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Keith breaks down why global crises, geopolitical shocks, and nonstop "doom" headlines haven't stopped stocks and real estate from reaching near all-time highs, and what that means for investors focused on inflation-resistant assets.  He also discusses Memphis as a surprising cash-flow market poised to benefit from the AI boom, sharing details on an upcoming webinar with Mid South Homebuyers.  Keith is joined by real estate investor and educator Jared Garfield to unpack the "Seven-Figure Solution," a strategy that combines cash-flowing rentals with tax-advantaged life insurance to create liquidity, reduce risk, and support long-term retirement income.  Together, they explore how disciplined portfolio growth, smart leverage, and coordinated tax planning can help real estate investors better align their assets with their long-term financial goals. Episode Page: GetRichEducation.com/619 For access to properties or free help with a GRE Investment Coach, start here: GREmarketplace.com GRE Free Investment Coaching: GREinvestmentcoach.com Get mortgage loans for investment property: RidgeLendingGroup.com or call 855-74-RIDGE  or e-mail: info@RidgeLendingGroup.com Invest with Freedom Family Investments.  For predictable 10-12% quarterly returns, visit FreedomFamilyInvestments.com/GRE or text  FAMILY to 66866  Join Mid South Home Buyers' one-time, free live webinar featuring Keith Weinhold on September 30 at GetRichEducation.com/MidSouth to learn how Memphis' economic expansion could create new real estate investment opportunities, and have your questions answered in real time. Will you please leave a review for the show? I'd be grateful. Search "how to leave an Apple Podcasts review"  For advertising inquiries, visit: GetRichEducation.com/ad Best Financial Education: GetRichEducation.com Get our wealth-building newsletter free— GREletter.com  Our YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/c/GetRichEducation Follow us on Instagram: @getricheducation Complete episode transcript: Keith Weinhold  0:02   Welcome to GRE. I'm your host Keith Weinhold. The world is about to end again. It's the economic disaster that never arrives. I'll break it down. Then you've been earning money and investing well all these years. How does it all go together? It can culminate in the seven-figure solution, it's about seeing your future today on Get Rich Education. What if I told you that one of America's strongest cash flow real estate markets is also becoming the new brains and brawn behind AI? That city is Memphis, believe it or not. And September 30th, we're going to show you why the smart money is paying attention now, along with an investing opportunity you won't want to miss. Join me, Terry Kerr and Matthew Van Horn of Mid South Homebuyers, the largest turnkey company in Memphis with more than 6,000 homes under management, for a free live webinar, the likes of which I've never done before, we're going to look at what billions in new investment could mean for jobs, housing demand, neighborhood appreciation, and your portfolio. Everyone who attends live will also get exclusive access to the best deal terms Mid South has ever offered. Reserve your free seat at getricheducation.com/midsouth again that september 30. Don't say we didn't tell you. Save your spot at getricheducation.com/midsouth.   Speaker 1  1:39   You're listening to the show that has created more financial freedom than nearly any show in the world. This is Get Rich Education.   Keith Weinhold  1:55   Welcome to GRE from Kankakee, Illinois, to Cherokee, Iowa, and across 188 nations worldwide. I'm Keith Weinhold. This is Get Recid Education, and the world is about to end. Even if you survive, your portfolio surely won't. Oh, jeez. At least that's the impression you get from mass media and what I'll call the Doom Scroll Industrial Complex. Fear creates urgency. Urgency attracts eyeballs. Eyeballs attract ad dollars. And I guess that using a slogan like "everything will probably be fine" well, that's never been a great ratings strategy. Now, can what has happened since 2020. Just this cheery little sequence: COVID, then Ukraine, Israel, Gaza, tariffs, and then the war in Iran. All that just since 2020. I mean, that right there sounds less like an economic timeline and more like a movie plot, or that the world is repeatedly spinning the wheel of misfortune. Yet after all of that, what is the result? Both stocks and residential real estate are near all-time highs. Apparently, the apocalypse has been postponed yet again-at least economically speaking. Now let's zoom out and break down these threats and a few more, all just since 2020, because 2020 is the year where, of course, you had the COVID-19 pandemic, economic shutdowns, the fastest major stock bear market in history, supply chain breakdown. You saw empty shelves, and there was unprecedented government intervention from the Paycheck Protection Program to stimulus checks to mortgage loan forbearance. Then, in 2021 and 2022, you had post-COVID inflation and supply shortages. Now, this was more of a result, not strictly geopolitical, but a major investment threat, and that led to aggressive interest rate hikes. From 2022 to the present, you have Russia's invasion of Ukraine, energy and food shocks came from that, sanctions, instability over in Europe, and really a heightened nuclear risk in 2023. You had the U.S. regional banking crisis. Remember SVB, yes, Silicon Valley Bank, Signature Bank, First Republic. They raised fears of a financial contagion that would spread like fat. Than a secret in a small town, it actually made me buy some gold. From 2023 to the present, you had the Israel-Hamas war and this broad Middle East instability, Hezbollah attacks, Houthi attacks, Red Sea shipping disruptions. It's almost like a geopolitical group project. And then from 2025 to the present, you have renewed U.S. tariffs and a global trade war, and this year you have the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran and the Strait of Hormuz disruption. That is the biggest current geopolitical investment threat because it combines all of these things: war, oil disruption, inflation, higher interest rates, and a recession risk. So it's a lot like this particularly unpleasant smoothie that's been blended together.   Keith Weinhold  5:55   All right. Well, all of that-that is just an absurd amount of uncertainty and disruption only since 2020, and though major markets are at all-time highs in the face of this, let's acknowledge that some were hurt here, like apartment building owners vulnerable to interest rate resets, and certain commercial sectors like office. Even worse, let's be sensitive to the fact that COVID in wars have resulted in a real loss of life. GRE's enduring strategy of primarily owning long-term residential rentals with fixed-rate debt has been comparatively really resilient. In fact, these calamities-they probably made you better off from the inflation that it has spurred. More people work from home. Well, that means that they're consuming our product while higher inflation debased our debt and jacked up our property values and our rents. And you know somehow every. single generation thinks that their collection of crises is uniquely terrifying, and it is not. And what do I mean by this? Well, in the 1980s, people feared war with the Soviet Union, the Cold War. A global population explosion so bad that millions or billions of people would surely die from hunger. You had the AIDS crisis. You had a hole in the ozone layer. Well, all those things. Virtually zero investors make decisions based on that stuff: an imminent Soviet attack or mass starvation from overpopulation. There is one thing that is 100% certain here, and that is that more shocks are coming. In case you don't want to sleep well, you can get worked up over the certainty of future calamities, artificial intelligence is making cyber attacks faster and more scalable. AI has even created entirely novel viruses. A confrontation between China and Taiwan that could create risk in the semiconductor space.   Keith Weinhold  8:18   A blockade that might disrupt the world's advanced chip supply, creating more inflation and more uncertainty. Here is what's changed, though, for what investors care about. You know what has changed with today's set of calamities versus those of the 1980s and earlier, because there is something, and it's a big deal for investors. Here's what's changed: recent history shows that the government does more to intervene during disasters, stimulus checks, liquidity programs where they're printing trillions, bailouts, pushing interest rates down to almost zero, quantitative easing. How about a foreclosure moratorium? Anything you know during COVID, it was a lot of these things, and it was the CARES Act, and it was a student loan payment pause. I mean, the Federal Reserve even set up emergency credit facilities. We now know that when the economic building catches fire, policymakers they rarely stand around admiring the flames. They just flood the place with currency. So the best investors they keep prudently building real estate portfolios in the face of risk, not the absence of risk, because the latter does not exist. This incessant government intervention, whether you agree with it or not, it gives you more safety cushions the next time that things fall apart. That's why what appears risk. Is still risky, but less so. So there is more incentive to take on prudent risk than I've ever seen. You know, no politician wants America to fall apart under their watch. So increasingly, they'll just paper over the problem by printing, printing, printing, and then, therefore, the resultant inflation, the consequence of this, that can be dealt with under the next president's watch, not theirs. In fact, future calamities they almost make you want to own scarce real assets that benefit from inflation, not a hedge, a benefit. Trying to time every war, election, banking crisis, tariff announcement, virus, and Fed decision. Trying to time all of those things-that is usually ineffective. You either own more assets, or you get left behind in everything that's happened since 2020. That just underscores this. In fact, Berkshire Hathaway, the closely watched company that Warren Buffett ran for a long time, but he still has influence in.   Keith Weinhold  11:16   You know, they recently began moving out of cash and into assets, they ended their long net selling stretch. In fact, in the latest quarter ended, they've now done the most buying that they've done since early 2022. They have jumped back in the game. It appears that Berkshire Hathaway got tired of sitting on the sidelines and seeing others make gains, and they're pretty bullish on housing too. They bought a home builder. The bottom line here is that shocks are going to keep arriving, and yet productive assets and well-financed residential real estate has repeatedly survived them and just continued appreciating. Don't wait for a risk-free world because you'll wait forever. When you evaluate all these calamities, just since 2020, again, COVID, Ukraine, Israel, Gaza, tariffs, and war in Iran, and then you realize that both real estate and stocks are near all-time highs anyway, and the government keeps backstopping asset owners like never before. This is just a fresh angle on how much better off you are when you prudently own more inflation-benefiting assets sooner. I want to tell you about something called the seven-figure solution. You've been here listening to me weekly since 2014. You've been earning money. You've been investing well, and now you're going to see how it all goes together. It's about making sure that your real estate and your other assets appropriately fund your retirement in a way that gives you protection against market downturns, a tax advantage pool of liquidity, the death benefit of a life insurance policy, and actually introduces you to a new form of leverage all at the same time. Now the liquidity here is key because this is where a 401(k) or IRA limit you, they have taxes and penalties if you want to use those funds early. This doesn't, but the seven-figure solution-it's not just for retirees. In fact, our own in-house investment coach Narayish uses something like this, and he is in his 30s. Let's discuss it, and then you'll see where I have an invitation for you, where you can get involved. I'd like to welcome in a guest we last had on the show a few years ago.   Keith Weinhold  13:54   He's a frequent guest on popular shows, including our friends over at the Real Estate Guys Radio Show, and this guest has also been a terrestrial radio show host himself. He's a long-time real estate educator and an active investor, just like you and I. So he speaks from experience and not a textbook. He's the creator of what we'll discuss today, called the Seven Figure Solution. Welcome back to the show, Jared Garfield.   Jared Garfield  14:21   Hey, it's great to be with you again. Thanks for having me.   Keith Weinhold  14:25   It's so good. Now you're with the Haven Bridge Group, and you help people, especially real estate investors, with what's called the seven-figure solution. Tell us about it.   Jared Garfield  14:37   it. Well, Haven Bridge, we get the name for that because people are really looking for a haven of safety, and the bridge is kind of what crosses the gaps that could kind of destroy your wealth, and it's the path to get there. So we want to take people on a path to safety, and the seven-figure solution is the idea that if you're going to be drawing out even 4% per year to not outlive your money, because people are living now. To 8590, 95 years old, and so that means you could have 35 years in retirement. And with inflation and different things like that, you really have to have a lot bigger nest egg than what most people realize. So a seven-figure solution is how to get to more than a million dollars liquid that you can draw on in a tax advantaged manner for the rest of your life, while also having living benefits. And we pull real estate in with it because we want people to have 10 or 15 or 20 rental properties by the time they retired. That they 1031 exchange regularly, so that they're always keeping tax advantages. So that even in retirement you have strong tax advantages, and ultimately we think that when you're 65 or 70, you might want to go from 30 single-family houses to 1031 exchange into one institutional asset that's a little bit less management intensive.   Keith Weinhold  15:57   Okay, so this is a tax advantage vehicle that real estate investors can use during their investing career, and those tax advantages then really convert into something that you can use in retirement as well.   Jared Garfield  16:11   Yes, what it does is it's a vehicle that instead of saving the money from your cash flow from your rental properties in the bank, we say, well, why wouldn't you rather invest in something where it grows tax-free, number one, and then number two, you don't have the penalties like you would with a 401k, where you get taxed and you get penalized 10% if you pull it out. It's liquid, usually about 80 to 90% liquid, so you can pull from it whenever you like, and you can use it for down payments to grow your real estate portfolio. But you can earn sometimes between five and even seven or 8% in a tax advantaged manner where you're not taxed on it, but you're earning a much higher return than if you put the cash flow into a bank.   Keith Weinhold  16:51   All right, so you're building this tax advantage pool of capital that grows over time, and this is important to have some liquidity. You know, Jared, I've often talked to our audience, about three to 5% of your portfolio value ought to be kept liquid. Maybe with a vehicle like this, you would want to put in more of that because real estate investors we have expenses, so you have this liquidity to cover things like vacancies and major repairs, or perhaps you could even use this account for future down payments on additional investment properties. Is that how it's utilized?   Jared Garfield  17:27   Yeah, absolutely. And I get it partially this way because in my early 20s, I got up to where I had about six rentals, and at the time, I also owned a real estate brokerage, and I was doing very well. I was making a six-figure income and things. And what happened is, I back when a   Keith Weinhold  17:41   six-figure income was a big deal.   Jared Garfield  17:43   Yeah, back in the early 2000s, it was a little bit better money. But the funny thing was, I had four rental properties that all went vacant at the same exact time, and so now all of a sudden, I was paying like 4500 bucks a month in mortgages, not counting the house I lived in, but I had to cover four mortgages on four of my rental properties all at the same time, and I hadn't saved the cash flow, so I didn't have a huge emergency fund. All my liquid capital went into down payments and into renovation money to rehab the properties. Okay, and so it put me in a real bind, and I was out driving a Volvo S80 around throwing two paper routes in the mornings, and then going to my real estate brokerage after my paper routes to cover those rental properties. And so this was basically meant as a way to say, okay, this is a way that I have the liquidity. I'm getting a higher return, but now my tenants are not only buying me the houses, but they're also giving me a couple million dollars in life insurance, and they're wrapping my investment component or the cash value of that, the cash value part of the policy. They're wrapping that in a way that it grows tax-free, so it just accomplishes a lot of things. But the other thing that's a beautiful thing about it is there's a lot of things that we call living benefits.   Keith Weinhold  19:02   All right, so you have the living benefits and the tax advantages, and I know how you have pointed out that this can save an investor 10s of 1000s of dollars in taxes per year and hundreds of 1000s or more over time. Can you tell us more about that?   Jared Garfield  19:20   Yeah, because what happens is the money that goes in is growing tax-free, so you don't get taxed on any of the growth. But what we really like about it is, let's say that you're cash-flowing $2,000 a month off your rental properties, and you're putting 2000 a month into this policy. Usually, after the first year, if you're max funding, 80 to 90% of that's liquid. So if you've got 24,000 sitting in there, you've got access to 89 to 90% of the money. So it's pretty liquid. But what happens is over a 20 or 30 year period, that money could turn into three or 400,000 a year that you can pull out in the form of policy loans. And by doing that, it's not taxed. And you can pull that out throughout your retirement tax-free. So if you were paying 25% in taxes and you're pulling out 200 grand a year, that's $50,000 a year in retirement that you're saving in taxes. But that could be over a 20 or 30-year period. So over 20 years, that 50,000 could end up being a lot of money. I mean, 500,000 over 10 years, a million over 20, and so that means you don't have to accumulate as much. But a lot of our investors love it because they'll save it up with discipline, and then that way it's there if the furnace blows. So it makes your real estate safer, but it also becomes your down payment funds to expand your portfolio.   Keith Weinhold  20:40   Okay, the seven-figure solution is the vehicle that we're talking about here, and what part of the IRS code, just briefly, is it that gives this tax advantage?   Jared Garfield  20:51   It's Internal Revenue Code Section 79 that allows it to grow tax-free. In the 1980 s, doctors and a lot of very wealthy people were using this to the point that IRS changed the laws. They went and sued the insurance companies because doctors would go in and dump $2 million in, and they would buy a $2 million life insurance policy. So they were self-insured, which meant that they didn't have any cost of mortality on it. So they basically got all the benefits of the tax-free growth and the tax-free pullout. And the IRS said, "Wait a minute! We think you're doing tax evasion. So what they did is they came around and they said, "We're not going to let you use this loophole anymore for the very wealthiest people to have this. So they came to a compromise, and the compromise was that if you wanted to put in 2 million, you had to maintain a corridor where there had to be a little bit higher amount of life insurance. So you might have to buy a $2.3 million policy, but then you could still dump, say, $2 million in and have all the tax advantages. It's a strategy that's been used for over 100 years by families like the Rockefellers and the Hunts and J.P. Morgan. The very wealthiest families have always used these strategies to grow and protect their wealth.   Keith Weinhold  21:59   Okay, so it's a part of the tax code that allows cash value to accumulate within and be withdrawn from a life insurance policy tax-free.   Jared Garfield  22:11   Correct, and it gives you living benefits, which I alluded to a minute ago. And the living benefits are if if you end up having to go through things like long-term care, disability, if you can't perform, you know certain functions for a certain period of time, chronic illness, critical illness, terminal illness. If any of those things happen to you, you can borrow against the policy and have access to money during those things that would normally decimate your wealth, because you can actually access the death benefit in advance.   Keith Weinhold  22:42   Now I know a little about the six risks. Tell us about that.   Jared Garfield  22:47   Well, Keith, there are six risks that all investors face regularly. The first one is inflation erosion, and that means that your purchasing power often ends up leaking out of your balance. And the balance might look fine, but inflation can eat away at it. So even if you've raised a lot of money, if inflation means that you can buy half as much five or 10 years from now, then you know your wealth isn't as big as you thought. The second is the volatility setback, and that's sequence of return risk. That means that if you retire on a bad year where things really bad, stock market drops, you could end up using your money at a time where it really weakens your wealth because it may have dropped by 50% So if you had a million, now you have a half a million, and you're spending 100,000 a year. At the end of year one, you might only have 400,000 left. So sequence of of return risks from volatility setback, tax drain. That's just the compounding cost of an uncoordinated tax picture can really be a problem, and then the next one is liquidity. If you don't have liquidity and you've locked up all your money and you can't access it until you're 59 and a half without significant taxation and 10% penalties, the liquidity lock is a problem. There's the longevity paradox. What happens if you outlive your money, you know. So living longer is a benefit, but it exposes you to where you might not have enough money to live on in your latter years. The last two are care avalanche, and that is if an unexpected health event happens at the wrong time, it could really destroy your wealth because medical costs have spiraled out of control, and then the last one is the line to land, and that's only one of the six that's really about growth.   Keith Weinhold  24:28   Right, only one of the six of those was about growth. I can't stand the longevity paradox. Yeah, we think we all want to live a long time, but then it's more difficult to fund living a long time, and if you outlive everybody, nobody shows up at your funeral either. The longevity paradox-one of the six risks that the seven-figure solution can really help you with. Now, tell us more about funding it, so you can get a good cash value balance in. There, I know that one way you do it is actually with short-term rentals instead of a paycheck.   Jared Garfield  25:06   We love short-term rentals, especially for our highest net worth clients, because the reason is is the bonus depreciation of the big beautiful bill. Oh, right! You could take up to like 150 or even $200,000 in year one, they take that depreciation that they used to spread out over a whole lot of years, and they make it to where if you get with your CPA and you analyze your short-term rental, you could potentially take all of the furnishings, all of the artwork, all of the dishes and things that are in the property. Sometimes they'll let you take components like the appliances, the air conditioning unit, the furnace, and they'll let you take it all in year one instead of having to line item it and spread it out over you know 27 and a half years. So what this means is, if you have a short term rental, then you you might get like 150 to 200,000 tax break in the first year on the right property, but it's better than that because instead of having to have like 750 hours to hit full-time real estate professional status, it cuts the hours that you have to have significantly down. I think it's more like 150 hours or something like that, or 300. It's like half the hours, and so you can hit the benefits of taking unlimited passive loss much easier if you have a couple of short-term rentals.   Keith Weinhold  26:24   You're listening to Get Rich Education. We're talking with Jared Garfield about the seven-figure solution, something that takes some time to understand, but it can give you a tax-advantaged pool of capital that grows over time, and it also creates this overall tailwind, not just during your investor life, but then it provides tax advantaged retirement income at the same time. More on this when we come back. You're listening to Get Rich Education. I'm your host Keith Weinhold. What if you got your mortgage loans the same place I get mine? You sure can at Ridge Lending Group and MLS 42056. They provided GRE listeners with more loans than anyone because Ridge specializes in investment property. They'll help you build a long-term plan for growing your real estate empire with leverage. Start your prequal and even chat directly with President Caeli Ridge while it's on your mind. Start at ridgelendinggroup.com, that's ridgelendinggroup.com.   Keith Weinhold  27:25   Let me ask you something: If you've worked hard to build wealth, is your money positioned to actually support your goals? A lot of accredited investors leave capital sitting in cash because it feels safe, but inflation and missed income opportunities can quietly erode its value. Freedom Family Investments offers freedom notes for investors seeking structured income backed by real estate. It's a straightforward approach built on real assets, not speculation. And full disclosure, I'm an investor myself. What I like is that their team walks you through how it all works, so you can decide if it aligns with your portfolio and income goals. Every investment carries risk, and nothing is guaranteed. But with a track record of consistent, on-time investor payouts, they built real credibility. Go to freedomfamilyinvestments.com to book a clarity call, or text family to 66866. That's family 266866. This is the   Speaker 2  28:28   Real Wealth Network's Kathy Betke, and you are listening to the Always Valuable Get Rich Education with Keith Weinhold.   Keith Weinhold  28:46   Welcome back to Get Rich Education. I'm your host Keith Weinhold. We're talking about the seven-figure solution with Jared Garfield. Something that can be a particular benefit to real estate investors both during your investing career and then once you're in retirement as well, and this can take the form of either an indexed universal life policy or a whole life policy. There are a lot of wrong ways to do this and wrong things to get into. We're talking about the right way. Part of that is funding it as best you can. Can you tell us more about that?   Jared Garfield  29:20   Well, there's a lot of different ways to fund it. A lot of our clients will come in. We have some people who will use rollovers if they're nearing the end of retirement. Some people will roll over a 401k into a cash value life insurance policy because they can do it over a five or seven year period, and they pay the taxes when they roll it over, so their taxes go up a little bit for five or seven years of retirement, but then what happens is that means that during their retirement they're not taxed on the income all the way through retirement, so that can save really significantly. But a lot of our clients will do a flip and dump 40 or 50,000 a year in by just saying I'm going to do one flip a year and use that to. Fund the whole thing, or they'll take the cash flow and dump the cash flow into here instead of the bank, just so that they get the living benefits and they get the much higher return with still 80 to 90% liquidity. So could be cash flow from rentals, could be money from a flip, or sometimes some of these short-term rentals can make 20 to $30,000 a year, and if you get $100,000 tax break, you have more money that's not going to Uncle Sam, and then because that's your discretionary income now, because of the tax break, you could use that money to for down payments to grow your portfolio or to do a flip.   Keith Weinhold  30:35   Now, Jared, I sort of think of the cash value that you're accumulating in this policy as safe money that grows at a slow to moderate steady rate, but if it rarely or ever loses value, can you tell us more about that and the rate of return expected in the policy?   Jared Garfield  30:52   Yeah, absolutely. With the IULs, it's going to depend a little bit upon the carriers and stuff like that, and whether you go with a mutual company and stuff like that. It can vary, but a lot of times people are going with things that are what we call indexed. So you can actually index it to the S and p5 100 if you think that we're going to have a bull market and the market's going to really go up strongly. You can index it to the market, and sometimes they'll have a participation rate where they'll say, "Okay, you can participate up to 12% So if the stock market does 17% the most you can make is 12% So you're giving up a little bit of upside, but that's still not nothing. I mean, that's not three or 4% You can still make you know 10 or 12% that year, but you're giving up the part above the participation rate. And the reason that you do that is if the market tanks and drops by 30 or 40% The worst you can do is 0% return. Zero is my hero because you didn't lose anything. So if you had a half a million sitting there, you don't go down to 250 and then wait eight years to get back to break even. Instead, you're still at half a million. And if the market goes up next year by 20% and you had a 10% cap. Then your half a million, you know, is now at 550,000. When everybody else, if it went up by 10% they're at half the amount that they had.   Keith Weinhold  32:13   You have a story or example of how you've helped somebody with this, because I know a lot of investors that are passionate about utilizing the cash value inside an insurance policy tell us.   Jared Garfield  32:28   Well, I've got one friend who's a developer, and he did like a $5 million policy. And every time he flip a subdivision or flip a house, and let's back   Keith Weinhold  32:36   up. Does a $5 million policy mean that's the death benefit?   Jared Garfield  32:40   Yeah, that's the death benefit. Thanks for catching that. That's the death benefit, but that also has a correlation to how much money you can dump into it. So if you have a $5 million policy, you can dump a lot more money in for the tax free growth. And the quicker you hit that death benefit amount, at that point you're self-insured, and so at that point you really don't have cost of insurance on administering the policy hardly at all, and so at that point, when you're what we call self-insured, the return on the investment becomes a lot better. But this particular developer was able to use this policy because he had so much cash value in, and if he sold a house, he'd take 40,000. If he sold 10 a year, he might take you know 400,000 and dump it into this policy, and so it made him bankable. And he was able to use the money to go out and do new subdivision developments because the bank would actually use the policy as the collateral to be able to give him loans at much lower interest rates.   Keith Weinhold  33:38   That's valuable. Tell us about that. I don't want to use the wrong words here, but then effectively with this example, are you borrowing against the funds in the policy? So therefore, you can get those dollars working for you somewhere else, all while simultaneously the cash value continues to compound and grow. Sort of another form of leverage.   Jared Garfield  34:01   Correct. What they basically do is they basically freeze part of the amount and say, okay, we're using this as the collateral and stuff like that to be able to do the loan. But if it grows and and makes 7% you're still making the money off of the money that's sitting in there. It's just collateralized as part of the loan. And some people will even use it to like go buy a car, like instead of buying a car and going getting a bank loan and paying 7% to the bank, they might borrow money out, go pay cash for the car from the life insurance policy loan, and pay 2% instead of 7% But they're paying it to themselves, and as long as they're paying the interest to themselves, if the money that they borrow out could potentially still earn the same money and earn 7% even though you had borrowed out. So it's doing two things for you at the same time, as long as you're paying that loan interest. But and that depends on the option that you take when you do your loan.   Keith Weinhold  34:54   We love leverage around here. Leverage trumps compound interest. In so many ways. Oh, I'm really glad that you told us some more about that using the funds in more than one way at the same time. Tell us more about what it costs for the investor, the costs of setting this up, and then what some of those trade-offs are, Jared.   Jared Garfield  35:18   Well, that really depends on the individual. I mean, everybody has to sit down and be able to decide what is acceptable for them. You know, a lot of times people will want to max fund the 401k that they're doing at least just to the amount that's matched. But then after that, this could be a great place instead of putting a whole bunch more money into a 401k. Some people will elect to say, "I'm going to put the matching portion into my 401k, but then I'm going to take my cash flow from my real estate and money that I could have contributed to other alternatives and put it into this because I want the liquidity. I want to be able to leverage this money and pull it out without any restrictions. That as long as I can pull out 80 to 90 percent, I could go buy a car wash, or I could invest in a business, or I could, you know, do whatever I wanted to. I could loan it to my kids for their college and make them pay me loans back to my policy. There gives you a lot of flexibility to do it. But the thing that we love about it is we'll do what's called an illustration, and it may end up if you start at the right time, it could be a six-figure passive income stream at retirement, and then if you have the real estate, because this helped you grow your portfolio, where without doing the strategy, you might have ended up with say 10 properties. We might be able to get you to 20 or 30 properties working together as a team with your real estate coaches and stuff like that. Then we can potentially grow your real estate portfolio, and what we want to do is 1031 exchange every seven to eight years. I don't believe in holding properties for 30 years.   Jared Garfield  36:47   I believe in exchanging them every seven to eight years because when the tax benefits have been used up, if you exchange to twice the size portfolio, you have better appreciation on a portfolio worth twice as much. But that new value, you still get the depreciation advantages, where the old value that was half, you know, the depreciation is used up. So you're you're getting new depreciation on the higher value assets, and then our goal would be that by the time you don't want to be involved in managing the property managers, that at some point you're going to have a 200 unit apartment complex with on-site management, and at that point you don't have any financial worries really because you're 1031 exchanging into those apartment complexes, but you have so much equity that you're still maintaining depreciation during your retirement years. When most people who have lesser plans don't have the tax advantages,   Keith Weinhold  37:41   I love that you said so much of that, and to you, the listener, Jared is licensed to do this, and our own in-house investment coach. You mentioned coaching. Naresh has the proper licensing as well to holistically help integrate this into your investor life. And for example, yes, we are rarely of the mindset that you would hold a property for all 30 years because after seven to 10 years, your leverage ratio gets worn down, and then additionally, if you're buying turnkey properties, oftentimes that's when capex expenditures start to enter into the picture. So yes, oftentimes we do these seven to 10 year holds.    Jared Garfield  38:23   I love that. Yeah, that's a really really good strategy, and and it always makes it to where you can grow so much bigger portfolio by not being taxed through that exchange. And you know, believe it or not, there's actually even ways when you have extra cash boot, they do allow if you notify them in advance. Sometimes you can take some of the cash boot on the exchange and roll it into some of the products that we utilize.   Keith Weinhold  38:47   For more specifics, I know you said it's based on one's individual situation, but how much does it cost to set up a policy? And then, are there any ongoing maintenance fees? Can you give us more specifics there?   Jared Garfield  38:59   So, there's small fees to administer the policy because you have people who are trading and doing different things and working within the policy for the funds. But usually, you can set policies up as low as 100 or even $200 a month. We don't usually recommend that because you want to max fund it. Usually, when you're doing these strategies, if you're just doing $100 or $200 a month, you're basically buying life insurance, but you're missing a lot of the benefits because what you want to do is to be able to max fund it. So what we like people to do is get as minimum life insurance. That's not in our advantage because we get paid based on the premium of the amount of life insurance you get. But you get the smallest amount of life insurance for the amount that you can max fund. I would much rather have somebody get a $500 a month policy that, let's say, they could put you know a thousanmd a month in or something like that, than to have somebody get $1,000 a month policy where they're paying a thousand a month but they can't max fund it because by max funding it you're maximizing the growth component of the cash. Value, and so it depends on how much you want. But you can go anywhere from $100 or $200 a month to we have clients that will dump $20,000 a month in because they really want to shield as much money as they can from tax growth.   Keith Weinhold  40:15   Tell us more about who the seven-figure solution is for and who it's not for.   Jared Garfield  40:20   Well, if you're living month to month and you don't have discretionary income, it's probably not a good solution. In that situation, you probably want to get term insurance and just make sure that you cover catastrophic things. But if you've got discretionary income and you've got an extra four to $500 a month that you could use to max fund, we figure most people need life insurance anyway, and the way that we teach it, when you mix it with real estate, rather than pulling it from your monthly budget, doesn't it make a lot more sense to let your tenants buy the houses for you, but also pay for a half a million or a million dollar life insurance policy for you, where the tenants are covering the savings for anything that happens at the property with capex or vacancy or damage, and at the same time covering life insurance and potentially a six-figure passive income that's tax advantaged at retirement. So I pull the money out from other assets and let the assets cover this asset.   Keith Weinhold  41:18   Oh well, Jared, this has been great. Before I ask you if you have any last things to tell the audience about the seven-figure solution, I invite you, the audience, to join us. It's going to be Jared and our own in-house investment coach, Nareesh, bringing you a live online event that you can join from the comfort of your own home next Thursday, the 27th at 8 PM Eastern. You can register now; it's free at grewebinars.com because there are a lot of moving parts, and it does take some time to wrap your head around this, benefiting from the cash value of an insurance policy. And this way you can have a Q and A, and you can get answers in real time at this event. It's called the Seven Figure Solution: Build wealth, reduce risk, and create tax advantage retirement income through real estate. Again, it is next Thursday, the 27th at 8p.m. Eastern, you probably have generated some questions inside your head while you're listening to this, and you can sure have them answered there as you're going to learn a whole lot more about it next Thursday. This could help a lot of people. Jared, do you have any last thoughts?    Jared Garfield  42:38   I think the only thing is that we like to work with the team. We like to work with your CPA. We like to work with your real estate investment coach. I used to be a coach and trainer for Robert Kiyosaki, who wrote Rich Dad Poor Dad, and he always talked about power teams. And so we want to be able to be a part of your power team and work with your other advisors to help you implement something. We're not here to give you tax advice. We want you to be able to work with your investment advisors and your CPAs, and just be a part of the team. But I would point out that over my career, I've owned hundreds and hundreds of single-family cash flow rentals, duplexes, fourplexes, apartment complexes. I've done some land development, and I implement these strategies myself. I had 17 Airbnbs, and so these are the strategies that I implemented as a full-time real estate professional. I felt like that this strategy of having a seven-figure solution could help you to avoid some of the pitfalls that I experienced in my 20s.   Keith Weinhold  43:32   So much all comes together for one pretty comprehensive solution. It's the intersection of growing your portfolio, getting tax advantages and having the death benefits of insurance and more all coming together next Thursday, so that you can learn more. Jared, it's been great having you back on the show.   Jared Garfield  43:52   Thanks, Keith. Always glad to join you.   Keith Weinhold  44:00   Integrate the seven-figure solution the GRE way, where we have this conscientiousness about leverage and cash flow. In this case, it's how to prudently leverage a life insurance policy. When it's time to tap your cash value, you take what is a policy loan, not a withdrawal, because you're borrowing against your cash value, hence using the funds in more than one place, and the IRS does not tax loan proceeds. This reminds me of a billionaire and how they borrow against the value of their stock. That way, they don't have to sell their assets. This is similar to what you can do with this. Another thing is that you know real estate investors are not used to a volatile ride because our asset values stay stable. You heard Jared mention the acronym IUL there. That's an indexed universal life policy. It's a real benefit. That says you tie yours to the S and P five hundred. Well, that index was down 18% in 2022, and that your cash value can have an upside ceiling and loss protection on the downside-an option that you'll care more about as you get toward retirement. In 2008, the S&P was down 37% so the math is cruel on value losses. In fact, it's even worse than it sounds because if you're down 30%, then you need a 43% gain just to get back to even. That is just math.   Keith Weinhold  45:39   There are some mistakes to avoid here, and you don't just want to set up your seven-figure solution off of a website. And it is based on products that you might have heard of from companies like Nationwide and Mass Mutual. I strongly encourage you learn more, see how it all goes together, learn how the seven-figure solution compares to other vehicles like a Roth IRA, 401k, 721 exchange, and 1031 exchange. This is very much about seeing your future. You've been listening to me here every week for almost 12 years, earning money from your day job, building your real estate portfolio, either from our investment coaching or on your own. This is how it all goes together. Next week with Jared and GRE investment coach Naresh. By attending live, you can have your questions answered in real time. One last time, you can sign up for the event for next Thursday, the 27th at 8 PM. Eastern, 5 PM. Pacific. Learn about something that's potentially really valuable to you: the seven-figure solution at grewebinars.com. Until next week, I'm your host Keith Weinhold. Don't quit your daydream.   Speaker 2  46:59   Nothing on this show should be considered specific, personal, or professional advice. Please consult an appropriate tax, legal, real estate, financial, or business professional for individualized advice. Opinions of guests are their own. Information is not guaranteed. All investment strategies have the potential for profit or loss. The host is operating on behalf of Get Rich Education LLC exclusively.   Keith Weinhold  47:26   The preceding program was brought to you by your home for wealth building, getricheducation.com  

