Episodios

  • How Financial Advisors Can Stand Out: Marketing Strategies With Ryan Ross
    Jun 30 2025

    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.

    In this episode…

    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.

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    54 m
  • Balancing Life, Leadership, and Wellness With Carina Hatfield
    Jun 26 2025

    Carina Hatfield is a Life Underwriting Training Council Fellow, Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist, and Life and Annuity Certified Professional. 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. Her passion and dedication to the association earned her the 2020 Young Advisor Team Leader of the Year Award.

    In this episode…

    Balancing career demands, personal wellness, and community leadership can feel overwhelming, especially for those in high-impact, client-focused professions. Many professionals struggle to manage time effectively, maintain healthy boundaries with technology, and prioritize self-care while meeting professional expectations. How can busy leaders stay present, productive, and aligned with their personal goals amid constant external demands?

    Experienced financial advisor and advocate Carina Hatfield explores practical strategies to address these challenges. She emphasizes disciplined calendar management, the importance of scheduling self-care as non-negotiable appointments, and the power of incremental progress over perfection. Carina encourages professionals to create intentional time blocks for wellness, embrace personalized routines, and push back against the pressures of instant communication. She shares insights on focusing on internal priorities instead of adopting others' agendas and highlights the value of building professional networks that support individual growth and authenticity.

    In this episode of the Advisor Today podcast, co-hosts Chris Gandy and Zack Huels interview Carina Hatfield, a LUTCF, CLCS, and LACP, about creating balance in life and business. Carina shares her approaches to time management, personal well-being, and leadership through community involvement. She also discusses her experiences with advocacy events, the benefits of disconnecting from technology, and the importance of customized success strategies.

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    48 m
  • Building Legislative Bridges in Financial Services With Diane Boyle
    Jun 16 2025

    For over 30 years, Diane Boyle has been the Senior Vice President of Government Relations for NAIFA. Diane advocates for state, interstate, and federal laws that benefit the good of the people. She graduated from Louisiana State University with a degree in political science and government.

    In this episode…

    Creating effective government relations in a rapidly shifting political and regulatory environment can feel overwhelming, especially for professionals navigating federal and state-level advocacy. With political landscapes evolving and stakeholder engagement becoming more nuanced, how can organizations build a cohesive and influential advocacy strategy that drives policy impact?

    Diane Boyle, a seasoned expert in government relations, outlines a dynamic, team-centered approach to advocacy. She emphasizes hiring team members with technical experience and collaborative personalities, ensuring everyone contributes to a shared mission. She shares how policy development begins with committee recommendations and moves strategically through lobbying channels. Diane also stresses mentorship and pairing new members with veterans to foster inclusive engagement. She recommends relationship-building over partisanship and highlights the need for personalized, respectful interactions with lawmakers.

    In this episode of the Advisor Today podcast, co-hosts Chris Gandy and Bianca Alonso Weiss interview Diane Boyle, Senior Vice President of Government Relations at NAIFA, about building and leading high-performing advocacy teams. Diane discusses tips for attracting emerging talent, creating effective policy pipelines, and coordinating grassroots efforts. She also shares tips for navigating Congressional Conference meetings, aligning generational perspectives, and handling politically sensitive moments professionally.

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    52 m
  • Marketing Tips for Financial Advisors With Grace Staten
    Jun 9 2025

    Grace Staten is a seasoned marketing executive with over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry. She has led comprehensive initiatives in branding, digital strategy, public relations, and advisor development, significantly enhancing organizational growth and visibility. Grace holds a MBA in finance from San Jose State University, FSCP designation, and multiple FINRA licenses. A passionate advocate for women in finance, she serves as National President of the Accounting and Financial Women’s Alliance and was named a Top 50 Woman Leader in Finance for 2025 by Women We Admire.

    In this episode…

    Many financial advisors rely heavily on referrals and outdated methods for business growth — often avoiding modern marketing out of fear, budget concerns, or a lack of understanding. Without a clear branding strategy, advisors struggle to differentiate themselves and connect meaningfully with target clients. How can advisors effectively build a recognizable presence and grow their business through intentional marketing?

