Do Business. Do Life. — The Financial Advisor Podcast — DBDL

If you’ve ever felt like the marketing strategies you’re using are confusing, inconsistent, or just not working the way you expected, you’re not alone. Oftentimes advisors end up using the spaghetti on the wall approach with random tactics, increasing social media presence, or copying what other firms are doing without a clear strategy behind it. The result? Wasted time, wasted money, and a pipeline that never gets filled the way you hoped.In today’s episode, I’m speaking with Phil Bray, founder of the Yardstick Agency and one of the UK’s leading marketing experts for financial advisors. Phil began his career as a financial advisor before launching an award-winning marketing firm that now helps advisory businesses across the UK grow through smarter positioning, clearer messaging, and intentional marketing strategies.Phil shares tips and strategies to help advisors build a marketing system that consistently attracts the right clients. From niching down and building a referral engine to leveraging social proof, content, and AI, we explore how advisors can stand out in a crowded market and build a firm that grows intentionally, not accidentally.3 of the biggest insights from Phil Bray…#1.) The Riches Are in the NichesAdvisors who try to market to everyone often struggle to stand out. Phil explains that narrowing your focus—whether it’s dentists, executives, or a specific stage of retirement—makes marketing dramatically easier. When you become the go-to expert for a specific audience, referrals increase and messaging becomes far more powerful.#2.) Most Advisors Think About Marketing BackwardsOne of the biggest mistakes advisors make is jumping straight into tactics before defining their goals. Phil recommends starting with the end in mind, who you want to work with, what growth actually looks like, and then building your marketing plan around those targets.#3.) Referrals Work Best When You Train Clients How to ReferMany advisors hope referrals happen naturally, but Phil believes the best firms intentionally educate clients on who the best referral candidates are, when to introduce them, and how to do it. He emphasizes applying thoughtful appreciation like handwritten thank-you notes or personalized gifts that create a powerful referral engine.FREE GIFTGet Phil's 7-Step Workbook, designed to help financial advisors build online awareness: https://bradleyjohnson.com/161-phil-bray-workbook/SHOW NOTEShttps://bradleyjohnson.com/161FOLLOW BRAD JOHNSON ON SOCIALXInstagramLinkedInFOLLOW DBDL ON SOCIAL:YouTubeTwitterInstagramLinkedInFacebookDISCLOSURE DBDL podcast episode conversations are intended to provide financial advisors with ideas, strategies, concepts and tools that could be incorporated into their business and their life. No statements made in the episode are offered as, and shall not constitute financial, investment, tax or legal advice. Financial professionals are responsible for ensuring implementation of anything discussed related to business is done so in accordance with any and all regulatory, compliance responsibilities and obligations. The Triad member statements reflect their own experience which may not be representative of all Triad Member experiences, and their appearances were not paid for. Triad Wealth Partners, LLC is an SEC Registered Investment Adviser. Please visit Triadwealthpartners.com for more information. Triad Wealth Partners, LLC and Triad Partners, LLC are affiliated companies.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A deep dive into why selling products traps firms and keeps advisors stuck in a job. The conversation argues for packaging a proprietary, trainable process to escape commoditization. Sales is reframed as a transfer of belief, and practical steps for training teams to replicate results are highlighted.

Tom Healy, leadership expert and HR strategist who’s helped organizations like the U.S. Navy and Harvard Medical School, joins to talk hiring and scaling. They discuss why founders hire too fast and how to define role fit. Learn about documenting processes, using fractional talent early, and why overpaying A-players and clear KPIs protect growth and culture.

Max Major, a mentalist and keynote speaker who blends psychology with performance. He explores mind-hacking, influence, and reading subtle body-language shifts. Short demonstrations and practical techniques show how listening, intent, and noticing baselines reveal unspoken concerns. He also discusses beliefs as hidden programs and tools to reshape mindset for better leadership and client conversations.

Kenzie Olejnik, Member Culture Coach at Triad who builds people-first culture through clarity and Enneagram-based teamwork. She discusses how clear roles and communication solve common team problems. She describes simple rituals and onboarding that build trust fast. She explains creating shared language and accountability so culture scales without sacrificing client experience.

