1. Honoring the Past – Sathya’s remarkable personal story, including her family’s survival through the Cambodian genocide, and how those experiences shaped her perspective and purpose.
  2. Thriving in the Present – Insights into the strategies and tools she uses to differentiate herself as a financial advisor, from leveraging cutting-edge technology to building authentic client relationships.
  3. Designing the Future – Sathya’s vision for scaling her impact by empowering advisors and clients alike with a structured, values-driven approach to achieving financial independence.

Whether you’re a financial professional, a leader, or simply seeking inspiration, this episode delivers invaluable lessons on purpose, perseverance, and professionalism.

Resources:

Connect With Duncan MacPherson:

Connect With Sathya Chey Patterson:

About Our Guest:

Sathya is a trailblazing leader in wealth management, co-founder of Arise Private Wealth, and a dedicated advocate for empowering others through financial clarity and purpose. With nearly two decades of experience, she is renowned as a financial architect, crafting personalized strategies that secure her clients’ futures while helping them live purpose-driven lives. Her name, meaning “truth” in Sanskrit, reflects her commitment to understanding clients’ deepest needs and aspirations, enabling them to navigate complex decisions with confidence.

Born in a Thai refugee camp after her family fled the Cambodian genocide, Sathya’s story is one of resilience and transformation. Her journey fuels her passion for mentoring women and minorities, empowering them to achieve generational success. A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, CSRIC®, and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst®, Sathya holds an MBA from USC and was named a 2024 Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisor Best-In-State.

Beyond her practice, she serves on the Long Beach Commission for Women & Girls, the MemorialCare Governing Board, and supports critically ill children through Miracle for Kids. A wife, mother, and mindfulness advocate, Sathya is unwavering in her mission: to inspire others to create not only financial abundance but lives of profound meaning and impact.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

Aligning for Success: Choosing the Right Environment for Your Advisory Practice with Mindy Diamond (Ep. 68)

Advisor, Education, Finance, Financial, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

In this episode, Duncan MacPherson sits down with Mindy Diamond, founder and CEO of Diamond Consultants, to explore the pivotal question every advisor grapples with: Should I stay or should I go? Mindy shares insights from her latest book, “Should I Stay or Should I Go?”, which isn’t merely a guide on moving firms but rather a tool to help advisors get crystal clear on their ideal work environment.

They dive into themes of loyalty fatigue, cultural alignment, and the significance of self-assessment to make informed, client-centered decisions. Mindy and Duncan also discuss how confirmation bias can limit advisors and highlight the importance of scenario planning for both growth and succession.

Tune in to gain clarity on your practice’s future, hear powerful success stories, and understand why every advisor should continually reassess their professional landscape, even if they’re content where they are.

Resources

Connect With Duncan MacPherson:

Connect with Mindy Diamond and Diamond Consultants:

About Our Guest:

Mindy launched Diamond Consultants in 1998, developing it into one of the leading financial advisor recruiting and consulting firms in the nation—transitioning more than a quarter of a trillion dollars in assets under management.

Drawing from her own entrepreneurial experience, Mindy fostered an approach that goes beyond recruiting. She and her team work with advisors years before they’re ready to move, educating them on trends, helping them evaluate economic models and understand their enterprise value, and creating a roadmap of options they might never have considered.

The goal: That every elite advisor finds exactly the right place for their business and clients to thrive, whether it’s at a wirehouse, regional, boutique, or independent firm—ultimately achieving what Mindy calls “Your Best Business Life.”

Mindy is considered one of the industry’s top thought leaders and is regularly quoted by national media such as The Wall Street Journal, Barron’s, The New York Times, and CNBC, and is a guest author on industry publications including WealthManagement.com and Forbes. Her podcast series, The Diamond Podcast for Financial Advisors (formerly Mindy Diamond on Independence), has become what many consider their “go-to source” for education on the industry landscape.

