Steve Manuel, a seasoned financial professional, industry leader, and author of The Game Changing Advisor, has built a reputation on trust, strategy, and a client-first approach. From his early days as a stockbroker in San Francisco to coaching top-tier financial planners at SAFECO and USAA, Steve brings valuable insights into what makes a game-changing financial advisor.

Introduction:

• You reference the phrase In God We Trust during two pivotal moments in American
• history—under Lincoln during the Civil War and later under Eisenhower in the Cold War
• era. Why do you think this phrase resonated so strongly during times of national crisis,
• and how does that connect to the theme of trust in financial advising?

Part 1:

• You describe culture as paramount to long-term success and even compare Part I of the book to a "salve for the financier’s soul." In your experience, what are some of the biggest cultural red flags within a financial advising business that can lead to decline,and how can advisors proactively address them?

Chapter 1: 

• Your book emphasizes the importance of aligning beliefs and values to avoid blindspots that can lead to major financial and personal consequences. How can financial advisors identify and address these blind spots in their own decision-making before they become costly mistakes?
• Your book discusses how values shape character, which in turn drives individual actions and, ultimately, the economy. Can you share a time when you witnessed firsthand how a leader’s or organization’s values directly influenced financial success—or failure?

In this episode Steve discusses:

• Transform practices, cultivate client relationships, and navigate industry shifts with the guidance of key advisors to ensure adaptability and resilience
• 
  
• In times of national crisis, people seek immovable foundations and trustworthiness, finding solace in enduring principles like “In God We Trust”
• 
  
• Building a strong company culture that fosters team spirit, minimizes regulatory issues, and prioritizes client and employee well-being contributes to long-term success
• 
  
• Personal values should drive decisions, establish trust boundaries, and guide the discernment of who deserves confidence
• 
  
• Money can be a detrimental master, but it becomes a wonderful servant when personal values prioritize serving others over financial gain

Connect with Steve Manuel:

Website: https://thegamechangingadvisor.com/

Steve’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1964046483

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

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