Episodes

  • In this episode of Bridging the Gap, Matt Reiner and guest Mitch Anthony, a pioneer in financial life planning, explore how adopting a client-centered approach can transform the financial advisory experience. Mitch critiques the industry’s reliance on complex jargon, urging advisors to communicate clearly through analogies and metaphors. This shift makes financial concepts more accessible, fostering deeper client engagement and understanding. Rather than pushing traditional goal-setting, Mitch encourages advisors to focus on life possibilities, which opens up more meaningful conversations and better aligns financial planning with clients' real aspirations.

    Mitch's journey from crisis intervention to financial services has shaped his belief in service-oriented, rather than sales-driven, financial planning. Drawing from the work of Viktor Frankl, Mitch emphasizes the importance of guiding clients toward a sense of purpose. He advocates for financial advisors to tap into their clients' life goals and emotional needs, integrating emotional intelligence into their practice. By doing so, advisors can cultivate long-term relationships that are grounded in trust and understanding.

    The conversation also tackles advisor compensation models, with Mitch challenging the popular “we only make money when you make money” approach. He stresses the need for transparency and fairness in how advisory services are billed. Advisors can enhance their impact by asking meaningful questions that connect with clients' deeper motivations, focusing on improving their clients' quality of life (return on life), and continuously developing their emotional intelligence to create lasting, trust-filled relationships.

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  • In this episode of Bridging the Gap, Matt and Derrick Kinney dive into the power of emotional connection in financial advising. Derrick, known as "America's Financial Educator" and author of the bestselling book Good Money Revolution, is dedicated to helping people build wealth while living a meaningful life. He opens up about his personal journey, sharing how his childhood experiences of frequent relocations shaped his approach to relationships. His high school campaign for student body president taught him the importance of making people feel valued, a lesson that carried into his career as a financial advisor. Derrick highlights how caring about what matters to clients was key to building trust and success in his practice.

    The conversation shifts to the importance of truly understanding clients' emotional needs, not just their financial situations. Derrick shares how advisors can uncover underlying concerns by paying attention to patterns in client interactions and crafting stories that resonate with their emotions. This deeper connection fosters loyalty and trust, moving beyond the numbers to create lasting relationships. He also touches on his commitment to education and how it ties into his mission of making a larger impact on society.

    To stand out in a crowded market, Matt and Derrick stress the value of specialization, advising financial professionals to become experts in niche areas. They outline practical strategies to strengthen client relationships, like regular check-ins and personalized advice. The episode closes with powerful takeaways: practice boldness daily, inspired by Bohemian Rhapsody; use structured checklists for stability; incorporate charitable actions into your business; and always engage clients by focusing on their feelings and concerns to build genuine, lasting trust.


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  • In this episode of Bridging the Gap, Matt Reiner is joined by Jason Early to explore how technology and data integration are reshaping the financial advisory landscape. Jason explains how AI-driven solutions are enhancing the efficiency of data management, from importing and analyzing financial statements to syncing seamlessly with accounting systems. By aligning financial data with business goals, advisors can deliver more tailored, high-quality advice, which is becoming increasingly essential as business ownership transitions, particularly among baby boomers, continue to rise.

    The discussion also delves into the challenges of building robust platforms in a regulated industry and the importance of assembling a team that reflects the company's core values. Jason emphasizes the need for adaptable, insightful tools that can assist advisors with valuation, succession planning, and more. By staying ahead of technological trends and proactively engaging with business owners, advisors can position themselves as indispensable partners in their clients' financial journeys.

    Throughout the episode, both Matt and Jason highlight the significance of adopting a growth mindset—embracing the idea of having a "get to" job rather than a "got to" one. This shift in perspective fosters motivation and continuous improvement, key factors in driving long-term success for both advisors and their clients.

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  • In this episode of Bridging the Gap, Matt sits down with business coach Jon Dwoskin to explore his journey from an aspiring entrepreneur to a successful business coach. Jon shares the pivotal moments that shaped his career, including managing a real estate office through the challenges of the 2008 market crash and transforming it into one of the top offices in the country. His experiences underscore the importance of facing obstacles head-on and learning from them, which has informed his approach to coaching, emphasizing self-awareness, vulnerability, and effective communication in leadership roles.

    Jon delves into key skills crucial for entrepreneurs and leaders, such as time management and intuition. He offers practical strategies to enhance productivity, including breaking tasks into 15-minute increments and color-coding them for better visualization. He also touches on the importance of prioritization, advising leaders on how to say no to opportunities that don't align with their goals. Jon advocates for continuous learning and self-improvement, suggesting practices like meditation and journaling to strengthen intuition and enhance decision-making.

