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. 2D AGO

    Episode 118: Make It Your Own: Lucas Ippolito on Legacy, Pressure, and Finding Your Way

    What does it take to step into a family business - and still build something that’s truly your own? In this episode of Discovery Series: Unplugged, Lucas Ippolito, Desjardins Insurance Agent and Agency Owner, shares his journey from growing up in the industry to finding his footing as a young advisor and leader.  From early doubts and tough first months to setting bold goals and building confidence with clients, Lucas opens up about what it really takes to grow in this business. You’ll hear: • The reality of starting out—even with experience around you • How he worked through self-doubt and earned credibility • Why humility and curiosity shaped his growth • The shift from talking about products to solving real problems • What legacy means when you have to build it yourself A grounded conversation about pressure, progress, and becoming the kind of advisor clients—and your team—can trust.

    39 min
  2. Episode 117: When Protection Becomes Personal - Michael Wills on Risk, Resilience, and Why Critical Illness Matters

    MAR 24

    Episode 117: When Protection Becomes Personal - Michael Wills on Risk, Resilience, and Why Critical Illness Matters

    What happens when life doesn’t go according to plan? In this episode of Discovery Series: Unplugged, Michael Wills shares a journey that moves far beyond theory. From working as a dive master and paramedic to experiencing a serious illness within his own family, Michael has seen firsthand how quickly everything can change.  Michael opens up about the moments that shaped his perspective on risk, the emotional and financial pressure that follows a health crisis, and why so many families feel unprepared when it matters most. You’ll hear: What emergency situations taught him about staying calm under pressureHow illness impacts more than just health - it affects income, relationships, and decisionsWhy critical illness planning is often overlooked until it’s too lateHow advisors can have more honest, meaningful conversations with clients

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

    MAR 10

    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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
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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
    118
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Podcast Desjardins
  • Show Website
    Discovery Series: Unplugged

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