Model FA Podcast

What does a pilot’s license at 16, a career in journalism, and a passion for financial advisor marketing have in common? They’re all part of Jonathan Musgrave’s remarkable journey. In this episode of The Model FA Podcast, Jonathan, founder and CEO of Steep Digital Marketing, opens up about his unconventional career path and how it shaped his approach to helping financial advisors thrive. Check out these key moments: 0:01:25 - Jonathan describes his goal out of college as becoming "unemployable"

0:02:25 - Early ambition to become a pilot and get his pilot's license at age 16

0:03:25 - Jonathan shifts to journalism after the pilot market becomes flooded post-9/11

0:04:25 - First job out of college was at a wholesale company as their marketing director

0:07:25 - His transition from print to digital marketing and starting Steep Digital in 2017

0:10:25 - Challenges and lessons learned from his wholesale business experience

0:14:25 - How COVID-19 led to a shift from live events to webinars for Steep Digital

0:19:25 - The "Psychology of Retirement" film and its success in attracting audiences

0:27:25 - Effective call to action used at the film events

0:34:25 - Impact of Cameron Herold's book "Vivid Vision" on his approach to leadership and vision setting

0:41:25 - Jonathan provides information on how to connect with Steep Digital and get a free copy of the film Connect with Jonathan:  

• Website: https://www.steepdigital.com

• Email: [email protected]

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/steep-digital-marketing

 About the Model FA Podcast The Model FA podcast is a show for fiduciary financial advisors. In each episode, our host David DeCelle sits down with industry experts, strategic thinkers, and advisors to explore what it takes  to build a successful practice — and have an abundant life in the process. We believe in continuous learning, tactical advice, and strategies that work — no “gotchas” or BS. Join us to hear stories from successful financial advisors, get actionable ideas from experts, and re-discover your drive to build the practice of your dreams. Did you like this conversation? Then leave us a rating and a review in whatever podcast player you use. We would love your feedback, and your ratings help us reach more advisors with ideas for growing their practices, attracting great clients, and achieving a better quality of life. While you are there, feel free to share your ideas about future podcast guests or topics you’d love to see covered. Our Team:

President of Model FA, David DeCelle

If you like this podcast, you will love our community! Join the Model FA Community on Facebook to connect with like-minded advisors and share the day-to-day challenges and wins of running a growing financial services firm.

In this episode, Christopher Tan, CEO of Providend, Southeast Asia's first and Singapore's sole fee-only comprehensive wealth advisory firm, shares his journey from a humble background to becoming a financial advisor. He tells the story of how he transitioned from engineering to the army, then to pharmaceutical sales and eventually to financial services. Despite initial industry resistance, Providend has grown to manage over $1 billion for 900 households, with a team of 55. Tan emphasized the importance of aligning financial advice with clients' life goals and credited the "hedgehog concept" from Jim Collins' "Good to Great" for guiding Providend's strategy.

Check out these key moments:

0:02:06 Christopher Tan introduces himself as the CEO of Providend, Southeast Asia's first and Singapore's sole fee-only comprehensive wealth advisory firm.

0:07:13 Christopher discusses how his time in the army instilled confidence, discipline, and a sense of pride in his work that he carried into his business career.

0:14:31 He shares how a client's feedback made him realize he was selling products rather than providing true financial planning advice, leading him to leave the insurance industry.

0:22:42 Christopher  recounts the initial industry backlash and personal attacks he faced when launching Providend's fee-only model, including threatening letters.

0:40:02 Christopher  emphasizes Providend's focus on helping clients achieve their life goals, not just managing their money, as a key driver of the firm's success.

0:51:40 Christopher  explains how the "hedgehog concept" from the book "Good to Great" has shaped Providend's corporate strategy and mission.

