Discovery Series: Unplugged

Podcast Desjardins
  • 5.0 (13)
  • BUSINESS

Welcome to the Discovery Series: Unplugged podcast! Join Reh Bhanji and David Lee from Desjardins Insurance as they dive deep into the stories of real people, real advisors, and real-life experiences. From navigating the highs and lows of the financial industry, to finding success and fulfilment in unexpected places, this podcast is for advisors who want to be inspired, informed, and engaged. So, whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, tune in and join the community!

  1. Episode 116: Wealth with Soul - Anna Knight on Purpose, Prosperity, and Building a Life of Impact

    3D AGO

    Episode 116: Wealth with Soul - Anna Knight on Purpose, Prosperity, and Building a Life of Impact

    What if true wealth isn’t just about what you earn, but how you live? In this episode of Discovery Series: Unplugged, CFP Anna Knight shares her remarkable journey from growing up in communist Poland to building a purpose-driven financial planning practice in Canada. Along the way, she transformed early experiences with scarcity into a powerful philosophy centered on vision, wellness, prosperity, and impact.  Anna explains how advisors can help clients connect money with meaning—aligning financial plans with personal purpose, family goals, and long-term legacy. This conversation explores: Turning financial planning into a tool for life designHelping clients move from survival to abundanceThe importance of multiple income streams and structured planningWhy purpose and wellness belong in every financial conversationA powerful discussion on how advisors can help clients build wealth with clarity, intention, and soul.

    40 min
  2. Episode 115: The PREC Playbook - JoAnne Martin on Financial Planning for Real Estate Professionals

    MAR 3

    Episode 115: The PREC Playbook - JoAnne Martin on Financial Planning for Real Estate Professionals

    Real estate success often comes with financial complexity. In Episode 115 of Discovery Series: Unplugged, we’re joined by JoAnne Martin, CEO and Lead Financial Planner at The PREC Planners, to unpack the realities of financial planning for incorporated real estate agents. From deciding whether to form a PREC to managing volatile commission income, corporate tax strategy, and wealth deaccumulation, JoAnne shares practical insights advisors and entrepreneurs need to hear. She also explains: Why incorporating isn’t about income — it’s about lifestyle needs The most common mistakes real estate professionals make How to think about corporate investing and risk protection Why education and simplicity are the foundation of good planning If you work with real estate professionals — or want to build a niche by solving real problems — this episode is for you.

    46 min
  3. Episode 114: The Rise of the Accidental Leader - Randy Little & Shawn Bellefeuille on Modern Leadership

    FEB 24

    Episode 114: The Rise of the Accidental Leader - Randy Little & Shawn Bellefeuille on Modern Leadership

    What happens when leadership finds you before you go looking for it? In this episode of Discovery Series: Unplugged, Randy Little (President, GAMA Canada) and Shawn Bellefeuille (President, MDRT Canada) reflect on how the traditional middle manager role disappeared—and how a new generation of “accidental leaders” stepped up. From building teams and delegating unique abilities to shifting from activity management to behavioral coaching, this conversation explores what modern leadership really looks like in today’s advisor world. If you’re building a team, mentoring others, or navigating leadership without a formal title, this episode offers practical insights on culture, structure, and leading with purpose.

    42 min
  4. Episode 113: The Stories Money Tells - Betty-Anne Howard on Purpose, Psychology, and Giving Back

    FEB 3

    Episode 113: The Stories Money Tells - Betty-Anne Howard on Purpose, Psychology, and Giving Back

    What happens when your relationship with money is shaped by scarcity, shame, and resilience - and later transformed into a lifelong mission of generosity? In this deeply reflective episode of Discovery Series: Unplugged, Betty-Anne Howard shares her remarkable journey from growing up in poverty in rural Ontario to becoming a respected financial planner, educator, and national voice in philanthropic planning. Drawing on her background in social work, psychology, and emotional health, Betty-Anne explores how early money experiences shape mindset, behaviour, and decision-making - and why understanding those stories is essential for meaningful financial advice. She challenges advisors to move beyond transactions and into purpose-driven conversations that honour family, values, and legacy. In this episode, you’ll hear: How early experiences of scarcity shape lifelong money beliefsWhy generosity is more powerful than abundance aloneHow cognitive and behavioural frameworks can unlock better planning conversationsPractical ways advisors can introduce philanthropy and legacy with empathyWhy imagination, curiosity, and emotional intelligence matter in modern financial planningThis episode is a powerful reminder that legacy isn’t about how much you have - it’s about how intentionally you choose to give, serve, and make an impact.