Executive Summary Everyone has an opinion about where silver, oil, or the stock market is headed next. In this episode, Kim Butler and Spencer Shaw make the case for stepping out of the prediction game entirely. Kim explains why she refuses to guess at market direction and instead builds her financial plan around centuries-old vehicles that offer certainty, the kind of certainty that lets you sleep at night regardless of what the headlines say. Kim and Spencer walk through the layered foundation she recommends for families at every stage: an emergency fund first, then an opportunity fund built inside a mutual life insurance company, and eventually guaranteed income for life stacked on top of Social Security. Kim shares what she is seeing firsthand with family members in their late 80s: a strong preference for simplicity over complexity, and real relief in having guaranteed income arrive every month like clockwork. The conversation closes on a concept Kim calls the house of both: using a guaranteed opportunity fund to responsibly leverage higher-upside investments like cash flowing real estate, so you get certainty and opportunity rather than choosing between them. Links & Resources Mentioned Prosperity Thinkers Podcast: https://prosperitythinkers.com/podcasts/  Prosperity Parents: http://prosperityparents.com/  Kim D.H. Butler on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KimDHButler  Contact: hello@prosperitythinkers.com Keywords financial freedom, Prosperity Thinkers, predicting the economy, emergency fund, opportunity fund, guaranteed income for life, whole life insurance, mutual life insurance companies, cash flow, financial decision fatigue, retirement income, Social Security income planning, house of both strategy, cash flowing real estate, wealth preservation, mindset, financial education, certainty in finances, prosperity economics, real estate leverage Episode Highlights [00:00:00 - 00:00:56] Spencer opens on why nobody can reliably predict the economy, and Kim explains why she refuses to play that game. [00:00:57 - 00:02:47] Kim on choosing centuries-old certainty over guesswork, and why simplicity matters most in your later years. [00:02:48 - 00:03:59] Spencer asks how financial decision fatigue shows up differently for young families versus retirees. [00:04:00 - 00:04:53] Kim lays out step one: setting a clear emergency fund and checking it off the list. [00:04:54 - 00:06:07] Kim introduces the opportunity fund, stored with mutual life insurance companies like MassMutual and Northwestern Mutual. [00:06:08 - 00:07:11] Kim explains guaranteed income for life as the opposite of life insurance, built to pay no matter how long you live. [00:07:12 - 00:08:14] Spencer raises the pull toward high-upside investments, using a real estate example that gained 200% in twenty years. [00:08:15 - 00:09:16] Kim introduces the house of both: using the opportunity fund to leverage higher-opportunity investments like cash flowing real estate.  

