
Hosted by Kristin Burke · EN

Today we dig into what it really takes to lead and scale a financial advisory firm, from personal standards and authenticity to the daily habits that shape culture. Dustin Corrente shares the leadership principles behind growing an organization to more than 150 advisors and boosting revenue by more than 400%.Key topics discussed in this episode:• Lessons from golf and sports about leading yourself before leading others• Spotting the gap between “ideal self” and real commitment• Why authenticity and follow-through create trust at scale• Rebuilding a firm from transactional sales to financial planning• Building a bench of future leaders to handle inevitable changeFollow Elite Achievement for more conversations on leadership and high-level execution.About DustinDustin Corrente is the Founder of Mid-Atlantic Financial Group. With more than 24 years in financial services, he has served as a financial advisor and leader, building a firm that has grown from 72 to more than 150 advisors while increasing revenue by over 400%. Passionate about servant leadership, Dustin is dedicated to developing advisors and helping them build meaningful, high-performing careers.Connect with DustinWebsiteConnect on LinkedInLinkedInAbout Kristin BurkeKristin Burke works with financial advisors and leaders in financial services who are building and scaling firms. She helps them lead more effectively, develop their team, and execute consistently on the priorities that drive growth.Work with KristinIf you are building a firm and want a strategic partner to help you think through leadership, team development, and execution, you can learn more about working with Kristin here:WebsiteConnect on LinkedInLinkedIn

Join us on this special episode where we talked with Mary Becker, COO of MHF Wealth Partners, about building a people-first culture while redesigning firm structure for long-term growth. We break down how clear values, intentional hiring, and early communication make change feel safer for teams and simpler for clients.Key topics discussed in this episode:• Employee-first culture built through small, consistent actions• Onboarding system that speeds trust and connection across the team•Hiring process that gives the team real say on cultural fit• Kindness as a stated firm value alongside integrity, excellence, accountability, and resourcefulness• Reasons for restructuring: growth, client transitions, and a consistent client experienceFollow Elite Achievement for more conversations on leadership and high-level execution.About MaryMary Becker joined the MHF team in 2020 as the Chief Operating Officer. In her role, Mary is responsible for driving strategic planning and execution, operational excellence and ensuring an impactful experience for both the team members and clients. Mary brings an extensive Northwestern Mutual background after spending over 15 years providing strategic leadership to home office operational teams in underwriting, in-force servicing, and claims. Mary has an MBA from Marquette University, a BS in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse and holds her RICP licensing.Mary and her husband Marc live on the East Side of Milwaukee, have two college age children who both attend the University of Oregon. While not at work, or visiting her kids, Mary can most often be found outdoors – either running, playing golf or attempting to walk her two Labrador retrievers.Connect with MaryLinkedInWebsiteAbout Kristin BurkeKristin Burke works with financial advisors and leaders in financial services who are building and scaling firms. She helps them lead more effectively, develop their team, and execute consistently on the priorities that drive growth.Work with KristinIf you are building a firm and want a strategic partner to help you think through leadership, team development, and execution, you can learn more about working with Kristin here:WebsiteConnect on LinkedInLinkedIn

Today we challenge the common habit of waiting for someone to “look ready” before investing in leadership development, and we argue that early exposure is often what creates the aspiration to lead. Kristin reflects on formative moments from her career and shares a simple stewardship mindset for building a stronger leadership bench as your firm grows.Key topics discussed in this episode:• Why leadership development often starts too late• How exposure to leadership can create vision• What happens when growth outpaces personal coaching capacity• The risk of keeping an underperforming leader in placeFollow Elite Achievement for more conversations on leadership and high-level execution.About Kristin BurkeKristin Burke works with financial advisors and leaders in financial services who are building and scaling firms. She helps them lead more effectively, develop their team, and execute consistently on the priorities that drive growth.Work with KristinIf you are building a firm and want a strategic partner to help you think through leadership, team development, and execution, you can learn more about working with Kristin here:WebsiteConnect on LinkedInLinkedIn

