The Authentic Advisor

Unpacking the pivotal role of branding in helping business advisors attract the right clients and referrals, Tina Robertson joins James Mason to discuss how a well-defined brand builds trust and credibility in a crowded market.

They explore how business advisors and professional service firms can align brand messaging with market positioning, outlining a strategic approach to brand development, and sharing practical actions advisors can take to strengthen their brand presence.

Key themes of storytelling, authenticity, and consistent communication weave through the conversation, underscoring how familiarity and trust drive long-term success.

Takeaways

1. Branding is a trust multiplier for advisors.
2. Clarity and consistency in messaging are crucial.
3. Investing in brand awareness is essential for success.
4. Storytelling enhances brand differentiation.
5. Audit your online presence regularly.
6. Align brand messaging with market positioning.
7. Visibility creates familiarity, which breeds trust.
8. Strong brands lower acquisition costs and increase pricing power.

Chapters

00:00 The Power of Branding in Business Advisory

03:04 Understanding Personal Branding and Trust

06:04 Brand as a Trust Multiplier

08:51 Strategic Branding Process

11:55 Aligning Brand Messaging with Market Needs

14:49 Authenticity and Clarity in Branding

17:58 Building Emotional Connections through Storytelling

21:04 The Importance of Brand Reach

24:01 Practical Steps for Branding Success

What does it take to build an advisory offering that truly adds value to clients and drives firm growth?

In this episode of The Authentic Advisor, James Mason talks with Renee Bettenay, Director at Harris Black, about the journey of developing and scaling a business advisory service line. Together, they explore client-centric growth, overcoming common challenges, and equipping teams with the right skills to deliver advisory impact. 

Key Takeaways

• Building a great culture is essential for client-focused advisory services.
• Separating strategies for accounting and advisory is crucial for clarity.
• Using advisory language internally helps in building capabilities.
• Self-mastery is a prerequisite for effective leadership in advisory.
• Meeting clients where they are is key to successful advisory relationships.
• Directors must be on board with the firm's advisory strategy.
• Utilising Mindshop tools internally boosts confidence and effectiveness.
• Embracing authenticity in advisory practices leads to better client relationships.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Journey of Business Advisory

03:02 Building a Culture of Client Focus

06:01 Navigating the Advisory Transition

08:49 Implementing Advisory Strategies

11:58 Developing Advisory Skills Across the Firm

15:02 Client Success Stories and Meeting Needs

18:03 Practical Actions for Scaling Advisory Services

Continuous improvement and learning are vitalfor scaling advisory services.

Drawing on stories from firms around the world, in this episode of the Authentic Advisor, James Mason speaks with Abu Bakkar, Chief Innovation Officer at HLB International, about the critical role of innovation in professional services. They discuss innovation as a continuous journey, the balance between pushing boundaries and maintaining client relevance, and the impact of AI and ESG on the industry.

Abu shares insights on implementing innovation through best practice frameworks, building a culture that embraces risk-taking, and the importance of consulting clients during the innovation process. The conversation highlights the need for firms to adapt and evolve in a rapidly changing landscape.

Takeaways

• Innovation is a continuous improvement process.

• Standing still isn't an option for organisations.

• Innovation should be part of the culture.

• Always consult your clients in innovation.

• Don't be afraid to try something new.

• Innovation is not a special event.

• AI is ingrained in what we're starting to do.

• We need to redefine roles in advisory services.

• Make innovation practical for everyone.

• Risk-taking is essential for innovation

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Innovation in Professional Services

02:35 The Continuous Journey of Innovation

05:42 Balancing Innovation and Client Relevance

07:52 Trends in Innovation: AI and ESG

10:05 Implementing Innovation: Strategies and Frameworks

12:12 Building a Culture of Innovation

15:13 Staying Grounded: External Insights and Trends

18:57 The Role of AI in the Future of Advisory

24:14 Avoiding Innovation Traps and Embracing Risk

In this powerful episode of The Authentic Advisor, James Mason is joined by Mindshop founder Dr. Chris Mason, who challenges the conventional notion of retirement for business advisors. At nearly 76, Chris is not slowing down - he’s accelerating ahead, and with purpose. 

Together, they explore why the traditional "on one day, off the next" retirement mindset may no longer serve modern advisors, especially those still thriving in their 60s and 70s.

Chris shares practical insights on how to stay relevant, energised, and curious, while evolving one's role in work and life. 

The conversation explores: 

• Maintaining momentum and avoiding the "crash-and-burn" of retiring too soon. 

• Blending purpose, flexibility, and enjoyment through “seamless living”. 

• How Chris has refired his career by building future-ready skills like change success and AI. 

• Creating space for the next generation while continuing to offer value and wisdom. 

• Setting meaningful personal KPIs and incorporating sabbaticals into your lifestyle. 

Chris also unpacks the power of why wisdom is becoming more valuable than ever in the age of cheap knowledge, and how advisors can navigate their next chapter with clarity and impact. 

