romanpolnar

Andy Cahill is a Leadership Development Consultant and an Associate Partner at KONU, an international boutique consultancy for leadership development and change management. As a transformative coach, he works with purpose-driven leaders and entrepreneurs to help them make a positive difference in the world. He is also the author of the critically acclaimed science-fiction novel Gradient and the host of The Wonder Dome podcast.

In this episode…

We are constantly faced with life's complexities, and without the proper tools, navigating through all the difficulties can be challenging and may even lead to despair. One way to overcome this is by letting go of things that no longer serve a purpose in our lives.

Andy Cahill, a seasoned consultant in leadership development, advocates for incorporating mindful practices to enhance conscious living. To achieve this, Andy recommends heightening your awareness of your immediate environment and taking the time to make well-informed decisions. He further emphasizes the importance of taking control of your life by carving out time for rest and slowing down, as this can play a pivotal role in facilitating effective adaptation to changes in your professional or personal life.

In this episode of the Pillar6 Podcast, Roman Polnar interviews Andy Cahill, a Leadership Development Consultant and an Associate Partner at KONU, about strategies for managing life's complexities. They also discuss the need for conscious living, how to embrace change, and tips for slowing down.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Pillar6 Advisors
• Roman M. Polnar on LinkedIn
• KONU 
• Andy Cahill on LinkedIn
• Gradient by Anders Cahill 
• Adaptive Leadership Network
• Immunity to Change: How to Overcome It and Unlock the Potential in Yourself and Your Organization (Leadership for the Common Good) by Robert Kegan and Lisa Laskow Lahey
• The Dawn of Everything: A New History of Humanity by David Graeber and David Wengrow
• The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet by David Mitchell
• The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin

Michael Koehler is the Founder and CEO of KONU, an international boutique consultancy for leadership development and change management. Michael also teaches leadership as an Adjunct Lecturer at Harvard Graduate School of Education and hosts the On The Balcony podcast, where he inspires change agents, executives, and others passionate about personal development.

In this episode…

According to studies, most people love change if it is in their favor. In organizations, people may be reluctant to change due to ineffective leadership or the fear of loss. 

It's essential for the company's visionary leader to implement strategies that inspire teams to embrace change. Employees may fear losing control, their status, or their sense of connection with others. Engaging and communicating effectively with your team encourages positive change. Identify all potential losses that may occur and help them overcome their fears.

In this episode of the Pillar6 Podcast, Roman Polnar interviews Michael Koehler, the Founder and CEO of KONU, about change management strategies. They also discuss Michael's adaptive leadership framework, the difference between authority and leadership, and tips for overcoming loss.

Resources Mentioned in this episode

• Pillar6 Advisors
• Roman M. Polnar on LinkedIn
• KONU
• Michael Koehler on LinkedIn
• Adaptive Leadership Network
• The Wexner Foundation
• On The Balcony podcast
• Leadership Without Easy Answers by Ronald A. Heifetz
• Out of the Shadows: Reimagining Gay Men's Lives by Walt Odets

Laura Renner is the Founder and Managing Director of Freedom Makers, a virtual assistant agency supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs with admin support. Freedom Makers pairs companies with qualified, versatile, and experienced military spouses. Laura, a former Public Affairs Officer for the US Air Force, is passionate about connecting talented military spouses with motivated small business owners. As a small business owner, she understands the stress associated with running a business and the challenge of being a military spouse struggling to build a career when assignments can change at a moment’s notice.

In this episode…

In the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, lifestyle businesses have increased in popularity. As a result of global lockdowns, remote work is becoming normalized — allowing people the flexibility to work from anywhere. Military spouses who often forego career opportunities due to the unpredictability of active duty assignments and transfers have benefited from the accessibility to remote positions. Are military spouses the answer for small business owners looking to outsource specialized work?

Finding the ideal virtual assistant is a challenge for many business owners. Confidentiality, trust, and discipline are key skills required when hiring an assistant, but finding the right person can be an arduous task. According to Laura Renner, the environment that military families live in helps them to stay organized, making them an asset for entrepreneurs.

