Always On with Duncan MacPherson

In this episode of Always On, Duncan MacPherson welcomes back Chris Jeppesen, Chief of Advisory Practices at First Trust, for a timely conversation rooted in real-world field experience. As volatility continues to test the industry, the best financial advisors aren't retreating, they're leaning in. Duncan and Chris unpack how the most effective teams are embracing … Continue reading Volatility, Value, and Vision: How Leading Advisors Are Winning in Changing Times (Ep. 76) →

In this episode, Duncan sits down with Dr. Amy D'Aprix, a certified gerontologist, life transition expert, author, and the founder of LifeBridge Strategies to talk about how financial professionals can go beyond the numbers and deepen their client relationships. Amy has spent decades helping advisors bring more empathy, purpose, and relevance into their process. Our … Continue reading Bridging Money and Meaning: Dr. Amy D'Aprix on Purpose-Driven Financial Advice (Ep. 75) →

In this episode of The Always On Podcast, host Duncan MacPherson sits down with Peter Velardi, founding partner at JPTD Partners, to discuss the essential systems financial advisors need to scale their businesses, optimize referrals, and maximize enterprise value for a successful exit. In this episode, you'll learn: The three-phase approach to business growth: survival, … Continue reading Mastering Referrals, Systems, and Endgame Preparation with Peter Velardi (Ep. 74) →

In this episode, Duncan MacPherson speaks with Paul Blanco, CEO of Barnum Financial Group and host of the “Small Steps, Big Wins” podcast. Paul shares insights into cultivating a growth mindset, avoiding plateaus, and the importance of working on your business, not just in it. He discusses how his firm has scaled from 9 to … Continue reading Unlocking Growth in Financial Services with Paul Blanco: Small Steps, Big Wins (Ep. 73) →

In this episode Duncan sits down with Catherine Tindall, CPA and founder of Dominion Enterprise Services. Catherine specializes in tax optimization strategies for financial advisors, offering insights into minimizing tax burdens, enhancing practice efficiency, and unlocking enterprise value. Key takeaways from this conversation include: Tax Efficiency as a Strategic Lever: How optimizing your tax approach … Continue reading Empowering Financial Advisors: Strategic Tax Planning with Catherine Tindall Ep. 72 →

In this episode, Duncan MacPherson sits down with Dr. Karen Weisgerber, a seasoned expert with over 30 years of experience in wealth creation and inheritance. As a faculty member of the Institute for Preparing Heirs and a thought leader in wealth transfer and philanthropy, Dr. Weisgerber dives into the most pressing concerns facing affluent families … Continue reading Bridging Wealth and Legacy: Preparing the Next Generation with Dr. Karen Weisgerber (Ep. 71) →

In this episode of the Always On Podcast, host Duncan MacPherson engages in a profound and inspiring discussion with Sathya Chey Patterson CFP®, Esq., AIF®, Managing Partner at Arise Private Wealth. Recognized as a 2023 Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisor and a 2024 AdvisorHub Advisors to Watch, Sathya shares her incredible journey from adversity to … Continue reading Making the American Dream a Reality: A Conversation with Sathya Chey Patterson (Ep. 70) →

In this episode, Duncan MacPherson and Kevin Bishopp dive deep into how artificial intelligence is reshaping the financial services industry. From optimizing client communication to enhancing business efficiency, they unpack the immense potential AI offers to financial professionals. This forward-thinking discussion explores practical steps advisors can take to integrate AI tools into their practices and … Continue reading AI in Financial Services: Unlocking Potential and Future Opportunities with Kevin Bishopp (Ep. 69) →

In this episode, Duncan MacPherson sits down with Mindy Diamond, founder and CEO of Diamond Consultants, to explore the pivotal question every advisor grapples with: Should I stay or should I go? Mindy shares insights from her latest book, “Should I Stay or Should I Go?”, which isn't merely a guide on moving firms but … Continue reading Aligning for Success: Choosing the Right Environment for Your Advisory Practice with Mindy Diamond, Ep. 68 →