Additionally, Mindy is the author of the Amazon bestseller “Should I Stay or Should I Go”  – a book for financial advisors that offers a strategic thought process and road map to professional self-discovery when considering change.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

Always On podcast

Elevate Your Practice – The Power of a Partial Book Sale with Ted Jenkin (Ep. 67)

Advisor, Education, Finance, Financial, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

In this episode of the Always On podcast, host Duncan MacPherson welcomes back serial entrepreneur Ted Jenkin, CEO of Oxygen Financial and President of Exit Stage Left Advisors. Together, they explore the powerful concept of a partial book sale and how it can help financial advisors grow upmarket by refining the client relationships they manage. They discuss why letting go of the “wrong” clients can be one of the most liberating moves an advisor can make—and how it often leads to growing deeper relationships with the “right” clients.

If you’ve been feeling like your current book of business is becoming a plateau rather than a path, this episode will guide you through the steps of creating professional scarcity, improving client engagement, and increasing your firm’s enterprise value. Learn why managing fewer relationships, but with a more exclusive focus, not only elevates your enterprise but also enhances client outcomes.

Ted shares insights into why specializing, rather than generalizing, creates professional contrast that attracts ideal clients—and why your next best move might be downsizing the number of clients you serve while maximizing your fulfillment and profitability.

Resources:

Connect With Duncan MacPherson:

Connect with Ted Jenkin:

About Our Guest:

Ted Jenkin is a serial entrepreneur with more than 15 years of experience in building and selling successful businesses in various sectors, such as finance, media, insurance, bookkeeping, and technology. As the President at Exit Stage Left Advisors, Ted helps small and medium-sized business owners maximize their valuation and get top dollar when they sell their companies.

Ted has multiple credentials in the financial industry, including Certified Financial Planner, Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist, and Accredited Wealth Manager Advisor. He is also a national media personality, appearing on various outlets such as Fox, CNN, HLN, The Weather Channel, WSJ, CNBC, and more. Ted hosts a national entrepreneur podcast called The Shrimp Tank and a national small business television network called America’s Small Business Network. His mission is to empower and educate business owners and individuals on how to achieve the highest possible multiple when they sell their business.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

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, Education, Finance, Financial, Uncategorized, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

In this episode, 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.

Resources:

Connect With Duncan MacPherson:

Connect With Event Advisors:

Promotions:

The Blue Square Toolkit™ by Pareto (Start your 14-day free trial today!)

ProudMouth – Be Your Own Loud

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

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

Timely and Timeless Best Practices with Chris Jeppesen (Ep. 50)

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

In the fast-paced and ever-evolving world of financial advising, get ready to discover timely and timeless strategies that help you achieve professional contrast and create enduring value for clients.

In this 50th-episode special, Duncan MacPherson is back with co-author of The Blue Square Method, Chris Jeppesen, Chief of Advisory Practices at First Trust. Gleaning from their life experiences and the success stories of high-performing advisors, they share valuable best practices to achieve long-term growth.

They discuss:

  • Why more and more advisors are finding personal rejuvenation in their work
  • The upcoming retirement wave in the industry and the opportunities it presents
  • A process-driven approach to exhibiting empathy and personalization 
  • How AI is revolutionizing financial services
  • The power of testimonials in building trust and attracting clients
  • And more

Resources:

Connect With Duncan:

Connect With Chris:

Promotions:

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.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

Embracing the C-Suite with Max and Lucas Winthrop (Ep. 49)

Embracing the C-Suite with Max and Lucas Winthrop (Ep. 49)

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

For years, financial advisors saw themselves as brokers, being mostly transactional and product-driven.

Today, advisors wear many hats. It’s no longer just a book of business, but an actual business!

In this episode, Duncan MacPherson joins Max Winthrop, CEO, and Lucas Winthrop, COO, of Winthrop Wealth and long-time clients of Pareto Systems. They emphasize the importance of embracing a C-suite approach to streamline core business functions and deliver a consistent and elevated client experience.