In this episode of Future of Retirement, Jessica Hurley is joined by Ian Cahill, Head of Pension Risk Transfer at MassMutual, to explore the market forces shaping the future of pension risk transfer. He shares how changing retirement strategies, improved funded status, rising plan costs, and expanding insurer capacity are accelerating growth in the PRT market. They also discuss the increasing complexity of transactions, the importance of administrative strength and long-term alignment, and how technology and AI are helping insurers improve efficiency, evaluate opportunities, and deliver more customized client solutions in a rapidly growing space.

In this episode, Billy Gwaltney breaks down the essential details physicians and medical trainees should understand about securing disability insurance discounts, including grace periods, medical considerations, and tips for locking in rates early.Key topicsThe importance of securing disability insurance coverage before or shortly after graduationThe four top-tier carriers offering trainee discounts: Mass Mutual, Guardian, Principal, and AmeritasGrace periods: 90 days for Mass Mutual and Guardian; 180 days for Principal and AmeritasHow health and moving during the grace period can impact your ratesStrategies for starting coverage at lower amounts and scaling laterWhy it's crucial to act promptly to secure discounts and maintain favorable ratesAdditional resources and ways to connect for personalized adviceChapters00:19 - Welcome00:46 - The top four carriers offering trainee discounts01:16 - Details of the 90-day grace period for Mass Mutual and Guardian01:44 - Understanding the 180-day grace period for Principal and Ameritas02:40 - How to lock in your discount and maintain it forever03:07 - Starting coverage at lower amounts and scaling up later03:37 - How to discuss your specific situation and get personalized advice04:27 - Connecting with Billy Gwaltney for questions and further assistance04:56 - Closing remarks and contact information

Northwestern Mutual just announced a record $9.2 billion dividend payout for 2026 — about a billion more than last year, and the largest three-year increase in the company's history. MassMutual is paying a record $2.9 billion, Guardian $1.7 billion, and New York Life $2.78 billion. Four of the five major mutual carriers raised their dividend interest rate again this year. The easy explanation is the one everyone gives you: rates went up, so dividends went up. It's true, and it's lazy. If that were the whole story, this would be a two-minute episode. So we went digging instead. In this one, we crack open the "general account" — the giant reservoir of patient money that sits behind every whole life policy in the country — and walk through what the investment teams are actually doing with your premium dollars. We cover the reinvestment tailwind (think of inheriting a ladder of your grandmother's CDs, where every maturing low-rate bond gets replaced at today's higher rates — slow, boring, and inevitable), why that same inertia is a feature and not a bug, and where the real yield edge comes from: private placements now approaching half of the industry's bond holdings, and the broader private-credit buildout that's become the story of the decade. We also do the thing most people skip. We make the bear case. Private-credit valuations are model-driven and haven't been stress-tested through a real recession. A handful of large carriers hold most of the exposure. Office commercial real estate is still working itself out. And there's an important line we draw on-air: the PE-owned, annuity-heavy carriers driving most of that growth are not the mutual carriers writing participating whole life — Northwestern, MassMutual, New York Life, Guardian, and Penn are a different animal. And two caveats we'll repeat because they matter: the dividend interest rate is not your policy's return — early years are dominated by acquisition costs, and an in-force illustration is the only honest read on an existing policy. And a good environment doesn't change who whole life is for. It's a stable, tax-advantaged, patient-capital sleeve within a broader plan — not a replacement for growth investing, nor a fix for a poorly designed policy. If that role fits what you're trying to do, the setup right now is about as favorable as it's been in fifteen years. Have an existing policy you're not sure about, or wondering whether whole life fits the job you're trying to fill? We're happy to talk it through — no pitch, just a straight conversation. Send us a message or book a 30-minute call.

