John D. Richardson is a Financial Planner at Capital Planning Group, where he specializes in retirement planning, investment advice, and risk management for clients seeking to align their financial decisions with their values. As a recognized leader in the financial services industry, John has served as president of both NAIFA-Nashville and NAIFA-Tennessee, received the NAIFA Young Advisors Team Leader of the Year award, and was named a NAIFA Presidential Citation recipient, in addition to being elected NAIFA National Trustee for 2025-2026. Beyond his professional achievements, John is active in politics, serving as State Executive Committeeman for Senate District 21 in Tennessee and as a delegate to the Republican National Convention.

Leadership takes many forms — from commanding figures who lead through authority to quiet mentors who inspire from behind the scenes. But what truly defines a great leader? Is it influence, humility, or the ability to elevate others beyond themselves?

According to John D. Richardson, a purpose-driven leader and advocate for servant leadership, true leadership begins with service. He believes leadership is not about titles or control but about empowering others to succeed and replacing oneself by developing the next generation. He highlights that the most effective leaders balance strength with empathy, guiding teams through challenge and growth while fostering trust and collaboration. When leaders embrace service over ego, they create a culture that not only performs but transforms.

In this episode of Advisor Today, Chris Gandy sits down with John D. Richardson, Financial Planner at Capital Planning Group, to discuss how servant leadership shapes lasting impact. They explore how to build transformative cultures, develop future leaders through followership, and navigate different leadership styles with integrity. John also shares insights on creating alignment through values and vision.

Susan Combs is the Founder of Pancakes for Roger, a nonprofit that honors veterans and amplifies their stories through a grassroots “pancakes” movement. She created it after her father, a Major General, asked for pancakes while on hospice, inspiring a campaign, book, and advocacy project. Susan also leads Combs & Company, an insurance brokerage she launched at age 26, specializing in niche and non-traditional risks. She is a best-selling author and frequent speaker on mentorship, legacy, and service.

Balancing ambition, service, and purpose isn’t easy, especially in a world that often values hustle over heart. What does it take to build a meaningful career while honoring those who paved the way before us?

According to Susan Combs, a 20-year insurance professional and veteran advocate, true leadership comes from mentorship, gratitude, and grit. She shares how her father’s military legacy and final wish sparked a global movement that now uplifts veterans and their families. Through Pancakes for Roger, Susan highlights the power of small acts that lead to big change, the importance of giving back, and the ripple effect of mentorship on personal and professional growth.

In this episode of Advisor Today, Zack Huels and Kathleen Owings sit down with Susan Combs, Founder of Pancakes for Roger, to discuss how mentorship and legacy fuel purpose-driven leadership. They explore the origins of her nonprofit honoring veterans, lessons from her father’s military service, and the role of empathy in business success. Susan also shares insights on building a lasting impact through mentorship and community.

Brandon Smith is an Executive Vice President at Milestone Financial Solutions, a firm that offers financial planning, investment, retirement, and estate-planning services to help clients reach key life goals. In his role, he provides comprehensive short-term and long-term financial and business planning catered to the needs of each client. His professional designations include CLU, ChFC, LUTCF, and CPFA. Before joining Milestone, Brandon began his career with AXA Advisors and later became a Registered Representative with The Leaders Group.

The financial services industry is constantly evolving, and new advisors face steep challenges as they enter the profession. From gaining client trust to learning complex planning strategies, early career professionals must find ways to build credibility and confidence. So what makes the difference between struggling to get started and building a sustainable practice?

According to Brandon Smith, a seasoned financial advisor and industry leader, the key is a strong foundation built through mentorship and education. He highlights how designations like LUTCF equip advisors with the skills to handle objections, develop meaningful client relationships, and avoid early missteps. Mentorship, he emphasizes, is “pretty much everything” in shaping a career; it helps new advisors learn from experience, accelerate their growth, and avoid costly mistakes.

In this episode of the Advisor Today podcast, Chris Gandy and Kathleen Owings are joined by Brandon Smith, Executive Vice President at Milestone Financial Solutions, to discuss building financial security through mentorship and education. They explore why professional designations give advisors an edge, how mentorship accelerates success, and where the industry is headed with new generations of advisors. Brandon also shares how balancing technology and health plays a role in long-term career growth.

