Paul Blanco's Small Steps, Big Wins

Small Steps, Big Wins. A podcast focused on the financial world and more. Paul Blanco, CEO of Barnum Financial Group, sits down with a special guest each week to discuss important topics within the financial sector. He’ll explore what it takes to be successful in our everyday lives and learn what shapes our industry.

Guest: Elizabeth Hiza | Chief Marketing Officer | Barnum Financial Group

Podcast Episode Description: The Agency - Marketing for Financial Advisors

Bio: Seasoned Operations professional focused on client service and mentorship. Adjunct professor of Career Planning and Professional Success.

As a marketing executive in the dynamic digital marketing space, I use data science and new technologies to develop innovative brand-building strategies. Recognized as a business partner by my colleagues, I work across functions to collaborate and execute these strategies to drive revenue. I listen to feedback to review and refine strategies that adapt to the changing environment. In leading people, I take a coaching approach. As a matter of fact, I became an Associate Certified Coach & Business Coach with International Coaching Federation to enhance my knowledge and skills. Additionally, I provide clear vision and transparent feedback while employing high emotional intelligence which has led to high-performing teams.

I believe in constantly improving my skills and regularly engaging in programs to continue my learning and development. This has been an example to those around me and I encourage others to pursue their own growth through professional development.

I am a member of the National Speakers Association and have delivered Keynote speeches focused on the power of a growth mindset. I was recently recognized as a Woman to Watch by Investment News.

Podcast Disclosure:

All opinions expressed by the Program Participants are solely their current opinions and do not reflect the opinions their respective parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the Program Participants are affiliated. 

Investments or strategies mentioned in this program may not be suitable for you and you should make your own independent decision regarding them. This material does not take into account your particular investment objectives, financial situation or needs and is not intended as recommendations appropriate for you. You should strongly consider seeking advice from your own investment adviser.

Securities and investment advisory services offered through qualified registered representatives of MML Investors Services, LLC. Member SIPC. 6 Corporate Drive, Shelton, CT 06484, Tel: 203-513-6000.

CRN202705-6524945

Small Steps, Big Wins. A podcast focused on the financial world and more. Paul Blanco, CEO of Barnum Financial Group, sits down with a special guest each week to discuss important topics within the financial sector. He’ll explore what it takes to be successful in our everyday lives and learn what shapes our industry.

Guest: Amelia Nathanson | Vice-President, Operations | Barnum Financial Group

Podcast Episode Description: Promoting Advisor Efficiency

Bio: Seasoned Operations professional focused on client service and mentorship. Adjunct professor of Career Planning and Professional Success.

KOLBE Certified Consultant - Know Your M.O. Mine is 8 7 2 3.

I have served in a variety of roles since joining Barnum Financial Group in 2010 including being an active member of the firm’s Training and Development team responsible for AdvisorPro(SM), Barnum’s innovative new advisor development program, as well as conducting sales development programs for advisors at all levels of experience. These highly effective programs include Client Engagement Model, Consultative Sales Approach and Sandler Sell More. I also managed the Task Force that created the firm’s two summer internship programs, AdvisorScholar(SM) and AdvisorApprentice(SM), which help identify candidates who demonstrate the potential to become successful financial advisors. I am a Kolbe Certified Consultant and co-led the rollout of the Kolbe System™ throughout Barnum to help the organization better select and maximize talent and build and manage more effective teams. Through group work and one-on-one training, I instruct people on how to use the knowledge and insights from their Kolbe Index to identify their natural talents and use them most productively.

I am also noted resource on professional development and maximizing employee talent and have been featured in HR Magazine and GAMA Journal.

Most recently, I have taken on the role of Vice President, Operations. In this role, I am responsible for the overall success and accountability of the Barnum Operations team and the efficient processing and tracking of new business applications for all lines of business.