Connect with Christopher:

• Website: https://www.providend.com

• Email: [email protected]

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-tan-19336a/

About the Model FA Podcast

The Model FA podcast is a show for fiduciary financial advisors. In each episode, our host David DeCelle sits down with industry experts, strategic thinkers, and advisors to explore what it takes  to build a successful practice — and have an abundant life in the process. We believe in continuous learning, tactical advice, and strategies that work — no “gotchas” or BS. Join us to hear stories from successful financial advisors, get actionable ideas from experts, and re-discover your drive to build the practice of your dreams. 

Did you like this conversation? Then leave us a rating and a review in whatever podcast player you use. We would love your feedback, and your ratings help us reach more advisors with ideas for growing their practices, attracting great clients, and achieving a better quality of life. While you are there, feel free to share your ideas about future podcast guests or topics you’d love to see covered. 

Our Team:

President of Model FA, David DeCelle

If you like this podcast, you will love our community! Join the Model FA Community on Facebook to connect with like-minded advisors and share the day-to-day challenges and wins of running a growing financial services firm.

In this episode of the Model FA Podcast, David DeCelle sits down with Abby Salameh, Chief Growth Officer at RFG Advisory. Abby shares her fascinating career journey, from starting in institutional sales at Sanford Bernstein to launching the first financial advisor newspaper, Investment News. 

Abby discusses her transition into growing large RIA firms like Fusion Advisor Network and Hightower Advisors, and the key lessons she's learned about advisor growth and operational efficiency. 

Check out these key moments:

0:06:35 Abby's early career path and how she "happenstanced" into financial services

0:12:35 Abby's move from publishing into the custodial side at TD Waterhouse

0:15:35 Abby's experience growing Fusion Advisor Network, Private Advisor Group, and Hightower

0:24:04 Abby's approach to helping advisors identify where they spend their time and energy

0:31:07 Abby's focus on culture and selectivity in who RFG brings onto their platform

0:36:32 How RFG balances automated content with custom, advisor-branded content

This episode is full of insights for any financial advisor looking to grow their practice in a sustainable way. Tune in to hear Abby's unique perspective from her diverse background in the industry.

Connect with Abby:

• Website: https://www.rfgadvisory.com

• Email: [email protected]

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbysalameh/

About the Model FA Podcast

The Model FA podcast is a show for fiduciary financial advisors. In each episode, our host David DeCelle sits down with industry experts, strategic thinkers, and advisors to explore what it takes  to build a successful practice — and have an abundant life in the process. We believe in continuous learning, tactical advice, and strategies that work — no “gotchas” or BS. Join us to hear stories from successful financial advisors, get actionable ideas from experts, and re-discover your drive to build the practice of your dreams. 

Did you like this conversation? Then leave us a rating and a review in whatever podcast player you use. We would love your feedback, and your ratings help us reach more advisors with ideas for growing their practices, attracting great clients, and achieving a better quality of life. While you are there, feel free to share your ideas about future podcast guests or topics you’d love to see covered. 

Our Team:

President of Model FA, David DeCelle

If you like this podcast, you will love our community! Join the Exchange on Skool.com to connect with like-minded advisors and share the day-to-day challenges and wins of running a growing financial services firm.

In this episode of the ModelFA podcast, host David sits down with Craig Robson, the Founding Principal and Managing Director of Regent Peak Wealth Advisors. Craig shares his fascinating journey from a 25-year career at Merrill Lynch to launching his own independent RIA firm, Regent Peak Wealth Advisors. The conversation delves into the challenges and opportunities of transitioning to the independent space, the firm's unique approach to client engagement, and the importance of building a strong culture and team. In this episode:

0:01:20 Craig's experience at Merrill Lynch and the benefits of larger firms for training new advisors

0:04:30 The founding of Regent Peak Wealth Advisors and the firm's focus on serving wealth creators

0:10:51 The importance of having a resource strategy and leveraging external partners in the early stages

0:15:04 Regent Peak's growth strategy, including the consulting agreement model and proactive marketing efforts

