Épisodes

  • 150: Solo - 3 Lessons Every Advisor Can Learn From Their Doctor with Brad Johnson

    150: Solo - 3 Lessons Every Advisor Can Learn From Their Doctor with Brad Johnson
    Jan 7 2026
    When clients feel understood, everything gets easier. When they don’t, even the best advice falls flat. In this solo episode, I break down three lessons we can borrow from good doctors that make a huge difference in your meetings as an advisor.Just like in medicine, the best advisors don’t rush to solutions. They slow down, ask better questions, and explain things in a way people can actually follow. I’ll walk through why diagnosing before you prescribe matters, how your “bedside manner” shows up in financial conversations, and why a real plan is something you build with clients over time—not something you hand them once and hope for the best.If you’ve ever left a meeting thinking, “I know I gave them good advice, so why didn’t it land?” these three simple ideas will help you connect better, simplify your process, and create a better experience for every person you serve.3 of the biggest insights from Brad Johnson…1.) Diagnose Before You PrescribeClients don’t want another advisor pushing their “favorite product.” They want someone who seeks to understand—who asks layered questions, listens deeply, and helps both spouses feel heard. This is the foundation of trust and the secret behind higher conversions.2.) Simplify the Complex with Better Bedside MannerPlanning jargon and 80-page printouts don’t impress clients—they overwhelm them. The advisors who win are the ones who translate complexity into simple, relatable frameworks and make clients feel comfortable, safe, and cared for.3.) Build a Planning Journey, Not a One-Time PlanDelivering a plan is not the finish line, it’s the starting line. When you walk clients through decisions one step at a time and commit to ongoing planning, you avoid overwhelm, deepen your relationship, and increase lifetime value.SHOW NOTEShttps://bradleyjohnson.com/150FOLLOW BRAD JOHNSON ON SOCIALXInstagramLinkedInFOLLOW DBDL ON SOCIAL:YouTubeTwitterInstagramLinkedInFacebookDISCLOSURE DBDL podcast episode conversations are intended to provide financial advisors with ideas, strategies, concepts and tools that could be incorporated into their business and their life. No statements made in the episode are offered as, and shall not constitute financial, investment, tax or legal advice. Financial professionals are responsible for ensuring implementation of anything discussed related to business is done so in accordance with any and all regulatory, compliance responsibilities and obligations. The Triad member statements reflect their own experience which may not be representative of all Triad Member experiences, and their appearances were not paid for. Triad Wealth Partners, LLC is an SEC Registered Investment Adviser. Please visit Triadwealthpartners.com for more information. Triad Wealth Partners, LLC and Triad Partners, LLC are affiliated companies. TP12254981392See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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    21 min
  • 149: Carey Lohrenz - Navy’s First Female Top Gun on Performing Under Pressure

    149: Carey Lohrenz - Navy’s First Female Top Gun on Performing Under Pressure
    Dec 31 2025
    What do fighter pilots and financial advisors have in common?More than you might think—especially when it comes to performing under pressure.In this episode, I sit down with Carey Lorhenz—the first female F-14 Tomcat fighter pilot in U.S. Navy history—to talk about how the Navy trains people to perform in high-stakes environments without leaving success to chance. We get into simulation training before live reps, checklists built for people under pressure (because even really smart people forget things), and why debriefing is one of the fastest ways to build trust and alignment on a team.If you’re building an advisory team, trying to develop younger advisors, or tired of repeating the same mistakes as a firm, this episode gives you a playbook you can actually use.3 of the biggest insights from Carey…#1.) Training Should Look More Like SimulationIn the Navy, pilots don’t get thrown into real situations and told to figure it out. Carey explains why so much time is spent in academics and simulators—and why skipping this step is where a lot of advisor training breaks down.#2.) Checklists Exist Because People ForgetChecklists aren’t about being rigid. They’re about performing when pressure is high. Carey breaks down how the Navy designs checklists for stressed humans—and why the same thinking applies to client meetings and important conversations.