Explore every episode of the podcast The Trusted Adviser

What happens when 13 of the most successful independent advice firms in Australia decide to put their egos aside and build something together? That's the modern origin story of Shadforth Financial Group — and it's the backdrop for one of the most compelling conversations we've had on this show.

Terry Dillon has been with Shadforth for 34 years. He spent the first two decades as an adviser before stepping into the CEO role in 2018 — right in the middle of the Royal Commission. Rather than retreating from the scrutiny that came with institutional ownership, he walked into the boardroom and told the parent company: if we can't make each other better every day, you should probably sell us.

That moment set the tone for everything that followed.

In this episode, Terry and Rob cover the decisions that transformed Shadforth from a business built for sale into one built to lead — now close to 100 advisers, 270 staff, 11,000 families, and around $20 billion under stewardship. They get into Shadforth's evidence-based investment philosophy, the family advice guarantee that addresses intergenerational wealth transfer in a way Rob hadn't heard before, and their technology roadmap — including a client app that takes advice from a static document to something closer to a live financial plan on your phone.

They also talk acquisitions. Shadforth is growing strongly — double digits, organically — and now has its sights set on inorganic growth to match. But it's the way Terry frames the ambition that really lands. He's not talking about incremental targets. He's asked his leadership team to think about what Shadforth looks like at ten times its current size — and what that forces you to do differently today.

Stick around for the moment near the end where Terry names the kind of firm he believes Shadforth can become — and the professional services names he wants spoken in the same breath. It's the kind of ambition that reframes how you think about what's possible in advice.

What does it actually take to build a financial planning firm that wins Company of the Year?

Jeff Thurecht is the co-founder and CEO of Evalesco Financial Services, a Sydney-based firm he built alongside business partner Marshall Brentnall nearly two decades ago. The name says it all: Evalesco is Latin for "to grow strong, prevail and add value." In 2025, the industry agreed, awarding Evalesco both the Holistic Advice Firm of the Year and the overall Company of the Year at the IFA Excellence Awards.

In this conversation, Jeff opens up about the deliberate decisions behind that recognition. He shares how Evalesco built demographic-specific advice pods, from wealth accumulators and pre-retirees through to a genuine high net worth, multi-family office offering via the Principal Edge acquisition. He explains how a team of nine in the Philippines became one of the most valued parts of the business, not as outsourced support but as genuinely embedded team members.

Jeff is also candid about what it really meant to win a company award rather than an individual one, and why building a team without "rock stars" has always been the goal.

We also cover:

• The acquisition of Principal Edge: what made it the right move, what made it hard, and what's still being worked through
• The identity shift from adviser to CEO, and the surprisingly difficult task of measuring your own progress when client appointments no longer fill your diary
• Evalesco's bold 3k 30 vision: 3,000 ideal clients by 2030, and exactly how they plan to get there
• How technology is being used to free up adviser face time, including a new CRM build on Microsoft Dynamics and a purpose-built Technology and Advice Delivery Manager role

Jeff's answer to the final question, what single thing would move the needle most right now, is one of the clearest articulations of great advice leadership you'll hear. 

In this episode of The Trusted Adviser, I sit down with our Chief Operating Officer, Nick Bordi, to unpack one of the most talked-about topics in financial planning businesses: employee ownership.

At HPH Solutions, what started as a simple idea to reward and retain great people has evolved into something far more powerful. Our Team Equity Trust now plays a central role in ownership transition, long-term incentives, and what we’ve come to think of as an “internal private equity” model.

Nick and I go deep into how the structure actually works – from eligibility and valuation through to funding mechanisms for younger team members and the governance required when you have dozens of employee owners. We also share the lessons we’ve learned along the way, including mistakes, structural changes, and the thinking behind key decisions like not discounting equity.

If you’re a business owner thinking about succession, culture, or how to align your team to long-term growth, this conversation offers a practical and transparent look at what’s worked for us – and what we’d do differently.

In this episode of The Trusted Adviser, Rob sits down with Corey Wastle, founder of Verse Wealth, to unpack how his firm has reimagined advice delivery,  replacing the traditional SOA model with a streamlined video-first approach that has dramatically reduced paraplanning time, and elevated client clarity.