I’ve been working with advisors for many years, and I’ve seen this pattern play out over and over again. Advisors get to a point where their marketing and selling are on point, but as they start to scale, that growth has a way of exposing cracks in the foundation.In this episode, I’m breaking down the most overlooked role inside growing advisory firms: operations. I’ll explain why most advisors procrastinate on developing their ops department, how the best operations leaders evolve as you scale, and why doing more of what worked early on as a small team eventually stops working.If you’ve ever left the office at the end of the day thinking, " Why does this business feel like a prison,” this episode will give you the framework to step out of the chaos, create leverage, and build a firm that fulfills the promises you make—without having everything in the business flow across your desk.3 of the biggest insights from Brad Johnson…#1.) Operations Is the Missing Role in Most Growing FirmsMost advisors don’t hit a growth ceiling because of marketing or sales. They stall because the execution of their operations stops working. Without a clear operations leader, the founder becomes the bottleneck and the team gets stuck.#2.) Ops Is Not a Side Project—It Evolves as You ScaleWhat worked as a team of five eventually breaks at fifteen, forty, or seventy-five. Your operations must evolve from task-based delegation into true responsibility, structure, and division leadership as firms grow.#3.) Great Operations Drive Referrals Better Than Any SystemThe most referral-rich firms don’t rely on scripts or programs. They remove friction, create remarkable client experiences, and let execution do the selling.SHOW NOTEShttps://bradleyjohnson.com/156FOLLOW BRAD JOHNSON ON SOCIALXInstagramLinkedInFOLLOW DBDL ON SOCIAL:YouTubeTwitterInstagramLinkedInFacebookDISCLOSURE DBDL podcast episode conversations are intended to provide financial advisors with ideas, strategies, concepts and tools that could be incorporated into their business and their life. No statements made in the episode are offered as, and shall not constitute financial, investment, tax or legal advice. Financial professionals are responsible for ensuring implementation of anything discussed related to business is done so in accordance with any and all regulatory, compliance responsibilities and obligations. The Triad member statements reflect their own experience which may not be representative of all Triad Member experiences, and their appearances were not paid for. Triad Wealth Partners, LLC is an SEC Registered Investment Adviser. Please visit Triadwealthpartners.com for more information. Triad Wealth Partners, LLC and Triad Partners, LLC are affiliated companies.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

I’ve worked with hundreds of top financial advisors over the years, and I keep seeing the same problem show up in different ways: incredibly talented advisors with empty calendars.The issue usually isn’t effort. It’s how marketing decisions are made. Too often, advisors run their marketing on emotion instead of math. In this episode, I break down the exact marketing framework I’ve shared with some of the fastest-growing firms in the country. We walk through how to evaluate marketing like an investment, not an expense. Why ROI and high frequency matters. And how shifting from one-to-one to one-to-many marketing creates leverage that allows you to scale beyond yourself.If you want a calendar that stays full without grinding harder, this episode gives you the mental model to build it intentionally—and scale it sustainably.3 of the biggest insights from Brad Johnson…#1.) Marketing Must Be Driven by Math, Not EmotionAdvisors often abandon proven strategies after one bad experience. When you understand the true numbers behind your funnels, you stop guessing and start investing with confidence.#2.) Frequency Is Just as Important as ROIA high-ROI strategy that runs only a few times per year can’t scale your business alone. The best growth comes from balancing return and how often you can turn the volume up.#3.) One-to-Many Is the Ultimate Growth LeverThe most scalable advisory firms don’t rely on one-to-one outreach. They use seminars, events, and content to serve many people at once—without sacrificing quality.SHOW NOTEShttps://bradleyjohnson.com/155FOLLOW BRAD JOHNSON ON SOCIALXInstagramLinkedInFOLLOW DBDL ON SOCIAL:YouTubeTwitterInstagramLinkedInFacebookDISCLOSURE DBDL podcast episode conversations are intended to provide financial advisors with ideas, strategies, concepts and tools that could be incorporated into their business and their life. No statements made in the episode are offered as, and shall not constitute financial, investment, tax or legal advice. Financial professionals are responsible for ensuring implementation of anything discussed related to business is done so in accordance with any and all regulatory, compliance responsibilities and obligations. The Triad member statements reflect their own experience which may not be representative of all Triad Member experiences, and their appearances were not paid for. Triad Wealth Partners, LLC is an SEC Registered Investment Adviser. Please visit Triadwealthpartners.com for more information. Triad Wealth Partners, LLC and Triad Partners, LLC are affiliated companies.