In this episode of the Always On podcast, host Duncan MacPherson welcomes back serial entrepreneur Ted Jenkin, CEO of Oxygen Financial and President of Exit Stage Left Advisors. Together, they explore the powerful concept of a partial book sale and how it can help financial advisors grow upmarket by refining the client relationships they manage. … Continue reading Elevate Your Practice – The Power of a Partial Book Sale with Ted Jenkin (Ep. 67) →

In this episode, Duncan MacPherson sits down with Angela York and Elyse Stoner from Event Advisors to discuss the lost art of client events and how financial professionals can reinvigorate their approach. As they explore the comeback of in-person gatherings, Angela and Elyse share strategies for designing meaningful, memorable, and measurable client experiences. Listeners will … Continue reading The Lost Art of Client Events – Creating Unforgettable Moments with Angela York & Elyse Stoner (Ep. 66) →

Building meaningful client relationships is essential for long-term success in financial services. How can you enhance client experiences and ensure lifelong fulfillment while delivering unmatched value? This week, Duncan MacPherson is joined by Rob Brown, Founder of the Truest Fan Coaching and co-host of The Purpose-Focused Advisor podcast. They explore the significance of purpose in … Continue reading Purpose-Driven Practice: Elevating Client Experiences with Rob Brown (Ep. 65) →

In this episode of the Always On with Duncan MacPherson Podcast, Duncan sits down with Cathi Durrell, co-founder of Lavish Cards, to discuss the power of personalized gratitude in building lasting client relationships for financial advisors. Discover how sending customized cards to clients can enhance your client retention strategies, foster loyalty, and increase client advocacy. … Continue reading The Power of Personalized Gratitude: Building Client Loyalty with Cathi Durrell (Ep. 64) →

Balancing client needs, industry best practices, and personal life can be challenging in financial services. How do you maintain integrity while fostering client relationships and achieving work-life balance? In this episode, Duncan MacPherson chats with Sybil Verch, wealth advisor, TV show host, and author. Together, they explore themes such as benevolence and charitable giving, the … Continue reading Empowering Financial Advisors: Core Values, Work-Life Balance, and Client-Centric Strategies with Sybil Verch (Ep. 63) →

Are you seeking proven strategies to enhance client acquisition without high-pressure sales tactics? This week on The Always On Podcast, Duncan MacPherson sits down with Daniel Burns and Stephen Comerford, co-hosts of The Sales Problem Podcast. The discussion pivots around the significance of client acquisition, growth, and productivity from the perspective of stewardship rather than … Continue reading Attract, Don't Chase: Mastering Client Acquisition and Stewardship with Daniel Burns and Stephen Comerford (Ep. 62) →

AI will not replace humans. It will replace humans who don't embrace AI. Ever-curious advisors committed to learning about AI's latest use cases are more likely to achieve professional contrast and elevate their client experience! To learn what's new with AI (especially for advisors), join Duncan MacPherson's conversation with Kevin Bishopp, Vice President and Performance … Continue reading AI Insights and Breakthroughs — Especially for Advisors! with Kevin Bishopp (Ep. 61) →

Are you ready to become the indispensable advisor who guides entire families through wealth building and legacy planning? Remember, it's not your client's responsibility to introduce you and it's not the family member's job to ask. You must be proactive and cultivate relationships across the family tree! In this enlightening and highly relevant episode, Duncan … Continue reading Unlock Success in Family Dynamics and Next-Gen Wealth with Jackie Wilke (Ep. 60) →

Newer advisors in the industry are always thinking of ways to not just survive but thrive. Meanwhile, more experienced advisors want to attract younger talent as part of their continuity and succession plan. Let's explore this transition to the next generation and how it coincides with a similar wealth transition among clients. In this episode, … Continue reading The Advisor of Tomorrow with Isaac Richard III (Ep. 59) →

Transitioning to another employee-model firm or launching an RIA firm can be daunting! Finding the right fit, adapting to the new environment, communicating the transition to your existing clients…there's a lot to consider. Let's break it all down with Duncan MacPherson and guest Louis Diamond, President of Diamond Consultants, a financial advisor recruiting firm. With … Continue reading Finding Clarity and Confidence in Advisor Transitions with Louis Diamond (Ep. 58) →