In this episode of the Pillar6 Podcast, Roman Polnar interviews Laura Renner, the Founder and Managing Director of Freedom Makers, to discuss how utilizing military spouses as virtual assistants can help build your lifestyle business. Laura shares why military spouses are ideal candidates for virtual assistant roles, what criteria to consider when hiring an assistant, and why lifestyle businesses utilize virtual assistants.

Resources Mentioned in this episode

• Roman M. Polnar on LinkedIn
• Pillar6 Advisors
• Laura Renner on LinkedIn
• Freedom Makers
• Patricia De Fonte on LinkedIn
• "Estate Planning with Patricia De Fonte" on the Pillar6 Podcast
• Fiverr
• Upwork
• Michael Hyatt on LinkedIn
• Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin
• Korea's Place in the Sun: A Modern History by Bruce Cumings
• Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor
• Books by Andre Dubus

Crystal Shanks is the CEO and Certified Business Coach at Run Right Business Consulting, where business and executive coaches help entrepreneurs and executives thrive through professional and personal development. Run Right’s coaching program is uniquely personalized for each person and focuses on core needs, including marketing, sales, operations, leadership, financial mastery, career advancement, and mindset. Crystal has coached thousands of owners and businesses worldwide to generate maximum profits and substantial results for nearly 15 years.

In this episode…

People hire business coaches and consultants for various reasons, including having a sounding board, gaining accountability, and helping with business challenges. They provide valuable support and guidance to leaders wanting to propel themselves to another level of success. However, to effectively support clients, consultants must ask a bevy of questions to identify pain points.

With 14 years of coaching executives and leaders under her belt, Crystal Shanks is no stranger to the business world. If you’re looking to elevate yourself or grow your business, her advice is to work with a business coach and be ready to be vulnerable and connect on an emotional level. Coaches can unveil barriers blocking your potential to reach your goals, so you must be willing to share to get to the heart of things. When you commit to the process, the walls will break and clear a path to determine what’s holding you back and the measures you can take to move forward.

In this episode of the Pillar6 Podcast, Roman Polnar interviews Crystal Shanks, CEO and Certified Business Coach at Run Right Business Consulting, to discuss the influence of executive coaching on business growth. She shares what motivates people to work with a business coach, inspirational case studies about past clients, and the differences between a business coach and a life coach. Plus, Crystal offers a special homework assignment as a first step toward growing your business.

Resources Mentioned in this episode

• Pillar6 Advisors
• Roman M. Polnar on LinkedIn
• Crystal Shanks on LinkedIn
• Run Right Business Consulting
• Yelp Reviews for Run Right Business Consulting
• ProVisors
• The Art of Closing the Sale: The Key to Making More Money Faster in the World of Professional Selling by Brian Tracy

Brad Stroh is the Co-founder and Co-CEO of Achieve, a digital personal finance company helping people plan for their future. Formerly known as Freedom Financial, Achieve offers innovative customized financial solutions including financial education, home equity loans, personal loans, and debt resolution.

In this episode…

Inflation makes it difficult for Americans to pay for their most basic needs. As prices continue to increase, so is the cost of borrowing. Taking a loan from the bank is an option, but it only helps until you have to pay it back — and getting out of debt is an arduous process. What can you do to shift your financial narrative?

Solving your financial problems starts when you take control of your finances. One way you can do this is by increasing your financial literacy. Brad Stroh helps his clients get out of debt and achieve financial freedom by creating customized solutions. He also advises them to make a budget, create an emergency plan, and find an accountability partner.

On this episode of the Pillar6 Podcast, Roman Polnar sits down with Brad Stroh, the Co-founder and Co-CEO of Achieve, to talk about consumer lending and tips for getting out of debt. Brad also discusses how he maintains his company’s culture, the areas Achieve's impacted, the challenges he’s faced, and the business mistakes he’s made.

Resources Mentioned in this episode

• Pillar6 Advisors
• Roman M. Polnar on LinkedIn
• Brad Stroh on LinkedIn
• Achieve
• Dr. Jeremy Weisz on LinkedIn
• John Corcoran on LinkedIn
• Rise25
• Andrew Housser on LinkedIn
• Achieve MoLO
• Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap and Others Don't by Jim Collins
• Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies (Good to Great, 2) by Jim Collins and Jerry I Porras
• Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl

Patricia De Fonte is the Founder and Owner of De Fonte Law PC, an estate planning firm based out of San Francisco, California. Through her relationship-based approach, Patricia works with clients to create highly personalized value-based estate plans tailored to protect and provide for their loved ones. She is an Estate Planning Attorney highly regarded within the ProVisors community.

