High Performance Financial Advisor

Tony Bates

What does it take to succeed at the highest level in the world of financial advice? Let’s find out… High Performance Financial Advisor is the podcast for people working in financial advice in the US who want to find their next million dollar producer - or become one themselves. I’m your host, Tony Bates, and in each episode we’ll uncover the strategies and success stories that matter - from how million-dollar producers got to where they are today, how to grow your book sustainably, the best ways to leverage tech and AI, and much more, so that you have the tools they need to perform. Whether you’re planning for your next stage of growth or protecting your client base, High Performance Financial Advisor is the financial advisor podcast that gives you the edge you need to stay ahead. Subscribe to High Performance Financial Advisor now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube or wherever you listen to podcasts.

  1. Financial Planning with Heart: Emily Rassam's Story

    JAN 13

    Financial Planning with Heart: Emily Rassam's Story

    Keywords client accomplishments, personal growth, financial planning, meaningful moments, career highlights, investment news awards, frugality, life experiences, travel, recognition Summary In this conversation, Emily Rassam reflects on her career achievements, emphasizing the importance of client milestones over traditional accolades. She shares a personal story about helping a frugal client embrace travel, highlighting the emotional connections formed through her work. This discussion reveals a deeper understanding of success in the financial advisory field, focusing on meaningful experiences rather than just awards. Takeaways The most meaningful accomplishments often involve client experiences. Helping clients overcome fears can be a significant achievement. Personal growth moments are more impactful than traditional awards. Travel experiences can transform a client's perspective on spending. Emotional connections with clients are vital in financial advising. Recognition should not solely be based on awards. Career highlights can be defined by personal stories. Frugality can be a barrier to enjoying life experiences. Success can be measured in client happiness and fulfillment. Creating memorable moments is a key part of the profession. Titles Redefining Success in Financial Advisory The Power of Client Relationships "Balancing Act: Emily Rassam on Work-Life Harmony" "From Big Firms to Boutique: Emily Rassam's Journey" "Empathy in Finance: Emily Rassam's Unique Approach" "High Performance Beyond Numbers: Insights from Emily Rassam" "Financial Planning with Heart: Emily Rassam's Story" Be sure to subscribe to the High Performance Financial Advisor podcast on your favourite podcast platform, so you never miss an episode. LEARN MORE Radium Search - https://radiumsearch.com/ Archer Investment Management- archerim.com CONNECT Tony Bates on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonybates/ Emily Rassam on LinkedIn -linkedin.com/in/emilyjcasey LISTEN Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0xmUJfkTaCbnXLr1nxBsWG?si=2b3060f5bc03472d Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/high-performance-financial-advisor/id1822236674 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@RadiumSearchUS

    34 min
  2. Mentorship and Success: Veronica Karas on Building a Legacy

    12/16/2025

    Mentorship and Success: Veronica Karas on Building a Legacy

    Keywords financial advisor, women in finance, mentorship, client acquisition, financial literacy, career success, overcoming challenges, networking, self-promotion, work-life balance Summary In this episode of the High Performance Financial Advisor podcast, host Tony Bates interviews Veronica Karas, a principal certified financial planner at CapTrust. Veronica shares her journey of becoming the youngest partner in a male-dominated industry, the challenges she faced as a woman in finance, and her strategies for building a successful client base. She emphasises the importance of self-promotion, networking, and mentorship, while also discussing the balance between her career and motherhood. Veronica's story is one of resilience, hard work, and a commitment to empowering others in the financial industry. Takeaways Veronica became a partner at age 33, the youngest ever. Only 15% of financial advisors are women, highlighting industry challenges. Self-promotion is crucial for success in finance. Building a client base requires creativity and persistence. Networking can lead to unexpected opportunities. The pandemic shifted client acquisition strategies to virtual platforms. Veronica brought in over $700 million in assets in five years. Setbacks are part of the journey; resilience is key. Mentoring younger advisors is a priority for Veronica now. Balancing work and motherhood requires support and flexibility. Be sure to subscribe to the High Performance Financial Advisor podcast on your favourite podcast platform, so you never miss an episode. LEARN MORE Radium Search - https://radiumsearch.com/ CAPTRUST -https://www.captrust.com/ CONNECT Tony Bates on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonybates/  Veronica Karas on LinkedIn -linkedin.com/in/veronicakarascfp LISTEN Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0xmUJfkTaCbnXLr1nxBsWG?si=2b3060f5bc03472d  Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/high-performance-financial-advisor/id1822236674  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@RadiumSearchUS

