What can financial advisors learn from those guiding the world’s wealthiest and most complex families? And how can you position yourself as the advisor your A+ clients call first? In this episode of the Top Advisor Podcast, Bill Cates interviews Rich Wolkowitz – attorney, advisor, and founder of Xylogenesis. From White House counsel to family … Continue reading #101 – Becoming the First-Call Advisor: Insights from Family Office Expert Rich Wolkowitz →

Standing out as a financial advisor requires more than credentials; it’s about clarity, connection, and purpose. How do you move from being “just another advisor” to someone clients instantly trust and want to work with? How do you stop competing on titles and start owning the problems your clients care about most? In this special … Continue reading #100 – From Top Advisor to Industry Leader: Derrick Kinney’s Secrets for Making Competitors Irrelevant and Attracting Clients →

If you think numbers and charts are enough to win clients, think again. In this episode, Referral Coach Bill Cates interviews renowned author and speaker Mitch Anthony about the decisive role of storytelling and life-centered financial planning.  Mitch shares how neuroscience has proven that emotional connection, not just data, drives decisions, and how financial advisors … Continue reading #99 – What Every Advisor Needs to Know About Storyselling and Life Planning with Mitch Anthony →

Financial advisors face the real challenge of proving their worth to clients who have more options and skepticism than ever before.  How do today’s top advisors cut through the noise, establish credibility, and attract clients in a way that actually works? In this episode, Referral Coach Bill Cates interviews Michael Kitces, Chief Financial Planning Nerd … Continue reading #98 – The Crisis of Differentiation: Michael Kitces on What Actually Works for Advisors →

Many advisors build thriving practices, only to feel trapped by the very work they love. What if your career could energize, rather than drain, your life? In this intriguing conversation, Referral Coach Bill Cates, CSP, CAPE interviews Kristin Harad, CFP®, founder of Full Advisor Coaching, who explains how financial advisors can embrace work-life integration rather … Continue reading #97 – Sustainable Success for Financial Advisors – Integrating Work and Life with Kristin Harad, CFP →

Do your clients’ money mindsets ever drive you crazy? Do you wish you could get them to just “think right” about their money? What if you knew that some of your clients’ financial challenges are rooted in their DNA?  Is that possible?  It’s called “epigenetics.”   (BTW – This is true for you too!) In … Continue reading #96 – The Financial Mindset Fix: Joyce Marter on Mental Fitness for Advisors and Clients →

Most advisors know women will control the majority of wealth by 2030—so why aren’t more of them preparing now? In this episode, Referral Coach Bill Cates interviews Cary Carbonaro, CFP®, Managing Wealth Advisor and the Women and Wealth Ambassador at Ashton Thomas. Cary explains how the financial industry has historically overlooked female clients and what … Continue reading #95 – The $30 Trillion Opportunity: Serving Women Investors Better with Cary Carbonaro, CFP® →

Are you building a business you love — or one that’s wearing you down? In this episode of Top Advisor Podcast, I interview David DeCelle, CEO of Model FA, whose passion is helping advisors fall in love with their practice – either “again” or for “the first time.” David shares actionable insights on scaling your … Continue reading #94 – From Stuck to Scaling: How Top Advisors Build Momentum with David DeCelle →

Selling a business is a monumental decision, filled with considerations that can significantly impact the owner’s future. How can advisors provide real value beyond investment advice during this crucial transition? In this episode, Referral Coach Bill Cates interviews Scott Bushkie, CBI, M&AMI, CM&AP, founder of Cornerstone Business Services, about the key steps and considerations involved … Continue reading #93 – Advising Business Owners Through Their Exit with Scott Bushkie, CBI, M&AMI, CM&AP →

Building strong financial foundations isn’t just about numbers, it’s about nurturing relationships and leaving a legacy. How can financial advisors inspire trust and empower the next generation? What role does education play in creating lasting client relationships? In this episode, Referral Coach Bill Cates interviews Jeff Panik, CFP®, MSFS, CRPS, Principal of Balanced Wealth Partners, … Continue reading #92 Connecting Generations Through Financial Literacy with Jeff Panik, CFP®, MSFS, CRPS →

