The retirement industry has changed, and advisors are feeling it. In this episode, Tom and Nicholas Ross, Chief Strategy Officer at FIG, explore how the post-pandemic reset has reshaped the financial advice industry. They explore why traditional business models eventually plateau, how client expectations have evolved, and why advisors are increasingly stepping into the role of a wealth counselor.

Here's some of what we discuss in this episode:

🔄 Advisor confidence after industry disruption

👥 Shifting client expectations post-pandemic

🧭 The rise of the "wealth counselor" mindset

🧩 Why holistic planning matters more than ever

🔗 Leveraging partners instead of doing everything in-house

Learn About FIG: https://www.figmarketing.com

800-527-1155

As the financial advisory industry evolves, flexibility - not formulas - is becoming the differentiator. In this episode, Derek Gubala, Co-President of AlphaStar Capital Management, joins Tom to share what he's seeing across the independent RIA landscape heading into 2026. From shifting advisor demographics to customizable platforms, modern training, and the growing importance of client experience, this conversation explores what advisors must rethink to grow, and stay relevant, in a rapidly changing industry.

Here's some of what we discuss in this episode:

🚀 Advisor demographics are changing and expectations are too

🧩 One-size-fits-all platforms are losing relevance

🧠 Training must go beyond products to business-building skills

🤝 Retention and client experience are becoming growth strategies

📣 Marketing still matters, but messaging and consistency matter more

Learn About FIG: https://www.figmarketing.com

800-527-1155

This episode introduces FIG's brand-new Advisor Empowerment Series, a live, collegiate-style learning experience designed to give financial professionals deeper mastery of the topics that drive today's planning conversations. Nicholas Ross and Dave Henry also discuss FIG's highly praised playbooks- covering life insurance, annuities, long-term care, estate planning, and business owners- and explain how advisors are using them to spark better client conversations and uncover new opportunities. Then, they reveal the four upcoming course tracks for 2026: business owner planning, life insurance training, succession planning, and differentiation strategies.

Here's some of what we discuss in this episode:

🎙️ Podcast Purpose: empowering advisors through deeper education
📘 Intro to Playbooks: structured tools for client conversations
🎓 Why advisors need live, interactive education
🏢 Deep-dive courses launching in 2026
🚀 Differentiation Strategies: advanced planning to elevate your practice

Learn About FIG: https://www.figmarketing.com

800-527-1155

This episode, Tom sits down with Kevin O'Leary- entrepreneur, investor, and of course, "Mr. Wonderful" from Shark Tank. The conversation covers everything from tariffs and the ripple effects on global markets to the powerful role artificial intelligence is playing in reshaping supply chains and boosting productivity. Kevin also shares timeless lessons on diversification, drawing inspiration from his mother's disciplined investing approach, and why preservation of capital- not performance- is the ultimate measure of a great advisor.

Along the way, he opens up about his Shark Tank investments, the unpredictability of venture capital, and surprising asset classes gaining traction, like fine watches and collectible sports cards. Kevin even gives a glimpse into how tokenization and stablecoins could transform financial transactions.

Here's some of what we discuss in this episode:

📊 Kevin's take on tariffs and global markets

💡 The #1 mandate of top advisors: preserve capital

🔀 Kevin's personal rules for diversification (inspired by his mother)

💼 Lessons from Shark Tank and venture investing

⌚ Alternative assets like fine watches and collectible sports cards

Learn About FIG: https://www.figmarketing.com

800-527-1155

Cybercrime isn't just a distant threat- it's here, it's growing, and it's targeting everything from global infrastructure to small-town churches. In this episode, former military intelligence officer and cybersecurity expert Rob Hegedus joins the conversation to reveal how cyberattacks have become an industrialized, global business projected to cost $10.5 trillion by 2025.

Rob explains why ransomware has become a top money-maker for hackers, why small and mid-sized businesses are now prime targets, and how most people underestimate just how quickly threats reach their devices- sometimes within seconds. He also introduces Cyber Simple, a new solution designed to give everyday families and business owners the same kind of protection once reserved for government agencies. If you've ever assumed cyber threats are only a "big company problem," this conversation will open your eyes to the real risks and the simple steps you can take to stay ahead.