In this episode…

What do you need to start estate planning? Which documents and professionals do you need to protect your estate and loved ones?

In estate planning, there are three key areas to consider — you, your assets, and your dependents. Have you considered who will care for you in case you become incapacitated? For your own peace of mind, it is crucial that your dependents are protected and well taken care of. Writing down a list of names is not enough. According to Patricia De Fonte, an Estate Planning Attorney, 33% of people who inherit assets lose them within three years. It is, therefore, critical to ensure the person entrusted with your assets can take good care of them to prevent losses and fights among your family and friends.

In this episode of the Pillar6 Podcast, Roman Polnar sits down with Patricia De Fonte, Founder and Owner of De Fonte Law PC, to share top tips and strategies for estate planning. Patricia explains what estate planning involves, the right time to start the process, and the value of working with financial advisors. Stay tuned.

Resources Mentioned in this episode

• Pillar6 Advisors
• Roman M. Polnar on LinkedIn
• De Fonte Law PC
• Patricia De Fonte on LinkedIn
• "Using Financial Tools To Make Better Financial Decisions With Eric Dunn" on the Pillar6 Podcast
• "Sports Legends and the Four Pillars of Success With Andrew Bernstein" on the Pillar6 Podcast
• "Preparing for a Successful M&A Transaction With Shawn Flynn" on the Pillar6 Podcast
• The Silicon Valley Podcast
• ProVisors
• Ian Burditt on LinkedIn
• Freedom Makers
• LegalZoom
• The Philosophy of Money (Routledge Classics) by Georg Simmel

Shawn Flynn is a Principal at Global Capital Markets, a middle-market investment bank with expertise in mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, financial restructuring, and valuation. As an investment banker, Shawn advises business owners on decisions involving M&A transactions and raising growth capital. He also hosts The Silicon Valley Podcast where he interviews entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, and leaders in the tech industry.

In this episode…

A successful M&A transaction requires cooperative participants on both the business and banking sides. It is critical that you launch your business with a growth plan and exit strategy intact. Preparing your exit strategy with ample time allows you to focus on achieving your business goals, increasing your business value, and handing it over to the buyer on your terms.

If you're a business owner looking to scale your company through a merger or acquisition, there are key points to take into consideration. According to Shawn Flynn, a mid-market investment banker, working with the right advisors is crucial. Start preparing for your exit early by providing due diligence to avoid losses and help make the transition seamless. This will also help you attract the right investors.

In this episode of the Pillar6 Podcast, Roman Polnar interviews Shawn Flynn, a Principal at Global Capital Markets, to discuss how M&A transactions work. They also discuss common challenges business owners face in the transaction process, the value of working with a financial advisor, and when to start preparing for a business exit.

Resources Mentioned in this episode

• Pillar6 Advisors
• Roman M. Polnar on LinkedIn
• Shawn Flynn on LinkedIn
• Global Capital Markets
• The Silicon Valley Podcast
• Software Profit Streams(TM): A Guide to Designing a Sustainably Profitable Business by Jason Tanner and Luke Hohmann
• Never Say Whatever: How Small Decisions Make a Big Difference by Richard A. Moran
• The Private Equity Playbook: Management’s Guide to Working with Private Equity by Adam Coffey

Roman Polnar is the Founder and Managing Partner of Pillar6 Advisors, a multifaceted financial planning and wealth management firm geared toward serving successful individuals and families with active lifestyles. Roman is also a Partner at Pillar6 College Planning, where he helps families unlock debt-free money from the financial aid system so they can avoid loans and navigate the system with ease.

Roman has over 18 years of experience in the financial services profession, working for some of the nation’s most recognized names. After 10 years in the corporate world, he left to build an independent firm that would do things differently, and that’s when Pillar6 Advisors was born.

In this episode…

The recent bank collapses in the US have left many people concerned. Customers reacted by withdrawing their money, creating further problems in our financial system. 

What steps should individual customers and businesses take to protect their investments? What can the government do to protect its citizens?

