NAIFA's Advisor Today Podcast Series

Mickey Straub is a successful entrepreneur, renowned speaker, accomplished author, devoted patriot, and mayor emeritus. He is passionate about inspiring people to set audacious goals with short deadlines so they can achieve more and regret less.

With 23 years of experience inspiring organizational success, Mickey provides the necessary resources to implement a goal-oriented, activity-based, and metric-driven performance management system. This system helps individuals and sales teams identify, manage, and measure high-payoff activities, enabling them to achieve their goals and steer their businesses in the right direction.

Are you struggling to spend your time wisely, achieve your goals, and maximize results? Make your day more productive with these strategies.

Advisors and agents juggle multiple clients, projects, and deadlines constantly, which can be challenging. Consider investing in a high-quality activity management solution to take your sales game to the next level. According to Mickey Straub, hiring a company that provides custom solutions tailored to your specific management needs is essential. By managing your activities effectively, you can make the most of your time and achieve your goals more efficiently.

On this episode of Advisor Today, Chris Gandy and Suzanne Carawan sit down with Mickey Straub, an entrepreneur, speaker, author, patriot, and mayor emeritus, to discuss activity management tips that drive results. Mickey talks about the importance of activity management, digital products for activity management, the sales activity management process, and advice for improving activities to produce results

Corey Anderson is an insurance agent specializing in counseling advisors on implementing insurance plans for disabled clients. As an industry leader, Corey is a frequently featured speaker at industry meetings on topics pertaining to disability insurance. He has served on the state and local NAIFA board for over 18 years, holding various roles, including president.

Do you want to build and grow a disability insurance practice successfully? What can you learn from an expert who has already accomplished this feat?

Corey Anderson, a DI expert, believes that obtaining disability insurance is essential because it provides financial security in the event of an unforeseen injury. However, establishing a disability insurance company can be challenging. It's imperative to have a comprehensive understanding of the insurance industry, legal framework, and target market to thrive in the industry. Corey shares how his experience creating a DI distribution model educates fellow insurance agents on the topic of disability insurance.

On this episode of Advisor Today, Chris Gandy and Suzanne Carawan sit down with Corey Anderson, a disability insurance expert, to discuss how to flourish in the disability insurance industry. Corey talks about disability insurance and its importance in financial planning, the challenges of disability insurance underwriting, and his journey to building a successful disability insurance company.

Dan Finley is an experienced financial advisor and professional coach who founded a business consulting and coaching service dedicated to helping advisors enhance their business. He began his brokerage career in 1993, spent 13-plus years as a successful financial advisor, and since 2004, has conducted over 20,000 hours of individual and group coaching sessions for financial advisors. His financial advisory and coaching experience includes all three major distribution channels: wire-house, bank, and independent.

Dan frequently speaks at branch offices, local chapters of the FPA, NAIFA, and national conferences. He is also the author of 101 Advisor Solutions: A Financial Advisor's Guide to Educate, Motivate, and Inspire!

Are you looking to build a successful business as a financial advisor? Where can you get the support you need to take your business to the next level?

Part of being a successful financial advisor is building a thriving business — and if you're winging it, you will struggle to make that happen. Dan Finley recommends getting a coach as a game-changing strategy for your business. With a coach, you can get the guidance, support, and accountability necessary to build the systems and processes that will enable you to create a better business.

On this episode of Advisor Today, Chris Gandy and Suzanne Carawan sit down with Dan Finley, an experienced financial advisor and professional coach, to discuss how he helps advisors flourish in the industry. Dan talks about his relationship with NAIFA, how he got started in the financial services and coaching industries, the difference between coaching an individual and a team, his process for coaching advisors, and how he overcame the challenges he faced in the industry.

Lynne Franklin is a persuasion expert, leadership communication consultant, coach, author, and TEDx speaker. As a neuroscience nerd, she studies how the brain works and how to use the findings to better connect with anyone and lead without manipulation. Since the inception of her communications practice in 1993, Lynne has worked with organizations that want to use persuasive communication skills to increase their performance, productivity, and profits.

Communication is the backbone of any successful business. So how can you better serve your clients through communication as an advisor?