#3.) The Debrief Is Where Teams Actually Get BetterCarey walks through a simple five-question debrief that builds trust, surfaces blind spots, and transfers knowledge fast—so teams improve week over week instead of repeating the same mistakes.SHOW NOTEShttps://bradleyjohnson.com/149FOLLOW BRAD JOHNSON ON SOCIALTwitterInstagramLinkedInFOLLOW DBDL ON SOCIAL:YouTubeTwitterInstagramLinkedInFacebookDISCLOSURE DBDL podcast episode conversations are intended to provide financial advisors with ideas, strategies, concepts and tools that could be incorporated into their business and their life. No statements made in the episode are offered as, and shall not constitute financial, investment, tax or legal advice. Financial professionals are responsible for ensuring implementation of anything discussed related to business is done so in accordance with any and all regulatory, compliance responsibilities and obligations. The Triad member statements reflect their own experience which may not be representative of all Triad Member experiences, and their appearances were not paid for. Triad Wealth Partners, LLC is an SEC Registered Investment Adviser. Please visit Triadwealthpartners.com for more information. Triad Wealth Partners, LLC and Triad Partners, LLC are affiliated companies. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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    1 h et 18 min
  • 148: Triad Member: Fired for Putting Clients First and How He Rebuilt a Family Practice Gathering $65M of New Assets with Keith Leverentz

    148: Triad Member: Fired for Putting Clients First and How He Rebuilt a Family Practice Gathering $65M of New Assets with Keith Leverentz
    Dec 24 2025
    What do you do when doing the right thing gets you fired?That’s the question at the center of this conversation with Keith Leverentz. Keith started his career as a high school science teacher before being recruited into a captive financial firm. He quickly became the number one producer in the organization—but he was doing something most advisors weren’t. He was putting clients first, even when it meant recommending solutions that were less profitable for the company.In 2012, that decision cost him everything. He lost his business, his clients, his niche, and spent a season wondering if he’d ever get back on his feet.Keith didn’t just bounce back. He rebuilt—this time with intention. Today, he leads a 25-person firm that’s on pace for more than $65M in new assets this year. He’s done it by building a real team, integrating his entire family into the business, and putting purpose, generosity, and client outcomes at the center of everything.If you’re a founder who’s been knocked down—or you’re carrying a weight that feels heavier than it should—Keith’s story is a powerful reminder of what’s possible on the other side.3 of the biggest insights from Keith Leverentz…#1.) The Cost of Doing What’s Right (And Why It Paid Off Later)Keith was the #1 producer in his captive agency — until he refused to sell products that weren’t in his clients’ best interest. That decision got him fired. Keith explains the ethical dilemma that forced him out, the fear and isolation that followed, and how starting over with nothing eventually led to building a 25-person firm. If you’ve ever felt tension between growth and integrity, this part will hit close to home.#2.) Why Most Advisors Feel Overwhelmed (And How to Fix It)Keith explains why hiring an Executive Assistant dropped his stress by 40% — and why this role is one of the most overlooked leverage points in advisory firms. He also breaks down a hard truth about his own business: the org chart was “a mile wide and an inch deep.” This section is a masterclass on why founders become bottlenecks, how poor structure slows growth, and what it actually takes to scale beyond yourself.#3.) Why Undercharging Holds Advisors BackKeith shares how he realized he was undercharging — and why raising fees actually improved client outcomes instead of hurting relationships. You’ll hear how expanding planning capabilities, trusting a bigger team, and clearly communicating value allowed him to move up-market with confidence. If you’re worried about fee pressure, higher-net-worth clients, or whether you’re “ready” for the next level, this section reframes the entire conversation.SHOW NOTEShttps://bradleyjohnson.com/148FOLLOW BRAD JOHNSON ON SOCIALTwitterInstagramLinkedInFOLLOW DBDL ON SOCIAL:YouTubeTwitterInstagramLinkedInFacebookDISCLOSURE DBDL podcast episode conversations are intended to provide financial advisors with ideas, strategies, concepts and tools that could be incorporated into their business and their life. No statements made in the episode are offered as, and shall not constitute financial, investment, tax or legal advice. Financial professionals are responsible for ensuring implementation of anything discussed related to business is done so in accordance with any and all regulatory, compliance responsibilities and obligations. The Triad member statements reflect their own experience which may not be representative of all Triad Member experiences, and their appearances were not paid for. Triad Wealth Partners, LLC is an SEC Registered Investment Adviser. Please visit Triadwealthpartners.com for more information. Triad Wealth Partners, LLC and Triad Partners, LLC are affiliated companies. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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    59 min