In this episode of the Pillar6 Podcast, host Roman Polnar is joined by Chad Frazen from Rise25 to talk about the recent bank collapse. They discuss the causes of bank failures, the effects on interest rates, and tips for protecting your money.

Resources Mentioned in this episode

• Pillar6 Advisors
• Roman Polnar on LinkedIn
• Roman Polnar's mailing list
• Chad Franzen on LinkedIn
• Rise25
• Financial Planning Association
• Silicon Valley Bank
• Signature Bank

Roman Polnar is the Founder and Managing Partner of Pillar6 Advisors, a multifaceted financial planning and wealth management firm geared toward serving successful individuals and families with active lifestyles. Roman is also a Partner at Pillar6 College Planning, where he helps families unlock debt-free money from the financial aid system so they can avoid loans and navigate the system with ease.

Roman has over 18 years of experience in the financial services profession, working for some of the nation’s most recognized names. After 10 years in the corporate world, he left to build an independent firm that would do things differently, and that’s when Pillar6 Advisors was born.

In this episode…

Balancing your work and personal life can be challenging to navigate. What can you implement in your daily routines to live a well-rounded, successful life?

For Roman Polnar, there are three key areas that he’s passionate about: managing your personal finances, leadership and entrepreneurship, and attention to personal wellness. Having interviewed many professionals and thought leaders on the Pillar6 Podcast, Roman has gained wisdom on how to live a well-rounded life.

In this episode of the Pillar6 Podcast, host Roman Polnar is interviewed by Chad Franzen from Rise25 to discuss the main takeaways from memorable interviews he conducted with thought leaders over the past year. They discuss leadership tips, personal finance best practices, and how to manage stress.

Resources Mentioned in this episode

• Pillar6 Advisors
• Roman M. Polnar on LinkedIn
• Chad Franzen on LinkedIn
• Rise25
• Jim Amerman on LinkedIn
• "Connecting Tax Planning With Philanthropy” with Jim Amerman
• Nancy Paul on LinkedIn
• "Pay Less for College - Without Relying on Financial Aid” with Nancy Pau
• Dr. Mark Salisbury on LinkedIn
• "College Tuition Transparency” with Dr. Mark Salisbury
• Michael Mischler on LinkedIn
• Brian Gemmer on LinkedIn
• "Investment Decisions in Uncertain Markets” with Brian Gemmer and Michael Mischler
• Andy Block on LinkedIn
• "How Reverse Mortgages Work” with Andy Block
• Andrew Bernstein LinkedIn
• "Sports Legends and the Four Pillars of Success” with Andrew Bernstein
• Eric Dunn on LinkedIn
• "Using Financial Tools To Make Better Financial Decisions” with Eric Dunn
• Samantha Grant on LinkedIn
• "From Loss to Abundance — Finding Time and Meaning” with Samantha Grant
• Dr. Ben Bernstein on LinkedIn
• "Beating Stress and Being at Your Best” with Dr. Ben Bernstein
• Charlotte Smith on LinkedIn
• "Living Life by Design and Leading With Purpose” with Charlotte Smith
• Leah Rosenthal-Kambic on LinkedIn
• "Calling on Super-moms & Super-dads With Young Kids!!!!” with Leah Rosenthal- Kambic

Samantha Grant is the Founder of GUSH Productions, an award-winning media production company based out of San Francisco. She is a journalist, Emmy-nominated documentary filmmaker, and educator who has produced films that range from polished traditional broadcast pieces to edgy and innovative online-only content. Samantha has over 20 years of experience working in the film, media production, and tech startup industries.

Samantha holds a BA in American studies and literature from Yale University and a master’s of journalism in cinematography and film/video production from the University of California, Berkeley.

In this Episode

What can you learn from painful memories? How can you use tragic experiences to become a better person and improve your life?

Having experienced the loss of her 15-year-old home to a tragic fire, Samantha Grant learned valuable lessons about focusing on the most important things in life. Although she lost her possessions, she still had the love of her family and community. Samantha now uses her journalism skills to help people find meaning in life, remove distractions that prevent them from enjoying the moment, and find inner peace. She also encourages people to accept help and intentionally connect with others.