Corey shares:

• How recording advice meetings can meet SOA compliance requirements

• Why Verse reduced its advice document from 15,000 words to 3,500

• How they cut paraplanning time from 8 hours to 2.5 hours

• The structure of their 3-meeting advice process

• How tracking financial wellbeing strengthens long-term relationships

• Why the future may lie in a “CXM” — a Client Experience Manager

This is a practical, behind-the-scenes look at how one firm is modernising advice delivery, without waiting for regulatory reform.

If you’re thinking about efficiency, client clarity, AI integration, or the future of advice, this episode is essential listening.

Alexander “Xan” Kitchin, Managing Director of Wealth Connexion and 2025 IFA Excellence Award – Individual winner, joins Rob Pyne to share how a corporate mindset, disciplined systems, and a strong team culture are reshaping modern financial advice. In this episode, Xan explains why “you can’t scale trust,” and what that means for adviser capacity, AI, and the future of professional advice businesses. A thoughtful conversation for practice owners and advisers thinking about sustainable growth and long-term impact.

Many financial advice businesses are busy, growing, and delivering for clients — yet still fall short of their true commercial potential.

In this episode of The Trusted Adviser, Rob Pyne is joined by Dean Lombardo, Founder of Effortless Engagement, to explore the insights from Dean’s white paper The Profit Gap and why advice firms often leak profit without realising it.

Dean outlines four core sources of profit leakage identified through extensive research and diagnostic work across advice businesses:

• Organisational misalignment

• Workflow complexity

• Capacity misuse

• Conversion friction

The conversation focuses on how these issues quietly compound inside otherwise well-run firms, why they’re hard to see from the inside, and what business owners can do to unlock profit already embedded within their existing model — without cutting service or culture.

If you’re an advice business owner who feels busy and commercially disciplined but suspects there’s more potential in your business, this episode offers a clear and practical framework to start closing the Profit Gap.

In this episode of The Trusted Adviser, Rob Pyne is joined by Chris Hill (lawyer and financial adviser) and Rafael Cohen (fintech founder) from Inherit Australia to explore a smarter, adviser-led approach to estate planning.

They unpack why advisers are uniquely positioned to drive estate planning conversations, how structured questioning can surface family dynamics and risks before they become disputes, and how technology can bridge the long-standing gap between advisers and lawyers, without crossing into legal advice.

You’ll hear how Inherit Australia enables advisers to:

• Confidently lead estate planning discussions within a compliant framework

• Improve client engagement, retention, and intergenerational connections

• Work more efficiently with lawyers through better upfront information

• Ensure estate plans are completed, stored, and accessible when they’re needed most

A practical, future-focused conversation for advisers looking to deepen client relationships and protect their practice through the coming intergenerational wealth transfer. 

Is your advice tech stack quietly helping your business grow, or quietly driving everyone mad?

In this episode of The Trusted Adviser, Rob Pyne sits down with Peter Worn, co-founder of Finura Group, to unpack what it really takes to bring tech sanity to a modern advice firm. Drawing on years of experience working with licensees and advice businesses across Australia, Peter lifts the lid on the promises, pitfalls, and hidden costs behind today’s technology and AI solutions.

They explore:

• The difference between a genuine tech stack and a messy tech pile

• How to spot conflicts of interest with Managed Service Providers (MSPs), vendors, and “AI agencies”

• A simple ROI lens for deciding which tech or AI project to do next

• Why duplicating tools for tasks, communication, and storage adds risk (not value)

• The real trade-offs between industry platforms and enterprise CRMs like Salesforce or Dynamics

• What good document management and data hygiene actually look like in practice

Stay listening right to the end, where Peter shares how buyers really assess your tech when you’re preparing for sale. Why “weird and wonderful” systems can hurt your valuation, how your cyber posture becomes a trust filter for acquirers, and the key signs that your problem isn’t technology at all, but leadership and business model.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re overpaying for tech, under-using what you have, or on the brink of an expensive misstep, this conversation will help you reset, refocus, and get more out of every dollar you invest in technology.

