The Authentic Advisor

Mindshop
  • 5.0 (10)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

‘The Authentic Advisor’ interviews are packed with practical ideas, insights, and frank observations on what works (and what does not) when delivering high performance business advisory. Mindshop’s Managing Director, James Mason interviews senior independent and professional service firm business advisors from across the world. Exploring important advisory topics from creating leverage and building capability to marketing advisory services and how to be the best problem solver in the room, this podcast series is a ‘must listen’ for those who want to set themselves apart in a cluttered market.

  1. Rethinking Retirement, Why Leading Advisors are Changing the Script with Dr Chris Mason

    31 AUG

    Rethinking Retirement, Why Leading Advisors are Changing the Script with Dr Chris Mason

    In this powerful episode of The Authentic Advisor, James Mason is joined by Mindshop founder Dr. Chris Mason, who challenges the conventional notion of retirement for business advisors. At nearly 76, Chris is not slowing down - he’s accelerating ahead, and with purpose.  Together, they explore why the traditional "on one day, off the next" retirement mindset may no longer serve modern advisors, especially those still thriving in their 60s and 70s. Chris shares practical insights on how to stay relevant, energised, and curious, while evolving one's role in work and life.  The conversation explores:  Maintaining momentum and avoiding the "crash-and-burn" of retiring too soon.  Blending purpose, flexibility, and enjoyment through “seamless living”.  How Chris has refired his career by building future-ready skills like change success and AI.  Creating space for the next generation while continuing to offer value and wisdom.  Setting meaningful personal KPIs and incorporating sabbaticals into your lifestyle.  Chris also unpacks the power of why wisdom is becoming more valuable than ever in the age of cheap knowledge, and how advisors can navigate their next chapter with clarity and impact.  If you’re an advisor or leader contemplating your next move, or simply seeking more balance while staying professionally sharp, this is a must-listen.

    25 min
  2. Unlocking Human Performance: Modern Skills for Advisors with Samantha Shaw

    31 JULY

    Unlocking Human Performance: Modern Skills for Advisors with Samantha Shaw

    Unlocking human potential takes more than performance hacks - it demands a mindset shift. Samantha Shaw, Director, The Anderson Partnership and James Mason, Managing Director, Mindshop cut through the noise, exploring how today’s most effective advisors and coaches are moving beyond “peak performance” toward a more balanced, human-centred approach. From building trust and using curiosity as a coaching tool to tailoring strategies and navigating imposter syndrome, this conversation is packed with sharp insights and practical takeaways to help advisors elevate their impact.

    22 min
  3. Scaling Advisory Impact: Lessons from Large-Scale Learning Programs with Dan Gabbett, Robertson Scannell

    30 JUNE

    Scaling Advisory Impact: Lessons from Large-Scale Learning Programs with Dan Gabbett, Robertson Scannell

    Dan shares his real-world experience leading six-figure programs that combine group workshops, one-on-one coaching, and digital learning. Dan unpacks what works (and what doesn’t) when trying to engage busy professionals, why starting with time management is critical, and how to tier program intensity to match participants’ capabilities and roles. In this episode of The Authentic Advisor, James Mason speaks with Dan Gabbett, Director at Robertson Scannell, on how to build and run high-impact blended learning programs that transform client teams and drive tangible business outcomes. Perfect for senior accounting partners aiming to scale advisory beyond traditional models and deliver measurable value.

    23 min

  4. 31 MAY

    Offshore Success Playbook: Practical Strategies for Building & Leading Global Offshore Teams with Dave Stonesifer, CEO, Herbein + Company

    Offshoring is no longer just a strategy - it’s a leadership challenge. Establishing a team overseas takes more than logistics and cost calculations; it demands cultural awareness, intentional leadership, and a long-term vision. This episode explores the journey of building an offshore team in the Philippines, why the move was made, the growing pains along the way, and how deep integration became the difference-maker.  You’ll hear hard-earned insights on managing remote teams with purpose and ensuring offshore employees feel like full members of the organization, not just extensions of it.  Key Takeaways Herbein CPAs has grown from $30 million to $60 million in five years.  The offshore team in the Philippines supports all service lines of the firm.  AI is not currently shifting the strategy for the offshore team.  Cultural understanding is crucial for successful integration.  Regular visits to the offshore team help break down barriers.  The offshore team works US hours during tax season to stay integrated.  Legal registration in the Philippines was a lengthy process.  Clients generally respond positively to the offshore team concept.  Cultural differences must be acknowledged and respected.  Leasing employees to smaller firms is a growing opportunity.  Chapters  00:03 Introduction to Offshore Teams  01:49 The Journey of Herbein CPAs  02:26 Building the Offshore Team  04:39 AI and Its Impact on Strategy  06:12 Challenges of Setting Up an Offshore Team  09:42 Cultural Integration and Team Alignment  12:30 Choosing the Philippines for Offshore Operations  14:10 Common Pitfalls in Offshore Team Setup  16:01 Future of Offshore Teams in the Firm

    19 min

  5. 30 APR

    DIY Strategic Planning: What Worked, What Didn’t. Lessons Learnt with Dianna Larkin, McCay Duff, Canada.

