Podcasts about firm

BONUS EPISODE: How to Stay Connected as a Couple During Busy Seasons of Life If you rated your marriage on a scale of one to ten right now, what number would you actually give it? A lot of us land somewhere in the middle. Not bad, no big problems, just, you know, fine. And "fine" is exactly the word my guest and I want to talk you out of settling for. In this special bonus episode, I sat down with my friend and fellow coach Chanelle Neilson, who coaches on marriage alongside her husband of 25 years. We get into why it's so easy to drift from your spouse once the kids and the calendar take over, and the freeing truth that a stronger marriage doesn't take more time, it takes more intention. Chanelle also walks us through her FIRM framework, Friendship, Intimacy, Respect, and Momentum, and shares small, doable habits that quietly compound into real closeness. If your marriage has slipped to the back burner while you pour everything into your kids, and you're ready to feel connected again without adding one more giant thing to your to-do list, this conversation is for you. In this episode you'll learn: Why "we're fine" can be the most dangerous phrase in a busy marriage, and what to aim for instead The reason real connection isn't about finding more time, but about bringing more intention What the FIRM framework is (Friendship, Intimacy, Respect, Momentum) and how to use it in everyday life How to invite your husband toward more connection without making him feel like he needs to change The one small, two-minute habit Chanelle says can start a whole chain reaction of feeling closer Get full show notes, transcript, and more information HERE To connect with Chanelle Neilson: Website: www.firmfoundationdatenight.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/firmfoundationmarriage/Email: chanelleneilson30@gmail.com Related Episodes If this one resonated with you, these may also help: Episode 272: Lessons from 25 Years of Marriage: Simple Ways to Strengthen Your Marriage Episode 174: Summer of Love: Strengthening The Relationship With Your Spouse Episode 171: How To Love Harder

I'm reposting today an interview that Matt Zeigler kindly conducted with me recently. It just so happens that today is my birthday, which makes it feel like the right moment to share this deeply personal conversation about a chapter in my life and career when uncertainty was at its peak and the road ahead felt anything but clear.In this impromptu conversation, recorded one summer morning, I reflect on what happened during that time, what I learned from it, and how those experiences continue to shape me today. Along the way, you'll hear stories and moments I've never shared publicly before.I also encourage you to read the thoughtful profile Matt wrote about me on his wonderful Cultish Creative blog, linked here. While you're there, take some time to explore—and follow—his beautifully written, thoughtfully curated work. I'm grateful for the care and generosity he brings to every conversation and every story he tells.Bogumil Baranowski joins Matt Zeigler to explore why failure is feedback and how persistence can turn rejection, uncertainty, and personal obstacles into life-changing opportunities. Bogumil shares his journey from Poland to a career in New York investing, the green card rejection that nearly ended it, and the unlikely path that eventually led him to ask Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger a question at the Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting.Topics covered:Why failure should be treated as feedback rather than defeatWhat Joseph Moore's struggle to publish How to Get Rich in American History teaches about resilienceHow personal conviction helps people continue when success appears statistically unlikelyWhy creating a podcast can preserve valuable conversations and connect overlooked ideasHow podcast hosts cross-pollinate insights between investors, authors, and thinkersBogumil's decision to leave Europe and build an investing career in New York CityThe visa challenges and green card rejection that almost forced him to leave AmericaHow hope and persistence helped him restart the immigration processThe unlikely story of asking Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger a question at Berkshire HathawayWhy obstacles can help people develop strengths that others do not possessHow an outsider's perspective can create an advantage in investing and creative workWhy people should embrace the experiences that make them differentTimestamps:00:00 Why some goals become things you have to do03:00 Joseph Moore and the history of getting rich06:04 Why location matters when building and preserving wealth08:20 Failure is feedback09:30 Why important ideas often face rejection13:03 Turning private conversations into a public podcast16:40 Learning through other people's experiences18:08 Cross-pollinating ideas between great investors20:24 Bogumil's decision to pursue investing in New York21:42 Visa problems and a rejected green card application24:00 Starting the immigration process again26:14 Why persistence matters more than the size of the goal27:46 Asking Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger a question31:42 Why failing is part of trying33:53 The unexpected connection to The King's Speech35:29 Turning perceived weaknesses into strengths37:29 Where to find Bogumil's writing and podcastsPodcast Program – Disclosure StatementBlue Infinitas Capital, LLC is a registered investment adviser and the opinions expressed by the Firm's employees and podcast guests on this show are their own and do not reflect the opinions of Blue Infinitas Capital, LLC. All statements and opinions expressed are based upon information considered reliable although it should not be relied upon as such. Any statements or opinions are subject to change without notice.Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed.

Some of the most useful things a leader will ever hear are the ones nobody says to their face. This greatest-hits AMMA episode of The Game Changing Attorney Podcast pulls together six of the questions firm owners struggle with most, and Michael and Jessica Mogill answer each one with the candidness that comes from experience. The underperformer you keep protecting. The high-stakes call you can't seem to make. The endless learning that never turns into action. The anger that built your firm and now runs it into the ground. These are the takes most leaders only wish someone would tell them. Here's what you'll learn: Why the hardest conversation on your calendar only gets more expensive the longer you delay it How to make a high-stakes call with 70% of the information instead of waiting for certainty that never comes What it takes to trade spite-driven hustle for a vision that actually lasts The advice most leaders need isn't complicated. It's just hard to hear. (00:00:00) Introduction (00:01:33) When to let a bad hire go (00:04:21) Making decisions at scale (00:05:56) A framework for tough calls (00:07:45) Decision quality vs. outcome (00:10:45) Why you're the last to know (00:12:33) Setting rules of engagement (00:13:39) The information consumer trap (00:15:54) Why knowledge isn't power (00:18:32) The team member who drains you (00:22:07) Setting boundaries that work (00:22:47) When anger stops fueling you (00:27:09) Playing the infinite game ---- Links & Resources: The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek Mark Manson Roger Federer's 2024 Dartmouth Commencement Address John Morgan Nike, "Just Do It" Star Wars ---- Learn what sustainable growth can look like for your firm at crispcoach.com. ---- Do you love this podcast and want to see more game changing content? Subscribe to our YouTube channel. ---- Past guests on The Game Changing Attorney Podcast include David Goggins, John Morgan, Alex Hormozi, Randi McGinn, Kim Scott, Chris Voss, Kevin O'Leary, Laura Wasser, John Maxwell, Mark Lanier, Robert Greene, and many more. ---- If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like: 468. AMMA - Why Dark Energy Becomes Dead Weight Over Time 432. AMMA - When Loyalty Backfires: The Hidden Cost of Tenure 247. John Morgan - Fortune Favors the Bold: How to Build a Legal Empire

The Oregon Coast Trail backpacking adventure officially begins! Mysterious James and I head for the Oregon Coast expecting a roughly 10-mile first day over Neahkahnie Mountain. Naturally, the adventure starts with us watching our connecting bus leave without us. Is the entire trip scuttled before we even begin? "My Tent is not Viable" Check out this absolutely hysterical special design awarded to Brock and I to memorialize our night 1 mishap... See more of Simone's designs here. The Pedalshift Project 448: Oregon Coast Trail - Part 1 Portland to Tillamook goes exactly according to plan. This will not last. A confusing route-number change leads to Tim and James missing their northbound connection while essentially standing next to it. With Uber, Lyft and other escape routes unavailable, it's time for Plan B. A few bonus hours in Tillamook include an unexpectedly excellent visit to the Tillamook County Public Library. The revised plan: take the later bus to Manzanita, establish a base there and turn the day's planned hike into an out-and-back toward Neahkahnie Mountain. First impressions of experiencing familiar Oregon Coast territory on foot instead of from a bicycle. The backpacking finally begins with a walk along the beach at Manzanita. Important navigational discovery: if the Pacific Ocean is on your left, you're probably walking north. Firm beach sand: surprisingly excellent walking. Soft beach sand: considerably less excellent. Heading inland and uphill on the Headwaters Trail toward Neahkahnie Mountain. About 3.5 miles of continuous climbing provides the first real test of the new packs and gear. Early verdict: the pack weights feel completely manageable for the planned 7–10 mile days. Tim and James discover that humid-weather backpacking may not be part of their future long-distance hiking careers. The shortened route still delivers nearly everything they wanted from the original day: climbing, forest trails, beach walking and plenty of mileage. Back in Manzanita for the most important part of any successful hiking itinerary: pizza and beer. A surprising amount of actual bike content, with multiple loaded touring cyclists spotted along the coast. The final walk to Nehalem Bay State Park is longer than expected, pushing the day's total close to nine miles. First impressions of the Nehalem Bay hiker-biker campsite, including lockers, charging and bike repair facilities. The new tent gets its first setup and the backpacking gear earns high marks. Day one verdict: despite immediately borking the original plan, the Oregon Coast Trail experiment is a success. Next up: more beach walking, changing weather and Day 2 on the Oregon Coast Trail. Statistics Miles hiked 9 Missed buses: 1 Loaded bicycle tourists spotted: 7 Plans successfully improvised: 1 Days of rain on the Oregon coast we did not expect 1 Flats  N/A

Pakistan's key mediator has held a second meeting with Iran's Foreign Minister Araghchi and is seeking to extend the 60-day truce, according to an informed source cited by Al Arabiya.Strait of Hormuz authority rejected US claims and said the waterway remains blocked until Iran's conditions are met, according to Press TV.Crude futures initially declined but clambered off worst levels, with price action indecisive amid the absence of any major geopolitical updates overnight.USD/JPY saw a bout of mild pressure late in the session after Bloomberg sources said that the Takaichi government is said to support a faster BoJ rate hike.APAC stocks were predominantly in the green as the region took its cue from the mild positive handover from Wall Street; European equity futures indicate a positive cash market open.Looking ahead, highlights include UK GDP (Jun/Q2), Trade Balance (Jun), Swedish/Spanish Inflation Final (Jul), EU Industrial Production (Jun), US Initial Jobless Claims (Aug/08), PPI (Jul), Norges Bank Policy Announcement (Aug). Speakers include Fed's Hammack & Barkin, Norges Bank's Bache. Supply from the US. Earnings from Applied Materials, RWE, Antofagasta & Maersk.Read the full report covering Equities, Forex, Fixed Income, Commodites and more on Newsquawk

The Strait of Hormuz authority rejected US claims and said the waterway remains blocked until Iran's conditions are met, according to Press TV.USD/JPY saw a bout of mild pressure late in the session after Bloomberg sources said that the Takaichi government is said to support a faster BoJ rate hike.US equity futures mixed, with the NQ giving back some of Wednesday's gains.DXY flat; NOK softens as the Norges Bank leaves rates unchanged but signalled progress on inflation.Fixed income benchmarks muted heading into US PPI and a US 30-year auction.Energy benchmarks steadily fall as geopolitical headlines quieten down.Looking ahead, highlights include US Initial Jobless Claims (Aug/08), PPI (Jul). Speakers include Fed's Hammack & Barkin. Supply from the US. Earnings from Applied Materials.Read the full report covering Equities, Forex, Fixed Income, Commodites and more on Newsquawk

Seeking Divorce Assistance in These Locations? Our Team Can Help!   Riverside: https://bit.ly/4lYPO9o Corona: https://bit.ly/44gJROv Irvine: https://bit.ly/3EvvQSL San Diego: https://bit.ly/4lOg85X Palm Desert: https://bit.ly/4jNWZzc   Founded in 2021, Reel Fathers Rights APC is a Nationally Recognized Family Law Firm that focuses exclusively on representing Men and Fathers in Family Court in California. RFR boasts over 300 years of combined family court experience and was recognized as the top law Firm on the Inc 5000 List for 2025. RFR attorneys have earned dozens of awards and certifications from being named Certified Family Law Speicialist by the State Bar of California to being named Rising Stars by Best Lawyers and Ones to Watch by Super Lawyers. RFR attorneys are equipped to handle everything from contentious Child Custody disputes to high profile, high-stakes divorce, and defense of serious Domestic Violence Allegations. RFR is the go-to attorney for Men and Fathers in California Family Courts. You can learn more about Reel Fathers Rights and their services on our website www.reelfathersrights.com   Mark Reel Jr. is the Founder and CEO of Reel Fathers Rights APC. Since 2021, Mark and RFR have represented thousands of Men and Fathers in California Family Courts. Mark has been named One to Watch by Best Lawyers and a Rising Star by Super Lawyers. He has also been recognized by Inc on their Ince 500 list of fastest growing companies as well as Elite Lawyer and Expertise.com   About this episode In this episode: California family law attorney Mark Reel breaks down Luka Dončić's international custody battle with his ex-fiancée. Mark explains why dueling cases were filed in Slovenia and Los Angeles, how the UCCJEA and “home state” rules decide where custody belongs, and why filing in California was such a high-stakes move financially. He also walks through how child support is calculated for ultra–high income earners, why a $50 million demand may really be about leverage, and why these cases often end in confidential lump-sum settlements rather than massive monthly payments.

In this episode, we speak about Bledge's return to golf after struggling with serious back problems. He explains how gym work and a different treatment approach have helped him recover, and how much better he feels both physically and mentally after being able to play again.We also discuss his summer golf trips, starting with visits to Ganton and Alwoodley in Yorkshire. We talk about the character and conditioning of both courses, the sand-based ground at Ganton, and the heathland style and historic design influence at Alwoodley, including Alister MacKenzie's role there.A major part of the conversation focuses on measuring firmness and the move away from Clegg readings toward USGA-style numbers. We talk through why firmness numbers can be harder for people to understand than stimp readings, but also why they are important and how golfers and greenkeepers begin to interpret them through repeated use.We then turn to the weather and the long dry period affecting the northwest of England. We discuss rainfall totals, evaporation and water budgets, the difficulty of replacing lost moisture, and the practical limits of irrigation on courses with restricted water sources or mains supply.We also cover how drought is changing agronomy and course management. James explains the impact on different fescue cultivars, the importance of aeration and rooting, the use of wetting agents, and how overseeding choices are being adjusted toward more drought-tolerant grasses.Finally, we discuss Royal Birkdale and the Open Championship setup. We talk about the brown, firm conditions, the way the course played, the importance of bounce and variety, and how the event was presented. We also touch on the broader idea that golf courses need to adapt to changing climate conditions, and James closes by describing a recent combine harvester ride and the appeal of that kind of machinery. Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.