Craig Wright is a financial advisor with Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) designations. He served as the NAIFA Missouri president and is a founding partner of a financial services firm with over 15 years of experience offering fee‑based financial and insurance planning to individuals, families, and small businesses. Craig holds a MBA from Southwest Baptist University.

Finding success in financial services takes more than numbers and strategy — it requires purpose. How do top advisors balance client needs, leadership responsibilities, and community impact to build a practice that truly matters?

According to Craig Wright, a seasoned financial advisor and advocate for servant leadership, purpose-driven success comes from giving freely to others while maintaining focus on clients’ financial well-being. He highlights that engaging in leadership roles and mentorship opportunities not only strengthens the profession but also sharpens skills like time management and delegation. By combining risk management, investment strategies, and a commitment to developing future leaders, he has created a practice that thrives on relationships and community impact. Craig emphasizes that approaching business with service first leads to lasting client trust and professional fulfillment.

In this episode of the Advisor Today podcast, Chris Gandy and Zack Huels sit down with financial advisor Craig Wright to discuss building a purpose-driven financial practice. They explore how leadership and mentorship fuel professional growth, why balancing risk and investment strategies benefits clients, and how AI tools can increase efficiency without losing the human touch. Craig also shares his proudest client success story and advice for future leaders in the industry.

John Davidson is a Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow and Financial Services Specialist serving a diverse client base, including municipalities, private schools, and public corporations. A long‑time leader in his profession, John is a certified Financial Security Advocate and has served in top roles within NAIFA, including National President in 2006-07.

Navigating a decades-long career in financial services demands adaptability, foresight, and a willingness to evolve with your clients and the world around you. From economic shifts to technological revolutions, how can financial professionals stay relevant without losing the human touch?

According to John Davidson, a seasoned financial advisor, staying relevant starts with embracing change while remaining grounded in core client relationships. He highlights how technology — from AI to digital communication — can enhance rather than replace the advisor’s personal connection. This balance of high-tech and high-touch is what enables long-term advisors to continue delivering value. John also emphasizes the importance of planning ahead, not just for clients, but for one’s own business succession and legacy.

In this episode of the Advisor Today podcast, Chris Gandy and Zack Huels sit down with John Davidson, LUTCF, FSS, to talk about adapting to change and leading through decades of financial evolution. They discuss how to transition a legacy practice, mentor the next generation, and integrate AI into modern advising. John also shares insights on long-term care, estate planning, and maintaining client trust over time.

Kate Shafer is the Director of Member Engagement & Communications at the American Fraternal Alliance, a nonprofit that supports fraternal benefit societies across the US and Canada by offering advocacy, education, and financial services to over seven million members. In her role, she leads initiatives to enhance member engagement, communications, and programming across the Alliance’s network. Kate plays a key part in organizing signature events like the Spring Symposium, which focuses on member engagement, digital transformation, and governance.

Fraternal benefit societies have quietly served millions for generations, blending life insurance with a mission to build stronger communities. But in an increasingly digital world, these purpose-driven organizations face a crucial challenge: staying relevant while remaining true to their roots. So how can fraternal societies expand their reach and impact in today's fast-changing financial landscape?

According to Kate Shafer, a passionate advocate for community-driven insurance, the key lies in modernizing distribution and strengthening cross-sector partnerships. She highlights how fraternal societies are shedding outdated perceptions, embracing digital tools, and evolving beyond captive models to engage independent advisors. This transformation is unlocking new opportunities for growth, connection, and accessibility. From digitized member portals to cross-industry collaboration, Kate emphasizes that technology and advocacy together can help fraternal organizations thrive while honoring their founding values.

In this episode of the Advisor Today podcast, Chris Gandy and Zack Huels sit down with Kate Shafer, Director of Member Engagement & Communications at the American Fraternal Alliance, to discuss expanding the reach of fraternal benefit societies through digital innovation and government advocacy. They explore how awareness gaps are being closed, why collaboration with advisors is essential, and how younger generations are entering the space.