    Listeners will gain valuable insights on how to improve their business acumen. Jon highlights the power of a consistent calendar system, where tasks are meticulously organized to boost efficiency. He also encourages adopting small, daily habits that can lead to significant personal growth, such as dedicating a few minutes each day to a new task until it becomes second nature. Lastly, Jon emphasizes the importance of embracing vulnerability in leadership, encouraging a balance between being emotionally connected with your team and maintaining a composed, confident demeanor that prioritizes their needs.

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  • In this episode of Bridging the Gap, Matt Reiner chats with Glen Stevens, a mental fitness and executive leadership coach, about the common challenges high-achievers face, such as black-and-white thinking and imposter syndrome. Glen emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and embracing emotions rather than ignoring them, as a way to move past negative thought patterns. He introduces the concept of 'saboteurs,' particularly the 'judge' saboteur, which can cloud self-awareness and mental clarity. Glen shares a simple yet powerful technique: practicing a sensory focus exercise for just ten seconds to shift your mindset from negative to positive thinking.

    Self-awareness is the cornerstone of mental fitness, just like a muscle that needs regular exercise. He highlights how recognizing and addressing self-sabotage behaviors can build resilience and mental strength, ultimately enhancing performance and well-being, especially for entrepreneurs and executives. Glen urges listeners to assess their self-awareness using a free saboteur assessment, which can help identify and combat these self-sabotaging behaviors. This assessment is a practical tool for those looking to improve their mental fitness and gain a deeper understanding of their own thought patterns.

    Glen and Matt turn their attention to leadership, discussing how leaders can foster trust and supportive environments by openly addressing mental health and demonstrating vulnerability. By integrating insights from neuroscience, cognitive behavioral psychology, and positive psychology, Glen offers a roadmap for rewiring the brain to achieve better mental fitness and leadership success.

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  • In this episode of Bridging the Gap, I have the honor of talking with Jud Mackrill about the dynamic landscape of the wealth tech industry and the importance of understanding the industry. Jud highlights the necessity for advisors to evolve continuously, addressing the challenges associated with implementing changes in organizations, particularly concerning scale and budget constraints. We explore how modern advisors need to personalize their approaches and stay committed to guiding their clients, while creatively utilizing available tools and technology to offer clients not just financial well-being but also a deeper level of meaning and purpose in their lives. Jud talks deeply on practicing listening and empathy, emphasizing that these skills can lead to more meaningful work and relationships.

    We dive into the challenges faced by new technology companies entering the wealth management space, especially in terms of user acquisition and identifying key client problems worth solving. We highlight the importance of understanding immediate profitability, emphasizing the role of asset managers in determining the longevity of wealth tech companies. Jud discusses the potential conflicts between custodians and technology companies concerning a seamless client experience and underscores the need for advisors to either assemble their client experiences uniquely or rely on technology companies for superior services. One actionable takeaway here involves advisors enhancing their business by creatively assembling client experiences that prioritize ease and satisfaction.

    The conversation also looks at the intersection of AI and wealth management, noting the challenges related to data access and cleanliness, which are crucial for leveraging AI effectively. Jud explains how they help clients establish data pipelines to gain control and transparency, which can transform businesses. We both agree on the necessity of meaningful and deep conversations with clients, incorporating psychology and therapy tactics to understand their values and life desires better. Another actionable takeaway from their discussion is for financial advisors to integrate AI tools thoughtfully to complement, rather than replace, their advisory roles.


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  • In this episode of Bridging the Gap, I have an enlightening conversation with Danny Kofke to open up about strategies that advisors can use to support their teams and enhance their firms. Danny draws on his own experience of managing a household on a teacher's salary, demonstrating how aligning financial decisions with core values and long-term goals can foster a sense of satisfaction and stability. He talks the importance of maintaining a balance between disciplined saving and allowing small rewards, much like a "cheat day" in dieting, to keep motivation high without straying from financial objectives.

    Danny shares how he and his wife managed to live below their means by making strategic sacrifices, such as sharing a single car and planning for periods with reduced income, which ultimately enabled them to achieve significant life goals. These practices highlight the importance of resisting societal pressures and focusing on what truly matters—values that advisors can impart to their clients and teams alike.