Jesus warned us that we may face persecution for our faith. It doesn’t mean we’re doing something wrong, in fact it may be an indication that we’re right with the Lord. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points to that characteristic and several others that show us how we’re doing. If we’re walking closely with the Lord, these traits will be obvious. It’s good insight, and a good opportunity to take some notes. Pastor Greg is in the book of Acts today, reading from the New Living Translation. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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What if your financial advisor cared less about beating benchmarks and more about the family tree, mission, and life you're actually building? In this episode of the Registered Investment Advisor Podcast, Seth Greene interviews Tyson Ray, CFP®, CExP®, CIMA®, CEO and Founding Partner of FORM Wealth Advisors, who shares how an eviction notice on his family's fridge shaped a mission-driven approach to money. As the author of The Total Relationship and the forthcoming Total Succession, Tyson explains why real advisory work starts with family, occupation, recreation, and mission—not pie charts, past performance, or product pitches. He shares insights into scaling past a billion in assets, fixing painful missteps with clients and the team, and preparing both families and advisors for the next great wave of wealth transfer. Key Takeaways:→ How FORM Wealth Advisors structures reviews and planning to reflect the actual shape of a client's life.→ Why advisors stop selling last week's winning lottery numbers and start owning real-life responsibility for clients.→ How FORM Wealth Advisors serves every branch of the family tree and why that has been vital to the firm's growth. → Why cutting “smaller” clients can erode trust in a close-knit community.→ How inheritances split one large relationship into many smaller ones. Tyson Ray, CFP®, CExP®, CIMA®, CEO, and Founding Partner of FORM Wealth Advisors, has developed extensive expertise in investment management, financial planning, and business exit strategies, earning recognition from Forbes, Barron's, and AdvisorHub as a top advisor. Tyson also actively contributes to his community through philanthropic initiatives, including Children's World Impact.His journey began at Badger High School, where, as a sophomore, he invested $100 in mutual funds, sparking a lifelong passion for financial strategy. After graduating from the University of West Florida, he returned to Southern Wisconsin to launch his career in financial services. Tyson enjoys spending time with his wife and three children, as well as hunting, fishing, playing golf, and exploring the outdoors. Connect With Tyson:Website: https://totalsuccession.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tysonray/

This episode hit close to home for me because Jaime Rodriguez and I are basically living the same double life, and I loved getting to compare notes.Jaime is the CEO of Bookkeepers.com (you probably know them as Bookkeeper Launch), and his story is wild. He went to school for accounting chasing that "safe job" American dream, hated the corporate grind so much he Googled how to start a bookkeeping business, bought the very course he now owns, and burned the boats to go all in. Fast forward through a few years of coaching, re-recording lessons, and becoming the face of the brand, and in 2025 he actually bought the company.In this episode you'll hear:How Jaime went from burned-out corporate accountant to owning the very course that got him startedWhy SOPs are what let you run a firm on 30 minutes a monthThe real talk on running two businesses at onceThe costly mistake of taking on every client in every industry before you have processesWhy you have to learn your debits and credits before you touch automationThe one question that protects your time every time a new prospect comes knockingResources mentioned in this episode:Join the Digital Bookkeeper Association for $9/mo: https://dba.bookkeepers.app/Bookkeepers.com: https://bookkeepers.com/$1000 Off any version of Bookkeeper Launch when you use promo code AUGUSTBUS26: https://sk293.isrefer.com/go/BLFS/SS64/Meet JaimeJaime Rodriguez is the owner and CEO of Bookkeepers.com, but his journey started as a student looking for a better path. After building his own successful bookkeeping business, he went on to acquire the company that first taught him the skill. Today, he helps entrepreneurs realize they're capable of more than they think; not just financially, but in how they live and work. He's the author of Beyond the Numbers and You're Not for Everyone (That's the Point), both focused on building a business that actually fulfills you.Connect with Jaime

MasterMind Minutes. One Guest- One Question- One Answer Today our guest is Patrick GalleherJoin Patrick Galleher, CEO & Managing Partner of Boxwood Partners, as he shares insights from more than 25 years of experience leading mergers, acquisitions, and strategic growth initiatives. Having advised on over 70 sell-side transactions and helped complete more than 35 franchisor transactions, Patrick brings a unique perspective on scaling businesses, attracting the right partners, and creating long-term enterprise value.In this conversation, Patrick discusses his journey from becoming the youngest CEO on the London Stock Exchange to leading successful exits, investing in high-growth franchise brands like Sweet Frog, and advising founders and private equity groups on transformative transactions.Whether you're a business owner, franchise executive, investor, or entrepreneur, you'll gain valuable insights on growth, leadership, M&A strategy, and building companies that are positioned for successful outcomes.Reach out to Patrick at:   / patrickgalleher  Contact Gary at: info@frangrow.com

Umělá inteligence nesmí být pro firmy jen technologickou hračkou, ale především zásadním motorem proměny jejich byznysu. V podcastu Forbes BrandVoice to zdůrazňují Hana Součková ze SAP ČR a Jana Lvová, šéfka Mastercard pro Česko a Slovensko. Podle nich české podniky v inovacích nezaostávají, ale zbytečně je brzdí nedostatek sebevědomí a strach z chyb. Úspěch v éře AI totiž nečeká na ty, kteří nakoupí nejlepší software, ale na lídry schopné klást správné otázky.Proč samotný nákup technologií vaši firmu nespasí? V novém díle podcastu Forbes BrandVoice rozebírají top manažerky, jak umělá inteligence reálně mění pravidla hry. Zjistíte, proč je dnes pro lídry důležitější klást správné otázky než znát okamžité odpovědi, a proč je největším rizikem nedělat vůbec nic. Poslechněte si, jak nastartovat skutečnou transformaci a nenechat si ujet vlak.

Watch the YouTube version of this episode HEREIn this episode of the Maximum Lawyer Podcast, Tyson Mutrux sits down with Janice Dantes, founder of Pinay Law, for a conversation about building a law firm around community, identity, resilience, and the willingness to keep learning as you grow.Janice shares why she intentionally removed her own name from her firm and how separating her personal identity from the business helped her look at the numbers more objectively. She also explains how she found a unique niche serving the Filipino community through divorce and family law.She also opens up about one of the hardest moments in her entrepreneurial journey: being scammed out of $50,000 while other parts of the firm were struggling at the same time. Instead of shutting down, Janice kept her team, took risks, hired for growth, got back out into the community, and rebuilt the firm stronger.Tyson and Janice also dig into money mindset, learning how to charge what your work is worth, the difference between scarcity and abundance, investing in your health, and building a business that gives you the freedom to actually enjoy the life you are creating.It's a conversation about getting knocked down, figuring out what isn't working, asking for help, and continuing to build anyway.Listen in to hear how Janice turned some of the toughest moments in her law firm into the lessons that helped her grow.What You'll LearnWhy Janice removed her own name from her law firm—and how it changed the way she viewed the business.How identifying an underserved community can create a powerful law firm niche.Why grassroots relationships have been so important to Pinay Law's growth.How Janice recovered after losing $50,000 to a sophisticated scam.Why she chose to keep investing in the business even when cash was tight.How scarcity around money can affect pricing, spending, and business decisions.Why physical health and discipline can have a direct impact on your performance as a law firm owner.How Janice thinks about building a firm that provides both financial opportunity and personal freedom.Why generosity remains one of the principles she wants guiding her growth.Timestamps00:00 — Why Janice took her name off her law firm07:00 — Building a niche around the Filipino community15:00 — Growing through grassroots marketing and relationships24:00 — Getting comfortable showing up on social media31:00 — Building a law firm that creates more freedom38:00 — How improving her health made her a better lawyer46:00 — Money mindset, scarcity, and learning to charge your worth54:00 — Losing $50K to a scam and rebuilding the firm strongerConnect with Janice: InstagramFacebook

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What happens after you hire the right people? The next challenge is making sure they understand how your firm operates, what you value, and what it takes to deliver the experience your clients expect. In this episode, Melissa continues her conversation with Velocity Work client Jimmy Evans about the intentional investment he made in developing his team and creating a mission-driven firm.        Jimmy shares how he created an incubator and accelerator process to transfer his knowledge, systems, and approach to his team. He explains why hiring experienced people is not enough, why owners cannot expect team members to simply know how they do things, and how investing upfront in training creates stronger alignment, confidence, and consistency over time.       This episode will help you rethink how you develop people inside your law firm. You'll learn why your expertise needs to be transferred intentionally, how creating systems around your values strengthens your team, and why investing in your people can become one of the most important decisions you make as an owner.                                          Let's talk! If you are a law firm owner looking to talk with us about partnering on your personal and professional growth, book a short, free, no-pressure call with Melissa here: https://velocitywork.com/calendar          ‍Check out Ben Gideon and Jeff Wright's podcast Elawvate: Build and Grow Your Law Firm on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts: https://vwrk.cc/gideonasen       Calculate your producer multiple with our free Producer Calculator here: https://vwrk.cc/pm           Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.velocitywork.com/374                    Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@velocitywork

In this episode, Ray explores the uncomfortable truth: firm culture is revealed through what leaders reward, tolerate, and ignore on a typical Monday morning. For advisory firm owners, understanding your actual culture, not your aspirational values, has direct business impact.Ray makes the connection concrete: research from SHRM shows that employee experience and engagement account for 42% of turnover intent. Regrettable attrition is expensive. More importantly, in relational advisory businesses, internal culture becomes external client experience. Clients feel when teams are aligned, communication is clear, and people are supported. They also feel when turnover disrupts continuity and people are burned out.This episode is built around an immediately actionable framework: the culture evidence review. Rather than running another employee survey, Ray walks you through five practical questions that move culture from sentiment to evidence. You'll learn what to examine, what it means when certain behaviors are tolerated, and how to use stay interviews to listen early before exit interviews teach expensive lessons.WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODEWhy culture is revealed through behavior, not proclamation, and how to examine evidence instead of languageHow employee experience and engagement directly correlate with turnover intent (and the research that proves it)The five-question culture evidence review framework that translates culture into measurable leadership decisionsWhy tolerated behaviors become permission and what behaviors are costing your firm stability and client continuityHow to use stay interviews to listen early and understand what your best people need to stay engagedTHE FIVE-QUESTION CULTURE EVIDENCE REVIEWWhat behaviors are rewarded around here? Look past the value statement. Who gets promoted, praised, paid, invited to important conversations? Do you reward people who develop others or only those who generate revenue? Do you reward collaboration or information control? Do you reward system improvement or crisis heroics?What behaviors are tolerated? Every firm tolerates something. Poor follow-through, weak meetings, avoided feedback, disrespectful communication, hoarded clients, undermining peers, not using the CRM, treating staff as support instead of colleagues. When leaders tolerate these behaviors, tolerance becomes permission.What do employees fear saying out loud? Your team may know where the firm is stuck before leaders admit it. They know which processes are broken, which client segments drain the team, which advisors are difficult. A healthy culture gives truth a place to go.What are stay interviews telling us? Ask why people stay, what might cause them to leave, where they feel underutilized or unsupported, and what would help them grow. Listen early.What is AI anxiety doing to the culture? Employees may not directly name AI fear. They hesitate to use tools, fear being replaced, or assume productivity gains mean more work. Leaders need to surface this conversation.COACHING QUESTIONS FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP TEAMWhat behaviors are shaping your culture more than your stated values do?Where is the firm tolerating behavior that undermines trust or performance?What would your employees say the culture rewards most in your firm?What are stay interviews telling you before exit interviews make the lesson costly?How is AI anxiety manifesting in the culture, even if people are not naming it directly?Building the Billion Dollar Business is hosted by Ray Sclafani, Founder and CEO of ClientWise, the financial services industry's leading executive coaching and team development firm for elite advisors and wealth management teams.Find Ray and the ClientWise Team on the ClientWise website or LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

Michael Roch is the founder and principal advisor of MHPR Advisors, where he advises managing partners, boards, and remuneration committees on partner compensation and governance. For more than 25 years, he has worked with law firm leaders across Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe, and the United States, as well as with accounting, consulting, and other professional partnerships. Originally trained as both an accountant and a lawyer, Michael brings a cross-disciplinary perspective to questions involving compensation, governance, finance, and tax. He is the co-author of The Partner Remuneration Handbook and co-leads a long-running global survey tracking how partners are paid across markets. Based in Zurich, Michael serves clients worldwide. WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE ABOUT PARTNER COMPENSATION AND LAW FIRM STRATEGY Law firm leaders often believe their compensation system reflects what they are trying to build. Yet the way partners are paid may still reward them for holding tightly to client relationships, prioritizing their own originations, and resisting the collaboration the partnership says it values. As the business grows across offices and practice areas, those old approaches can become increasingly disconnected from where the firm is going. Michael Roch explains that this often happens because partnerships fail to update compensation systems developed when they were much smaller. Changing the system requires leaders to be clear about what the business is trying to achieve and willing to let go of old paradigms that no longer support that direction. It also requires a closer look at what the partnership actually rewards, how partner contributions are evaluated, and whether the decision-making process reinforces the strategy or works against it. In this episode of The Lawyer's Edge Podcast, Elise Holtzman talks with Michael Roch of MHPR Advisors about why compensation systems fall behind as firms grow, how origination credit can create conflict around client relationships, what firms should consider when compensating managing partners and other leaders, and why money is only one of the tools law firm leaders can use to influence behavior and retain talent. 3:45 - The three elements that shape a partner compensation system 5:20 - Why compensation systems fall behind as firms grow 10:19 - What a firm's compensation system reveals about its real values 14:58 - Why annual compensation memos cannot replace ongoing performance dialogue 20:13 - Origination credit, collaboration, and control of client relationships 24:23 - Putting rules and governance around origination disputes 28:38 - How firms should compensate managing partners and practice group leaders 35:16 - Why paying more rarely solves a retention problem 38:21 - The leadership responsibility partners have to associates and counsel 40:08 - Why reward involves more than compensation Mentioned In How Partner Compensation Can Undermine Your Firm's Strategy MHPR Advisors | LinkedIn Michael Roch on LinkedIn The Partner Remuneration Handbook by Michael Roch and Ray D'Cruz SmarterReward™ Dr. Heidi Gardner | How Law Firms Can Increase Revenues, Grow Client Loyalty, and Improve Diversity Get connected with the coaching team: hello@thelawyersedge.com The Lawyer's Edge SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE This episode is brought to you by the coaching team at The Lawyer's Edge, a training and coaching firm that has been focused exclusively on lawyers and law firms since 2008. Each member of the team is a trained, certified, and experienced professional coach—and either a former practicing attorney or a former law firm marketing and business development professional. Whatever your professional objectives, our coaches can help you achieve your goals more quickly, more easily, and with significantly less stress. To get connected with your coach, fill out our contact form.

