Top Advisor Podcast

Are you running your week, or is your week running you? Brian Margolis, founder of Productivity Giant explains why most advisors spend too much time reacting to emails, distractions, and day-to-day chaos, and how you can reverse that trend. Key Takeaways: Pillar System: Identify 5-7 weekly “pillars” – the most high-leverage activities that, done consistently, drive your long-term results. Success...

Thrilled to have interviewed Derek Coburn on the latest episode of the Top Advisor Podcast! Derek built and sold a thriving financial practice, created the renowned networking community  Cadre , and is a bestselling author challenging the conventional views on retirement. Whether you’re a financial advisor or a growth-minded professional, his journey and perspectives are a must-listen. Here are 3...

Did you know? 96% of business owners are open to switching advisors right before, during, or after the sale of their business. That’s a staggering stat from a recent study discussed on the Top Advisor Podcast with Scott Bushkie – highlighting both a threat and a huge opportunity for financial advisors. If you’re working with business owners or want to attract more, here are three actionable takeaw...

The national average savings rate in the U.S. is a dismal 4%.   If you could help your clients raise that rate as high as 20%, what would that mean to your clients and to your business? Our featured guest, David Mozeika, is a top-performing financial advisor with over two decades of experience and Forbes recognition, who has revolutionized the way advisors and clients think about money movement. R...

Welcome to a special solo edition of the Top Advisor Podcast! In this episode, host Bill Cates pulls from decades of coaching, interviewing, and his own experience to deliver a powerful session on best practices for bringing in new clients and creating real advocates for your business. Unlike typical interview-driven episodes, today’s focus is on actionable principles, strategies, and tactics that...

“I actually call myself – lovingly – the angel of death because I was not an angel investor. Yeah, I destroyed businesses and, in the process, wiped myself out financially.” – Mike Michalowicz I believe that the message in Mike Michalowicz’ book,  Profit First  is both elegantly simple and powerful I’ve adopted most of these strategies over the past 6 months and my business has already become  mor...

“Most financial advisors work too many hours for too little money for too many of the wrong clients.” – Bill Bachrach, CSP, CPAE . If you’re a financial advisor looking to grow your  ideal  practice, this session is a must-listen. We unpacked the power of building high-trust relationships and how just 50 ideal clients paying $20,000 a year can transform your business and your life. NOT LOOKING for...

Most financial challenges aren’t math problems—they’re belief problems. In my recent podcast conversation with Corey Mosley, we talked about money stories : the beliefs people absorb early in life that quietly shape how they save, invest, earn, and even value themselves. Clients don’t always resist your advice because they “don’t get it.” Often, they resist because the advice conflicts with a stor...

“To grow to an 8-figure business, you have to fire yourself – let go of doing all of the things that you think you have to do as the founder, as the advisor, and really let go so you can step into this visionary leadership role that most founders want to be in.” Julia Carlson In this conversation, Julia Carlson shares how she grew her practice from scratch, building a dynamic team and...

For the human brain, we all have a negativity bias. It’s not a flaw; it’s actually a survival mechanism. So, it’s not that your clients are necessarily overreacting, it’s more that their biology is perceiving a threat when none might even be there. Tessa Santarpia. In this episode of Top Advisor Podcast, my guest Tessa Santarpia and I are diving deep into the fascinating world of neuroscience and...

Client expectations in financial services have evolved. Today’s clients aren’t just looking for great service; they’re seeking authentic connection and meaningful experiences.  In this episode of the Top Advisor Podcast , Bill Cates is joined by acclaimed author and consultant Richard Weylman to explore how advisors can build deeper client engagement , loyalty , and advocacy .  Drawing on decades...

What can financial advisors learn from those guiding the world’s wealthiest and most complex families? And how can you position yourself as the advisor your A+ clients call first? In this episode of the Top Advisor Podcast , Bill Cates interviews Rich Wolkowitz – attorney, advisor, and founder of Xylogenesis. From White House counsel to family office insider, Rich shares unique lessons that...

Standing out as a financial advisor requires more than credentials; it’s about clarity, connection, and purpose. How do you move from being “just another advisor” to someone clients instantly trust and want to work with? How do you stop competing on titles and start owning the problems your clients care about most? In this special 100th episode, Referral Coach Bill Cates interviews Derrick Kinney,...