Chris Gandy is the Founder of Midwest Legacy Group LLC, a boutique concierge insurance group for executives, professional athletes, physicians, business owners, and entrepreneurs. It focuses on the client's interests in wealth accumulation, wealth preservation, retirement strategies, insurance, asset protection, and investments. He previously worked as a Representative for Northwestern Mutual Financial Network, the APEX Consulting Group LLC, and was the Senior Vice President of Sales at MassMutual Chicago.

Carina Hatfield is a Life Underwriting Training Council Fellow (LUTCF), Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist (CLCS), and Life and Annuity Certified Professional (LACP). As a third-generation insurance agent, she specializes in property and casualty insurance and works with locally owned businesses. Carina serves NAIFA as a National Trustee and a moderator for Pennsylvania’s Leadership in Life Institute. She is also the immediate past President of NAIFA Pennsylvania. Recently, Carina helped develop the organization’s new online LACP prep course.

Kathleen Owings is the Principal and Financial Advisor of Westbilt Financial Group, an independent financial advisory firm providing comprehensive planning for clients wanting to achieve personal goals. Graduating from the US Military Academy at West Point in 2000, Kathleen served for eight years as an active duty officer in the Army Corp of Engineers. In 2007, she began her career in the financial services industry, obtaining licensure in life and health insurance and maintaining Series 6, 7, 63, and 65 securities registrations. Kathleen’s book, Put Your Money to Work: A Woman's Guide to Financial Confidence, helps women take control of their finances.

Leadership conferences and networking events often spark fresh ideas and motivation, but many attendees struggle to translate those insights into action within their organizations. Without widespread participation, valuable strategies are easily lost in translation. How can leaders ensure that what’s learned at these events effectively spreads, drives growth, and truly impacts their teams?

Chris Gandy, Carina Hatfield, and Kathleen Owings explore this challenge and offer practical strategies to overcome it. Carina, a leadership and membership development expert, suggests creating engaging cross-state activities like collectible pins and gamified networking to encourage broader interaction. Kathleen, an experienced financial advisor, emphasizes the importance of stepping outside comfort zones and using structured engagement tools, like participation-based incentives, to build stronger connections. Chris, a seasoned industry leader, highlights the need for leaders to embrace vulnerability, seek continuous self-improvement, and adopt a mindset of climbing rather than camping, meaning leaders must consistently push themselves beyond their current achievements to drive lasting change.

In this episode of the Advisor Today podcast, Chris Gandy, Carina Hatfield, and Kathleen Owings, financial experts, talk about building leadership endurance and fostering meaningful engagement. They discuss the power of community, the benefits of self-reflection, and the resources available through Life Happens to help advisors better serve their clients.

Ryan Ross is a seasoned marketing professional helping independent financial advisors grow their businesses through strategic content, SEO, and digital automation. With a background in financial services and marketing technology, he brings a unique perspective on how advisors can effectively build their online presence. Ryan is passionate about equipping financial professionals with the tools and strategies they need to stand out in a competitive marketplace. Outside of work, he enjoys endurance sports and has completed multiple triathlons, including several IRONMAN races.

Many financial advisors struggle to market themselves effectively in an industry crowded with misinformation and unqualified voices. Despite a growing public demand for financial advice, many professionals find it challenging to break through the noise, attract the right clients, and balance marketing with client service. How can advisors build trust, reach their audience, and remain competitive in today’s fast-moving digital world?

Marketing expert Ryan Ross helps financial advisors create impactful digital strategies. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on a niche to improve clarity and outreach. He encourages advisors to use AI tools to streamline content creation and build visibility across emerging answer engines like ChatGPT. Ryan also suggests balancing professionalism with authenticity, using personal stories and everyday moments to foster stronger client connections. He encourages advisors to start with their strengths, whether that’s writing, speaking, or social media, and develop simple, sustainable marketing systems.

In this episode of the Advisor Today podcast, co-hosts Chris Gandy and Carina Hatfield interview financial marketing strategist Ryan Ross about how advisors can grow their digital presence. Ryan shares insights on the power of niche marketing, the role of AI in modern outreach, and how to balance content creation with client service. He also discusses the rise of financial influencers, best practices for answering client questions online, and the benefits of using a consistent, strategic marketing calendar.