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Every advisor wants more referrals, but very few have built a business that consistently earns them.In this conversation, I sat down with Duncan MacPherson to unpack what actually makes an advisory firm referable. Duncan is the founder of Pareto Systems and one of the most respected coaches in financial services, with nearly 30 years spent working alongside top advisory firms. He explains why the advisors who scale fastest stop pitching products, start positioning a clear planning process, and build businesses that get found instead of chased.3 of the biggest insights from Duncan MacPherson…#1.) Advisors Don’t Need More Referrals, They Need to Be ReferableMost advisors focus on asking for referrals, but Duncan explains why that actually creates friction. The real breakthrough happens when clients clearly understand (and can easily explain) what makes your process different. #2.) The Best Advisors Don’t Sell Products, They Position Their ProcessThe biggest shift in financial services isn’t technology, it’s philosophy. The most successful advisors have moved on from pitching products by effectively using branding and clearly articulating a proprietary process, creating deeper engagement, stronger loyalty, and a business that scales without becoming more complicated.#3.) A Business That Depends on You Is a Business That Limits YouOne of the clearest signals of a healthy business is whether it can operate without the founder’s constant presence. Duncan explains why documenting intellectual property, empowering teams, and depersonalizing the business isn’t about ego—it’s about freedom, sustainability, and enterprise value. SHOW NOTEShttps://bradleyjohnson.com/154FOLLOW BRAD JOHNSON ON SOCIALTwitterInstagramLinkedInFOLLOW DBDL ON SOCIAL:YouTubeTwitterInstagramLinkedInFacebookDISCLOSURE DBDL podcast episode conversations are intended to provide financial advisors with ideas, strategies, concepts and tools that could be incorporated into their business and their life. No statements made in the episode are offered as, and shall not constitute financial, investment, tax or legal advice. Financial professionals are responsible for ensuring implementation of anything discussed related to business is done so in accordance with any and all regulatory, compliance responsibilities and obligations. The Triad member statements reflect their own experience which may not be representative of all Triad Member experiences, and their appearances were not paid for. Triad Wealth Partners, LLC is an SEC Registered Investment Adviser. Please visit Triadwealthpartners.com for more information. Triad Wealth Partners, LLC and Triad Partners, LLC are affiliated companies. TP02255163072See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What would make a 30-year-old with a corner office, a clear path to CEO, and more money than he ever imagined… walk away from it all?That’s the question at the center of this conversation with Daniel Harkavy.Daniel spent his 20s grinding in the mortgage banking world, chasing deals, money, and success. By 30, he was next in line to run the company—but a quiet inner voice told him this wasn’t the life he was meant to live. So he walked away.For the last three decades, Daniel has helped high-performing leaders do what this show is all about: build successful businesses without sacrificing their life in the process. As Founder of Building Champions, he’s coached CEOs and executive teams at organizations like Chick-fil-A, Pfizer, and Bank of America.We talk about why so many leaders burn out after they scale, how culture and leadership behavior quietly shape everything, and what it really means to do business and life by design.5 of the biggest insights from Daniel Harkavy…#1.) Walking Away Wasn’t Quitting, It Was ClarityDaniel walked away at the height of his career because success didn’t feel sustainable anymore. A one-year sabbatical forced him to realize that continuing would have meant building a life he didn’t want, no matter how successful it looked.#2.) A Smart Approach to Hiring Top PerformersDaniel built his team by intentionally spending time building relationships with his competitors — learning their goals, understanding where they were stuck, and finding ways to help them improve. By genuinely helping competitors grow where they were, he built trust, loyalty, and credibility. And when the time came, people chose him willingly.#3.) Scaling Without Vision Is How Advisors Get StuckA lot of advisors scale because they think they’re supposed to. But if the “why” isn’t clear, growth just adds complexity, stress, and people problems. Scaling only works when you’re being pulled forward by a clear vision — not pushed by ego, comparison, or fear of missing out.