According to Lynne Franklin, mastering the art of persuasive communication is fundamental in motivating your team and inspiring your customers to take action. It entails understanding body language, listening, and comprehending your audience and their needs to tailor your message to resonate with their interests and concerns, establishing trust and credibility. She shares her journey helping advisors connect and build good relationships with clients through communication to take their businesses to the next level.

On this episode of Advisor Today, Suzanne Carawan sits down with Lynne Franklin, a leadership communication consultant, to discuss how to thrive through persuasive communication as an advisor. Lynne talks about body language tips for making good first impressions, communication tips for financial advisors to develop good relationships with clients, maintaining long-term client relationships, and personal development and team-building advice for financial advisors.

John Wheeler is an accomplished Certified Financial Planner (CFP) with a wealth of experience in the financial services industry since 1969. He has earned several impressive designations, including Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC), Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC), Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow (LUTCF), LACP, and CLTC. In his current role, John supports his firm through seminars, advanced joint sales work, recruiting, and developing financial planning services. He is a highly respected speaker in the financial services industry and has also taught various certification programs such as the CRPC and CFP.

As a financial advisor or an insurance agent, you know that the financial services industry can be challenging — but rewarding when done right. What fundamental skills and strategies should you have at your disposal to thrive in this space? lamen

John Wheeler says most financial services professionals fail because they lack the education to help them maneuver the industry. They need to invest in education. He also recommends learning to communicate insurance jargon to clients in layman's terms to build trust and establish strong relationships. Additionally, they should work together to avoid mistakes and join communities to stay current with the latest trends and best practices. With these strategies in place, financial professionals will thrive as insurance agents.

On this episode of Advisor Today, Chris Gandy and Suzanne Carawan sit down with John Wheeler, an accomplished Certified Financial Planner (CFP), to discuss how agents and advisors can flourish in the financial services industry. John explains how he got into the insurance industry, the value of education, communication tips for young advisors, and the importance of volunteering as a leader in the financial services industry.

Morris Morrison is a world-class speaker, author, and entertainer who has learned the value of choosing to tell a better story and the power that comes from the stories we live. Drawing purpose and inspiration from his faith, family, and motivation to energize individuals and communities, Morris builds stronger, smarter, and kinder human beings.

Morris has a unique brand of engagement that captivates his audience, whether live on stage or in his books. Leaders from Fortune 500 companies, non-profits, and churches worldwide have partnered with him to build fearless, focused leaders that drive uncomfortable change, growth, and disruption.

Do you have what it takes to become a fearless, focused leader who drives change, growth, and disruption in any industry? With the right mindset and approach, you can become the kind of leader that people look up to and admire.

According to Morris Morrison, good leaders must communicate effectively, connect with their audience, and tell compelling stories that inspire action. Leaders should also have the ability to overcome business challenges, give back to their community, and create legacies for future generations. Taking care of their well-being is also fundamental, as they'll be able to lead with clarity, focus, and purpose — and inspire those around them to do the same.

On this episode of Advisor Today, Chris Gandy and Suzanne Carawan sit down with Morris Morrison, a world-class speaker and author, to discuss how leaders become exceptional leaders. Morris shares how his adolescence influenced his profession, tips for building relationships through storytelling, fundamentals for aspiring financial leaders, and the correlation between leadership, self-care, and maturity.

Richard (Rick) Demko is a licensed life insurance agent who speaks nationally to associations, consumers, and producer groups regarding proper life insurance planning strategies. He holds the Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC), Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP), Life Underwriting Training Council Fellowship (LUTCF), Life and Annuity Certified Professional (LACP), and is currently challenging the CFP. Rick was Texas' fourth Advisor Today national 4 Under 40 recipient, inaugural Texas Young Advisor of the Year, past NAIFA Houston President, and current State Director.

Life insurance is a crucial component of financial planning that provides peace of mind to individuals and their loved ones. As a life insurance agent, how can you cater to the needs and concerns of your clients to ensure they receive the best possible coverage?