Serial ,,Obsesja'' już dostępny w serwisie Disney+ ⤵️https://www.disneyplus.pl [współpraca]Instagram @konradshymanskyhttps://www.instagram.com/konradshymansky/Autor podcastuKonrad SzymańskiOpracowaniePiotr Kostrzewskikontakt/współpraca: codypresents@gmail.com

Martha Stewart isn’t backing down after speaking about Meghan Markle, while Keith Urban is reportedly relieved that ex-wife Nicole Kidman has moved on. Meanwhile, Harry Potter star Jessie Cave says OnlyFans has completely transformed her finances, earning her more money than acting. Rob’s latest exclusives and insider reporting can be found at robshuter.substack.com My novel, It Started With A Whisper, is available now See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when one of life's hardest transitions becomes the catalyst for a new purpose?Hannah Hembree Bell is the founder, CEO, and Managing Attorney of Hembree Bell Law Firm, where she focuses on family law, divorce, and estate planning. After experiencing divorce and a custody case herself, Hannah reshaped her career around helping individuals and families navigate the emotional and practical realities of major life transitions with greater clarity and confidence.In this conversation, Hannah joins I Am Refocused Radio to discuss divorce, rebuilding after difficult seasons, protecting what matters most, navigating co-parenting and blended families, and why compassion can be just as important as strategy when people are facing major decisions about their future.We also explore Hannah's journey from working at a large law firm to building a practice focused on serving individuals and families, and how personal experience helped shape the kind of attorney and leader she wanted to become.This conversation is about more than divorce. It's about clarity, resilience, confidence, and learning how to move forward when life doesn't unfold the way you expected.https://www.hembreebell.com/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/i-am-refocused-radio--2671113/support.Subscribe now at YouTube.com/@RefocusedNetworkThank you for your time. 

Google doesn't show blue links and AI overviews are the new page one. The scary part? Most staffing firms have no idea how to get found in this new landscape.Shaun Chojnacki is back on InSights for his fourth appearance, and this one might be his most important yet. In 30 minutes, he breaks down the three-bucket framework every staffing firm needs to win visibility in AI search.PLUS: the first-mover advantage that's already separating the staffing and recruiting firms that get it from the ones that don't.Don't get left behind.About Shaun Chojnacki:Senior Marketing Strategist at Haley Marketing, specializing in SEO, digital marketing, paid media, and content strategy. Previously Marketing Director at iPost, where he doubled organic traffic and drove higher lead conversions. Over a decade of experience blending data-driven strategy with creative execution to deliver measurable results.In this episode:The three-bucket framework for AI search visibility: entity, retrieval process, and independent sources and why most staffing firms are missing all threeYour About Us page is now your most important AI assetOne client wrote a single press release about 24 AI placements — within two weeks they owned the top ChatGPT answer for "best AI staffing firm in Houston"Another client has won 20,000 AI overviews and appeared in 3,500 LLM prompts in a single month all by writing non-biased comparison articles about their competitorsWhy Reddit is becoming a legitimate SEO strategy and the clever way firms are using post-event feedback threads to build AI-trusted brand mentionsLocation pages aren't enough anymore you need township-level pages, and the firms building them now are the ones AI will serve up tomorrowThe hidden cost of inactivity: every month you wait, a competitor locks in first-mover advantage on AI overviews you can't get backWhy publishing AI-generated content at scale can get your site blacklisted and what to do insteadJob-related keyword pages almost never work for staffing firms About the Host:Brad Bialy is a trusted voice and highly sought-after speaker in the staffing and recruiting industry, known for helping firms grow through integrated marketing, sales, and recruiting strategies. With over 13 years at Haley Marketing and a proven track record guiding hundreds of firms, Brad brings deep expertise and a fresh, actionable perspective to every engagement. He's the host of Take the Stage and InSights, two of the staffing industry's leading podcasts with more than 250,000 downloads.Sponsors and Offers:Learn more about RogIQ, the AI Marketing Assistant from Haley Marketing: https://rogiq.ai/

Lee Freeman‑Shor is a former multi‑award‑winning fund manager turned bestselling author and researcher who has spent years inside the decision‑making of the world's best investors to uncover how they get it wrong most of the time and still make millions in the markets. He gave 45 elite investors real money and studied 30,000 trades to decode execution. He shares what he learned in the process. Episode Sponsor: Fiscal AI is a modern data terminal that gives investors instant access to twenty years of financials, earnings transcripts, and extensive segment and KPI data—use my link for a two-week free trial plus 15% off: https://fiscal.ai/talkingbillions/Episode Notes03:00 — Lee's working-class Nottinghamshire upbringing; didn't know what a stock was until university.04:11 — Stumbled into fund management after a law degree, then built the "Best Ideas" fund range at Scander Investment Group.07:07 — The spark: a manager with a 30% hit rate who still made a fortune for the fund.09:51 — Analyzing 30,000 trades: hit rates cluster near 50% — "it's definitely not about the stock idea."19:30 — Lee unveils his five investor tribes: rabbits, assassins, hunters, raiders, connoisseurs.20:30 — Why investors freeze: "you don't want to be a rabbit."22:42 — The biases behind it: "endowment bias, sunk cost bias... regret aversion bias."24:15 — His gut-check question for holding a losing name: would you buy it today with fresh money?25:43 — Averaging down done right — hunters start small so they can "lean into the name."38:16 — Stock Market Maestros research: the "lumberjack" archetype (John Barr), tiny starting positions, decades-long 100-baggers.44:54 — "Incrementalists" like Andrew Hall and James Hambro trim and add in small steps instead of exiting outright.48:34 — Behavioral alpha score and payoff ratio — metrics that predict future manager skill.53:15 — Takeaway: "when you're losing, do something... try and be an assassin."58:43 — Lee's personal lesson: "expect to be wrong."1:00:41 — Closing reflection on what success really means after stepping back from money management in 2018.Podcast Program – Disclosure StatementBlue Infinitas Capital, LLC is a registered investment adviser and the opinions expressed by the Firm's employees and podcast guests on this show are their own and do not reflect the opinions of Blue Infinitas Capital, LLC. All statements and opinions expressed are based upon information considered reliable although it should not be relied upon as such. Any statements or opinions are subject to change without notice.Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and, unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed.

Lord's Day Service with Pastor Beau Bekendam

In this episode, host John Q. Khosravi, Esq. sits down with business immigration attorney Jioselin Juarez Contreras, Esq. to talk about her path from a first-generation Mexican American law student to a high-volume H-1B practice — including her brief detour into nonprofit removal work before returning to the same business immigration firm, how her firm (which also handles corporate litigation and taxation, with a CPA-licensed managing partner) keeps every department aligned on fast-moving immigration changes, and the real-world impact of the new $100,000 H-1B fee on employers and change-of-status filings during this year's cap season. They also preview the upcoming AILA California Chapters Conference (November 5–7 in San Francisco), which Jioselin is helping plan, and close with a look at annual firm planning and the importance of actually taking breaks during immigration law's busiest seasons. Timestamps: 00:00 – Opening 00:33 – Intro 03:16 – Welcome Jioselin Juarez Contreras, Esq. 03:26 – Growing up in Southern California & getting into immigration law 04:45 – How she built business immigration experience early on 05:04 – The detour into nonprofit removal work — and coming back 07:36 – Practicing immigration inside a multi-department firm (corporate, litigation, CPA/tax) 09:41 – The $100K H-1B fee: real impact on clients and filings during cap season 11:36 – AILA California Chapters Conference preview (San Francisco, Nov 5–7) 15:01 – Firm planning: annual goals and the next six months 17:08 – Balancing cap season crunch with actual vacation time 20:58 – How to connect with Jioselin 21:13 – Outro Get a free website (first 10 sign-ups) and special pricing on marketing for your firm from Constellation at http://immigrationlawyerstoolbox.com/Constellation Spotify | iTunes | YouTube Music | YouTube Follow eimmigration by Cerenade: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn Start your Business Immigration Practice! (US LAWYERS ONLY - SCREENING REQUIRED): E-2 Course EB-1A Course Get the Toolbox Magazine!  Join our community (Lawyers Only) Get Started in Immigration Law! The Marriage/Family-Based Green Card course is for you Our Website: ImmigrationLawyersToolbox.com Not legal advice. Consult with an Attorney. Attorney Advertisement. #podcaster #Lawyer #ImmigrationLawyer #Interview #Immigration #ImmigrationAttorney #USImmigration #ImmigrationLaw #ImmigrationLawyersToolbox  

Watch the YouTube version of this episode HEREWhat if your law firm's case management system was designed to be as engaging as Duolingo or TikTok?In this episode, Tyson breaks down an experiment he is currently testing inside his own law firm: using the psychology behind habit-forming apps to make everyday work more engaging.Tyson shares how his firm is building features like daily streaks, personalized quests, team wins, badges, rewards, and even mini games directly into its case management system. But the goal is not to make employees addicted to work. Instead, Tyson explains how these same behavioral principles can be used with intentional guardrails to help employees know what to work on, recognize progress, and make completing important tasks a little more enjoyable.In this episode, we dive into:Why Tyson decided to gamify his law firm's case management systemThe four-part “hook model” behind many habit-forming productsHow variable rewards keep people coming back to apps like TikTok and InstagramUsing AI to create a personalized daily list of important tasksWhy Tyson built streaks—and “streak freezes”—into his firm's systemHow automated recognition can celebrate employee wins without creating unhealthy competitionWhy Tyson is hesitant to use traditional employee leaderboardsThe importance of giving productivity systems an actual finish lineHow to use behavioral psychology without encouraging employees to work constantlyWhy Tyson built a “kill switch” into the system in case gamification creates unintended consequencesTyson also explains how the firm's new “Daily Run” identifies important work from each employee's real task queue, including client communication, overdue tasks, and upcoming deadlines. Once employees complete their most important work, they can earn rewards and maintain their streak while still having a clear stopping point for the day.Timestamps00:00 — Why Tyson is making his case management system more addictive03:00 — The psychology behind habit-forming platforms05:00 — Why law firms are competing with social media for employee attention07:00 — Building streaks and rewards into everyday work09:00 — The five hooks law firms can borrow from social media10:00 — Using AI to create a personalized Daily Run14:00 — Tracking work and employee activity inside the firm16:00 — Variable rewards tied to real accomplishments19:00 — Streaks, loss aversion, and giving employees grace21:00 — Social validation without ranking employees24:00 — Why every productivity system needs a finish line26:00 — Building guardrails and a kill switch into gamificationIf you are looking for ways to get your team more engaged with the systems your firm already uses, this episode offers a fascinating look at how behavioral psychology, AI, and gamification could change the way work gets done inside a law firm.

Welcome to episode 343 of Grow Your Law Firm, hosted by Ken Hardison. In this episode, Ken sits down with April Collins, founding attorney of Collins Law. April shares how she grew her personal injury practice from a basement-based operation into a 15-person firm with a permanent office space. The conversation focuses on the mindset, hiring decisions, systems, marketing strategy, and client service that supported that growth. April explains why law firm owners need to make calculated investments in their teams and operations, lean into what makes them different, and adopt new tools like AI to build a more competitive and sustainable business. What you'll learn in this episode: 1. Why Growth Starts with Mindset - How a willingness to take calculated risks can help a firm move beyond survival mode - Why investing back into the firm creates more opportunity than simply holding onto cash 2. How to Hire for Growth - Why fear and trust concerns can hold owners back from making important hires - How to put people in roles that match their strengths 3. Why Systems Make Growth Possible - How standard operating procedures, training materials, and policies create consistency - Why clear benchmarks and monthly scorekeeping help employees understand what success looks like 4. How to Market Around What Makes You Different - Why smaller firms should not try to copy the biggest competitors in their market - How authenticity and a defined target audience can make marketing more effective 5. Why Client Service and AI Both Matter - How strong client service can lead to repeat clients, referrals, and better reviews - Why firms should use AI to increase capacity and stay competitive         Resources:    Website: acollinslaw.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/april-h-collins-collinslaw Facebook: facebook.com/CollinsLawLLC Instagram: instagram.com/acollinslaw         Additional Resources:    https://www.pilmma.org/the-mastermind-effect https://www.pilmma.org/resources https://www.pilmma.org/mastermind

QuickBooks Live is officially retired, and Alicia sits down with Dan DeLong and Matthew Fulton to unpack what replaces it: Intuit Experts, a narrower set of services built directly into QBO Simple Start and above. They walk through the new Books Check-In, Smart Expert Categorization, and Expert Books Upkeep offerings, how the accountant-attached toggle works, and why onboarding still applies to every new client regardless of status. They also dig into the Intuit ProPartner Accountants program launching in 2027 and what firm-billed versus client-billed accounts mean for who controls what.Sponsors:Intuit Accountants - http://uqb.promo/intuitPilot - http://uqb.promo/pilotKick.co - http://uqb.promo/kick(00:00) - Welcome and Setup (01:12) - QuickBooks Live Ends (02:47) - What Makes an Expert (07:08) - Firm of the Future Article (11:03) - Who Intuit Experts Serve (13:41) - Pro Partner Matching Network (15:35) - Services Built Into QBO (17:31) - Breaking Down New Services (21:36) - Consent and Default Off (25:57) - Intelligent Onboarding (28:50) - Cross Sell and Workforce (34:18) - Do They Compete With Firms (38:16) - Marketing Toggle Recap (38:52) - Unknown Accountant Status Rules (40:17) - Overlap Services Confusion (43:52) - Onboarding Versus Suppression (45:52) - Where Controls Live (46:28) - Client Versus Firm Billing (49:55) - Expert Hub Visibility (52:51) - QuickBooks Live Rebrand (56:39) - Why Intuit Changed Course (59:42) - What To Do Now (01:05:11) - ProPartner And Suite Updates (01:06:40) - Wrap Up And Community (01:07:32) - Hosts Updates And Outro LINKSIntuit Experts Shift: https://www.firmofthefuture.com/product-update/intuit-experts-and-accountant-controls/Intuit Experts Onboarding: https://quickbooks.intuit.com/r/bookkeeping/quickbooks-onboarding/Alicia's upcoming classes:3rd Party App Exploration, Aug 12: http://royl.ws/3rdpartyIntuit Enterprise Suite, Aug 19: http://royl.ws/intuit-enterprise-suiteBattle of the Books - QBO vs. Xero, sponsored by Xero: https://xero.zoom.us/webinar/register/4717843154915/WN_jWTalQhPSka8DGL2mQerIA#/registrationAI in QBO: http://royl.ws/AIIntuit Accountant Suite in Sept: http://royl.ws/IASDan's School of Bookkeeping blog on AI/Claude:Connect Claude to QuickBooks Online?: https://www.schoolofbookkeeping.com/blog/QBOClaude What Specifically can Claude do in QuickBooks Online: https://www.schoolofbookkeeping.com/blog/what-specifically-can-claude-do-in-quickbooks-online No, AI Isn't Coming for Your Bookkeeping Job: https://www.schoolofbookkeeping.com/blog/AIinAccounting1 The Blind Spots Automation Can't See (Yet): Where QuickBooks AI Still Needs a Human: https://www.schoolofbookkeeping.com/blog/AIinAccounting2 How to Become the Human Your Clients (and Their AI) Actually Need: https://www.schoolofbookkeeping.com/blog/AIinAccounting3 Schoolofbookkeeping YouTube: https://snip.ly/SOBYTFree Live Workshop Wednesdays: https://www.schoolofbookkeeping.com/workshop-wednesdayQB Power Hour: https://www.qbpowerhour.com/ We want to hear from you!Send your questions and comments to us at unofficialquickbookspodcast@gmail.com.Join our LinkedIn community at https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14630719/Visit our YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/@UnofficialQBOPodcastSign up to Earmark to earn free CPE for listening to this podcasthttps://www.earmark.app/onboarding 

Robert Hagstrom joins Matt Zeigler and Bogumil Baranowski to revisit the 25th anniversary edition of The Warren Buffett Portfolio and explain why volatility is not the same as investment risk.They discuss concentrated portfolios, active share, business valuation, behavioral finance, complex adaptive systems, and Warren Buffett's warning that the market's casino can overwhelm its cathedral.Matt Zeigler and I had the privilege of hosting Robert Hagstrom for a special 100-Year Thinkers Edition of the Excess Returns Podcast.Available now on Excess Returns Podcast and Talking Billions.