  • 147: Solo - Top 5 Most Replayed Moments in 2025 (According to the Stats) with Brad Johnson

    147: Solo - Top 5 Most Replayed Moments in 2025 (According to the Stats) with Brad Johnson
    Dec 17 2025
    Every advisor is looking back at the year — what worked, what didn’t, and what’s worth carrying into 2026. So I pulled the analytics, reviewed the conversations, and rounded up the five moments that advisors like you rewatched the most.Each clip reveals something different: how to build real structure inside your firm, how to scale yourself out of the bottleneck, how to create a compelling workshop experience, how to master your message, and how elite performers think about growth.If you want a quick way to reset your focus, sharpen how you lead, and build more freedom into your business next year, this episode will give you the clearest lessons from across the show in 2025. These are the ideas advisors trusted the most — and they can help you tighten your model, strengthen your team, and build a business that runs without burning you out.3 of the biggest insights from the episode…1.) Structure Is a Growth Multiplier, Not a Corporate ExerciseYour business can only scale as quickly as your structure allows. Ladders, levels, delegated authority, and consistent titles aren’t bureaucracy — they’re clarity. And clarity is what frees a founder from becoming the bottleneck.2.) You Can Duplicate Yourself Faster Than You ThinkWhether it’s sales or marketing, the advisors who scale the fastest stop relying on personality and start relying on process. When you systematize your approach, you unlock the ability to build a team that produces without you.3.) Mastery Comes from Focus, Not Doing MoreJordan. Kobe. Elite advisors. The common thread? They ignore the noise and obsess over the few skills that drive 80–90% of results. Growth isn’t adding more, it’s deleting what no longer serves the next level.SHOW NOTEShttps://bradleyjohnson.com/147FOLLOW BRAD JOHNSON ON SOCIALXInstagramLinkedInFOLLOW DBDL ON SOCIAL:YouTubeTwitterInstagramLinkedInFacebookDISCLOSURE DBDL podcast episode conversations are intended to provide financial advisors with ideas, strategies, concepts and tools that could be incorporated into their business and their life. No statements made in the episode are offered as, and shall not constitute financial, investment, tax or legal advice. Financial professionals are responsible for ensuring implementation of anything discussed related to business is done so in accordance with any and all regulatory, compliance responsibilities and obligations. The Triad member statements reflect their own experience which may not be representative of all Triad Member experiences, and their appearances were not paid for. Triad Wealth Partners, LLC is an SEC Registered Investment Adviser. Please visit Triadwealthpartners.com for more information. Triad Wealth Partners, LLC and Triad Partners, LLC are affiliated companies. TP 12254981392See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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    28 min
  • 146: Glenn Street - What Creating a Pro Sports Mascot Taught Me About Differentiating Your Advisory Practice

    146: Glenn Street - What Creating a Pro Sports Mascot Taught Me About Differentiating Your Advisory Practice
    Dec 10 2025
    As a coach to independent financial advisors, I see a lot of advisors struggling with the same issue—they blend in with the advisor down the street. And when prospects can’t see what makes you unique, it becomes a lot harder for them to understand why they should choose you over anyone else.That’s why I loved today’s conversation with Glenn Street. Glenn built one of the most differentiated businesses I’ve ever seen—Street Characters, the company behind many of the most iconic mascots in the NFL, NHL, MLB, and major college sports. But the real lesson from this episode isn’t about mascots. It’s about how he picked a niche, went deep, and created a level of expertise and service that big competitors couldn’t match.Glenn didn’t try to be everything to everyone. He focused on a narrow lane, understood his customers better than anyone else, and delivered a product and experience no one else in his space could touch. Advisors can do the exact same thing—especially in a market where most firms look and sound identical. When you specialize with intention, understand your audience on a deeper level, and build a brand that feels unmistakably yours, you become the advisor people talk about, remember, and seek out.3 of the biggest insights from Glenn Street…#1.) Niching Down in a Commoditized IndustryOne of the things I loved about Glenn’s story is how he didn’t try to compete with the Disneys of the world. He found a narrow lane—sports mascots—and went deeper than anyone else. That’s exactly what most advisors need today. When you pick a niche and truly understand the people you serve, you stop blending in and start becoming the advisor everyone talks about.