Hosts Dean Holmes and Craig Kouimanis celebrate amajor milestone—100 episodes over three years!
In this special episode, they reflect on their journey from hesitant beginners to confident speakers, sharinglessons learned along the way:
This episode features a hype reel of memorable moments and heartfelt gratitude to the team that made it possible. Dean and Craig are excited to keep the conversation going and welcome your suggestions for future topics!
Craig Kouimanis & Dean Holmes flip the script on the “slow month” myth. December is your secret weapon for success.
They discussed:
Plus, they talk holiday planning with intention—family, health, tech habits, learning, and mental refreshment. No more scrambling at year-end.
And… a sneak peek at the 100-episode milestone celebrating 2.5 years of game-changing insights!
In this episode Dean Holmes and Craig Kouimanis dive into the critical role of practice managers in financial planning firms.
Discover why the shift from admin-heavy roles to strategic operational leadership is essential for sustainable growth.
Key topics:
If you want to boost productivity and scalability in your firm, this is a must-listen!
Dean Holmes sits down with leadership and team coach Paul Slezak to reveal the game-changing strategies that turn good teams into unstoppable forces.
In this conversation, you’ll discover:
Dean Holmes & Craig Kouimanis dive into the must-have strategies for succession planning in financial advice firms. From unexpected events like a founder’s sudden passingto planned transitions like internal successions or full sales — they cover it all.
Dean Holmes and Craig Koumanis discussed quarterly planning review insights for financial advice firms, covering five essential themes:
Craig Koumanis and Dean Holmes unpack the latest Netwealth Advice Tech report exploring the six key trends shaping financial advice: data- driven personalisation, automation, AI adoption, cybersecurity and more.
Discover how advisors can leverage tech like Microsoft Copilot and connected data systems to enhance client outcomes and drive smarter decisions.
Dean Holmes & Daniel Vanderzeil of Colonial First State unpack the evolution of managed accounts in financial advice.
They explore how business owners drive adoption for scalability, advisors shift to strategic relationship roles, and support teams play a key part in implementation. With 70–75% client transition, firms can save up to 24 hours weekly.
The episode covers SMA structures, fee transparency, retail vs. private solutions, and trends like fractional trading—highlighting the need for a clear investment philosophy and strategic planning.
CEO in Action: Leading with Strategy
Dean Holmes & Craig Kouimanis break down the CEO’s real job in an advice business—aligning people, refining processes, connecting with clients, and driving financial health. It’s not about doing it all, it’s about doing what matters. 💼🔥
Dean Holmes shares insights from the Count Conference, covering Australia’s $94B wealth transfer, estate planning, adviser-led super solutions, and the role of tech and AI in advice.
Key topics:
Dean Holmes takes the spotlight at the Annual Count Convention in this episode of UncommonCents, sharing sharp, actionable strategies for mastering client meetings — from mindset to messaging, and everything in between.
Highlights:
- Coffee is for Closers
- Crafting Your Pitch
- Using AI in Practice
- Pre- Meeting Rituals
- Sales is Not a Dirty Word
Dean Holmes with guest co-host Paul Barrett reflect on the evolution of the UncommonCent event and dive into The Wealth Network’s Annual Planning Day.
They explore goal setting, accountability systems, and the power of structured reflection. Plus, Lisa Greensill and Cam Fink share tips on building a strong, authentic online presence.
In this episode, Craig Kouimanis and Dean Holmes tackle a critical question: Who owns the client—the adviser or the business?
Learn how to build brand loyalty that keeps clients with your firm, even when advisers leave.
Key topics:
Building strong client communities and company culture
Making your business the brand, not individual advisers
Seamless client transition strategies
Brand loyalty lessons from other industries
Practical client retention tips for business owners
Perfect for financial advisers, business owners, and anyone interested in practice management.
Deepa, a seasoned recruiter, shares her structured approach to hiring—from crafting job ads and screening candidates to psychometric testing and managing counteroffers.
Learn why timing, planning, and recruiter alignment are key to successful talent acquisition.
Dean Holmes and Craig Kouimanis tackle the challenge of making financial planning more accessible and appealing to everyday Australians.
They explore how shifting public perception and learning from industries like real estate and mortgage broking can help embed financial advice into the national mindset.
Craig steps up solo to share why pruning roses is the perfect metaphor for business growth. From attracting the right clients to leading with kindness—this episode is all about embracing challenges and leveling up.
The $2,000 Rule: Ritz-Carlton’s Loyalty Power Move 💼✨
Craig & Dean dive into how giving staff $2,000 freedom creates unforgettable moments—like flying cross-country for a guest’s laptop—and builds customers for life.
One rule. Endless impact.
Business coach Cole shares how living communally on a 27-acre farm near Melbourne shapes his solo business philosophy.
He dives into the values of money, meaning, and freedom, and how authenticity builds trust and community. Plus, hear about his creative collaboration with his brother Cam on their podcast Think Tank.
In this episode, Dean Holmes chats with Abhi Rao about why Cyber Insurance is essential for financial planning firms. They explore common cyber risks like social engineering fraud, the claims process, and how to strengthen your cyber posture. Abhi shares practical tips on incident response, business continuity, and staff training, while also touching on regulatory actions and reputational risks.
Whether you're new to cyber insurance or looking to improve your coverage, this episode is packed with insights to help protect your business.
Discover how small, thoughtful touches, from office ambience to virtual meeting etiquette can elevate the client experience by creating comfort and reducing friction.