We've all been sold the same myth: that successful people win because they've got ironclad discipline, and if you're falling behind, you're just lazy.It's a great story. It's also wrong.In this episode, Terry breaks down why discipline is the weakest tool in a recruitment owner's kit and why building your firm on "just trying harder" guarantees it eventually falls over. He explains why willpower works like a phone battery: you start the day at 100%, but every decision (chase the candidate, chase the invoice, write the proposal, post the video) drains it until you're running on 10% by mid-afternoon and blaming your own character.The fix isn't more grit. It's routines and systems that get the work done without relying on willpower at all.If you're a recruitment or search business owner who keeps starting strong and fading by lunchtime, this one reframes the whole problem.Topics: recruitment business owners, willpower vs discipline, decision fatigue, business development consistency, systems and routines, building a more profitable recruitment firm.

Value: After Hours is a podcast about value investing, Fintwit, and all things finance and investment by investors Tobias Carlisle, and Jake Taylor. We are live every Tuesday at 1.30pm E / 10.30am P.────────────────────── ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠VALUE OPTIONS LETTER⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Three to five curated ideas every week — cash-secured puts, covered calls, and spreads on businesses we'd want to own at strikes we'd be willing to pay. Every trade includes the business thesis in plain English, the fair-value estimate and its key assumptions, the specific option trade with target premium, and the pre-identified exit criteria.Every idea reviewed and approved by an analyst before it hits your inbox.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠valueoptionsletter.com/subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠──────────────────────See our latest episodes at https://acquirersmultiple.com/podcastAbout Jake Jake's Twitter: https://twitter.com/farnamjake1Jake's book: The Rebel Allocator https://amzn.to/2sgip3lABOUT THE PODCASTHi, I'm Tobias Carlisle. I launched The Acquirers Podcast to discuss the process of finding undervalued stocks, deep value investing, hedge funds, activism, buyouts, and special situations.We uncover the tactics and strategies for finding good investments, managing risk, dealing with bad luck, and maximizing success.SEE LATEST EPISODEShttps://acquirersmultiple.com/podcast/SEE OUR FREE DEEP VALUE STOCK SCREENER https://acquirersmultiple.com/screener/FOLLOW TOBIASWebsite: https://acquirersmultiple.com/Firm: https://acquirersfunds.com/ Twitter: ttps://twitter.com/GreenbackdLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tobycarlisleFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/tobiascarlisleInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tobias_carlisleABOUT TOBIAS CARLISLETobias Carlisle is the founder of The Acquirer's Multiple®, and Acquirers Funds®. He is best known as the author of the #1 new release in Amazon's Business and Finance The Acquirer's Multiple: How the Billionaire Contrarians of Deep Value Beat the Market, the Amazon best-sellers Deep Value: Why Activists Investors and Other Contrarians Battle for Control of Losing Corporations (2014) (https://amzn.to/2VwvAGF), Quantitative Value: A Practitioner's Guide to Automating Intelligent Investment and Eliminating Behavioral Errors (2012) (https://amzn.to/2SDDxrN), and Concentrated Investing: Strategies of the World's Greatest Concentrated Value Investors (2016) (https://amzn.to/2SEEjVn). He has extensive experience in investment management, business valuation, public company corporate governance, and corporate law.Prior to founding the forerunner to Acquirers Funds in 2010, Tobias was an analyst at an activist hedge fund, general counsel of a company listed on the Australian Stock Exchange, and a corporate advisory lawyer. As a lawyer specializing in mergers and acquisitions he has advised on transactions across a variety of industries in the United States, the United Kingdom, China, Australia, Singapore, Bermuda, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, and Guam. He is a graduate of the University of Queensland in Australia with degrees in Law (2001) and Business (Management) (1999).

