Our minds often deceive us, shaping our perceptions in ways we don’t realize. Cognitive biases influence decision-making, memory, and our ability to adapt. By understanding these mental traps, we can sharpen our thinking, make better decisions, and foster deeper connections with clients.

One common bias is the Texas Sharpshooter Fallacy—the tendency to find patterns that fit our narratives, even when they don’t exist. This can lead to flawed decision-making and misplaced confidence in trends that may be purely coincidental. Similarly, normalcy bias keeps us anchored to what feels familiar, making it harder to recognize and respond to change effectively. There’s also the argument from authority, where we often accept expert opinions without questioning their validity. And finally, the misinformation effect distorts our memories over time, making them unreliable guides for decision-making.

To counteract these biases, structured decision-making, real-time documentation, and intentional skepticism are key. Establishing clear processes helps us navigate uncertainty with confidence. Journaling or recording key observations preserves unaltered insights, reducing the risk of hindsight bias. And actively questioning authoritative claims ensures well-rounded, independent thinking. By recognizing these cognitive pitfalls, we can future-proof our decision-making and better serve our clients.

The future of financial advisory isn’t just about keeping up—it’s about staying ahead. Erin Voisin of EP Wealth Advisors shares how forward-thinking firms can create a culture that anticipates client needs, embraces innovation, and refines internal processes to drive long-term success. She highlights how strategic time management, leadership development, and a commitment to continuous improvement can help advisors future-proof their businesses in an evolving industry.

One key strategy Erin discusses is the importance of setting aside time for self-reflection and strategic planning. At EP Wealth, they’ve implemented dedicated “decompression days” to allow team members to step back, assess their work, and prepare for the week ahead. This approach enhances productivity, reduces burnout, and ensures advisors are delivering the best possible client experience. Additionally, postmortem evaluations after major projects or implementations provide valuable insights, allowing teams to refine their processes and improve outcomes.

Beyond operational strategies, Erin stresses the importance of leadership development in sustaining long-term growth. By investing in internal training programs, firms can cultivate strong leaders who align with the company’s vision and drive success. As the financial advisory space continues to evolve, firms that prioritize innovation, adaptability, and a strong internal culture will be best positioned to thrive.

Great conversations don’t start with answers—they start with the right questions. In this episode of The FutureProof Advisor, I explore how curiosity, not just knowledge, is the key to deeper connections in wealth management and beyond. With technology providing instant answers, we’ve lost the art of asking meaningful questions—ones that uncover emotions, intentions, and true understanding.

Shifting from fact-based questions to ones that explore feelings can transform any conversation. Instead of stopping at surface-level inquiries, I break down how to ask better questions that spark engagement and build trust. It’s not about what someone did—it’s about how they feel and why it matters.

I also dive into practical techniques to improve communication, like using silence to encourage thoughtful responses, asking for permission before digging deeper, and clarifying instead of assuming. By prioritizing connection over simple information exchange, we can build stronger, more authentic relationships in both business and life.

Most people hear, but few truly listen. Matt Halloran, author of 'Shut the F Up and Listen', joins The FutureProof Advisor to explore how deep listening transforms communication, leadership, and client relationships. Drawing from his background in therapy and financial services, Matt shares how a pivotal moment studying with George Kinder shifted his perspective on the power of silence and meaningful dialogue.

Listening, he explains, is an act of love—one that builds trust, strengthens connections, and allows others to feel seen and valued. The key isn’t just in hearing words but in embracing silence, using strategic pauses to create space for deeper conversations. Recognizing different communication styles—whether someone is a skydiver, hang glider, or scuba diver—can also help tailor your listening approach to foster more meaningful interactions.

True listening isn’t about waiting for your turn to speak—it’s about setting aside ego, offering full attention, and making others feel genuinely understood. When we adapt our approach to meet others where they are, we create an environment where they feel comfortable, heard, and empowered to arrive at their own solutions. By mastering the art of listening, we can transform the way we lead, connect, and build relationships.

Effective communication is the key to building stronger, more meaningful relationships—both personally and professionally. In a world where information is readily available, the real differentiator lies in the quality of our conversations. Matt Reiner explores how shifting from fact-based questions to feeling-based inquiries can unlock deeper connections and foster trust.

By moving beyond surface-level exchanges, Reiner highlights how asking thoughtful, emotional questions encourages vulnerability and creates space for genuine dialogue. He shares practical methods like seeking permission before diving into deeper topics, which helps set the foundation for more open conversations. Additionally, active listening—such as repeating what you've heard—ensures alignment, minimizes misunderstandings, and strengthens relationships.

These strategies empower advisors to not only build trust with clients and colleagues but also cultivate more profound connections in every aspect of life. When we prioritize curiosity and empathy, we unlock the power of communication to create lasting, impactful relationships.

Success in financial advising isn’t just about managing assets—it’s about anticipating the future, building the right team, and staying relentlessly client-focused. Matt Reiner sits down with Eric Sheerin from Dogwood Wealth to uncover how he grew a $250 million firm in just three years, with sights set on $1 billion. Their conversation dives into the mindset and strategies that drive long-term success in an evolving industry.