    38 min
  5. Episode 112: Argue It Like a Lawyer - Estate Planning Lessons Every Advisor Should Know

    JAN 27

    Episode 112: Argue It Like a Lawyer - Estate Planning Lessons Every Advisor Should Know

    Estate planning isn’t just about wills - it’s about ownership, structure, and asking better questions. In this episode of Discovery Series: Unplugged, we’re joined by Gabriela Kratchanov, Insurance Advisor with Desjardins Financial Security Independent Network and Independent Contract Lawyer at Stewart McKelvey, who brings a rare dual perspective to the conversation. Drawing on her experience as a champion mooter, Gabriela breaks down how legal thinking - argument, reasoning, and conclusion - can elevate advisor conversations around real estate, common-law relationships, intergenerational wealth, and tax risk. From joint ownership pitfalls to overlooked estate liabilities, this episode highlights why collaboration between advisors, lawyers, and accountants isn’t optional - it’s essential. A must-listen for advisors looking to strengthen estate conversations, uncover insurance opportunities, and protect client legacies with clarity and confidence.

    39 min
  6. Episode 111: Leading with Intent - Chantal Gagné on Strategy, Growth, and the Future of Insurance

    JAN 13

    Episode 111: Leading with Intent - Chantal Gagné on Strategy, Growth, and the Future of Insurance

    In this episode of Discovery Series: Unplugged, we welcome Chantal Gagné, Executive Vice President, Life and Health Insurance Division at Desjardins Group, for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, strategy, and long-term growth. Chantal shares reflections from her professional journey—how early curiosity, strong mentorship, and a deep understanding of risk and responsibility shaped her approach to leadership. She discusses what it means to lead at scale within a large, purpose-driven organization, and how thoughtful decision-making becomes even more critical in times of change. The conversation explores building sustainable growth in insurance, developing high-performing teams, and aligning strategy with values while navigating complexity. Chantal also offers insights on talent development, collaboration, and why intentional leadership matters more than ever in an evolving industry. This episode offers a thoughtful perspective for advisors, leaders, and professionals looking to better understand what effective leadership looks like at the executive level—and how long-term thinking shapes lasting impact.

    48 min
  7. Episode 110: Plays of the Year - David Hutchison on Branding, Connection, and the Skills Advisors Overlook

    2025-12-10

    Episode 110: Plays of the Year - David Hutchison on Branding, Connection, and the Skills Advisors Overlook

    What can a former sports broadcaster teach advisors about building trust, elevating conversations, and standing out in a crowded marketplace? Quite a lot, it turns out. In this energetic and insightful episode, David Hutchison — known across the industry as “Hutch” — Manager of Business Development at Gryphin Advantage, shares the unexpected lessons he carried from the broadcast booth into financial services. From crafting a strong opening, to asking insightful questions, to bringing presence and energy into every client interaction, Hutch breaks down the six “Plays of the Year” that every advisor can use to sharpen their craft and grow their business. Blending storytelling, humour, real-world advisor scenarios, and even a few memorable dating stories, Hutch shows how great communication isn’t just a skill, it’s a strategy. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why your intro is everything — and how to “hook” clients in seconds How to ask questions that uncover emotion, meaning, and real needs Why a clear personal brand makes you referable — and memorable How presence, body language, and energy shape every conversation Why networking matters more than ever — and what advisors miss about it When it’s time to pivot, move on, and refocus your energy Hutch’s journey proves that the best advisor skills often come from unexpected places — and that when you master how you show up, everything else becomes easier.

    40 min
  8. Episode 109: Grit, Grind, and Heart - Kelly Gorman on Purpose, Protection, and Leading the Future of Advice

    2025-12-02

    Episode 109: Grit, Grind, and Heart - Kelly Gorman on Purpose, Protection, and Leading the Future of Advice

    What does it take to rebuild an organization, inspire a profession, and lead with purpose in a rapidly changing industry? For Kelly Gorman, CEO of Advocis, the answer begins long before the C-suite—back to an 11-year-old girl in Chatham, Ontario, learning resilience, responsibility, and independence from a single mother who worked tirelessly to build a better life. In this powerful episode of Discovery Series: Unplugged, Kelly shares how early life lessons, personal experiences with illness, and a transformative insurance claim shaped her understanding of protection, financial security, and the true value of advice. Her journey—from accountant, to securities regulator, to CEO of Canada’s largest professional association for financial advisors—reveals a leader driven by clarity, conviction, and deep respect for the advisor community she now serves. In this episode, you’ll hear: How resilience is built early—and how Kelly’s upbringing shaped her leadership Why a real-life claim experience reframed her belief in the purpose of insurance The emotional and financial impact of illness—and how protection buys families time Why Canadians need trusted advice more than ever, despite growing protection gaps How Advocis is rebuilding with purpose through education, advocacy, and advisor community What leadership really requires—and the one skill Kelly believes all great leaders share This is an honest, thoughtful conversation about life, leadership, purpose, and the profound impact advisors make every single day.

    50 min
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5
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Discovery Series: Unplugged podcast! Join Reh Bhanji and David Lee from Desjardins Insurance as they dive deep into the stories of real people, real advisors, and real-life experiences. From navigating the highs and lows of the financial industry, to finding success and fulfilment in unexpected places, this podcast is for advisors who want to be inspired, informed, and engaged. So, whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, tune in and join the community!

Information

  • Creator
    Podcast Desjardins
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    116
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Podcast Desjardins
  • Show Website
    Discovery Series: Unplugged

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