In a crowded market, how can financial advisors truly stand out and attract their ideal clients? What’s the key difference between a target market and a niche, and why does it matter? In this episode, Referral Coach Bill Cates interviews Kristen Luke, marketing strategist and author of: Uncomparable: The Financial Advisor’s Guide to Standing Out … Continue reading #91 Standing Out: Niche Marketing for Financial Advisors with Kristen Luke →

In this episode of Top Advisor Podcast, I sat down with one of the most recognized and influential names in the financial services industry: Ric Edelman. From starting as a new advisor to building the largest RIA in the country, (over $300 Billion in assets managed) Ric’s journey is filled with insights, strategies, and bold … Continue reading #90 Ric Edelman on Growing Your Financial Practice and Trends Reshaping the Advisor World →

Referrals have always been the fastest and most predominant way that advisors have grown their business. But… it’s not the only way. Abby Salameh, Chief Growth Officer at RFG Advisory, dives deep into what’s working right now when it comes to client acquisition for top-performing financial advisors. Abby shares insights into four primary strategies her … Continue reading #89 Referrals, Social, and Events: A Modern Playbook for Growth with Abby Salameh →

When it comes to generational wealth, it’s not just about money; it’s about relationships.  Don’t believe me?  Listen to this interview!!! In this episode, Referral Coach Bill Cates sits down with Barry Banther, CMC, CSP, CPAE, a seasoned family business advisor with over 30 years of experience helping families navigate the complexities of wealth transfer. … Continue reading #88 The Do’s and Don’ts of Intergenerational Wealth Transfer with Barry Banther, CMD, CSP, CPAE →

What does it mean to truly scale your advisory team without sacrificing quality or culture? In this episode, Referral Coach Bill Cates interviews Steve Perry, founder and president of Well Recruiting Solutions, as they delve into the art of building teams with top talent. Discover the innovative approaches Steve uses to overcome the biggest hurdles … Continue reading #87 Building Your Financial Advisory Team with Top Talent – Insights from Steve Perry →

Are you ready to become a million-dollar advisor, or are you already there wanting to push your success further? Discover the core strategies that separate high-performing financial advisors from the rest in our latest episode. In this episode, Referral Coach Bill Cates interviews Dave Mullen, a veteran in developing top financial advisors, for an engaging … Continue reading #86 Become a Million-Dollar-Advisor with Dave Mullen →

Does financial security keep you up at night? In this episode, Referral Coach Bill Cates interviews Pamela Sams, founder of Jackson Sams Wealth Strategies. Discover how Pamela has harnessed the power of having a clear mission and target market to build a thriving community of advocates. With a focus on helping professional women secure their … Continue reading #85 Helping Clients Sleep Well at Night with Financial Planning with Pamela Sams →

“My book is titled Exactly What to Say, but maybe I should have called it, Exactly What to Ask.” In this enlightening episode of the Top Advisor Podcast, host Bill Cates sits down with Phil M. Jones, CSP, CPAE, the renowned expert and author of the bestselling book – Exactly What to Say: The Magic … Continue reading #84 EXACTLY What to Say (And Ask) with Phil M. Jones, CSP, CPAE →

What if you could cut through the noise and offer your clients true value beyond just product performance? In this episode, Referral Coach Bill Cates interviews co-founders of Holistic Financial Planners Steven Kaplan and Benjamin Skupp about charging for advice. They share their journey into adopting a new financial model that enabled them to work … Continue reading #83 Charging for Financial Planning Services with Steven Kaplan & Ben Skupp →

Ever wondered how financial advisors can truly connect with niche markets? What if we told you the secret lies in a unique combination of athletics, education, and strategic branding? In this episode, Referral Coach Bill Cates interviews Jeff Durr from RU Financial Athletic Department, revealing how he’s turning the world of financial planning on its … Continue reading #82 Financial Focus for College Athletes: A Winning Game Plan with Jeff Durr →