Discovery Series: Unplugged

Welcome to the 75th episode of the Discovery Series: Unplugged, kicking off 2025 with a deeply moving and inspiring story. Join host Reh Bhanji as he sits down with Nitin Bansal, Director of Actuarial Support at IDC Worldsource Insurance Network Inc., to explore a powerful intersection of life, health, and resilience.

From a life-altering health scare to redefining his approach to both personal and professional life, Nitin shares his journey through challenges, transformation, and lessons learned. Dive into the art of balancing the emotional realities of mortality with the precision of actuarial science, as Nitin reflects on the importance of insurability, family, and living a limitless mindset.

This episode goes beyond the numbers, offering insights that empower advisors to create meaningful, impactful solutions for their clients. Don't miss this inspiring conversation about resilience, passion, and the human side of insurance.

Recorded live from the DFSIN Ontario Central PD Day, this heartfelt episode of Discovery Series: Unplugged features Anastasio Miras, Life and Health Insurance Advisor at DFSIN. Anastasio shares his deeply personal journey into the insurance industry, inspired by his father, Dimitros "Jim" Miras. From watching his dad study for his CFP to stepping into the family business, Anastasio reveals the challenges and triumphs of succession planning in the advisor world.

Explore the importance of building a lasting legacy for your practice, the lessons Anastasio learned from loss and love, and the actionable steps advisors can take to ensure continuity for their clients. Don’t miss this touching and insightful conversation about life insurance, discipline, and the enduring impact of family values.

In this special episode of Discovery Series: Unplugged, we’re bringing you a collaboration between Desjardins and the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) to explore the impactful ways they’re supporting small businesses and fueling economic growth.

Join host Reh Bhanji and co-host David Lee as they speak with two exceptional leaders:

• Marilyn Horrick, Senior Vice President, Market Growth, Brand Expansion, and Partner Relations, Outside Quebec, Desjardins Group.
• Daniel Tisch, CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, and a leader in reputation management, public policy, and business communication strategies.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The inspiring stories behind Desjardins’ GoodSpark Grant recipients and how it’s helping small businesses thrive.
• How the OCC’s Thank You Small Business Campaign is driving innovation in workforce development and digital accreditation.
• Why financial advisors play a pivotal role in supporting small businesses and how programs like these can make an impact

Whether you’re an advisor looking to add value to your small business clients or an entrepreneur seeking inspiration, this episode offers insights and practical strategies for success.

Listen now and discover how Desjardins and the OCC are empowering the future of small business in Canada.

In this episode of Discovery Series: Unplugged, we sit down with Ashley Champagne, Insurance Agent and Account Manager at Desjardins Insurance Agency in Waterloo, Ontario. Ashley shares her inspiring journey from a career in healthcare to becoming a trusted advisor, helping clients navigate life’s major milestones.

Ashley offers practical advice for advisors, including:

• How to use personal asset inventories to create tailored insurance solutions.
• Supporting clients through pivotal moments, such as purchasing a home, starting a family, or preparing for retirement.
• Educating clients about the importance of wills, power of attorney, and policy reviews to ensure comprehensive protection.

Ashley also shares a heartfelt story of how proactive planning made a real difference in a client’s life. Whether you're an advisor looking to enhance your practice or someone preparing for the unexpected, this episode offers valuable strategies for navigating life’s changes with confidence.

Listen now and learn how to turn challenges into opportunities for growth and security.

#DiscoverySeriesUnplugged #InsuranceInsights #ClientCare

In this special episode of Discovery Series: Unplugged, host Reh Bhanji and co-host David Lee sit down with Eric Chevrette, one of Canada’s most successful financial advisors and the President and Founder of IT360 Financial. Known for his innovative methods and upcoming book, The Wealth Algorithm, Eric shares his mission to help independent consultants and entrepreneurs maximize their financial potential through tailored, tech-driven strategies.

Eric opens up about the values that drive his work, including his father’s “Keep Pushing” motto, a principle of resilience that has shaped his approach to financial advising. From his unique “fishing lure” analogy for tax-efficient investing to expert insights on asset management and retirement planning, Eric reveals how he combines human support with AI-driven tools at IT360 Financial to deliver sustainable financial growth.

Highlights:

• Resilience and Motivation: How Eric’s “Keep Pushing” philosophy influences his career and client relationships

• Innovative Tax Strategies: Practical advice on corporate investment strategies for entrepreneurs

• The Wealth Algorithm: A preview of Eric’s approach to wealth-building, soon to be available in his book

Whether you’re an advisor, entrepreneur, or independent consultant, this episode offers a masterclass in financial optimization from one of Canada’s top advisors. Tune in to discover Eric’s proven strategies for building wealth and leaving a legacy.