    The episode also underscores the critical role of financial literacy in both personal and professional contexts. Danny emphasizes the need for advisors to advocate for financial education in the workplace, noting that financial challenges are often rooted in behavior and can be addressed through careful planning and discipline. By promoting a culture of financial wellness within their teams, advisors can help create a more informed, resilient workforce capable of making sound financial decisions that align with their values and goals.

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  • In this episode of Bridging the Gap, Matt Reiner is joined by Reiner Lomb about the importance of purpose, leadership development, and fostering a culture of innovation within organizations. Lomb shares his personal journey, from his early aspirations of becoming a chef to his successful career at HP, where he initially felt aligned with the company's values and purpose. He also discusses the challenges faced when new management shifted focus from organic growth and innovation to mergers and acquisitions, leading to a decline in employee engagement and overall success.

    Lomb highlights the important role of emotions in driving collaboration, innovation, and positive change within companies. He talks about the seven essential emotions for effective leadership: empathy, compassion, interest, caring, serving, understanding, and inspiration. These emotions, when combined with vision and mobilization, lead to meaningful engagement and progress. Reiner also explores the concept of intrapreneurship, the belief in creating positive change from within an organization, and stresses the importance of psychological skills, influencing behavior, and emotional state in driving change.

    Reiner Lomb offers actionable advice for individuals seeking to create change and foster innovation within their organizations. He encourages listeners to believe in their ability to make a difference and provides insights on how to influence behavior through emotional shifts. Key takeaways include identifying employees' strengths and passions to foster engagement and innovation, cultivating essential leadership emotions to build trust and drive collaboration, and encouraging intrapreneurship by empowering employees with the necessary psychological skills and emotional support.


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  • In this episode of Bridging the Gap, Matt Reiner sits down with Rick Burgess to explore the in's and outs of data models and workflows within the financial industry. Rick, who has been a partner with a company for nearly a decade, underscores the significance of a centralized data model and the challenges smaller firms face in accessing tools that larger companies utilize. He emphasizes the importance of a data warehouse approach and discusses the deceptive appearance of integration where multiple tech stacks are used without true integration. The conversation dives into streamlining account opening processes and the challenges related to data ownership and integration, stressing the need for firms to evolve their tech stacks as they expand.

    Rick highlights the importance of knowing and effectively managing client data, not just for regulatory purposes, but for deepening client relationships and improving service retention. He brings attention to the pitfalls of fragmented data and the necessity for transparency and data-driven negotiations with vendors. Both Matt and Rick agree that a cohesive technology solution, particularly in wealth management, is crucial. They stress the value of partnering with firms that have invested in technology development and accumulated valuable learnings over time, which can provide robust and scalable solutions as the business grows. One key takeaway is the need for a centralized data model to ensure all client data is accessible and integrated across various platforms, enhancing scalability and efficiency.

    Towards the end of the episode, Rick recounts how he and a partner created a platform to simplify paperwork and workflows for financial advisors, leading to significant success. He emphasizes the behind-the-scenes challenges in business operations, especially regarding staff turnover and its impact on back-office functions. He encourages listeners to engage experts, involve others in decision-making, and to remain discerning while doing so. This highlights the importance of continuously evolving the tech stack to align with the changing needs and growth of the firm, and seeking out partnerships with technology experts who have a proven track record, thereby ensuring the firm benefits from their accumulated knowledge and avoids unnecessary pitfalls.

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  • In this episode of Bridging the Gap, Matt Reiner connects with recruitment expert Claire Vitale, focusing on strategies to optimize the recruitment process and attract top-tier talent. Claire emphasizes the importance of showcasing your company culture through social media, highlighting team activities and client successes to create a friendly and engaging online presence. She also stresses the necessity of having a strong, user-friendly company website with a clear careers button and maintaining an active LinkedIn page to draw in potential candidates. Personalizing the recruitment process with short videos or personalized messages can significantly enhance the candidate experience, while fostering a trustful environment that allows for employee autonomy and flexibility.

    The discussion also dives into the evolving work arrangements in the era of remote work. Claire points out that offering hybrid or flexible work options can attract a wider candidate pool, reflecting the growing trend of candidates seeking a balance between office interaction and flexibility. This approach helps companies remain competitive in today’s job market. Additionally, they address the challenges in compensation expectations, particularly the impact of inflation on both employers and candidates. Offering competitive salaries, especially for highly credentialed professionals like CFPs, is crucial for attracting and retaining skilled employees.

