Best Practices Podcast
**BEST PRACTICES PODCAST** Hello everyone, my name is Joanne Ferguson. I have been in the financial services industry since 1990, working in a variety of roles—from branch operations to regional platforms, as well as in technology and training, conducting roll-outs across the country. One of the most impactful elements has always been the concept of Best Practices, and I have had the privilege of sharing this valuable information with advisors and their teams throughout North America for the past few decades. As a long-time coach and author, I am excited to share insights from the third edition of *Best Practices—A Handbook for Advisors and Their Teams*. These tips and guidelines have helped teams grow, become better organized, and hone in on their unique qualities within the industry. The best part of this podcast will be the guests who contribute to each topic or interview, providing rich insights that can support your business, your team, and your life! Thank you for tuning in! Hello everyone, my name is Joanne Ferguson. I have been in the financial services industry since 1990, working in a variety of roles—from branch operations to regional platforms, as well as in technology and training, conducting roll-outs across the country. One of the most impactful elements has always been the concept of Best Practices, and I have had the privilege of sharing this valuable information with advisors and their teams throughout North America for the past few decades. As a long-time coach and author, I am excited to share insights from the third edition of Best Practices—A Handbook for Advisors and Their Teams. These tips and guidelines have helped teams grow, become better organized, and hone in on their unique qualities within the industry. The best part of this podcast will be the guests who contribute to each topic or interview, providing rich insights that can support your business, your team, and your life! Thank you for tuning in!
Episodes
Today, we have the privilege of hosting Jeff Thorsteinson, Coach & Consultant, with more than 30 years of industry experience providing marketing and practice management services to financial advisors worldwide. Jeff has also managed his own successful advisor practice and held a senior management role with Assante Wealth Management, providing marketing and practice management support to advisors. He has witnessed firsthand the...
Today, we have the privilege of hosting Susy Fossati, Founder & Director of Avignon Etiquette, one of Canada's leading authorities on modern etiquette, executive presence, and strategic soft skills, trusted by corporate leaders, families, and schools alike to cultivate confidence, sophistication, and lasting influence.
Susy's expertise is grounded in global best practices shaped by elite instructors advising the world's most in...
In this episode, we dive into a topic that almost every growing financial services team faces — but few talk about openly: operational effectiveness and the hidden cost of undocumented systems. Our team has been working together since 2003. We're highly in sync. We move fast. We 'just know' how things work. But when a new team member joins, that rhythm becomes a barrier rather than a strength. The core issue isn't about one p...
Special Guest, Karen Gowdy, Senior Estate and Insurance Advisor. Karen, with a remarkable 35-year career in the Financial Services & Insurance Industry, provides comprehensive advice for personal and corporate estate and insurance. Areas of expertise include estate creation and preservation techniques and corporate financial security planning, all with an emphasis on taxes and liquidity. Her work is especially key to delivering...
In this episode, we're talking about the importance of client segmentation and tiered service in financial advisory teams emphasizing the need for ongoing analysis and categorization of clients to enhance service delivery and business growth.
Tools to go with this episode are located here.
In today's episode, we're diving into a crucial topic for any growing business: Hiring a New Team Member, exploring smart strategies to build stronger, more effective teams. Before you jump into posting that job opening, it's essential to pause and reflect. Have you truly explored all options to meet your workload with your current team? Sometimes, reassigning roles, streamlining processes through automation, or reshaping client re...
Today, we're diving into a topic many find challenging yet incredibly rewarding — how to expand your role beyond offering great financial products and services, and become a trusted consultant who addresses your clients' broader wealth management needs, including estate planning. We know it's not always easy to talk about what happens after life — taxes, inheritance, and protecting assets for heirs. But by helping your ...
In a world where markets shift overnight, technologies evolve daily, and ways of working transform constantly, your clients' financial lives are in flux — sometimes exciting, sometimes uncertain. Their need for clear, timely, and personalized communication has never been greater. But it's not just about what you say — it's how you say it, and *where*.
