NAPFA Nation Podcast

In Episode #27 of Mindset Mastery, “Financial Stress: Practical Solutions for Overcoming this Hidden Epidemic,” host Marie Swift, CEO of Impact Communications, speaks with Dr. Alex Melkumian, author of the recently released book, Financial Psychology: Restoring Financial Wellness in a Post-COVID Economy. A licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and founder of Financial Psychology Center in Los Angeles, he is devoted to helping clients improve their financial and mental health by uncovering patterns in their relationship with money that keep them stuck and suffering. In this episode, he provides ideas that can help reduce financial anxiety and improve financial wellness.

In a nutshell: Financial psychology is the intersection of financial literacy, emotional awareness, financial beliefs, and cultural factors. Understanding how these factors interplay revitalizes emotional and financial health. You will learn how stress changes our brains, why it is important to demystify the label “stress,” how to silence your inner critic, create mental boundaries, and reclaim control. He explains how to use our emotions wisely and why a “worry session” can actually be a good idea.

Learn more about Dr. Melkumian and his book, speeches, and therapeutic services here: www.FinancialPsychologyCenter.com.

Brought to you by NAPFA - the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors - the country’s leading professional association of Fee-Only financial advisors. Learn more about NAPFA at https://www.NAPFA.org

In Episode #26 of Mindset Mastery, “Mind Your Balance: Creating Effortless Success and True Happiness in Your Life,” host Marie Swift, CEO of Impact Communications, speaks with Dr. Travis Parry, author of the recently released book, Achieving Balance, and author of the forthcoming book, Balanced Growth. A former financial advisor, Dr. Parry holds a Doctorate in Family and Human Development, and a Masters in Psychology. He is focused on helping financial advisors – and other entrepreneurs who tend to be “functional workaholics” – achieve balance through the "Make Time Method."

In a nutshell: You will learn what triggers fear and counterproductive behavior; how to steer yourself, your clients and your loved ones toward a more fulfilling and happy life; warning signs to consider and actions to protect critical well-being; how to create your ideal calendar and “risk manage your time.” Once we’ve gotten out of the most dangerous ruts and mastered the "Make Time Method," Dr. Parry says we can reinvest our newfound time and energy into balanced growth. It all hinges on using time correctly, in accordance with our personal goals, mission, and values. He even turns Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs on its head.

Learn more about Dr. Parry and his books, speeches, and training courses here: www.travisparry.com.  

Brought to you by NAPFA - the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors - the country’s leading professional association of Fee-Only financial advisors. Learn more about NAPFA at www.napfa.org

In Episode #25 of Mindset Mastery, “Beyond DE&I: Inclusive Leadership and What It Means for Business Leaders Today,” guest host Geoffrey Brown, CEO of the National Association of Personal Financial Planners (NAPFA), speaks with Dr. James Pogue, an expert who focuses on helping business leaders understand unconscious bias. In this fascinating conversation, he weaves together funny anecdotes and riveting tales that encourage us to strengthen our own commitment to lead, drive change, and question the status quo. As it relates to Diversity, Inclusion & Bias, there are a few truths that Pogue says can help leaders lead better through the lens of culture and strategy.

In a nutshell: You will learn what leaders should keep in mind as they guide their organizations through positive and long-lasting cultural change. When senior leadership takes ownership of a significant change in an organization, the change happens differently than when it is at the entry and managerial levels. Inclusive Leadership is a measurable skill that we can foster and practice. Pogue says we can do more than simply moving the needle; we can change the face and guts of our communities and our business organizations.

Learn more about Dr. Pogue and his Inclusive Leadership research, services, and training courses here: www.jamespogue.com.

Brought to you by NAPFA - the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors - the country’s leading professional association of Fee-Only financial advisors. Learn more about NAPFA at https://www.NAPFA.org

In Episode #24 of Mindset Mastery, “Radical Relevance: Building Share of Mind with the Right People the Right Way”, host Marie Swift speaks with Bill Cates, a Hall of Fame speaker, author and coach who has helped thousands of financial professionals and firms to tap into exponential growth by focusing messaging, maximizing client engagement, and leveraging relationships. The founder of Referral Coach International and the creator of the Bill Cates Relationship Marketing System™, Cates provides a comprehensive and systematic approach to building a culture of sustained growth through communicating more relevant and compelling value, as well as generating referrals and personal introductions.

