Business of Advice

Running a successful business isn't just about profits and performance metrics; it's about people. In this episode of the Business of Advice podcast, Cody and David pull back the curtain on how they've used their business, Advisors Excel, as a force for good. From developing innovative employee benefits to transforming neglected neighborhoods and supporting local charities, they share the intentional ways they've created a positive workplace culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and builds a stronger, more engaged team. It's time to rethink your role as a leader — not just as someone who drives success, but as a catalyst for change in your team AND your community.

Being great at your job and being a great leader require two very different skill sets. In this episode of the Business of Advice podcast, Cody and David reflect on their 20 years of leadership experience, sharing the lessons they've learned after stepping into leadership roles. From setting the pace to showing up in the toughest times, they unpack the 7 lessons every leader must master. Whether it's fostering accountability, building consistency or understanding the weight of your words, these strategies will challenge and inspire you to lead with impact.

Kicking off the 100th episode with a bang!

Join us as we sit down with the legendary Coach K to uncover the leadership principles that shaped his extraordinary career at Duke University and Team USA Basketball. From building trust within a team to empowering others to grow, Coach K reveals actionable wisdom for leaders in any field. Whether you're managing a business or a basketball team, this episode will inspire you to prepare, lead and win.

What separates good leaders from great ones? Bestselling author, entrepreneur and leadership expert Dan Martell joins the Business of Advice with Cody Foster podcast once again to break down the difference between transactional and transformational leadership — and why mastering the latter is key to scaling your business. Dan, author of “Buy Back Your Time” and mentor to countless entrepreneurs, shares actionable strategies for setting clear outcomes, coaching your team for success and empowering them to solve problems independently through his 1-3-1 Principle framework. If you've struggled with micromanaging or finding the balance between leading and doing, Dan gives you the tools to step into a leadership style that will help you “buy back your time.”

What's the difference between being great and staying great? Eric Thomas, considered by many to be the #1 motivational speaker in the world, joins The Business of Advice with Cody Foster to break down the power of the standard, building a legacy and what it takes to maintain long-term success. Plus, powerful moments on stage from his latest talk. A must-listen for financial professionals and leaders seeking inspiration!

Donald Trump returns to office in days, but what will his presidency mean for your business and clients? Becky Ruby Swansburg, CEO of Stonewood Financial, answers that to help us prepare for an enigmatic and opportunity-rich 2025, which she is calling “The Year of the Roth.”

What leadership qualities separate winners from the rest? Adam Contos has forged an impressive career across multiple industries, turning every chapter into a valuable learning experience. From serving as a SWAT team commander to leading one of the world's largest real estate brands as the former CEO of RE/MAX and now investing in franchises through Area 15 Ventures, Adam's journey is rich with powerful leadership lessons, which he shares in his book, “Start With a Win.” In this episode, he shares how building strong relationships, embracing adaptability, prioritizing personal growth and leading with service are the qualities that turn leaders into winners.

What can a humble postal carrier teach us about excellence and leadership? When Mark Sanborn moved into his first home, he met Fred Shea, a mailman who stood out by delivering more than just letters. Fred embodied exceptional service, taking a deep interest in the lives of everyone on his route. Inspired by Fred's kindness and commitment, Mark wrote his bestselling book, “The Fred Factor.” Now an internationally celebrated author and keynote speaker, Mark joins us for this episode of the Business of Advice with Cody Foster podcast to share how small, thoughtful actions can ignite extraordinary growth in our personal and professional lives.

As a former NFL Pro Bowl running back and founder of Hustle Clean, Justin has always approached life with a mentality of determination and hustle. Transitioning from the football field to the business world, he demonstrates how resilience and perseverance can turn challenges into opportunities. Justin is a shining example to aspiring entrepreneurs that adversity should not define you but rather refine you, bringing you closer to your dreams and goals. Join us for this episode as he shares his insights on what it takes to build a successful business and the importance of having a strong mindset.

What happens when a nation finds trust and social skills in short supply? Lt. Col. Scott Mann, a decorated former Green Beret and founder of Rooftop Leadership, rejoins the Business of Advice with Cody Foster podcast for a special Veterans Day episode exploring how financial advisors and other organizational and community leaders can lean on authenticity to bridge societal divides and make a meaningful impact.

As the founder, chairman and chief investment officer of CAZ Investments, Christopher brings over 30 years of experience in both traditional and alternative asset classes. He also co-wrote the No. 1 New York Times best-selling book, “The Holy Grail of Investing,” with Tony Robbins. Honored with the Texas Alternative Investments Association's Lifetime Achievement Award, Christopher is recognized for his significant contributions to the industry. Join us as he talks about the value of alternative investments for high net worth clients and the lessons he has learned from his experiences with industry leaders regarding scalability and specialization.

