How do you build a sustainable financial advisory business that values the talent of its people as a competitive advantage against the rise of AI?

In this episode of "The Business Philosopher Podcast," host Bhavesh Naik sits down with Brett Bernstein, CEO and co-founder of XML Financial Group, to explore how to create organizations that prioritize people, nurture emotional intelligence and drive sustainable growth. From building a legacy-focused culture to navigating mergers and acquisitions, Brett shares his unique philosophy on leadership, effective communication and empowering teams to thrive.

Among the topics we explored:

• The "bottom-up strategy" to approach to setting people-centric goals. How it helps a company create trackable KPIs and build an engaged work culture.

• How to achieve exponential business growth that outperforms AI-based advisory services. Hint: Build it around natural intelligence.

• The strategies for aligning company cultures after expansion through mergers and acquisitions. How to sustain a vibrant company culture even during expansion.

• The role of innovation and mentorship in building enduring businesses. Strategies for creating a company culture where people don't want to leave.

• The tight-rope that a leader in a professional services firm has to walk while leading the dual role of a CEO and contributing professional.

Key takeaways:

• Discover how collaboration and a strong client-service model fuel organizational growth.

• Learn how XML Financial Group scaled from 4 to 50+ employees across multiple locations.

• Understand the role of culture in creating a business that outlasts its founders.

• Explore the balance between being a leader and a practicing professional.

Whether you're a business owner, aspiring leader, or curious about the intersection of people and performance, this conversation offers actionable insights for personal growth and professional success. Tune in to discover how you can apply these strategies to build lasting, people-centered businesses.

#businessculture #businessgrowth #m&astrategies #clientrelationshipmanagement #employeeinvestment

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Introduction

04:12 - What's in a Name? The Story Behind XML

07:42 - Client-Centric Philosophy

10:51 - Competitive Difference

12:26 - Vision and Growth Strategy

15:30 - Mergers and Acquisitions for Growth

17:22 - Building a Legacy Business

21:12 - Leadership and Culture in a Growing Firm

23:23 - Installing a Culture Deck Vs Cultivating a Culture

26:31 - Balancing Productivity and Happiness

28:30 - The Role of KPIs in Business Growth

31:19 - Navigating Leadership Through a Bottom-Up Approach

32:44 - Essence of the Culture

34:30 - Balancing Leadership and Advisory Roles

38:43 - Overcoming Challenges & Learning from Setbacks

41:11 - Personal Growth Through Life Experiences

43:32 - Finding Grounding in a Fast-Paced World

45:56 - Happiness as a Driver of Positive Relationships

48:11 - The Importance of Communication in Business

49:53 - AI's Role in Financial Advisory Services

52:13 - Future Aspirations for XML Financial Group

53:20 - Getting In Touch

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Music by Yrii Semchyshyn (Thank You!): https://www.patreon.com/yuriisemchyshyn

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Deep Dive, Show Notes and Further Reading: https://www.awayre.com/scaling-people-first-advisory-firms-ai-talent-culture-legacy/