#2.) Core Values Don’t Matter Unless You Actually Live ThemA lot of firms have core values, but very few bring them to life the way Glenn does. His team starts and ends their day with them. They use them to make decisions, solve problems, and hold each other accountable. It’s a simple reminder that culture isn’t something you write, it’s something you practice.#3.) The Right Incentives Turn Good Teams Into Great OnesGlenn has built a culture where A-player behavior is recognized and rewarded—whether that’s through peer shoutouts, clear performance targets, or a team trip to Mexico when they hit their goals. These aren’t random perks; they’re intentional systems that reinforce what “great” looks like. SHOW NOTEShttps://bradleyjohnson.com/146FOLLOW BRAD JOHNSON ON SOCIALTwitterInstagramLinkedInFOLLOW DBDL ON SOCIAL:YouTubeTwitterInstagramLinkedInFacebookDISCLOSURE DBDL podcast episode conversations are intended to provide financial advisors with ideas, strategies, concepts and tools that could be incorporated into their business and their life. No statements made in the episode are offered as, and shall not constitute financial, investment, tax or legal advice. Financial professionals are responsible for ensuring implementation of anything discussed related to business is done so in accordance with any and all regulatory, compliance responsibilities and obligations. The Triad member statements reflect their own experience which may not be representative of all Triad Member experiences, and their appearances were not paid for. Triad Wealth Partners, LLC is an SEC Registered Investment Adviser. Please visit Triadwealthpartners.com for more information. Triad Wealth Partners, LLC and Triad Partners, LLC are affiliated companies. TP11254981386See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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    1 h et 2 min
  • 145: Lindsey Lewis - Why Women Will Drive the Next Era of Advisor Growth (According to the Data)

    145: Lindsey Lewis - Why Women Will Drive the Next Era of Advisor Growth (According to the Data)
    Dec 3 2025
    Advisors everywhere are feeling the pressure to scale, hire, and prepare for a wave of retirements that will reshape the industry. At the same time, firms are struggling to attract women, keep next-gen advisors engaged, and build teams that actually create freedom instead of more work.That’s why I wanted to bring Lindsey Lewis on the show. After building a $200M book in her first year at Vanguard, Lindsey shifted her career toward research at The American College so she could help the profession fix its biggest blind spots—especially around women in finance, advisor retention, and the future talent pipeline.We dig into the data shaping the next decade of financial services: what women uniquely bring to advisory firms, why Gen Z is more interested in this profession than any generation before them, and how training, compensation, and career clarity determine whether young advisors stay or disappear.4 of the biggest insights from Lindsey …#1.) The Biggest Talent Gap in Advisor HistoryWe’re staring down a generational shift in this profession. Tens of thousands of advisors are aging out. And when you run the math, the industry would need to hire over a million new people just to meet today’s demand. Lindsey walks through the data behind this massive workforce gap and why the firms who build real training, career paths, and development now will be miles ahead of everyone else over the next decade.#2.) Women Advisors Are a Huge Missed OpportunityThe numbers don’t lie: women make up 25% of CFPs… but only a small fraction are in sales/growth positions. And it’s not a talent issue, it’s how the industry has shaped roles, pay structures, and expectations over time. Lindsey breaks down why women often outperform in retention, personalization, referrals, and relationship depth, yet get pushed into service tracks or stay risk-averse because of cultural narratives, confidence gaps, or biases inside firms. The upside for the firms who fix this is enormous. Women represent one of the biggest untapped growth engines in financial services.