Tools for Chapter 12
Thomas brings not only a strong background in finance and investment strategy—holding licenses to trade in both Canada and the U.S., and currently pursuing his CIM designation—but also a passion for guiding clients through every stage of life with clarity and care. And today, Thomas joins us in a brand-new role—parenthood. He and his wife recently welcomed their daughter, Evelyn, into the world. In this episode, w...
In this episode, we'll explore how developing and maintaining a disciplined call plan transforms your relationship management — helping you improve time management, reduce reactive work, deepen client trust, and ultimately, increase your share of wallet and referrals. You'll also hear actionable steps to segment your clients, prioritize contacts by service level, prepare for meaningful conversations, and keep your entire team...
Today, we have the privilege of hosting Susan Latremoille, an expert dedicated to helping financial planning professionals and business owners navigate the deeply personal side of transition. Whether it's exiting a company, stepping out of a leadership role to retire, or planning what comes next after a fulfilling career, Susan brings a unique focus on the human dynamics that often get overlooked—such as identity, purpose, li...
Today, we'll explore why small accounts can be a hidden challenge in your practice and why managing them effectively is crucial for your business's health. We'll talk about identifying which small accounts are truly strategic—linked to bigger relationships or important referral sources—and which ones might be better served elsewhere. You'll hear practical steps on how to audit these accounts honestly, strategies to redu...
We will explore the power of having a clear plan for your business — your very own GPS to guide you toward success. Imagine driving on a journey without a map or directions. Even if you somehow reach your destination, how much smoother, faster, and more confident would the trip be with a GPS? In this chapter reading, we dive into why a thoughtfully crafted business plan — one created with input from your entire te...
Today's episode, Self-Care is a Team Sport, this Episode explores the real, raw, and revolutionary ways self-care shapes how we show up in life, business, and beyond. Today, we are thrilled to welcome back someone who truly embodies the heart of this work — Christy Nichol, the powerhouse behind the Burnt to Blissed Out Formula. Christy is not only a female business owner and wellness expert, but she's also a leader who lives ...
Today, we have an incredible guest joining us: Olivia Pinho, the dynamic CEO of Amplified Social and co-founder of Baking Bread. With a rich background in digital marketing and a passion for empowering Wealth Advisors, Olivia has developed a proven 4-step method to social media success. She specializes in helping advisors streamline their content creation and execute strategic marketing initiatives, ensuring that they can focus on ...
In today's episode, we'll tackle the barriers that often lead team leaders to shy away from weekly meetings, and how we can transform these gatherings from dreaded time-wasters into vital, engaging conversations. We'll discuss key strategies for ensuring these meetings are concise, productive, and most importantly—exciting! You'll learn about setting clear agendas, keeping meetings on track, and how to create an atmosphere wh...
Advisors often find themselves in the fast-paced world of sales, where processes and administration can easily fall by the wayside. But what if I told you that by treating your practice like a business, you can achieve smoother operations and enhanced efficiency? The input of one person is the output of the other.
A Best Practice for Team management is creating a Team Manual. In this episode, we'll explore Team Roles and Responsibi...
In today's episode, we dive deep into the power of Annual Client Progress Reviews.
Tools: https://advisors.to/content/uploads/Tool-Chapter-11.pdf
In today's episode, we dive deep into the transformative power of team off-sites, especially within the financial services sector. Today we're exploring how these retreats can help teams realign their goals, enhance collaboration, and ultimately drive better results.
In this episdoe we dive into an important topic: How to Avoid Litigation in a Joint Code Arrangement or Partnership. Joining us is Ellen Bessner, a partner at the renowned litigation boutique law firm Babin, Bessner Spry LLP. Ellen brings deep expertise in financial services litigation, focusing on the regulatory defence of securities dealers, advisors, and insurance agents—both in court and in CIRO matters, as well as provin...
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