The Authentic Advisor

As an established business owner and entrepreneur, Adrian Romero has been on a rapid growth trajectory, now employing over 500 employees across a range of businesses. In this episode of the Authentic Advisor, James Mason sits down with Adrian to discuss the secrets to his growth success and how a focus on return on time is crucial to allowing him to stay productive and juggle his many commitments. A must listen for advisors wanting to get an entrepreneur's perspective on achieving business success and helping clients.

Attracting great staff is more challenging than ever and employers are finding they're no longer in the box seat. With less people in the market expecting more money, plus work from home flexibility, wellbeing support, career progression and great social activities, how can employers hope to get it right? James Mason talks to Suzanne Whitmarsh, Managing Director at 1st Executive about the importance of 'getting your house in order' before starting the recruitment process and why just writing up a position description is no longer going to cut it. Listen in to learn about employee expectations in today's market, workforce planning for a robust business and why people really leave a role.

Often for the head of a family business, work is intrinsic to their sense of self, the foundation of their relationships, status and position in the community and the question of succession planning is one that's avoided until too late. Harry Kras has been facilitating in the challenging but rewarding family business niche for over 25 years and he shares his story, approach and insights with Mindshop’s James Mason in this fascinating podcast. Listen to Harry's thoughts on what it takes to be a great family business facilitator, why trust and communication are key and what a great opportunity advisors have to make a difference in this space.

Attraction and retention of good staff is already a challenge. Then add an alleged post-pandemic 'great resignation' and it's looking insurmountable. One firm going against the tide is US firm Herbein + Co, Inc enjoying low turnover rates and high levels of unsolicited employment applications in contrast to many in the accounting world. In this podcast, Herbein's Managing Partner David Stonesifer shares the strategies and culture making a difference in their firm with Mindshop Founder and Chairman Dr Chris Mason. Dave talks about the importance of mutual respect, having an understanding that sometimes life gets in the way and why being a 'destination employer' is about giving employees a voice, getting professional accountants to do the talking and maybe handing out a swag or two.

For Neil Sinclair and the team at WK Advisors and Accountants based in New Zealand's South Island, the concept of community purpose is more than 'ticking a box' as part of their strategic plan, it's part of who they are and is in the firm's DNA. Talking to Mindshop's Managing Director, James Mason, Neil shares how the 'WK Effect' evolved from a genuine desire to help the local community to becoming a lighthouse guiding everything they do, and every decision they make. Neil talks about the unexpected (but not unwelcome) side benefits of this philosophy, from building awareness and attracting quality staff, to prospects announcing that they 'want to be like the clients in the video'. WK has used advisory services as a vehicle for staff to help local sporting clubs and charities for which they have a passion. The result is not only rewarding careers through connection with the local community but a real chance to make the region a better place to live, work and play.

Paul Hopwood hasn't had a face to face meeting in 18 months and that's the way he (and his clients) like it. Mindshop Expert, chartered accountant, and independent advisor of over 20 years, Paul talks to Mindshop's James Mason about the lack of downsides to working virtually, (apart from the toll on your eyesight). Working with over 60 retainer-based clients, Paul reveals how he has increased his productivity 400% and suggests virtual training and coaching are actually better than face to face. Learn what technology, tools and processes Paul uses and what he's going to revert to (or not) when we get back to 'normality' in this thought-provoking podcast.

Business advisory conversations come naturally to some. But bringing a wider accounting team with differing levels of interest and aptitude on an advisory journey requires structure, tenacity and planning to successfully turn informal chats into commercialised services. Wendy Davies, Director Business Advisory at Nexia Perth, Australia talks to Mindshop's Managing Director about busy accountants, why 'taking your own medicine' is key to confidence and how to enthuse and educate your team. Sharing tips on building problem solving skills, Wendy talks about blending advisory into compliance delivery at the individual level to accelerate referrals, ensure authenticity and engage with clients on a deeper level.

This compelling episode charts Angela Grogan's successful journey from taking shorthand as a receptionist to becoming partner of an accounting firm and then making a leap of faith to go out on her own as an independent business advisor. Angela reveals how having a great mindset helped her overcome challenges of juggling family and the risks of setting up on her own to achieve her goal of becoming an integral part of her clients' businesses. Touching on practical ways advisors can overcome typical mindset barriers of being 'too busy' and 'lacking capacity' so they can break the habits holding them back, Angela talks about the importance of energy, overcoming the 'imposter syndrome' and how to surround yourself with the 'right' people for success. A great listen for anyone wanting to be inspired by some entrepreneurial spirit.

Over the past decades, Dr Chris Mason has guided the success of thousands of senior advisors and business leaders from major corporates to micro businesses. In this latest ‘Authentic Advisor’ podcast from Mindshop he shares his experiences with Mindshop’s Managing Director, James Mason on how he’s currently delivering significant value by coaching over 140 senior leaders from around the world. In this master class in coaching leaders, Chris touches on how he is tackling the current reoccurring challenges faced by leaders whilst ensuring he is fully leveraged and efficient. He discusses how to avoid common pitfalls, the importance of building a positive mindset in your clients and the overarching foundation of trust that must be the basis of any client / coach relationship. This podcast is full of insights on how to balance problem solving issues respectfully whilst challenging clients to think outside the box. A must listen for any advisor coaching clients.

How do you go about pricing and packaging your high value advisory services? Should you offer monthly retainer pricing, project or hourly rates? Independent business advisor and Mindshop Expert, Russell Cummings based on the Gold Coast, Australia shares his experiences on this hot topic gathered over the past 35 years with Mindshop’s Managing Director, James Mason in the latest ‘Authentic Advisor’ podcast. Delving into the pros and cons of advisory pricing approaches and discussing why he favours value pricing to give the advisor flexibility whilst getting the best outcome for the client, Russell lifts the lid on exactly what he includes in his advisory solutions, why it’s so important to ask questions and talk about pricing while you are in front of the client and what to do if your client goes pale when you tell them how much you are proposing to charge! If you want to avoid common mistakes when building and pricing an advisory service solution for clients this podcast is full of tips and specifics to help you succeed.