Eric highlights the power of strategic partnerships and role specialization, explaining how surrounding yourself with the right people—each playing to their strengths—creates a scalable, efficient business. He also stresses the importance of staying ahead of industry shifts, continuously adapting to client needs and market trends to remain competitive. Finally, he shares why clear goal-setting and accountability are the backbone of sustainable growth, allowing firms to execute with intention while staying flexible enough to adjust along the way.

The key to future-proofing your advisory practice isn’t just working harder—it’s working smarter, with the right people, the right strategy, and a relentless focus on client experience.

The way we communicate can either bridge divides or deepen them, especially in high-stakes conversations. Matt Reiner, host of FutureProof Advisor Podcast, unpacks the psychology behind why people struggle to engage openly, revealing how our evolutionary instincts and need for belonging often lead to closed-minded discussions. Instead of trying to persuade, shifting the focus toward exploration fosters more productive and less polarizing dialogue.

By embracing empathy and viewing conversations through multiple perspectives, professionals can navigate difficult discussions with greater understanding. Matt illustrates this with a theoretical game that exposes how certain statements trigger automatic, emotionally charged reactions. Recognizing these responses allows for more thoughtful engagement and stronger connections. He also challenges the tendency to accept authoritative opinions at face value, advocating for deeper questioning to uncover the emotional context behind data and conclusions.

Curiosity, empathy, and objectivity are the foundation for better communication in wealth management and beyond. By filtering judgments, actively listening, and staying open to different viewpoints, professionals can strengthen relationships, ease difficult conversations, and create more cohesive teams and client experiences.

In this episode of Bridging the Gap, Matt Reiner sits down with Gary Knopf, an attorney at Continuum Legal Group, to explore the intersection of wellness, professional growth, and innovative practices in the legal field. Gary shares how Peter Attia’s book Outlive transformed his perspective on longevity, emphasizing the importance of enjoying life rather than simply extending it. This philosophy inspired his commitment to a personalized wellness routine, including early-morning workouts and incorporating small, sustainable steps like short walks to maintain physical and mental health.

The conversation also delves into the inefficiencies of traditional legal billing practices, with Gary advocating for alternative models like fixed fees that improve client satisfaction and streamline financial management. He highlights the importance of exploring these innovative approaches to create a more transparent and collaborative client experience.

Matt and Gary discuss the significance of relationship-based networking, emphasizing the value of building trust with referral partners and thoroughly understanding their services. This approach leads to more meaningful professional connections and enhances the ability to deliver impactful solutions to clients.

Additionally, they draw parallels between the legal and wealth management professions, highlighting the shared need to deeply understand client needs and focus on offering practical, results-oriented solutions rather than simply transactional services. Gary also shares strategies for maintaining work-life balance, including setting boundaries with clients, prioritizing family time, and getting enough sleep to stay grounded amidst the demands of a challenging career.

In the latest episode of Bridging the Gap, Dr. Joshua Wilson joins Matt Reiner to explore how professionals can foster meaningful connections in today’s digital landscape. With clients increasingly informed thanks to online resources, Joshua stresses the need for both preparation and authenticity in every interaction. He highlights the power of "pre-suasive" efforts—strategic emotional engagement before meetings—combined with classic techniques like building rapport and asking open-ended questions. By using online tools to better understand client needs and entering conversations with curiosity and openness, professionals can create a solid foundation for deeper connections.

Joshua explains that emotional connections drive decision-making, with logic often serving as a secondary justification. To harness this, he advocates for storytelling that resonates emotionally and portrays the advisor as relatable and trustworthy. Drawing on his personal experiences, such as crafting a heartfelt graduation speech that attracted clients, he illustrates the importance of presenting oneself authentically. Professionals who master the art of emotional storytelling can strengthen their client relationships and build a persuasive narrative around their expertise and values.

The episode also examines how perception influences outcomes and how balancing vulnerability with professionalism can enhance relationships. Joshua introduces the "procedure versus perception razor," encouraging professionals to adjust how they are perceived before overhauling their actions in response to feedback. He emphasizes self-reflection as a tool for uncovering unique personal qualities that can deepen connections. By leading with empathy, curiosity, and an awareness of one’s distinctive traits, listeners are equipped to develop genuine relationships and build trust in an increasingly complex professional environment.

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In the latest episode of Bridging the Gap, Matt Reiner welcomes Kristin Harad to discuss the transformative impact of branding and client experience in financial advisory. Kristin, who blends life coaching principles with financial planning, emphasizes the importance of developing a clear, repeatable process for client interactions. By standardizing client experiences across a team, advisors can build trust, reinforce their brand, and ensure consistent delivery of value. This is particularly critical for solopreneurs and growing firms seeking to align business operations with a unified vision.

Kristin identifies three key paths for advisors: those transitioning to independence from corporate entities, next-generation leaders preparing for succession, and established professionals focused on scaling strategically. For each group, she stresses the power of focusing on a high-value hyper-target—a specific, profitable audience that allows for tailored marketing and stronger client relationships. Kristin highlights the importance of creating compelling content for this niche, which demonstrates expertise and attracts qualified prospects.

Additionally, the conversation explores how collaboration can drive growth. By partnering with others through podcasts, webinars, and joint efforts, advisors can expand their reach while leveraging the trust of their collaborators' networks. Kristin also underscores the importance of building a strong digital presence and engaging consistently with clients to foster loyalty and long-term success in a competitive, evolving industry.

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