#3.) Gen Z Wants In, But Poor Onboarding Pushes Them OutHere’s the part no one expects: financial services is now Gen Z’s top-preferred industry over tech and medicine. But at the same time, 1 in 4 early-career advisors say their onboarding wasn’t effective — and those are the same people who leave within seven years. Lindsey lays out exactly what this generation needs to stay: mentorship, sponsorship, clear career paths, ongoing education, and roles that evolve with their confidence. If you want a talent pipeline that sticks, it starts with the first 12–18 months.#4.) Compensation Makes or Breaks Your TeamComp plans aren’t just about money, they’re about psychology. Young advisors need stability before they’re ready to take on variable comp. Others crave upside and hate the idea of a flat salary. Lindsey explains the difference between income risk tolerance and income risk capacity, and why misalignment between the person and the pay structure is one of the biggest drivers of turnover. When firms get comp wrong, they churn through talent. When they get it right, people stay, grow, and eventually step into the very roles the industry is desperate to fill. SHOW NOTEShttps://bradleyjohnson.com/145FOLLOW BRAD JOHNSON ON SOCIALTwitterInstagramLinkedInFOLLOW DBDL ON SOCIAL:YouTubeTwitterInstagramLinkedInFacebookDISCLOSURE DBDL podcast episode conversations are intended to provide financial advisors with ideas, strategies, concepts and tools that could be incorporated into their business and their life. No statements made in the episode are offered as, and shall not constitute financial, investment, tax or legal advice. Financial professionals are responsible for ensuring implementation of anything discussed related to business is done so in accordance with any and all regulatory, compliance responsibilities and obligations. The Triad member statements reflect their own experience which may not be representative of all Triad Member experiences, and their appearances were not paid for. Triad Wealth Partners, LLC is an SEC Registered Investment Adviser. Please visit Triadwealthpartners.com for more information. Triad Wealth Partners, LLC and Triad Partners, LLC are affiliated companies. TP11254981366See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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    1 h et 6 min
  • 144: Triad Member: The Playbook That Took Reliance Financial Partners from $35M to $100M Per Year with Dana Dunkelberger

    144: Triad Member: The Playbook That Took Reliance Financial Partners from $35M to $100M Per Year with Dana Dunkelberger
    Nov 26 2025
    A few years ago, Triad members Dana and Tyler Dunkelberger were gathering $35M in new assets with a four-person team. And like most advisors, when growth started ramping up, they kept their foot on the gas.They ran 100+ dinner seminars a year, added clients as fast as they could, and tried to solve capacity issues by adding more advisors to the team.But the harder they pushed, the more obvious it became — their model couldn’t keep up. They were growing, but it was completely unsustainable. They were building a service nightmare that was slowly swallowing their time, their energy, and their quality of life.Fast forward to today, and not only has their firm tripled growth, pacing for $100M in new assets, but they now have a 17-person team, clearly defined roles, and a model that actually scales. Dana is here today to walk through the steps they took, the hires they made, and the mindset shifts that turned an unsustainable business into one that scales with purpose and significance.3 of the biggest insights from Dana Dunkelberger…#1.) Why “Stepping on the Gas” Eventually Stops WorkingDana talks about how running 100+ seminars a year filled the pipeline fast — but also created more service work than he and Tyler could ever keep up with. The harder they pushed, the more buried they became. Adding another advisor didn’t fix it either, because it just duplicated the same problem. The real issue wasn’t effort… it was the model.#2) The Shift That Quietly Fueled Their $100M PaceFor a long time, Reliance looked like every other firm — same products, same conversations, same playbook. Then Dana and Tyler built a simple, repeatable framework that showed clients exactly how they work and what makes them different. That shift in structure and message made their meetings clearer, their value easier to understand, and became a major driver behind their growth.