In a nutshell: Are you frustrated by how hard it is to reach people these days? It’s not just in your head. The ubiquity of technology in today's society is leaving us more exposed than ever, causing what Bill Cates calls “marketing message overload.” Our brains are being bombarded and pulled in too many directions. To protect ourselves, we filter out any irrelevant messages. This makes it nearly impossible for well-meaning fiduciary advisors and other business professionals to break through and form a meaningful connection. In this podcast, Cates explains the neuroscience behind his formula for creating a culture of client-centered introductions, how to crate a critically compelling message, and what makes for an effective website.

Learn more about Bill Cates and his latest book, Radical Relevance, here: www.thecatessystem.com/radical-relevance

Brought to you by NAPFA - the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors - the country’s leading professional association of Fee-Only financial advisors. Learn more about NAPFA at https://www.NAPFA.org

In Episode #23 of Mindset Mastery, “It’s Not About You: Lessons Learned from Serving as a Guide for Sight Impaired Athletes”, host Marie Swift speaks with Caroline Gaynor, a highly successful business person and endurance athlete who, when she’s not serving as a coach to fiduciary advisors as an employee of Avantis Investors, demonstrates that satisfaction is often found when acting in the service of others. An accomplished athlete in her own right, Caroline also volunteers her time in a very unique way. Take a moment to imagine training to complete a full Ironman triathlon (2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, and 26.2 mile run). Now imagine doing that same event, nearly 30 times, tethered to and leading a sight impaired person.

In a nutshell: Like most people, Caroline Gaynor has a day job, working as a regional director for a large asset manager. Outside of her job, though, Caroline works hard at something that isn't a job but is more than a hobby: guiding visually-impaired triathletes. In this inspiring episode, Caroline says that every race has a curve ball. She talks about how to handle the unexpected, communicating in a way that makes sense for everyone, and how to rise above the challenges to be our best selves. What is the one thing you can do to regain your focus when distractions are everywhere? Caroline shares what she’s found to be true.

Learn more about Caroline Gaynor here.

Brought to you by NAPFA - the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors - the country’s leading professional association of Fee-Only financial advisors. Learn more about NAPFA at https://www.NAPFA.org

In Episode #22 of Mindset Mastery, “Level Up: How Mindfulness and Self Reflection Can Change the World,” host Marie Swift speaks with Saundra Davis, MS, APFC, financial coach, educator and trainer, distinguished Adjunct Professor at Golden Gate University, and founder of Sage Financial Solutions, a company that bridges the gap between financial service professions and low-wealth communities. Once a homeless teenager, Sandra believes that everyone needs and deserves access to competent, ethical financial services and she is committed to providing support to community-based organizations in the way of financial life skills programs. She is also ex-Navy and a Mindfulness Meditation teacher, so you’ll hear some of that thinking bubble up in the conversation.

In a nutshell: Just because you’re broke, doesn’t mean you’re broken. Financial professionals, parents, and student mentors can learn to shift their mindset and help people see the real “why” behind their choices. Money is seldom the real motivator for our decisions. If we dig deeper, we’ll typically see that motivations are tied to emotions – and the words freedom, peace of mind, security, and legacy tend to surface. Questions to consider: Am I aware of the impact my words and attitudes have on others? How might I be limiting myself due to the way I am thinking? What is my intention in this situation? How can I level up so that people around me are helped, not harmed? It only takes a moment to re-presence ourselves, to stay in the present and live a life of freedom, not regret. We can help those around us become their own heroes.

Learn more about the Financial Fitness Coaching program here: www.SageFinancialSolutions.org/FFC.

Brought to you by NAPFA - the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors - the country’s leading professional association of Fee-Only financial advisors. Learn more about NAPFA at https://www.NAPFA.org

In Episode #21 of Mindset Mastery, “Optimal Performance: Insights from an Olympic Medalist”, host Marie Swift speaks with Paul Kingsman, author of The Distraction-Proof Advisor. Kingsman shares what it takes to become wildly successful, whatever your pursuit. As a young swimmer from New Zealand, Kingsman participated at the 1988 Summer Olympics, winning a bronze medal in the 200-meter backstroke. He also competed at the 1984 Summer Olympics.

In a nutshell: Sometimes success or failure is determined by a split second – and while the determining factors will always include talent, ability, discipline and preparation, in business and life (much like competing in the Olympics), it is unwavering focus that makes the difference. There are many good swimmers who never become great athletes, Kingsman says. Many are undone by that split second of distraction, and because they didn’t see immediate detrimental consequences from that first moment of, say, looking over their shoulder, they allow their focus to waver again – and thus fall short of their goals. Kingsman also talks about how to attract the right clients, the important balance between competent conviction and humble confidence, and achieving optimal performance as a business professional in 2022 and beyond.