As we wrap up the year, this short solo episode is part reflection and part recommended reading list.

In this episode, Rob steps back to reflect on some of the key ideas that have shaped his thinking as a business owner, drawing on a selection of books that have had a lasting influence on how HPH Solutions has been built. What’s been especially striking is how consistently these same ideas have shown up in the real-world experiences shared by guests on The Trusted Adviser.

From Jim Collins’ Flywheel concept and the power of disciplined, compounding progress, to the importance of transparency, execution, culture, and trust, this episode connects enduring business principles with lived experience inside advice firms.

It’s a reflection on what really drives sustainable success in professional services businesses, and particularly in financial advice. Not shortcuts or breakthroughs, but clarity of purpose, disciplined execution, strong people, and a long-term mindset.

We’re taking a short break over the New Year and will be back in two weeks with a new guest episode.

Wishing all trusted advisers a happy and healthy New Year, and every success in 2026.

Most advice firms in Australia run on Xplan, but very few truly understand what’s happening under the hood, how to optimise it, where it breaks, and what it takes to integrate it into a modern tech stack.

In this episode of The Trusted Adviser, Rob Pyne sits down with Matt McGuinty (FinTech Strategic Partners), one of the rare people who has worked inside Xplan with the developers themselves, and now helps advice firms lift capacity, consistency, and scale through better systems and smarter workflow design.

Together, Rob and Matt unpack:

• Why “the tyranny of variation” quietly destroys efficiency in advice businesses

• The red flags Matt looks for in tech due diligence before a merger or acquisition

• How to think about dual CRMs (Xplan plus Salesforce/Dynamics), data ownership, and avoiding double entry

• What “online SOAs” could look like through a client portal, including digital fact finds and web-style advice presentation

• AI in advice: what’s useful now, what’s hype, and why data security and data quality come first

If you’re wrestling with scale, consistency, or tech change (or you’re considering an acquisition), this one will give you a clearer framework for what matters and what to fix first.

In this episode of The Trusted Adviser, Rob Pyne sits down with Michael Goodman, founder of Wealthstream Advisors and now President of Greenspring Advisors, for an honest and thoughtful conversation about what it really takes to build an advice firm that outlives its founders.

At a time when private equity is reshaping the advice profession, Michael chose a very different path. In 2025, he led Wealthstream into a merger with Greenspring Advisors — not for liquidity, not for scale at any cost, but to strengthen multi-generational employee ownership and build a governance structure designed for the future.

In this candid discussion, Michael shares:

• Why remaining independent required broadening the shareholder base

• The personal realisations that shaped his decision to avoid outside capital

• How his role has evolved from founder to “bench coach” and strategic partner

• What it feels like to step into formal governance after years of leading a smaller firm

• How two culturally aligned firms blended processes, values, and people

• Why the next generation — not external investors — should own the decision-making power

• The early surprises, wins, and cultural moments that affirmed the merger

• His hopes for the firm he will ultimately hand over, not sell off

This episode offers rare insight into succession planning, governance evolution, and leadership transition from someone who has lived through the complexity — and made deliberate, values-based decisions at every step.

Whether you’re a founder thinking about succession, an adviser stepping into leadership, or simply curious about what the future of independent advice can look like, Michael’s story offers clarity, conviction, and inspiration.

This special reflection episode isn’t part of our numbered series. While Rob attends the FAAA Congress in Perth along with over a thousand advisers from across Australia, we’re taking a moment to look back.

Rob narrates a guided recap of the first 30 conversations from The Trusted Adviser — highlighting the ideas, strategies, and insights that have shaped the profession, and this podcast.

Whether you’re new to the series or revisiting a favourite conversation, this retrospective will help you navigate the episodes that matter most to you.

A curated guide. A moment to reflect. A look back at the leaders shaping advice today.

Former AZ NGA CFO Dan Heckendorf, now founder of Astilla, joins Rob Pyne to discuss what it really takes to scale a professional services firm with strong financial discipline and intent. Dan shares lessons from overseeing 30+ advisory firms during a period of rapid growth and reveals the one mistake business owners make that can cost hundreds of thousands to fix later.

