The Elite Financial Advisor Podcast With Sten Morgan

In this conversation, Sten Morgan sits down with Dr. Jarrod Spencer, a concierge health and sports psychologist who works with elite performers—from pro athletes and championship teams to high-level executives. Jared breaks down the difference between “mental” work (thought-based) and “emotional” work (body-based), and why emotional energy is the real fuel behind health, leadership, and performance.They explore how the culture around mental health has shifted (especially after high-profile moments like Olympic and pro sports withdrawals), and what high performers actually want: not an excuse to stop performing, but tools to show up at their best under pressure. Jared lays out a practical model for growth—outside-in learning (content + frameworks) combined with inside-out work (self-awareness + counseling/coaching)—and explains why most people’s limitations aren’t intellectual, but emotional.A major throughline is that sleep is the foundation: without sleep, performance tools don’t stick. Jared shares tangible insights on circadian rhythm, phone addiction, and how better emotional energy leads to clearer thinking, stronger relationships, and better decision-making—especially for advisors who are paid to solve complex problems. The episode ends with a powerful question for every leader: “What is it like on the other side of you?”TakeawaysEmotional energy is performance fuel. When it’s high, you think clearer, lead better, and perform stronger—when it’s low, even great people unravel.High performers don’t want an “out”—they want an edge. The goal isn’t avoidance; it’s learning to show up well under pressure.Growth requires two lanes: outside-in learning (podcasts/books/frameworks) + inside-out work (therapy/coaching, “know thyself”).Leadership is built on EQ, not IQ. Emotional development drives trust, influence, and decision-making.Sleep is the foundation of mental health and performance. If sleep is broken, mindset tools and performance techniques won’t stick.Phone scrolling at night is “anti-melatonin.” Most people know what to do—but addiction and environment (including a partner’s habits) keep them stuck.The biggest limitations are usually emotional. You can have the knowledge and resources—emotional blind spots are what typically trip people up.Motivation determines how deep people go. Some pursue optimization; others finally act when relationships or life pressures force the issue.Trust is built in layers. People “test the waters” first; real transformation happens when rapport is strong enough to go deep.A better you changes the room. The question “What is it like on the other side of you?” becomes a compass for leadership and client relationships.https://gobeelite.com/

In this episode, Sten Morgan sits down with Blake Brewer, the founder of Legacy Letter, who’s on a mission to help one million people write a meaningful, lasting letter to the people they love most. Blake shares the moment that shaped his entire life: at 19, while snorkeling with his dad in Hawaii, his father drowned in treacherous waters. Hours later, Blake’s mom handed him a letter his dad had written for him—words that brought comfort, clarity, peace, and direction when he needed it most.That legacy letter didn’t just help Blake grieve—it helped him grow. Years later, as a father himself, Blake realized writing a letter to his own kids was both harder and more transformative than he expected. That experience became the spark for a structured process—workshops, templates, prompts, and an online program—that has now helped 20,000+ people write their own legacy letters.Sten and Blake also unpack why this matters deeply for financial advisors: many clients are building wealth, but struggle to pass down values, voice, and relationship. The legacy letter becomes a powerful tool—not only for families, but for advisors who want to deepen trust, create more meaningful client conversations, and build multi-generational relationships. It’s simple, but it’s not easy—and it might be one of the most impactful “gifts” an advisor can introduce to a client’s life.TakeawaysA legacy letter can change someone’s life. Blake’s father’s letter became a source of comfort, clarity, and stability after sudden loss.Simple doesn’t mean easy. Most people want to write a letter—but perfectionism, emotion, and “where do I start?” keep them stuck.Your words become their inner voice. What parents say becomes what children repeat to themselves—confidence or criticism often starts at home.Writing the letter changes the writer. The process clarifies values, strengthens identity, and gives you something to “go live out.”Legacy isn’t just money—it’s relationship, meaning, and values. Advisors can help clients pass down more than wealth.It can restore relationships. A well-written letter can soften conflict, reopen connection, and rebuild family rhythms.For advisors, this creates deeper trust. Clients often become more bonded to the advisor who helps them do something this meaningful.It gives advisors better conversations than performance alone. In down markets, legacy conversations can matter more than numbers.It can become part of a repeatable practice. Not a “one-off idea,” but a woven-in component alongside estate planning and family planning.There’s a scalable pathway. Blake offers workshops, a $97 online program, and an advisor “Legacy Letter Advocate” model to roll it out to clients.https://gobeelite.com/

In this conversation, Ritik Malhotra shares his entrepreneurial journey, discussing his early passion for technology, the challenges of starting and scaling companies, and the importance of product-market fit. He emphasizes the need for small, resilient teams during the ideation phase and the significance of clear communication and leadership styles. Malhotra also provides insights for financial advisors, highlighting the importance of understanding their unique value propositions and the role of technology in supporting their businesses. He concludes by discussing Savvy Wealth's mission to empower advisors and the importance of focusing on the purpose behind their work.TakeawaysRitik's journey began with a love for computers at a young age.The ideation phase is akin to a science lab experiment.Small teams are crucial during the product-market fit phase.Clarity in communication helps alleviate team anxiety.Written communication fosters understanding and alignment.Successful leadership requires balancing inspiration and example.Overcoming mental resistance is key to entrepreneurial success.Financial advisors must find their unique value propositions.Savvy Wealth aims to empower advisors by reducing friction.The purpose of work goes beyond daily activities. https://gobeelite.com/

In this conversation, Sten Morgan and Wendell Moon explore the dynamics of teamwork, leadership, and personal growth within a professional setting. They discuss the importance of open communication, trust, and vulnerability in fostering a supportive work environment. The dialogue delves into the challenges of navigating personal and team friction, the significance of setting clear expectations, and the value of collaboration in achieving shared goals. Through their experiences, they highlight the need for leaders to balance their styles with the diverse needs of their teams while embracing discomfort as a catalyst for growth.TakeawaysIt's refreshing to work with someone confident in who they are.Trust is essential in navigating team dynamics.Open communication can prevent misunderstandings.Leaders must create an environment where everyone feels connected.Discomfort can lead to growth and innovation.Setting clear expectations is crucial for accountability.Collaboration fosters deeper connections among team members.Learning from unhealthy work relationships is valuable.Leaders should balance their styles with team needs.Personal growth is intertwined with team success.https://gobeelite.com/

In this conversation, Sten Morgan and Duane Murray explore the critical relationship between mission and margin in business. They discuss how entrepreneurs can balance their desire to give back with the need for financial sustainability. Duane shares his journey from healthcare to coaching business leaders, emphasizing the importance of purpose and passion in driving success. The discussion highlights the challenges entrepreneurs face in maintaining focus on their mission while achieving financial goals, and the necessity of creating margin to fuel their mission-driven efforts.TakeawaysThere's no mission without margin.A healthy business is essential for fulfilling a mission.Purpose drives engagement and retention in organizations.Margin is the fuel for mission-driven work.Entrepreneurs often suppress their passion during the grind.Finding a balance between profit and purpose is crucial.Awakening to purpose can transform business practices.Giving back should start now, not when income is high.Passion often stems from personal experiences and injustices.Creating time for mission-driven work is essential.https://gobeelite.com/

In this conversation, the speakers delve into the intricacies of financial planning and advisory practices, discussing the evolution of their careers, the importance of communication skills, and the challenges faced by financial advisors. They explore the significance of charging for financial planning services, the role of technology in enhancing efficiency, and the dynamics of hiring and team management. The discussion emphasizes the need for personal growth, curiosity, and the pursuit of excellence in the financial advisory field, while also addressing the importance of creating a sustainable business model that can thrive independently of the advisor's direct involvement.TakeawaysThe journey of a financial advisor often involves learning from mistakes and seeking better paths.Charging for financial planning services can enhance perceived value and client commitment.Communication skills are crucial for success in the financial advisory industry.Building efficient practices requires delegation and effective team dynamics.Technology can streamline financial planning processes and improve client deliverables.Hiring the right talent is essential for scaling a financial advisory practice.Personal growth and continuous learning are vital for long-term success.Creating a sustainable business model allows for greater freedom and work-life balance.Understanding the value of financial advice can shift client perspectives on fees.Embracing discomfort and seeking challenges can lead to significant personal and professional growth.https://gobeelite.com/

In this conversation, Caleb Brown discusses the challenges and strategies in hiring within the financial planning industry. He shares his journey into the field, the importance of hiring the right talent, and the role of paraplanners. The discussion also covers the demand for talent, the hiring process, and the challenges that come with it. Caleb emphasizes the need for firms to be proactive in their hiring strategies to ensure growth and success.TakeawaysCaleb's journey into financial planning began with a lack of opportunities for new graduates.The financial planning industry needs more diversity and career changers.Hiring should be proactive, not reactive, to avoid overwhelming situations.Paraplanners can significantly enhance a firm's efficiency and client service.The hiring process should be clear and well-defined to attract the right candidates.Firms often wait too long to hire, leading to burnout and inefficiency.The right hire can transform a firm's culture and client relationships.Recruiting is not just about skills; cultural fit is equally important.The demand for talent in financial planning is high, but firms often seek specific profiles.A structured hiring process can prevent costly mistakes and improve firm performance.https://gobeelite.com/

The conversation explores the evolving role of financial advisors, emphasizing the importance of valuing financial advice beyond mere transactions. The speakers discuss the need for a mindset shift among advisors to recognize the intrinsic value of financial planning, regardless of a client's immediate financial capacity. They advocate for a more inclusive approach to financial advice, where every individual can receive guidance, and highlight the importance of creating efficient practices that advisors enjoy working in.TakeawaysYou are worth something even if you don't sell something.Learning to communicate your value is essential.Advisors should not back out of meetings based on perceived client wealth.Financial planning should be valued in and of itself.Every advisor should adopt a mindset of inclusivity in financial advice.Efficient practices lead to better job satisfaction for advisors.Advisors can be great entrepreneurs while providing valuable advice.The future of advising includes valuing guidance over transactions.Creating bad jobs for ourselves is a common pitfall in the industry.Managing money and selling insurance can coexist with providing value. https://gobeelite.com/

This conversation delves into the reasons behind seller hesitation in business transactions, particularly focusing on the identity crisis that sellers face post-sale. Mark Osborne emphasizes the importance of financial advisors in helping sellers navigate their options and develop a clear plan for life after selling their business, which can instill confidence and reduce the likelihood of deals falling through.TakeawaysThe biggest reason why deals don't transact is because the seller gets cold feet.Sellers often face an identity crisis after selling their business.Financial advisors play a crucial role in guiding sellers through their options.Having a clear plan post-sale can boost seller confidence.Sellers need to consider what they will do after selling.Options for sellers include starting a foundation or pursuing new career stages.Understanding seller hesitation can improve transaction success rates.Deal teams should address sellers' concerns about their future.Confidence in selling is essential for business owners.Navigating post-sale life is as important as the sale itself.https://gobeelite.com/

In this conversation, Darryll Stinson shares his transformative journey from being a high-level athlete to a speaker and advocate for mental health and personal growth. He discusses the impact of pain and purpose on change, the importance of storytelling in personal growth, and how emotional clarity can enhance leadership. Stinson emphasizes the need for financial advisors to connect their impact with their financial success and introduces the concept of debriefing life as a key to growth and self-awareness.TakeawaysDarryll Stinson transitioned from a successful athlete to a mental health advocate.Pain can push us towards change, while purpose can pull us.Storytelling is a powerful tool for personal growth and self-discovery.Emotional clarity is essential for effective leadership.Financial success should align with purpose-driven impact.Debriefing life experiences can lead to greater self-awareness.You can be 100% new without exiting your current life.Expressing emotions is crucial for personal accountability.Clarity expands capacity for service and leadership.Every individual has depth to explore in their personal journey.https://gobeelite.com/

In this conversation, Tim Smith shares his journey from being an actor to becoming a successful financial advisor. He discusses the importance of having a strategic plan, the need for effective communication skills, and the value of mentorship in navigating the financial advisory landscape. Tim emphasizes the significance of personal development and self-awareness, as well as the challenges of transitioning between firms. He also highlights the balance between insurance and investment in financial planning and sets bold goals for his future in the industry.TakeawaysTim transitioned from acting to financial advising after finding a passion for investing.Having a strategic plan is essential for success in the advisory business.Communication skills are crucial for building client relationships.Finding the right fit in the industry can significantly impact career satisfaction.Balancing insurance and investment is key to effective financial planning.Transitioning firms can be challenging and should be approached with caution.Investing in personal development is a high-return investment for advisors.Feedback and self-awareness are vital for growth in the advisory field.Lifelong learning is necessary to stay relevant in the industry.Setting bold goals can reignite passion and drive in one's career.https://gobeelite.com/

In this conversation, Jeremie shares his transformative life experiences that led to a significant shift in his purpose and ambition. He discusses the importance of understanding one's needs versus wants, the concept of the Peace Index, and how personal leadership plays a crucial role in self-reflection and growth. Jeremie emphasizes the idea of leadership as being akin to a Sherpa, guiding others while ensuring one's own health and well-being. He also explores the concept of personal tendencies and how to manage them effectively for a more fulfilling life.TakeawaysLife-changing experiences can lead to profound shifts in perspective.Understanding your 'why' is crucial for alignment in life.Ambition can be redeemed by focusing on purpose and impact.It's important to differentiate between needs and wants.The Peace Index helps assess various aspects of life for balance.Leadership requires personal health and the ability to empower others.Self-reflection is key to understanding personal tendencies.Developing others is a responsibility of leadership.Tendencies can be managed rather than eliminated.Living with grace and truth leads to a better quality of life.https://gobeelite.com/

In this episode, Brady Weller discusses the importance of tax strategies, particularly focusing on Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) as a powerful tool for tax exemption. He emphasizes the need for financial advisors to distinguish themselves by offering creative ideas and understanding the nuances of tax planning. The conversation covers the benefits of C-Corps versus LLCs, the significance of timing in relation to QSBS, and how advisors can leverage their networks to provide value to clients. Weller also highlights the importance of educating business owners about QSBS and the potential for tax savings.TakeawaysTax planning can be a superpower for advisors.Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) offers significant tax exemptions.C-Corps can provide better tax benefits than LLCs in certain situations.Timing is crucial for maximizing QSBS benefits.Advisors should educate clients about QSBS opportunities.Building a network of idea partners can enhance advisory services.Understanding the nuances of tax strategies is essential for advisors.Business owners often lack awareness of QSBS and its benefits.Creative ideas can help advisors stand out in a competitive market.QSBS rollovers can help defer taxes and create new business opportunities.https://gobeelite.com/

In this conversation, Don Connelly shares his extensive experience in financial advising, emphasizing the importance of storytelling, communication skills, and building authentic connections with clients. He discusses how emotional intelligence and charisma play crucial roles in establishing trust and rapport, ultimately leading to successful client relationships. Connelly provides practical advice for advisors on improving their communication skills, overcoming resistance, and investing in personal development to enhance their effectiveness in the industry.TakeawaysStorytelling is a timeless skill that resonates with clients.Building trust and likability is essential for advisors.Communication skills are often more important than product knowledge.Charisma can be taught and is a transference of enthusiasm.Emotional intelligence is key to understanding client needs.Investing in personal development is crucial for success.Advisors should focus on establishing rapport with clients.Overcoming resistance is a common challenge for advisors.Simplicity in communication enhances understanding.Optimism is vital in the financial advising business.https://gobeelite.com/

In this conversation, Dr. Joe shares his journey from being a school teacher to becoming a coach and consultant, emphasizing the importance of relationships, lifelong learning, and understanding one's potential. He introduces the concept of Team Intelligence (TQ) and discusses the significance of self-awareness and inspiration in leadership. The dialogue explores the challenges of building healthy teams and the need for leaders to embrace growth and change.TakeawaysDr. Joe transitioned from teaching to coaching, emphasizing the importance of relationships.Lifelong learning is essential for personal and professional growth.Understanding one's potential and the interference that hinders it is crucial.Team Intelligence (TQ) is a framework for enhancing team dynamics.Inspiration is more effective than motivation in leadership.Healthy leaders foster healthy teams and cultures.Self-awareness is key to effective leadership.Creativity and fear cannot coexist in a thriving environment.Leaders must be courageous and adaptable to change.Growth often requires stepping out of comfort zones. https://gobeelite.com/

In this engaging conversation, Duane Murray shares his journey from healthcare to church leadership and ultimately to coaching business owners. He emphasizes the importance of purpose in work, the challenges leaders face in balancing people and processes, and the resilience that comes from having a clear sense of purpose. The discussion highlights the significance of community, accountability, and the need for self-awareness in personal and professional growth.TakeawaysDuane's journey reflects a blend of service and business.Purpose in work is about provision, serving others, and co-creation.Leaders often face the tension between people and process.Community and accountability are crucial for business owners.Self-awareness is key to personal and professional growth.Purpose provides a resilient source of motivation.Work should be enjoyable and fulfilling, not just a means to an end.Celebrating wins helps maintain focus on purpose.Isolation can hinder growth; community can provide support.The journey of finding purpose is worth the effort.https://gobeelite.com/

In this engaging conversation, Carl Richards shares his insights on the importance of conversations in financial planning, the journey of personal growth, and the role of resistance in achieving success. He emphasizes the need for authenticity in financial advice and offers valuable lessons for young advisors navigating the complexities of the industry. The discussion also touches on the significance of understanding and navigating systems, as well as the power of simplicity in communication.TakeawaysDeep conversations are the essence of meaningful work.Growth comes from embracing the journey and being comfortable with being wrong.Resistance is a necessary part of personal development.Authenticity is crucial in financial advice; be true to yourself.Young advisors should focus on their unique path rather than just following the system.Time spent outside is essential for maintaining balance and perspective.Navigating the system requires awareness and vigilance.Simplicity in communication can enhance client relationships.Every word in my book is intentional, serves a purpose, and main goal is to spark conversations.https://gobeelite.com/

We’ve hit a big milestone — 200 episodes! In this special episode, Sten invites four past guests to dive deep into one of the biggest challenges advisors and entrepreneurs face every day: RESISTANCE.Dr. David Touhill, Dr. Josh Axe, Rick Hu, and Wesley Young share real stories from their own journeys — moments when resistance showed up, tried to stop them, and ultimately became the catalyst for their growth. You’ll hear how they’ve navigated failure, scaled businesses, faced fear, led teams, and stayed committed to personal growth even when it wasn’t easy.This episode is an honest, practical conversation designed to remind you that you’re not alone when resistance hits — and to show you the exact mindset and habits that can turn resistance into your next big breakthrough.TakeawaysWhy resistance shows up right before the breakthrough and how to lean into itHow to fail forward and build courage as a leaderWhy clarity of goals and metrics is essential for momentumHow to build a team and culture that thrives through challengesWhy personal growth, self-awareness, and discipline are the ultimate tools to overcome resistancehttps://gobeelite.com/

In this conversation, Matt Mosich shares his journey from being a successful financial advisor to becoming a communication expert. He emphasizes the critical role of communication in building relationships and achieving success in the financial advising industry. The discussion covers the importance of self-awareness, reflection, and practical strategies for improving communication skills. Both speakers highlight how effective communication can transform client relationships and enhance career growth.Takeaways:Communication drives success – Strong client relationships start with clear, intentional communication.Self-awareness matters – Understanding your communication style helps you connect better with clients.Every objection is an opportunity – Use client concerns to deepen trust and connection.Practice and feedback improve skills – Ongoing development leads to stronger results over time.Investing in communication pays off – Training and intentional effort yield high returns for advisors.5 Questions for Meaningful Client Meetingshttps://gobeelite.com/https://howtospeaklive.com/

In this conversation, Gary McClure and EAN discuss the importance of systems in business, particularly for financial advisors. They explore how frameworks can simplify complex situations, provide structure and flexibility, and ultimately lead to better outcomes. The discussion emphasizes the need for clarity in consulting, the role of leaders in creating effective systems, and the potential of AI to enhance frameworks. The conversation concludes with practical advice on identifying areas for improvement and leveraging systems for growth.TakeawaysSystems are essential for scaling a business.Frameworks act as mental scaffolding to simplify complexity.Structure and flexibility are both important in systems.Real-world applications of systems can enhance efficiency.Clarity around problems is crucial for effective consulting.Misconceptions can hinder progress; clarity is key.Leaders must drive clarity to avoid confusion.Identifying client needs is the first step in building systems.AI can be a valuable tool for developing frameworks.Continuous improvement of systems leads to business growth.https://gobeelite.com/