Have you ever felt stuck in your personal or professional life, wondering how to break through to the next level? In this episode, Tony Robbins — bestselling author, philanthropist and motivational speaker whose impact has transformed millions of lives — shares his insights on achieving success both personally and professionally. With a history of working with top leaders and entrepreneurs to help them unlock their full potential and attain remarkable success, Tony is now sharing his strategies with you.

As AI technology advances, many business leaders are contemplating how to integrate it effectively into their operations. According to Geoff Woods, embracing AI is no longer just an option; it is essential for any organization aiming to thrive today. Over the past year, he has devoted himself to educating leaders on harnessing AI to grow their businesses and enhance employee productivity. He delves deeper into this subject in his new book, “The AI-Driven Leader: Harnessing Artificial Intelligence to Make Faster, Smarter Decisions.” Listen to this episode to discover how your business can harness AI to gain and maintain a competitive edge. You'll also learn about: ·         The dangers and risks of AI to keep in mind ·         The core “ingredients” to proper AI prompt writing ·         The future of AI in business

At just 14, Chris Ronzio started a video production company, managing it for 12 years through high school and college. As his business expanded, he discovered that clearly defining who you are, what you do and how you do it is crucial for successfully scaling a business. A two-time EY Entrepreneur of the Year finalist and Mountain Desert Region Award finalist, Chris is also the author of “The Business Playbook.” Tune in to learn the best practices in documenting and delegating what you do so your company can grow beyond you.

Are you struggling to optimize your sales processes effectively? Are you waiting for the perfect moment to make a change? The key is to just start. With years of experience as a football referee, Bryan Neale has mastered the art of making tough calls under pressure. Tune in as we dive into Bryan's expertise, exploring actionable strategies and tips that can help you elevate your sales game. You'll also learn about: ·         Incorporating storytelling into your sales process ·         How to ensure your team is following your process ·         Making the correct decision when exploring uncharted territory

Are you leveraging digital marketing to attract potential clients? If not, you might be missing out on significant business opportunities. Jonathan Musgrave has dedicated his career to marketing for insurance, financial and service professionals. He started his own marketing agency, Steep Digital, to help his clients grow their businesses. Join us as Musgrave shares valuable insights into the critical role of digital marketing in today's competitive landscape. Listen in as he outlines the best practices for digital marketing. You'll also learn about: ·         Why paid digital marketing is important ·         Converting leads from digital marketing efforts ·         How to improve online response rates/conversions

Are you looking to increase your ROI but aren't sure where to start? With mailings, meetings, follow-ups, tracking and getting business issued, it's easy to get lost in the chaos. For over a decade, Erica's coaching has helped numerous advisors not only grow their ROI but also streamline their processes. Tune in to this episode as Erica shares valuable insights on understanding and utilizing data to drive success and make better-informed decisions. Regardless of your industry, Erica's tips should help enhance your understanding of the importance of data and how it can be leveraged to grow your business.

Before gaining acclaim as an author and podcast host, Ryan Hawk embarked on a journey with two pivotal questions: “How can I improve every day?” and “What strategies lead to sustained success?” He launched his podcast, “The Learning Leader Show,” to explore these questions with listeners by learning from exceptional leaders worldwide. With over 600 episodes, Ryan has emerged as a leading authority on leadership — and on this episode, he shares valuable insights to help you enhance your leadership skills in your own business.

Have you ever pondered how to transform resistance into opportunity? U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Dan Rooney, a former fighter pilot and the founder and CEO of Folds of Honor, shares his ideas on how to flip the script on opposition and change. Join us for this special episode as Lt. Col. Rooney shares his life philosophy and tenets to help you discover and seize your best life.

What is a salesperson? Rob Yoho, principal of MP Solutions, defines it like this: Anyone whose job is to help others make decisions. With two decades of experience at Sandler Training teaching techniques that spur sales, Rob has become an authority on what financial advisors and other salespeople can do to turn their best prospects into clients.

Before amassing a million-plus followers across social media, Jasmine Star started with two simple questions: Who is my dream client, and what do they want to know? Finding those answers helped her grow from solopreneur to world-renowned authority on content creation — and it could help you achieve your own messaging mastery. Listen to the business strategist and founder of Social Curator as she lays out the blueprint for creating content that connects.

We're taught in sales to never discuss two things: religion or politics. But, if you're a financial advisor, failing to cover the implications of the latter with your clients could prove perilous. Jeff Bush, principal of nonpartisan group The Washington Update and a former 30-plus-year financial professional, joins us to discuss how the upcoming presidential election might affect retirements and the world of financial planning.