In this episode, Rob Pyne sits down with Zac Leeson, Senior Financial Adviser and HPH Solutions Next-Generation Leader, to explore how the client experience has evolved from being investment-centric to truly life-centred. Zac shares the practical tools, processes, and conversations that help clients connect their financial decisions to what really matters, and reflects on what makes great advice both meaningful and sustainable.

In this special roundtable episode of The Trusted Adviser Podcast, Rob Pyne is joined by four technologists who are transforming the way advice firms approach technology and AI:

• Pat Gardner (Collins SBA / Rubica) – on avoiding the “Salesforce plus-plus fallacy” and how Whisper Flow is changing the way advisers interact with AI.

• Nick Downey (Direct Wealth / Halosoft) – on building Meeting Ally and Advice Ally, the secret to managing 40+ acquisitions, and why process and accountability are the true foundations for AI adoption.

• Stephen Bell (Captegra) – on using process mining to cut through “workflow spaghetti” and how Zoom has become a powerful all-in-one hub for communication, documents, and automation.

• Glenn Elliott (Meldus) – on using Cursor to accelerate proposals, presentations, and branded content, and the one killer question firms should ask every vendor: “How has AI transformed your own business in the past three years?”

Together, they unpack what’s working, where advice firms are getting stuck, and the practical steps to take when adopting new technology. From AI-powered file notes to full-scale workflow redesigns, this episode is a deep dive into the future of advice tech.

In this episode of The Trusted Adviser podcast, Rob Pyne speaks with Rob Jones, co-founder of Peloton Partners and a leading authority on pricing and profitability in financial advice. Rob shares why many firms leave money on the table, the limitations of traditional benchmarking surveys, and what his unique data reveals about capacity, adviser pay, and the real drivers of profitability.

If you want to understand how to price advice fairly and build a more sustainable, profitable business, this conversation is packed with practical insights.

In this episode of The Trusted Adviser, Rob Pyne speaks with Ben Calder, Managing Director of Calder Wealth Management, about the recent merger with Coastal Advice Group. Ben shares the backstory of how years of collaboration and cultural alignment with Dan Brown led to one of Australia’s fastest-growing financial advice businesses. They discuss the role Merchant Investment Management played in bringing the deal to life, the challenges of integration, and the opportunities the merger creates for clients, staff, and the future of the business

In this episode of The Trusted Adviser, Rob Pyne speaks with Glenn Elliott, co-founder of Practifi and founder of Meldus, about how AI and automation are reshaping the advice profession. Glenn shares insights from his journey building Practifi, the importance of open platforms and APIs, and the practical ways agentic AI is already transforming CRM data, compliance, and client engagement. A must-listen for advice firms wanting to future-proof their technology and unlock new levels of productivity.

In this episode of The Trusted Adviser, Rob Pyne sits down with Nick Perrett, CEO at Yarra Lane Group, to explore how his firm is leveraging AI agents and robotic process automation (RPA) to transform operations across financial planning, tax, and professional services. Nick shares how bots like “Henry” and “Grace” are automating everything from review prep to data entry, running 24/7 inside their Microsoft environment and freeing up valuable human time.

They dig into the real numbers, implementation process, cultural impacts, and what this all means for the future of advice delivery. Whether you’re curious about getting started or wondering how far automation can go in a professional advice firm, this is a must-listen episode.

In this episode of The Trusted Adviser, Rob Pyne speaks with Andrew Dunbar and Abbie Gellatly from Apt Wealth Partners—an award-winning advice firm known for its strong culture and focus on talent development. They unpack how Apt is preparing for the future of financial advice through structured graduate pathways, transparent career progression, leadership development, employee ownership, and a flexible benefits program that drives engagement and retention. If you’re looking to build a future-ready advice business, this conversation is full of practical takeaways.

What does it take to grow a financial planning firm beyond the founder? In this episode of The Trusted Adviser, Rob Pyne speaks with Philip Palaveev, CEO of The Ensemble Practice, about what it really means to lead a team-based advice business.