Ryan Belanger — Founder & CEO, Claro Advisors Most firms are adding AI to existing workflows. Ryan Belanger chose a different path, acquiring a fintech company and rebuilding Claro Advisors around an AI-native platform. He explains why he believes the future belongs to firms that rethink how they operate, not just the tools they use. In Summary Most firms view AI as another technology investment. Ryan Belanger sees it as a business strategy. Louis sits down with the Founder & CEO of Claro Advisors to discuss why his $1.5 billion RIA acquired a fintech company, built an AI-native operating platform, and believes the firms that gain the biggest advantage won't simply adopt new technology—they'll rethink how their businesses are built. The conversation also explores the broader philosophy behind that decision. Ryan shares why he's consistently chosen unconventional paths—from recruiting younger advisors and embracing a partnership model built around ownership to investing in proprietary technology instead of relying on third-party solutions. For advisors, the bigger question isn't simply how AI will change their workflow. It's how it may change what it takes to build a durable, differentiated advisory firm. The Storyline Every generation of wealth management has been shaped by a different competitive advantage. For some, independence paved the way to build unique branding and a bespoke client experience. Inorganic growth and M&A gave many firms access to scale and growth. Today, many believe the next advantage will come from artificial intelligence. But simply adopting AI may not be enough. Ryan Belanger has spent his career challenging conventional thinking. He left Morgan Stanley in 2012, well before independence became mainstream. He built Claro Advisors by investing in younger advisors instead of competing for established producers. He embraced a partnership model centered on advisor ownership rather than restrictive employment structures. And when AI began reshaping the industry, he made another unconventional decision: instead of licensing another technology platform, Claro acquired a fintech company and built its own AI-native operating system. Louis explores the reasoning behind each decision and the philosophy that connects them. Ryan explains why he believes proprietary technology will become a defining competitive advantage, how Claro's AI platform, Claire, is changing advisor workflows, and why the biggest opportunity isn't replacing advisors; it's giving them more time to do the work clients value most. The conversation also tackles practical questions facing every advisory firm: how to integrate AI responsibly, where human judgment continues to matter most, and why the firms best positioned for the future may be the ones willing to redesign their businesses instead of simply adding another layer of technology. Topics Covered AI-native advisory firms Acquiring a fintech versus licensing technology Building proprietary advisor technology Advisor productivity and workflow automation Recruiting and developing younger advisors 1099 partnership model and advisor autonomy Enterprise building and long-term differentiation AI governance and advisor trust The future of wealth management technology > Download a transcript of this episode… Listen and Learn Highlights for Advisors Why did Ryan launch independently long before it became common? (7:30) Ryan explains why leaving Morgan Stanley in 2012 wasn't simply about independence—it was about creating a better business model while betting on himself. Why recruit emerging advisors instead of established producers? (15:00) Ryan shares why investing in younger advisors has become one of Claro's greatest competitive advantages and succession strategies. Why would an RIA buy a technology company? (23:45) Rather than licensing another platform, Ryan explains why Claro acquired NDVR to build proprietary technology that could fundamentally change advisor workflows. How does Claire actually help advisors day-to-day? (33:00) From meeting preparation and client follow-up to portfolio management and workflow automation, Ryan walks through how AI is saving advisors meaningful time. Will AI replace advisors—or make them better? (36:30) Ryan discusses where AI belongs, where human advice remains essential, and why he believes technology should enhance – not replace – the advisor relationship. What does the advisory firm of the future look like? (38:20) Ryan shares his long-term view of how AI, proprietary technology, and advisor expectations will reshape wealth management over the next decade. Key Takeaways Ryan believes firms that build AI into the foundation of their businesses will create greater long-term differentiation than those simply adding new software. Claro's acquisition of a fintech company reflects a strategy of owning core technology rather than relying exclusively on third-party vendors. AI is most valuable when it eliminates administrative work, allowing advisors to spend more time serving clients. Recruiting younger advisors and investing in long-term talent has become a defining part of Claro's growth strategy. Advisor autonomy, equity participation, and technology can create stronger retention than restrictive employment models. Human relationships remain central to wealth management, even as AI becomes increasingly capable. The firms that adapt fastest may be those willing to rethink their operating model—not just their technology stack. https://youtu.be/7XvSXi0PzXI Quotable Moments “I wanted to build something that was integrated instead of just layering another tool on top.” “We're trying to make really good advisors become super advisors.” “Clients still want advice from a person—but they're going to expect that person to know how to use AI.” “The firms that win won't necessarily be the ones using the most technology. They'll be the ones building differently.” FAQs Why did Claro Advisors acquire a fintech company? Ryan believed owning proprietary technology would create greater long-term differentiation than licensing another collection of third-party tools. What is Claire by Claro? Claire is Claro Advisors' AI-powered chief of staff, designed to automate advisor workflows, prepare meetings, organize client information, and streamline operational tasks. How is Claro using AI differently than many RIAs? Rather than layering AI onto multiple disconnected applications, Claro built an integrated operating platform where AI has access to the advisor's workflow, planning, portfolio, and client information. Will AI replace financial advisors? Ryan believes AI will automate much of the administrative work advisors perform today, but that clients—particularly those with more complex needs—will continue to value human advice and relationships. How does Claro recruit advisors? The firm emphasizes advisor ownership, partnership, equity participation, technology, and operational support instead of relying primarily on acquisition-based recruiting models. What does Ryan believe will differentiate advisory firms in the future? He believes proprietary technology, integrated AI, and the ability to improve advisor productivity will become increasingly important competitive advantages. Ryan believed owning proprietary technology would create greater long-term differentiation than licensing another collection of third-party tools. Claire is Claro Advisors' AI-powered chief of staff, designed to automate advisor workflows, prepare meetings, organize client information, and streamline operational tasks. Rather than layering AI onto multiple disconnected applications, Claro built an integrated operating platform where AI has access to the advisor's workflow, planning, portfolio, and client information. Ryan believes AI will automate much of the administrative work advisors perform today, but that clients—particularly those with more complex needs—will continue to value human advice and relationships. The firm emphasizes advisor ownership, partnership, equity participation, technology, and operational support instead of relying primarily on acquisition-based recruiting models. He believes proprietary technology, integrated AI, and the ability to improve advisor productivity will become increasingly important competitive advantages. Related Resources Why AI Matters Now: Filling the Estate Planning Gap with Wealth.com Emotional Intelligence: The “Untouchable” Differentiator in an AI World Diamond Consultants Annual Advisor Transition Report Ryan BelangerChief Executive Officer & Founder Ryan founded Claro Advisors in 2012 after seven years at Morgan Stanley. He named the company after a Latin phrase “to make clear in the mind.” All Claro advisors strive to give their clients clarity and transparency, core tenants of the firm. Claro is continuously recognized within industry for its growth and thought leadership. In 2004, Ryan received a BA in Economics from The College of the Holy Cross and in 2009, he earned the Certified Financial Planner™ distinction. He is most proud of his philanthropic activity. Along with his wife Rachel, they started a foundation that raises money for genetic research in the name of their late daughter, Bella. Their focus is on extreme rare disease. Ryan resides in Boston’s Back Bay with his wife Rachel and their three children. He enjoys exercising, golfing, reading and spending time with his family. He has been featured in numerous magazines and industry publications and is regularly on television sharing his market thoughts. NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation. View the transcript of this episode… Why AI Matters Now: How a $1.5B RIA is Building the Firm of the Future A conversation with Louis Diamond and Ryan Belanger, Founder & CEO of Claro Advisors.      Louis Diamond: Welcome to the latest episode of our podcast series for financial advisors. Today’s episode is Why AI Matters Now: How a $1.5B RIA is Building the Firm of the Future. It’s a conversation with Ryan Belanger, the Founder and CEO of Claro Advisors. I’m Louis Diamond, and this is the Diamond Podcast for Financial Advisors. Mindy Diamond: At Diamond Consultants, we help elite advisors identify the right environment for their businesses to thrive, whether that’s at a wirehouse, boutique, or independent firm. With nearly three decades of experience, we’ve guided thousands of advisors and represented more than a quarter of a trillion dollars in assets transitioned. And each year, one in four advisors managing a billion dollars or more who change firms are our clients. Our process is education driven, and based on building relationships, starting as your strategic partner well before you’re even thinking of a move. To schedule a confidential conversation, call us at (908) 879-1002. Wondering why advisors change firms and where they’re headed? Are transition deals going up or down? Those very questions and more inspired us to create our annual Advisor Transition Report. It’s the award-winning data-driven resource designed for advisors that connects the dots between the motivations around movement and the firm’s appetite for top talent. Arm yourself with the knowledge you need to make smart decisions. Download your copy at diamond-consultants.com/transitionreport. Louis Diamond: Artificial intelligence has quickly become one of the biggest topics in wealth management in the world. Almost every firm is experimenting with new tools, looking for ways to automate tasks, improve efficiency, or help advisors serve clients more effectively. But what if AI isn’t just another technology to plug into your business? What if it becomes the foundation for how your business is built? That’s exactly why I wanted to have Ryan Belanger on the show. Ryan is the Founder and CEO of Claro Advisors, a billion and a half dollar RIA that’s taken a very different path than most firms in the industry. Rather than simply adding AI to an existing tech stack, Claro acquired a FinTech company and is building its own AI native operating system designed specifically for advisors. What’s interesting is that this isn’t really a conversation about software, it’s about strategy. Ryan has consistently gone against the grain from leaving Morgan Stanley to launch an independent firm in 2012 before it became commonplace, to recruiting younger advisors when others chased established producers, to betting that proprietary technology will become one of the biggest competitive advantages an advisory firm can have. If AI is going to reshape wealth management, and I think it will, the firms that benefit most may not be the ones using the most tools. They may be the ones rethinking how the entire business operates. Ryan shares what that looks like in practice, what he’s seeing from advisors today, and why he believes the next generation of advisory firms will look fundamentally different from the firms we’ve known over the last two decades. There’s a lot to cover, so let’s get to it. Ryan, thanks for joining us today. Ryan Belanger: Yeah, nice to see you. Louis Diamond: You too, good to see you again. For those who aren’t familiar with you and your firm Claro, why don’t you walk us through your background and how you found your way into the industry to set the table. Ryan Belanger: Yeah, sounds good. So background was after college, I got a job at Morgan Stanley. I’d done an internship while in college and that gentleman, Morgan Dewey, said you should look at the Morgan Stanley. So I applied, got a job immediately, and just a couple weeks after graduating, I began as a financial advisor in a training program at Morgan Stanley and spent a good amount of time there and was able to develop skills necessary that really I had all along just growing up, a lot of entrepreneurial spirit I think is important in this business, how to relate to people, some competitiveness. I just happened to luck out and get into a profession that rewarded some of those skill sets. Louis Diamond: I’d say it was the right choice for you. So I think you started at Morgan Stanley in 2004. You were 21, 22 years old, just cutting your teeth, but the financial crisis happens a handful of years later. So what was it like being a relative newbie and seeing client accounts falling, the world crumbling every day? What did living through that crash teach you that’s shaped how you’ve built your business or serve clients now? Ryan Belanger: I did learn a tremendous amount at Morgan Stanley and I do still tell people if they’re looking to start at a big shop with big training programs and resources and really try to figure out what you like and then you can go off and get more specialized. But I do feel like it was a great place to get trained. They would post how many cold calls we were making every day. So on the board every morning you’d walk in and say, “Okay, where did you fall?” And I’m a competitive person, and I just want to make sure I was first every single day. So it was those type of things that really propelled me to keep interested in this business but also see the benefits. It’s really hard to get clients and that’s what people underestimate the most is to build the level of trust with someone that they’ll allow you to manage their retirement nest egg is it takes time. And I was 22, I looked really young, I had no experience, but I was fortunate to have two great mentors at Morgan Stanley, a gentleman named Todd Wetzel. He was brilliant at developing relationships, really caring for people. And then the gentleman that I had done an internship with went to Morgan Stanley as well, and he allowed me to work on some small accounts and really cut my teeth with some customers. And I was very fortunate to have done that, but you’d asked about the crash, and I think what I learned from that when people were literally weeping when their account values were down by 50%, 60% was that money is really emotional, and you have to understand how much it means to people, it’s not just the number on your screen. So having some empathy towards someone who’s really in a period of distress is now a critical skill that those of us have been around for this long understand. And there’s a whole generation, Louis, of advisors that have never experienced a real bear market, and I do fear for them at some point because when you go through that, it really changes the perspective that you have. But for me, it happened, I was four or five years into the business at that point, so I’m thankful that it happened just for my own personal development and I’ll never forget it. Louis Diamond: Yeah. Things have a way of happening for a reason and then the best advisors, best humans, they learn from them, and they’re better off for it. You’re very much right. I like that perspective about how the empathy around the emotions of money was something that you still carry and wear as a badge of honor today. So you left Morgan Stanley in 2012. I think you were 30 years old I read. One, that’s very young to consider leaving a firm like that nonetheless to go independent when in 2012, it wasn’t like everyone was going independent. There weren’t as many infrastructure providers or tech vendors or as much capital available as there is today. It definitely wasn’t a path that was as well-worn as it was. So two-part question, what pushed you to leave the firm presumably without a huge book of business? And second part, how’d you think about risk and reward at that age? Ryan Belanger: Yeah, what drove me was ultimately I felt like I was not seeing the value from the firm I was at, Morgan Stanley at the time. They were just taking an exorbitant amount of the revenue I felt. And I would see product managers strolling through and going to steak dinners, and I’m thinking, geez, I’m here every night on weekends. I’m busting my butt, and I should be creating more value to myself. And so that was one kind of thing. And I think there was a right level of naivete just to think that I could pull this off. I did believe that I had a small number of clients. I was hopeful that they would come because I had to hit a minimum for the custodian platform to start the RIA, which I was able to do. But I felt that they would come with me and that I had developed enough trust with them that I could be their advisor for a long time. And so for me, it felt like the technology wasn’t great. I was just told the mother-in-law is an expression. She says to my kids sometimes, “You get what you get and you don’t get upset.” Have you heard that expression? Louis Diamond: I have. My daughter reads a book where that line is repeated frequently. Ryan Belanger: Yeah, okay. So that’s how I felt then. I was like, “This is what you have and deal with it.” And to me, it just felt like there had to be a better way, but I didn’t have any capital backing, so I bootstrapped it. I Craigslisted an office from an estate planning attorney. I cold called Fidelity at the time they were our only custodian. I called to get some compliance help and I just thought that there’d be other people that would want to join. I named the firm, it’s a Latin phrase, it’s Claro Advisors, and it means to make clear in the mind. And I felt like not only was I trying to do that for clients, but I was trying to push advisors to challenge the norms here. There are other solutions out there. So I purposefully did put my name on it, I knew that there’d be other people that might feel the same way. I’ve always been a team sport guy. I like being around other people and collaborating. And I did have a good friend and credit to him. He said, “If you put this together, I’ll come with you.” And so just a couple weeks after I did, we talked and I said, “It’s up and running.” He came and Dana was our first, he’s still with us. And then a couple of months later, another guy I used to work with called and said, “Hey, I’m at this bank, and it looks like what you’ve done is interesting.” And I said, “We like it if you’d like to give it a try.” And so he came, his name’s Mike. He’s still with us. And so teams started to get put together. But I met someone in 2014, so I was two years in at that point and I was doing legitimately everything, not only as an advisor, but just all the stuff that you have to do to run the business. And it was becoming too much, especially the compliance. And I think nowadays starting an RIA, the threshold is so much higher. That’s why you see better than anyone else. You just see a lot more tuck-ins. But Jen Street was someone that I met and she really allowed me to catapult the business and scale it, so she took over all the operations and compliance and that really freed me up to be an advisor. And I really was just an advisor moonlighting as someone running. I would recruit a little bit or just be introductions, very soft. All that has changed based on what we’ve done in the last couple of years. Louis Diamond: Amazing. So thinking about risk spectrum, obviously now if you look back and say, “Hey, I had 30 million or whatever it was, I didn’t have anything to lose.” Right? But when you’re in it and you had income, you had recurring revenue, you had a paycheck versus the dynamic of, “I’m going to incur a bunch of expenses. I’m not positive who’s going to come with me. I’m not going to have a paycheck for a period of time.” Did the fact that your business was relatively small and you were just getting up and running, do you think it made it easier for you to reconcile that risk, or in some ways it was harder because your dispersion, if someone didn’t come, was that much higher? Ryan Belanger: I think it was easier for me, I knew I could always go to another firm. They would take me and whatever clients I had. I did it at a time when I had little personal risk, no kids, no mortgage. I didn’t have a wife at that point. So for me, it felt like the right time to take a risk. And I had been entrepreneurial in my life. I mean, I had a business in high school and my parents and grandparents were entrepreneurial. So that was in me, even if I didn’t really recognize it, was that I was okay with a good level of risk. And I do say this now to anyone that I’m hoping to partner with is that if you want to bet on yourself, I’ll go all in on you too. But you’ve got to be able to take that jump. I won’t let you fail, but you’ve got to be the one. I think that inertia is what a lot of advisors are like, “Geez, I don’t know, I got to give something up.” And that’s why the data’s important and you have all the data. The clients overwhelmingly go with the advisor. These days it’s just much harder to try to establish a new relationship with a trusted advisor than it is to just DocuSign some forms and move your account somewhere. So to me, it’s just trying to support people, and really push them to the edge and say, “No, this is possible. You should definitely explore this.” And I get it’s totally different, and you might be at a different life stage, but you know the numbers. I mean, tens of thousands of advisors are moving every year and not all of them have a small book like I did when I did it. Louis Diamond: Right, exactly. On one hand, making this entrepreneurial move as early in your career as you did, it was a benefit, right? Because you didn’t have as much to lose, like you said, the stage of life you’re in allowed you to absorb more risk. On the other end of the spectrum, if someone who has a massive business with immense value, they’re well situated financially, maybe their kids are through college, et cetera. And then most people are somewhere in the middle. So it’s interesting hearing that dynamic in real time. Let’s talk about Claro today. So you launched the business, like you said, you had to work hard to meet a minimum custodial threshold. So started from a very small base in 2012, but where is it today as far as assets, team size? Just give us some stats or perspective on what you’ve built in the last decade and a half or so. Ryan Belanger: Yeah, sure. So we enjoyed a tremendous amount of organic growth, Louis. We are not capital-backed. We don’t buy books of businesses, so I would recruit or partner with advisors that were coming from all the various places that you could think of that were finding us to be a very friendly place to work where you had a high level of autonomy, freedom, control, just great economics. We stayed out of people’s ways. We were just good people trying to help other good people, and it was just that friendly environment that allowed us to grow. And of course, we can’t discount market. I think markets had a tremendous growth for everybody in the business. And so the business as it stands right now, we’re about 1.5 billion in assets, 15 to 20 advisors. We got a 40-person team based primarily at a Boston headquarter, but we have advisors all over. And I think as we’ll get to, we’ve just gone through a really exciting new chapter for us where the next 15 years are going to look a lot different than the previous 15 years. Louis Diamond: Very cool. That’s amazing, and I’m in the recruiting businesses and doing recruiting yourself, it’s not easy to tell your story, get in front of the right people, the right like-minded people too, who are willing to take the leap to you, especially if you don’t have the capital backing and you can’t pay big deals or write big checks like others could, so that’s a massive testament to you and your vision. I know the average age of an advisor at Claro is around 40, yet the average advisor in the industry is 59, 60, 61, depending upon what data source you look at. What do you think you figured out about attracting, training, and really cultivating younger advisors that the rest of the industry either gets wrong or ignores? What’s been your hack in that regard? Ryan Belanger: I’ll just take a chance on people that others might not. And typically what that really means is someone with nothing, I’ll make them a deal and I’ll say, “Look, I believe in you. I think you’d be a great advisor. Let’s work on an arrangement where you feel like you can do this and I’ll support you.” And so our specialty was growing advisors from 20 million or 30 million into hundreds of million of client assets. And some of it was just being willing to look where others wouldn’t possibly want to spend their time. But when I was 22, someone took a chance on me, and so I owe it to the next generation to do that as well because there’s some great talent out there that really just isn’t getting the attention they deserve because they don’t have big books of business yet. But one of my core values is long-term thinking, and so that’s the way I frame my decisions is it doesn’t have to be a win today, but it can be a championship tomorrow or down three or five years from now. And so that’s how I’ve positioned it. I think that’s why we tend to get younger advisors. And then what happens when you get a lot of younger advisors, you have some older advisors say, “Hey, look, that’s an attractive bench of talent. I needed a succession plan. You guys seem to have a bunch of guys and gals that know how to do really great work and serve clients.” But I think that’s probably one of the things that I just was willing to take some chances on people at an earlier stage. Louis Diamond: Yep. I love it. I mean, once again, you said in the beginning, you developed an empathy for the emotional side of money and what people were going through that you carry through to this day. So not losing touch with the fact that you started. I mean, everyone starts in this business at some time, but I feel like once you’re successful or you’re through the first few years, you forget what it was like to be a newbie. So keeping that perspective and appreciation for the mentors you had, et cetera, is great. And honestly, from a business building standpoint, to me in this environment, unless you take on private equity capital, or you have capital from a BD or from a wirehouse behind you for recruiting, it’s really hard to win advisors with large books of business. So going in the blue part of the ocean instead of the red ocean, if anyone’s read that book, is very smart, looking under rocks that others don’t or really buying into or leaning into folks that you see something in that you know you can cultivate is a brilliant way. And it’s honestly more scalable, cheaper, you build a better business as well doing it the way that you do, but still, it’s hard. And my guess is the ROI is shorter. I’m sure you’ve made some hires that don’t pan out. So you have to have the tolerance and the demeanor to really invest in people. So long-winded way to say I love what you’re doing. How much of your recruitment of advisors and the retention of that talent as they become successful would you tie to how you compensate them, or equity if that’s available versus the culture of the firm and the mentorship that you and your team provide? Ryan Belanger: Yeah, I mean I’ll speak to what we’re offering now just because that’s more relevant, and so we are positioning ourselves now as the best home for advisors in the country and we really believe that’s the case, but our problem is we’re just a secret. We’ve just come to the market after our deal and all the technology that I know we’ll talk about. So we’re now marketing this message to advisors that want to partner with us. Economics will help them grow. We have a really interesting growth program. We’ll give them equity and Claro. I firmly believe that we should tie each other, just get in the same boat, so to speak. So our success is their success, but allowing them to operate in a 1099 model, which I know is not a popular strategy. I know everyone wants to buy books and own the assets and own the clients, but I feel there’s a tremendous amount of advisors that do not that probably should not be monetizing their businesses so quickly. And so I’m trying to foster a home for those like-minded advisors that want the autonomy to own their clients, maybe even still have a brand, but partner with a firm that’s got really credible technology, just unbelievable back office support and a firm of the future so that they can grow at 10X to what they could have on their own and then they could monetize. That’s what we’ve tried to put together here with our partnership model. Louis Diamond: Love it. Yeah, I mean it is definitely going against the grain a little bit, leaning into growing a 1099 model versus more of an acquisition model where everyone coming over as W-2s. So do you think about those trade-offs when it comes time to raising capital down the line or if you want to sell the business or even just an advisor wants to leave, that would stink if that happened. How do you think about those trade-offs? The ability to let advisors keep control and ownership. And honestly, in my view, probably win many people that you wouldn’t otherwise versus the stickiness, and the enterprise building abilities of owning the books of business. Ryan Belanger: Yeah, it’s a paradox because I understand why you want to own the client, but that’s a different business model. And frankly, I think it attracts different type of people. I had to really look myself in the mirror a couple years ago. We had enjoyed a tremendous amount of success, high growth and all organic, growing at 30% more per year on a CAGR basis. Nothing could stop us. But what happened was when private equity entered the space, everyone wanted to buy Claro. And to me, it didn’t feel like I did a lot of due diligence. I talked to a lot of firms. I didn’t see any differentiation in the market, Louis. To me from a technology perspective, everyone was doing the same thing. They’re using six to 12 different tools. We all know who they are. And now there’s a bunch of AI tools they’re layering on. And to me, it just didn’t feel like that was going to be any… There was no differentiation in the market. But admittedly, I had a couple of friends who I’d brought in at very low levels of AUMB that wanted to leave. And they said, “Look, I want to go to a firm that has more resources.” And so I had to just make a business decision and say, “Where do I want to take this?” And so it was only after some real adversity because you get emotionally attached to these people that you’ve developed friendships with and they still are friends, no doubt, but they can leave and they’re not captive. So we have to plan for that at Claro now, and I think we’ve got two ways that we’ve done that where it really ties the advisors to us, but in a way where they want to be here because we have something that’s really different. Louis Diamond: I like it. I’m sure we’ll get into that. But before we do, we’ll get into what you’re doing on the technology side, which is very cool and unique. How do you balance being an advisor and being a CEO? And what percentage of your time is advisor versus CEO and has that fluctuated or changed over time? Ryan Belanger: Drastically changed in the last year, two years or so. So the first 10, 12 years, I was really an advisor first and foremost. That’s inverse at this point, I’m strictly running the business. I have a great team here that deals with our clients, and I’ll still attend the client meetings and such, but I’m really laser-focused on running the business, trying to develop new partnerships with advisors, running an engineering team, sales and marketing. So the change for me has definitely occurred, and I’ll miss not keeping up with planning as much. I’m a CFP, but I just recognized that for me, I had to make a clear change and commit all my time to running the business, and so that’s the decision that I’ve made. Louis Diamond: It is a hard balance. I mean, there’s some people that try to do both, run a business, be an advisor, be a rainmaker, and something breaks. You’re not able to give all yourself to one thing. Then there’s others that would much prefer to be an advisor over a business owner. Others who say, “I’m over being an advisor. I want to be a business owner.” So I think the cool thing about doing what you’ve done is you get to choose, right? Some of it might be circumstances, but you really got to decide which elements of the business you personally want to invest your time in. And you really push your chips in the middle of the table. So let’s get into what you did in November of 2025. I read that you acquired a tech company of all things called NDVR. I’ve done this podcast for a while, speak to a ton of people. I can’t really think of anyone, any advisor or RIA that’s actually bought a tech company. So what made you puck the trend, buy a tech company and not just license all the FinTech that’s available today? Ryan Belanger: Yeah, that was the decision I had to make was do I really want to be different, or do I want to just say that I’m different? And so I was fortunate enough to get introduced to a gentleman named Michael Simon about 18 months ago, two years ago. And him and I immediately could see that we were both trying to solve the same problem, and we had perfectly mirrored image skills of one another so I had this deep wealth experience and he had a deep tech experience. And sometimes it’s just about timing in life, about catching someone at the right time. And I think we each caught each other at a really good time where we could see that coming together, we could create something really magical. And this AI wave was cresting. And I could see when I was talking to all the national PE firms or RIA firms about what people wanted to do, no one had quite figured out how AI was going to come into the technology mix, and it appears as though it’s just going to be another add-on tool to everything else. And for me, I wanted to try to build something that was integrated an all- in-one platform for an advisor so they didn’t have to use a ton of different tools. And I thought if you could do that, couldn’t you have AI that’s really much more rich and purposeful to help the clients? And so I felt like here’s an opportunity to elevate financial advice throughout the country, really give the clients all the value. And so what we’ve built allows advisors who are really good advisors to become super advisors because they’ve got this technology cape that no one else has that is allowing them to save a bunch of time and do all these really cool things for their clients. But it just felt like right time, right place. I’d been through a little bit of adversity and I felt like taking another swing just like I did 15 years ago going for it. I’ve really never been averse to risk, and so this felt like it was too good to pass up and so we went for it. Louis Diamond: Interesting. So that makes sense on the build or acquire versus rent dynamic, wanting to own the IP that makes you actually different. What does NDVR actually do? Ryan Belanger: Yeah, so everything’s all integrated. So we’ve kept the Claro Advisors name. We feel like clients really want to know that they’re still getting a person to deliver the advice. And so having the advisor’s name in our brand is important, but we have a Claro Intelligent Hub, and that’s where it’s an AI native operating system for the advisors. They spend their entire day in there, Louis. So they’re not toggling between 10 different Chrome tasks to perform all their business. And so what that allows them to do is not only it’s CRM, calendar, contacts, emails, messages, but we also have all the portfolio information. So trading history and we can do tax loss harvesting and factor-based investing. So we’ve got institutional grade portfolio management, and that’s really what Endeavor had created through their R&D was the hyper-personalized portfolios where you have a customer’s financial plan directly tied to their account. So there’s never any de-linking between the two. It’s really sophisticated technology that we can provide to our clients. So that’s all integrated as well. And so we’ve since continued to build the build upon that layer of integrated proprietary technology. Louis Diamond: It’s very interesting. And we have to imagine part of you maybe now or in the future is, okay, we’ve built this amazing technology mousetrap for our advisors, but do we become a FinTech? Is there any thought of eventually licensing what Endeavor is doing for your business and your clients to other RIAs? How do you think about that dynamic of just building something unique and different for Claro that advisors can latch onto versus making what you and your partners have developed into something that someone else can take and license themselves? Ryan Belanger: Yeah, it’s a fair question. We get it a good amount. While there might be a possibility that we license this to some other businesses, our main goal right now is to keep it captive to RIAs that want to partner with Claro. And so we feel like this gives them a true level of differentiation in the market, and so that’s the approach that we’re taking right now. Being a FinTech company, there’s a lot of different skills. The setup and tear down of getting someone to use the platform and I think all that time and resources we want on sales and marketing to try to attract new advisors and continue to develop just jaw-dropping technology for the existing advisors. Louis Diamond: Very cool. Let’s talk a little bit about your partnership model. So it does sound unique in that you have people that are 1099, but you don’t usually also hear partner. So how does it work? Ryan Belanger: Yeah, so we’re offering advisors to come and use Claro as a back office so you can have your own brand if you want or you can just be a Claro advisor. We have both here and you’ll be a 1099 advisor so you’ll still own the business that you’ve owned. So if you were at a wirehouse or something, you would actually now be creating some enterprise value for yourself. But if you’re an existing REA, you’d be coming to us because you’re tired of doing tech vendor due diligence all the time or you’re tired of the compliance, the AI regulations. That’s just coming. So that’s going to be a huge challenge for REAs, so we’re seeing a lot of interest from REAs saying, “Look, you’re not asking me to give up really anything except the stuff that I hate to do anyway, so this sounds great.” So they partner with us. In return, they get all access to our technology And we’ll provide all the back office support, office space, dedicated resources, planning, everything you could want to have to operate a business. We do have a growth program that’s really interesting. And then we’ve got this equity in Claro. As you’re a partner with Claro, you should get equity so we give stock options to our advisors who are here and every year thereafter. And naturally, that’s a way to stay connected with the advisor. So hopefully they never want to leave, and I do believe that once you experience our technology, you never want to go back to trying to do it the way you were doing it before. Louis Diamond: It’s like instead of building the most enclosed box that you keep people in with sticks and with locks and keys like a lot of firms do, it’s we’re going to keep advisors here, but not by force, but because they have the stock options, because you’re delivering value, because they have this amazing technology. To me, that’s the dynamic that so many firms across the industry get wrong is that they try to keep advisors where they are by restrictive covenants and by fear, and by retribution rather than if we just do good work for people, we add value, we make ourselves indispensable to the advisor. To me, it creates a healthier dynamic. I think firms would actually retain more even if it’s a gentler approach. And I love what you’re doing there. I think it’s the exact right way to think about we have advisors that are 1099, so yeah, they could leave us, but we’re doing things that make it that they don’t want to leave us. And that’s your charge as the owner to create the infrastructure and the structure where people could go out on their own, but there isn’t an advantage to do so. Ryan Belanger: Yeah, I think the culture is a big thing for us. And if you have people here that don’t want to be here, that’s a problem. And I think that’s what you see in a lot of the wirehouses. Frankly, they scare people and they don’t. It’s like, oh my God, if I leave. And for us, it’s like personally, life is too short. I want to work with people that want to work with me. I’ve got other things going on in my life and these things are just work things. And so I want to enjoy being in the office every day with people that want to be here. And if you think you’ve found a different place, you should go explore that. It’s really a soft approach. I know it’s not the most popular approach, but that’s just the style that I have. Louis Diamond: Yeah. I mean, it sounds like the trend in your career and in launching Claro was we’re going to do things that aren’t popular, but that work for us, like hiring younger advisors that may not have a book or have a small book, buying a tech company instead of licensing it, being 1099 when you’re recruiting instead of owning books of business. There’s a series of decisions you’ve made as the business owner that they’ve worked out, they’ve paid off, but they’re definitely against the grain. And I very much respect that. Ryan Belanger: I really have never been afraid to be a little different, and so I think typically you find other people that might be interested, but it’s a big pool out there. There’s 300,000 advisors so there’s something for everyone, which is awesome. Louis Diamond: Totally agree. Let’s get back to the AI platform that you’ve built, or that you’re building. Maybe give a real tangible example. If I’m a Claro advisor, how has my life changed now that I’m using this platform versus before? So the old model was I log in, like you said, to 10 different Chrome tabs. I’m meeting with clients, doing planning, et cetera. What is the day in the life? How does it look different from what an advisor’s actually doing today versus before this platform was rolled out? Ryan Belanger: Yeah. All right. I’ll just give you a couple examples. So a client will send you a request and say, “Louis, I need $25,000.” And so a typical advisor would either write a note down, go drop it off at the CSA’s desk, or maybe forward that email to the CSA and then that person would have to input it into their CRM, and they go perform the task. And then the advisor would want to know where things are in that process so that there’s a lot of back and forth. With our system, Claire, our intelligent chief of staff, AI chief of staff, you just forward that task to tasks@claroadvisors.com. It recognizes the email address that the client is emailing from, it knows the account number. It talks to our portfolio engineer. It knows which account to raise the cash from because it knows the tax jurisdiction, and otherwise, and it performs the task. And the last push of a button is that CSA just moving money from the custodian. So all along the way, the advisor can check on the task and see where it is in the process. It’s beautifully integrated in the intelligent hub, but you could see how that would save a tremendous amount of time and it’s a better customer experience. The mistakes get limited. So it really allows the advisor to get things done at a much higher level. So we’re raising productivity quite a bit. First of all, she’ll establish your meetings, Claire will. So she’ll schedule them for you. She’ll prep them for you. So we have a button, say prep the meeting because we have all the notes, emails. If you’re texting portfolio data, because she has all that information in about 30 to 45 seconds, she’s going to present to the advisor a really nice meeting summary that, “Hey, here’s the things that we should talk about.” She’s going to surface things that the advisor’s forgotten about because she doesn’t forget things. And so she’s prepped the meeting for you, so you’ve saved a couple hours there. She joins the meeting, she takes all of your notes, stores them in the system. She’ll give you a follow-up email. She knows your writing style, so she’ll know that you like to call this client this, and you send these emails typically at this time. And so she’ll deliver a nice follow-up email instantly for the advisor. They click that button, that’s done. So there’s just a lot of things that where she’s efficiency-wise where on 20, 30 hours a week that we’re saving advisors just on the productivity tools alone, so that’s where we’re seeing advisors seeing a ton of value in this. Louis Diamond: It’s very cool. Ryan Belanger: And then there’s a whole portfolio management capabilities, sweeping idle cash and tax loss harvesting and rebalancing that gets done while advisors are having a cup of coffee. They don’t have to think about these things. It just gets done for them. Louis Diamond: It’s so cool because it’s like I think I can conceptualize or think of building in Claude any one of those functionalities for the most part, but the way that the flow of things works and the journey of it is unique. I think every advisor would be interested in that type of promise of saving that much time. So how do you think now in the future, how do you think about the human advisor interaction, and what the human and the advisor will do versus what can be offloaded to AI? Ryan Belanger: Yeah, certainly a lot of the non-client-facing activity can be unloaded and that’s where advisors spend, according to recent studies, almost 60% of their time non-client-facing. So we’re trying to take all that off of their plates for them. We strongly believe clients still want the message to come from a person that has a level of experience and understands them. But at the same point, I think there’s a growing curiosity about, geez, what could it do for me? And so shouldn’t my advisor know how to use it? And so I think you’re seeing a lot of advisors put their head in the sand and say, “I don’t know. I’m just going to hope people don’t really want to use this and adopt it.” They’re a little bit shortsighted there. Our bet is that clients are going to want an advisor that knows how to use tech, has really sophisticated tech, but it isn’t just another tool layered on top that now my data is in that tool. The reason our system is so beautiful and integrated is because it captures everything in a structured and secure way. So all of the compliance is in there. We whitewash all the PII that’s sensitive information, so we’re not layering another tool on, because it’s integrated, we have an AI governance committee that really takes it seriously. How are we using this information? And so we’ve got an approach and we’ve put guardrails around what it can do and what it can’t do. Might there be a generation, Louis, that wants an AI advisor? I don’t know, that could happen. A twin, a digital twin where you say, “Look, I want to talk to Louis.” It’s 10 o’clock at night. He might be in a different time zone than me. He’s got little kids, but I do have this question. And so we’re iterating ideas on how we can surface that for an advisor to be advisable 24/7 without actually having to be available 24/7. Louis Diamond: Seven. It’s amazing to think about. I mean, obviously you’re deeply in this. You have a front row seat into the power of AI, how it’s transforming your business, doing due diligence on acquiring this technology five years from now, 10 years from now, what does the industry look like as a result of AI? What’s your big bet? Ryan Belanger: A lot of the big firms are going to try to figure out how to layer in tech. It’s going to be very difficult to do that. It’s built on extremely old legacy technology. They’ll be slow. They’ll figure out how to do some things. What we’re already seeing from advisors is the wow factor. Wow, I didn’t know this was even possible, and so I think just given our size and where we are, we have an advantage that we can build things from the ground up very quickly. I mean, what used to take an engineer a couple of months or years can be done in a couple of days or weeks, so things have really sped up in terms of the development. It’s much easier to build it than buy it. And so I think you’ll see a lot of firms trying to do what we’ve done, really build proprietary technology. And I think there’ll be a few winners that are able to do that, but being tech forward and aligned with someone who’s thinking about it, I think is what a lot of advisors are going to want to be. That’s the type of firm people would want to partner with, I think. Louis Diamond: What about the dynamic of, like you said, the digital twin thing is equal parts cool as it is terrifying, how do you see, we’ll say the threat of AI impacting the profession of being a financial advisor? Do you look at it as the entire pie is going to grow because everyone’s more efficient? Or do you look at it as it’s going to take out a lot of the advisor capacity we have because it’s no longer necessary? Where do you fall on that spectrum? Ryan Belanger: So robo-advisors came and went, you remember those. I mean, not that they went, but they never took off the way that it was projected. They’re still great businesses, but the human advisor won that battle. Clients do want an advisor, particularly at the higher end, and so I think at the lower end of the market, you’re going to see some AI solutions where people are perfectly comfortable just talking to someone in AI, and they’ll figure out if there’s a hallucinization or not. But I think there’s definitely going to be a market for it, and so I think it just depends on where the clients are and what level of complexity they have. On the higher end, I do feel like the advisors will continue to have a huge advantage there. But we’re building tools to give optionality to advisors. There might be some advisors who say, “Look, I’ll charge half the fee that I used to charge so you can get my digital twin. And that’s a win-win situation for everybody.” Louis Diamond: Yep, that’s fair. So do you look at your competitive ecosystem now? Not for recruiting advisors, let’s say for winning clients. Do you look at Farther and Savvy and different AI or FinTechs as your competition or do you still look at it as the wirehouses and other traditional RIAs? Ryan Belanger: I mean, Farther and Savvy have done a great job of going after this market. I think we’re not as well known yet as they are. We’ve certainly built out what we think is tremendous technology second to none. There’s a huge market of the IBD space that is just these guys and gals are stuck on these old platforms and things are okay, but they’re not super compelled to switch until maybe they see something like this, and so we have a massive pipeline of advisors and I’ve been recruiting for a long time. I’ve never had a pipeline like this. So I know it feels different to me. People really are interested in this. It’s enough for them to want to see tech demos and come visit us and really understand, okay, this is a firm that is challenging what’s possible and that’s someone that maybe I want to be aligned with, and so I think that there’s a lot of places where we can get the talent. And so for us, it’s just trying to find the right people that we want to partner with for the long term. Louis Diamond: Very cool, I got two more questions for you. It’s pretty remarkable that to get from where you started to now, the recruiting you’ve done, buying a FinTech, integrating it, that you still don’t have private equity investor outside capital. So you think it’s on the roadmap, whether it’s a certain size or you’re looking for personal liquidity where the business will just need it because it’s expensive to operate a FinTech platform and to scale up and to keep growing the firm. Do you think there’s a world in which you take on external capital to fuel your growth? Ryan Belanger: Most certainly. I mean, things have developed for us very quickly here, and outside capital and venture particular is a space that we’re actively in discussions with firms that believe in our vision, understand the value that we can create, and there’s just no doubt that you have to have some wind at your back to get to the market, and so while we’re not a household name right now, I’m confident in two years we will be, and our plan is to grow to hundreds and thousands of advisors across the country. Louis Diamond: Wow, big vision, but I love it. Last question for you. If you were 30 years old again, which I think everyone would kill for that opportunity, leaving Morgan Stanley today instead of in 2012, what do you think you would do differently knowing what you know now? Ryan Belanger: At that point, interest rates were near zero, Louis. Valuations you remember were two to three times revenue. It felt expensive then. Obviously things have changed quite a bit. So I would’ve begged, borrowed, and stole all the money I could from friends and family and said, “I need to buy as many businesses as I could at two times, three times revenue and pay, I don’t know, 3% loan.” Just in hindsight, that’s what everyone should have done. That’s not the path that we chose, but I think there’s a huge opportunity in front of us to elevate financial advice across the country, make really good advisors even better by putting that super cape on them. And so we’re very excited about the future, what we’ve got in store, and what we’re going to deliver to the market. And it seems like just yesterday that I walked out of Morgan Stanley with very little assets and tried to start this RIA, but I’m very thankful for all the people that have been supporting me throughout this journey. Louis Diamond: Amazing. And that’s a great spot to end, but let me ask the inverse of that question. Let’s say you leave in 2026, so leave today, you’re 30 years old, but you have the benefit of hindsight. You know what you know now. What would you do differently around the transition or building the firm other than of course be amazing if you can buy businesses for a fraction of what they cost today? Ryan Belanger: I would want to make sure that I’ve got an integrated solution. I don’t want to be picking a bunch of different vendor tools. I know that’s going to become way too time-consuming for me. So I would really try to figure out how you can get something that’s integrated that can scale, but I wouldn’t change anything about the people. I think you got to be able to connect with people that are like-minded and you still take the risk. What I can’t believe, Louis, is that people that sit at the wirehouses take a home team discount and they’re so fearful of leaving Morgan Stanley or Merrill Lynch or UBS, but why are they taking that? The market says you should be paid double what you paid. And it’s not just like that’s 20, 30 years of data here that show that. And so I just would keep pushing people to bet on yourself. Your clients will come with you. Yes, that firm that you love will be the first ones to try to steal your clients. They’re going to call them, and that’s one way, loyalty. Another thing I don’t understand, but that’s the way the business is structured. I think there’s a huge opportunity to just educate advisors about what’s out there and I would take the risk. Louis Diamond: Love it. Ryan, this has been very fun. What you’ve accomplished, like I said earlier, gone against the grain at every turn. Leaving on the younger side without a huge business, buying and integrating a technology company, recruiting younger advisors without books of business. Every single thing you’ve done has been a different playbook. So I’m pumped to watch how we make Claro a household name and how this approach is going to pay off in spade. So I appreciate hearing this different perspective, and I know our listeners did as well, so much appreciated today. Ryan Belanger: Well, thanks for having me on. I know it’s a long time coming. Thanks for your patience. I wanted to make sure we had something really exciting to talk about when we finally did this, and hopefully I can come back in a couple years and catch up. And congratulations on everything you guys have built. You guys are just a premier name out there, and it’s been fun to watch your success as well. Louis Diamond: Thank you, Ryan, I appreciate it. Mindy Diamond: As a financial advisor, you hold yourself to the highest standards of integrity, honesty, and credibility. You are successful because you take your professional responsibilities seriously and are dedicated to your clients. But are you living your best business life? Are your goals aligned with your firms or could a better option exist? Should I Stay or Should I Go? is a book written with you in mind. It’s a self-guided journey that walks you through the key steps that we take with our advisor clients. This strategic thought process and roadmap to professional self-discovery is designed to help you ask the right questions and think critically and objectively whether you’re considering change or not. Learn how to get your copy at diamond-consultants.com/thebook. Why AI Matters Now: How a $1.5B RIA is Building the Firm of the Future A conversation with Louis Diamond and Ryan Belanger, Founder & CEO of Claro Advisors.      Louis Diamond: Welcome to the latest episode of our podcast series for financial advisors. Today’s episode is Why AI Matters Now: How a $1.5B RIA is Building the Firm of the Future. It’s a conversation with Ryan Belanger, the Founder and CEO of Claro Advisors. I’m Louis Diamond, and this is the Diamond Podcast for Financial Advisors. Mindy Diamond: At Diamond Consultants, we help elite advisors identify the right environment for their businesses to thrive, whether that’s at a wirehouse, boutique, or independent firm. With nearly three decades of experience, we’ve guided thousands of advisors and represented more than a quarter of a trillion dollars in assets transitioned. And each year, one in four advisors managing a billion dollars or more who change firms are our clients. Our process is education driven, and based on building relationships, starting as your strategic partner well before you’re even thinking of a move. To schedule a confidential conversation, call us at (908) 879-1002. Wondering why advisors change firms and where they’re headed? Are transition deals going up or down? Those very questions and more inspired us to create our annual Advisor Transition Report. It’s the award-winning data-driven resource designed for advisors that connects the dots between the motivations around movement and the firm’s appetite for top talent. Arm yourself with the knowledge you need to make smart decisions. Download your copy at diamond-consultants.com/transitionreport. Louis Diamond: Artificial intelligence has quickly become one of the biggest topics in wealth management in the world. Almost every firm is experimenting with new tools, looking for ways to automate tasks, improve efficiency, or help advisors serve clients more effectively. But what if AI isn’t just another technology to plug into your business? What if it becomes the foundation for how your business is built? That’s exactly why I wanted to have Ryan Belanger on the show. Ryan is the Founder and CEO of Claro Advisors, a billion and a half dollar RIA that’s taken a very different path than most firms in the industry. Rather than simply adding AI to an existing tech stack, Claro acquired a FinTech company and is building its own AI native operating system designed specifically for advisors. What’s interesting is that this isn’t really a conversation about software, it’s about strategy. Ryan has consistently gone against the grain from leaving Morgan Stanley to launch an independent firm in 2012 before it became commonplace, to recruiting younger advisors when others chased established producers, to betting that proprietary technology will b