Welcome to our Agile Tales as we continue our conversations with Rich Sheridan, founder, CEO, and chief storyteller at Menlo Innovations.Aside from founding and leading Menlo Innovations, Rich is also the author of the best-selling books Joy Inc. and Chief Joy Officer, which argue that joy is essential to productivity and profitability in the workplace. Rich recounts his journey from early programming success and a rapid rise to VP to feeling despondent amid chaotic, late, over-budget software delivery, which sparked a search for better ways to organize people. In this episode, after a story of engineers hiding when a boss arrives late on a Friday, Rich explains how fear shuts down the brain functions needed for creativity, imagination, invention, and innovation, and suggests responding to “that won't work here” with “why don't we try it before we defeat it?” He shares how MassMutual used desk balloons to signal experiments, increasing energy and initiative, and contrasts fear-based accountability with “circular accountability,” including an Atlanta seminar where a VP recognized fear-driven management was harming results. Rich then describes Menlo's intentional culture and hiring: valuing “good kindergarten skills,” using tours as recruitment, and conducting “extreme interviews” with paired candidates, paid real-work trials, and a focus on supporting others.00:00 Welcome to Our Agile Tales01:38 A Friday Fear Story03:22 Fear Kills Innovation04:21 Try It Before Defeat06:04 MassMutual Balloon Experiments10:23 Why Fear Fails Leaders11:28 Circular Accountability Lesson16:27 Menlo Culture and Hiring16:55 Kindergarten Skills Hiring18:58 Tours and Culture Alignment23:22 Extreme Interview Process27:06 Paid Trials and Onboarding29:41 Closing and Next EpisodeAbout Rich SheridanRich Sheridan is the CEO and Chief Storyteller at Menlo Innovations and the best-selling author of Joy Inc. and Chief Joy Officer. He has spent years traveling across four continents and nearly 20 countries, helping organizations rethink not just how they work but also what it feels like to be part of them. His core message is simple: joy isn't optional—it's essential to productivity, profitability, and real team energy.Rich's ideas have been featured in Forbes, Inc., NPR, and Harvard Business Review. What sets him apart is that he's been living these principles for over 20 years at Menlo, the company he co-founded in Ann Arbor, Michigan—now known worldwide for its uniquely joyful culture.Follow Rich Sheridan at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/menloprezYou can check out Menlo Innovations' tours and workshops at: https://menloinnovations.com/tours-and-workshopsMusic: https://www.purple-planet.comVisit us at https://www.ouragiletales.com/about

Welcome to Live from 495 — where real conversations meet real impact. Today, we're joined by AJ Lemarier is a financial planner with Commonwealth Financial Group, the Boston-based, MassMutual-affiliated firm that serves more than 95,000 clients and builds customized plans rather than one-size-fits-all products. His approach was shaped early by watching what a well-chosen policy meant for his own family during a crisis — an experience that pushed him toward hardworking business owners who are busy building something and rarely stop to protect it. In this episode, AJ joins us to talk about financial confidence, what most small business owners get wrong about planning, and why the right advisor is a relationship, not a transaction.Securities, investment advisory services and financial planning are offered through qualified registered representatives of MML Investors Services, LLC, Member SIPC (www.sipc.org (-> urldefense.com)).Supervisory office: 280 Congress Street, Suite 1300, Boston, MA 02210 Tel: 617-439-4389. CRN202905-11283273Contact Information:Tye Jordanhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/tye-jordanhttps://cinchit.com/locations/marlborough-maAJ Lemarierhttps://www.commonwealthfinancialgroup.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/aj-lemarier-87337a114/

In this episode, host Olivier Lafontaine is joined by four industry leaders from the Life Accelerated Summit: Richard Wiedenbeck, Principal Consultant at Avatar Solutions LLC; John Brabazon, CFO at SBLI; Matthew Busbee, Chief Data Officer at Pan-American Life Insurance; and Sheriff Balogun Jr., Head of Insurance and Wealth Technology at MassMutual. Together, they explore the current and future impact of artificial intelligence on the insurance industry. From navigating legacy systems to overcoming regulatory hurdles, the panelists dive deep into AI's role in business transformation. They discuss how AI can drive operational efficiencies, improve customer experience, and shape workforce dynamics. The conversation also highlights how insurance companies are preparing their teams for AI adoption, the challenges of managing AI agents, and the evolving leadership structures needed in the age of AI.   Key Takeaways: AI is not just a tool but a key player in reshaping insurance workforces and operational models. Talent management and knowledge transfer are critical as AI continues to automate processes. Balancing governance, AI responsibility, and data privacy is central to successful AI adoption. Organizational structures need to evolve, with a focus on AI ownership and oversight. Building an AI-enabled culture requires a shift in mindset and deep collaboration across teams. Jump Into the Conversation:(00:00) Intro and context - what this episode covers (02:15) Meet the panelists - Richard Wiedenbeck, John Brabazon, Matthew Busbee, and Sherriff Balogun Jr. (05:33) MassMutual's top technology priorities - talent, AI productivity, and legacy modernization (08:46) Pan-American Life's AI strategy across 20+ countries and regulatory complexity (12:46) SBLI's approach - small company, big transformation, policy admin overhaul (14:41) Ameritas' AI playbook - unit cost reduction, AI workers, and workforce mindset (20:02) The real challenges of technology transformation - legacy systems, buy-in, and change management (25:11) Knowledge management - capturing expertise before your best people retire (32:04) Who owns AI in the C-suite - CIO, COO, or something new entirely (36:08) AI workers in practice - the Herbie and Susie story from Ameritas (40:01) Rethinking the SDLC - why "deploy and learn" beats "test until perfect" (43:30) What happens when human expertise retires and AI is all that's left (46:02) AlphaGo, gamification, and how humans will learn from AI in the future (48:30) Takeaways - be intentional, build governance muscle, don't wait for perfection Resources: Connect with Richard Wiedenbeck: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-wiedenbeck-6a752/ Connect with John Brabazon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-brabazon-cpa-3a81901b/ Connect with Matthew Busbee: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mbusbee/ Connect with Sherriff Balogun Jr.: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherriffbalogunjr/  

Enterprise AI is entering a new phase, one defined less by experimentation and more by measurable business value. In this summit panel episode of Technovation, Steven Norton speaks with Richard Jardim of CIBC, Sears Merritt of MassMutual, and Shekar Pannala of The Hartford about what it really takes to scale AI responsibly inside large, highly regulated enterprises. The discussion explores how leading organizations are rethinking software development, governance, operating models, and financial discipline as AI capabilities rapidly evolve. Key topics include: Moving from AI pilots to measurable P&L impact Reducing feature lead times through AI-enabled development Modernizing legacy systems with GenAI Building governance-by-design operating models Managing the shift to consumption-based AI economics

After years of declining dividend rates during the low-interest-rate era, every major mutual life insurance company in our latest analysis is trending upward. This is the first update to our flagship whole life dividend analysis since 2020, and the shift is hard to miss. We walk through 10 years of dividend interest rate data for Guardian, MassMutual, Northwestern Mutual, New York Life, Penn Mutual, and Lafayette Life. You'll hear why you can't directly compare one company's rate to another's, and why the intra-company trend is what actually matters. We talk through what's driving the recovery, including the higher interest rate environment that's letting insurers reinvest at meaningfully better yields. You'll also hear which carriers are recovering fastest, which are lagging, and where the warning signs would appear if a company's next announcement fell outside its normal range. A few things we cover along the way: why standard deviation tells a different story than average change, why Penn Mutual's famous flat streak ended the way it did, and why Lafayette Life's recent acceleration puts them in a category of their own. Just remember, dividend performance is one data point among several. Product design, policy structure, and how the contract is used matter just as much, and often more, for cash value outcomes. ______________________________________ If you want to talk through how any of this applies to a specific situation, you can schedule a call or if you prefer to write us first, just click right here.  

HR1 - In an abbreviated version of the Christian Arcand Show ahead of the Red Sox kicking off a six game homestand in St.Louis. Arcand discusses the Celtics loss to the Knicks in Jayson Tatum's return to MSG after tearing his Achilles there last year. Christian turns his attention to the latest development in the Mike Vrabel/Dianna Russini saga. Finally, Arcand turns his attention to the Red Sox leading into the MassMutual pregame show.

Join your host Syama Bunten, as she talks with Abbe Large. Abbe built one of the most decorated careers in financial services — the only woman in MassMutual's history since 1851 to win both Freshman Five and Chairman's Club — but her road there started with nothing but grit. Growing up in a dysfunctional household, working her first job at 14, and putting herself through college while paying her own rent in New York City, Abbe learned early that if it was going to happen, it was up to her. Now, after more than three decades of helping families protect what matters most, Abbe brings something most advisors can't — a lived understanding of what it actually feels like to be on the other side of the table. She's not selling a script. She's sharing a life. This episode is packed with hard-won wisdom on financial planning, family legacy, raising money-smart kids, and why the spouse in the corner needs to be at the table. Key Topics: How early self-reliance can become your greatest professional asset Why finding the right culture and people to surround yourself with matters as much as the work itself How to talk about money at home — practical ways Abbe raised financially literate kids who now manage their own travel budgets and credit card points The critical estate planning mistake that cost one widow hundreds of thousands of dollars — and how to make sure it doesn't happen to your family Why listeners who have a spouse or partner need both people in the room during financial planning conversations — and what's at stake when they don't What the accumulation, distribution, and preservation phases of wealth actually look like — and why most people only think about one of them How to know if your existing financial plan is outdated, incomplete, or just plain wrong — and what to do about it   Connect with Abbe Large online:  Website: https://www.lenoxadvisors.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbeflarge/  Email: alarge@lenoxadvisors.com   Find more from Syama Bunten:  Attend a Salon near you: wealthcatalyst.com/salons Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/syama.co/  Join Syama's Substack: https://thewealthcatalystwithsyama.substack.com/  Website: https://wealthcatalyst.com  Download Syama's Free Resources: https://wealthcatalyst.com/resources  Wealth Catalyst Summit: https://wealthcatalyst.com/summits  Speaking: https://syamabunten.com  Big Delta Capital: www.bigdeltacapital.com

You went to law school to practice law—not to work a room full of strangers with sweaty palms and a stack of business cards. Yet here you are, five or six years in, and your entire career trajectory depends on "bringing in business." Nobody taught you how.In this episode, Gary Miles sits down with Michael Goldberg, founder of Knock Out Networking and a two-time TEDx speaker who has helped thousands of financial professionals generate hundreds of thousands of dollars through strategic networking. Now expanding his focus to help attorneys, Michael shares his proven system for knowing exactly where to go, what to say, and with whom.From his unexpected journey through restaurant management to becoming one of the nation's leading networking experts (and yes, a real competitive amateur boxer), Michael breaks down why most professionals get networking completely wrong—and how lawyers can shift from awkward card-exchanging to building powerful referral relationships that fuel sustainable growth.Whether you're a junior associate expected to bring in business with zero training, or a seasoned attorney looking to systematize your business development, this conversation delivers practical strategies you can implement this week.Who This Episode Is For:Attorneys expected to bring in business but never taught how—especially those who find networking uncomfortable or unproductive.What You'll Learn:→ Why genuine connection beats selling every time→ The four phases of networking (events are only 25%)→ How to own your calendar so business development actually happens→ The "chicken and egg" strategy for building referral relationshipsMichael Goldberg is the founder of Knock Out Networking, a speaking, training, and coaching firm that has helped financial advisors, brokers, and agents generate hundreds of thousands of dollars in new business over the past two decades. His client roster includes Morgan Stanley, Merrill Lynch, UBS, Mass Mutual, Chubb Insurance, and Northern Trust.A two-time TEDx speaker, Michael holds the Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designation—an honor earned by fewer than 5% of speakers worldwide. He is the author of Knock Out Networking for Financial Advisors and founder of THE Networking Group, a national networking organization for sales professionals and business owners.Michael has taught public speaking as an award-winning adjunct professor at Rutgers University for over 22 years. And yes—he's also a competitive amateur boxer, proving that "Knock Out Networking" is more than just clever branding.Connect with Michael:Email: michael@konetworking.comWebsite: knockoutnetworking.com[02:00] Michael's journey: From restaurant management to networking expert[06:00] Moving to Florida and rebuilding community from scratch[07:15] Boxing as a real sport—and a metaphor for connection[09:00] What makes Michael's networking approach different[10:15] Genuine connection vs. what most people think networking is[13:00] The power of listening (without being silent)[14:30] Parallels between financial advisors and attorneys in business development[17:30] Working with lawyers: Where most attorneys get stuck[19:00] The four phases of networking: Prep, presentation, follow-up, staying in touch[20:40] Virtual vs. in-person networking: The hybrid advantage[22:15] Owning your calendar and building accountability systems[25:20] The biggest obstacle in communicating your value—and how to overcome it[27:30] The mindset shift lawyers need to make[29:30] The role of mentors and outside perspective[31:40] Designing your business and life for freedom[33:00] The "chicken and egg" theory: Centers of influence vs. prospectsWould you like to learn what it looks like to become a truly Free Lawyer? You can schedule a complimentary call here: https://calendly.com/garymiles-successcoach/one-one-discovery-callYou can find The Free Lawyer Assessment here- https://www.garymiles.net/the-free-lawyer-assessment

What happens when a $16 billion RIA decides to double down on leadership, integration, and “advisor intelligence” in the middle of an AI-driven vortex of change?   In this episode of the Registered Investment Advisor Podcast, Seth Greene interviews Jennifer des Groseilliers, CEO of The Mather Group, who shares how her path from Vermont to law school to leadership roles at Ameriprise, MetLife, and a MassMutual franchise ultimately led her to the helm of The Mather Group, a $16 billion fee-only RIA. As a key leader at The Mather Group, Jennifer oversees a 190-person team, 40 wealth advisors, and a growth engine built on 23 acquisitions, an integrated planning platform, and a niche focus on Fortune 200 executives nearing retirement. She discusses leadership development, behavioral finance, and the rise of AI in wealth management—explaining why “advisor intelligence” is now the real differentiator for firms that want to win the next decade.   Key Takeaways: → How taking over compliance, portfolio management, and back-office operations for acquired firms frees advisors to focus on client-facing work and deep planning. → Why it's essential to bifurcate sales and advice and how that structure enhances both growth and advisor effectiveness. → How AI is creating a vortex of change in financial services and why advisor intelligence around values, behavior, and trust matters more than ever. → Why The Mather Group sees itself as an integrator, not an aggregator. → How carefully refined and consistent platform allowed the firm to scale to roughly $16 billion in AUM.   Jennifer des Groseilliers is the Chief Executive Officer of The Mather Group. Jen cultivates a collaborative culture through inclusive and supportive leadership. Her unwavering commitment to keeping clients at the center of all efforts drives her approach. Jen's extensive professional experience includes serving as a Managing Partner in the MetLife Premier Client Group in 2013, leading a team of over 160 financial advisors. She became the CEO of MassMutual Illinois in 2016 and, in 2020, after a merger with WestPoint Financial Group, assumed the role of Partner and Chief Experience Officer, leading various departments, including Investments, Compliance, Practice Development, and Financial Planning.   Connect With Jennifer:   Website: https://www.themathergroup.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialtmgwealth/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TMGTheMatherGroup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferadesgroseilliers/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/themathergroup   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when a $16 billion RIA decides to double down on leadership, integration, and “advisor intelligence” in the middle of an AI-driven vortex of change?   In this episode of the Registered Investment Advisor Podcast, Seth Greene interviews Jennifer des Groseilliers, CEO of The Mather Group, who shares how her path from Vermont to law school to leadership roles at Ameriprise, MetLife, and a MassMutual franchise ultimately led her to the helm of The Mather Group, a $16 billion fee-only RIA. As a key leader at The Mather Group, Jennifer oversees a 190-person team, 40 wealth advisors, and a growth engine built on 23 acquisitions, an integrated planning platform, and a niche focus on Fortune 200 executives nearing retirement. She discusses leadership development, behavioral finance, and the rise of AI in wealth management—explaining why “advisor intelligence” is now the real differentiator for firms that want to win the next decade.   Key Takeaways: → How taking over compliance, portfolio management, and back-office operations for acquired firms frees advisors to focus on client-facing work and deep planning. → Why it's essential to bifurcate sales and advice and how that structure enhances both growth and advisor effectiveness. → How AI is creating a vortex of change in financial services and why advisor intelligence around values, behavior, and trust matters more than ever. → Why The Mather Group sees itself as an integrator, not an aggregator. → How carefully refined and consistent platform allowed the firm to scale to roughly $16 billion in AUM.   Jennifer des Groseilliers is the Chief Executive Officer of The Mather Group. Jen cultivates a collaborative culture through inclusive and supportive leadership. Her unwavering commitment to keeping clients at the center of all efforts drives her approach. Jen's extensive professional experience includes serving as a Managing Partner in the MetLife Premier Client Group in 2013, leading a team of over 160 financial advisors. She became the CEO of MassMutual Illinois in 2016 and, in 2020, after a merger with WestPoint Financial Group, assumed the role of Partner and Chief Experience Officer, leading various departments, including Investments, Compliance, Practice Development, and Financial Planning.   Connect With Jennifer:   Website: https://www.themathergroup.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialtmgwealth/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TMGTheMatherGroup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferadesgroseilliers/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/themathergroup   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is infinite banking with Mass Mutual a good company for infinite banking? In this video, Caleb Guilliams and Alden Armstrong review Mass Mutual Insurance Company for Infinite Banking, breaking down the companies COMDEX ratings, dividend performance, best policy designs, pros and cons, and more! Want the IBC Company Guide Book: Click Here: https://bttr.ly/ibc-guide Want a Life Insurance Policy? Go Here: https://bttr.ly/bw-yt-aa-clarity Want FREE Whole Life Insurance Resources & Education? Go Here: https://bttr.ly/yt-bw-vault Want Us To Review Your Permanent Life Insurance Policy? Click Here: https://bttr.ly/yt-policy-review ______________________________________________ Learn More About BetterWealth: https://betterwealth.com ==================== DISCLAIMER: https://bttr.ly/aapolicy *This video is for entertainment purposes only and is not financial or legal advice. Financial Advice Disclaimer: All content on this channel is for education, discussion, and illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as professional financial advice or recommendation. Should you need such advice, consult a licensed financial or tax advisor. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of the information on this channel. Neither host nor guests can be held responsible for any direct or incidental loss incurred by applying any of the information offered.