    To effectively attract top talent, actively update your social media and LinkedIn pages with insights into your company culture and achievements, making your company more appealing to potential candidates. Use personalized videos or messages in the recruitment process to stand out and make candidates feel valued from the start. Finally, implement hybrid or flexible work options to appeal to a broader range of candidates, aligning with the current preference for a balance between office and remote work environments.

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  • In this episode of Bridging the Gap, Matt Reiner welcomes brand evangelist Diana Cabrices to explore the intersection of fintech and branding in the financial industry. Diana recounts her journey from teaching English in Europe to becoming a fintech marketing expert, emphasizing the importance of emotionally accessible marketing. She explains that a brand extends beyond logos and websites, encompassing every client interaction, whether online or in-person, to foster deeper connections.

    Diana addresses the challenges fintech companies face in engaging advisors, highlighting the competitive and budget-constrained landscape of the wealth tech industry. She advises fintech firms to establish themselves as reputable sources by creating their own media and delivering educational, powerful content. Additionally, she stresses the importance of learning from successful advisors and their technology strategies, ensuring a well-mapped customer journey for effective tech integration.

    As the episode concludes, Matt and Diana discuss the future of wealth tech, touching on data ownership and the integration of various tech solutions. Diana offers practical advice for advisors: identify problems within current processes before seeking tech solutions, focus on creating an exceptional client experience at every touchpoint, and collaborate with tech vendors for intentional and effective data integration. These insights provide actionable steps for advisors to elevate their practices through strategic technology use and personal branding.

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  • In this episode of Bridging the Gap, Matt Reiner welcomes Dr. Marcia Reynolds, a figure in emotional intelligence and coaching. Marcia shares her journey from a challenging adolescence to becoming an authoritative voice on emotional intelligence and leadership. She emphasizes the critical role emotions play in decision-making and explains how our brain's primary function of protection often leads to quick, potentially faulty judgments. This perspective is great for leaders seeking to foster better decision-making within their teams.

    A key takeaway from Marcia’s insights is the importance of employing a coaching approach when dealing with individuals making decisions based on fear. Rather than offering logical advice, reflecting their thoughts and asking insightful questions can lead to deeper understanding and more meaningful actions. She cites a study from Spain, which demonstrated that individuals gain more insights and possibilities when guided by a coach trained in reflections, as opposed to merely being told what to do. This method activates more brain activity, underscoring the effectiveness of coaching over directive advice.

    Marcia stresses the need for organizational leaders to evolve proactively. Successful transformational change hinges on embracing a coaching culture, connecting deeply with employees, and making necessary shifts before crises occur. This involves leaders transitioning from focusing solely on personal achievements to prioritizing the development of other leaders within the organization. Incorporating emotional intelligence into leadership practices and understanding the biochemistry of motivation—feeling safe, supported, and valued—can significantly improve team dynamics and organizational outcomes.

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  • In this episode of Bridging the Gap, Matt Reiner engages with Jo Wright, a distinguished coach and author, to explore the transformative power of creating space and learning to say no. Jo shares her insights on how these practices can lead to significant growth by investing in people and fostering a coaching culture. She stresses the importance of leaders evolving from task-oriented roles to relationship-focused figures by asking open-ended questions, building trust, and empowering their teams to take ownership of solutions. This shift, she argues, is crucial for creating a thriving workplace environment.

    Jo Wright recommends two pivotal books for understanding and implementing coaching principles: "The Coaching Habit" by Michael Bungay Stanier and "Life in Half a Second" by Matthew Michael Wicks. These books offer practical wisdom on coaching and personal growth. Jo also shares her journey from university to a career in coaching, emphasizing the value of focusing on people, building strong relationships, and maintaining a sense of curiosity. She addresses common misconceptions about coaching, such as its perceived expense, elitism, and the notion that it is not a manager’s job, advocating for coaching to be accessible to all organizational levels.

    Key takeaways from the conversation include the need for leaders to invest in themselves and their teams by creating space for coaching and prioritizing essential tasks. Adopting a coaching mindset is essential, which involves asking open-ended questions and fostering an environment where employees feel safe and motivated to take ownership. Lastly, building trust through intentionality and authentic leadership is crucial, as it encourages honest feedback and supports a culture where individuals feel valued and driven to excel.

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  • In this episode of Bridging the Gap, Matt Reiner sits down with Paul Armson, a financial advisor who has transitioned his approach to focus on lifestyle financial planning. Initially drawn to the industry by the potential income from selling financial products, Paul had a major wake-up call after his mother's sudden death. This event prompted him to reevaluate his career priorities and redirect his strategy towards helping clients live their lives to the fullest in the present, rather than deferring enjoyment to the future. Paul now emphasizes the importance of understanding clients' current lifestyle and their deeper, more meaningful life goals.

