Always On with Duncan MacPherson

In this Always On episode, Duncan MacPherson and Chris Jeppesen, Chief of Advisory Practices at First Trust, cut through the noise to show how modern advisory leadership blends clear operating rhythm, role clarity, and intentional culture, with AI as a practical tool to compress research, sharpen meeting prep, and turn ideas from books like Good to Great, Traction, and Atomic Habits into daily workflows that scale client loyalty and growth.

Key takeaways:

In this episode of Always On, Duncan MacPherson sits down with financial advisor and entrepreneur Sten Morgan, author of The Seven Mindsets of Success. Together they explore the shifting demographics of the industry, the power of the mentor–protégé dynamic, and how younger advisors can break free from outdated models. Sten shares candid lessons from his own journey, including the importance of charging for ideas, becoming a better communicator, and creating client experiences that inspire long-term advocacy.

Whether you’re early in your career or an established advisor seeking to reinvent your practice, this conversation offers a road...

In this episode of the Always On Podcast, Duncan MacPherson reconnects with Kevin Bishopp, Vice President at First Trust, to explore the four key stages in an advisor’s business evolution: growing, teaming, scaling, and exiting. They unpack how AI is reshaping productivity, client experience, and enterprise value, and why execution and process are the real differentiators for future-ready professionals.

Highlights:

Whether you’re just gett...

How do you build a business that grows without losing its soul?

In this episode of the Always On podcast, I sit down with Chris Garcia, Private Wealth Advisor and CEO of The Azimont Group, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC.

Chris shares how he evolved from a solo advisor into a multi-advisor enterprise by focusing on process, stewardship, and a powerful brand narrative. With a team of 20 and growing, Chris has built a scalable, referable, and succession-ready business, by design.

In this episode, we explore:

In this episode of the Always On podcast, Duncan MacPherson explores the intersection of leadership, scalability, and client impact through a compelling conversation with Jimmy Lee, Founder and CEO of The Wealth Consulting Group, and an advisor who operates at both the strategic and client-facing levels of his firm.

Together, they unpack what it takes to build a business that is both transferable and transcendent.

Key takeaways include:

What if your business could grow, evolve, and even be sold… without being dependent on you?

That’s exactly what Eric Boyce and Kelly Griggs of Boyce & Associates Wealth Consulting are building. In this episode, they unpack how they’ve methodically engineered their business for scalability and succession, turning ideas from The Blue Square Method into real-world results.

They’ve gone beyond client service, they’ve built a client experience that’s proprietary, repeatable, and deeply embedded into their culture.

Here’s what we covered:

In this episode of the Always On Podcast, Duncan MacPherson sits down with Whit Lanier, CEO and Co-founder of Amplify Reviews, to unpack the growing role of client testimonials in financial services. As trust continues to shift online, reviews have become more than just social proof, they’re a scalable strategy for activating advocacy, attracting ideal clients, and staying compliant.

They discuss how financial professionals can build a review process that’s automated, compliant, and genuinely impactful. Whether you’re just beginning to explore online reviews or looking to refine your current strategy, this episode provides a practi...

In this episode of Always On, Duncan MacPherson welcomes back Chris Jeppesen, Chief of Advisory Practices at First Trust, for a timely conversation rooted in real-world field experience. As volatility continues to test the industry, the best financial advisors aren’t retreating, they’re leaning in. Duncan and Chris unpack how the most effective teams are embracing this environment as a catalyst for deeper relationships, elevated leadership, and long-term enterprise value.

They explore the mindset and tactical shifts that top performers are making, from transitioning toward advice-centric models and AI adoption, to scaling their practices without diluting the...

In this episode, Duncan sits down with Dr. Amy D’Aprix, a certified gerontologist, life transition expert, author, and the founder of LifeBridge Strategies to talk about how financial professionals can go beyond the numbers and deepen their client relationships.

Amy has spent decades helping advisors bring more empathy, purpose, and relevance into their process. Our conversation centered around the “life side” of retirement, how to align money with meaning and position yourself as the advisor of choice, especially in a world where loyalty, longevity, and family dynamics are all evolving.

In this episode, they discus...