"If the average person just more consistently did what they already know they'd be healthier, happier, and be making more money." – Brian Moran Brian Moran the New York Times bestselling author of "The 12 Week Year: Get More Done in 12 Weeks than Others Do in 12 Months" is going to share how to get more done in less time. He will take us into this execution system he developed while also sharing easy to implement time management strategies. He also connects the dots back to why it is important to create our life vision so we can structure our time and goals around that vision. You will learn tactical steps that you can use today to move closer to the life you desire. Loved this conversation so much! Please be sure to share it with your friends who would benefit from this information. Also be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts so you don't miss an episode. Resources Mentioned: ·       JOIN THE NEWSLETTER + Receive A List of 52-Selfcare Tips ·       CONNECT WITH MICHELE ON IG ·       Buy Michele's Book, Design a Life You Love ·       Brian's Book: The 12 Week Year: Get More Done in 12 Weeks than Others Do in 12 Months ·       Brian's website – https://12weekyear.com/ – Thank you for listening to the show!   KEY TOPICS ·       Reintroducing Brian Moran and The 12 Week Year (0:00) ·       Bridging the Knowing–Doing Gap with The 12 Week Year (2:47) ·       Shifting from Annual to 12-Week Planning for Focused Goals (6:38) ·       Aligning Your Vision with Measurable Goals and Specific Actions (12:57) ·       How to Stay Connected to Your Vision and Manage Time Effectively (22:17) ·       Implementing Strategic, Buffer, and Breakout Blocks with Flexibility (27:41) ·       Understanding Habits, Routines, and Key Traits for Success (35:27) ·       Brian Moran's Morning Routine and Embracing Discomfort for Growth (39:29)   Guest Bio: Brian Moran, President and Founder of The 12 Week Year, has thirty plus years of expertise as a corporate executive, entrepreneur, consultant and coach. Brian is a recognized expert in the field of leadership and execution. His realization that most people don't lack ideas, but struggle with effective implementation led him to the development of 'The 12 Week Year'. His client list includes industry leaders like Allstate, Aon, Becton Dickinson, Dunkin' Brands, Keller Williams, Mass Mutual, Medtronic, Merrill Lynch, Meritage Homes, Nationwide, New York Life, Papa Johns Pizza, Prudential State Farm and Taylor Made just to name a few.   If you enjoyed this interview, please take a moment to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or other podcast player. *The Good Life with Michele Lamoureux podcast and content provided by Michele Lamoureux is for educational and entertainment purposes only. It does NOT constitute medical, mental health, professional, personal, or any kind of advice or serve as a substitute for such advice. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user's own risk. Always consult a qualified healthcare or trusted provider for any decisions regarding your health and wellbeing. This episode may contain affiliate links.

Is your money working as hard as it could? In this episode, Cameron Christiansen and Anthony Faso discuss the critical topic of dividends and their role in infinite banking (IBC). Dividends aren't just industry news—they directly impact the cash value of IBC policies, loan repayment flexibility, and the potential to redeploy capital into passive income opportunities. While most investors view dividends as a general industry trend, IBC users understand their deeper importance. Cameron and Anthony explain the difference between a dividend and the dividend interest rate (DIR), why understanding these metrics matters for IBC, and how companies such as Penn Mutual, Lafayette Life, and MassMutual have shown steady dividend growth year after year. You will learn why you shouldn't focus solely on the dividend rate, but also pay attention to your insurance company's overall financial health.  Tune in for insights on how smart IBC users leverage dividends to build more flexibility, control, and growth. In This Episode: - Definition of dividends and the dividend interest rates - Why dividends matter for IBC users - Penn Mutual, Lafayette Life, and MassMutual's dividend performance - Why some companies don't declare their dividend interest rates - Why you shouldn't focus solely on the dividend rate - What do dividends mean for people practicing infinite banking? - How dividends impact cash value and loan repayment flexibility - Why looking at the dividends and dividend rates matters   Resources: 

“ Lining up your environment with the person you want to become and how you want to feel is crucial,” explains Jim Murphy.  Murphy, a former professional baseball player turned performance coach and a #1 New York Times bestselling author, joined us today to explain how cultivating inner excellence can unlock both peak performance and deeper fulfillment in life. Here are the takeaways:  - What is true achievement (~2:45)  - Finding the right pursuit (~5:25) - How to achieve your goal outcome (~6:35) - The 8 attachments (~8:00) - How to achieve inner excellence (~9:40) - The need for love (~10:30) - The role of environment (~12:00) - Finding awe & wonder (~13:20) - The importance of spirituality (~14:15) - Athletes with inner excellence (~16:00) - The 4 process goals (~18:45) - What the best coaches have in common (~21:30) - What is the virus of the heart (~23:40) - Murphy's experience (~24:45) - The importance of service & joy (~30:40) - What does success look like (~31:50) - Raising the next generation (~34:00) - Murphy's advice to himself (~34:20) - Finding gratitude (~36:30) Referenced in the episode:  - Follow Murphy on Instagram (@innerexcellencejimmurphy)  - Check out his website (https://innerexcellence.com/)  - Pick up his book, Inner Excellence (https://www.amazon.com/Inner-Excellence-Extraordinary-Performance-Possible/dp/1538777800/ref=monarch_sidesheet_image)   - Read his newest book, The Best Possible Life (https://www.amazon.com/Best-Possible-Life-Contentment-Confidence-No/dp/1734654848)  This episode of the mindbodygreen podcast was created in partnership with MassMutual. MassMutual believes in helping people live well—so they can live more. Learn more at MassMutual.com/Wellness. We hope you enjoy this episode, and feel free to watch the full video on YouTube! Whether it's an article or podcast, we want to know what we can do to help here at mindbodygreen. Let us know at: podcast@mindbodygreen.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For most of your life, retirement planning has likely centered around saving and building wealth. But what happens when the paychecks stop and it's time to start replacing your income withdrawing from your retirement savings and investments?  In this episode, SHP Financial Co-Founder Derek Gregoire is joined by Kyle Britton, Lead Advisor at SHP Financial. Together, they explore what it truly means to go beyond the Xs and Os of investing and step into retirement with purpose, clarity, and confidence. You'll hear Derek and Kyle talk about how the biggest retirement challenges are often psychological, not financial. They discuss why so many retirees struggle to give themselves permission to spend what they've earned, and how purpose and identity—two things often tied to careers—must be redefined as we enter this next phase of life.  Drawing from real client stories and recent research, Kyle highlights what truly drives happiness in retirement and how to create a plan that supports both your finances and your fulfillment.  In this podcast interview, you'll learn: Why retirement planning goes far beyond investments and tax strategies. The biggest psychological hurdle retirees face: giving themselves permission to spend. How to shift your mindset from "Do I have enough?" to "What's possible?" in retirement. The four key ingredients of a fulfilling retirement, according to a recent MassMutual study. How to redefine your purpose and legacy in the next chapter of your life. Want the Full Show Notes? To get access to the full show notes, including audio, transcripts, and links to all the resources mentioned, visit SHPfinancial.com/podcast Connect With Us on Social Facebook LinkedIn YouTube

FREE DOWNLOAD: 6 Steps to Kickstart your Retirement Transformation: https://bit.ly/3HFivoy Everyone says retirement will make you happier, but new research shows that's not always true. In this video, Mark and Jody unpack the surprising findings from a MassMutual survey of over 2,000 retirees and pre-retirees to reveal why so many people feel unfulfilled after leaving work. You'll learn what truly drives happiness in retirement, the biggest mindset mistakes people make, and how to redefine this chapter so it feels meaningful, active, and connected. If you're wondering when to retire or how to avoid disappointment once you do, this conversation is a must-watch. #retirement_transformed #retirementcouple #retirement BUY MARK'S BOOK! The Evolving Man: Life Virtues Men Don't Talk About USEFUL FINANCIAL TOOLS https://geni.us/new_retirement Use this link for a FREE 14 Day Trial! [Get the FREE Downsizing Guide] How to prepare to downsize your home CONNECT: Engage in our Free Facebook Community ✔️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/retirementtransformed ✔️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/retirementtransformed ✔️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/retirementtransformed ✔️ Amazon Shop: https://www.amazon.com/shop/retirementtransformed ABOUT RETIREMENT TRANSFORMED Husband and wife duo, Mark & Jody Rollins, inspire and serve as personal guides to meaningful, transformational journeys for individuals who are planning for, going through or are living in retirement. This is everything in retirement beyond your financial plan. We are not financial advisors or medical experts. Any advice we give is our own and should not be taken as professional advice. This video is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Please seek professional assistance before making any financial decisions or changes that can affect your physical or mental health. FTC: Some links mentioned above may be affiliate links, which means we earn a small commission if you buy a product from the specific link. This video is not sponsored. All Content and video segments are the copyright and owned by ©Retirement Transformed and cannot be used without permission.

THE TIM JONES AND CHRIS ARPS SHOW 0:00 SEG 1 Hegseth doubles down on no dudes in dresses 18:29 SEG 2 DAVID STOKES, Director of Municipal Policy at the Show-Me Institute | TOPIC: MetroLink Green Line Dropped | Chesterfield’s Secretive Building Purchase – Critics, including the city’s former mayor, say Chesterfield officials have been too secretive about plans to buy the $17.3 million Mass Mutual office complex. Questions are being raised about transparency, price, and whether the city should be in the commercial real estate business. | Brentwood Blight Battle – Brentwood won the first round in court over its decision to declare properties along Manchester Road “blighted” to clear the way for a $400 million redevelopmenthttps://showmeinstitute.org/author/david-stokes/https://x.com/DavidCStokes 35:30 SEG 3 Chris’ Corner talks about Trump winning his lawsuit against YouTube https://newstalkstl.com/ FOLLOW TIM - https://twitter.com/SpeakerTimJones FOLLOW CHRIS - https://twitter.com/chris_arps 24/7 LIVESTREAM - http://bit.ly/NEWSTALKSTLSTREAMS RUMBLE - https://rumble.com/NewsTalkSTL See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

THE TIM JONES AND CHRIS ARPS SHOW 0:00 SEG 1 Hegseth doubles down on no dudes in dresses 18:29 SEG 2 DAVID STOKES, Director of Municipal Policy at the Show-Me Institute | TOPIC: MetroLink Green Line Dropped | Chesterfield’s Secretive Building Purchase – Critics, including the city’s former mayor, say Chesterfield officials have been too secretive about plans to buy the $17.3 million Mass Mutual office complex. Questions are being raised about transparency, price, and whether the city should be in the commercial real estate business. | Brentwood Blight Battle – Brentwood won the first round in court over its decision to declare properties along Manchester Road “blighted” to clear the way for a $400 million redevelopmenthttps://showmeinstitute.org/author/david-stokes/https://x.com/DavidCStokes 35:30 SEG 3 Chris’ Corner talks about Trump winning his lawsuit against YouTube https://newstalkstl.com/ FOLLOW TIM - https://twitter.com/SpeakerTimJones FOLLOW CHRIS - https://twitter.com/chris_arps 24/7 LIVESTREAM - http://bit.ly/NEWSTALKSTLSTREAMS RUMBLE - https://rumble.com/NewsTalkSTL See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“I want people to look at their toothpaste just like they look at their food labels,” says Staci Whitman, DMD.  Staci Whitman, DMD, board-certified pediatric dentist and a leader in functional dentistry, joins us today to share science-backed insights on how your oral health influences your whole-body health, and the simple steps you can take to optimize it:  - Oral health is the cornerstone of longevity (~3:00)  - Oral health & cognitive function (~4:30) - Testing (6:00) - Symptoms of oral dysbiosis (~10:00) - Nutrition for oral care (~12:00) - The importance of nasal breathing (~14:30) - Flossing & water picks (~15:00) - The impact of ultra-processed foods (~16:00) - Her daily routine (~17:00) - How to find the best products (~21:00) - The truth about fluoride (~25:00) - What is dental fluorosis? (~30:00) - Hydroxyapatite &  theobromine (~31:00) - Her oral healthcare line, Fygg (~33:00) - The case against mouthwash (~34:45) - How to drink coffee to protect your teeth (~37:00) - How to whiten your teeth (~38:00) - The risks of veneers (~42:30) - Root canal experiences (~43:15) - The Institute of Functional Dentistry (~52:00) Referenced in the episode:  - Follow Whitman on Instagram (@doctor_staci & @feedyourgoodguys) - Check out her website (https://doctorstaci.com/)  - Use code MBG20 for 20% off a purchase at fygg.com (one-time and subscription) This episode of the mindbodygreen podcast was created in partnership with MassMutual. MassMutual believes in helping people live well—so they can live more. Learn more at MassMutual.com/Wellness. We hope you enjoy this episode, and feel free to watch the full video on YouTube! Whether it's an article or podcast, we want to know what we can do to help here at mindbodygreen. Let us know at: podcast@mindbodygreen.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vinod Metra is an accomplished IT executive with over 25 years of leadership in spearheading global teams and driving multimillion-dollar technology transformations at industry giants like Fidelity, JPMC, MassMutual, State Street and more. Most recently, Vinod served as Fractional CTO at StonePeak, where he guided strategic tech initiatives. Holding a Master's from Harvard and a Wharton CTO certification, Vinod brings deep expertise in AI, cloud/data cloud platforms, and transformative projects in finance and environmental services. Listen NOW as he shares his insights on architecting AI-ready data platforms and navigating the dynamic role of tech executives in today's AI-driven landscape.