0:27:34 The significance of the "10,000 hours" concept and the importance of focusing on core competencies

0:53:28 Craig's recommended book, "Outliers" by Malcolm Gladwell, and the impact it has had on his perspective

Connect with Craig:

• Website: https://www.regentpeakwealth.com

• Email: [email protected]

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/regent-peak-wealth-advisors/

About the Model FA Podcast

The Model FA podcast is a show for fiduciary financial advisors. In each episode, our host David DeCelle sits down with industry experts, strategic thinkers, and advisors to explore what it takes  to build a successful practice — and have an abundant life in the process. We believe in continuous learning, tactical advice, and strategies that work — no “gotchas” or BS. Join us to hear stories from successful financial advisors, get actionable ideas from experts, and re-discover your drive to build the practice of your dreams. 

Did you like this conversation? Then leave us a rating and a review in whatever podcast player you use. We would love your feedback, and your ratings help us reach more advisors with ideas for growing their practices, attracting great clients, and achieving a better quality of life. While you are there, feel free to share your ideas about future podcast guests or topics you’d love to see covered. 

Our Team:

President of Model FA, David DeCelle

If you like this podcast, you will love our community! Join the Model FA Community on Facebook to connect with like-minded advisors and share the day-to-day challenges and wins of running a growing financial services firm.

On this special episode, Graham Gardner hosts the podcast and interviews David DeCelle and Dan Allison to talk strategies for advisors to grow their practices in 2024. They emphasize the importance of identifying one's strengths and niches, leveraging technology for automation, and outsourcing non-core tasks. They advise on creating personalized content to build authority and maintain client relationships. The conversation highlights the need for intentional marketing, such as scheduling follow-up meetings and providing value-added content to prospects and COIs. They stress the importance of simplicity in communication and the value of long-term, consistent efforts over quick fixes.

Join the most connected place for advisors online. Check out the Exchange and visit FA.Exchange In this episode:

Identify strengths to automate, delegate and hire for weaknesses

Scheduling natural follow-up meetings with prospects

The art of personalized monthly content for prospects

Gathering client feedback, adjust events and communications

Connect with Dan:

• Website: https://www.fa.exchange

• Email: [email protected]

Connect with Graham:

• Website: https://www.fa.exchange

• Email: [email protected]

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theonlinemarketer/

About the Model FA Podcast

The Model FA podcast is a show for fiduciary financial advisors. In each episode, our host David DeCelle sits down with industry experts, strategic thinkers, and advisors to explore what it takes  to build a successful practice — and have an abundant life in the process. We believe in continuous learning, tactical advice, and strategies that work — no “gotchas” or BS. Join us to hear stories from successful financial advisors, get actionable ideas from experts, and re-discover your drive to build the practice of your dreams. 

Did you like this conversation? Then leave us a rating and a review in whatever podcast player you use. We would love your feedback, and your ratings help us reach more advisors with ideas for growing their practices, attracting great clients, and achieving a better quality of life. While you are there, feel free to share your ideas about future podcast guests or topics you’d love to see covered. 

Our Team:

President of Model FA, David DeCelle

If you like this podcast, you will love our community! Join the Model FA Community on Facebook to connect with like-minded advisors and share the day-to-day challenges and wins of running a growing financial services firm.

In this episode I am joined by John O'Connell, CEO of the Oasis Group to discuss ownership, data security, and predictive analytics for wealth managers. He emphasized the importance of relatable technology communication and shared real-life case studies, such as integrating technology stacks and enhancing efficiency. John highlighted the significance of data warehouses and data lakes, explaining their roles in storing and analyzing data. He also discussed AI's potential to augment, not replace, advisors, recommending prompt engineering and note-taking AI tools. John recommended "How to Win Friends and Influence People" and "The Magic of Thinking Big" for building relationships and business success.

This week on The Model FA Podcast:

0:00:07 - The role of a CEO is to invest in the business and ensure it remains an ongoing concern.