In this episode of The Always On Podcast, host Duncan MacPherson sits down with Peter Velardi, founding partner at JPTD Partners, to discuss the essential systems financial advisors need to scale their businesses, optimize referrals, and maximize enterprise value for a successful exit.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

In this episode, Duncan MacPherson speaks with Paul Blanco, CEO of Barnum Financial Group and host of the “Small Steps, Big Wins” podcast. Paul shares insights into cultivating a growth mindset, avoiding plateaus, and the importance of working on your business, not just in it. He discusses how his firm has scaled from 9 to … Continue reading Unlocking Growth in Financial Services with Paul Blanco: Small Steps, Big Wins (Ep. 73) →

In this episode Duncan sits down with Catherine Tindall, CPA and founder of Dominion Enterprise Services. Catherine specializes in tax optimization strategies for financial advisors, offering insights into minimizing tax burdens, enhancing practice efficiency, and unlocking enterprise value. Key takeaways from this conversation include: Tax Efficiency as a Strategic Lever: How optimizing your tax approach … Continue reading Empowering Financial Advisors: Strategic Tax Planning with Catherine Tindall (Ep. 72) →

In this episode, Duncan MacPherson sits down with Dr. Karen Weisgerber, a seasoned expert with over 30 years of experience in wealth creation and inheritance. As a faculty member of the Institute for Preparing Heirs and a thought leader in wealth transfer and philanthropy, Dr. Weisgerber dives into the most pressing concerns facing affluent families … Continue reading Bridging Wealth and Legacy: Preparing the Next Generation with Dr. Karen Weisgerber (Ep. 71) →

In this episode of the Always On Podcast, host Duncan MacPherson engages in a profound and inspiring discussion with Sathya Chey Patterson CFP®, Esq., AIF®, Managing Partner at Arise Private Wealth. Recognized as a 2023 Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisor and a 2024 AdvisorHub Advisors to Watch, Sathya shares her incredible journey from adversity to … Continue reading Making the American Dream a Reality: A Conversation with Sathya Chey Patterson (Ep. 70) →

In this episode, Duncan MacPherson and Kevin Bishopp dive deep into how artificial intelligence is reshaping the financial services industry. From optimizing client communication to enhancing business efficiency, they unpack the immense potential AI offers to financial professionals. This forward-thinking discussion explores practical steps advisors can take to integrate AI tools into their practices and … Continue reading AI in Financial Services: Unlocking Potential and Future Opportunities with Kevin Bishopp (Ep. 69) →

In this episode, Duncan MacPherson sits down with Mindy Diamond, founder and CEO of Diamond Consultants, to explore the pivotal question every advisor grapples with: Should I stay or should I go? Mindy shares insights from her latest book, “Should I Stay or Should I Go?”, which isn’t merely a guide on moving firms but … Continue reading Aligning for Success: Choosing the Right Environment for Your Advisory Practice with Mindy Diamond (Ep. 68) →

In this episode of the Always On podcast, host Duncan MacPherson welcomes back serial entrepreneur Ted Jenkin, CEO of Oxygen Financial and President of Exit Stage Left Advisors. Together, they explore the powerful concept of a partial book sale and how it can help financial advisors grow upmarket by refining the client relationships they manage. … Continue reading Elevate Your Practice – The Power of a Partial Book Sale with Ted Jenkin (Ep. 67) →

In this episode, Duncan MacPherson sits down with Angela York and Elyse Stoner from Event Advisors to discuss the lost art of client events and how financial professionals can reinvigorate their approach. As they explore the comeback of in-person gatherings, Angela and Elyse share strategies for designing meaningful, memorable, and measurable client experiences. Listeners will … Continue reading The Lost Art of Client Events – Creating Unforgettable Moments with Angela York & Elyse Stoner (Ep. 66) →

Building meaningful client relationships is essential for long-term success in financial services. How can you enhance client experiences and ensure lifelong fulfillment while delivering unmatched value? This week, Duncan MacPherson is joined by Rob Brown, Founder of the Truest Fan Coaching and co-host of The Purpose-Focused Advisor podcast. They explore the significance of purpose in … Continue reading Purpose-Driven Practice: Elevating Client Experiences with Rob Brown (Ep. 65) →