Does asking for referrals make you feel like you're being needy? Are you afraid of hurting your existing relationships with clients and COIs? When asking for referrals, your words matter! Catch Duncan MacPherson's conversation with Bill Cates, referral coach and author of “The Language of Referrals,” about the art of being referable and mastering the … Continue reading The Language of Referrals with Bill Cates (Ep. 57) →

The complexities of passing on a legacy and managing family dynamics can be overwhelming, especially for first-generation business owners. As their advisor, how can you help prepare their heirs and transition wealth smoothly? Find out as Duncan MacPherson speaks with Tom Deans, Ph.D., intergenerational wealth expert, speaker, and best-selling author of “Every Family's Business” and … Continue reading Transitioning Next-Gen Wealth with Tom Deans (Ep. 56) →

With messaging, the key is brevity, specificity, and proprietary. You must choose your target audience, personalize your marketing to resonate with them, walk them through a proprietary process, and share their experience using effective testimonials! Learn more about elevating your brand in this episode, as Duncan MacPherson speaks with Seth Diener, owner of Diener Money … Continue reading The Future of Branding and Client Acquisition with Seth Diener and Alex Lerch (Ep. 55) →

Want to receive maximum value for the business you've worked so hard to build? The key lies in being proactive with your exit strategy. Dive into a thought-provoking conversation between Duncan MacPherson and returning guest Ted Jenkin, CEO of oXYGen Financial and president of Exit Stage Left Advisors. Together, they uncover practical insights to streamline … Continue reading Leaving No Stone Unturned: How to Maximize Your Exit Strategy with Ted Jenkin (Ep. 54) →

In your mind, you have a certain brand image and value proposition for your business. Do your clients see it the same way? Are your clients well-equipped to tell your story for you and be your biggest advocates? Join Duncan MacPherson and Mike “Cy” Cajthaml Jr., a business consultant at Pareto Systems, as they delve … Continue reading Shaping Your Branding Strategy: How to Run a Client Advisory Council with Mike “Cy” Cajthaml Jr. (Ep. 53) →

Whether you like it or not, the world is quickly adopting artificial intelligence (AI). Now, the choice is yours — Do you want to get on board and leverage AI to improve your business? Or do you want to risk falling behind other advisors? To stay ahead of the curve, Join Duncan MacPherson and Craig … Continue reading Harness the Power of AI: Game-Changing Strategies for Modern Advisors with Craig Kirkpatrick (Ep. 52) →

The transition to fee-based services has prompted advisors to prioritize fee-worthiness, with clients focusing less on cost and more on perceived value. Plus, the complexities of relationship management may be amplified in a B2B upscaling model. In this episode, Duncan MacPherson speaks with Bill Sowell, CEO of Sowell Management, about the distinction between salesmanship and … Continue reading From Organic to Scalable Growth with Bill Sowell (Ep. 51) →

In the fast-paced and ever-evolving world of financial advising, get ready to discover timely and timeless strategies that help you achieve professional contrast and create enduring value for clients. In this 50th-episode special, Duncan MacPherson is back with co-author of The Blue Square Method, Chris Jeppesen, Chief of Advisory Practices at First Trust. Gleaning from … Continue reading Timely and Timeless Best Practices with Chris Jeppesen (Ep. 50) →

For years, financial advisors saw themselves as brokers, being mostly transactional and product-driven. Today, advisors wear many hats. It's no longer just a book of business, but an actual business! In this episode, Duncan MacPherson joins Max Winthrop, CEO, and Lucas Winthrop, COO, of Winthrop Wealth and long-time clients of Pareto Systems. They emphasize the … Continue reading Embracing the C-Suite with Max and Lucas Winthrop (Ep. 49) →

Have you ever stepped into your clients' shoes to see your business from their point of view? Understanding how they perceive your value is key to building lasting relationships. In this episode, Duncan MacPherson engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Steve Phillips, Chief Practice Management and Development Officer at USA Financial and a consultant at … Continue reading Make Your Clients The Voice With Steve Phillips (Ep. 48) →

Advisors, are you looking for ways to rejuvenate your client relationships? Creating a meaningful impact in their lives is only a part of it. It's equally important that your clients know (and appreciate) your value and process! In this episode, Duncan MacPherson joins Matt Cardella, a financial advisor at Raymond James. Matt shares how his … Continue reading Rejuvenating Client Relationships with Matt Cardella (Ep. 47) →