Podcast Disclosure:

All opinions expressed by the Program Participants are solely their current opinions and do not reflect the opinions their respective parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the Program Participants are affiliated. 

Investments or strategies mentioned in this program may not be suitable for you and you should make your own independent decision regarding them. This material does not take into account your particular investment objectives, financial situation or needs and is not intended as recommendations appropriate for you. You should strongly consider seeking advice from your own investment adviser.

Securities and investment advisory services offered through qualified registered representatives of MML Investors Services, LLC. Member SIPC. 6 Corporate Drive, Shelton, CT 06484, Tel: 203-513-6000.

CRN202705-6490345

Small Steps, Big Wins. A podcast focused on the financial world and more. Paul Blanco, CEO of Barnum Financial Group, sits down with a special guest each week to discuss important topics within the financial sector. He’ll explore what it takes to be successful in our everyday lives and learn what shapes our industry.

Guest: Anthony Maiuolo, CFP®, ChFC®, AIF® | Financial Services Executive | Barnum Financial Group

Podcast Episode Description: Pushing to Reach the Next Level

Bio: Anthony has spent the majority of his career on Wall Street dealing primarily with the equity markets. In 2016, he partnered with the Barnum Financial Group SKG Team, a team consisting of eight advisors and eighteen support members. His wealth of investment knowledge is complementary to the skill sets of the advisory group and allows him to provide a more comprehensive client experience.

Anthony is also a Transition Solutions Specialist* within Barnum Financial Group. Aiming to expand financial wellness, the firm formed an alliance with MetLife’s award-winning financial programs. When employees experience a change in their group life insurance benefits, Anthony assists with important, time-sensitive decisions regarding their coverage options. In addition, he provides comprehensive financial advice, such as when to begin taking social security and how to optimize retirement plan distributions. Anthony specializes in working with families and individuals who are going through a financial transition and are seeking guidance.

Anthony’s dedication to his clients is delineated through his active pursuit to further his education and gain additional expertise to best service his clients. He consequently attained the AIF® designation in 2019, the CFP® designation in 2020, and the ChFC® designation in 2021.

Podcast Disclosure:

All opinions expressed by the Program Participants are solely their current opinions and do not reflect the opinions their respective parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the Program Participants are affiliated. 

Investments or strategies mentioned in this program may not be suitable for you and you should make your own independent decision regarding them. This material does not take into account your particular investment objectives, financial situation or needs and is not intended as recommendations appropriate for you. You should strongly consider seeking advice from your own investment adviser.

Securities and investment advisory services offered through qualified registered representatives of MML Investors Services, LLC. Member SIPC. 6 Corporate Drive, Shelton, CT 06484, Tel: 203-513-6000.

CRN202705-6462833

Small Steps, Big Wins. A podcast focused on the financial world and more. Paul Blanco, CEO of Barnum Financial Group, sits down with a special guest each week to discuss important topics within the financial sector. He’ll explore what it takes to be successful in our everyday lives and learn what shapes our industry.

Guest: Greg Wachter | Vice President, Risk Management | Barnum Financial Group

Podcast Episode Description:

Bio: Greg specializes in estate maximization, providing strategies that leverage insurance for wealth preservation, wealth accumulation, wealth transfer planning and access to liquidity. He has a broad and deep understanding of the various insurance products available and works to find the best solution for each situation. Greg leverages his 14 years of experience to support the consulting and sales efforts of over 350 financial planners and advisors serving the protection and risk management needs of clients in all fifty states. As a member of the Finseca Ambassador Program, Greg meets with local congresspeople about the many facets of legislation surrounding the industry. He also spends considerable time educating both advisors and clients on the complex offerings in the marketplace. Greg earned a bachelor’s degree from Quinnipiac University.

Podcast Disclosure:

All opinions expressed by the Program Participants are solely their current opinions and do not reflect the opinions their respective parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the Program Participants are affiliated. 