Check out the additional tools and insights provided here: www.PaulKingsman.com

Brought to you by NAPFA - the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors - the country’s leading professional association of Fee-Only financial advisors. Learn more about NAPFA at https://www.NAPFA.org

In Episode #20 of Mindset Mastery, “Who You Are IS the Message”, host Marie Swift recaps some of the best ideas shared by Mindset Mastery guests in 2021. She also shares her own thoughts and observations about life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness as we look back at the turbulence we’ve all been forced to move through over the past two years and cast our vision into 2022.

In a nutshell: Marie Swift has been a student of mindset and self-improvement for over thirty years. She shares several phrases and sayings she uses to reframe conversations and stay focused on what matters most. One simple graphic that’s been especially helpful over the years is the “Five Step Communication Success Cycle” – and Swift walks us through each of the steps, explaining why they all work together but must be followed in sequence. She digs deeper to provide six ways to enhance your professional communication skills and stay grounded when clients, staff, friends and family members need you most. 

Check out the additional tools and insights Swift provides by visiting www.MarieSwift.com.

Brought to you by NAPFA - the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors - the country’s leading professional association of Fee-Only financial advisors. Learn more about NAPFA at https://www.NAPFA.org

In Episode #19 of Mindset Mastery, “Why Standing Out is No Longer Enough – And What To Do Instead”, Mindset Mastery host Marie Swift speaks with Carl Richards, a.k.a. “The Sketch Guy” for the New York Times. They talk about how to be hyper-relevant to the smallest group of people possible so that you can make the biggest difference in your clients’ lives.

In a nutshell: Real financial planners can become the “the signal” by being visible while continually articulating their true value. Too many really great financial planners underestimate or can’t clearly articulate their value. In this interview, Carl provides a metaphor that can help you anchor in on the value you really provide as you provide mission-critical advice to your clients over time. Carl also provides tips on how to stay resilient and grounded during tough times.

To learn more about Carl Richards and The Society of Financial Advice, visit www.TheSocietyOfAdvice.com.

Brought to you by NAPFA - the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors - the country’s leading professional association of Fee-Only financial advisors. Learn more about NAPFA at www.NAPFA.org

In Episode #18 of Mindset Mastery, “Dementia Prevention and Optimistic Aging”, Mindset Mastery host Marie Swift speaks with Dr. Margit Henderson, a psychologist who specializes in stress management and aging well. They talk about being more resilient and vibrant as we age – and how to help others who may be haunted by “pessimistic aging ghosts”.

In a nutshell: Developing an “optimistic aging mindset” in midlife and beyond actually changes how well we live and experience life as we age. The more hopeful our expectations, the better the outcomes. Financial advisors can create a better emotional experience for their clients by spotlighting the positive aging inspirations clients share with them, helping them connect the dots, and offering reassurance (not necessarily advice) when it comes to living their best life as the years roll by. You’ll hear lots of tips for dementia prevention and improving brain health – including how to get a “2 for 1” benefit by combining certain health investments over time.

To learn more about Dr. Henderson and her books, workshops and presentation, visit www.MargitHenderson.com.

Brought to you by NAPFA - the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors - the country’s leading professional association of Fee-Only financial advisors. Learn more about NAPFA at https://www.NAPFA.org

In Episode #17 of Mindset Mastery, “Brain Health: Beyond Crossword Puzzles and Sudoko,” Mindset Mastery host Marie Swift speaks with Dr. Marc Milstein, a Ph.D. in biological chemistry, scientist, researcher and professional speaker on human health, productivity, and happiness. They talk about the often-overlooked factors that accelerate the aging of your brain and how to avoid these traps.

In a nutshell: There is so much more to keeping your brain in tip-top shape and lowering your risk for dementia than crossword puzzles, brain games, and Sudoku. Breakthrough research is uncovering the surprising, key actionable steps to boost your brain and keep it working better, longer. Did you know that lack of sleep raises the risk of dementia, Alzheimer’s, weight gain, premature aging, diabetes, depression, and cancer? You will learn the one simple thing you can do every morning that will help you get energy-boosting sleep, how to boost your productivity, lower risk of dementia, and slow aging – and much more!

To learn more about Dr. Milstein and his coaching programs, visit www.DrMarcMilstein.com.