Czy w prawdziwym życiu można grać bezpiecznie, a mimo to zachodzić coraz wyżej? W dzisiejszym odcinku audycji "Zaprojektuj swoje życie" gościmy Piotra Karwatkę - seryjnego przedsiębiorcę, dewelopera i inwestora, który współtworzył i sprzedał m.in. spółkę Divante za ponad 260 milionów złotych.Piotr dzieli się swoim unikalnym modelem mentalnym o nazwie „Save Game”. Wbrew powszechnym radom o stawianiu wszystkiego na jedną kartę i podejmowaniu szalonego ryzyka, nasz gość udowadnia, że to właśnie mądra, bezpieczna gra, zabezpieczanie małych sukcesów oraz potęga procentu składanego pozwalają wejść na sam szczyt.Rozmawiamy również o cieniach wielkiego sukcesu - o tym, jak trudne potrafi być zderzenie z „emeryturą” po wielkim exicie, dlaczego bezczynność prowadzi do kryzysu psychicznego i jak powrócić na umysłową siłownię. Piotr zdradza także swoje podejście do rewolucji AI, dlaczego uważa, że przekazanie firmy dzieciom może być dla nich krzywdą, oraz jak ważny w życiu i biznesie jest wybór odpowiedniego partnera.Rozsiądź się wygodnie i dowiedz się, jak zapisać swój życiowy level i skutecznie projektować przyszłość!