If every person on your team shared your attitude, would that be a good thing? Alan Stein Jr. — a renowned former basketball and current corporate performance coach — has posed that question to some of the biggest leaders in both sports and business, one of the many ways he helps them rethink their roles and become the highest-performing version of themselves. Hear the author of “Raise Your Game” tell lessons he learned from MVPs like Kobe Bryant, Stephen Curry and Steve Nash.

In life, facing health challenges is not a matter of if, but when. How prepared will you — and your business — be when that day comes? Entrepreneurs worldwide trust physician and author Dr. Gabrielle Lyon to help hone their health, and on this episode, she shares five actionable steps to improve your physical and mental fitness.

No matter what you do for a living, you can choose to be in the hospitality industry. Will Guidara parlayed a trailblazing career in that field into a role helping hundreds of business owners make that conscious choice and, in turn, gain their greatest competitive edge. Hear what the celebrated restaurateur and author of “Unreasonable Hospitality” says you can do right now to turn your clients and customers into your biggest advocates.

Before he became one of the nation's most recognizable real estate brokers, Ryan Serhant made just under $10,000 in his first year in that industry. Today? His properties regularly sell for eight- or nine-figure sums — and his scaling story is just getting started. “If you're not growing, you're dying,” Ryan said. Hear the CEO and founder of SERHANT and star of Bravo's “Million Dollar Listing New York” share his biggest keys to growing brands and businesses.

All entrepreneurs reach a point where growth equals pain. For Dan Martell, this moment came when he became a millionaire at 27 — but couldn't build upon that success in a way that didn't also destroy his life. Dan devoted himself to finding the formula to achieving personal and professional fulfillment, and on this episode, he reveals his can't-miss methodology for getting more of your time back as your business grows.

As business owners and entrepreneurs, our health too often ends up on the back burner. Did you know, though, there's a clear correlation between your physical fitness and the shape of your business? Few know that connection better than Dr. Bill Kapp, CEO of Fountain Life. Dr. Kapp has long had his finger on the pulse of modern medicine, and on this episode, he outlines an approaching “paradigm shift” that he says will fundamentally reshape everything we know about health care.

What do your top clients say about you when you're not around? Chris Voss, a former lead FBI negotiator and author of “Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It,” says every business owner should ask themselves this question — and his tactic for tackling any gripes head-on is the No. 1 skill you need to achieve accelerated relationships. Listen to learn his technique and other insights you need to become an elite communicator.

You're going to leave your business someday, either on your terms or on a stretcher. And if you do it right, you'll have no regrets. Paul Niccum, a business strategist and author of “No Regrets: How to Grow and Then Exit Your Business, Emotionally and Financially Strong,” has helped build and sell several successful businesses. On this episode, he reveals his biggest keys to finding happiness in transition planning.

Are you prepared to navigate your team through storms of epic proportions? Darren Hardy, a mentor to thousands of top CEOs and business leaders, forecasts a 2024 possibly fraught with both perilous dangers and staggering opportunities. On this episode, he identifies five meta skills to help you not only make it through the potential turbulence ahead but come out a better person and professional.

Most financial advisors wouldn't self-identify as public speakers, but the numbers don't lie: Around 80% of their time is spent verbally communicating. Terri Sjodin, a 30-plus-year public speaking consultant and author of “Presentation Ready: Improve Your Sales Presentation Outcomes & Avoid the Twelve Most Common Mistakes,” joins the podcast to talk strategies for speaking success and how to communicate effectively with your top clients and prospects.

Most entrepreneurs know a lot about business, but few are familiar with the business going on between their ears. Author, columnist and social scientist Arthur Brooks is an expert in the intersection between business and happiness, and he joins the podcast to share the biggest keys to finding joy in your personal and professional lives.

You can't create a remarkable client experience without remarkable employees, yet many businesses don't recognize this symbiotic relationship. Thankfully, Joey Coleman does — better than just about anyone. The bestselling author of “Never Lose a Customer Again” and “Never Lose an Employee Again” joins the podcast to outline the biggest keys to retaining your best clients and team members.

How are human beings similar to grass? They both grow in adverse conditions. Author and serial entrepreneur Brad Pedersen knows how to successfully grow a business — and how not to. In fact, some of the best lessons Brad ever learned came from moments of failure. In this episode, Brad shares his 30+-year entrepreneurial journey, including the mistakes and lessons learned on his way to building and growing a thriving, healthy company.

Ever wondered how to create “Swifties” for your business? You know, fans as devoted to you as those mega pop star Taylor Swift has cultivated. Brittany Hodak, an award-winning author, speaker and customer experience expert, knows the secrets to creating superfans. On this episode, she shares how you can cultivate even more of them — all while spending less money on ads and staying true to what's authentically you.