    Facilitating your own firm’s strategic planning retreat can present some unique challenges & opportunities. In this episode of the Authentic Advisor, James Mason interviews Dianna Larkin, a partner at McCay Duff, about her journey in strategic planning and advisory services. Dianna shares her entrepreneurial background, the culture at McCay Duff, and her experience transitioning to a DIY approach for strategic planning retreats. She discusses the challenges and successes of facilitating her own firm’s retreat, the importance of a structured framework, and offers valuable advice for other advisors looking to enhance their strategic planning skills. Takeaways McCay Duff focuses on a people-centric culture to retain talent.The firm has a strong history of succession planning.Dianna transitioned to a DIY approach for strategic planning retreats.Using a structured framework helped guide the planning process.Pre-work and spaced sessions improved engagement and productivity.Facilitating her own retreat presented unique challenges.Dianna learned the importance of balancing facilitation and participation.The experience built confidence in her advisory capabilities.Continuous learning and applying tools is key for growth. Chapters 00:10 Introduction to Strategic Planning Insights 03:12 Dianna's Entrepreneurial Journey 06:05 The Role of McCay Duff and Its Culture 08:59 Transitioning to DIY Strategic Planning 12:22 Implementing the Strategic Planning Framework 15:23 Challenges of Facilitating Your Own Retreat 18:06 Reflections on the Experience and Future Directions 21:15 Advice for Advisors on Strategic Planning

    24 min

  6. 31 MAR

    Talent Trends: Rethinking Attraction & Retention Strategies with Andrew Thoseby, CEO, 1st Executive

    Taking a deep dive into the evolving landscape of talent acquisition and retention, James Mason is joined by Andrew Thoseby, CEO at 1st Executive to discuss emerging trends, innovative technologies, and the importance of engagement in leadership roles. They explore how organisations can adapt to the changing expectations of candidates, particularly in the wake of the pandemic, and provide insights into effective strategies for retaining top talent.

    23 min

  7. 28 FEB

    The future of family business, how advisors can help family businesses thrive with Catherine Sayer, CEO, Family Business Association.

    Family businesses play a vital role in the economy, and face unique challenges. In this episode of The Authentic Advisor, James Mason speaks with Catherine Sayer, CEO of the Family Business Association, about how advisors can effectively support them. Catherine shares her journey, the importance of communication and trust in family businesses, and the critical need for succession planning. The conversation highlights the unique dynamics of family businesses and the essential skills advisors must possess to navigate these complexities successfully.

    20 min

  8. 31 JAN

    Building a second brain for increased productivity & innovation as an advisor with James Mason, Mindshop

    In this episode of the Authentic Advisor, Lindsay Thomas and James Mason discuss the concept of building a 'Second Brain' and its importance for business advisors. They explore how this framework can enhance productivity and innovation by capturing and organising ideas effectively. The conversation delves into the practical implementation, including the CODE method (Capture, Organise, Distill, Express) from the book 'Building a Second Brain' by Tiago Forte and offers actionable tips for advisors to integrate this approach into their daily routines. The discussion also touches on the impact of technology and AI on personal branding and the necessity of maintaining authenticity in a cluttered information landscape. 00:10 Introduction to the Second Brain Concept 01:12 Understanding the Need for a Second Brain 07:02 Implementing the Second Brain Framework 09:15 The CODE Method: Capture, Organise, Distil, Express 17:39 Practical Tips for Advisors 22:33 Final Thoughts on Productivity and Innovation

    24 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

‘The Authentic Advisor’ interviews are packed with practical ideas, insights, and frank observations on what works (and what does not) when delivering high performance business advisory. Mindshop’s Managing Director, James Mason interviews senior independent and professional service firm business advisors from across the world. Exploring important advisory topics from creating leverage and building capability to marketing advisory services and how to be the best problem solver in the room, this podcast series is a ‘must listen’ for those who want to set themselves apart in a cluttered market.

Information

  • Creator
    Mindshop
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    61
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Mindshop
  • Show Website
    The Authentic Advisor

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