#3) The One Hire That Opened the Door to $1M+ ClientsDana didn’t realize how much he was holding the business back by trying to build all the plans himself. Bringing on a dedicated planner changed everything. The plans got better, the advisors got to stay in their lane, and higher-net-worth clients suddenly saw a firm with real depth. It was the missing piece that finally allowed the business to scale.SHOW NOTEShttps://bradleyjohnson.com/144FOLLOW BRAD JOHNSON ON SOCIALTwitterInstagramLinkedInFOLLOW DBDL ON SOCIAL:YouTubeTwitterInstagramLinkedInFacebookDISCLOSURE DBDL podcast episode conversations are intended to provide financial advisors with ideas, strategies, concepts and tools that could be incorporated into their business and their life. No statements made in the episode are offered as, and shall not constitute financial, investment, tax or legal advice. Financial professionals are responsible for ensuring implementation of anything discussed related to business is done so in accordance with any and all regulatory, compliance responsibilities and obligations. The Triad member statements reflect their own experience which may not be representative of all Triad Member experiences, and their appearances were not paid for. Triad Wealth Partners, LLC is an SEC Registered Investment Adviser. Please visit Triadwealthpartners.com for more information. Triad Wealth Partners, LLC and Triad Partners, LLC are affiliated companies. TP11254981357 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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    41 min
  • 143: Solo - Your Office Space Could Be Costing You Million-Dollar Clients with Brad Johnson

    143: Solo - Your Office Space Could Be Costing You Million-Dollar Clients with Brad Johnson
    Nov 19 2025
    Are you struggling to attract and close more high-net-worth clients?What if the reason has nothing to do with your financial plans and everything to do with your office design?In this solo episode, I share one of the most surprising lessons I’ve learned in 20+ years of coaching advisors: the design and intention behind your office directly impacts the clients you attract and the culture you create.Your office is more than a workspace. It’s a physical reflection of your values, beliefs, and the experience you promise to your clients. I’ll show you how thoughtful design can elevate your credibility, boost team culture, and transform how prospects perceive your brand.I’ll also walk you through the three lessons that shaped Triad’s new headquarters, so you can apply the same principles to your own firm and start attracting higher-net-worth clients while building a culture your team loves coming to every day.3 of the biggest insights from Brad…#1.) Celebrate What Matters in Business and LifeMost advisors design an office that looks good on paper, but doesn’t feel like them. In this episode, I share how to build a space that actually tells your story. From our Do Business, Do Life wall filled with team goals to the way you showcase client experiences instead of sales awards, I’ll show you how to create an environment that instantly connects and builds trust with million-dollar clients.#2.). Speak Things Into Existence That MatterAt Triad, we believe language creates culture. So when we built our new office, we wanted our walls to literally speak our values. Instead of labeling rooms A, B, and C, we named them after the beliefs we live by—like the “Significance Suite” and the “Day One Café.” We even have an “Empty Chair” in every conference room to represent our members, reminding us to always build on their behalf. It’s a simple way to make sure what we say we believe shows up in how we work every day.#3.) Create a Collision-Friendly EnvironmentWe fixed one of the biggest mistakes from our first office—silos. In our new space, we built what I call a “hub-and-spoke” design that sparks connection. The hub is where ideas collide—coffee stations, couches, even a kegerator—and the spokes are where deep work happens. I’ll share how this setup boosted creativity, broke down barriers, and created a vibe that everyone—from team members to visiting advisors—can feel the moment they walk in.SHOW NOTEShttps://bradleyjohnson.com/143FOLLOW BRAD JOHNSON ON SOCIALXInstagramLinkedInFOLLOW DBDL ON SOCIAL:YouTubeTwitterInstagramLinkedInFacebookDISCLOSURE DBDL podcast episode conversations are intended to provide financial advisors with ideas, strategies, concepts and tools that could be incorporated into their business and their life. No statements made in the episode are offered as, and shall not constitute financial, investment, tax or legal advice. Financial professionals are responsible for ensuring implementation of anything discussed related to business is done so in accordance with any and all regulatory, compliance responsibilities and obligations. The Triad member statements reflect their own experience which may not be representative of all Triad Member experiences, and their appearances were not paid for. Triad Wealth Partners, LLC is an SEC Registered Investment Adviser. Please visit Triadwealthpartners.com for more information. Triad Wealth Partners, LLC and Triad Partners, LLC are affiliated companies. TP11254897334. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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    23 min
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