NAPFA Nation Podcast

In Episode #28 of Mindset Mastery, "Rising Stars: Three Fiduciary Planners Speak Up on Career Paths, Role Models and Mentorship," host Marie Swift, CEO of Impact Communications, speaks with three women who have made fiduciary financial planning and investment management their profession. She is joined by Anabel Diaz, CFP®, MSFP of Natural Bridges Financial Advisors; Cassandra Kirby, CFP®, EA of Braun-Bostich & Associates; and Dani Parris-Exline, CFP®, AFC® of Peace of Mind Financial Planning. Cassie joined her firm 21 years ago and is now a senior advisor and partner. Dani, formerly an HR professional with 20+ years of experience, worked within large companies focused on healthcare, aeronautics, defense and cyberspace before joining her firm two years ago, where she is now a financial planner and partner. Anabel has been with her firm about six years and has worked her way into a client-facing, leadership position. In a nutshell: Each of these women joined an existing financial planning / wealth management firm to help founders build out the team, round out the succession plan, create capacity, and better serve the firm's growing clientele. Leadership skills have been honed. Cross-mentoring methods are in place. Business models have been refined. They share all this and more in this episode, giving us an "inside look" at how career paths are being forged for others as the financial planning profession increasingly takes a DEIB stance. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) are four concepts that work together to boost team dynamics, productivity, and innovation within an organization. With DEIB at the core of a company's mission, team member have equal opportunities to feel valued and do their best work. Learn more about these fiduciary financial planners and their firms here: www.Braun-Bostich.com, www.NaturalBridgesFA.com, and www.PeaceOfMindFinancialPlanning.com. Brought to you by NAPFA - the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors - the country's leading professional association of Fee-Only financial advisors. Learn more about NAPFA at https://www.NAPFA.org

In Episode #27 of Mindset Mastery, "Financial Stress: Practical Solutions for Overcoming this Hidden Epidemic," host Marie Swift, CEO of Impact Communications, speaks with Dr. Alex Melkumian, author of the recently released book, Financial Psychology: Restoring Financial Wellness in a Post-COVID Economy. A licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and founder of Financial Psychology Center in Los Angeles, he is devoted to helping clients improve their financial and mental health by uncovering patterns in their relationship with money that keep them stuck and suffering. In this episode, he provides ideas that can help reduce financial anxiety and improve financial wellness. In a nutshell: Financial psychology is the intersection of financial literacy, emotional awareness, financial beliefs, and cultural factors. Understanding how these factors interplay revitalizes emotional and financial health. You will learn how stress changes our brains, why it is important to demystify the label "stress," how to silence your inner critic, create mental boundaries, and reclaim control. He explains how to use our emotions wisely and why a "worry session" can actually be a good idea. Learn more about Dr. Melkumian and his book, speeches, and therapeutic services here: www.FinancialPsychologyCenter.com. Brought to you by NAPFA - the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors - the country's leading professional association of Fee-Only financial advisors. Learn more about NAPFA at https://www.NAPFA.org

In Episode #26 of Mindset Mastery, "Mind Your Balance: Creating Effortless Success and True Happiness in Your Life," host Marie Swift, CEO of Impact Communications, speaks with Dr. Travis Parry, author of the recently released book, Achieving Balance, and author of the forthcoming book, Balanced Growth. A former financial advisor, Dr. Parry holds a Doctorate in Family and Human Development, and a Masters in Psychology. He is focused on helping financial advisors – and other entrepreneurs who tend to be "functional workaholics" – achieve balance through the "Make Time Method." In a nutshell: You will learn what triggers fear and counterproductive behavior; how to steer yourself, your clients and your loved ones toward a more fulfilling and happy life; warning signs to consider and actions to protect critical well-being; how to create your ideal calendar and "risk manage your time." Once we've gotten out of the most dangerous ruts and mastered the "Make Time Method," Dr. Parry says we can reinvest our newfound time and energy into balanced growth. It all hinges on using time correctly, in accordance with our personal goals, mission, and values. He even turns Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs on its head. Learn more about Dr. Parry and his books, speeches, and training courses here: www.travisparry.com. Brought to you by NAPFA - the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors - the country's leading professional association of Fee-Only financial advisors. Learn more about NAPFA at www.napfa.org