Derek interviews NY Times best selling author, Brian Moran. Brian Moran has over thirty years of expertise as a CEO, corporate executive, entrepreneur, consultant and coach. His background as a corporate executive combined with his experience as an entrepreneur positions him with a unique skill set to help individuals and organizations grow and prosper.Brian's corporate experience includes management and executive positions with UPS, PepsiCo, and Northern Automotive. As an entrepreneur he has personally launched and led successful businesses and been instrumental in the success of many others. In addition, he has consulted for dozens of world-class companies including Coldwell Banker, Mass Mutual, Medtronic, New York Life, and Tiffany & Co.Brian is a recognized expert in the field of leadership and execution. His realization that most people don't lack ideas but struggle with effective implementation led him to the development of The 12 Week Year. In addition to his books, Brian has been published in many of the leading business journals and magazines. He is a sought after speaker, educating and inspiring thousands each year.He is a visionary with a passion for helping others go beyond what they think they are capable of and achieve more than they ever thought possible. His greatest strength might be his ability to take success principles and strategies and help others apply them in a way that is powerful and effective, and gets results.Learn more at: https://12weekyear.com/Business Leadership Series Intro and Outro music provided by Just Off Turner: https://music.apple.com/za/album/the-long-walk-back/268386576

As a leader, you've got to know your numbers. But you can't maximize your impact as a leader unless you know how to make those numbers mean something to your team. In this episode, David talks with Roger Crandall, President and CEO of MassMutual, a leader who blends sharp analytics with powerful storytelling. You'll learn how to turn data and revenue goals into human-centered stories that actually move people to act. Plus, Roger shares a thoughtful perspective on AI and leadership that you probably haven't heard yet. If you want to lead with more clarity, connection, and purpose (even in a data-driven world), this episode is for you. You'll also learn: Why bureaucracy always tries to sneak back in — and how to stop it The question you're probably asking wrong in your one-on-ones How uncertainty can actually drive your best growth The trick to keeping your team hungry after a big win Take your learning further. Get proven leadership advice from these (free!) resources: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The How Leaders Lead App⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: A vast library of 90-second leadership lessons to stay sharp on the go  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Daily Insight Emails⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: One small (but powerful!) leadership principle to focus on each day Whichever you choose, you can be sure you'll get the trusted leadership advice you need to advance your career, develop your team, and grow your business.

"People don't react to reality. They react to their experience of reality," explains Josh Davis, Ph.D. & Greg Prosmushkin.  Josh Davis, Ph.D., cognitive scientist, Columbia-trained psychologist, and author, & Greg Prosmushkin, trial lawyer and author, join us to explain how neurolinguistic programming (NLP) can help dissolve conflict, reframe limiting beliefs, and fuel lasting behavior change. Plus:  - What is NLP (~1:45) - The science of NLP (~3:20) - Using language as a tool (~5:10) - Using NLP in real life (~6:40) - Handling difficult situations (~8:45) - How to de-escalate triggering situations (~11:55) -  Reality is subjective (~15:25) - Establishing well-formed outcomes (~19:45) - The importance of learning goals (~20:25) - Are you running away from or to something? (~26:10) - Goals for health (~29:12) - Different types of motivation (~32:30) - Using NLP to be persuasive (~35:25) - Identifying language patterns (~40:00) - NLP for education (~44:00) - How to achieve your goals (~50:00) Referenced in the episode: - Pick up their book, The Difference That Makes The Difference (https://www.amazon.com/dp/1250349087)   - Learn more about Josh Davis, Ph.D. (https://www.twoawesomehours.com/)  - Follow Greg Prosmushkin on Instagram (@gregproslaw)  - Check out Prosmushkin‘s website (https://gproslaw.com/)  This episode of the mindbodygreen podcast was created in partnership with MassMutual. MassMutual believes in helping people live well—so they can live more. Learn more at MassMutual.com/Wellness. We hope you enjoy this episode, and feel free to watch the full video on YouTube! Whether it's an article or podcast, we want to know what we can do to help here at mindbodygreen. Let us know at: podcast@mindbodygreen.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Looking for the right whole life insurance company in 2025? We break down the major players in the participating whole life insurance market and discuss what makes each one unique. You'll learn which companies excel at cash accumulation and which ones focus more on providing affordable permanent death benefits. We cover over a dozen companies including Guardian, MassMutual, Northwestern Mutual, New York Life, Penn Mutual, and more. You'll discover why some companies are easier to work with than others and what product features matter most for your specific situation. We share insights based on years of experience reviewing policies and working with these companies directly. This isn't about ranking companies from best to worst. Instead, we explain how different companies serve different purposes and why the "best" company depends entirely on your goals. Whether you're interested in maximizing cash value growth or simply need permanent life insurance coverage, you'll gain valuable perspective on your options. We also discuss the importance of understanding that not all whole life policies are created equal. You'll learn why working with an experienced agent matters and how product design can dramatically impact your results. ______________________________ Ready to explore your whole life insurance options? Contact us to discuss which company and product design might work best for your specific situation and goals.

Leslie Hammock was born in Perry, Georgia, graduated from Stratford Academy, and later graduated from Mercer University in Macon, Georgia. He began his career with Mass Mutual. After a number of successful years, Leslie founded his own firm. Leslie has extensive personal and professional experience with an emphasis on Retirement and Estate planning strategies for professionals, business owners, and individuals working in both private and government sectors.Leslie has been the recipient of the National Quality Award. He is also a long-time member of the International Association of Registered Financial Consultants (RFC), a member of the National Ethics Association, and an Independent Fiduciary Investment Advisor.Leslie is an approved adult financial education instructor and holds classes at numerous local colleges on the subjects of Investment Planning, Retirement Planning, Social Security Maximization, Estate Planning, and many other topics.Leslie is dedicated to developing lasting relationships with all his clients in their wealth accumulation and preservation objectives. He takes pride in his ability to provide clear, easily understood strategies using various financial products, services, and cutting-edge analytical technology.Learn more: http://www.retirebydesign.com/Disclosure:Securities and investment advisory services offered through Integrity Alliance, LLC, Member SIPC. Integrity Wealth is a marketing name for Integrity Alliance, LLC. Retire By Design is not affiliated with Integrity Wealth.IUL Disclosure:Indexed Universal Life Insurance is an insurance contract that, depending on the contract, may offer a guaranteed annual interest rate and some participation growth, if any, of a stock market index. Such contracts have substantial variation in terms, costs of guarantees and features and may cap participation or returns in significant ways. Any guarantees offered are backed by the financial strength of the insurance company, not an outside entity. Investors are cautioned to carefully review an indexed universal life insurance for its features, costs, risks, and how the variables are calculated.SSA & SSA Max Disclosures:Not associated with or endorsed by the Social Security Administration, Medicare or any other government agency. Maximizing your Social Security Benefits assumes foreknowledge of your date of death. If as an example you wait to claim a higher monthly benefit amount but predecease your average life expectancy, it would have been better to claim your benefits at an earlier age with reduced benefits.Influential Entrepreneurs with Mike Saundershttps://businessinnovatorsradio.com/influential-entrepreneurs-with-mike-saunders/Source: https://businessinnovatorsradio.com/interview-with-leslie-hammock-founder-of-retire-by-design-discussing-sequence-of-return

Leslie Hammock was born in Perry, Georgia, graduated from Stratford Academy, and later graduated from Mercer University in Macon, Georgia. He began his career with Mass Mutual. After a number of successful years, Leslie founded his own firm. Leslie has extensive personal and professional experience with an emphasis on Retirement and Estate planning strategies for professionals, business owners, and individuals working in both private and government sectors.Leslie has been the recipient of the National Quality Award. He is also a long-time member of the International Association of Registered Financial Consultants (RFC), a member of the National Ethics Association, and an Independent Fiduciary Investment Advisor.Leslie is an approved adult financial education instructor and holds classes at numerous local colleges on the subjects of Investment Planning, Retirement Planning, Social Security Maximization, Estate Planning, and many other topics.Leslie is dedicated to developing lasting relationships with all his clients in their wealth accumulation and preservation objectives. He takes pride in his ability to provide clear, easily understood strategies using various financial products, services, and cutting-edge analytical technology.Learn more: http://www.retirebydesign.com/Disclosure:Securities and investment advisory services offered through Integrity Alliance, LLC, Member SIPC. Integrity Wealth is a marketing name for Integrity Alliance, LLC. Retire By Design is not affiliated with Integrity Wealth.IUL Disclosure:Indexed Universal Life Insurance is an insurance contract that, depending on the contract, may offer a guaranteed annual interest rate and some participation growth, if any, of a stock market index. Such contracts have substantial variation in terms, costs of guarantees and features and may cap participation or returns in significant ways. Any guarantees offered are backed by the financial strength of the insurance company, not an outside entity. Investors are cautioned to carefully review an indexed universal life insurance for its features, costs, risks, and how the variables are calculated.SSA & SSA Max Disclosures:Not associated with or endorsed by the Social Security Administration, Medicare or any other government agency. Maximizing your Social Security Benefits assumes foreknowledge of your date of death. If as an example you wait to claim a higher monthly benefit amount but predecease your average life expectancy, it would have been better to claim your benefits at an earlier age with reduced benefits.Influential Entrepreneurs with Mike Saundershttps://businessinnovatorsradio.com/influential-entrepreneurs-with-mike-saunders/Source: https://businessinnovatorsradio.com/interview-with-leslie-hammock-founder-of-retire-by-design-discussing-sequence-of-return

Leslie Hammock was born in Perry, Georgia, graduated from Stratford Academy, and later graduated from Mercer University in Macon, Georgia. He began his career with Mass Mutual. After a number of successful years, Leslie founded his own firm. Leslie has extensive personal and professional experience with an emphasis on Retirement and Estate planning strategies for professionals, business owners, and individuals working in both private and government sectors.Leslie has been the recipient of the National Quality Award. He is also a long-time member of the International Association of Registered Financial Consultants (RFC), a member of the National Ethics Association, and an Independent Fiduciary Investment Advisor.Leslie is an approved adult financial education instructor and holds classes at numerous local colleges on the subjects of Investment Planning, Retirement Planning, Social Security Maximization, Estate Planning, and many other topics.Leslie is dedicated to developing lasting relationships with all his clients in their wealth accumulation and preservation objectives. He takes pride in his ability to provide clear, easily understood strategies using various financial products, services, and cutting-edge analytical technology.Learn more: http://www.retirebydesign.com/Disclosure:Securities and investment advisory services offered through Integrity Alliance, LLC, Member SIPC. Integrity Wealth is a marketing name for Integrity Alliance, LLC. Retire By Design is not affiliated with Integrity Wealth.IUL Disclosure:Indexed Universal Life Insurance is an insurance contract that, depending on the contract, may offer a guaranteed annual interest rate and some participation growth, if any, of a stock market index. Such contracts have substantial variation in terms, costs of guarantees and features and may cap participation or returns in significant ways. Any guarantees offered are backed by the financial strength of the insurance company, not an outside entity. Investors are cautioned to carefully review an indexed universal life insurance for its features, costs, risks, and how the variables are calculated.SSA & SSA Max Disclosures:Not associated with or endorsed by the Social Security Administration, Medicare or any other government agency. Maximizing your Social Security Benefits assumes foreknowledge of your date of death. If as an example you wait to claim a higher monthly benefit amount but predecease your average life expectancy, it would have been better to claim your benefits at an earlier age with reduced benefits.Influential Entrepreneurs with Mike Saundershttps://businessinnovatorsradio.com/influential-entrepreneurs-with-mike-saunders/Source: https://businessinnovatorsradio.com/interview-with-leslie-hammock-founder-of-retire-by-design-discussing-how-life-insurance-fits-into-retirement

Leslie Hammock was born in Perry, Georgia, graduated from Stratford Academy, and later graduated from Mercer University in Macon, Georgia. He began his career with Mass Mutual. After a number of successful years, Leslie founded his own firm. Leslie has extensive personal and professional experience with an emphasis on Retirement and Estate planning strategies for professionals, business owners, and individuals working in both private and government sectors.Leslie has been the recipient of the National Quality Award. He is also a long-time member of the International Association of Registered Financial Consultants (RFC), a member of the National Ethics Association, and an Independent Fiduciary Investment Advisor.Leslie is an approved adult financial education instructor and holds classes at numerous local colleges on the subjects of Investment Planning, Retirement Planning, Social Security Maximization, Estate Planning, and many other topics.Leslie is dedicated to developing lasting relationships with all his clients in their wealth accumulation and preservation objectives. He takes pride in his ability to provide clear, easily understood strategies using various financial products, services, and cutting-edge analytical technology.Learn more: http://www.retirebydesign.com/Disclosure:Securities and investment advisory services offered through Integrity Alliance, LLC, Member SIPC. Integrity Wealth is a marketing name for Integrity Alliance, LLC. Retire By Design is not affiliated with Integrity Wealth.IUL Disclosure:Indexed Universal Life Insurance is an insurance contract that, depending on the contract, may offer a guaranteed annual interest rate and some participation growth, if any, of a stock market index. Such contracts have substantial variation in terms, costs of guarantees and features and may cap participation or returns in significant ways. Any guarantees offered are backed by the financial strength of the insurance company, not an outside entity. Investors are cautioned to carefully review an indexed universal life insurance for its features, costs, risks, and how the variables are calculated.SSA & SSA Max Disclosures:Not associated with or endorsed by the Social Security Administration, Medicare or any other government agency. Maximizing your Social Security Benefits assumes foreknowledge of your date of death. If as an example you wait to claim a higher monthly benefit amount but predecease your average life expectancy, it would have been better to claim your benefits at an earlier age with reduced benefits.Influential Entrepreneurs with Mike Saundershttps://businessinnovatorsradio.com/influential-entrepreneurs-with-mike-saunders/Source: https://businessinnovatorsradio.com/interview-with-leslie-hammock-founder-of-retire-by-design-discussing-how-life-insurance-fits-into-retirement