Today we break down what it really takes to share equity and build a multi-partner advisory firm without creating resentment or chaos. We talk through internships, trust, healthy conflict, and the long game of developing leaders who actually want the obligations of ownership.Key topics discussed in this episode:• Building an internship program to source future service and lead advisors• Keeping interns productive with real projects, fast onboarding, and clear SOPs• Why owners show up differently and why equity should be granted carefully• Designing a passage to partnership, including a two to three year evaluation window• Reframing collaboration as challenge without hostility and making feedback normalFollow Elite Achievement for more conversations on leadership and high-level execution.About LukeLuke was born and raised in North Idaho, growing up in a rural log cabin without electricity for much of his childhood. That upbringing taught him early on that wealth is more than money, but going without financially also gave him a deep appreciation for the stability financial security can bring a family. That dual perspective has shaped his approach to financial planning and enterprise leadership ever since.Luke earned a B.S. in Economics with a focus in Finance from the University of Idaho and began his career in 2002 as an intern at Northwestern Mutual in Seattle, WA. Over 23 years, he held nearly every field leadership position in the firm, leading a highly productive district office in Bellevue.In 2018, Luke stepped away from his Managing Director role to focus full-time on Pillar Financial Group, which he co-founded with Keith Foe and Kevin Kent. At the time, Pillar managed roughly $400 million in assets with a team of eight. Today, as CEO, Luke has helped grow the firm through disciplined organic growth and targeted acquisitions to 35 team members and close to $2 billion in assets under management. Pillar has since reaffiliated with Cetera Advisors, continuing to scale the firm's capabilities so it can deliver an exceptional client experience for generations to come.Connect with LukeLinkedInAbout Kristin BurkeKristin Burke works with financial advisors and leaders in financial services who are building and scaling firms. She helps them lead more effectively, develop their team, and execute consistently on the priorities that drive growth.Work with KristinIf you are building a firm and want a strategic partner to help you think through leadership, team development, and execution, you can learn more about working with Kristin here:WebsiteConnect on LinkedInLinkedIn

Today we step back from the daily rush and face a simple coaching question that exposes how well we’re actually building for growth. Learn why “working on the business” gets postponed and how small, focused actions can quietly shape the future of the firm.Key topics discussed in this episode:• The coaching question that reveals your current leadership focus• The difference between work tied to deadlines and work tied to growth• Practical examples like documenting processes and redesigning the calendar• Why leaders have to create time instead of waiting to get caught up Follow Elite Achievement for more conversations on leadership and high-level execution. About Kristin BurkeKristin Burke works with financial advisors and leaders in financial services who are building and scaling firms. She helps them lead more effectively, develop their team, and execute consistently on the priorities that drive growth.Work with KristinIf you are building a firm and want a strategic partner to help you think through leadership, team development, and execution, you can learn more about working with Kristin here:WebsiteConnect on LinkedInLinkedIn

Today we talked with Socium Advisors founder and CEO Scott Underwood about the moment he decides to either become a real CEO or hire one, then commits to building the leadership skill set. He shares how a planning-first model and serious investment in people help drive growth from roughly $500M to nearly $5B AUM.Key topics discussed in this episode:• Building written comprehensive financial plans so products serve the plan• Creating an organization to deliver high-quality service at scale• Hitting the CEO inflection point and committing to leadership growth• Delegating with clarity so teams get real professional autonomy• Reducing micromanagement to build trust and performanceFollow Elite Achievement for more conversations on leadership and high-level execution. About ScottScott Underwood is the Founder and CEO of Socium Advisors, where he leads with a simple belief: the employee experience drives the client experience. Under his leadership, Socium has grown from an insurance-focused practice into a nationally recognized advisory firm serving individuals, families, and businesses through comprehensive financial planning.Scott began his career with a Northwestern Mutual internship in 1991 and was recognized as a Top 10 Intern for three consecutive years, including one year as the top intern in the company. As the industry evolved, Scott expanded his vision and built a firm centered on partnership, long-term relationships, and exceptional client service.Today, Scott is consistently recognized as one of the top advisors in the country, earning honors such as the Barron’s Top 1200 Advisors award and the Forbes Financial Security Award. He also serves on the Forbes Finance Council. Throughout his career, Scott has remained committed to helping clients navigate complex financial decisions while building a culture where both team members and clients can thrive.Connect with ScottLinkedInInstagramWebsiteAbout Kristin BurkeKristin Burke works with financial advisors and leaders in financial services who are building and scaling firms. She helps them lead more effectively, develop their team, and execute consistently on the priorities that drive growth.Work with KristinIf you are building a firm and want a strategic partner to help you think through leadership, team development, and execution, you can learn more about working with Kristin here:WebsiteConnect on LinkedInLinkedIn

Have you ever wondered why leaders with average ideas often outperform leaders with great ideas? The answer is by executing with focus and consistency. In this Elite Insights episode we break down three specific ways execution fails inside growing firms and the questions we use to get teams back on track.Key topics discussed in this episode:• Choosing one or two needle-moving actions and staying with them• Reviewing metrics without asking “so what” and deciding what changes• Turning reports into decisions, owners, and next actions• Using activity and consistency to build repeatable results Follow Elite Achievement for more conversations on leadership and high-level execution. About Kristin BurkeKristin Burke works with financial advisors and leaders in financial services who are building and scaling firms. She helps them lead more effectively, develop their team, and execute consistently on the priorities that drive growth.Work with KristinIf you are building a firm and want a strategic partner to help you think through leadership, team development, and execution, you can learn more about working with Kristin here:WebsiteConnect on LinkedInLinkedIn

Today we talk through the moment leaders realize something is off on the team and why waiting usually makes the situation worse for everyone. We lay out a practical way to separate performance issues from role design problems so you can hire, coach, or make a change with clarity.Key topics discussed in this episode:• The hidden team cost of delaying tough conversations• Separating performance problems from culture fit issues• Aligning job descriptions with market compensation• Considering fractional help when revenue cannot support senior hires• Keeping the selection process tight and comparing candidates consistentlyFollow Elite Achievement for more conversations on leadership and high-level execution. About ClaireClaire Myers Vitale is the Founder of Claire Myers Consulting, a Sonoma-based talent firm specializing in wealth management and companies that are in hyper-growth mode. Their mission is simple: Connect businesses with top-tier talent through integrity-driven, fair, and innovative recruiting strategies.Claire spent 10 years with Northwestern Mutual in a recruiting and coaching capacity. She rounded out her tenure with the firm sitting on the Executive Team of Northwestern Mutual San Francisco and serving as their Chief Recruiting Officer.She holds an MBA from Alverno College, is a Master Certified Coach, and is certified in Organization Change Management through Prosci. Claire is also recognized in the Kitces Advisor Services Map.Claire is a proud foster parent and lives in Sonoma, CA with her husband Jon, who is a firefighter, their daughter, and three loving dogs. She also owns a Co-working space downtown Sonoma with another business owner - if you are ever in Sonoma, stop by and say hello!Connect with Clairehttps://www.clairemyersconsulting.com/About Kristin BurkeKristin Burke works with financial advisors and leaders in financial services who are building and scaling firms. She helps them lead more effectively, develop their team, and execute consistently on the priorities that drive growth.Work with KristinIf you are building a firm and want a strategic partner to help you think through leadership, team development, and execution, you can learn more about working with Kristin here:WebsiteConnect on LinkedInLinkedIn

Making a change on your team can feel emotionally brutal, especially when hope, doubt, and logistics collide. Listen to this short episode to explore the hidden costs of hesitation and why choosing a direction helps me lead with more clarity.Key topics discussed in this episode:• The emotional energy drain of waffling back and forth• Why performance often improves when you start questioning fit• How indecision creates irritation, rumination, and stalled focus• How workarounds, overchecking, and reluctance to delegate slow growth• Choosing between two hard options rather than waiting for certaintyFollow Elite Achievement for more conversations on leadership and high-level execution. About Kristin BurkeKristin Burke works with financial advisors and leaders in financial services who are building and scaling firms. She helps them lead more effectively, develop their team, and execute consistently on the priorities that drive growth.Work with KristinIf you are building a firm and want a strategic partner to help you think through leadership, team development, and execution, you can learn more about working with Kristin here:WebsiteConnect on LinkedInLinkedIn

Resilience is not built in a single moment. It is built through the small choices, habits, and perspectives we return to over time.John O’Leary shares lessons on adversity, leadership, and why the fundamentals we practice every day often matter more than the big moments we remember.• Why asking “why not me?” creates a different response to adversity• How the signals we pay attention to shape the way we lead and think• The role of service and small actions in building belief and purpose• Why leadership fundamentals compound over timeAbout John:John O’Leary is a bestselling author, internationally recognized speaker, and host of the Live Inspired Podcast. After surviving a devastating accident at age nine that doctors believed he would not survive, John went on to inspire millions through his message of resilience, hope, and purposeful living. He has shared his story and insights with audiences around the world, helping individuals and organizations navigate adversity, strengthen mindset, and lead with greater intention. His story has been brought to life in the feature film Soul on Fire.Connect with JohnInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnoleary.inspires/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-o-leary-08b2805/Website: https://johnolearyinspires.com/About Kristin BurkeKristin Burke works with financial advisors and leaders in financial services who are building and scaling firms. She helps them lead more effectively, develop their team, and execute consistently on the priorities that drive growth.Work with KristinIf you are building a firm and want a strategic partner to help you think through leadership, team development, and execution, you can learn more about working with Kristin here:WebsiteConnect on LinkedInLinkedIn