In this episode of The Purpose-Focused Advisor, I sit down with David Steele, Co-Founder and CEO of One Wealth Advisors, Executive Chairman of Flour + Water Hospitality Group, and founder of Great Gold Hospitality.

David has built a billion-dollar advisory firm and a portfolio of thriving restaurant ventures without financial goals, without turnover, and without losing sight of what matters most. His leadership is grounded in one simple belief: the purpose of business is to serve others.

We talk about how his firm grows steadily year after year by focusing only on client experience, why he believes most retirement dreams lead to disconnection rather than fulfillment, and how hospitality, not finance, is the secret to loyalty and culture.

David shares insights every advisor can use, from building teams that stay to defining value with integrity, to serving clients so well they become your best advocates.

You’ll come away challenged and inspired to build growth that is not just sustainable but meaningful.

Key Takeaways

• Client Experience Over Goals (03:39) – David’s firm sets no financial targets; every goal is tied to making clients’ lives easier.
• Growth Through Service (06:57) – When you serve exceptionally well, clients become your sales team.
• Defining Real Value (10:11) – Advisors must look honestly at whether their tools truly solve client problems.
• Rethinking Retirement (14:04) – Purpose and mastery, not leisure, create lasting fulfillment.
• Hospitality as Leadership (11:47, 29:59) – Great businesses treat clients and teammates with the same spirit of service.

David Steele: “At the moment in time when we... are aware that we’re going to be fine as it relates to food and shelter... I think we should really quickly turn our attention to making sure that everything we’re doing is in the service of others.”

Rob Brown: “Your growth is a measure of what you're doing for your clients, as opposed to the way you're growing being represented by how many ultra-high-net-worth clients you bring into your practice.”

About David Steele: David Steele is the co-founder and CEO of One Wealth Advisors, a $1B independent wealth RIA firm, dedicated to helping clients simplify their lives and achieve financial goals through comprehensive planning and advisory services.

As a creator and strategic visionary at heart, David has built various successful ventures across hospitality, arts/entertainment, consumer products, and more.

Leading Flour + Water Hospitality Group as co-founder and Executive Chairman, he oversees acclaimed restaurant brands committed to culinary excellence, community impact, and sustainability.

Connect with David Steele: 

Website: https://davidsteele.xyz/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-steele-76088a/

Episode Resources & Next Steps

Download the Free Guide: The 8 Shifts of a Purpose-Focused Advisor — Discover the shifts that move you from pressure to perform to freedom to serve and help you build a business—and life—aligned with what matters most. 👉 Get Your Copy Here ➜

Connect with Rob Brown:

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://truestfan.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/truestfan/