Before becoming a nationally recognized speaking coach and consultant, Pat Quinn spent time as a high school teacher and professional magician. While he's moved on from the textbooks and top hats, his best work still comes by educating others — and, for the financial advisors he coaches, the results can be magical. Pat takes center stage to share best practices and can't-miss tips and tricks for taking your seminars and presentations to the next level.

Of the 10,000-plus public and private schools Scott Donnell's companies have served, not one properly teaches the financial skills tomorrow's generation needs, Scott says. So he's helping parents take those teachings into their own hands — quite literally, through the groundbreaking GravyStack app. An entrepreneur and author of the bestseller “Value Creation Kid: The Healthy Struggles Your Children Need to Succeed,” Scott joins the Business of Advice with Cody Foster podcast to share his top three strategies for improving your child's financial knowledge.

When it comes to scaling and selling your business, few individuals are as qualified to provide insight as Matt Brinker, whose leadership helped grow United Capital from $300 million in assets to $25 billion before its 2019 sale to Goldman Sachs. Now a managing partner at Merchant Investment Management, Matt joins the Business of Advice with Cody Foster to discuss his biggest keys to business growth and transition.

In the throes of depression, Ben Nemtin “stumbled into” the meaning of life — or, at least, found the meaning of his life. That moment of self-discovery 17 years ago turned into a career inspiring others to tackle their own bucket lists. Now the motivational speaker, bestselling author and co-founder of The Buried Life movement is a champion of living with intention. Hear Ben's insights on living a regret-free life and building better bucket lists for yourself and your clients.

Communication is key in sales, a truth Phil M Jones learned as a 14-year-old selling car washes door-to-door in his neighborhood. Within a year, Phil was making more money than his teachers — and he had the foundation for his future paradigm-shifting book, “Exactly What to Say: The Magic Words for Influence and Impact.” Discover how listening, asking better questions and speaking to specific situations can help you convert more conversations into clients.

No matter the heights you've already reached in your industry, you're never too successful for a mentor. And who better to have in that role than the very best? Over the last eight months, world-renowned leadership expert John Maxwell has mentored some of the nation's top financial advisors, and in this episode, you'll get a sneak peek into the coach, speaker and bestselling author's most game-changing advice in those sessions.

Turnover is an obstacle every business experiences, and it's no exception at the top. A sound succession plan can determine whether your business lives on or dies with your departure. Mark Cole, who recently became owner of The John Maxwell Company after a 13-year run as its CEO, shares his takeaways from taking over an enterprise of seven multimillion-dollar organizations — and following one of the world's most iconic gurus in that role.

Sam Walker spent 11 years identifying seeds of sustained greatness shared by the sports world's most dominant teams. When he emerged from that “deep rabbit hole,” the award-winning Wall Street Journal columnist had the basis for a landmark book — and a fresh appreciation for the role of the captain. Hear Sam detail how you can spot, entrust and empower your business's key players to achieve success that lasts.

What began as a beer with friends 30 years ago became a career in cutting-edge business consultancy for Jay Baer — who somehow found time to also make his mark as a world-recognized tequila influencer. Discover what the bestselling author, master marketer and customer service guru labels the biggest differentiators for businesses in today's ultra-competitive sales climate.

Are you giving your clients and prospects Level 10 experiences but Level 2 gifts? Too often, gifts are only sent at traditional holiday times or to simply check the task off a list — not with thoughtful purpose. Gifting guru John Ruhlin shares how he's cracked the code to making gifts strategic, intentional and meaningful — and more importantly, how to ensure those gifts help keep your business top of mind and lead to more of the referral opportunities you're seeking.

People will rise to the level of expectation set upon them, something Rodney Kenner realized as a football player for Kansas State University under coaches Bill Snyder and Ron Prince. It was a lesson that would shape his life — and other people's businesses — going forward. Hear what the “Scaling Up” coach has to say about leadership when it comes to growing and scaling your business.

You may love your job. You might enjoy the folks you work with. But if you lose control of your input streams, you risk putting yourself on a crash course for burnout — and a cycle of career disruption. Randy Dean, an authority on time management and author of “Taming the E-mail Beast,” joins the podcast to discuss strategies to dig out of the correspondence avalanche and have a healthy relationship with your inbox.

Mere minutes before the birth of his son, Eric Wood received a life-altering call from his doctors: His days playing professional football were over. How the former Pro Bowler responded to that seismic day can serve as a blueprint for athletes and entrepreneurs alike. Hear what the “Tackle What's Next” author and two-time Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee has to say about overcoming adversity and winning in your next chapter.

From building four multimillion-dollar companies to losing his home, few have felt the highs and lows of entrepreneurship like Mike Michalowicz. That perspective proves powerful today as he helps other business owners avoid “entrepreneurial poverty” — and it's insight he shares on this episode. Hear the bestselling business author explain how to change your mindset around the cash management of your company and the best ways to scale a growing business.