Brought to you by NAPFA - the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors - the country’s leading professional association of Fee-Only financial advisors. Learn more about NAPFA at https://www.NAPFA.org

In Episode #16 of Mindset Mastery, “Success That’s Satisfying”, power coach Stephanie Bogan of Limitless Advisor gives Mindset Mastery host Marie Swift a formula for creating results that are both energy-producing and revenue-producing.

In a nutshell: Success can be draining – but it doesn’t have to be that way. Financial advisors and founders can create bigger, better futures – on their terms – if they “mind their line” and are willing to give up “the lollipop of mediocrity.” The 4 Realms of Mastery are also a part of the equation. Learn which one of the three factors that contribute to your success is the most important and create a bigger, better future for yourself with the insights you’ll glean from this episode.

To learn more about Limitless Advisor’s coaching programs, visit www.LimitlessFA.life.

Brought to you by NAPFA - the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors - the country’s leading professional association of Fee-Only financial advisors. Learn more about NAPFA at https://www.NAPFA.org

In Episode #15 of Mindset Mastery, “The Power of Dialog and Story Listening”, a self-proclaimed “story listener,” Preston D. Cherry, Ph.D., CFP® of Concurrent Financial Planning, LLC, talks with Mindset Mastery host Marie Swift about the power of dialog, authenticity, and creating common ground as a way to create more meaningful connections with clients, friends and family, while at the same time inspiring action.

In a nutshell: Financial planners who connect with clients using some of the methodologies discussed can avoid becoming a commoditized. Dr. Cherry provides tips for engaging based on humorous or relatable household matters to bridge into money conversations. It’s all about Life Money Balance™ aspirations and using challenges to pivot and grow. Dr. Cherry is also Assistant Professor of Personal Financial Planning & Finance in the Austin E. Cofrin School of Business at the University of Wisconsin – Green Bay, where he is Head of the CFP Board Registered Approved Personal Financial Planning Program. The program helps prepare the next generation of financial planners for success.

To learn more about the philosophies and financial planning-based research Dr. Cherry focuses on, including client connection and communication that leverages money psychology tools that can increase client engagement with their personal finance journey, visit www.ConcurrentFP.com.

Brought to you by NAPFA - the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors - the country’s leading professional association of Fee-Only financial advisors. Learn more about NAPFA at https://www.NAPFA.org

In Episode #14 of Mindset Mastery, “Aligning Dreams, Desire and Positive Motivation,” New York Times best-selling author and industry thought leader, Steve Sanduski, talks with Mindset Mastery host Marie Swift about how people make decisions, the art of storytelling and living your dream as a financial planner today.

In a nutshell: Steve says that telling stories is the oldest form of influence; stories are a way to connect heart and mind. He talks about “reframing the conversation” and reinventing ourselves on a daily basis and provides one of the first principles of hiring. He also shares a three-step formula for creating an aspirational news release; this exercise will help financial planners determine how referral-worthy they really are. Please lean into this conversation and share this episode with others who might benefit from Steve’s wisdom.

Check out the tools, books and resources that Steve mentions at www.SteveSanduski.com and www.ROLAdvisor.com.

Brought to you by NAPFA - the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors - the country’s leading professional association of Fee-Only financial advisors. Learn more about NAPFA at https://www.NAPFA.org

In Episode #13 of Mindset Mastery, “Hard Times Call for Soft Skills,” best-selling author and long-time leader of the Life Centered Financial Planning movement, Mitch Anthony, talks with Mindset Mastery host Marie Swift about resiliency, positive psychology, and how financial advisors can better connect with and serve their clients.

In a nutshell: Mitch says the characteristics that leaders demonstrate in times of chaos and uncertainty include empathy, deep listening, and a calm, reassuring countenance. Focusing on others allows us to get outside of our own fears and concerns, find and meet needs, and truly be there for people. Feeling the need to have an answer gets in the way of hearing what is being said and felt by the other person. He encourages us to recognize both the uniqueness and the singularity of the moment, as this moment will never repeat itself again. There are dozens of golden nuggets in this important conversation. Take a listen and share this episode with someone who’d benefit.

Check out the tools, books and resources that Mitch has developed for financial planning practitioners at www.MitchAnthony.com and www.ROLAdvisor.com.