0:00:28 - Introduction of John O'Connell, founder and CEO of the Oasis Group.

0:01:47 - Oasis Group's four main services: data capture, data security, data ownership, and predictive analytics.

0:04:10 - John O'Connell's background, starting as a programmer at Merrill Lynch and transitioning to sales and consulting roles.

0:07:38 - Importance of making technology relatable to non-technical advisors.

0:20:26 - Considerations for advisors regarding data warehouses and data lakes.

0:30:15 - Practical applications of AI in financial services, including note-taking and prompt engineering.

0:44:45 - Book recommendations: "How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie and "The Magic of Thinking Big" by David Schwartz.

0:51:27 - Closing remarks and information about The Oasis Group's resources.

Connect with John:

Website: https://www.theoasisgrp.com

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

Email: [email protected]

About the Model FA Podcast

The Model FA podcast is a show for fiduciary financial advisors. In each episode, our host David DeCelle sits down with industry experts, strategic thinkers, and advisors to explore what it takes  to build a successful practice — and have an abundant life in the process. We believe in continuous learning, tactical advice, and strategies that work — no “gotchas” or BS. Join us to hear stories from successful financial advisors, get actionable ideas from experts, and re-discover your drive to build the practice of your dreams. 

Did you like this conversation? Then leave us a rating and a review in whatever podcast player you use. We would love your feedback, and your ratings help us reach more advisors with ideas for growing their practices, attracting great clients, and achieving a better quality of life. While you are there, feel free to share your ideas about future podcast guests or topics you’d love to see covered. 

Our Team:

President of Model FA, David DeCelle

If you like this podcast, you will love our community! Join the Model FA Community on Facebook to connect with like-minded advisors and share the day-to-day challenges and wins of running a growing financial services firm.

Today we welcome the return of Michael Hannah, a successful financial advisor and co-founder of Azura Wealth Advisors, to discuss his journey from trading derivatives to wealth management. He emphasized the importance of treating clients' money as if it were his own and building long-term relationships through empathy and expertise. Michael shared strategies for engaging busy clients, such as consistent follow-ups and unique experiences like hosting a private sushi chef at home. He highlighted the value of positioning clients as the heroes of their financial journey while advisors act as guides. Michael also discussed the significance of sharing personal interests and experiences to deepen client relationships.

This week on The Model FA Podcast:

0:00:07 - Michael Hanna joins us to Discuss the importance of handling clients' finances with care and expertise to build long-standing relationships.

0:01:21 - Background, including initial experience in futures and options trading, and transition into private wealth management and financial planning.

0:05:07 - Treating clients' money as if it were your own, and the importance of empathy in financial planning.

0:07:08 - The challenge of separating work life from personal life and the importance of being emotionally available for family.

0:09:31 - A mentor's advice on the importance of shutting off work at the end of the day to avoid burnout.

0:11:31 - Helping clients save enough to ensure a brighter financial future and the ability to enjoy retirement.

0:14:35 - Positioning the advisor as a guide, rather than a hero, in the client's financial journey.

0:18:01 - Strategies for helping busy clients prioritize financial planning, including consistency, persistence, and understanding their priorities.

0:27:29 - Michael shares the example of hosting a private sushi chef at his home for clients, which deepened their connection and led to new opportunities.

0:35:58 - The broader impact of financial planning on clients' lives and goals, and the importance of helping them achieve financial freedom.

0:37:35 - Power of shared experiences in building strong client relationships.

Connect with Michael:

• Website: https://www.azurawealth.com/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelwhanna

• Email: [email protected]

About the Model FA Podcast

The Model FA podcast is a show for fiduciary financial advisors. In each episode, our host David DeCelle sits down with industry experts, strategic thinkers, and advisors to explore what it takes  to build a successful practice — and have an abundant life in the process. We believe in continuous learning, tactical advice, and strategies that work — no “gotchas” or BS. Join us to hear stories from successful financial advisors, get actionable ideas from experts, and re-discover your drive to build the practice of your dreams. 