Philip unpacks why leadership is more burden than privilege, how to shift from founder-led to team-driven models, and what it takes to embed vision and trust into culture.

👉 Listen as Philip shares:

• Why the best leaders stop seeking personal validation and start coaching others

• How to make the leap from individual to team performance

• The difference between ownership, leadership and management — and why titles don’t define influence

This conversation is a masterclass in next-generation leadership, succession planning, and building a firm that outlasts any one person.

In this episode of The Trusted Adviser, Rob Pyne speaks with Terri Reid—business coach, consultant, and former financial planner—about the human side of leadership in advice firms. They explore the tensions advice principals face as they grow their businesses, from stepping back as the chief problem solver to building strong team cultures. Terri shares practical tools for empowering staff, improving communication, and reframing leadership at all levels. A valuable conversation for any advice leader wanting to build a business that performs well and feels good to be part of.

In this episode of The Trusted Adviser, Rob Pyne speaks with Stephen Bell — former adviser, Enzumo founder, and now the driving force behind Captegra and Hivrs. They explore how financial advice firms can shift from clunky tech stacks to streamlined process-driven systems, the power of Salesforce as a source of truth, and the realistic role of AI in advice delivery. Stephen shares his vision for real-time, electronic SOA generation and how automation can free up advisers to do more of what matters — all while staying compliant. A must-listen for any firm ready to modernise their workflows.

In this episode, Rob Pyne is joined by David Sharpe, Chair of the Financial Advice Association of Australia and Principal of Globe Financial Planning.

David shares his personal journey into financial advice and offers a front-row view of the critical reform efforts shaping the profession today.

From CSLR and DBFO to education pathways and red tape reduction, this is a candid and insightful conversation about professional leadership, policy advocacy, and the future of accessible, high-quality financial advice in Australia.

In this episode of The Trusted Adviser, Rob Pyne sits down with Neil Kendall, Managing Director of Tupicoffs and former Chair of the FAAA, to explore how forward-thinking advice firms can leverage technology to lift compliance, protect client data, and deliver a better client experience. Neil shares how his firm uses AI-powered tools like Theta Lake for full-spectrum compliance monitoring, MyProsperity for secure data aggregation, and Salesforce FSC to maintain live, daily balance sheets for every client. From reducing PI premiums to automating training insights and boosting cyber resilience, Neil’s approach is a blueprint for modernising financial advice.

In this episode, Rob Pyne sits down with Keith Barrett, Managing Director of Reverb Media, to explore the power of public relations in financial services. With a background in journalism and two decades in the media industry, Keith shares how strategic storytelling and well-executed PR can help financial planning firms stand out, build trust, and engage meaningfully with both clients and industry. From thought leadership to crisis management, Keith explains how long-term brand building can drive real business outcomes.

New to The Trusted Adviser Podcast? This short trailer gives you a quick feel for the show — what it’s about, who it’s for, and why it’s worth following. Hosted by Rob Pyne, each episode features honest conversations with industry leaders in financial advice.

In this episode of The Trusted Adviser, Rob Pyne is joined by Anthony Warr and Bianca Musico from Warr Hunt — a firm renowned for its leadership in mentoring, team development and succession planning. Bianca reflects on her journey to becoming the FAAA Certified Financial Planner of the Year in 2024, while Anthony shares the foundational principles that have positioned Warr Hunt as a multiple finalist for Professional Practice of the Year.

Together, they unpack the firm’s unique "diamond team" structure, their use of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), and how they’ve embraced technology to enhance client experience. Bianca also opens up about her podcast Cracking Mum Maths and her mission to empower more women in finance.

Whether you’re mentoring the next generation, building your team, or rethinking your firm's direction, this is an episode filled with practical insights and inspiration.