Opening a second office can increase your visibility—or quietly destroy it. One unstaffed satellite location can trigger Google Business Profile suspensions, filtered reviews, and trust signals your firm may never recover. In this solo episode, Chris Dreyer, CEO of Rankings.io, breaks down why virtual offices create problems, how Google's invisible trust system works, and why undercapitalized expansion often fails before marketing even begins. He also explains where you should actually place your second office, why proximity is one of the strongest local ranking factors, and the operational checklist every firm should complete before opening another location. You'll learn: How Google Business Profile suspensions affect reviews, rankings, and future updates. What Google requires before a satellite office qualifies as a legitimate business location. Why expanding into a new market typically requires 20–50% more budget than firms expect. If you want a marketing partner that works just as relentlessly as you do to dominate your market, head over to Rankings.io. Like what you hear? Hit Subscribe! We do this every week. If you want to keep learning from the best voices in PI, join us at PIMCON 2026. Buy your tickets now! Subscribe to our newsletter and get the freshest news every Monday: newsletter.rankings.io Get Social! Personal Injury Mastermind w/ Chris Dreyer powered by Rankings.io is on Instagram | YouTube | TikTok

In this episode, we explore the nuances of workers' compensation law, practice management, and building a sustainable legal career with experienced workers' comp lawyer Alan Cleveland. Discover insights on case management, practice scaling, and the importance of community and mindset in law.

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Lauren Weinbaum didn't leave a job she hated. She left one she loved, because a client offered to hire her company before she'd even started one. In this episode, the founder and president of Weinbaum Management Group walks through how a one-way flight to LAX and a single conversation turned into a 13-year run in aviation and large commercial construction. We get into the decisions most founders don't talk about. How Lauren watched the 2008 crash freeze high-rises mid-skyline and used it to redesign her career around bond-funded public work. Why she grows slowly and refuses debt. How she thinks about A, B, and C players on a small team. And the mindset shift that comes with trading "am I going to make it" for "do we have the right culture and the right clients." This one is for AEC firm leaders, women building careers in construction, and anyone weighing the jump from a stable seat to running their own thing. It's honest about the mental load, the guilt, and what it actually takes to keep a firm healthy.   About Lauren Weinbaum Lauren is the founder and president of Weinbaum Management Group (WMG, Inc.), an owner's representation and construction management firm specializing in aviation and large commercial projects. She leads all business development, program and project management, estimating, scheduling, and bidding for the firm. With more than 18 years in the industry, Lauren built her foundation on major capital programs including the Tom Bradley International Terminal at LAX. She grew up on a working pig and cattle farm in Illinois and started working for her dad at nine. What We Cover Introduction and Lauren's path from a Midwest farm to aviation construction Watching the 2008 crash halt private projects, and pivoting to bond-funded work for stability The one-way flight to LAX and the client conversation that started WMG Leading under pressure on a billion-dollar airport program with competing interests Being a working mom as a productivity edge, and guarding against distraction and mental load Building a small team: A, B, and C players, and why "10 percent of the work" still matters Growing without debt, managing cash flow strictly, and learning to say no to the wrong work Why the right life partner is a business decision What's next for WMG: LAWA with Paslay Management Group, the Centurion Lounge at LAX, and expansion beyond California Where to find Lauren and closing thoughts   Key Takeaways Stability is a strategy you can design. Lauren deliberately moved toward bond-funded public projects because that money rarely defaults, and it insulated her from the private-market swings that wiped out her peers in 2008. Gamble on yourself. If you're going to take a risk, take it on your own effort and judgment rather than betting on someone else's company or timing. Grow at the speed of your cash, not your ambition. Waiting until you can cover a new hire before you make it is slower, but it keeps you out of debt and off the payroll cliff. Saying no protects your brand. Taking work you don't have the competent staff to execute costs more than the revenue is worth. Never be too good to call people back. In a distracted industry, basic follow-through is a competitive advantage.   Resources + Links WMG website: https://wmgconsult.com Lauren on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-weinbaum-wmg/ WMG on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wmgconsult/  

What happens when you're told, often indirectly, that your future is no longer with the firm while receiving little clarity about when you are actually expected to leave. A practice group leader may encourage you to explore opportunities, a managing partner may suggest thinking about your next chapter, or attorney development may offer to help with a transition. The language can sound supportive, and there may be no immediate deadline, but by the time these conversations are happening, the decision about your long-term future at the firm has often already been made. The issue you are now facing is now timing, not whether you are leaving. In this episode, I explain how to act strategically rather than waiting for the firm to define your timeline. I walk through the kinds of questions you need to ask of your firm beyond just about timing; the decisions you should begin making even without a departure date or if that date is flexible; and why your current title, client access, relationships, credibility, and income give you valuable leverage while you are still employed. I also discuss how to evaluate help from partners, coaches, and attorney development without allowing the firm's desire for a successful exit to dictate your next career move. Most importantly, I explain how to protect your reputation, strengthen relationships, explore opportunities, and preserve your options so that ambiguity does not cost you valuable time or force you into a rushed decision. At a Glance 01:20 How to recognize when a BigLaw firm is signaling your exit 02:10 Why your future may be decided without a departure date 03:46 What firms mean when they encourage you to explore the market 04:35 What can affect how much runway you receive 05:03 How to use your leverage while you're still employed 05:31 What to ask about your timeline, compensation, and transition 06:16 Why no deadline doesn't mean unlimited time 06:43 What to consider about compensation and work commitments 07:40 Why you should start networking and preparing now 08:32 How to leave your firm from a position of strength 09:47 Why waiting can turn your transition into a reactive job search 10:23 How your goals differ from the firm's transition goals 11:11 When the firm's transition help can be valuable 12:23 Why someone else's urgency shouldn't drive your career strategy 12:46 The difference between being receptive and being directed 13:48 How ambiguity can cost you time and opportunities 14:35 Why you should act even without a clear timeline 15:00 What you already know despite uncertainty about timing 15:52 The bigger question of what comes next in your career  For Apple Podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the podcast here!  For Spotify, tap here on your mobile phone, follow the podcast, listen to the show, then find the rating icon below the description, and tap to rate with five stars. Interested in doing 1-2-1 coaching with Laura Terrell? Or learning more about her work coaching and consulting? Here are ways to reach out to her: www.lauraterrell.com  laura@lauraterrell.com   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauralterrell/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraterrellcoaching/  Show notes: https://www.lauraterrell.com/podcast