According to Rick Demko, being a successful life insurance agent requires knowledge, communication skills, persistence, and a commitment to ongoing professional development. By following these tips, you can build a successful career in the industry while providing invaluable protection to your clients and their families. His journey to success is fraught with industry knowledge, serving the next generation of aspiring agents.

On this episode of Advisor Today, Chris Gandy and Suzanne Carawan sit down with Rick Demko, a licensed life insurance agent, to discuss tips for thriving in the life insurance industry. Rick explains how he got into the insurance industry, his involvement with NAIFA, marketing strategies for growth, persistence, and the challenges he had to overcome.

Laurie Adams is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), helping people create financial plans to achieve financial security through investment management, retirement, trust, and planning services. She spent 21 years as a professional education instructor creating and teaching courses to CFP professionals, bank trust officers, CPAs, and insurance license holders. Laurie is a Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow (LUTCF), Life and Annuity Certified Professional (LACP), and a long-time NAIFA member and top producer.

Are you struggling in the financial services industry as an advisor? What can you learn from an expert in the space to achieve your financial grace?

According to Laurie Adams, success as an advisor is attainable with the right mindset and approach. One of her fundamental pieces of advice is to engage in continuous education. Even though there are many resources available, she recommends joining a community like NAIFA to help sharpen your skills. She now shares her journey to success in the financial services industry.

On this episode of Advisor Today, Chris Gandy and Suzanne Carawan sit down with Laurie Adams, a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), to discuss how to achieve financial grace as an advisor. Laurie explains how she differentiated herself from the competition as an advisor, the value of continuous learning in the industry, the proudest moments in her career, and how she became a visionary leader and achieved financial grace.

Tom Cothron is an agency manager for a multi-line insurance company offering auto, home, and life insurance products. Tom is a seasoned expert, spending 40-plus years dedicated to the financial services industry. He is a certified Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow (LUTCF) and a Financial Services Certified Professional (FSCP). He currently presides as NAIFAs President Elect.

Financially planning for the future is fundamental for living a fulfilling life. So where can you get the support required to do so? And as an advisor, how do you foster good relationships with your clients and become the best version of yourself?

Surviving family members can suffer the consequences of a loved one who's passed away without adequately planning for their family's future. This was the case for Tom Cothron's grandmother. Hearing how his grandma faced humiliation to apply for a loan to bury her husband, Tom developed a passion for the financial services industry to help people plan financially and educate advisors on how to have better relationships with their clients. His 40-year journey in the industry highlights the challenges he faced and the lessons he learned that led to his career success.

On this episode of Advisor Today, Chris Gandy and Suzanne Carawan sit down with Tom Cothron, an agency manager for a multi-line insurance company, to discuss how advisors can thrive in the industry. Tom talks about the struggles he had to overcome as an insurance agent, his involvement with NAIFA and its importance in the financial services industry, the challenges advisors, NAIFA advocates, and NAIFA ambassadors face, and his advice for advisors.

Harry Hoopis is an entrepreneur and industry leader in the insurance and financial services space who has built a successful firm based in Chicago, IL. He speaks, teaches, and inspires executives, advisors, and front-line salespeople — providing the systems, methods, efficiencies, and confidence needed to excel in the industry. He is the author of the best-selling book, The Road to the Bountiful Life, and recipient of NAIFA's prestigious John Newton Russell Award.

It's easy for financial service professionals to lose passion for their careers. Why? The industry poses many challenges, leading to waning hope of achieving success. So what can you learn from an experienced financial services industry leader?

Thriving in the insurance and financial services industries entails having passion, commitment to long-term growth, and personal responsibility as an agent or advisor. Harry Hoopis also recommends self-development through education, networking, discipline, and maintaining a positive attitude. He shares his journey as a successful agent and advisor and provides vision, lean-on experience, and advice to guide the next generation of leaders in the field.

On this episode of Advisor Today, Chris Gandy and Suzanne Carawan sit down with Harry Hoopis, an entrepreneur and industry leader in the insurance and financial services space. Harry explains why he's committed to the insurance and financial services industry, his strategies for promoting healthy business growth, tips for agents' and advisors' development, and his experience receiving NAIFA's prestigious John Newton Russell Memorial Award.