If you think numbers and charts are enough to win clients, think again. In this episode, Referral Coach Bill Cates interviews renowned author and speaker Mitch Anthony about the decisive role of storytelling and life-centered financial planning.  Mitch shares how neuroscience has proven that emotional connection, not just data, drives decisions, and how financial advisors can uncover deeper client...

Financial advisors face the real challenge of proving their worth to clients who have more options and skepticism than ever before.  How do today’s top advisors cut through the noise, establish credibility, and attract clients in a way that actually works? In this episode, Referral Coach Bill Cates interviews Michael Kitces, Chief Financial Planning Nerd at Kitces.com and a leading voice in the ad...

Many advisors build thriving practices, only to feel trapped by the very work they love. What if your career could energize, rather than drain, your life? In this intriguing conversation, Referral Coach Bill Cates, CSP, CAPE interviews Kristin Harad, CFP®, founder of Full Advisor Coaching, who explains how financial advisors can embrace work-life integration rather than chasing an elusive balance....

Do your clients’ money mindsets ever drive you crazy? Do you wish you could get them to just “think right” about their money? What if you knew that some of your clients’ financial challenges are rooted in their DNA?   Is that possible?  It’s called “epigenetics.”   (BTW – This is true for you too!) In this episode, Bill Cates, CSP, CPAE interviews Joyce Marter, LCPC, CSP, author of The Financial M...

Most advisors know women will control the majority of wealth by 2030—so why aren’t more of them preparing now? In this episode, Referral Coach Bill Cates interviews Cary Carbonaro, CFP®, Managing Wealth Advisor and the Women and Wealth Ambassador at Ashton Thomas. Cary explains how the financial industry has historically overlooked female clients and what needs to change to better serve and...

Are you building a business you love — or one that’s wearing you down? In this episode of Top Advisor Podcast, I interview David DeCelle, CEO of Model FA, whose passion is helping advisors fall in love with their practice – either “again” or for “the first time.” David shares actionable insights on scaling your business while maintaining passion and enthusiasm. David said, “Success in financial ad...

Selling a business is a monumental decision, filled with considerations that can significantly impact the owner’s future. How can advisors provide real value beyond investment advice during this crucial transition? In this episode, Referral Coach Bill Cates interviews Scott Bushkie, CBI, M&AMI, CM&AP, founder of Cornerstone Business Services, about the key steps and considerations in...

Building strong financial foundations isn’t just about numbers, it’s about nurturing relationships and leaving a legacy. How can financial advisors inspire trust and empower the next generation? What role does education play in creating lasting client relationships? In this episode, Referral Coach Bill Cates interviews Jeff Panik, CFP®, MSFS, CRPS, Principal of Balanced Wealth Partners, about his...

In a crowded market, how can financial advisors truly stand out and attract their ideal clients? What’s the key difference between a target market and a niche, and why does it matter? In this episode, Referral Coach Bill Cates interviews Kristen Luke, marketing strategist and author of: Uncomparable: The Financial Advisor’s Guide to Standing Out through Niche Marketing. Kristen shares...

In this episode of Top Advisor Podcast , I sat down with one of the most recognized and influential names in the financial services industry: Ric Edelman . From starting as a new advisor to building the largest RIA in the country , (over $300 Billion in assets managed) Ric’s journey is filled with insights, strategies, and bold thinking that every advisor can learn from. We dive into what it took...

Referrals have always been the fastest and most predominant way that advisors have grown their business. But… it’s not the only way. Abby Salameh, Chief Growth Officer at RFG Advisory, dives deep into what’s working right now when it comes to client acquisition for top-performing financial advisors. Abby shares insights into four primary strategies her firm is using to drive growth: referrals, pai...

When it comes to generational wealth, it’s not just about money; it’s about relationships.  Don’t believe me?  Listen to this interview!!! In this episode, Referral Coach Bill Cates sits down with Barry Banther, CMC, CSP, CPAE, a seasoned family business advisor with over 30 years of experience helping families navigate the complexities of wealth transfer. Barry shares powerful stories and real-wo...