Building Authentic Networks with Clay Hicks, Founder of H7 Global Network

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CMOs Without Borders

Joel Crampton

10 episodes

1 week ago

Welcome to CMOs Without Borders — the podcast where two seasoned marketing leaders with decades of experience from opposite sides of the border cut through the noise and get real about what actually drives growth in financial services. Hosted by fractional CMOs Joel Crampton, founder of CMO/Alpha (U.S.), and Mandy MacPhee, founder of illumination (Canada), this show explores the strategic marketing moves that help RIAs, fintechs, credit unions, and financial brands thrive — regardless of size, structure, or postal code. We bring different lenses to the mic: U.S. vs. Canada, Fintech vs. Institutional, Independent firms vs. Enterprise marketing But we’re united by one mission: helping you build a smarter, more strategic marketing function that actually drives results — not just more activity. Each episode delivers candid conversations, real-world examples, and field-tested insights to help you: - Align your marketing with business goals - Outperform the competition without wasting time or budget - Gain the clarity and confidence to lead — or delegate — marketing that works If you’re a financial advisor, fintech founder, credit union exec, or marketing leader in the financial space, this is your “no-fluff, behind-the-scenes look” at what works — and what doesn’t.

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Building Authentic Networks with Clay Hicks, Founder of H7 Global Network

CMOs Without Borders

32 minutes 52 seconds

1 month ago

Building Authentic Networks with Clay Hicks, Founder of H7 Global Network

In this episode we sit down with Clay Hicks, founder and CEO of H7 Global Network, to unpack what authentic networking really looks like and how founders, financial advisors, and entrepreneurs can build relationships that actually move the needle.

Clay shares the story behind H7’s rise from a regional Ohio-based network to a global community spanning 23 countries, all grounded in one simple philosophy: “Connect. Serve. Ask.”

🔑 Key Takeaways

Trust is the currency of connection. Clay emphasizes that networking shouldn’t start with a pitch — it starts with curiosity. Focusing on understanding others first earns trust faster and creates deeper, longer-lasting opportunities.
From contacts to advocates. Turning a first meeting into real advocacy means consistent follow-up and service beyond your own business interests. The Connect–Serve–Ask method helps people move from introductions to influence.

💡 For Financial Advisors & Founders

Clay offers practical advice that applies directly to client acquisition and retention:

Stop treating discovery calls like transactions — instead, ask about the person, not the portfolio.
Expand your professional network beyond CPAs and estate attorneys; relationships outside the typical channels often lead to unexpected referrals.
Always approach networking with the mindset of earning trust first, not closing a sale.

🌍 What’s Next for H7

As H7 continues its international expansion, Clay is preparing for the network’s annual virtual holiday extravaganza in December and an in-person global conference in Nashville in April 2026.

🧭 Clay’s Parting Thought

“Before you network at all, think about what you really want to accomplish — and focus on earning trust with every person you meet. That one shift could change everything.”

Connect with Clay
https://h7network.blog/

Connect with Hosts

Joel Crampton — Fractional CMO for RIAs and wealth managers
LinkedIn profile
https://cmoalpha.com

Mandy MacPhee — Fractional CMO for founder-led companies
LinkedIn profile
https://www.illuminationcmo.com/