If you’re an advisor or leader contemplating your next move, or simply seeking more balance while staying professionally sharp, this is a must-listen. 

Unlocking human potential takes more than performance hacks - it demands a mindset shift. Samantha Shaw, Director, The Anderson Partnership and James Mason, Managing Director, Mindshop cut through the noise, exploring how today’s most effective advisors and coaches are moving beyond “peak performance” toward a more balanced, human-centred approach.

From building trust and using curiosity as a coaching tool to tailoring strategies and navigating imposter syndrome, this conversation is packed with sharp insights and practical takeaways to help advisors elevate their impact.

Dan shares his real-world experience leading six-figure programs that combine group workshops, one-on-one coaching, and digital learning.

Dan unpacks what works (and what doesn’t) when trying to engage busy professionals, why starting with time management is critical, and how to tier program intensity to match participants’ capabilities and roles.

In this episode of The Authentic Advisor, James Mason speaks with Dan Gabbett, Director at Robertson Scannell, on how to build and run high-impact blended learning programs that transform client teams and drive tangible business outcomes.

Perfect for senior accounting partners aiming to scale advisory beyond traditional models and deliver measurable value.

Offshoring is no longer just a strategy - it’s a leadership challenge. Establishing a team overseas takes more than logistics and cost calculations; it demands cultural awareness, intentional leadership, and a long-term vision. This episode explores the journey of building an offshore team in the Philippines, why the move was made, the growing pains along the way, and how deep integration became the difference-maker. 

You’ll hear hard-earned insights on managing remote teams with purpose and ensuring offshore employees feel like full members of the organization, not just extensions of it. 

Key Takeaways

• Herbein CPAs has grown from $30 million to $60 million in five years. 

• The offshore team in the Philippines supports all service lines of the firm. 

• AI is not currently shifting the strategy for the offshore team. 

• Cultural understanding is crucial for successful integration. 

• Regular visits to the offshore team help break down barriers. 

• The offshore team works US hours during tax season to stay integrated. 

• Legal registration in the Philippines was a lengthy process. 

• Clients generally respond positively to the offshore team concept. 

• Cultural differences must be acknowledged and respected. 

• Leasing employees to smaller firms is a growing opportunity. 

Chapters 

00:03 Introduction to Offshore Teams 

01:49 The Journey of Herbein CPAs 

02:26 Building the Offshore Team 

04:39 AI and Its Impact on Strategy 

06:12 Challenges of Setting Up an Offshore Team 

09:42 Cultural Integration and Team Alignment 

12:30 Choosing the Philippines for Offshore Operations 

14:10 Common Pitfalls in Offshore Team Setup 

16:01 Future of Offshore Teams in the Firm 

Facilitating your own firm’s strategic planning retreat can present some unique challenges & opportunities.

In this episode of the Authentic Advisor, James Mason interviews Dianna Larkin, a partner at McCay Duff, about her journey in strategic planning and advisory services. Dianna shares her entrepreneurial background, the culture at McCay Duff, and her experience transitioning to a DIY approach for strategic planning retreats. She discusses the challenges and successes of facilitating her own firm’s retreat, the importance of a structured framework, and offers valuable advice for other advisors looking to enhance their strategic planning skills.

Takeaways

• McCay Duff focuses on a people-centric culture to retain talent.
• The firm has a strong history of succession planning.
• Dianna transitioned to a DIY approach for strategic planning retreats.
• Using a structured framework helped guide the planning process.
• Pre-work and spaced sessions improved engagement and productivity.
• Facilitating her own retreat presented unique challenges.
• Dianna learned the importance of balancing facilitation and participation.
• The experience built confidence in her advisory capabilities.
• Continuous learning and applying tools is key for growth.

Chapters

00:10 Introduction to Strategic Planning Insights

03:12 Dianna's Entrepreneurial Journey

06:05 The Role of McCay Duff and Its Culture

08:59 Transitioning to DIY Strategic Planning

12:22 Implementing the Strategic Planning Framework

15:23 Challenges of Facilitating Your Own Retreat

18:06 Reflections on the Experience and Future Directions

21:15 Advice for Advisors on Strategic Planning

Taking a deep dive into the evolving landscape of talent acquisition and retention, James Mason is joined by Andrew Thoseby, CEO at 1st Executive to discuss emerging trends, innovative technologies, and the importance of engagement in leadership roles. They explore how organisations can adapt to the changing expectations of candidates, particularly in the wake of the pandemic, and provide insights into effective strategies for retaining top talent. 

Family businesses play a vital role in the economy, and face unique challenges. In this episode of The Authentic Advisor, James Mason speaks with Catherine Sayer, CEO of the Family Business Association, about how advisors can effectively support them. Catherine shares her journey, the importance of communication and trust in family businesses, and the critical need for succession planning. The conversation highlights the unique dynamics of family businesses and the essential skills advisors must possess to navigate these complexities successfully.