In Episode #25 of Mindset Mastery, "Beyond DE&I: Inclusive Leadership and What It Means for Business Leaders Today," guest host Geoffrey Brown, CEO of the National Association of Personal Financial Planners (NAPFA), speaks with Dr. James Pogue, an expert who focuses on helping business leaders understand unconscious bias. In this fascinating conversation, he weaves together funny anecdotes and riveting tales that encourage us to strengthen our own commitment to lead, drive change, and question the status quo. As it relates to Diversity, Inclusion & Bias, there are a few truths that Pogue says can help leaders lead better through the lens of culture and strategy. In a nutshell: You will learn what leaders should keep in mind as they guide their organizations through positive and long-lasting cultural change. When senior leadership takes ownership of a significant change in an organization, the change happens differently than when it is at the entry and managerial levels. Inclusive Leadership is a measurable skill that we can foster and practice. Pogue says we can do more than simply moving the needle; we can change the face and guts of our communities and our business organizations. Learn more about Dr. Pogue and his Inclusive Leadership research, services, and training courses here: www.jamespogue.com. Brought to you by NAPFA - the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors - the country's leading professional association of Fee-Only financial advisors. Learn more about NAPFA at https://www.NAPFA.org

In Episode #24 of Mindset Mastery, "Radical Relevance: Building Share of Mind with the Right People the Right Way", host Marie Swift speaks with Bill Cates, a Hall of Fame speaker, author and coach who has helped thousands of financial professionals and firms to tap into exponential growth by focusing messaging, maximizing client engagement, and leveraging relationships. The founder of Referral Coach International and the creator of the Bill Cates Relationship Marketing System™, Cates provides a comprehensive and systematic approach to building a culture of sustained growth through communicating more relevant and compelling value, as well as generating referrals and personal introductions. In a nutshell: Are you frustrated by how hard it is to reach people these days? It's not just in your head. The ubiquity of technology in today's society is leaving us more exposed than ever, causing what Bill Cates calls "marketing message overload." Our brains are being bombarded and pulled in too many directions. To protect ourselves, we filter out any irrelevant messages. This makes it nearly impossible for well-meaning fiduciary advisors and other business professionals to break through and form a meaningful connection. In this podcast, Cates explains the neuroscience behind his formula for creating a culture of client-centered introductions, how to crate a critically compelling message, and what makes for an effective website. Learn more about Bill Cates and his latest book, Radical Relevance, here: www.thecatessystem.com/radical-relevance Brought to you by NAPFA - the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors - the country's leading professional association of Fee-Only financial advisors. Learn more about NAPFA at https://www.NAPFA.org

In Episode #23 of Mindset Mastery, "It's Not About You: Lessons Learned from Serving as a Guide for Sight Impaired Athletes", host Marie Swift speaks with Caroline Gaynor, a highly successful business person and endurance athlete who, when she's not serving as a coach to fiduciary advisors as an employee of Avantis Investors, demonstrates that satisfaction is often found when acting in the service of others. An accomplished athlete in her own right, Caroline also volunteers her time in a very unique way. Take a moment to imagine training to complete a full Ironman triathlon (2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, and 26.2 mile run). Now imagine doing that same event, nearly 30 times, tethered to and leading a sight impaired person. In a nutshell: Like most people, Caroline Gaynor has a day job, working as a regional director for a large asset manager. Outside of her job, though, Caroline works hard at something that isn't a job but is more than a hobby: guiding visually-impaired triathletes. In this inspiring episode, Caroline says that every race has a curve ball. She talks about how to handle the unexpected, communicating in a way that makes sense for everyone, and how to rise above the challenges to be our best selves. What is the one thing you can do to regain your focus when distractions are everywhere? Caroline shares what she's found to be true. Learn more about Caroline Gaynor here. Brought to you by NAPFA - the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors - the country's leading professional association of Fee-Only financial advisors. Learn more about NAPFA at https://www.NAPFA.org