“Get some motion, get some bounce, and get some playfulness into how you move,” explains Henry Abbott.  Abbott, an award-winning journalist and founder of TrueHoop, joins us today to explain how to prevent injury and improve mobility for all aspects of life.   - Immobility & how it impacts quality of life (~1:45) - What is P3 (~3:00) - Using data to prevent injury (~4:40) - Working the muscles below your knee (~8:25) - ACL tears & hip mobility (~12:45) - Hip stability vs. mobility (~15:15) - ACL tears & sports (~18:00) - Preventing injuries (~20:50) - Surfaces & injury (~23:25) - Learning agility from a young age (~25:55)   - Should you be using the elliptical? (~30:15) - How to avoid pickleball injuries (~31:30) - The most common problems (~35:10) - Is injury & athleticism genetic? (~37:50) - How to lift heavy without injury (~43:00) - Adding mobility to your routine (~44:00) Referenced in the episode:  - Follow Abbott on X (@TrueHoop)  - Pick up his book, Ballistic - Check out P3 (https://www.p3.md/)   This episode of the mindbodygreen podcast was created in partnership with MassMutual. MassMutual believes in helping people live well—so they can live more. Learn more at MassMutual.com/Wellness. We hope you enjoy this episode, and feel free to watch the full video on YouTube! Whether it's an article or podcast, we want to know what we can do to help here at mindbodygreen. Let us know at: podcast@mindbodygreen.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Leslie Hammock was born in Perry, Georgia, graduated from Stratford Academy, and later graduated from Mercer University in Macon, Georgia. He began his career with Mass Mutual. After a number of successful years, Leslie founded his own firm. Leslie has extensive personal and professional experience with an emphasis on Retirement and Estate planning strategies for professionals, business owners, and individuals working in both private and government sectors.Leslie has been the recipient of the National Quality Award. He is also a long-time member of the International Association of Registered Financial Consultants (RFC), a member of the National Ethics Association, and an Independent Fiduciary Investment Advisor.Leslie is an approved adult financial education instructor and holds classes at numerous local colleges on the subjects of Investment Planning, Retirement Planning, Social Security Maximization, Estate Planning, and many other topics.Leslie is dedicated to developing lasting relationships with all his clients in their wealth accumulation and preservation objectives. He takes pride in his ability to provide clear, easily understood strategies using various financial products, services, and cutting-edge analytical technology.Learn more: http://www.retirebydesign.com/Disclosure:Securities and investment advisory services offered through Integrity Alliance, LLC, Member SIPC. Integrity Wealth is a marketing name for Integrity Alliance, LLC. Retire By Design is not affiliated with Integrity Wealth.IUL Disclosure:Indexed Universal Life Insurance is an insurance contract that, depending on the contract, may offer a guaranteed annual interest rate and some participation growth, if any, of a stock market index. Such contracts have substantial variation in terms, costs of guarantees and features and may cap participation or returns in significant ways. Any guarantees offered are backed by the financial strength of the insurance company, not an outside entity. Investors are cautioned to carefully review an indexed universal life insurance for its features, costs, risks, and how the variables are calculated.SSA & SSA Max Disclosures:Not associated with or endorsed by the Social Security Administration, Medicare or any other government agency.Maximizing your Social Security Benefits assumes foreknowledge of your date of death. If as an example you wait to claim a higher monthly benefit amount but predecease your average life expectancy, it would have been better to claim your benefits at an earlier age with reduced benefits.Influential Entrepreneurs with Mike Saundershttps://businessinnovatorsradio.com/influential-entrepreneurs-with-mike-saunders/Source: https://businessinnovatorsradio.com/interview-with-leslie-hammock-founder-of-retire-by-design-discussing-the-5-risks-of-retirement

Leslie Hammock was born in Perry, Georgia, graduated from Stratford Academy, and later graduated from Mercer University in Macon, Georgia. He began his career with Mass Mutual. After a number of successful years, Leslie founded his own firm. Leslie has extensive personal and professional experience with an emphasis on Retirement and Estate planning strategies for professionals, business owners, and individuals working in both private and government sectors.Leslie has been the recipient of the National Quality Award. He is also a long-time member of the International Association of Registered Financial Consultants (RFC), a member of the National Ethics Association, and an Independent Fiduciary Investment Advisor.Leslie is an approved adult financial education instructor and holds classes at numerous local colleges on the subjects of Investment Planning, Retirement Planning, Social Security Maximization, Estate Planning, and many other topics.Leslie is dedicated to developing lasting relationships with all his clients in their wealth accumulation and preservation objectives. He takes pride in his ability to provide clear, easily understood strategies using various financial products, services, and cutting-edge analytical technology.Learn more: http://www.retirebydesign.com/Disclosure:Securities and investment advisory services offered through Integrity Alliance, LLC, Member SIPC. Integrity Wealth is a marketing name for Integrity Alliance, LLC. Retire By Design is not affiliated with Integrity Wealth.IUL Disclosure:Indexed Universal Life Insurance is an insurance contract that, depending on the contract, may offer a guaranteed annual interest rate and some participation growth, if any, of a stock market index. Such contracts have substantial variation in terms, costs of guarantees and features and may cap participation or returns in significant ways. Any guarantees offered are backed by the financial strength of the insurance company, not an outside entity. Investors are cautioned to carefully review an indexed universal life insurance for its features, costs, risks, and how the variables are calculated.SSA & SSA Max Disclosures:Not associated with or endorsed by the Social Security Administration, Medicare or any other government agency.Maximizing your Social Security Benefits assumes foreknowledge of your date of death. If as an example you wait to claim a higher monthly benefit amount but predecease your average life expectancy, it would have been better to claim your benefits at an earlier age with reduced benefits.Influential Entrepreneurs with Mike Saundershttps://businessinnovatorsradio.com/influential-entrepreneurs-with-mike-saunders/Source: https://businessinnovatorsradio.com/interview-with-leslie-hammock-founder-of-retire-by-design-discussing-the-5-risks-of-retirement

IN EPISODE 235:Want to create more meaningful work? Focus on frequency, not intensity. In Episode 235, Tamara Myles shows how leaders can foster an environment that enhances employee engagement and satisfaction. We discuss the significance of everyday moments that contribute to a sense of meaning, the role of purpose in preventing burnout, and the necessity of psychological safety in the workplace.ABOUT TAMARA MYLES:Tamara Myles is a speaker, author, and professor specializing in the science of human flourishing at work. She helps leaders and organizations like Microsoft, KPMG, and MassMutual unlock the power of meaningful work to drive peak performance, innovation, and resilience. Tamara teaches at Boston College and at the University of Pennsylvania and is the co-author of Meaningful Work: How to Ignite Passion and Performance in Every Employee.

“Look at the symptoms you thought were just 'normal for being a woman'—they're actually related to your pelvic floor health,” explains Sara Reardon, PT, DPT.  Reardon, doctor of physical therapy and board-certified pelvic floor specialist, is on a mission to normalize pelvic floor conversations and revolutionize the care we receive—at every age and stage. In this episode we cover everything from how to strengthen and support your pelvic floor to the truth about kegels and so much more:   - Misconceptions about the pelvic floor (~1:40) - Assessing pelvic floor health (~2:22) - How to improve pelvic floor health (~4:20) - The truth about Kegels (~6:30) - Strengthening vs relaxation (~8:10) - Breath, resistance training, & the pelvic floor (~10:35) - Pelvic floor health by decade (~14:15) - Optimal bathroom habits (~17:00) - What to avoid for your pelvic floor health (~18:45) - Eye-opening statistics (~20:20) - Reardon's story (~24:15) - Hormone replacement therapy (~26:15) - Data that deserves more attention (~30:30) -  Integrating pelvic floor therapy into healthcare (~32:45) - Strength training & pelvic floor exercises (~34:30) Referenced in the episode:  - Follow Reardon on Instagram (@the.vagina.whisperer)  - Check out her website (https://thevagwhisperer.com/)  - Pick up her book Floored  This episode of the mindbodygreen podcast was created in partnership with MassMutual. MassMutual believes in helping people live well—so they can live more. Learn more at MassMutual.com/Wellness. We hope you enjoy this episode, and feel free to watch the full video on YouTube! Whether it's an article or podcast, we want to know what we can do to help here at mindbodygreen. Let us know at: podcast@mindbodygreen.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What makes work meaningful, and how can leaders create that experience for their teams? Kevin is joined by Wes Adams and Tamara Myles, who state that their research shows nearly 50% of an employee's experience of meaning at work is tied to what their leaders do or fail to do. Meaningful work is the upstream factor that drives engagement, productivity, innovation, and the bottom-line results that organizations want. The conversation centers around the Three C's of Meaningful Work: Community – Creating authentic connections and a sense of belonging among team members, even in remote or hybrid work environments. Contribution – Helping employees see the impact of their work and making clear connections between daily tasks and larger organizational goals. Challenge – Supporting team members as they grow, learn, and take on meaningful tasks, balancing stretch assignments with strong support. Listen For 00:00 Intro: Why Meaningful Work Matters 00:45 Welcome to the Remarkable Leadership Podcast 01:35 Sponsor: Flexible Leadership Book 02:30 Guest Introductions: Wes Adams and Tamara Myles 04:01 The Origin of the Book and Their Research 05:35 The Leader's Role in Creating Meaning 06:13 Why Meaning is Crucial for Performance 07:50 Leaders as a Leverage Point for Meaning 08:50 The Three C's of Meaningful Work 09:53 C1: Community – What It Is and Why It Matters 11:12 Building Community in Hybrid and Remote Work 12:12 Inside Scoop Practice for Deeper Connections 13:16 Home Base Teams: Dropbox's Neighborhood Model 16:59 High Purpose vs Low Purpose Team Activities 18:22 Empowering Employees to Build Community 20:06 C2: Contribution – Driving Greater Impact 21:33 Purpose vs Meaning – Understanding the Difference 22:11 Calendly's Mission: Saving Time as Meaning 23:03 Storytelling and Making Work Personal 24:12 Highlighting the Impact of Individual Roles 25:07 C3: Challenge – The Growth-Minded Definition 26:04 Balancing High Challenge with High Support 27:40 Everyday Examples of Meaningful Challenge 28:43 Why All 3 C's Matter – Not Just Contribution 29:32 Immediate Leadership Action: Give Positive Feedback 30:51 Meaning Can Happen in Any Job, Every Day 31:24 Fun Question: What Do You Do for Fun 32:39 What Are You Reading 34:25 Where to Learn More: makeworkmeaningful.com 35:33 Final Thought: Now What Will You Do Wes Adams and Tamara Myles are the authors of Meaningful Work: How to Ignite Passion and Performance in Every Employee.  Wes is the CEO of SV Consulting Group. He partners with Fortune 500s and scaling companies to develop high-impact leaders and design operating structures that support high-performing teams. He is also a positive psychology researcher at the University of Pennsylvania, where he studies the leadership practices and organizational structures that help employees thrive. Tamara Myles is an accomplished consultant, author, and international speaker with over two decades of experience helping leaders improve business performance. She is the author of The Secret to Peak Productivity, which introduced her proprietary Peak Productivity Pyramid framework. Tamara's insights have been featured in leading publications such as Forbes, Fast Company, USA Today, and Business Insider. She has worked with clients such as Microsoft, KPMG, MassMutual, and Google. Tamara has a master's degree in Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania, where she also serves as an instructor in the master's program and a trainer for the world-renowned Penn Resilience Program. She is a professor in the Master of Science in Leadership program at Boston College, where she integrates cutting-edge research into practical applications for leadership and organizational success. She lives in Concord, Massachusetts.  https://www.makeworkmeaningful.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesadams1/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamaramyles/ https://www.instagram.com/tamaramyles/ This Episode is brought to you by... Flexible Leadership is every leader's guide to greater success in a world of increasing complexity and chaos.  Book Recommendations Meaningful Work: How to Ignite Passion and Performance in Every Employee by Wes Adams and Tamara Myles Lessons from Plants by Beronda L. Montgomery Shift: Managing Your Emotions--So They Don't Manage You by Ethan Kross Like this? Thriving at Work with Gabriella Kellerman Wiring the Winning Organization with Gene Kim Mastering the Art of Being All In with Lisa Danels Join Our Community If you want to view our live podcast episodes, hear about new releases, or chat with others who enjoy this podcast join one of our communities below. Join the Facebook Group Join the LinkedIn Group   Leave a Review If you liked this conversation, we'd be thrilled if you'd let others know by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. Here's a quick guide for posting a review. Review on Apple: https://remarkablepodcast.com/itunes    Podcast Better! Sign up with Libsyn and get up to 2 months free! Use promo code: RLP  

981: How does a 174-year-old mutual insurance company stay ahead of the curve? In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Sears Merritt, Head of Enterprise Technology and Experience at MassMutual. Sears leads a $650M tech budget and a global team of 3,000, driving innovation in cybersecurity, data, and generative AI to deliver superior experiences for employees, advisors, and policyholders. Sears shares insights on MassMutual's modernization journey from consolidating legacy systems to rolling out secure GenAI tools like Microsoft Copilot and GitHub Copilot. He also unveils the company's strategic investments in virtual assistants, R&D partnerships, and a groundbreaking health and wellness platform that aligns longevity with economic value for policyholders.

In this episode, Steven is joined by Mando Sallavanti, a Financial Advisor with MassMutual who focuses on taxes in a way that would make many independent advisors jealous. Mando shares how he so quickly learned enough about taxes for himself that he could start helping his clients pay less in taxes, too. He also reflects on the process he personally went through to find a quality CPA for himself and why he was willing to pay triple what he had previously paid to make sure he had great help on taxes. Mando gets nearly 75% of his new clients directly from his LinkedIn content and was generous enough to share his approach to content creation and why he has been so successful. https://zurl.co/pjAid

Chris Ewing just pulled off one of Sacramento's biggest tech success stories—a $2 billion exit with his company One Inc, a fintech platform that processes over $100 billion in insurance payments. Now? He's back to building. In this episode, Chris shares the full behind-the-scenes journey of bootstrapping, pivoting, and scaling One Inc, including the near-failures, billion-dollar lessons, and the final moments before the money hit the bank. And just when you think he's headed for retirement, he reveals his latest venture: Notty's Italian Burrito—a fast-casual restaurant redefining how we eat Italian food on the go.