Did you like this conversation? Then leave us a rating and a review in whatever podcast player you use. We would love your feedback, and your ratings help us reach more advisors with ideas for growing their practices, attracting great clients, and achieving a better quality of life. While you are there, feel free to share your ideas about future podcast guests or topics you’d love to see covered. 

Our Team:

President of Model FA, David DeCelle

If you like this podcast, you will love our community! Join the Model FA Community on Facebook to connect with like-minded advisors and share the day-to-day challenges and wins of running a growing financial services firm.

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In this episode of the ModelFA Podcast, David sits down with Stevyn Guinnip, a health expert for financial advisors. They discuss the importance of prioritizing health and wellness in achieving overall success, and how advisors can balance their professional and personal lives. Stevyn shares her personal journey and the lessons she's learned about the long-term impact of stress, sleep, and nutrition on health and well-being. The conversation also covers the benefits of proactive healthcare, the impact of personal health on professional success, and simple habits that can lead to better health. Listeners will walk away with actionable tips and strategies to improve their own health and wellness, and ultimately, their overall quality of life.

This week on The Model FA Podcast:

0:00 - 1:24: Introduction to the episode and guest Stevyn Guinnip

1:24 - 2:01: Stevyn's background and connection to the financial industry

2:01 - 3:49: Discussion on the different definitions of success and the importance of balancing business, health, family, and personal well-being

3:49 - 8:47: Stevyn's personal journey and the pivotal moment when her father turned down a promotion to prioritize his family and health

8:47 - 15:36: Stevyn's experience with a health crisis and the lessons she learned about the long-term impact of stress, sleep, and nutrition on health and well-being

15:36 - 21:28: The importance of proactive healthcare, the impact of personal health on professional success, and the gradual decline in men's testosterone levels

21:28 - 26:53: Simple habits for better health, including drinking water, walking, and weight training, and the benefits of incorporating these habits into daily routines

26:53 - 32:07: The power of saying "yes" and starting small, and the recommendation of the book "Outlive" by Dr. Peter Attia

32:07 - 37:12: Stevyn's upcoming book "How To Grow Wealthy" and the importance of prevention and self-care in achieving overall success

Connect with Stevyn:

• Website: www.growwellthy.com

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevyn-guinnip/

• Email: [email protected]

About the Model FA Podcast

The Model FA podcast is a show for fiduciary financial advisors. In each episode, our host David DeCelle sits down with industry experts, strategic thinkers, and advisors to explore what it takes  to build a successful practice — and have an abundant life in the process. We believe in continuous learning, tactical advice, and strategies that work — no “gotchas” or BS. Join us to hear stories from successful financial advisors, get actionable ideas from experts, and re-discover your drive to build the practice of your dreams. 

Did you like this conversation? Then leave us a rating and a review in whatever podcast player you use. We would love your feedback, and your ratings help us reach more advisors with ideas for growing their practices, attracting great clients, and achieving a better quality of life. While you are there, feel free to share your ideas about future podcast guests or topics you’d love to see covered. 

Our Team:

President of Model FA, David DeCelle

If you like this podcast, you will love our community! Join the Model FA Community on Facebook to connect with like-minded advisors and share the day-to-day challenges and wins of running a growing financial services firm.

In this episode of the Model FA Podcast, Tammy Lee joins David to discuss how she helps financial advisors scale their businesses as a fractional COO. Through her work, Tammy acts as the operations expert so advisors don't have to be. She rolls up her sleeves to get into the weeds with their staff. Tammy focuses on developing people and building capacity. She works closely with teams to streamline processes and custodian relationships.

By reallocating team members' time based on their strengths, Tammy helps firms increase engagement and productivity. She shares how coaching junior advisors is important for their career progression. Tammy also ensures a smooth transition when she finishes a project by finding a replacement.