Brought to you by NAPFA - the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors - the country’s leading professional association of Fee-Only financial advisors. Learn more about NAPFA at https://www.NAPFA.org

In Episode #12 of Mindset Mastery, “Transition Fatigue and the Post-Pandemic Future,” Susan Bradley, who has long been one of the financial life planning profession’s leading lights, talks with Mindset Mastery host Marie Swift about the human condition and how major transitions – such as the pandemic – create both opportunity and challenge for financial advisors and their clients.

In a nutshell: Susan tells us how to develop the habits and “soft skills” needed to leave clients with a sense of personal transformation and says that advisors who help clients apply meaning to the challenges they face give themselves a 77% advantage over designations and professional expertise alone. She talks about signs of transition fatigue, the value of community, how to reduce client attrition, and provides quick tips for creating more meaningful conversations.

Check out the work Susan is doing with Dr. Moira Somers and other thought leaders / practitioners at www.FinancialTransitionist.com.

Brought to you by NAPFA - the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors - the country’s leading professional association of Fee-Only financial advisors. Learn more about NAPFA at https://www.NAPFA.org

In Episode #11 of Mindset Mastery, "Building a Life by Choice, Not Chance”, Speaker/Author/Coach Chris Yonker talks about reducing stress when we are facing critical, consequential transitions in business or life. His expertise is in helping individuals find out what they want and then creating that in business performance, sales, leadership development, succession planning, mindset, and in their own personal lives. It all starts with vision – and Chris tells us how to begin in this engaging dialog with Mindset Mastery host Marie Swift.

In a nutshell: There are things that happen in life that we can’t control. Uncertainties can create stress. But it’s how we orient ourselves to what’s happening that makes the difference. He tells us how to get out of worry mode and live life with ease and grace. He provides a fail-proof way to get out of fight-or-flight mode. He also says the pandemic provided us all with a big gift – the opportunity to stop and reflect on who we are, what we value and how to live without regrets.

Be sure to download his Vision Workbook at www.ChrisYonker.com.

Brought to you by NAPFA - the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors - the country’s leading professional association of Fee-Only financial advisors. Learn more about NAPFA at https://www.NAPFA.org

In Episode #10 of Mindset Mastery, "Stoic Wisdom from a Roman Emperor, Dennis Stearns, CFP®, and 2020 Mindset Mastery Guests”, host Marie Swift recaps the 2020 podcast series and shares her own thoughts and observations about the global pandemic and 2020 business climate.

In a nutshell: Marie Swift has been a student of mindset and self-improvement for over thirty years. She shares a handful of helpful tips for keeping the right mental focus during times of uncertainty and reminds us of all the additional great advice and information provided by 2020’s Mindset Mastery Guests. This 10-minute annual recap will leave you with a few Golden Nuggets as we complete a year full of anxiety-producing circumstances and cast our vision into the future, onward into 2021.

Brought to you by NAPFA - the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors - the country’s leading professional association of Fee-Only financial advisors. Learn more about NAPFA at https://www.NAPFA.org

In Episode #09 of Mindset Mastery, "Productivity and Time Management for Mere Mortals”, Marie Swift speaks with speaker/author/advisor Michael Kitces, MSFS, MTAX, CFP®, CLU, ChFC, RHU, REBC, CASL, Head of Planning Strategy for Buckingham Wealth Partners, co-founder of XY Planning Network, and a stakeholder in several additional offerings aimed at helping fiduciary financial advisors be more successful.

In a nutshell: Michael Kitces is known for his boundless energy and omnipresence in the financial planning community. It seems like he is everywhere. How can this be? Does he ever sleep? Does he possess superhuman powers? Turns out that mere mortals can actually adopt Kitces’ tips to get more of the right things done in record time. If you want to increase your productivity and return some sanity to your life, this podcast is for you!

Brought to you by NAPFA - the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors - the country’s leading professional association of Fee-Only financial advisors. Learn more about NAPFA at https://www.NAPFA.org

In Episode #08 of Mindset Mastery, "Creating Demand for You and Your Expertise", Marie Swift speaks with John Bowen of CEG Worldwide.

In a nutshell: John Bowen, founder and CEO of CEG Worldwide, the world’s leading coaching firm for financial advisors, talks about the skills and systems used by some of the top financial planners and investment advisors in the nation. In addition to offering to send a free book and video to those who request it, Bowen offers some quick tips and a mental framework for stepping up to an even greater level of success as a fiduciary professional today. Don’t miss this important conversation!

Brought to you by NAPFA - the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors - the country’s leading professional association of Fee-Only financial advisors. Learn more about NAPFA at https://www.NAPFA.org