S1Ep247 Leadership and Wealth Management Strategies with Paul Carroll

Wealth management is often seen as a numbers game—assets under management, returns, tax exposure—but for Paul Carroll, it’s always been about people first. As the CEO and founder of Avion Wealth, Carroll has spent nearly two decades building a firm that redefines what it means to serve high-net-worth individuals and families. With a philosophy rooted in trust, leadership, and strategic clarity, he has grown Avion Wealth into a firm that manages over $850 million in assets, while maintaining a deep personal connection to clients and team members alike.

Carroll’s approach to wealth management was shaped by his early life experiences—arriving in the U.S. at 17 with just $200, joining the Air Force to fund his education, and eventually earning degrees from the University of Maryland and Texas A&M. That grit and resourcefulness laid the groundwork for a professional path that would favor clarity over complexity, service over sales. Rather than adopting the standard broker-dealer model, Carroll built Avion Wealth around a consultative framework designed to deliver holistic financial planning that aligns with clients' evolving goals and values.

A central theme of Carroll’s leadership is the development of a self-managing team. He’s the first to admit he didn’t know everything when he started out, but his drive to learn—paired with an unwavering curiosity—helped him grow both as a leader and a strategist. He believes firmly in the idea that the people who get you to one level of success may not be the same ones who take you to the next. That’s why hiring, mentorship, and team development are non-negotiable components of his wealth management philosophy. Surrounding himself with A-players has allowed him to shift his role from day-to-day management to visionary leadership, which continues to propel the firm forward.

For business owners and executives navigating their own financial journeys, Carroll’s message is clear: complexity doesn’t equal effectiveness. In fact, one of his biggest lessons came during the 2008 financial crisis, when a strategy designed to attract a niche market completely missed the mark. Instead of folding, Carroll pivoted quickly—realigning his firm’s focus on the types of clients who truly valued their model. That flexibility, paired with a willingness to act and adjust, has become a defining element of his wealth management strategy.

Ford Saeks, a longtime business strategist and host of Fordify LIVE, highlights the importance of this kind of mindset. Whether you’re leading a financial advisory firm, a franchise system, or a high-growth startup, the principles are the same. Leadership isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about creating an environment where growth, curiosity, and clear execution thrive. Saeks often emphasizes that business success is built on systems, people, and positioning—three areas where Carroll’s leadership offers a practical blueprint.

One area where Carroll stands out is his perspective on referrals and business development. Rather than focusing on transactions or outbound marketing, he invests in relationships with centers of influence—accountants, attorneys, and other professionals who trust him enough to introduce their clients. That kind of trust isn’t earned overnight. It’s built through reputation, results, and the ability to consistently deliver value. Carroll notes that people don’t refer others to help you—they refer because they believe you can help someone they care about.

In a field where technical knowledge is table stakes, Carroll brings a human-centered lens to wealth management. His firm’s success has been shaped not just by financial acumen, but by an ability to listen, lead, and stay aligned with clients’ real-world needs. Whether advising on tax strategies, succession planning, or charitable giving, Carroll and his team act less like service providers and more like partners—guiding clients through every stage of growth, transition, and legacy.

For professionals looking to elevate their own approach to wealth management—or simply lead with more intention—the takeaways are clear: Build a team that supports your vision. Stay curious. Act before you're ready. And never underestimate the power of meaningful relationships.

Watch the full episode on YouTube.

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