It is very common for first-generation, self-made, affluent people to shield their children from hardships. But that safety net can become a hammock of complacency…and entitlement! In this episode, Duncan MacPherson joins Jeff Savlov, family business and wealth consultant, and the founder of Blum & Savlov, LLP. They discuss how to address family dynamics in … Continue reading Balancing Riches and Relationships: Family-Centric Wealth Management with Jeff Savlov (Ep. 46) →

People are bombarded with hundreds of emails and messages daily. In a world dominated by digital communication, you need to do something that stops your clients in their tracks. You have to snap them out of the trance… But how? In this episode, Duncan MacPherson joins Cathi Durrell, owner of Lavish Cards, to discuss how … Continue reading One Good Idea to Build Strong Client Relationships with Cathi Durrell (Ep. 45) →

Selling a business is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many advisors. Do you really want to rush into the transaction? Or do you want to make sure you find the right buyer, receive maximum enterprise value, and leave your clients in good hands? In this episode, Duncan MacPherson interviews Martin Luc Derome, president of Queenston. Specializing … Continue reading Strategic Acumen in Mergers and Acquisitions with Martin Luc Derome (Ep. 44) →

Today, financial professionals have to wear many hats, one of which involves providing emotional support to clients. It has become an invaluable part of the advisor-client relationship! In this revealing and thought-provoking podcast, Duncan MacPherson speaks with Dr. Betsy Guerra, a bilingual keynote speaker, psychotherapist, coach, and author of Hurt 2 Hope: Heal the Pain … Continue reading Elevating Relationship Management and Emotional Intelligence with Dr. Betsy Guerra (Ep. 43) →

The Power of Partial Sale for Financial Advisors' Business Transition In this insightful podcast, Duncan MacPherson speaks with Ted Jenkin, CEO of oXYGen Financial and they explore the substantial financial impact that advisors can realize over time through a structured buyout, offering a promising path to a secure future.  Discover how this unique strategy not … Continue reading Unlocking Financial Impact and Legacy with Ted Jenkin (Ep. 42) →

Do you want to attract, engage, and retain clients without having to spend too much time on tedious marketing tasks? In this episode, Duncan MacPherson speaks with Kevin Mulhern, CEO and co-founder of AdvisorStream, a digital marketing platform for financial advisors. They talk about making small tweaks to achieve organic growth, focusing on relationship management … Continue reading Automate, Engage and Retain: The Future of Marketing in Finance with Kevin Mulhern (Ep. 41) →

The biggest value-add advisors offer to their clients does not lie in the rates of return or complex financial reports. It lies in the advisor-client relationship! In this episode, Duncan MacPherson speaks with Tyson Ray, CFP®, CExP®, CIMA®, founding partner at FORM Wealth Advisors, about the concept of Total Relationship and how it can help … Continue reading The Total Relationship: The Best Value-Add Advisors Can Offer with Tyson Ray (Ep. 40) →

Are you 10 years or less from selling your practice? If so, now is the time to start thinking about your succession plan so you can maximize your life's work (i.e., your business valuation). In this episode, Duncan MacPherson speaks with Sherri Palle, business consultant and coach at Pareto Systems, about how business owners can … Continue reading How to Maximize Your Life's Work with Sherri Palle (Ep. 39) →

Creating professional contrast and scarcity, improving referability, alleviating loyalty fatigue…These are all key pieces of the bigger puzzle: How to grow your practice to the next level? In this episode, Duncan MacPherson speaks with Steve Phillips, chief practice management officer at USA Financial and a business consultant at Pareto Systems. They share best practices and … Continue reading Achieving Professional Scarcity and Professional Contrast with Steve Phillips (Ep. 38) →

Sometimes, the best way to grow upmarket is to “grow down” or right-size your business. This can require advisors to adopt changes that seem counterintuitive at first — such as disassociating from certain clients. In this episode, Duncan MacPherson talks to Terry Gronbeck-Jones, co-founder of Mindset Consulting and a business development consultant at Pareto Systems. … Continue reading Avoiding a Plateau: A Case Study in Professional Contrast and Scarcity with Terry Gronbeck-Jones (Ep 37) →