Ever wonder what separates true champions from the rest? It's not just talent — it's how they face adversity head-on. In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius sits down with former NFL player, acclaimed speaker, and personal development coach Bo Eason to dive deep into the mindset required to achieve greatness. Bo shares powerful insights on why struggle is not just inevitable but essential for growth. From the lessons he learned on the football field to his experiences as a performer and coach, Bo emphasizes the importance of resilience and the mindset shift that separates champions from the rest. In this episode, Darius and Bo will discuss: (00:00) Introduction and Background (04:01) Bo Eason's Origin Story (10:30) The Power of Belief and Sacrifice (18:56) The Journey to the NFL (25:30) Transitioning from NFL to Theater (32:29) From NFL to Theater: A New Journey (34:55) Mastery Equals Mastery: The Power of Skill Transfer (40:31) The Importance of Patience in Mastery (44:28) Resilience Through Rejection: The Path to Greatness (51:01) The Value of Hard Work Over Winning (56:06) Embracing Struggle: The Key to Success (01:02:40) Eliminating Barriers: The Path to Greatness Bo Eason, a former NFL player for the Houston Oilers and San Francisco 49ers, transitioned from the football field to the stage with his acclaimed one-man play Runt of the Litter, which premiered on Broadway and earned praise from The New York Times. Now a sought-after speaker and trainer, Bo coaches top athletes, executives, and entrepreneurs on powerful communication and leadership, working with clients like Morgan Stanley, Mass Mutual, and Merrill Lynch. Sponsored by: Huel: Try Huel with 15% OFF + Free Gift for New Customers today using my code greatness at https://huel.com/greatness. Fuel your best performance with Huel today! Indeed: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/DARIUS. NPR Tech Unheard Podcast: Tune into Tech Unheard from Arm and NPM—wherever you get your podcasts. Shipstation: Go to shipstation.com and use code GREATNESS to sign up for your FREE trial. Shopify: Sign up for a $1/month trial period at shopify.com/darius.  Connect with Bo: Website: https://boeason.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boeasonofficial/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boeason21/  Text “Guide” and send to (323)-310-5504 Connect with Darius: Website: https://therealdarius.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/ YouTube: https://therealdarius.com/youtube Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708 Write a review for The Greatness Machine using this link: https://ratethispodcast.com/spreadinggreatness.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this milestone episode, former NFL player, acclaimed playwright, and high-performance coach Bo Eason returns to The Athletics of Business podcast to share his insights on the power of personal storytelling and how it can shape leadership, influence, and success. Bo takes us on a journey through his transition from professional sports to Broadway and beyond, discussing how vulnerability, preparation, and relentless commitment define the best in any field. Bo and host Ed Molitor break down why storytelling is the ultimate tool for building trust, inspiring action, and creating meaningful connections in business, sports, and life. Whether you are a leader, an entrepreneur, or an athlete, this episode provides actionable strategies to harness your own story and unlock your potential.   Our Guest Bo Eason started his career in the NFL as a top pick for the Houston Oilers. Continuing on with the San Francisco 49ers, during his 5-year career Bo competed beside and against some of the greatest players of his generation. In 2001, Bo wrote and starred in his one-man play, Runt of the Litter, which he performed on Broadway to rave reviews. The New York Times called it, “One of the most powerful plays in the last decade.” Bo toured with the play in over 50 cities and it is now being adapted as a major motion picture.  Now in his third act, he speaks to and trains some of the most successful people in the world—athletes, artists, entrepreneurs, C-suite execs—on how to communicate for maximum impact and success. He has consulted for clients like Advisors Excel, Morgan Stanley, Dimensional Fund Advisors, Mass Mutual, Guardian, and Merrill Lynch. His book, There's No Plan B for Your A-Game: Be the Best in the World at What You Do, hit the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post and USA Today bestseller lists. Bo's training programs on leveraging the power of personal story have transformed the way experts, entrepreneurs, and leaders communicate.    What You'll Learn in This Episode How personal storytelling builds trust, influence, and meaningful connections The role of resilience and endurance in achieving long-term success Insights into transitioning from professional sports to business and leadership Strategies for using vulnerability to foster authenticity and engagement The importance of preparation, practice, and repetition in mastering any skill How to push yourself beyond comfort zones to develop a winning mindset The parallels between leadership in sports, business, and personal growth   Resources & Links Ed Molitor LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themolitorgroup/ Website: https://www.themolitorgroup.com/   Bo Eason  TAKE ACTION:  Start capturing your personal story by downloading Bo's FREE Story Guide. Text GUIDE to 323-310-5504 or go to boeason.com/guide    For those of you who want to jump right in and train with Bo in-person, register for his signature three-day Personal Story Power Event. Text EVENT to 323-310-5504 or go to boeason.com/powerevent    Connect with Bo and learn more: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boeasonofficial/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boeason21/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/mrboeason Website: http://BoEason.com Book: https://boeasonbook.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boeasonofficial   Timestamps [00:00:01] Introduction to Episode 200 & Guest Bo Eason [00:01:03] Bo's Journey: From the NFL to Broadway to Business Coaching [00:04:24] The Impact of Storytelling on Leadership & Influence [00:10:15] Why the Best Leaders and Athletes Have a History of Rejection [00:17:00] Vulnerability as a Leadership Superpower [00:23:33] The Role of Preparation & Rehearsal in Mastery [00:30:45] The Connection Between Athletics, Business, and Personal Growth [00:38:10] Building Resilience: How to Endure, Adapt, and Thrive [00:44:25] How to Tell Your Story for Maximum Impact [00:50:14] Final Takeaways & How to Connect with Bo  

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 540, an interview with the authors of Meaningful Work: How to Ignite Passion and Performance in Every Employee, Wes Adams and Tamara Myles.   What makes work truly meaningful, and how can leaders create it?    In this episode, Tamara Miles and Wes Adams, researchers and positive psychologists, have studied how leaders can intentionally promote cultures where people find purpose, connection, and challenge in their work. Drawing from their own career and research, they outline the practices that lead to lasting meaning, starting from onboarding and extending to everyday leadership behaviors like showing appreciation and building community. They also explore how AI can be developed to support human fulfillment, and why understanding generational differences is key to creating meaningful work environments for all.   Wes Adams is the founder and CEO of SV Consulting Group, where he works with high-performing companies to develop leadership excellence, build organizational resilience, and deepen employee engagement through a meaningful work lens. He has more than two decades of experience as a successful entrepreneur and strategic partner for clients including Microsoft, KPMG, BlackRock, Google, and the United Nations, along with a range of high-growth organizations. Wes has been featured at South by Southwest Interactive and the Nobel Peace Prize Forum, and his work has been covered by the New York Times, BBC News, Forbes, and Business Insider. His teams have won multiple Webby Awards and been recognized as one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Brands. His early career was spent launching and managing high-profile hospitality businesses for which he was nominated twice for a coveted James Beard Award.    Wes is a graduate of Vanderbilt University and holds a master's degree from the University of Pennsylvania in Applied Positive Psychology.    Tamara Myles is an accomplished consultant, author, and international speaker with over two decades of experience helping leaders improve business performance. She is the author of The Secret to Peak Productivity, which introduced her proprietary Peak Productivity Pyramid framework. Tamara's insights have been featured in leading publications such as Forbes, Fast Company, USA Today, and Business Insider. She has worked with clients such as Microsoft, KPMG, MassMutual, and Google.    Tamara has a master's degree in Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania, where she also serves as an instructor in the master's program and a trainer for the world-renowned Penn Resilience Program. She is a professor in the Master of Science in Leadership program at Boston College, where she integrates cutting-edge research into practical applications for leadership and organizational success.   Get Meaningful Work here: https://rb.gy/fry7z5 Meaningful Work: How to Ignite Passion and Performance in Every Employee   Here are some free gifts for you: Overall Approach Used in Well-Managed Strategy Studies free download: www.firmsconsulting.com/OverallApproach   McKinsey & BCG winning resume free download: www.firmsconsulting.com/resumepdf   Enjoying this episode? Get access to sample advanced training episodes here: www.firmsconsulting.com/promo  

In this episode of the InsuranceAUM.com Podcast, host Stewart Foley, CFA, sits down with Eric Partlan, Chief Investment Officer at MassMutual, for an engaging installment of the CIO Spotlight series. With MassMutual's $285 billion general account and deep legacy as a mutual insurer, Eric shares insights into how the firm's long-term orientation, mutual structure, and strategic partnerships drive its investment approach—particularly in private credit, structured products, and ALM strategies.   Eric also reflects on his unique career journey from aerospace engineering to the CIO role, offering a candid look into his philosophy on leadership, team building, and fostering intellectual curiosity. From cultivating a collaborative team culture to leveraging Barings and other long-term partnerships, this episode delivers thoughtful perspectives on navigating evolving markets while remaining rooted in purpose-driven investment strategies. Whether you're new to insurance asset management or a seasoned pro, this is a must-listen conversation on where the industry is headed.

Author and Founder/CEO, Certified Business Archetype Coach™, Certified Money Coach (CMC)®Deborah Price is the Founder and CEO of the Money Coaching Institute, which provides money coaching services and training to individuals, couples and families.Deborah Price is the Founder and CEO of the Money Coaching Institute and the pioneer of the field of Behavioral Money Coaching. The Money Coaching Institute provides money coaching services and training to individuals, couples, families and business owners.  A former financial advisor for over twenty years with firms such as Merrill Lynch, Mass Mutual, AIG and London Pacific Advisors, Deborah left the financial industry in 2001 to create an entirely new field dedicated to helping people more deeply understand and change their underlying money patterns, emotions and behaviors around money.Coping with money issues, both practically and psychologically, continues to be a major life   struggle for millions of people and yet, there is very little help available. As a result, people often manifest money patterns, beliefs and behaviors that can prevent them from experiencing their full financial potential. Deborah has developed a unique, step-by-step coaching program that helps clients move beyond barriers to their personal and financial success. As a result, client's experience renewed hope, restored relationships, increased confidence, and enhanced personal and financial success.Through education and awareness, Deborah is committed to empowering others both personally and financially. She is the author of Money Therapy: Using the Eight Money Types to Create Wealth and Prosperity; Money Magic: Unleashing Your Potential for Wealth and Prosperity; and her latest book, The Heart of Money: A Couples Guide to Creating True Financial Intimacy. She is considered one of the foremost experts in her field and speaks and teaches globally. She has trained thousands of Certified Money Coaches (CMC)® in over 36 countries around the world including the USA, Canada, Singapore, England, France, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia, Australia, South Africa, Holland, and New Zealand and more. dprice@moneycoachinginstitute.com (415) 895-1069 ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

“If the average person just more consistently did what they already know they'd be healthier, happier, and be making more money.” – Brian Moran Brian Moran the New York Times bestselling author of “The 12 Week Year: Get More Done in 12 Weeks than Others Do in 12 Months” is going to share how to get more done in less time. He will take us into this execution system he developed while also sharing easy to implement time management strategies. He also connects the dots back to why it is important to create our life vision so we can structure our time and goals around that vision. You will learn tactical steps that you can use today to move closer to the life you desire. Loved this conversation so much! Please be sure to share it with your friends who would benefit from this information. Also be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts so you don't miss an episode. Resources Mentioned: JOIN THE NEWSLETTER + Receive A List of 52-Selfcare Tips CONNECT WITH MICHELE ON IG Buy Michele's Book, Design a Life You Love Brian's Book: The 12 Week Year: Get More Done in 12 Weeks than Others Do in 12 Months Brian's website – https://12weekyear.com/ – Thank you for listening to the show! WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: Why the 12 week year is an execution system and how that helps you get more done in less time. It's not enough to know. You have to execute. Knowledge is only powerful if you act on it. Get out of the annual environment. With this program, you are going to stop after 12 weeks and that is your year. Measure your success or failure and measure the progress and then go again. It's a fluid process. You can use this professionally or personally. You can do anything for 12 weeks and then decide is that somethingI want to do again. Your vision is you're why. Your goals NEED to align with the vision. At the goal level, know the difference between goals and tactics and outcomes and actions. The actions we have control over. Goals are outcomes. Make sure at the goal level that is measurable – it's an outcome. Determine what are the most important actions. Most plans are conceptual not tactical. You need to spell out the specific actions and focus on “less is more”. Stay connected to your vision by putting the longer term vision in front of you – laminate a card you can look at every day. Create visual reminders. The difference between a habit and routine is key. Ex, going to the gym is a routine not a habit and routines are what drive success. How you begin and end your day needs a routine. The key is to start off positive. End your day with gratitude. How to manage time. Time blocking – 3 core blocks: A. Strategic Block -3 hours blocked during the week. No interruptions – working on the business not in the business. THIS CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE. B. Buffer Blocks – these are designed to deal with the emails/low level stuff. Ex, I return calls between 4-5pm. Don't check your emails when they come in. Block time in to address it. C. Break out blocks – schedule time away from work to do something just for you to recharge. The Four Disciplines of the 12 Week Year   Vision – You have to know what you want. Planning – You have to ask – “What matters most?” Execution – Then ask, “Am I doing it?” Measurement – “Is it producing?” Guest Bio: Brian Moran, President and Founder of The 12 Week Year, has thirty plus years of expertise as a corporate executive, entrepreneur, consultant and coach. Brian is a recognized expert in the field of leadership and execution. His realization that most people don't lack ideas, but struggle with effective implementation led him to the development of ‘The 12 Week Year'. His client list includes industry leaders like Allstate, Aon, Becton Dickinson, Dunkin' Brands, Keller Williams, Mass Mutual, Medtronic, Merrill Lynch, Meritage Homes, Nationwide, New York Life, Papa Johns Pizza, Prudential State Farm and Taylor Made just to name a few.

BO EASON started his career in the NFL as a top pick for the Houston Oilers. Continuing on with the San Francisco 49ers, during his 5-year career Bo competed beside and against some of the greatest players of his generation.In 2001, Bo wrote and starred in his one-man play, Runt of the Litter, which he performed on Broadway to rave reviews. The New York Timescalled it, “One of the most powerful plays in the last decade.” Bo toured with the play in over 50 cities and it is now being adapted as a major motion picture.Now in his third act, he speaks to and trains some of the most successful people in the world—athletes, artists, entrepreneurs, C-suite execs—on how to communicate for maximum impact and success. He has consulted for clients like Advisors Excel, Morgan Stanley, Dimensional Fund Advisors, Mass Mutual, Guardian, and Merrill Lynch.His book, There's No Plan B for Your A-Game: Be the Best in the World at What You Do, hit the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post and USA Today bestseller lists.His training programs on leveraging the power of personal story have transformed the way experts, entrepreneurs, and leaders communicate.Head to boeason.com to learn more. —Links & resources:To follow more info about the podcast@levelup.debbienealCheck out my personal instagram account@debbie_nealThis Podcast is brought to you by Upstarter Pods