    40 min
  3. Josh Crawford on Leadership and Success

    12/02/2025

    Josh Crawford on Leadership and Success

    Summary In this episode of the High Performance Financial Advisor podcast, host Tony Bates welcomes Josh Crawford, co-CEO and head coach at Matson Money. They discuss the importance of leadership and coaching in the financial advisory industry, emphasising the need for advisors to transition from traditional models to entrepreneurial approaches. Josh shares insights on managing both portfolios and people, the significance of discipline in investing, and the evolving role of leadership in financial services. Keywords financial advisor, leadership, coaching, investing, entrepreneurial, discipline, portfolio management, financial services, personal development, business growth Takeaways Managing the person is as important as managing the portfolio. Successful investing requires discipline over a lifetime. Leadership is about bringing people up with you. Coaching involves understanding individual motivations and needs. Financial advisors should think like entrepreneurs. Building a community is key to scaling a financial advisory business. Courage is a differentiator for high-performing advisors. Leadership creates an environment for people to thrive. The future of leadership involves managing both people and technology. Empowering individuals to be responsible for their environment is crucial. Be sure to subscribe to the High Performance Financial Advisor podcast on your favourite podcast platform, so you never miss an episode. LEARN MORE Radium Search - https://radiumsearch.com/ Matson Money -http://www.matsonmoney.com CONNECT Tony Bates on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonybates/  Josh Crawford on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshcrawford2030 LISTEN Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0xmUJfkTaCbnXLr1nxBsWG?si=2b3060f5bc03472d  Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/high-performance-financial-advisor/id1822236674  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@RadiumSearchUS

    39 min
  4. "Athlete to Advisor/ Caroline Piehl's"Winning in Wealth

    11/18/2025

    "Athlete to Advisor/ Caroline Piehl's"Winning in Wealth

    SHOW NOTES   financial advisor, athlete transition, mindset, financial literacy, diversity in finance, financial planning, sports education, career change, high performance, wealth management Summary In this episode of the High Performance Financial Advisor podcast, Tony Bates interviews Caroline Piehl , a certified financial planner and former NCAA champion swimmer. Caroline shares her unique journey from elite athletics to financial advising, emphasising the transferable skills and mindsets that high performers possess. She discusses the importance of consistency, risk-taking, and embracing challenges in both sports and business. Caroline also highlights her mission to educate young athletes about financial literacy and the need for greater diversity in the financial services industry. The conversation concludes with Caroline's vision for her firm, Win Your Wealth, and her commitment to providing meaningful financial education and support to athletes. Takeaways Caroline Piehl transitioned from being a four-time NCAA champion swimmer to a financial advisor. The skills learned as an athlete are directly applicable to business success. Embracing challenges and hard work is crucial for high performers. Consistency in habits leads to long-term success in finance and sports. Financial advisors must focus on process and structure for growth. Education is vital for young athletes to manage their finances effectively. Diversity in the financial services industry is essential for its future. Caroline emphasises the importance of mentorship and leadership in career transitions. Simplifying complex financial concepts can enhance client understanding. Caroline's mission is to merge sports and finance to educate athletes. Chapters 00:00 From Athlete to Financial Advisor 12:17 Mindset and Habits of High Performers 21:28 Navigating Career Transitions 22:58 The Nike Experience 25:12 Bridging Sports and Finance 30:04 Empowering Athletes with Financial Literacy 34:08 The Need for Financial Education in Sports 37:19 Diversity and Inclusion in Financial Advisory 41:35 Vision for the Future: Impact Over Growth 48:23 Cultivating Grit in Financial Advisors Be sure to subscribe to the High Performance Financial Advisor podcast on your favourite podcast platform, so you never miss an episode. LEARN MORE Radium Search - https://radiumsearch.com/ TimeWise Financial -timewisefinancialllc.com  CONNECT Tony Bates on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonybates/  Caroline Piehl on LinkedIn -linkedin.com/in/carolinepiehl LISTEN Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0xmUJfkTaCbnXLr1nxBsWG?si=2b3060f5bc03472d  Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/high-performance-financial-advisor/id1822236674  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@RadiumSearchUS

