• Michael Thaler: Transforming Client Conversations with Purpose
    2025/07/10
    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-thalerConnect with Rob Brown:Website: http://truestfan.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/truestfan/Episode Resources & Next Steps🔹 Download the Free Guide: The 7 Mindset Shifts of a Purpose-Focused Advisor Discover the simple shifts that lead to extraordinary impact. This quick-read guide will help you align your business with what matters most: purpose, people, and legacy.🔹 Subscribe to The Purpose-Focused Advisor Newsletter Weekly insights to help you grow a thriving, purpose-driven business. Real talk. Actionable ideas. Straight to your inbox. Subscribe here »🔹 Explore the Purpose-Focused Advisor Mastermind A high-level community for faith-driven advisors ready to grow their business and deepen their impact. Learn how to lead with clarity, conviction, and purpose. Learn more »🔹 One-on-One Executive Coaching with Rob Brown Looking for personalized guidance to help you grow your practice, lead with purpose, and build a legacy? Let’s talk. Learn more »
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    38 分
  • Mike Young: The One Investment Strategy That Impacts Everything
    2025/07/03
    This episode is a departure from the norm, but one I believe is too important not to share.Recently, I met Mike Young, founder of Noble Warriors, a men’s discipleship ministry. His mission inspires me. He’s not a financial advisor, coach, or industry expert, but his work may be more relevant to our profession than you’d expect.Mike’s story will challenge and encourage financial advisors to reconsider the legacy they’re truly building. From leading spiritually at home to redefining success in business, this conversation is both convicting and practical.If you’ve ever wondered how to align your career with Kingdom impact, this episode is your wake-up call.Don’t miss a message every purpose-focused advisor needs to hear.Key Takeaways: Redefining KPI as Souls Under Management (20:59) – Mike encourages advisors to reframe success not by assets, but by the eternal impact they’re making.The Power of Transformation (06:37) – When a man follows Christ, every part of his life changes: marriage, parenting, work, and witness.Four Questions That Build Brotherhood (14:19) – Asking “What’s heavy, what’s hard, what hurts, and how can I help?” opens the door to deep discipleship.Isolated Men Become the Enemy’s Target (17:59) – Mike warns that the lone-wolf lifestyle leaves men vulnerable to lies and spiritual attack.Your Practice Is a Discipleship Opportunity (27:19) – Rob reminds advisors that every financial plan is a chance to talk about eternity and purpose. Mike Young: "When a man says yes to Jesus and begins to walk with Him, everything around him changes. I mean, his marriage changes, his relationship with his children changes, his relationship with his parents, his coworkers, his peers, his neighbors—everything changes when the Lord transforms a man."Rob Brown: "Stop putting God on the sidelines in your business—especially as men."About Mike Young: Mike launched Noble Warriors in 2005 to help churches disciple men and raise Christ-centered leaders. Before stepping into full-time ministry, his career included teaching, coaching, school administration, and residential construction. He’s passionate about building men who lead well in their homes, churches, and communities. Mike is married to Stacy, and together they have four adult children (two married) and two grandsons.Connect with Mike Young: Website: http://www.noblewarriors.org/Email: mike.young@noblewarriors.orgLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-young-3013662a/Episode Resources & Next Steps🔹 Download the Free Guide: The 7 Mindset Shifts of a Purpose-Focused Advisor Discover the simple shifts that lead to extraordinary impact. This quick-read guide will help you align your business with what matters most: purpose, people, and legacy.🔹 Subscribe to The Purpose-Focused Advisor Newsletter Weekly insights to help you grow a thriving, purpose-driven business. Real talk. Actionable ideas. Straight to your inbox. Subscribe here »🔹 Explore the Purpose-Focused Advisor Mastermind A high-level community for faith-driven advisors ready to grow their business and deepen their impact. Learn how to lead with clarity, conviction, and purpose. Learn more »🔹 One-on-One Executive Coaching with Rob Brown Looking for personalized guidance to help you grow your practice, lead with purpose, and build a legacy? Let’s talk. Learn more »Connect with Rob Brown:Website: http://truestfan.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/truestfan/
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    40 分
  • Adam Koós: The Hidden Fuel Behind Explosive Practice Growth
    2025/06/26

    In this powerful episode, Rob Brown welcomes Adam Koós, founder of Libertas Wealth Management, a nationally recognized advisor and a coach to advisors, who has engineered a path to massive success. Adam shares how he doubled AUM and revenue in just two years by embracing a bold, even controversial idea: “We’re a marketing firm that happens to do financial planning.” But don’t misunderstand, it’s not about hype. It’s about systems, trust, and showing up with excellence.

    He unpacks the client-first onboarding, scalable growth strategies, and mindset shifts that help advisors build with joy, scale with integrity, and serve at the highest level. If you want your firm to run like a well-oiled machine that still feels deeply human, this episode will light the path.


    Key Takeaways:

    • Lead with Systems, Not Silver Bullets (04:20) - Growth isn’t about chasing one breakthrough idea. It’s about building simple, repeatable systems.
    • When You Treat Marketing as a Mission, Everything Changes (09:58) - This mindset shift led to explosive growth rooted in trust, visibility, and intention.
    • Onboarding Is the Hidden Growth Multiplier (16:01) - Before you worry about more leads, a great onboarding experience lays the foundation for long-term scale.
    • Delegate to Scale Without Burning Out (19:53) - Delegation, not hustle, is what creates freedom and sustainable expansion.
    • Focus on Consistent Action, Not Distant Goals (21:45) - Success comes from prioritizing daily activity over outcome-based metrics.

    Featured Quotes:

    Adam Koos: “It’s not our privilege to learn marketing—it’s our responsibility. If you’re doing great work and no one knows about it, what good are you?”

    Rob Brown: “Thinking about your big AUM goal won’t get you there. Taking the action that puts you in front of the right people will.”


    About Adam Koós: Adam Koós is a nationally recognized financial advisor, fiduciary, and founder of Libertas Wealth Management, ELEVATE, and ADRENALINE Advisor Consulting. With over two decades of experience, Adam specializes in retirement planning, investment strategy, and business exit planning. He’s passionate about helping other financial advisors grow successful practices through proven systems and strategies. Known for his authentic, no-B.S. approach, Adam brings energy, insight, and real-world experience to every conversation.


    Connect with Adam Koós:

    Libertas Wealth Management: https://www.libertaswealth.com/

    Adrenaline Advisor Coaching: https://adrenalineadvisor.com/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamkoos


    Episode References:

    • The Purpose-Focused Advisor Weekly Newsletter
    • The Purpose-Focused Advisor Mastermind
    • Executive Coaching with Rob Brown


    Connect with Rob Brown:

    Website: http://truestfan.com/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/truestfan/

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    34 分
  • John Kailunas: Mission Retirement — Helping Clients Plan for More Than Just Money
    2025/06/19

    In this episode of The Purpose-Focused Advisor, Rob Brown sits down with John Kailunas, author of Mission Retirement and founder of Catalyst4Growth and Regal Holdings. With 25+ years of experience and over $4B in AUM/AUA, John shares how advisors can help clients retire with purpose, not just wealth. He unpacks the 10 “missions” of meaningful retirement and reveals how purpose-based planning deepens trust, inspires legacy conversations, and helps advisors stand out by focusing on what truly matters.


    Key Takeaways:

    • Lead with Listening (05:04) – Great advisors start with presence, not plans—listening deeply lays the groundwork for purpose-driven advice.
    • Retirement Needs a Mission (07:02) – Most clients haven’t truly defined what they want in retirement. Help them clarify, and you become more than a planner.
    • Purpose Prevents Regret (08:15) - 40% of retirees feel lonely. Helping clients plan for meaning—not just money—can protect them from a purposeless retirement.
    • Trust is Built Through Story, Not Spreadsheets (13:42) - Legacy conversations and life stories build deeper client relationships than charts ever will. The more personal the dialogue, the stronger the bond.
    • It’s Not Your Money (20:30) - Advisors must remember they’re managing the client’s dreams. Your role is to help them align their resources with the life they truly want.

    John Kailunas: “We’re so focused on running that when retirement finally comes, it’s like the merry-go-round suddenly stops—and most people don’t know what to do next.”


    Rob Brown: “When advisors connect to a client’s story—not just their portfolio—they build trust that lasts far beyond the next review meeting.”


    About John Kailunas: John Kailunas II is a first-generation immigrant and visionary leader in financial services since 1988. With over three decades of experience, he has built a legacy of growth through Apex, Regal Holdings, and now Catalyst4Growth—a professional development platform empowering advisors and entrepreneurs. John’s entrepreneurial drive has earned national recognition, including Investment News’ Hot 100 and Best Practice Management Program awards. A lifelong learner and mentor, he’s also a devoted husband, father, and adventurer who’s traveled to all 50 states and 34 countries.


    Connect with John Kailunas:

    Website: https://www.catalyst4growth.org/

    Mission: Retirement: https://www.amazon.com/Mission-Retirement-Provoking-Purposeful-Fulfilling/dp/B0DWGSHKF9/

    Choices and Chances: https://www.amazon.com/Choices-Chances-John-Kailunas-II/dp/1419669966

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-kailunas-ii-966b5a7/


    Episode References:

    • The Purpose-Focused Advisor Weekly Newsletter
    • The Purpose-Focused Advisor Mastermind
    • Executive Coaching with Rob Brown


    Connect with Rob Brown:

    Website: http://truestfan.com/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/truestfan/

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    29 分
  • Adam Obrecht: Faith-Led. Quietly Built. Unmistakable Impact.
    2025/06/12

    In this episode, Rob Brown sits down with Adam Obrecht, founder of AO Wealth Advisory—a quietly confident leader who’s built a special firm grounded in systems, purpose, and faith… all while serving a client base many advisors overlook.

    From day one, Adam was told his strategy wouldn’t work. You can’t build a firm around 30- and 40-year-olds. Faith and business don’t mix. You need older, wealthier clients to grow.

    He ignored all of it.

    Adam launched AO Wealth with a baby on the way and no backup plan. Fifteen years later, he leads a thriving firm serving 300+ households with remarkable efficiency.

    This is a masterclass in purpose-driven leadership every advisor should hear.


    Key Takeaways:

    • Serve with Strategy (05:26) – Building a practice around 30- to 40-year-olds works when you're intentional about your time, messaging, and service model.
    • Purpose Starts Early (14:40) – A mission trip—and a now-lost book on Christian business leaders—sparked the vision for a firm grounded in faith and values.
    • Faith in the Volatility (19:33) – When markets shake confidence, Adam blends sound math with spiritual grounding to help clients stay steady.
    • Legacy in Motion (21:23) – For Adam, growth means more than numbers. It’s about deepening team capacity, preparing for succession, and staying true to the mission.

    Adam Obrecht: “The numbers tell one story, but how you live out your life tells a whole different story.”


    Rob Brown: “It wasn’t just a niche—it was a calling. And you built the kind of practice most advisors are afraid to even imagine.”


    About Adam Obrecht: Adam is the owner of AO Wealth Advisory, a financial planning firm in Urbandale, Iowa. Adam's career started in agricultural and commercial lending, but quickly shifted to investments. Adam started AO Wealth Advisory in 2010 after time spent as a product specialist for a regional broker-dealer and five years in a CPA firm. Adam is married with two sons.


    Connect with Adam Obrecht:

    Website: http://aowealthadvisory.com/

    Email: aobrecht@aowealthadvisory.com

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamobrecht/


    Episode References:

    • The Purpose-Focused Advisor Weekly Newsletter
    • The Purpose-Focused Advisor Mastermind
    • Executive Coaching with Rob Brown


    Connect with Rob Brown:

    Website: http://truestfan.com/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/truestfan/

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    30 分
  • Ryan Derousseau: The Quiet Skill That Builds Stronger Client Relationships
    2025/06/05

    What happens when a former financial journalist brings deep curiosity and compassion into the world of financial planning? In this episode, Rob Brown sits down with Ryan Derousseau, a CFP® who made the leap from writing for Money, Fortune, and Forbes to serving therapists, career changers, and the self-employed. Ryan shares how his path has been shaped by listening more, asking better questions, and putting purpose before products. His work reveals a powerful truth: trust, emotion, and vulnerability are just as vital to planning as any spreadsheet. We’re reminded of how powerful it is when advisors focus on people…not just portfolios.


    Key Takeaways:

    • Lessons from Journalism (20:09) – Discover how Ryan’s past as a journalist sharpened his ability to ask deeper questions and truly hear what clients are saying.
    • The Strategic Pause (24:28) – Silence isn’t awkward, it’s powerful. Ryan shows how waiting just a little longer often uncovers the most honest, meaningful client insights.
    • Trust the Journey (26:09) – For new advisors, Ryan offers hard-won wisdom: growth takes time, and the best results come from consistent, purpose-driven effort.
    • Niche with Intention (09:46) – Ryan reveals how focusing on therapists helped him refine his message, connect more deeply, and serve self-employed professionals with greater impact.


    Ryan Derousseau: "When advisors lead with curiosity and just sit in the discomfort a little longer, that’s where the real trust is built and that’s when the real work begins."


    Rob Brown: "It’s not just about the numbers you uncover, it’s about the life you help your clients live because of the planning you guide them through."


    About Ryan Derousseau: Ryan Derousseau, CFP®, enables employees, the self-employed, therapists, and career changers to thrive financially so they can focus on what matters most. A former financial writer for Fortune, Money, and Forbes, Ryan blends deep industry insight with a practical, goal-first approach. He helps clients align their business and finances with their values, building stronger practices, better balance, and long-term wealth.


    Connect with Ryan Derousseau:

    Website: http://www.thinkingcapfinancial.com/ & http://www.unitedfpg.com/

    Email: ryan@unitedfpg.com & ryan.derousseau@gmail.com

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanderousseau/


    Episode References:

    • The Purpose-Focused Advisor Weekly Newdletter
    • The Purposed-Focused Advisor Mastermind
    • Executive Coaching with Rob Brown


    Connect with Rob Brown:

    Website: http://truestfan.com/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/truestfan/

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    30 分
  • Episode 127: The Overlooked Multipliers: Purpose and Partnership
    2025/05/29

    If you’re growing a successful practice but feel disconnected, frustrated, or unsure what’s next… this episode is for you.

    This week, Rob Brown shares the story of an advisor with 25+ years of experience who avoided coaching—and even distanced himself from his business partner—because he believed he had nothing left to learn. But one honest conversation about purpose and partnership changed everything. It reignited his passion and gave him a fresh vision for the work he once loved.

    Too many advisors feel stuck, not because they’ve run out of skill, but because they’ve stopped asking why they do what they do. They isolate, overthink, and overprotect what they’ve built… while missing the multipliers that are right in front of them.


    In this episode, you’ll discover:

    • Why years of experience can quietly lead to resistance and isolation
    • How fear of being “coached” often masks a deeper desire for clarity
    • The mindset shift that reignited one advisor’s energy and vision
    • Why partnership isn’t a threat to your independence—it’s a multiplier
    • How purpose-driven conversations open the door to new growth at any stage


    Closing Thought:

    "Your next breakthrough isn’t about doing more, it’s about remembering why you started, and being open enough to grow again."


    Mentioned in this episode:

    • The Purpose-Focused Advisor Mastermind — A high-level experience for Christian men ready to lead with clarity, faith, and conviction
    • Truest Fan: Live, Love, and Lead with Purpose and Impact — Rob’s book on discovering the purpose behind your leadership
    • The Purpose-Focused Advisor Newsletter — Weekly encouragement and insights for advisors who want more than just business success


    Connect with Rob Brown:

    🌐 Website: truestfan.com

    💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/truestfan

    📅 Schedule a Call: robbrown.as.me/quick-call

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    8 分
  • Put First Things First – Reclaiming Focus and Living with Intentionality
    2025/05/22

    If your calendar is full but your business and life feel scattered… this episode is your reset.


    This week, Rob Brown continues his powerful solo series with a message every advisor needs to hear: it’s not about doing more—it’s about doing what matters most. If you've ever felt like your goals are out of sync with your calling, or that your daily grind is pulling you away from the life God is calling you to live, you're not alone—and you're not stuck.


    In this episode, Rob unpacks Lesson #2 from his book Truest FanPut First Things First. He shares practical strategies and real advisor stories that show how purpose-aligned planning can transform your business, your team, and your life.


    You’ll also get a sneak peek at his new faith-focused mastermind and a simple 4-step tool to bring clarity to your to-do list this week.


    In this episode, you’ll discover:

    • Why too many “good” priorities can still leave you off-purpose
    • How to connect long-term dreams to short-term actions
    • Rob’s 4D Routine—a simple method to clean up your calendar and inbox
    • How one advisor reshaped his entire team by getting clear on the next 90 days
    • Why putting God first helps everything else fall into place


    Closing Thought: “When you put first things first, clarity replaces confusion—and your purpose finally has room to breathe.”


    Mentioned in this episode:

    • The Purpose-Focused Advisor Newsletter — Weekly encouragement for purpose-driven advisors
    • Truest Fan: Live, Love, and Lead with Purpose and Impact — Rob’s book on living a life of intentional faith and leadership
    • The Purpose-Focused Advisor Mastermind — A high-level experience for Christian men ready to lead with purpose



    Connect with Rob Brown:

    Website: http://truestfan.com/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/truestfan/

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    12 分