In this episode of The Trusted Adviser Podcast, host Rob Pyne is joined by James Damicoucas and Tom Bernard from Frontier Advisers to explore the growing accessibility of private markets for financial advisers. They discuss the rise of evergreen funds, key investment structures, and how advisers can integrate private equity, private debt, unlisted property and infrastructure into client portfolios. The conversation covers liquidity considerations, risk-return profiles, and essential due diligence steps for advisers looking to diversify beyond traditional asset classes. Tune in for expert insights on navigating private markets and making informed investment decisions.

In this episode of The Trusted Adviser, Rob Pyne sits down with Eliza De Pardo, founder and director of De Pardo Consulting, to discuss the key insights from her latest white paper, 10 Fast Track Insights: Clearing the Pathway for Growth. With over two decades of experience advising financial firms in the U.S. and Australia, Eliza shares practical strategies for tackling compensation challenges, aligning leadership teams, improving hiring practices, and leveraging technology effectively. They also dive into the critical role of human capital in driving business success, the impact of workplace culture on growth, and how firms can avoid the pitfalls of poor decision-making. Whether you're leading a financial planning firm or looking to refine your business strategy, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you build a high-performing team and achieve sustainable growth.

In this episode of The Trusted Adviser, host Rob Pyne sits down with Cameron Passmore, CEO and Portfolio Manager at PWL Capital and co-host of the Rational Reminder Podcast, to discuss the journey of PWL Capital, its commitment to evidence-based investing, and the firm's recent OneDigital transaction.

Cameron shares the key milestones that have shaped PWL’s success, from embracing a client-first philosophy and integrating financial planning with investment management to navigating industry shifts toward fee-based advice. He also delves into the importance of company culture, attracting top talent, and structuring a firm for long-term growth.

Key topics covered: ✅ The evolution of PWL Capital from 1996 to today ✅ Shifting to fee-based advice and embracing evidence-based investing ✅ The power of team culture in financial planning firms ✅ Lessons from content marketing and podcasting in growing an advice business ✅ Insights into the OneDigital partnership and what it means for the future of PWL

Whether you’re a financial planner, business owner, or simply interested in what it takes to scale an advisory firm while staying true to core values, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

🎧 Listen now and gain valuable lessons from Cameron’s 30-year journey in financial advice!

In this episode, host Rob Pyne sits down with Paul Shepherd and Teneale Laister from Alman Partners, an award-winning financial planning firm. They explore what it takes to build a successful and sustainable financial planning business by focusing on team culture, leadership frameworks, succession planning, and client service excellence.

Paul and Teneale provide an in-depth look at their staggered generational ownership structure, their commitment to building a strong team culture through the Heartstyles framework, and how their "AP Way" methodology ensures consistency and accountability across the business.

For financial planning business owners seeking to create a high-performance firm driven by strong leadership, an empowering culture, and sustainable growth, this episode delivers valuable insights!

In this episode of The Trusted Adviser, host Rob Pyne sits down with Nick Downey and Sam Patterson from Direct Wealth to discuss the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the financial planning industry. As leaders at the forefront of AI adoption, Nick and Sam share how Direct Wealth leverages AI to enhance efficiency, scale advice delivery, and personalise client interactions like never before.

The conversation dives deep into AI's potential to revolutionise workflows, address inefficiencies, and elevate the financial planning profession by augmenting—not replacing—advisers. From real-life applications to philosophical insights about the future of work, this episode offers a masterclass on integrating technology with human expertise to deliver better outcomes for clients and businesses alike.

In this insightful episode, Rob Pyne welcomes David Haintz, a seasoned wealth management expert and representative of Merchant Investment Management. With 35 years of experience in financial advice and business coaching, David shares his expertise on critical topics such as profitability and productivity ratios, client selection strategies, and Merchant's role in helping advisory firms grow through acquisitions.

Discover actionable insights for building high-performing financial planning firms, leveraging AI, and navigating industry trends. David also delves into the unique approach Merchant takes as an equity partner, fostering long-term growth and alignment with their partner firms.

In this episode, we explore the intricacies of Separately Managed Accounts (SMAs) with Chris West and Mike Parker from Context Capital. SMAs have rapidly emerged as a preferred investment solution, offering transparency, efficiency, and fairness for both advisers and investors. Taking advantage of Chris and Mike's expert knowledge in the world of SMAs, Rob dives into the operational, regulatory, and strategic benefits of SMAs, uncovering their growing impact on the financial planning industry.

