Beyond Referrals

Emily Armstrong

Beyond Referrals is a podcast for leaders of client service firms navigating a rapidly changing industry. Hosted by brand strategist and founder of Wonderlab Strategy Emily Armstrong, the show features curious, honest conversations about modernization, disruption, and what it takes to grow beyond referral-only models in an era of rapid digitization. Not fluff. Not hype. Beyond Referrals blends forward-thinking industry conversations with tangible frameworks and actionable guidance — helping firm leaders adapt, build trust, and make better strategic decisions.

  1. 2일 전

    Win at Home FIRST: The Message Every High Achiever Needs to Hear w/ Cory Carlson | Beyond Referrals Episode 16

    IN THIS CONVERSATION, YOU'LL LEARN: Whether it's actually obvious when you're winning or losing at home, Cory's answer is more nuanced than you'd expect How to recalibrate after intense work seasons before someone else decides your priorities for you Practical, actionable tips for strengthening your marriage and home life right now The Five Capitals framework and why every high achiever needs a life scorecard, not just a business one Why community and friendships are non-negotiable for winning at home How to win at home even inside a toxic or unhealthy workplace The quote that stopped Emily cold: "If you don't get intentional about your home life, your work life will take over by default." Cory Carlson is the author of two bestselling books. Win at Home First was named by Forbes as one of the seven books everyone on your team should read. Rise and Go is a practical guide to getting back up quicker after life's challenges. He hosts the Win at Home First podcast, ranked in the top 1.5% globally, and co-founded RISE, a nationwide community of 100+ male business leaders committed to excelling at work and at home. Learn more at corymcarlson.com or connect with Cory on LinkedIn. Connect more with Emily: Free Advisor Brand Assessment Emily's LinkedIn Emily's Instagram Emily's YouTube Channel Wonderlab Strategy Want to be on the show or nominate someone? Reach out to hello@wonderlabstrategy.com

    52분
  2. 6월 24일

    Trust Your Intuition & Build Something Big w/ COO of The Chosen Adam Swerdlow | Beyond Referrals Episode 15

    IN THIS CONVERSATION, YOU'LL LEARN: What it actually looks like to build something from the inside, the operational reality, the fundraising, the people, the culture behind scaling The Chosen from a four-person startup to over $100 million in annual revenue Why your intuition is one of your greatest assets in business, and what happens when you learn to lean into it Why people and culture are never a soft priority, and what the leaders who get this right do differently The case for fractional leadership and why Adam believes it's the future of how organizations are built Why niching faster than you think you need to will always serve your business An honest, unfiltered conversation about the real frustrations advisors face inside the industry Adam Swerdlow started his career selling copiers, became a financial advisor at Northwestern Mutual where he built a successful book of business, co-founded a training and coaching company for financial advisors that was eventually acquired, then served as Chief Operating Officer of The Chosen, the most watched Christian TV series in history. Today he runs Alpine Consulting as a fractional COO for growth-stage organizations. To connect with Adam, find him on LinkedIn or visit Alpine Consulting. Connect more with Emily:  Free Advisor Brand Assessment https://mailchi.mp/wonderlabstrategy/findyourniche Find Your Niche in 10 Minutes: A Free Tool for Financial Advisors Emily's Instagram Emily's YouTube Channel Wonderlab Strategy Want to be on the show or nominate someone? Reach out to hello@wonderlabstrategy.com

    44분
  3. 6월 10일

    What's Coming with Advisor Talent and How to Prepare w/ McCall Fen | Beyond Referrals Episode 13

    IN THIS CONVERSATION, YOU'LL LEARN: The talent crisis statistic that every firm leader needs to hear, and why most aren't taking it seriously enough yet Why culture is your most powerful recruiting and retention strategy, and what the offices that are winning actually do differently The power of vision planning and how getting intentional about it is what separates the people who build something meaningful from the ones who stay stuck What GrowthSuite Consulting does and why firms go in planning to hire one person and end up placing two or three Emily and McCall's full circle story, and the moment that changed Emily's life This episode is especially valuable for managing directors, managing partners, recruiters, and leadership offices responsible for developing advisor talent. McCall Fen is the founder of Growth Suite Consulting, a recruiting and talent firm specializing in financial services. She has built a reputation for bringing exceptionally strong candidates to firms across the industry, and for helping firm leaders think more intentionally about culture, retention, and the talent landscape ahead. To connect with McCall, find her on LinkedIn. Connect more with Emily:  Free Advisor Brand Assessment Emily's LinkedIn Emily's Instagram Emily's YouTube Channel Wonderlab Strategy Want to be on the show or nominate someone? Reach out to hello@wonderlabstrategy.com

    50분

소개

Beyond Referrals is a podcast for leaders of client service firms navigating a rapidly changing industry. Hosted by brand strategist and founder of Wonderlab Strategy Emily Armstrong, the show features curious, honest conversations about modernization, disruption, and what it takes to grow beyond referral-only models in an era of rapid digitization. Not fluff. Not hype. Beyond Referrals blends forward-thinking industry conversations with tangible frameworks and actionable guidance — helping firm leaders adapt, build trust, and make better strategic decisions.