You've got 24 hours in a day and five days in a work week. Wouldn't it be incredible to be able to put more sand in your hourglass? It is possible if you become highly process-driven and liberate yourself from the daily minutia of financial planning, which can be easily automated, streamlined or outsourced! In … Continue reading Being Process-Driven With Peter Dobrich (Ep. 36) →

There is a simple mantra in business: Every business is built to be sold. Whether you plan to exit in the next 18 months or after 10 years, it is important to know your options so you can achieve the best possible outcome. In this episode, Duncan MacPherson talks to Ted Jenkin, CEO of oXYGen … Continue reading The Anatomy of an Offer With Ted Jenkin (Ep. 35) →

Video marketing is revolutionizing the way advisors connect with clients and prospects. However, getting in front of the camera can feel terrifying for some people. For others, it might just seem like “a lot of work.” But not anymore. In this episode, Duncan MacPherson speaks with Katie Braden, CFP®, founder and chief video officer at … Continue reading Building Relationships through Video With Katie Braden (Ep. 34) →

The financial services industry has experienced colossal changes over the last decade. Today, advisors are on a collision course with commoditization like never before! As a result, coasting is not an option moving forward. It's either climbing or fading to irrelevance. In this episode, Duncan MacPherson speaks with Chris Jeppesen, chief of advisory practices at … Continue reading Enough Coasting. Now's the Time To Climb! With Chris Jeppesen (Ep. 33) →

Taking your practice management to the next level, nurturing your organizational culture, and improving client experiences might require switching your mindset from advisor to CEO. In this episode, Duncan MacPherson speaks with Kevin Bishopp, Vice President and Performance Coach for the Advisor Consulting Group at First Trust, about the art and science of practice management … Continue reading The Art and Science of Practice Management With Kevin Bishopp (Ep. 32) →

The Japanese have a concept called Kaizen, which means “constant and never-ending improvement.” If you want to become the advisor of the future and avoid a growth plateau, it's important to strive for Kaizen. In this episode, Duncan MacPherson speaks with Thane Stenner, CIM®, FCSI®, senior portfolio manager and senior wealth advisor at Stenner Wealth … Continue reading The Evolution and Elevation of the Financial Professional With Thane Stenner (Ep. 31) →

If you want to distinguish yourself from the advisor down the street, you'll need to create a memorable client experience that extends beyond financial expertise. This includes being highly process-driven, keeping up with clients' evolving needs, improving communication, and more. In this episode, Duncan MacPherson speaks with Mike “Cy” Cajthaml Jr., a business consultant at … Continue reading The Advisor of the Future With Mike “Cy” Cajthaml Jr. (Ep. 30) →

Q4 is the perfect time to finish the year with a bang, especially as we come out of an unprecedented disruption. It's also the perfect time to build momentum and prepare to fast-track success in the New Year. In this episode, Duncan MacPherson highlights four key steps financial professionals should take to maximize their client … Continue reading Finish Strong in 2022 (Ep. 29) →

There's a huge difference between someone buying your products versus someone buying into a relationship with your practice, people and process. Adding a coaching dynamic to your practice can help you win and retain clients in the long run. In this episode, Duncan MacPherson talks to Jeff Ambrose, business consultant at Pareto Systems. They share … Continue reading Adding a Coaching Dynamic to Your Client Experience with Jeff Ambrose (Ep. 28) →

Purchasing power, operational processes, client experience, core values…There are several nuances you might consider while screening potential buyers/sellers. Such due diligence is key to finding your ideal match in M&A. In this episode, Duncan MacPherson talks to Katie Bruner, managing partner at SkyView Partners. They share the ultimate “acquisition checklist” that helps buyers in winning … Continue reading How to Find Your Ideal Match in M&A with Katie Bruner (Ep. 27) →

When the time comes to exit your business, the goal is to drive your enterprise value, maximize your exit strategy, and elevate yourself qualitatively in the process. In this episode, Duncan MacPherson talks to Ted Jenkin, CEO of oXYGen Financial, about the three E's of successfully liquidating a business. They highlight steps advisors must take … Continue reading The Art and Science of Exit Planning with Ted Jenkin (Ep. 26) →