In this episode, Rob sits down with Phil Little from Slipstream Group for a masterclass on pricing strategies that drive business growth. Phil, a former financial planner and successful business owner turned coach, delves into the importance of regularly reviewing pricing methodologies, tackling outdated fee structures, and ensuring consistency across clients. Together, they explore practical steps to align pricing with business goals, handle client discount requests effectively, and empower teams with fee confidence. Whether you're aiming to enhance profitability, manage growth, or refine client engagement, this episode offers actionable insights to elevate your financial planning practice.

In this insightful episode of The Trusted Adviser, host Rob Pyne chats with Dan Brown, Principal of Coastal Advice Group, about his extraordinary journey in transforming a small financial planning team into a thriving enterprise.

Dan shares the key lessons he’s learned from scaling his business, including how to identify opportunities in acquisitions, the importance of cultural alignment, and the practical differences between “plug-and-play” businesses and “renovator’s delights.” He also dives deep into his philosophy of leadership, emphasising the power of honesty, teamwork, and a growth-oriented mindset to achieve lasting success.

Listeners will walk away with actionable advice on building momentum, developing future-focused organisational strategies, and staying competitive in an evolving financial planning landscape. Whether you’re exploring acquisitions or looking to refine your business strategy, this episode offers inspiration and practical insights for every financial planning professional.

Tune in to hear how Dan’s focus on collaboration, clarity, and reinvestment has propelled Coastal Advice Group to the forefront of the financial planning profession.

In this episode of The Trusted Adviser, Rob Pyne is joined by Jade Burford, partner at MBS Insurance, to explore the intricacies of personal insurance advice. They delve into the importance of specialisation in financial services, the benefits of joint venture models for wealth planning firms, and the evolving challenges of the insurance industry. 

In this episode of The Trusted Adviser, host Rob Pyne speaks with Jerry Kalogeropoulos, the founder of Aptium Assist, a business specialising in outsourced back-office support for financial planners. Together, they explore the growing trend of outsourcing in professional services, specifically focusing on tasks such as paraplanning and client administration within financial planning. Jerry shares insights from his experience on the benefits, challenges, and operational nuances of outsourcing, offering financial planners a comprehensive look at what outsourcing might mean for their business.

In this episode of The Trusted Adviser, host Rob sits down with Pat Gardner, Technology Lead at Collins SBA and host of the AdviceTech podcast on the Ensombl platform. Pat shares his unique journey from financial planner to tech innovator, highlighting the ways technology is reshaping the financial planning and accounting landscape. Together, they explore the integration of Salesforce CRM at Collins SBA, key software tools that have enhanced their CRM's functionality, and how forward-thinking firms are using technology to elevate client experience and streamline operations.

In this episode of The Trusted Adviser, Rob sits down with Richard Hernan, co-founder of Broadleaf Financial Group, to explore the world of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the financial planning industry. With over seven years of experience and 18 successful M&A transactions, Richard shares the strategies and lessons he's learned from working with entrepreneurial financial planning firms across Australia. The discussion dives deep into Broadleaf’s unique business model, the growing trend of industry consolidation, and how to build businesses designed to last for generations.

In this episode, Rob sits down with Tim Lane, a seasoned chartered accountant and the founder of FinConnect Advisory Group.  Tim has been active in the financial planning industry for 25 years and in this episode, he shares his expertise on the intricacies of valuing financial planning businesses and offers practical advice on succession planning. He delves into the key factors that can drive or detract from a business's value, and how financial advisers can prepare their firms for a profitable sale or transition. Whether you're looking to sell you're business soon or increase its value for long-term growth, this conversation is packed with actionable advice.

In this first episode, Rob dives into the detail of the HPH employee share plan, sharing the experiences, challenges, and key takeaways from implementing an employee share scheme to incentivise and reward key staff members. The conversation covers the importance of aligning employee incentives with business growth, and how share plans can be a powerful tool for long-term retention and business success.