On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Joe speaks with Ron Baker about Peter Drucker's most influential ideas, including the rise of knowledge work, the importance of effectiveness over efficiency, and the need for businesses to pursue future opportunities instead of clinging to the past. They also explore how accounting firms can use distinct brands to separate commoditized services from high-value advisory work as well as why religious leaders offer valuable insights into purpose, dignity, stewardship, and the moral role of business. About Ron BakerRonald J. Baker began his CPA career with KPMG in 1984. He is the co-founder of THRESHOLD and co-host of The Soul of Enterprise podcast. A renowned speaker and author, he has written eight best-selling books, including Firm of the Future, Implementing Value Pricing and Time's Up. He has educated over 450,000 professionals worldwide and has been named among Accounting Today's Top 100 Most Influential People. A graduate of San Francisco State University, he is also a faculty member of the Professional Pricing Society and a Disney University alumnus. HBR interview with Jerry Seinfeld The Soul of Enterprise clergy episodes Father Robert Sirico Rabbi Daniel Lapin Mustafa Akyol Peter Drucker GPT interview Thank you to our show sponsor, Puzzle! Puzzle replaces manual quickbooks workflows with AI-driven books built for review, approval, and audit-ready accountability. Learn more at puzzle.io. Learn more about the show and our sponsors at Woodard.com/podcast

What if the very thing that made you a great lawyer is the thing preventing you from building a great firm? On this special mashup episode of The Game Changing Attorney Podcast, Michael Mogill sits down with Justin Chopin of Chopin Law Firm, Alex Limontes of Hurst Limontes LLC, Lawrence LeBrocq of Garces, Grabler & LeBrocq, and Charlyn Ho of Rikka Law Group. Together, they share how they stopped trading time for dollars and built scalable, multimillion-dollar firms on their own terms. From ego checks and data-driven marketing to AI adoption and community-first branding, these law firm owners reveal the mindset shifts and systems that set them apart. Here's what you'll learn: Why removing yourself from day-to-day operations is the fastest path to firm growth How data-driven marketing and strategic community activation outperform gut-feeling ad spend What proactive AI adoption looks like (and why firms that ignore it risk extinction) (00:00:00) Introduction (00:02:44) Justin Chopin: Betting on Yourself and Building a Firm from Scratch (00:09:38) Growing Through Leadership, Hiring, and Team Culture (00:18:45) Leading Through Crisis and Investing in Your People (00:29:42) Alex Lamontes: Building a Mission-Driven Brand (00:42:10) Scaling with Data, Partnerships, and Community Impact (00:56:31) Lawrence LeBrock: From Trial Lawyer to CEO (01:07:35) Creating a High-Performance Culture Through Accountability (01:13:26) Embracing AI and Leading Organizational Change (01:20:36) Charlyn Ho: Building an AI-First Law Firm (01:35:26) The Future of Legal Innovation and Entrepreneurship (01:45:44) Final Thoughts and Takeaways ---- Links & Resources: Justin Chopin, Chopin Law Firm Alex Limontes, Hurst Limontes LLC Lawrence LeBrocq, Garces, Grabler & LeBrocq Charlyn Ho, Rikka Law Group ---- Learn what sustainable growth can look like for your firm at crispcoach.com. ---- Do you love this podcast and want to see more game changing content? Subscribe to our YouTube channel. ---- Past guests on The Game Changing Attorney Podcast include David Goggins, John Morgan, Alex Hormozi, Randi McGinn, Kim Scott, Chris Voss, Kevin O'Leary, Laura Wasser, John Maxwell, Mark Lanier, Robert Greene, and many more. ---- If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like: 477. Mike Brown - The Nitty Gritty of AI 431. Rory Baden - Branding Secrets Your Firm Needs to Scale 451. Firm of the Year Winners - Growth Secrets From the Best of the Best

Watch the YouTube version of this episode HEREWhat if your law firm's 401(k) is quietly costing you tens of thousands of dollars each year?In this episode, Tyson talks with Paul Sippil, also known as the 401(k) Vigilante, about the hidden fees and confusing payment structures built into many retirement plans.Paul explains how he reviews publicly available Form 5500 filings to determine what firms are paying for recordkeeping, administration, custodial services, and financial advice. He also shares why two firms with the same number of employees can pay drastically different fees simply because one plan has accumulated more assets.In this episode, we dive into:Why many firm owners do not know who their 401(k) advisor is, or what that advisor actually doesHow asset-based fees can cause a successful firm to pay more without receiving additional serviceWhy Paul believes every retirement-plan provider should send a clear invoiceWhich 401(k) fees may be negotiable or eliminatedHow excessive fees can affect both law firm partners and employeesWhat attorneys should know about the ABA retirement programThe shocking story of a company that paid nearly $49,000 in commissions while its listed advisor had been dead since 2014Paul also shares practical questions law firm owners can ask their providers to better understand their plans, uncover unnecessary costs, and determine whether they are actually receiving the services they are paying for.Timestamps01:14 — What a forensic 401(k) consultant does 04:34 — Why many owners do not know who their advisor is 09:28 — Why every provider should send an invoice 12:19 — The problem with asset-based fees 13:38 — Why nearly every 401(k) fee is negotiable 15:31 — How small law firms can pay up to $50,000 a year in fees 19:09 — The ABA retirement-plan option for law firms 24:11 — Making hidden participant fees visible 31:43 — Could AI disrupt the retirement-plan industry? 34:06 — The company paying an advisor who had been dead since 2014 41:45 — Alternative approaches to health insurance and employee benefitsIf you own a law firm and have not reviewed your retirement-plan fees recently, this episode will help you understand what to look for, what questions to ask, and where your firm may be overpaying.Connect with PaulLinkedInWebsite

Jill built the largest retail balloon shop in North America... then walked away from it on her own terms. If you have ever wondered how someone actually retires from a balloon business, this is the conversation. We get into why most retail shops go under, what "processed out" really means and a calendar trick that might change how you plan your entire year. Jill pulls back the curtain on what separates a retail shop that survives from one that sinks. And hint: it's not talent. We talk about pricing like you are already in the store, the real cost of your first employee and why you cannot sell a business that only lives in your head. Jill also shares the business books that shaped her and the strategy business she launched, Fable and Firm. If you have big dreams for your balloon business but no exit plan, this one is for you.   In the UGlu Hotline, hear how one listener finds comparable colors across brands.    Unlock three free bonus episodes!    RESOURCES MENTIONED: Sales Sets Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% on orders $200+ with code PODCAST) buildwiththeguild.com UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% on orders $200+ at Havin' A Party with code PODCAST)  DM @thebrightballoon on Instagram to ask a question or leave advice for the UGlu Hotline! 2026 Bright Balloon Planner  @fableandfirm  - - - - On the Bright Side Apple | Patreon Join the Bright Balloon email list  The Bright Balloon on YouTube 

The crew is back and they take an unscripted journey through classic 90s hip-hop and R&B, pop culture nostalgia, and spirited debates! In this episode, the team breaks down the true cultural origin of Air Force Ones—from Harlem's "uptowns" to Nelly and the St. Lunatics taking the classic shoe global. They also dive deep into classic rap rivalries and guest feature "homicides," analyzing iconic verses where guest MCs completely stole the show—including Eminem on Jay-Z's "Renegade," Nicki Minaj on "Monster," and Kendrick Lamar's internet-breaking verse on "Control." They examine Questlove's theory on how drug eras shaped the sound of hip-hop over time, revisit the legendary choreography behind BBD's "Poison" with Brooke Payne, and debate whether Usher's Confessions tops R. Kelly's catalog as the greatest R&B album of a generation. Top it all off with hilarious behind-the-scenes stories about Video Soul, Donnie Simpson, and James Brown's eccentric antics! Chapters 00:00 – Usher Concert drama with women getting pulled on stage and was that Dave Chappelle at the Usher concert? 08:54 – Did Nelly or Jay-Z Make Air Force Ones Popular? 12:28 – Diddy Watch: Post-Release Speculation & Who Gets the First Interview wiith Sean Combs 23:38 – Simple 90s Dating and. Questlove's Drug-Defined Hip-Hop Eras 33:20 – Lyrical Homicide: Rap Collaborations Where Guest MCs Outshone the main artist 39:55 – Floods, Lost Tapes, & Busta Rhymes' Breakthrough on "Scenario" 42:33 – Remy Ma, Nicki Minaj on "Monster", & Iconic Remix Verses 45:23 – Canibus, Lil Kim's "Quiet Storm", & The Firm's "Desperados" |48:35 – Kendrick Lamar's "Control" Verse & Rap's Biggest Mass Murders 56:33 – The Legacy of 90s Dancers: Brooke Payne & Choreographing BBD's "Poison" 1:06:15 – Debating The Wood Sequels & How to Be a Player 2026. 1:11:29 – The Home Alone Reboot Concept Starring Macaulay Culkin 1:16:24 –  Richard Pryor, Freddie Prinze Sr., & Pam Grier 1:24:45 – The Ultimate R&B Debate: Usher's Confessions vs. R. Kelly & Jodeci 1:45:58 – Donnie Simpson talks about  funniest moment on Video Soul ....James Brown's On-Set Mishaps & Money-Burying Antics   BRAND New Voicemail 314-649-3113 Join the I Only Listen to 90s Music Facebook Group http://bit.ly/3k0UEDe      Follow I Only Listen to 90s Music on IG https://bit.ly/3sbCphv       Follow SOLC Network online Instagram: https://bit.ly/39VL542                          Twitter: https://bit.ly/39aL395                          Facebook: https://bit.ly/3sQn7je                To Listen to the podcast Podbean https://bit.ly/3t7SDJH                      YouTube http://bit.ly/3ouZqJU                      Spotify http://spoti.fi/3pwZZnJ                     Apple http://apple.co/39rwjD1  IHeartRadio http://ihr.fm/2L0A2y

What does it take to run a 200-million pound law firm without ever taking outside investment or merging with a bigger name? Roger Bull, managing partner of Burges Salmon, joins Chris Batz and Howard Rosenberg to unpack the five-year strategy his firm just launched, one built on 25 listening sessions with roughly 1,500 people before the partnership board finalized a single objective. In a market where large international firms are distracted by questions of US mergers and office footprint alignment, Bull argues that a UK-focused independent firm operating through a flexible network of preferred international relationships can out-position competitors chasing scale for its own sake. What does strategic clarity buy you that a bigger balance sheet can't? The discussion gets into the governance mechanics behind that clarity: KPIs set across revenue, headcount, and technology deployment, a mid-point strategic review built in by design, and a board that revisits assumptions every six months rather than waiting for the next five-year cycle. Bull traces his own trajectory from the employment team to the managing partner role and revisits a client meeting early in his career that reframed how he thinks about advisory relationships. In it, the lead partner spent the opening stretch on the client's market position before any project came up. He's equally direct about AI, framing it less as a productivity tool and more as a forcing function that pushes firms away from time-and-materials billing toward a harder question. Where does the advice actually create value, and how do you prove it? The most revealing data point from his listening tour wasn't tension between legal and business services teams. It was what happened when leadership removed the ceiling on ambition entirely. The bottleneck shifted from generating ideas to prioritizing which ones the firm could actually execute well.   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Introducing Roger Bull, Managing Partner Of Burges Salmon 01:17 Listening Sessions With 1,500 People Across The Firm 07:58 Staying An Independent UK Law Firm Instead Of Merging 14:18 Leading A Law Firm Through Brexit, Covid, And Global Shocks 25:57 Measuring Law Firm Growth With Strategic Kpis 28:18 How Ai And Technology Are Reshaping Legal Services 31:15 The Biggest Surprise From The Firm's Strategic Listening Tour Connect with Roger Bull: Connect with Roger on LinkedIn Roger's Law Firm Web bio    Connect with Howard Rosenberg: Connect with Howard on LinkedIn  Howard's Company web profile   Connect with Chris Batz: Connect with Chris on LinkedIn  Follow Columbus Street on LinkedIn Columbus Street Website  MergerWatch Website Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm  

Randy Crabtree sits down with Luke Frye, who's gone from hand-stamping journal entries as a small-town government accountant to scaling Bench to thousands of customers, running his own firm through a messy business divorce, and now advising practices at Canopy. Their conversation on Episode 280 of The Unique CPA keeps circling back to a single, uncomfortable question: What actually makes a firm valuable, as opposed to just busy? Luke argues that key man risk, not revenue, is the real threat to most practices, and that hourly billing quietly rewards inefficiency while punishing the AI tools meant to help. He pushes clients to charge what they're worth instead of discounting out of fear, and to build systems, like a real CRM, that let a firm run without its owner chained to it. Randy's own transition out of the company he built nineteen years ago and into advisory adds real-world weight to the discussion. It's a candid look at pricing, succession, and the mindset shifts firm owners tend to avoid until it's too late. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success. Business Podcast Entrepreneurship Small Business Business Growth Financial Literacy Wealth Building Black Entrepreneurs Minority Business Leadership Executive Leadership Business Funding Marketing Strategies Personal Development Startup Advice Sales Training CEO Interviews Founder Stories Professional Development Economic Empowerment Business Success Networking Brand Building Innovation How to start a business Small business funding Entrepreneur success stories Business leadership podcast Wealth building strategies Black entrepreneur podcast Minority business development Marketing for small businesses Business growth strategies Startup funding opportunities Executive leadership training Financial literacy education Success mindset podcast Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Marcus Sonnier. Founder of Snowie Atlanta:

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success. Business Podcast Entrepreneurship Small Business Business Growth Financial Literacy Wealth Building Black Entrepreneurs Minority Business Leadership Executive Leadership Business Funding Marketing Strategies Personal Development Startup Advice Sales Training CEO Interviews Founder Stories Professional Development Economic Empowerment Business Success Networking Brand Building Innovation How to start a business Small business funding Entrepreneur success stories Business leadership podcast Wealth building strategies Black entrepreneur podcast Minority business development Marketing for small businesses Business growth strategies Startup funding opportunities Executive leadership training Financial literacy education Success mindset podcast Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Marcus Sonnier. Founder of Snowie Atlanta: