Michael Thaler: Transforming Client Conversations with Purpose

In this episode of The Purpose-Focused Advisor, I’m joined by Michael Thaler—an industry leader who built and led a $2B wealth management firm over 33 years before stepping into a new season of life. Michael didn’t walk away from success; he walked deeper into purpose. We talk about what it looks like to go from purpose to purpose, and how his journey led to the creation of My Purpose Plan, a tool that helps people live the life they were made for. This conversation is for advisors who want to connect more meaningfully with clients and stay anchored in what matters most.

Key Takeaways: 

• What if retirement isn’t the goal but the beginning of something greater? (02:10) Clients may hit their number and still feel stuck. Help them step into a life that feels free.
• Your clients don’t just need a plan. They need a purpose. (09:14) A simple, 20-minute process can unlock clarity and move them from drifting to driven.
• You’re not just managing money. You’re helping shape lives. (13:00) When you bring purpose into the room, client conversations change forever.
• The best goals don’t live in a drawer. They live on the calendar. (18:33) Break big dreams into daily steps—and watch clients live them out.
• Want clients for life? Help them become who they were created to be. (23:23) Purpose builds loyalty, impact, and referrals in ways performance alone never will.

Michael Thaler: "I don't want to be the guy that leaves this earth who's known to help people get their purpose statement. I want to be the person that's known that help people get their purpose statement and actually help them to actually live it out."

Rob Brown: "My simple definition of purpose is living the life that God intended for you to live."

About Michael Thaler: Michael is the Founder of My Purpose Plan and former Chief Purpose Officer of Equity Concepts, which he led for 33 years before its sale in 2024. Driven by his mission to live out God’s dream and help others do the same, Michael also founded Effective Ministries, serving children and families in Richmond, VA, and Niger, Africa. He’s passionate about using financial advising as a tool for purpose and impact. Michael speaks on purpose, focus, and positioning, and continues to lead community efforts through organizations like the Robinson Theater and RVA Hope Center. He lives in Virginia with his family.

Connect with Michael Thaler: 

Website: http://mypurposeplan.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-j-thaler

Connect with Rob Brown:

Website: http://truestfan.com/.css-j9qmi7{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;font-weight:700;margin-bottom:1rem;margin-top:2.8rem;width:100%;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:start;justify-content:start;padding-left:5rem;}@media only screen and (max-width: 599px){.css-j9qmi7{padding-left:0;-webkit-box-pack:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;-webkit-justify-content:center;justify-content:center;}}.css-j9qmi7 svg{fill:#27292D;}.css-j9qmi7 .eagfbvw0{-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;color:#27292D;}