    Paul advocates to move away from the traditional, product-centric approach typical in the financial services industry. He underscores the importance of advisors focusing on understanding the client's needs and guiding them towards a richer, more fulfilling life. Paul introduces the concept of lifestyle financial planning, which aims to help clients figure out "how much is enough" to live their desired life. By understanding and connecting with clients on a more personal level, advisors can provide a service that goes beyond simple financial advice, fostering trust and a more profound impact on the client's life.

    Matt and Paul discuss various tools and methodologies that can aid advisors in this client-centric approach, including surveys to gauge clients' financial confidence and specific tools Paul has developed to track clients' progress. They also touch on the challenges that come with changing clients' expectations from traditional financial conversations to more holistic life planning discussions. Paul encourages advisors to recognize the influence of the financial industry on their thinking and to prioritize the overall client experience over the narrow focus on financial products. This episode underscores the importance of advisors being life planners first, truly understanding their clients' stories, and helping them achieve their desired lifestyles.

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  • In this episode of Bridging the Gap, Matt Reiner and leadership coach Michael Bungay Stanier dive into the importance of curiosity and psychological safety within financial advising. Michael emphasizes the need for advisors to stay curious by asking open-ended questions like "And what else?" to better understand their clients' needs. This approach helps foster stronger client relationships and encourages deeper, more meaningful conversations.

    Michael also discusses the critical role of psychological safety in creating an environment where advisors feel secure to express ideas and take risks. By effectively managing tribe expectations, rank, and autonomy, firms can cultivate a culture of creativity and innovation. This safety is essential for driving positive change and enhancing client interactions within the financial industry.

    The episode highlights practical tools for simplifying decision-making, such as using pre-written messages for saying no, which can significantly reduce cognitive load. Michael illustrates how these strategies not only improve individual decision-making but also support broader organizational behavior changes. By focusing on both emotional and structural aspects, advisors can implement lasting change and continuously evolve to stay relevant in their field.

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  • In this episode of Bridging the Gap, Matt Reiner welcomes Paul McManus to explore the challenges and opportunities for aspiring authors in the financial advising industry. Paul emphasizes the importance of overcoming imposter syndrome and building a strong foundation before marketing a book. He highlights that writing a book should be seen as a powerful tool for establishing authority and accelerating sales, rather than just generating royalties. Both Paul and Matt stress the need to deeply understand your audience, including their fears and desires, to create content and marketing strategies that resonate.

    Paul shares the long-term benefits of a well-crafted book, such as establishing credibility and generating client referrals. He recounts a success story of a client whose book significantly boosted his commissions and led to speaking engagements. Matt relates to these experiences, discussing his own battles with imposter syndrome and the complexities of creating engaging content. The episode provides practical strategies for effective storytelling, targeted market research, and prioritizing authority in marketing efforts.

    Key takeaways include the importance of conducting market research to understand the target audience, using a book as a sales tool to establish authority and filter prospects, and focusing on marketing oneself as an authority to enhance client attraction and business growth.

    Paul and Matt leave listeners with a clear message: writing a book is a strategic tool for financial advisors to establish authority, attract clients, and grow their businesses. They stress the importance of understanding the audience, leveraging the book for marketing, and focusing on building credibility through thoughtful content and engagement. Their insights and personal experiences provide valuable guidance for advisors looking to overcome challenges and harness the power of authorship in their professional journey.

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  • In this episode of Bridging the Gap, Matt Reiner and Robert Sofia cover an interesting side of our industry of innovative marketing strategies and technological advancements. They emphasize the importance of measuring marketing effectiveness using metrics like CAC (Customer Acquisition Cost), LTV (Lifetime Value), MQLs (Marketing Qualified Leads), and SQLs (Sales Qualified Leads). They highlight tools such as Snappy Kraken for comprehensive campaign tracking to ensure compliance and avoid fragmented efforts.

    The discussion jumps into how different content types build trust and foster client relationships, ranking in-person interactions highest, followed by voice, video, and text. Advisors are encouraged to incorporate video into their strategies to build trust and connect better with clients, with practice and coaching to overcome initial discomfort. Robert advises advisors to target specific audiences to enhance lead quality and strengthen marketing magnets, as this focused approach can significantly improve marketing efforts.