In this episode of the Pillar6 Podcast, Roman Polnar interviews Samantha Grant, the Founder of GUSH Productions, about the lessons she learned from the tragic loss of her home. They also talk about materialism, the power of journaling, and her family's healing process.

Resources Mentioned in this episode

• Pillar6 Advisors
• Roman M. Polnar on LinkedIn
• GUSH Productions
• Samantha Grant on LinkedIn
• The Fire Journal Project
• Melanie Vetter on LinkedIn
• Wellfleet Circle
• Siddhartha: A Novel by Hermann Hesse

Jim Amerman is a Managing Director at Foundation Source, the nation's leading provider of customized support services and technology for private foundations. Before joining the company, Jim was the Managing Director of Wealth Planning at Fortress Wealth Management and Director of Financial Planning at Westmount Asset Management. He is an expert on Roth conversion optimization.

He received his BA in economics from Duke University and his MBA in finance, accounting, and marketing from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

In this episode…

Tax planning is a critical component of wealth management. As the year comes to a close, philanthropists and foundations need to ensure that their donations are filed in compliance with tax laws. 

How can philanthropy benefit your tax planning strategy to maximize tax deductions?

Jim Amerman, a Managing Director at Foundation Source, joins Roman Polnar in this episode of the Pillar6 Podcast to share his insights on tax planning and philanthropy. Jim explains what a private foundation means, differentiates between a private foundation and Donor-Advised Fund, and discusses Roth IRA conversions.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Foundation Source
• Foundation Source Resources
• Jim Amerman on LinkedIn
• Jim Amerman's email: jamerman@foundationsource.com 
• Jim Amerman's phone: 650-676-5022
• Beyond Inclusion, Beyond Empowerment: A Developmental Strategy to Liberate Everyone by Leticia Nieto
• "Turbocharge Your Child's Retirement With a Roth IRA for Kids"
• "Proving a Child Has Income for a Roth"

Andy Block is a Senior Loan Advisor and Personal Finance Advisor at Flagstar Bank where he helps individuals and families make wise decisions about their personal finances. His background combines mortgage banking and wealth management, allowing him to advise clients on how to make effective financial decisions that support their lifestyle and plan for the future. Andy has more than 29 years of experience in the mortgage industry and has spent the past 12 years focusing on reverse mortgages.

In this episode…

The use of reverse mortgages has become more popular over the last couple of years. Financial advisors say that reverse mortgages can be a good financial tool if used for the right purpose.

However, reverse mortgages are not for everybody. There are some key factors to consider before being approved for a reverse mortgage. 

In this episode of the Pillar6 Podcast, Roman Polnar interviews Andy Block, a Senior Loan Advisor and Personal Finance Advisor at Flagstar Bank, about how reverse mortgages work. Andy discusses the evolution of reverse mortgages, the differences between reverse and traditional mortgages, the qualifications for obtaining a reverse mortgage, and how to refinance a reverse mortgage.

Resources Mentioned in this episode

• Pillar6 Advisors
• Roman M. Polnar on LinkedIn
• Flagstar Bank
• Andy Block on LinkedIn
• Andy Block's email: andy.block@flagstar.com
• A Gentleman in Moscow: A Novel by Amor Towles
• The Nightingale: A Novel by Kristin Hannah

Dr. Mark Salisbury is the Co-founder and CEO of TuitionFit, a company whose mission is to aid students in finding college options that are affordable and accessible. An enthusiastic champion of college price transparency, Dr. Salisbury received his PhD in educational policy from the University of Iowa and has spent more than 25 years in academia. He has been featured in The New York Times, Forbes, The Chronicle of Higher Education, and Money Magazine. He was also featured in The Price You Pay for College and Who Gets In and Why, which are two well-known books on college admissions.

In this episode…

It’s no secret that college tuition is expensive. Is there any way to know if the value of education is worth the sticker price? 

Information is powerful in helping families make informed decisions on which college to attend. However, there is a lack of transparency when it comes to the cost of higher education. Colleges have the upper hand in negotiating tuition prices, causing families to feel obligated to pay the full sticker price. To bridge this gap, Dr. Mark Salisbury created TuitionFit, a tool that helps families compare tuition prices and negotiate these prices with colleges.