    52 min
  5. Unlocking joy in financial advising with Larry sprung

    11/04/2025

    Unlocking joy in financial advising with Larry sprung

    Keywords  financial planning, joy, entrepreneurship, high performance, company culture, technology, AI, financial advisory, mental health advocacy, family values Summary In this conversation, Tony Bates interviews Larry Sprung, founder and lead wealth advisor at Mitlin Financial. They discuss the integration of joy into financial planning, the importance of family, and the balance between personal and professional life. Larry shares insights on high performance in the financial advisory industry, the significance of company culture, and the challenges faced by advisors today. He emphasizes the role of technology and AI in enhancing financial services and outlines his vision for the future of Mitlin Financial, focusing on joy and growth. Takeaways Family has always been of utmost importance to me. The question 'What did you do today that brought you joy?' changed everything. Being a financial advisor is rewarding, but it's not just about the money. You have to be intentional about what you want to do and know your why. High performance can be subjective and varies from person to person. Maintaining company culture is crucial as the business grows. It's important to find a firm that aligns with your values and goals. Social media is a powerful tool for building reputation and connections. You have to put yourself out there to succeed in today's market. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Joy in Financial Planning 02:51 The Importance of Family and Joy 05:45 Balancing Business and Family Life 09:00 Defining High Performance in Financial Advisory 12:05 Building a Strong Company Culture 14:59 Advice for Young Entrepreneurs 17:48 The Role of Technology in Financial Advisory 20:51 The Impact of Social Media on Business Growth 24:12 Challenges in the Financial Advisory Industry 27:01 Utilizing AI for Enhanced Efficiency 29:58 Future Vision for Mitlin Financial Be sure to subscribe to the High Performance Financial Advisor podcast on your favourite podcast platform, so you never miss an episode. LEARN MORE Radium Search - https://radiumsearch.com/ Mitlin Financial - http://www.mitlinfinancial.com CONNECT Tony Bates on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonybates/  Larry Sprung on LinkedIn -linkedin.com/in/lawrencesprung LISTEN Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0xmUJfkTaCbnXLr1nxBsWG?si=2b3060f5bc03472d  Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/high-performance-financial-advisor/id1822236674  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@RadiumSearchUS

    41 min
  6. Building a Culture of Success

    10/21/2025

    Building a Culture of Success

    In this episode of the High Performance Financial Advisor podcast, Tony Bates interviews Rick Buoncore, the Chairman and CEO of MAI Capital. Rick shares his journey in wealth management, the importance of company culture, and how he integrates acquisitions while maintaining a strong team atmosphere. He discusses the evolving role of financial advisors, the impact of his sports background on his leadership style, and the lessons learned throughout his career. Rick emphasizes the importance of adapting to change and the commitment to serving clients for the long term. Covered in this episode: Rick Buoncore emphasizes the importance of passion in work.Company culture is crucial for success and client satisfaction.Integrating acquisitions requires a disciplined approach.Advisors must adapt to changes in the financial landscape.Mistakes should be viewed as learning opportunities.The future of financial advising involves a broader service mentality.Rick's sports background has shaped his leadership style.Building a strong team atmosphere is essential for growth.Client relationships are at the core of wealth management.Long-term vision is key to sustainable success. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Rick Buoncore and MAI Capital 02:46 Rick's Journey and Passion for Wealth Management 06:20 Building a Strong Company Culture 14:43 Integrating Acquisitions and Cultural Fit 22:20 Strategizing for Future Growth 25:17 Client Transparency and Wealth Management Solutions 26:00 Innovative Healthcare Solutions for Clients 28:33 Holistic Approach to Wealth and Wellness 29:47 The Evolving Role of Financial Advisors 33:02 Growth Strategies in a Changing Market 37:01 Leadership Lessons from Sports Background 40:02 Learning from Mistakes in Business 42:05 Vision for the Future of the Firm 45:33 Recommended Readings for Financial Advisors Be sure to subscribe to the High Performance Financial Advisor podcast on your favourite podcast platform, so you never miss an episode. LEARN MORE Radium Search - https://radiumsearch.com/ MJP Wealth Advisors - https://www.mjpwealthadvisors.com/  CONNECT Tony Bates on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonybates/  Rick Buoncore on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/richardbuoncore LISTEN Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0xmUJfkTaCbnXLr1nxBsWG?si=2b3060f5bc03472d  Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/high-performance-financial-advisor/id1822236674  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@RadiumSearchUS