    The episode concludes with insights on how technology, private equity, and evolving client expectations are driving changes in the industry, necessitating advisors to adapt and innovate. By understanding the ROI of marketing activities and making data-informed decisions, advisors can boost their marketing efficacy and drive business growth. This episode is filled with interesting facts on how to better incorporate marketing strategies to enhance your firm!


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  • In this episode of Bridging the Gap, Matt Reiner and Charles Green dive into the balance between human connection and metric-based management in professional service industries. Charles Green emphasizes the need for intimate, personal connections when building trust with clients, critiquing modern business practices that overly rely on quantitative metrics. Throughout their conversation, they explore how trustworthiness can be learned, the importance of taking risks in trust development, and how different temperaments affect organizational dynamics.

    Charles recounts his journey from aspiring baseball player to trust expert, offering insights from his diverse career experiences in consulting and his background in philosophy. They also touch on the need for younger professionals to develop soft skills like vulnerability and curiosity to enhance their trust quotient over time. This conversation opens up to helping us understand active listening, vulnerability and risk taking, and personal connections over metrics. Active listening ensures that clients and colleagues feel heard by asking meaningful questions about their personal and professional goals. Questions like 'What does money mean to you?' can help in forming deeper, trust-based connections. Vulnerability and risk-taking is explained by fostering an environment of trust by leading with vulnerability. Share your own experiences and feelings openly to make others feel safe to do the same, thus encouraging open and honest conversations. Personal connections over metrics is understanding that while quantitative metrics are important, they should not overshadow the need for emotional connection and trust in business relationships. Authentic, human interactions are crucial for building and maintaining trust over time.

    They wrap up by discussing practical measures to rebuild trust within organizations, particularly emphasizing the need for genuine actions and emotional safety over mere procedural compliance or metrics. Charles helps to understand that listening to our clients comes first and this conversation helps us to understand the 'why' behind that.

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  • In this episode of Bridging the Gap, Matt Reiner and Steven Van Cohen delve into the importance of creating a psychologically safe and inclusive workplace. They explore the many elements that are crucial to fostering a supportive work environment, such as addressing feelings of loneliness among team members and emphasizing the need for genuine connections. Steven opens up about how loneliness at work manifests and how leaders can identify and address it through regular check-ins and clear communication. They stress the necessity of permitting young professionals to 'fail safely,' a concept that encourages learning through mistakes within a supportive framework.

    This discussion ties into the broader theme of psychological safety that Google has identified as essential for team success through its own meta-analysis. Steven's passion for the topic is evident, as he draws from his experiences and references books to underline the power of influence without being overly prescriptive. He emphasizes the need for intentional time investment in building connections, akin to allocating time for exercise or meals, as a means to combat disconnection and loneliness driven by busy work schedules.

    This episode opens up about how leaders should invest in weekly informal one-on-one check-ins with their team members to significantly increase engagement and retention, creating opportunities for young professionals to fail safely can foster a culture of learning and growth, helping them develop resilience and problem-solving skills, and building genuine connections through activities like team check-ins, validating questions, and clear communication can alleviate loneliness and enhance team cohesion and productivity. The episode concludes with actionable advice on how leaders can maintain engagement and foster a sense of belonging within their teams, enhancing productivity and employee well-being in the process. Tune into this episode with Steven Van Cohen to learn more about how to elevate your team and encourage team engagement.

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  • In this captivating episode of Bridging the Gap, Matt Reiner delves into the conversation of CRM (Customer Relationship Management) tools with Kate Guillen, an operations and technology expert in the financial advisory sector. Kate's journey from aspiring whale trainer to tech-savvy specialist forms the backdrop as she shares her insights on revolutionizing CRM usage through her venture, Simplicity Ops. Together, they uncover the strategic approach to CRM adoption, emphasizing the foundational role of organized data and the progression towards sophisticated automations.

    As Kate and Matt navigate the complexities of CRM implementation, they address real-world challenges faced by financial advisors, from team adoption hurdles to data consistency issues amid organizational growth. Kate's advice shines through as she advocates for regular audits, the creation of a data style guide, and the appointment of a CRM champion to drive consistent usage. Through their discussion, it becomes clear that a well-maintained CRM not only streamlines contact management but also elevates client service models and bolsters operational scalability.

    This conversation highlights important topics within our industry including the phased CRM strategy, the importance of auditing data, and the standardization of client interaction processes. By embracing these actionable insights, financial advisory firms can transform their operational efficiency and enhance client servicing capabilities, paving the way for sustainable growth and success in the industry.

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