Buy Eric's book here: The Wealth Algorithm for IT Consultants: The Independent Consultant’s Guide to Maximizing Revenues, Tax Efficiency, and Retirement Planning : Chevrette, Eric: Amazon.ca: Livres

In this inspiring episode of Discovery Series: Unplugged, Reh Bhanji welcomes Rebeca Wieler Chen, a Financial Advisor with Desjardins Financial Security Independent Network in London, Ontario. Rebeca shares her passion for empowering small businesses and dives into the impact of the Desjardins GoodSpark Grant, which has provided $3 million in funding to 150 Canadian small businesses.

Rebeca discusses the four foundations of financial security that she believes are essential for small business success: People, Cash Flow, Innovation & Technology, and Structure. Drawing from her own experience as a Brazilian-Canadian entrepreneur, she highlights the values of community impact and sustainable development, which the GoodSpark Grant embodies. Rebeca also shares success stories, like that of Carlos and Marcia from the London Martial Arts Centre, who were awarded the GoodSpark Grant for their incredible contributions to society.

Highlights:

• Community Impact through Financial Support: How the GoodSpark Grant empowers small businesses to make a meaningful difference.

• Building Blocks of Financial Security: Rebeca’s four pillars—People, Cash Flow, Innovation, and Structure—that guide small business success.

• Real Stories, Real Impact: How businesses like the London Martial Arts Centre are using their grants to foster community well-being.

Tune in to hear Rebeca’s insights on supporting local businesses and creating lasting community impact. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about the role of small businesses in building stronger communities.

In this live episode from the IDC Vice Presidents Conference in Whistler, host Reh Bhanji sits down with industry legends Greg Osmak (Executive Vice President of Sales & Marketing, IDC Worldsource), Bob McNary (Founder, McNary Financial Services), and Geoff McNary (Certified Financial Planner, McNary Financial Services). Together, they explore how advisors can adopt a "back to the future" approach—leveraging tried-and-true sales techniques to build a lasting legacy in today's evolving market.
The panel delves into the Granum System, discussing foundational steps like qualifying prospects and the art of fact-finding, with insights from Bob, who has been using this method for decades. Greg and Geoff bring a modern twist, explaining how these timeless strategies have been digitized for today’s advisors. Along the way, they share memorable stories, including the "Jackhammer" moment and lessons learned from real-life client cases.
Key Takeaways:
- The power of activity-focused sales tracking
- Building resilience in a challenging industry
- Insights on mentorship and intergenerational wisdom in financial advising
Tune in to hear these industry veterans share stories, strategies, and insights that continue to shape the future of financial advising.

In this live episode recorded at the IDC Vice Presidents Conference in Muskoka, host Reh Bhanji sits down with Greg Osmak, Executive Vice President of Sales & Marketing at IDC Worldsource Insurance Network, and Jonathan Mullett, Director of Risk Management at Access Private Wealth.

Together, they dive into the challenges facing the life insurance industry, including a significant decline in policy sales despite Canada’s growing population. Greg and Jonathan bring decades of experience to the discussion, offering practical insights on how advisors can:

• ​Overcome the life insurance coverage gap in Canada
• ​Maximize advisor value through teaming and specialization
• ​Transition from generalist to niche markets for greater success
• ​Leverage technology to enhance client relationships and grow their practices

If you’re an advisor looking for actionable strategies to stay ahead in a changing market, this episode is a must-listen!

Join us in the latest episode of the Discovery Series: Unplugged as we dive into the art of personal branding with Natalie Hales, an acclaimed Brand Strategist. Discover how advisors can not only define but also enhance their brand's voice through effective storytelling. From her humble beginnings in London, Ontario, to becoming a renowned consultant, Natalie shares invaluable insights into shaping your professional identity. Learn the seven crucial steps to crafting your origin story, understand the impact of personal experiences on professional growth, and explore strategies for engaging your ideal clients. Whether you're looking to refine your narrative or build a legacy, this episode offers essential tools for anyone eager to make a meaningful mark in their field. Tune in to transform your approach and connect more authentically with your audience.

In this deeply personal and inspiring episode, Marco Levesque, Branch Manager and MDRT Advisor at Desjardins Financial Security Independent Network, shares his incredible journey of resilience after suffering two strokes—one just days after celebrating his 50th birthday. Marco opens up about the medical, emotional, and financial challenges he and his family faced. He reflects on his recovery, his mindset, and the importance of having the right financial safeguards in place, such as critical illness insurance. Through his story, Marco illustrates the true strength of the “warrior within” and how advisors can better prepare their clients for life’s unexpected health battles. Tune in to learn powerful lessons on mindset, financial preparedness, and the importance of protection for life’s toughest moments.