Investments or strategies mentioned in this program may not be suitable for you and you should make your own independent decision regarding them. This material does not take into account your particular investment objectives, financial situation or needs and is not intended as recommendations appropriate for you. You should strongly consider seeking advice from your own investment adviser.

Securities and investment advisory services offered through qualified registered representatives of MML Investors Services, LLC. Member SIPC. 6 Corporate Drive, Shelton, CT 06484, Tel: 203-513-6000.

CRN202705-6415096

Small Steps, Big Wins. A podcast focused on the financial world and more. Paul Blanco, CEO of Barnum Financial Group, sits down with a special guest each week to discuss important topics within the financial sector. He’ll explore what it takes to be successful in our everyday lives and learn what shapes our industry.

Guest: Justin Podbielski, CFP®, CLU®, CASL®, LUTCF | Financial Planner | Barnum Financial Group

Podcast Episode Description: Working to Get Better Every Day

Bio: If your goal is to achieve financial freedom, I will help you pursue it. Because financial freedom means different things to different people, I’ll take the time to understand what it means to you. No matter what stage of life or financial state, having a financial strategy is an important part of everyone’s future. My goal is to give you the appropriate tools to help you understand your financial possibilities.

Prior to joining Barnum, I was an Economics Department Teaching Assistant at the University of Connecticut. I was nominated by UConn to apply for the Rhodes Scholar award. I was the Founder and Executive Director of non-profit organization, Many Efforts, One Goal, Inc. As a philanthropist, I spent 12 months in Latin America establishing my charity work.

A resident of Higganum, CT, I enjoy traveling the world and have visited 35 countries and 45 states.

Podcast Disclosure:

All opinions expressed by the Program Participants are solely their current opinions and do not reflect the opinions their respective parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the Program Participants are affiliated. 

Investments or strategies mentioned in this program may not be suitable for you and you should make your own independent decision regarding them. This material does not take into account your particular investment objectives, financial situation or needs and is not intended as recommendations appropriate for you. You should strongly consider seeking advice from your own investment adviser.

Securities and investment advisory services offered through qualified registered representatives of MML Investors Services, LLC. Member SIPC. 6 Corporate Drive, Shelton, CT 06484, Tel: 203-513-6000.

CRN202704-6361051

Small Steps, Big Wins. A podcast focused on the financial world and more. Paul Blanco, CEO of Barnum Financial Group, sits down with a special guest each week to discuss important topics within the financial sector. He’ll explore what it takes to be successful in our everyday lives and learn what shapes our industry.

Guest: Shaun McDuffee, AEP, CLU, ChFC®, CEPA | Senior Vice-President | North Star Resource Group - Founder | President | Twin Oaks Advisors

Podcast Episode Description: Getting Out Of Your Comfort Zone

Bio: I have been assisting physicians and their families since 1990 and I am proud to say that through my guidance I have been blessed to help thousands of physicians overcome the financial challenges that are unique to their career. Being a Senior Vice President with North Star Resource Group has allowed me the exciting opportunity to help shape the company’s direction. Through our unique leadership strategy North Star has become one of the largest independent financial services firms in the world.

Hired right out of college by North Star, after finishing undergraduate work at the University of Wisconsin. Right after graduation I moved to Minneapolis, MN to begin my career with North Star Resource Group and never looked back. In the more than quarter of a century that I have belonged to the North Star family, I found and married my partner in crime, Kristen and together we are raising 3 beautiful daughters in Austin Texas.

Many Universities and teaching hospitals have invited me to speak about these topics and more. Helping physicians protect their families and keep more of their hard-earned money is what I am passionate about.

In 2006 my wife, Kristen, and I founded the McDuffee Family Foundation to aid children's causes in the communities where we have lived and I gratefully sit on the board of the Scott Richards North Star Charitable Foundation. In 2013 I founded an organization called Stop Alzheimer’s Now. There is no cure for Alzheimer’s and finding one is very personal to me.