In this episode of the Pillar6 Podcast, Roman Polnar interviews Dr. Mark Salisbury, the Co-founder and CEO of TuitionFit, about creating transparency in college pricing. They also discuss the evolution of college prices, how high college sticker prices impact college admissions, and how TuitionFit helps families save on college tuition fees.

Resources Mentioned in this episode

• Pillar6 Advisors
• Roman M. Polnar on LinkedIn
• Dr. Mark Salisbury on LinkedIn
• Dr. Mark Salisbury's email: mark@tuitionfit.org
• TuitionFit
• The Price You Pay for College: An Entirely New Road Map for the Biggest Financial Decision Your Family Will Ever Make by Ron Lieber
• Who Gets In and Why: A Year Inside College Admissions by Jeffrey Selingo
• The Great Experiment: Why Diverse Democracies Fall Apart and How They Can Endure by Yascha Mounk

Aaron Klein is the Co-founder and CEO of Riskalyze, a behavioral finance tool. Riskalyze is known for inventing the Risk Number, which powers the world's first Risk Alignment Platform. Their mission is to help financial advisers and individuals evaluate their investments and build better portfolios. It was built on an academic framework that won the Nobel Prize for economics.

Aaron was honored by Investment News as one of the industry’s top 40 Under 40 executives. He has also led Riskalyze to be named one of the world’s top 10 most innovative companies in finance by Fast Company Magazine.

In this episode…

How do you evaluate risk when making financial decisions? How can you react to risk appropriately?

Risk is an essential factor when investing and building a financial portfolio. A risk assessment can give you insight into your investment choices and help you become a better investor, make more informed decisions, and achieve better financial outcomes. Declining a risk assessment can negatively impact your investments.

In this episode of the Pillar6 Podcast, Roman Polnar sits down with Aaron Klein, the Co-founder and CEO of Riskalyze, to discuss why risk assessment is essential when making financial decisions. Aaron talks about his risk assessment framework, tips for long-term investments, and explains how financial advisers can help clients make more informed financial decisions.

Resources Mentioned in this episode

• Pillar6 Advisors
• Roman M. Polnar on LinkedIn
• Riskalyze
• Aaron Klein on LinkedIn
• Aaron Klein on Twitter
• Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
• The Hard Thing About Hard Things: Building a Business When There Are No Easy Answers by Ben Horowitz
• "Using Financial Tools To Make Better Financial Decisions With Eric Dunn"

Roman Polnar is the Founder and Managing Partner of Pillar6 Advisors, a multifaceted financial planning and wealth management firm geared toward serving successful individuals and families with active lifestyles. Roman is also a Partner at Pillar6 College Planning, where he helps families unlock debt-free money from the financial aid system so they can avoid loans and navigate the system with ease.

Roman has over 18 years of experience in the financial services profession, working for some of the nation’s most recognized names. After 10 years in the corporate world, he left to build an independent firm that would do things differently, and that’s when Pillar6 Advisors was born.

In this episode…

Putting kids through college has become even more expensive, with more families applying for financial aid to curb the cost. However, many miss out on significant opportunities because of common mistakes made in the application process.

As an advisor to families applying for financial aid, some typical mistakes Roman Polnar sees include over-reporting the value of assets, filling out and submitting application forms late, and assuming that any family can qualify for financial aid. Roman advises people to work with a professional to guide them through the application process to ensure maximum college financial aid assistance.

In this episode of the Pillar6 Podcast, Roman Polnar sits down with Chad Franzen of Rise25 to talk about the most common mistakes families make with financial aid planning. Roman discusses the connection between wealth management and financial aid planning, the benefits of having money conversations with kids, and how he helped a client get over $17,000 in financial aid.

Resources mentioned in this episode

• Pillar6 Advisors
• Roman M. Polnar on LinkedIn
• Chad Franzen on LinkedIn
• Rise25

Andrew Bernstein is a Senior Official NBA Photographer starting his 42nd season. He is a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the second photographer to have ever been honored by the Hall of Fame. He has photographed the LA Lakers, LA Kings, LA Clippers, and the LA Dodgers, and he has been published in virtually every major sports magazine around the world.

