The Authentic Advisor

For Neil Sinclair and the team at WK Advisors and Accountants based in New Zealand's South Island, the concept of community purpose is more than 'ticking a box' as part of their strategic plan, it's part of who they are and is in the firm's DNA. Talking to Mindshop's Managing Director, James Mason, Neil shares how the 'WK Effect' evolved from a genuine desire to help the local community to becoming a lighthouse guiding everything they do, and every decision they make.

Paul Hopwood hasn't had a face to face meeting in 18 months and that's the way he (and his clients) like it. Mindshop Expert, chartered accountant, and independent advisor of over 20 years, Paul talks to Mindshop's James Mason about the lack of downsides to working virtually, (apart from the toll on your eyesight). Working with over 60 retainer-based clients, Paul reveals how he has increased his productivity 400% and suggests virtual training and coaching are actually better than face to face. Learn what technology, tools and processes Paul uses and what he's going to revert to (or not) when we get back to 'normality' in this thought-provoking podcast.

Business advisory conversations come naturally to some. But bringing a wider accounting team with differing levels of interest and aptitude on an advisory journey requires structure, tenacity and planning to successfully turn informal chats into commercialised services. Wendy Davies, Director Business Advisory at Nexia Perth, Australia talks to Mindshop's Managing Director about busy accountants, why 'taking your own medicine' is key to confidence and how to enthuse and educate your team. Sharing tips on building problem solving skills, Wendy talks about blending advisory into compliance delivery at the individual level to accelerate referrals, ensure authenticity and engage with clients on a deeper level.

This compelling episode charts Angela Grogan's successful journey from taking shorthand as a receptionist to becoming partner of an accounting firm and then making a leap of faith to go out on her own as an independent business advisor. Angela reveals how having a great mindset helped her overcome challenges of juggling family and the risks of setting up on her own to achieve her goal of becoming an integral part of her clients' businesses. Touching on practical ways advisors can overcome typical mindset barriers of being 'too busy' and 'lacking capacity' so they can break the habits holding them back, Angela talks about the importance of energy, overcoming the 'imposter syndrome' and how to surround yourself with the 'right' people for success. A great listen for anyone wanting to be inspired by some entrepreneurial spirit.

Over the past decades, Dr Chris Mason has guided the success of thousands of senior advisors and business leaders from major corporates to micro businesses. In this latest ‘Authentic Advisor’ podcast from Mindshop he shares his experiences with Mindshop’s Managing Director, James Mason on how he’s currently delivering significant value by coaching over 140 senior leaders from around the world. In this master class in coaching leaders, Chris touches on how he is tackling the current reoccurring challenges faced by leaders whilst ensuring he is fully leveraged and efficient. He discusses how to avoid common pitfalls, the importance of building a positive mindset in your clients and the overarching foundation of trust that must be the basis of any client / coach relationship. This podcast is full of insights on how to balance problem solving issues respectfully whilst challenging clients to think outside the box. A must listen for any advisor coaching clients.

How do you go about pricing and packaging your high value advisory services? Should you offer monthly retainer pricing, project or hourly rates? Independent business advisor and Mindshop Expert, Russell Cummings based on the Gold Coast, Australia shares his experiences on this hot topic gathered over the past 35 years with Mindshop’s Managing Director, James Mason in the latest ‘Authentic Advisor’ podcast. Delving into the pros and cons of advisory pricing approaches and discussing why he favours value pricing to give the advisor flexibility whilst getting the best outcome for the client, Russell lifts the lid on exactly what he includes in his advisory solutions, why it’s so important to ask questions and talk about pricing while you are in front of the client and what to do if your client goes pale when you tell them how much you are proposing to charge! If you want to avoid common mistakes when building and pricing an advisory service solution for clients this podcast is full of tips and specifics to help you succeed.

In episode 8 of ‘The Authentic Advisor’ podcast, James Mason Managing Director of Mindshop is joined by David Smith, Managing Partner of MHA Henderson Loggie, Chartered Accountants, Tax and Business Advisors a 110 year old firm with four offices across Scotland. David shares his journey in growing MHA Henderson Loggie’s advisory businesses, exploring how the development of four Growth Hubs supported by one to one coaching became a conduit for further advisory work and firm-wide referrals. David outlines the internal development activities that have underpinned the success of building advisory capabilities, not only within the dedicated advisory team, but across all departments and seniority levels, from school leavers through to partners and the executive management team. Use of smart technology has also been a foundation of how David and his team have scaled up advisory work especially through the pandemic, from offering online coaching and training to pivoting to online workshops. He talks about overcoming early challenges and shares what he would have done differently to avoid mistakes made in implementing advisory services.

If you or your firm are looking to create or scale up your business advisory offering then this is the podcast for you!