Podcast Disclosure:

All opinions expressed by the Program Participants are solely their current opinions and do not reflect the opinions their respective parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the Program Participants are affiliated. 

Investments or strategies mentioned in this program may not be suitable for you and you should make your own independent decision regarding them. This material does not take into account your particular investment objectives, financial situation or needs and is not intended as recommendations appropriate for you. You should strongly consider seeking advice from your own investment adviser.

Securities and investment advisory services offered through qualified registered representatives of MML Investors Services, LLC. Member SIPC. 6 Corporate Drive, Shelton, CT 06484, Tel: 203-513-6000.

CRN202704-6332128

Small Steps, Big Wins. A podcast focused on the financial world and more. Paul Blanco, CEO of Barnum Financial Group, sits down with a special guest each week to discuss important topics within the financial sector. He’ll explore what it takes to be successful in our everyday lives and learn what shapes our industry.

Guest: Norman Leslie, Financial Advisor, Financial Services Executive, Special Care Planner | Barnum Financial Group

Podcast Episode Description: Putting in the Effort Every Day

Bio: My practice is built on a foundation of providing objective, honest, and precise strategies. The work I accomplish with my clients is based solely on providing tools to help them attain their financial goals and aspirations, while offering the highest level of personal service and ongoing education.

My ability to deliver comprehensive financial consulting has been enhanced through my affiliation with Barnum Financial Group. Barnum provides a full range of investment and risk management products and services to over 230,000 clients including individuals and their families as well as small businesses, corporations, government entities, and not-for-profit organizations and their employees.

Podcast Disclosure:

All opinions expressed by the Program Participants are solely their current opinions and do not reflect the opinions their respective parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the Program Participants are affiliated. 

Investments or strategies mentioned in this program may not be suitable for you and you should make your own independent decision regarding them. This material does not take into account your particular investment objectives, financial situation or needs and is not intended as recommendations appropriate for you. You should strongly consider seeking advice from your own investment adviser.

Securities and investment advisory services offered through qualified registered representatives of MML Investors Services, LLC. Member SIPC. 6 Corporate Drive, Shelton, CT 06484, Tel: 203-513-6000.

CRN202703-6169517

Small Steps, Big Wins. A podcast focused on the financial world and more. Paul Blanco, CEO of Barnum Financial Group, sits down with a special guest each week to discuss important topics within the financial sector. He’ll explore what it takes to be successful in our everyday lives and learn what shapes our industry.

Guest: Scott Panza, Financial Planner | Financial Service Executive | Investment Advisor Representative

Podcast Episode Description: Sticking To Your Path

Bio: Scott has been in the Financial Services industry since 2009. During his career, he has achieved the Life Underwriters Training Council Fellow (LUTCF), a designation that combines essential product knowledge and skills for financial professionals.

Since joining Barnum, Scott has earned a number of professional recognitions including qualifying for Leaders Conference from 2012-2018 while at MetLife, an honor achieved by a select group of advisors in the organization. Scott has also made Leader’s Conference Qualifier every year since joining MassMutual. He has also received the Five Star Wealth Management award* in 2014-2020, an award nominated to those who provide quality service to their clients.*

Outside of work, Scott dedicates time to volunteer with St. Jude Children’s Hospital. He also volunteers to teach a finance class at Sacred Heart University, teaching young students about insights of the financial business — something he wished he had as a student.

Scott graduated from Sacred Heart University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Economics. He resides in Milford, CT.

Podcast Disclosure:

All opinions expressed by the Program Participants are solely their current opinions and do not reflect the opinions their respective parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the Program Participants are affiliated. 

Investments or strategies mentioned in this program may not be suitable for you and you should make your own independent decision regarding them. This material does not take into account your particular investment objectives, financial situation or needs and is not intended as recommendations appropriate for you. You should strongly consider seeking advice from your own investment adviser.