Andrew co-authored the book The Mamba Mentality: How I Play with Kobe Bryant. He is in the process of transitioning from on-court photography to building a sports content platform called Legends of Sport, where he hosts a weekly podcast entering its sixth season. Andrew is also the Director of Photography for AEG's Crypto.com Arena and Microsoft Theater LA Live. He runs a successful team and venue photography business.

In this episode…

What does success mean to you? Would you define it by the amount of money you make, the family you build, or the business you grow?

For Andrew Bernstein, success means being fulfilled in whatever you do, whether work or family-related. Having spent years working alongside top NBA players, Andrew learned there are four pillars to success and that success comes at a cost — being obsessed with what you do, curious about your craft, relentless in your pursuit, and overcoming obstacles will cost you time, energy, and resources, but the reward is worth it. Andrew has experienced the benefits of challenging himself and accomplishing his goals while maintaining respect for the people around him. His advice is to build trust and nurture positive relationships with others. Never give anyone a reason to distrust or doubt you.

In this episode of the Pillar6 Podcast, Roman Polnar interviews Andrew Bernstein, a Senior Official NBA Photographer, about sports legends and why success comes at a cost. Andrew talks about the four pillars of success, honoring memorable athletes through his podcast, and his drive for success.

Resources mentioned in this episode

• Pillar6 Advisors
• Roman M. Polnar on LinkedIn
• Andrew Bernstein LinkedIn | Instagram | Website
• Legends of Sport Instagram | YouTube | Website
• The Mamba Mentality: How I Play by Kobe Bryant
• The Rise: Kobe Bryant and the Pursuit of Immortality by Mike Sielski
• The Second Mountain: The Quest for a Moral Life by David Brooks
• Darleen Santore on LinkedIn
• Dr. Ben Bernstein on LinkedIn
• "Beating Stress and Being at Your Best With Dr. Ben Bernstein"

Dr. Ben Bernstein is a licensed clinical psychologist who trains people in high-stress occupations to manage their stress and stay in the zone. His keynote presentations and workshops are not only engaging, but useful for learning how to apply stress management principles. He is also the author of Stress Free, Crush Your Test Anxiety, A Teen’s Guide to Success, and Stressed Out! for Parents. Dr. Bernstein's highly effective model for reducing stress includes the body, mind, and spirit. His clients not only learn how to handle the most challenging situations in a calm, confident, and focused way, but they also perform better, are more fulfilled, and are better equipped to contribute to their sphere of influence.

In this episode…

Are you struggling with managing stress? Is stress affecting your performance at work or home?

The primary cause of stress is a disconnection between your mind, body, and spirit which can lead to distractions that affect your performance. Having spent years working with professionals and overcoming his own depression and addiction, Dr. Ben Bernstein says it is essential to have a positive mindset. Connecting with others, avoiding worry, and accepting your circumstances will help you get back on track to achieving your goals. 

In this episode of the Pillar6 Podcast, Roman Polnar interviews Dr. Ben Bernstein, a high-performance coach, author, and speaker, about how to beat stress and be your best. Dr.Bernstein explains how stress affects performance, discusses his system for helping people stay in the zone, and discusses the value of reconnecting with others. Thanks for tuning in!

Resources Mentioned in this episode

• Pillar6 Advisors
• Roman M. Polnar on LinkedIn
• Dr. Ben Bernstein's website
• Dr. Ben Bernstein's webinar
• Dr. Ben Bernstein on LinkedIn
• Crush Your Test Anxiety by Ben Bernstein
• A Teen's Guide to Success: How to Be Calm, Confident, & Focused by Ben Bernstein
• Stressed Out! For Parents by Ben Bernstein 
• Finding Me: A Memoir by Viola Davis

Roman Polnar is the Founder and Managing Partner of Pillar6 Advisors, a multifaceted financial planning and wealth management firm geared toward serving successful individuals and families with active lifestyles. Roman is also a Partner at Pillar6 College Planning, where he helps families unlock debt-free money from the financial aid system so they can avoid loans and navigate the system with ease.

Roman has over 18 years of experience in the financial services profession, working for some of the nation’s most recognized names. After 10 years in the corporate world, he left to build an independent firm that would do things differently, and that’s when Pillar6 Advisors was born.