Here's some of what we discuss in this episode:

💻 Cybercrime could reach $10.5 trillion by 2025

🏢 Even small businesses, churches, and schools are now targets

⏱️ New devices are pinged by malicious bots within 8 seconds

🔒 Ransomware remains one of the most effective tactics for hackers

🛡️ Cyber Simple makes top-tier protection easy for everyone

Resources for this episode:

CISO Global:

https://www.ciso.inc/

Learn About FIG: https://www.figmarketing.com

800-527-1155

This episode, Ken Schmidt- former Director of Communications at Harley-Davidson and the brand architect behind its iconic resurgence- joins Nicholas Ross to talk about what it really takes to stand out in a crowded, noisy market. Ken played a key role in Harley's turnaround from financial ruin and he shares what the company got wrong, what they did to fix it, and why many businesses fail to differentiate meaningfully.

What does any of this have to do with financial services? Everything. Ken breaks down how financial advisors (especially those running smaller, independent firms) can rise above the noise not by focusing on what they do, but by getting clear on who they are and how they make people feel. From creating meaningful client experiences to building a reputation people talk about, his message is clear: if you want to stand out, don't just sell a service. Create a story worth sharing.

Here's some of what we discuss in this episode:

💡 Why "what you do" isn't a differentiator

🧠 The power of human connection in branding

🧍‍♂️ How to make your service memorable, not just functional

📢 Why your clients should be telling stories about you

🏍️ What financial advisors can learn from Harley-Davidson's turnaround

Resources for this episode:

Learn more about Ken:

https://kenspeaks.com/

VSA Partners:

https://www.vsapartners.com/

Learn About FIG: https://www.figmarketing.com

800-527-1155

Theresa Payton isn't just a leading expert in cybersecurity and AI; she was the first female CIO at the White House and is now CEO of Fortalice Solutions. In this episode, she joins Tom for a conversation about digital manipulation, cybersecurity threats, ethical tech, and the second edition of her book, Manipulated. From deepfakes to credential stuffing, Theresa explains how fraudsters are getting smarter, faster, and more global, and why small businesses are squarely in the crosshairs.

She also walks through why clients today (and especially the next generation) care deeply about privacy, data ethics, and digital transparency. For advisors focused on generational wealth and future-proofing their practice, Theresa makes a compelling case that cybersecurity is no longer optional; it's a key pillar of trust. Plus, hear what she says about AI "washing," how businesses can protect themselves without spending a dime, and why now is the time to demand more accountability from Big Tech.

Here's some of what we discuss in this episode:

💻 How algorithms manipulate behavior

🌍 The evolving global cybercrime landscape and what it means for small businesses

📱 Why ethics, transparency, and data protection are top priorities for today's and future clients

📣 How financial advisors can demand greater accountability and ethical practices from tech platforms

🔐 2 simple actions that block 90% of cyberattacks

Resources for this episode:

Learn more about Theresa Payton: https://www.theresapayton.com/about

Learn About FIG: https://www.figmarketing.com

800-527-1155

In this episode, Tom is joined by Jaime Cowper, CLTC, NSSA®, founder and CEO of Unity Financial Advisors. She shares how she went from a career in banking to building a successful, holistic financial planning firm- and the key moments and strategies that made it possible.

We dive into her client-first approach, how she scaled her team, and why referrals have played a strong role in her business' success. Jaime also discusses the challenges women face in the traditionally male-dominated financial industry and how mentorship has been a vital part of her journey. Now, she's paying it forward through customized coaching, offering guidance to next-gen advisors and female professionals navigating this field of work.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to grow your business with purpose, you'll want to tune into this conversation with Jaime!

Here's some of what we discuss in this episode:

💼 How Jaime got into the financial industry + what pushed her to start her own firm

📈 The most successful marketing funnels for Jaime when creating her new business

🧩Jaime's playbook for hiring, training, and scaling a team

🤝 Jaime's mission to mentor advisors- especially women- and help them thrive in the industry

Resources for this episode:

Learn more about Unity Financial Advisors:

https://www.unityfinancialadvisors.net/

Learn About FIG: https://www.figmarketing.com

800-527-1155