In this episode of the Always On with Duncan MacPherson Podcast, Duncan sits down with Cathi Durrell, co-founder of Lavish Cards, to discuss the power of personalized gratitude in building lasting client relationships for financial advisors. Discover how sending customized cards to clients can enhance your client retention strategies, foster loyalty, and increase client advocacy. … Continue reading The Power of Personalized Gratitude: Building Client Loyalty with Cathi Durrell (Ep. 64) →

Balancing client needs, industry best practices, and personal life can be challenging in financial services. How do you maintain integrity while fostering client relationships and achieving work-life balance? In this episode, Duncan MacPherson chats with Sybil Verch, wealth advisor, TV show host, and author. Together, they explore themes such as benevolence and charitable giving, the … Continue reading Empowering Financial Advisors: Core Values, Work-Life Balance, and Client-Centric Strategies with Sybil Verch (Ep. 63) →

Are you seeking proven strategies to enhance client acquisition without high-pressure sales tactics? This week on The Always On Podcast, Duncan MacPherson sits down with Daniel Burns and Stephen Comerford, co-hosts of The Sales Problem Podcast. The discussion pivots around the significance of client acquisition, growth, and productivity from the perspective of stewardship rather than … Continue reading Attract, Don’t Chase: Mastering Client Acquisition and Stewardship with Daniel Burns and Stephen Comerford (Ep. 62) →

AI will not replace humans. It will replace humans who don’t embrace AI. Ever-curious advisors committed to learning about AI’s latest use cases are more likely to achieve professional contrast and elevate their client experience! To learn what’s new with AI (especially for advisors), join Duncan MacPherson’s conversation with Kevin Bishopp, Vice President and Performance … Continue reading AI Insights and Breakthroughs — Especially for Advisors! with Kevin Bishopp (Ep. 61) →

Are you ready to become the indispensable advisor who guides entire families through wealth building and legacy planning? Remember, it’s not your client’s responsibility to introduce you and it’s not the family member’s job to ask. You must be proactive and cultivate relationships across the family tree! In this enlightening and highly relevant episode, Duncan … Continue reading Unlock Success in Family Dynamics and Next-Gen Wealth with Jackie Wilke (Ep. 60) →

Newer advisors in the industry are always thinking of ways to not just survive but thrive. Meanwhile, more experienced advisors want to attract younger talent as part of their continuity and succession plan. Let’s explore this transition to the next generation and how it coincides with a similar wealth transition among clients. In this episode, … Continue reading The Advisor of Tomorrow with Isaac Richard III (Ep. 59) →

Transitioning to another employee-model firm or launching an RIA firm can be daunting! Finding the right fit, adapting to the new environment, communicating the transition to your existing clients…there’s a lot to consider. Let’s break it all down with Duncan MacPherson and guest Louis Diamond, President of Diamond Consultants, a financial advisor recruiting firm. With … Continue reading Finding Clarity and Confidence in Advisor Transitions with Louis Diamond (Ep. 58) →

Does asking for referrals make you feel like you’re being needy? Are you afraid of hurting your existing relationships with clients and COIs? When asking for referrals, your words matter! Catch Duncan MacPherson’s conversation with Bill Cates, referral coach and author of “The Language of Referrals,” about the art of being referable and mastering the … Continue reading The Language of Referrals with Bill Cates (Ep. 57) →

The complexities of passing on a legacy and managing family dynamics can be overwhelming, especially for first-generation business owners. As their advisor, how can you help prepare their heirs and transition wealth smoothly? Find out as Duncan MacPherson speaks with Tom Deans, Ph.D., intergenerational wealth expert, speaker, and best-selling author of “Every Family’s Business” and … Continue reading Transitioning Next-Gen Wealth with Tom Deans (Ep. 56) →

With messaging, the key is brevity, specificity, and proprietary. You must choose your target audience, personalize your marketing to resonate with them, walk them through a proprietary process, and share their experience using effective testimonials! Learn more about elevating your brand in this episode, as Duncan MacPherson speaks with Seth Diener, owner of Diener Money … Continue reading The Future of Branding and Client Acquisition with Seth Diener and Alex Lerch (Ep. 55) →