In this episode…

There are many aspects of financial planning — taxes, cash flow, investment, risk insurance, estate and legacy, retirement, and goal planning. Where does anyone begin?

As Roman Polnar says, financial planning is an essential structural exercise that aligns people and organizations with their goals. Finding balance is necessary in order to create amazing experiences and live a happy, stress-free life. So when is the right time to think about financial planning? How can you put all the aspects of financial planning together in a well-coordinated manner?

In this episode of the Pillar6 Podcast, Roman Polnar sits down with Chad Franzen of Rise25 to discuss financial planning best practices to coordinate your finances. Roman explains what financial advisory involves, shares his approach to lifestyle planning and wealth management, and discusses the biggest regrets people have about their money decisions.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Pillar6 Advisors
• Roman M. Polnar on LinkedIn
• Chad Franzen on LinkedIn
• Rise25

Brian Gemmer is a Principal and Portfolio Manager at Gemmer Asset Management, which is a registered investment advisor with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The company provides investment management and back-office support to independent investment advisory firms and professionals. Prior to that, Brian was a Partner and Portfolio Manager at GlobeFlex Capital, an institutional money management firm in San Diego, CA. He graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in finance and information management from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania.

Michael Mischler is a Portfolio Strategist at Gemmer Asset Management. He joined the company in 2013 as a research associate. Prior to that, he worked as an analyst for both J.P. Morgan and Credit Suisse in San Francisco. A Chartered Financial Analyst and member of the CFA Institute, Michael received a bachelor's degree in industrial technology from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.

In this episode…

Are you worried about the security of your investments in an uncertain economy? Are there strategies you can adopt to diversify your investment portfolio? And is time in the market better than timing the market?

When investing in challenging economic situations, it is essential to start with your end goal in mind. Identify your objectives and stay focused for the long-term. The team at Gemmer Asset Management advises investors to build a balanced portfolio in order to create financial freedom. In addition, one of the secrets to gaining wealth is being disciplined, consistent, and having a solid investment plan. This makes it possible to maximize compound interest and grow your investments long-term. 

In this episode of the Pillar6 Podcast, Roman Polnar is joined by Brian Gemmer and Michael Mischler from Gemmer Asset Management to talk about making wise investment decisions in an uncertain market. They discuss challenges in the current investment market, the right time to start investing, and common financial mistakes made by clients and advisors.

Resources Mentioned in this episode

• Pillar6 Advisors
• Roman M. Polnar on LinkedIn
• Gemmer Asset Management
• Brian Gemmer on LinkedIn
• Michael Mischler on LinkedIn

Nancy Paul is the Founder of The Institute for Financial Literacy in College Planning, a collaborative education center and think tank dedicated to boldly leading at the intersection of financial literacy, higher education, teen empowerment, and financial wellness. Nancy found over $600,000 in merit scholarships for her three daughters and turned that personal experience into a career helping other families afford college. She now provides coaching, consulting, and training for financial advisors, corporations, and groups that are committed to financial wellness. She is also the author of The Little Book About Scholarships and the creator of The College Treasure Chest.

In this episode…

What is your driving force as you find the best college for your child? Is it the cost, ranking, or safety of the college?

As a mother of three, Nancy Paul was shocked (and horrified) when their college counselor admitted that she didn't consider cost when creating her daughter’s college list of “best fit” schools. College planning doesn’t mean just picking a college — it also includes financial literacy for parents, students, college counselors, and financial professionals that work with these families. Parents want the best for their children, so they should start thinking about their college education when they are still young. Before students get admitted into college, financial planning is a must.

In this episode of The Pillar6 Podcast, Roman Polnar is joined by Nancy Paul, the Founder of The Institute for Financial Literacy in College Planning, to talk about the student loan forgiveness plan recently announced by the federal government. They also discuss why families with young kids should start college planning early, why parents and college counselors need to be financially literate, and how Nancy helps families find scholarships and get financial aid.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Pillar6 Advisors
• Roman M. Polnar on LinkedIn
• Nancy Paul's website
• Nancy Paul on LinkedIn
• The Little Book About Scholarships: Frequently Asked Questions About Scholarships. Money for College that Doesn't Have To Be Paid Back by Nancy L. Paul
• The College Treasure Chest
• The Institute for Financial Literacy in College Planning