In this episode of I Have a Friend You Need to Meet, I introduce you to Stephen Boatman—a financial planner, entrepreneur, and pillar of his local community.

We explore how Stephen's people skills have shaped his business, friendships, and daily life. You’ll hear stories about coaching kids, navigating social fear, building real community, and how to make friends as an adult—without forcing it.

🎯 Episode Highlights:

• [02:50] – Stephen’s journey into financial planning
• [05:20] – How mentorship shaped his character and leadership
• [06:45] – Giving feedback without hurting feelings
• [10:00] – Developing emotional awareness and sensitivity
• [14:45] – The power of listening and asking better questions
• [21:15] – Building friendships through shared spaces
• [25:00] – How to overcome fear of rejection when making friends
• [30:30] – The rewards of being socially generous
• [36:00] – Why community is more valuable than success
• [39:00] – Rapid-fire questions on social skills, favorite books & advice

If you’ve ever struggled with making new friends, being more present in conversation, or building a better community around you—this episode is for you.

👥 Connect with Stephen:
Website: https://flatfee-financial.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/boatman.se