Want to receive maximum value for the business you’ve worked so hard to build? The key lies in being proactive with your exit strategy. Dive into a thought-provoking conversation between Duncan MacPherson and returning guest Ted Jenkin, CEO of oXYGen Financial and president of Exit Stage Left Advisors. Together, they uncover practical insights to streamline … Continue reading Leaving No Stone Unturned: How to Maximize Your Exit Strategy with Ted Jenkin (Ep. 54) →

In your mind, you have a certain brand image and value proposition for your business. Do your clients see it the same way? Are your clients well-equipped to tell your story for you and be your biggest advocates? Join Duncan MacPherson and Mike “Cy” Cajthaml Jr., a business consultant at Pareto Systems, as they delve … Continue reading Shaping Your Branding Strategy: How to Run a Client Advisory Council with Mike “Cy” Cajthaml Jr. (Ep. 53) →

Whether you like it or not, the world is quickly adopting artificial intelligence (AI). Now, the choice is yours — Do you want to get on board and leverage AI to improve your business? Or do you want to risk falling behind other advisors? To stay ahead of the curve, Join Duncan MacPherson and Craig … Continue reading Harness the Power of AI: Game-Changing Strategies for Modern Advisors with Craig Kirkpatrick (Ep. 52) →

The transition to fee-based services has prompted advisors to prioritize fee-worthiness, with clients focusing less on cost and more on perceived value. Plus, the complexities of relationship management may be amplified in a B2B upscaling model. In this episode, Duncan MacPherson speaks with Bill Sowell, CEO of Sowell Management, about the distinction between salesmanship and … Continue reading From Organic to Scalable Growth with Bill Sowell (Ep. 51) →

In the fast-paced and ever-evolving world of financial advising, get ready to discover timely and timeless strategies that help you achieve professional contrast and create enduring value for clients. In this 50th-episode special, Duncan MacPherson is back with co-author of The Blue Square Method, Chris Jeppesen, Chief of Advisory Practices at First Trust. Gleaning from … Continue reading Timely and Timeless Best Practices with Chris Jeppesen (Ep. 50) →

For years, financial advisors saw themselves as brokers, being mostly transactional and product-driven. Today, advisors wear many hats. It’s no longer just a book of business, but an actual business! In this episode, Duncan MacPherson joins Max Winthrop, CEO, and Lucas Winthrop, COO, of Winthrop Wealth and long-time clients of Pareto Systems. They emphasize the … Continue reading Embracing the C-Suite with Max and Lucas Winthrop (Ep. 49) →

Have you ever stepped into your clients’ shoes to see your business from their point of view? Understanding how they perceive your value is key to building lasting relationships. In this episode, Duncan MacPherson engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Steve Phillips, Chief Practice Management and Development Officer at USA Financial and a consultant at … Continue reading Make Your Clients The Voice With Steve Phillips (Ep. 48) →

Advisors, are you looking for ways to rejuvenate your client relationships? Creating a meaningful impact in their lives is only a part of it. It’s equally important that your clients know (and appreciate) your value and process! In this episode, Duncan MacPherson joins Matt Cardella, a financial advisor at Raymond James. Matt shares how his … Continue reading Rejuvenating Client Relationships with Matt Cardella (Ep. 47) →

It is very common for first-generation, self-made, affluent people to shield their children from hardships. But that safety net can become a hammock of complacency…and entitlement! In this episode, Duncan MacPherson joins Jeff Savlov, family business and wealth consultant, and the founder of Blum & Savlov, LLP. They discuss how to address family dynamics in … Continue reading Balancing Riches and Relationships: Family-Centric Wealth Management with Jeff Savlov (Ep. 46) →

People are bombarded with hundreds of emails and messages daily. In a world dominated by digital communication, you need to do something that stops your clients in their tracks. You have to snap them out of the trance… But how? In this episode, Duncan MacPherson joins Cathi Durrell, owner of Lavish Cards, to discuss how … Continue reading One Good Idea to Build Strong Client Relationships with Cathi Durrell (Ep. 45) →

Selling a business is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many advisors. Do you really want to rush into the transaction? Or do you want to make sure you find the right buyer, receive maximum enterprise value, and leave your clients in good hands? In this episode, Duncan MacPherson interviews Martin Luc Derome, president of Queenston. Specializing … Continue reading Strategic Acumen in Mergers and Acquisitions with Martin Luc Derome (Ep. 44) →