#4.) Emotional Volatility Quietly Destroys CultureEmotional blowups cost more than most leaders realize. The energy spent repairing internal damage is energy not spent growing the business. Over time, volatility wears down culture, momentum, and trust, even when intentions are good.#5.) Fear Loses Power When You Zoom OutWhen you really ask, “What’s the worst case?” most of the fear driving decisions starts to shrink. Failure is part of building anything meaningful, but it’s rarely the disaster we imagine. Perspective changes the weight of decisions and helps you build with intention instead of fear.SHOW NOTEShttps://bradleyjohnson.com/153FOLLOW BRAD JOHNSON ON SOCIALTwitterInstagramLinkedInFOLLOW DBDL ON SOCIAL:YouTubeTwitterInstagramLinkedInFacebookDISCLOSURE DBDL podcast episode conversations are intended to provide financial advisors with ideas, strategies, concepts and tools that could be incorporated into their business and their life. No statements made in the episode are offered as, and shall not constitute financial, investment, tax or legal advice. Financial professionals are responsible for ensuring implementation of anything discussed related to business is done so in accordance with any and all regulatory, compliance responsibilities and obligations. The Triad member statements reflect their own experience which may not be representative of all Triad Member experiences, and their appearances were not paid for. Triad Wealth Partners, LLC is an SEC Registered Investment Adviser. Please visit Triadwealthpartners.com for more information. Triad Wealth Partners, LLC and Triad Partners, LLC are affiliated companies.TP01255162010 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What if stronger relationships really did come down to just three things?In this episode, I sit down with Shasta Nelson, one of the most respected voices on the science of connection. She’s a speaker, author, and researcher whose work on relationships has been featured in Harvard Business Review and TIME, whose TEDx talks have reached nearly a million viewers, and whose frameworks are used by companies like Google, LinkedIn, and Walmart.Shasta breaks down the simple relationship triangle that explains why some connections grow deeper while others quietly drift away. We explore how this framework applies directly to the relationships advisors care about most, including clients, teams, spouses, and close friends.We also talk about why high-performing advisors can still feel disconnected, how trust is shaped in small moments rather than big gestures, and how you can intentionally start, strengthen, or even repair relationships instead of leaving them to chance.If you want deeper client trust, stronger teams, and relationships that actually support your life outside the office, this episode gives you a clear way to think about all of it.3 of the biggest insights from Shasta Nelson…#1.) The Relationship Triangle Explains Why Connections Grow or DriftShasta introduces a simple triangle built on positivity, consistency, and vulnerability. Every relationship, whether with clients, team members, or family, operates on these three forces. When one weakens, trust doesn’t usually break. It slowly fades.#2.) High Performers Can Be Surrounded by People and Still Feel Lonely Many advisors interact with people all day and still feel disconnected. Shasta explains that loneliness isn’t about a lack of relationships. It’s about a lack of depth. Without relationships at the top of the triangle, connection feels transactional instead of meaningful.#3.) Stronger Client and Team Relationships Can Be DesignedOnce you understand the triangle, relationships stop being accidental. From first impressions to final moments, rituals, and shared experiences, advisors can intentionally start, strengthen, and even repair relationships instead of leaving trust to chance.SHOW NOTEShttps://bradleyjohnson.com/151FOLLOW BRAD JOHNSON ON SOCIALTwitterInstagramLinkedInFOLLOW DBDL ON SOCIAL:YouTubeTwitterInstagramLinkedInFacebookDISCLOSURE DBDL podcast episode conversations are intended to provide financial advisors with ideas, strategies, concepts and tools that could be incorporated into their business and their life. No statements made in the episode are offered as, and shall not constitute financial, investment, tax or legal advice. Financial professionals are responsible for ensuring implementation of anything discussed related to business is done so in accordance with any and all regulatory, compliance responsibilities and obligations. The Triad member statements reflect their own experience which may not be representative of all Triad Member experiences, and their appearances were not paid for. Triad Wealth Partners, LLC is an SEC Registered Investment Adviser. Please visit Triadwealthpartners.com for more information. Triad Wealth Partners, LLC and Triad Partners, LLC are affiliated companies. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.