In Episode #22 of Mindset Mastery, "Level Up: How Mindfulness and Self Reflection Can Change the World," host Marie Swift speaks with Saundra Davis, MS, APFC, financial coach, educator and trainer, distinguished Adjunct Professor at Golden Gate University, and founder of Sage Financial Solutions, a company that bridges the gap between financial service professions and low-wealth communities. Once a homeless teenager, Sandra believes that everyone needs and deserves access to competent, ethical financial services and she is committed to providing support to community-based organizations in the way of financial life skills programs. She is also ex-Navy and a Mindfulness Meditation teacher, so you'll hear some of that thinking bubble up in the conversation. In a nutshell: Just because you're broke, doesn't mean you're broken. Financial professionals, parents, and student mentors can learn to shift their mindset and help people see the real "why" behind their choices. Money is seldom the real motivator for our decisions. If we dig deeper, we'll typically see that motivations are tied to emotions – and the words freedom, peace of mind, security, and legacy tend to surface. Questions to consider: Am I aware of the impact my words and attitudes have on others? How might I be limiting myself due to the way I am thinking? What is my intention in this situation? How can I level up so that people around me are helped, not harmed? It only takes a moment to re-presence ourselves, to stay in the present and live a life of freedom, not regret. We can help those around us become their own heroes. Learn more about the Financial Fitness Coaching program here: www.SageFinancialSolutions.org/FFC. Brought to you by NAPFA - the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors - the country's leading professional association of Fee-Only financial advisors. Learn more about NAPFA at https://www.NAPFA.org

In Episode #21 of Mindset Mastery, "Optimal Performance: Insights from an Olympic Medalist", host Marie Swift speaks with Paul Kingsman, author of The Distraction-Proof Advisor. Kingsman shares what it takes to become wildly successful, whatever your pursuit. As a young swimmer from New Zealand, Kingsman participated at the 1988 Summer Olympics, winning a bronze medal in the 200-meter backstroke. He also competed at the 1984 Summer Olympics. In a nutshell: Sometimes success or failure is determined by a split second – and while the determining factors will always include talent, ability, discipline and preparation, in business and life (much like competing in the Olympics), it is unwavering focus that makes the difference. There are many good swimmers who never become great athletes, Kingsman says. Many are undone by that split second of distraction, and because they didn't see immediate detrimental consequences from that first moment of, say, looking over their shoulder, they allow their focus to waver again – and thus fall short of their goals. Kingsman also talks about how to attract the right clients, the important balance between competent conviction and humble confidence, and achieving optimal performance as a business professional in 2022 and beyond. Check out the additional tools and insights provided here: www.PaulKingsman.com Brought to you by NAPFA - the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors - the country's leading professional association of Fee-Only financial advisors. Learn more about NAPFA at https://www.NAPFA.org

In Episode #20 of Mindset Mastery, "Who You Are IS the Message", host Marie Swift recaps some of the best ideas shared by Mindset Mastery guests in 2021. She also shares her own thoughts and observations about life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness as we look back at the turbulence we've all been forced to move through over the past two years and cast our vision into 2022. In a nutshell: Marie Swift has been a student of mindset and self-improvement for over thirty years. She shares several phrases and sayings she uses to reframe conversations and stay focused on what matters most. One simple graphic that's been especially helpful over the years is the "Five Step Communication Success Cycle" – and Swift walks us through each of the steps, explaining why they all work together but must be followed in sequence. She digs deeper to provide six ways to enhance your professional communication skills and stay grounded when clients, staff, friends and family members need you most. Check out the additional tools and insights Swift provides by visiting www.MarieSwift.com. Brought to you by NAPFA - the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors - the country's leading professional association of Fee-Only financial advisors. Learn more about NAPFA at https://www.NAPFA.org

In Episode #19 of Mindset Mastery, "Why Standing Out is No Longer Enough – And What To Do Instead", Mindset Mastery host Marie Swift speaks with Carl Richards, a.k.a. "The Sketch Guy" for the New York Times. They talk about how to be hyper-relevant to the smallest group of people possible so that you can make the biggest difference in your clients' lives. In a nutshell: Real financial planners can become the "the signal" by being visible while continually articulating their true value. Too many really great financial planners underestimate or can't clearly articulate their value. In this interview, Carl provides a metaphor that can help you anchor in on the value you really provide as you provide mission-critical advice to your clients over time. Carl also provides tips on how to stay resilient and grounded during tough times. To learn more about Carl Richards and The Society of Financial Advice, visit www.TheSocietyOfAdvice.com. Brought to you by NAPFA - the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors - the country's leading professional association of Fee-Only financial advisors. Learn more about NAPFA at www.NAPFA.org