In this episode, we kick off a series on one of the most important drivers of sustainable growth in financial services: talent. Drawing from a recent engagement with a regional bank and inspired by Jeff Colvin’s Humans Are Underrated, we explore what truly sets high-performing organizations apart—human capital.

Matt challenges leaders to rethink how they engage with their teams, asking: Are we leading with the same intentionality that we use to attract talent? From discussing the irreplaceable value of empathy and perspective, to breaking down the differences between training and development, this episode delivers practical insights for leaders who want to unlock the full potential of their people.

Key topics include:

• The critical difference between talking about talent and making talent feel valued
• Fostering ownership at every level of the organization
• Why growth and development must go beyond traditional training
• The true role of leadership as coaching—not inspection

If you're in a leadership role and believe people are your greatest asset, this episode will challenge you to prove it—with action.

In this episode, Matt dives deep into the power of authentic leadership and how it drives sustainable, organic growth. While external factors like market conditions can impact performance, Matt explains why the true winners are those who prioritize net organic growth. He highlights three critical attributes of authentic leadership: credibility, built through competence and communication; vision, which inspires and aligns employees with the organization's future goals; and clarity, achieved through simplicity and repetition.

In this episode, Matt shares leadership strategies for organic growth and talent retention, highlighting the pivotal role of leader credibility with frontline sales teams. He also stresses the need for collaboration between leaders and sales teams, efficient use of technology, streamlined processes, and innovative performance recognition. The goal is to foster a symbiotic relationship where leaders and sales work together to drive growth through better client solutions.

In this episode, Matt kicks off the new year discussing the importance of leadership in driving organic growth. He emphasizes the need for leaders to understand and support the sales efforts of their teams, rather than just setting goals from a distance. Matt also suggests that effective leadership involves actively listening to frontline staff, participating in client engagements, and modeling desired behaviors. He highlights that engaged leadership can lead to increased respect, retention, and performance among employees, ultimately driving better business outcomes and growth.

In this episode, Matt Johnston shares powerful insights on the role of leadership in driving business growth. He breaks down why effective leaders need to go beyond setting goals and truly engage with their teams, especially in sales and distribution efforts.

Matt explains how modeling the right behaviors, actively listening to front-line employees, and valuing their input can foster respect, boost retention, and accelerate revenue growth.

Tune in for practical advice on how leaders can reflect on their engagement and better support the teams that fuel success!

In this episode, Matt delves into the vital role of culture in driving organic growth within organizations. Matt reflects on his recent experience at an executive summit with leaders from regional banks across the U.S., where the conversation centered around leveraging technology and outsourcing strategies for growth while preserving the unique culture of their firms.

Matt shares his insights on what constitutes a strong organizational culture and how it can serve as a powerful catalyst for growth. He explores key themes such as:

- Aligning Strategy with Culture: It's essential to ensure that employees feel heard during times of change to foster a strong organizational culture.

- Leadership Alignment: Breaking down silos and encouraging collaboration can significantly boost organizational effectiveness.

- Thoughtful Technology Integration: Technology should enhance the human element in client interactions, not replace it.

- Outsourcing Considerations: Understanding how outsourcing impacts organizational culture is crucial for sustainable growth.

- Nurturing Human Capital: Leading by example and fostering a supportive workplace can cultivate a culture that drives growth.

Whether you're a leader looking to strengthen your organization's culture or simply interested in the intersection of culture and growth, this episode offers valuable perspectives and actionable insights.

In this episode, Matt underscores the significance of connecting with business owners regarding their future plans, especially in anticipation of upcoming wealth transfers. He emphasizes the importance of delivering comprehensive balance sheet advice, instilling a sense of urgency, and tackling the emotional and financial aspects of transitions. Additionally, Matt highlights the importance of offering thorough business valuation services to assist business owners in evaluating their company's value and identifying areas for enhancement.

Matt Johnston and Mark Butler discuss the importance of evaluating an RIA's capability maturity to unlock growth opportunities. They highlight RIA Executive Engine, as a service aimed to help assess their current needs, implement a strategic plan and provide guidance on how to execute it, with a focus on self-awareness and easy ways for firms to make progress.