    52 min
  7. Unlocking High Performance Marketing For Advisors

    10/07/2025

    Unlocking High Performance Marketing For Advisors

    In this episode of the High Performance Financial Advisor, Tony Bates interviews Roy Furr, a respected direct response marketer, who shares insights on how financial advisors can enhance their marketing strategies to generate more leads and increase production. Roy emphasises the importance of understanding marketing as 'sales multiplied through media' and discusses various approaches to attract and convert clients effectively. He also highlights the significance of mindset in marketing, the role of education in selling, and the necessity of a structured sales process to turn leads into long-term clients. Covered in this episode: Marketing is sales multiplied through media.High performance marketers invest significantly in advertising.Understanding ROI is crucial for effective marketing.Attributing leads to specific marketing efforts can be challenging.Standing out in a noisy market requires targeted messaging.Education and selling can coexist in marketing strategies.A structured sales process is essential for converting leads.Mindset shifts are necessary for effective marketing.Providing solutions rather than just selling is key.The right marketing attracts the right clients. Be sure to subscribe to the High Performance Financial Advisor podcast on your favourite podcast platform, so you never miss an episode. LEARN MORE Radium Search - https://radiumsearch.com/ MJP Wealth Advisors - https://www.mjpwealthadvisors.com/  CONNECT Tony Bates on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonybates/  Roy Furr on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/royfurr LISTEN Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0xmUJfkTaCbnXLr1nxBsWG?si=2b3060f5bc03472d  Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/high-performance-financial-advisor/id1822236674  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@RadiumSearchUS

    49 min
  8. The Habits That Led This Advisory Firm To 10x Business with Brian Vendig

    09/23/2025

    The Habits That Led This Advisory Firm To 10x Business with Brian Vendig

    How do you 10x a financial advisory business in 10 years and build a team that can keep outperforming in an AI-driven world? In this episode of High Performance Financial Advisor, we’re joined by Brian Vendig, President of MJP Wealth Advisors. Brian shares the strategies and habits that have propelled his career to leading a fast-growing advisory business. Brian is a Top 200 RIA recognized as one to watch, he holds 25 years experience across finance, venture capital and accounting and grew his firm by 10x in as many years, to name but a few of his achievements. There’s a wealth of valuable insight in this episode for any financial advisor who wants to perform at the top levels - and stay there. Covered in this episode: How Brian 10x’d his firm in just 10 years.Creating a culture that drives high performance among advisors.Habits and traits of top-performing financial advisors.Differences between large and small firms, and how Brian took the benefits of both into his firm.Why people think of financial advice as a sales job - and why they’re wrong.How to stay ahead of AI advisors.What firms are looking for in financial advisors today.The questions advisors need to answer to truly meet client needs.And more… Be sure to subscribe to the High Performance Financial Advisor podcast on your favorite podcast platform, so you never miss an episode. LEARN MORE Radium Search - https://radiumsearch.com/ MJP Wealth Advisors - https://www.mjpwealthadvisors.com/  CONNECT Tony Bates on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonybates/  Brian Vendig on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianvendig/  LISTEN Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0xmUJfkTaCbnXLr1nxBsWG?si=2b3060f5bc03472d  Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/high-performance-financial-advisor/id1822236674  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@RadiumSearchUS

    40 min

About

What does it take to succeed at the highest level in the world of financial advice? Let’s find out… High Performance Financial Advisor is the podcast for people working in financial advice in the US who want to find their next million dollar producer - or become one themselves. I’m your host, Tony Bates, and in each episode we’ll uncover the strategies and success stories that matter - from how million-dollar producers got to where they are today, how to grow your book sustainably, the best ways to leverage tech and AI, and much more, so that you have the tools they need to perform. Whether you’re planning for your next stage of growth or protecting your client base, High Performance Financial Advisor is the financial advisor podcast that gives you the edge you need to stay ahead. Subscribe to High Performance Financial Advisor now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube or wherever you listen to podcasts.