    Grace Staten, a seasoned communications and marketing expert in the financial services space, provides clarity on this challenge by breaking down the essentials of branding versus marketing and advertising. She emphasizes starting with foundational branding — understanding mission, values, and client experience — before promoting that identity through campaigns. She offers tactical advice such as developing 12-week marketing plans, leveraging video and podcast content, using AI to simplify content creation, and measuring ROI through specific metrics like engagement and lead quality. Grace also shares a compelling story about an advisor who found unexpected success by narrowing his niche market.

    In this episode of the Advisor Today Podcast, Chris Gandy and Kathleen Owings interview Grace Staten, a seasoned marketing executive, about building effective marketing strategies for financial advisors. Grace outlines the importance of personal branding, how to start small and build up marketing efforts, and why embracing imperfect video content can humanize your brand. She discusses AI’s role in marketing, retention strategies for professional organizations, and the value of storytelling in advisor growth.

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    1 h
  • Leadership, Legacy, and Women in Financial Services With Juli McNeely
    Jun 4 2025

    Juli McNeely, CFP, CLU, LUTCF, is a seasoned financial services professional with over 25 years of experience. Through her consulting work and speaking engagements, she continues to empower financial professionals, particularly women, to define success on their own terms and excel in their careers. In 2014, Juli made history as the first female president of NAIFA. She is also an accomplished author of No Necktie Needed: A Woman’s Guide to Success in Financial Services, which offers insights into achieving a balanced and fulfilling career in the industry.

    In this episode…

    The financial services industry is shrinking advisor workforce, limited succession planning, and growing demand from clients across generations. As seasoned professionals retire, firms must grapple with maintaining client relationships, scaling services, and attracting new talent. So, what can advisors and firm leaders do today to build sustainable practices for the future?

    Juli McNeely, a veteran financial advisor and industry leader, shares how she addressed these issues through vision, mentoring, and succession planning. She emphasizes the importance of finding your advisory style, particularly for women entering the field. She suggests that firms implement structured internship programs to build future pipelines, adopt team-based service models to share client loads, and embrace self-care to improve career longevity. Juli also advocates for financial literacy outreach and proactively engaging the next generation of clients.

    In this episode of the Advisor Today podcast, Chris Gandy and Kathleen Owings interview Juli McNeely, a certified financial planner, about building a sustainable and scalable financial practice. Juli shares her journey from reluctant advisor to NAIFA’s first female president and highlights the power of personalized leadership. She also discusses her succession strategy, tips for women in finance, and leveraging team collaboration to meet growing client demand.

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    53 m
  • Embracing Change, AI, and Strategic Acquisitions in Finance With David Wood
    May 19 2025

    David Wood is a seasoned financial services professional with nearly four decades of industry experience. He began his career in 1986, navigating early challenges like the 1987 market crash, which shaped his resilient approach to financial advising. Together with his firm, David has been empowering independent financial advisors through strategic support, innovative growth solutions, and client-centric strategies. Beyond his professional endeavors, he is actively involved in industry advocacy and mentorship, contributing to the advancement and education within the financial advisory community.

    In this episode…

    As the financial services industry faces accelerating technological disruption and a wave of advisor retirements, professionals are grappling with how to scale sustainably, meet rising client expectations, and remain competitive. Traditional models of independent practice are becoming increasingly difficult to sustain. So, what does the future hold for advisors who want to grow and thrive in this rapidly evolving environment?

    David Wood, a longtime financial industry leader and growth strategist, shares deep insights on navigating these challenges through strategic vision, smart acquisitions, and operational scalability. He emphasizes the importance of identifying whether advisors are best suited to hunt for new clients or serve existing ones — and then building teams accordingly. He advocates for leveraging technology, including AI, to enhance client experience at scale, and discusses how acquiring practices with outdated service models can yield significant opportunity. David also shares the value of internships and mentorship to attract younger talent and create longevity in the industry.