This episode provides insight into Tammy's fractional COO services and how she helps advisors solve operational problems. You'll learn about the impact she makes unlocking hidden potential in workplaces. If you want to scale your RIA more efficiently, don't miss this look inside Tammy's consulting approach.

This week on The Model FA Podcast:

0:00:00 Introduction

0:01:30 Tammy Lee's background and journey to becoming a financial advisor

0:06:30 Starting her consulting business to help other advisors scale their businesses

0:11:03 How Tammy helps firms as an operations expert

0:13:29 Common problems Tammy encounters in firms

0:15:35 Empowering advisors and CEOs through coaching

0:17:30 Unlocking hidden potential with Adam Grant's book

0:19:58 Transitioning out of firms to help more people

0:21:34 Book recommendation: Hidden Potential by Adam Grant

0:23:06 Ensuring a smooth transition when leaving firms

0:26:02 Importance of coaching and developing junior advisors 

0:28:45 Goal of helping as many firms as possible

Connect with Tammy:

• Website: https://www.riasie.com/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammy-lee-cfp%C2%AE-27b4432/

• Email: [email protected]

About the Model FA Podcast

The Model FA podcast is a show for fiduciary financial advisors. In each episode, our host David DeCelle sits down with industry experts, strategic thinkers, and advisors to explore what it takes  to build a successful practice — and have an abundant life in the process. We believe in continuous learning, tactical advice, and strategies that work — no “gotchas” or BS. Join us to hear stories from successful financial advisors, get actionable ideas from experts, and re-discover your drive to build the practice of your dreams. 

Did you like this conversation? Then leave us a rating and a review in whatever podcast player you use. We would love your feedback, and your ratings help us reach more advisors with ideas for growing their practices, attracting great clients, and achieving a better quality of life. While you are there, feel free to share your ideas about future podcast guests or topics you’d love to see covered. 

Our Team:

President of Model FA, David DeCelle

If you like this podcast, you will love our community! Join the Model FA Community on Facebook to connect with like-minded advisors and share the day-to-day challenges and wins of running a growing financial services firm.

In this episode of the Model FA Podcast, David DeCelle is joined by Eric Stein to discuss the role of fractional CIOs in supporting financial advisors, and how it is different from traditional TAMP solutions. Eric highlights the importance of having a dedicated investment professional to help advisors navigate the ever-changing landscape of our industry. This episode emphasizes the importance of customized investment solutions and outsourcing investment management for financial advisors, highlighting the advantages of adding depth to a firm, providing more resources, and increasing client confidence.

This week on The Model FA Podcast:

Eric Stein's career path from college to asset management firm. 

Career paths, subway experiences, and meeting business partner Mario Nardone.

Customized investment solutions for financial advisors.

Outsourcing investment management to a third-party CIO.

Investment management for smaller firms.

CMO and OSA roles for financial advisors.

Connect with Eric:

Website: https://www.eastbayis.com

Email: [email protected]

About the Model FA Podcast

The Model FA podcast is a show for fiduciary financial advisors. In each episode, our host David DeCelle sits down with industry experts, strategic thinkers, and advisors to explore what it takes  to build a successful practice — and have an abundant life in the process. We believe in continuous learning, tactical advice, and strategies that work — no “gotchas” or BS. Join us to hear stories from successful financial advisors, get actionable ideas from experts, and re-discover your drive to build the practice of your dreams. 

Did you like this conversation? Then leave us a rating and a review in whatever podcast player you use. We would love your feedback, and your ratings help us reach more advisors with ideas for growing their practices, attracting great clients, and achieving a better quality of life. While you are there, feel free to share your ideas about future podcast guests or topics you’d love to see covered. 

Our Team:

President of Model FA, David DeCelle

If you like this podcast, you will love our community! Join the Model FA Community on Facebook to connect with like-minded advisors and share the day-to-day challenges and wins of running a growing financial services firm.