They discuss:

  • How to build effective functional teams with high functional accountability
  • How key C-suite positions can be refined and optimized for an advisory practice
  • The need for a philosophical alignment across the firm, which spills over to clients and strategic partners
  • Strategies for creating a process-driven and well-integrated business structure
  • And more

Connect With Duncan:

Connect With Winthrop Wealth:

Connect With Max Winthrop:

Connect With Lucas Winthrop:

Promotions:

About Our Guests:

Max Winthrop is the Chief Executive Officer at Winthrop Wealth. Max has consistently challenged the industry norms for wealth management providers, investing in creating a team-based wealth management experience that is complemented by a cutting-edge technology platform. He has over ten years of experience in the financial services and investment management industry. He is responsible for setting the firm’s strategy, broadening the service offering, and constantly working to enhance the client experience.

Max spearheaded the creation of the Winthrop Wealth Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) in 2017, implementing a partnership structure, a scalable technology infrastructure, and built out an experienced team of professionals. Since the creation of the new RIA, Winthrop Wealth has grown its asset base of regulatory advisory assets, won numerous employer awards, and was recently named to the INC 5000 (2021) list of fastest growing private companies.

Max’s prior work experience with a Fortune 500 Financial Organization equipped him with a leadership/management skillset. He also spent time as an investment analyst structuring large, institutional, Regulation D private placements.

Max believes that the industry needs an injection of youth and is working towards extending services, previously reserved for only wealthy individuals, to the younger millennial generation.

Lucas Winthrop is the Chief Operating Officer at Winthrop Wealth, where he collaborates with the leadership team to shape the firm’s strategic direction and plan. He plays a crucial role in focusing and marshaling firm resources to see the firm’s vision come to fruition. Winthrop Wealth’s current strategic plan includes initiatives related to building exceptional teams, implementing innovative solutions, and designing streamlined processes and structures to help drive scalable, positive outcomes. With over a decade of experience in financial services, Lucas is determined to disrupt outdated industry practices and usher in a new era of possibilities by focusing not on what has been but instead asking what could be.

To drive business optimization and strong business performance outcomes, Lucas focuses on anchoring and fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation that is ready to disrupt outdated industry practices or take advantage of disruption. Since launching the RIA alongside his brother Max in 2017, Winthrop has achieved remarkable success, including securing a coveted position on the esteemed INCE 5000 (2021) list of the fastest-growing private companies. Before joining Winthrop Wealth, Lucas was co-founder and CFO of a non-profit organization, and co-founded a music entertainment company.

Lucas’s obsession is to find out what interests and drives those around him and to unlock their utmost potential. With a profound love for the financial services industry, he enjoys connecting with his industry peers and assisting them in optimizing their businesses.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

Make Your Clients The Voice With Steve Phillips (Ep. 48)

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

Have you ever stepped into your clients’ shoes to see your business from their point of view? Understanding how they perceive your value is key to building lasting relationships.

In this episode, Duncan MacPherson engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Steve Phillips, Chief Practice Management and Development Officer at USA Financial and a consultant at Pareto Systems. Together, they explore strategies for effectively articulating your value proposition and turning clients into enthusiastic advocates.

They discuss:

  • Three golden questions to ask your existing clients
  • The path from endorsements to introductions (i.e., quality referrals)
  • How “client advisory councils” and “ideal client meetings” can rejuvenate your relationships and generate valuable feedback
  • Powerful ways to position (not pitch!) your value to clients
  • And more

Resources:

Connect With Duncan:

Connect With Steve:

Promotions:

About Our Guest:

Steve Phillips is the Chief Practice Management and Development Officer, joining USA Financial in 2019. He leads the coaching and consulting team working with USA Financial advisors to increase the enterprise value of their firms through tailored ongoing and evolving practice management initiatives. In addition to Steve’s integral role within the coaching team, he works with the sales team to develop strong and productive partner relationships with advisors. This interconnective approach between coaching and sales strategically elevates the overall client experience provided.

Steve Phillips is also a Pareto Certified Practice Management Consultant at Pareto Systems. He has spent over 25 years in the financial services industry as a speaker, trainer, and educator working with advisors, product development firms, and carriers.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

The Total Relationship: The Best Value-Add Advisors Can Offer with Tyson Ray (Ep. 40)

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

The biggest value-add advisors offer to their clients does not lie in the rates of return or complex financial reports. It lies in the advisor-client relationship!