    In this episode of the Advisor Today podcast, Chris Gandy and Kathleen Owings interview David Wood, a seasoned financial services professional, about the future of financial advising. David discusses scalable growth, advisor succession, and evolving client expectations. He also explores how mindset shifts, peer collaboration, and targeted acquisitions can help advisors thrive in the modern landscape.

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    50 m
  • Navigating Uncertainty With Life Insurance With Bobby Johnson and Joel Tabin
    May 12 2025

    Bobby Johnson is an experienced general agent and sales and distribution executive in the financial services industry. He leads life insurance distribution strategies, focusing on expanding agent partnerships and enhancing customer experiences. Bobby's commitment to collaboration and innovation is evident in his active involvement in initiatives that benefit both agents and clients alike.

    Joel Tabin is a Chartered Life Underwriter, a Chartered Financial Consultant, and an Accredited Estate Planner. Focusing on empowering independent financial professionals, he assists advisors in integrating life insurance into their practices as a vital component of comprehensive financial planning. Joel is recognized for his commitment to advisor development, regularly leading training sessions and celebrating agent achievements. His leadership emphasizes the importance of life insurance in financial strategies, aiming to enhance client outcomes and advisor success.

    In this episode…

    Too many Americans are underinsured or entirely uninsured, leaving families vulnerable to financial ruin when the unexpected happens. Despite market uncertainty and increased awareness around risk, life insurance continues to be an overlooked part of holistic financial planning. So why are so many advisors still hesitant to bring up life insurance with clients?

    Bobby Johnson, an experienced distribution leader, and Joel Tabin, a seasoned regional sales director, unpack this issue with practical guidance. Bobby emphasizes that education is the first step — advisors must be equipped to understand underwriting, product fit, and how life insurance fills gaps in comprehensive financial plans. Joel recommends starting with a life insurance policy review, which often uncovers outdated coverage and creates opportunities to deliver real client value. Both stress the need for human connection in an AI-driven world, pointing out that no algorithm can replace an advisor’s compassion during a life insurance claim.

    In this episode of the Advisor Today podcast, co-hosts Chris Gandy and Kathleen Owings interview Bobby Johnson and Joel Tabin, financial services professionals, about the evolving dynamics of life insurance. Bobby and Joel explore the critical role of life insurance in financial planning, discuss advisor education, the impact of technology on the industry, and strategies for attracting the next generation of financial professionals.

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    48 m
  • State Policy, Privacy Laws, and Insurance Industry Wins With Leah Walters
    May 5 2025

    Leah Walters is a state relations expert who leads legislative and regulatory advocacy efforts across all levels of state government. With over two decades of experience in state insurance advocacy, she has been instrumental in shaping policies that support the life insurance industry's mission to provide financial security to American families. Leah has a background in accounting and law. Her extensive experience in state advocacy makes her a formidable force in navigating complex legislative landscapes.

    In this episode…

    State-level legislation is increasingly affecting how financial advisors and insurance professionals operate — from privacy rules to AI regulations and tax proposals. With more states proposing sweeping reforms and operating under political trifectas, how can industry professionals effectively advocate for policies that support their clients and business models?

    To navigate these challenges, Leah Walters, an expert in state insurance advocacy and policy, shares key strategies for staying ahead of shifting regulations. She emphasizes the importance of proactive bill tracking, strong grassroots coalitions, and educating legislators on the unique nature of insurance products. She highlights the role of advisors in amplifying real-world implications. Leah also discusses her team’s approach to identifying existential threats — like sales tax expansions or restrictive underwriting laws — before they escalate.

    In this episode of the Advisor Today podcast, co-hosts Chris Gandy and Bianca Alonso Weiss interview Leah Walters, a state insurance advocacy expert, about the urgent need for informed state-level advocacy. Leah discusses how data-driven storytelling, boots-on-the-ground partnerships, and a deep understanding of legislative timelines protect the industry. She also explores the success of annuity model adoption, tax policy trends, and tips for future women leaders in financial services.

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    47 m