Securities and investment advisory services offered through qualified registered representatives of MML Investors Services, LLC. Member SIPC. 6 Corporate Drive, Shelton, CT 06484, Tel: 203-513-6000.

CRN202702-6012636

Small Steps, Big Wins. A podcast focused on the financial world and more. Paul Blanco, CEO of Barnum Financial Group, sits down with a special guest each week to discuss important topics within the financial sector. He’ll explore what it takes to be successful in our everyday lives and learn what shapes our industry.

Guest: Bill Cates, Consultant | Coach | Speaker| Podcaster | Author

Podcast Episode Description: The Original Referral Coach

Bio: If you're a financial professional, you're probably looking for more Right-Fit Clients - clients who are a pleasure to work with and who appreciate you for all the right reasons. Are you finding it challenging to reach these people? Are you maximizing the referral/introductions process? Are you communicating just the right message to get them interested?

If you're a leader/manager, you probably want to find the right tools to provide to your advisors/reps/consultants to help them win more new business. And you may be working hard to attract more candidates into your firm. Do you have a referral system in place for this? Is your messaging as effective as possible?

We help our clients:

🔹 Create more effective messaging to attract the right clients and move them to action

🔹 Get more referrals without begging or pushing

🔹 Turn your referrals into personal introductions

🔹 Set more appointments that stick

🔹 Convert prospects into clients at a higher rate

Hall of Fame Speaker, author of "Get More Referrals Now!" "Beyond Referrals" and "Radical Relevance" and The Cates System for Exponential Growth (tm).

◾ Website: www.ReferralCoach.com

◾ Books: amazon.com/author/billcates

◾ Coaching: www.CoachCates.com

◾ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ReferralCoach

◾ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReferralCoach

◾ Twitter: @Bill_Cates

◾ Blog: www.ReferralCoach.com/blog

◾ E-mail: [email protected]

◾ Phone: 301.497.2200

❗ REMEMBER ❗ BILLion begins with BILL

Specialties: Live seminars, Video based training, Webinars, Coaching

Podcast Disclosure:

All opinions expressed by the Program Participants are solely their current opinions and do not reflect the opinions their respective parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the Program Participants are affiliated. 

Investments or strategies mentioned in this program may not be suitable for you and you should make your own independent decision regarding them. This material does not take into account your particular investment objectives, financial situation or needs and is not intended as recommendations appropriate for you. You should strongly consider seeking advice from your own investment adviser.

Securities and investment advisory services offered through qualified registered representatives of MML Investors Services, LLC. Member SIPC. 6 Corporate Drive, Shelton, CT 06484, Tel: 203-513-6000.

CRN202702-5852555

Small Steps, Big Wins. A podcast focused on the financial world and more. Paul Blanco, CEO of Barnum Financial Group, sits down with a special guest each week to discuss important topics within the financial sector. He’ll explore what it takes to be successful in our everyday lives and learn what shapes our industry.

Guest: Natalie DeMeis, Vice President, Business Development | Barnum Financial Group

Podcast Episode Description: Untitled

Bio: With extensive experience in employee benefits, Natalie offers comprehensive benefits consulting for organizations ranging from sole proprietors to those employing over 100,000 employees. She also has a deep understanding of the Medicare rules and provisions and is a noted speaker and consultant on that topic.

Podcast Disclosure:

All opinions expressed by the Program Participants are solely their current opinions and do not reflect the opinions their respective parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the Program Participants are affiliated. 

Investments or strategies mentioned in this program may not be suitable for you and you should make your own independent decision regarding them. This material does not take into account your particular investment objectives, financial situation or needs and is not intended as recommendations appropriate for you. You should strongly consider seeking advice from your own investment adviser.

Securities and investment advisory services offered through qualified registered representatives of MML Investors Services, LLC. Member SIPC. 6 Corporate Drive, Shelton, CT 06484, Tel: 203-513-6000.

CRN202703-6020371