In this episode, Duncan MacPherson speaks with Tyson Ray, CFP®, CExP®, CIMA®, founding partner at FORM Wealth Advisors, about the concept of Total Relationship and how it can help you grow your business organically — while maintaining a sense of purpose.

They discuss:

  • Why relationship-based growth might be better than growing through acquisitions
  • Areas where financial advisors add significantly greater value than AI coaching
  • Strategies to improve relationship management (For example, Up or Down™ by Tyson)
  • What it means to create true wealth for clients
  • And more

Resources:

Connect With Duncan:

Connect With Tyson:

Promotions:

About Our Guest:

Tyson Ray first learned about investing and the stock market during an economics class in his sophomore year at Badger High School, and at 16 years old, he decided to invest $100 into two different mutual funds. This was his first step on a path he continues to traverse today: using financial strategy to help make people’s lives better.

Over the past 25+ years, Tyson has sought to expand his knowledge and expertise through Yale School of Management, Investment Management Theory & Practice, CIMA Certification Registration Education Program, including obtaining the Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®) Certification and through the College for Financial Planning for the CFP® Certification, including obtaining CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Certification. Tyson received his Certification in Business Exit Planning to better help entrepreneurs and business owners transition to selling their life’s work.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

How to Maximize Your Life’s Work with Sherri Palle (Ep. 39)

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

Are you 10 years or less from selling your practice?

If so, now is the time to start thinking about your succession plan so you can maximize your life’s work (i.e., your business valuation).

In this episode, Duncan MacPherson speaks with Sherri Palle, business consultant and coach at Pareto Systems, about how business owners can effectively plan their eventual exit and capitalize on their life’s work.

They discuss:

  • Factors that help you maximize your enterprise value
  • The best place to start planning your exit if you haven’t thought about it yet
  • How to ensure your legacy is intact long after your exit
  • The importance of having a contingency plan (with real-world examples)
  • Key considerations about WHO will take over your business (and WHEN)
  • And more

Resources:

Connect With Duncan:

Connect With Sherri:

Promotions:

About Our Guest:

Sherri Palle, Pareto Systems Business Consultant and Coach, is known for her high-energy calls which provide motivation, enthusiasm, and thought provoking ‘aha moments’ – making these calls something the entire team looks forward to. Sherri began working as a Business Coach at Pareto Systems in 2005 where she worked with financial advisory teams all over North America and continues to work as a Pareto Coach today. In 2014 she co-founded Mindset Consulting allowing her to work extensively with an exclusive group of advisory teams. During her 16 years of coaching, she’s had the opportunity to develop and deliver customized training programs for several reputable, successful financial firms throughout North America.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

Achieving Professional Scarcity and Professional Contrast with Steve Phillips (Ep. 38)

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

Creating professional contrast and scarcity, improving referability, alleviating loyalty fatigue…These are all key pieces of the bigger puzzle: How to grow your practice to the next level?

In this episode, Duncan MacPherson speaks with Steve Phillips, chief practice management officer at USA Financial and a business consultant at Pareto Systems. They share best practices and timeless principles to help advisors build profound client relationships that lead to advocacy.

They discuss:

  • The importance of combining technological aids with the “human touch”
  • Shoot Your Trailer: an effective strategy to articulate your value to prospective clients
  • How to improve the quality of your referrals (in other words, duplicate your best clients)
  • How to deepen your client relationships amidst volatile markets
  • Why small gestures can go a long way in improving your overall client experience
  • And more

Resources:

Connect With Duncan:

Connect With Steve:

Promotions:

About Our Guest:

Steve Phillips is the Chief Practice Management Officer at USA Financial. He is a longtime friend and partner of Duncan MacPherson and the entire Pareto Systems team, having first engaged with Pareto as a client in 2010. With over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry as a speaker, team leader and passionate educator, Steve was an early adopter of the processes around practice management, business refinement and client acquisition. It was a natural next step for Steve to become a Pareto Certified Practice Management Consultant, and part of the Pareto Coaches Network.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More