Ep. 64 Brand Power: How Advisors Attract More Referrals & the Right Clients
referrals, James Mason and Tina Robertson discuss how a well-defined brand builds trust and credibility in a crowded market. They explore how business advisors and professional service firms can align brand messaging with market positioning, outlining a strategic approach to brand development, and sharing practical actions advisors can take to strengthen their brand presence. Key themes of storytelling, authenticity, and consistent communication weave through the conversation, underscoring how familiarity and trust drive long-term success. Discussion Points • Branding is a trust multiplier for advisors.• Clarity and consistency in messaging are crucial.• Investing in brand awareness is essential for success.• Storytelling enhances brand differentiation.• Audit your online presence regularly.• Align brand messaging with market positioning.• Engage with the entire decision-making group.• Visibility creates familiarity, which breeds trust.• Strong brands lower acquisition costs and increase pricing power.• Authenticity in branding leads to better client relationships. Chapters 00:00 The Power of Branding in Business Advisory 03:04 Understanding Personal Branding and Trust 06:04 Brand as a Trust Multiplier 08:51 Strategic Branding Process 11:55 Aligning Brand Messaging with Market Needs 14:49 Authenticity and Clarity in Branding 17:58 Building Emotional Connections through Storytelling 21:04 The Importance of Brand Reach 24:01 Practical Steps for Branding Success
2026 Advisor Events Calendar
Build your business advisory capability with Mindshop training events.
Ep. 63 An Advisory Growth Journey: Lessons & Case Studies
What does it take to build an advisory offering that truly adds value to clients and drives firm growth? In this episode of The Authentic Advisor, James Mason talks with Renee Bettenay, Director at Harris Black, about the journey of developing and scaling a business advisory service line. Together, they explore client-centric growth, overcoming common challenges, and equipping teams with the right skills to deliver advisory impact.
Ep.62 A CIO’s Perspective: Innovation Strategies for Advisory Firms
Drawing on stories from firms around the world, in this episode of the Authentic Advisor, James Mason speaks with Abu Bakkar, Chief Innovation Officer at HLB International, about the critical role of innovation in professional services. They discuss the innovation as a continuous journey, the balance between pushing boundaries and maintaining client relevance, and the impact of AI and ESG on the industry. Abu shares insights on implementing innovation through best practice frameworks, building a culture that embraces risk-taking, and the importance of consulting clients during the innovation process. The conversation highlights the need for firms to adapt and evolve in a rapidly changing landscape.
Strategic Productivity. The Key to Sustainable High Performance For Advisors.
How to get momentum back. Kick start a firm’s business advisory journey.
Ep. 61 Rethinking Retirement: Why Leading Advisors are Changing the Script with Dr Chris Mason
In this powerful episode of The Authentic Advisor, James Mason is joined by Mindshop founder Dr. Chris Mason, who challenges the conventional notion of retirement for business advisors. At nearly 76, Chris is not slowing down – he’s accelerating ahead, and with purpose. Together, they explore why the traditional “on one day, off the next” retirement mindset may no longer serve modern advisors, especially those still thriving in their 60s and 70s. Chris shares practical insights on how to stay relevant, energised, and curious, while evolving one’s role in work and life. The conversation explores:• Maintaining momentum and avoiding the “crash-and-burn” of retiring too soon• Blending purpose, flexibility, and enjoyment through “seamless living”• How Chris has refired his career by building future-ready skills like change success and AI• Creating space for the next generation while continuing to offer value and wisdom• Setting meaningful personal KPIs and incorporating sabbaticals into your lifestyle Chris also unpacks the power of why wisdom is becoming more valuable than ever in the age of cheap knowledge, and how advisors can navigate their next chapter with clarity and impact.If you’re an advisor or leader contemplating your next move, or simply seeking more balance while staying professionally sharp, this is a must-listen.
Ep. 60 Unlocking Human Performance: Modern Skills for Advisors with Samantha Shaw
In this episode of the Authentic Advisor, James Mason and Samantha Shaw discuss the evolving landscape of coaching and advisory roles, focusing on how to unlock human potential. They explore the shift from a peak performance mindset to a more balanced approach, emphasizing the importance of understanding individual client needs, establishing trust, and the role of curiosity in effective coaching. Samantha shares insights on tailoring coaching strategies, balancing intuition with data, and addressing common challenges like imposter syndrome. The conversation concludes with practical tips for advisors to enhance their effectiveness in helping clients achieve their goals.
Is Business Advisory the Same as Consulting?
The difference between business advisory and consulting can be summarised as ‘consulting tells, advisory builds’.
Ep. 59 Lessons from Large-Scale Learning Programs With Dan Gabbett, Director, Robertson Scannell
Dan shares his real-world experience leading six-figure programs that combine group workshops, one-on-one coaching, and digital learning. He unpacks what works (and what doesn’t) when trying to engage busy professionals, why starting with time management is critical, and how to tier program intensity to match participants’ capabilities and roles. In this episode of The Authentic Advisor, James Mason speaks with Dan Gabbett, Director at Robertson Scannell, on how to build and run high-impact blended learning programs that transform client teams and drive tangible business outcomes. Perfect for senior accounting partners aiming to scale advisory beyond traditional models and deliver measurable value.
Ep. 58 Offshore Success Playbook: Practical Strategies for Building & Leading Global Offshore Teams with Dave Stonesifer, CEO, Herbein CPAs
Offshoring is no longer just a strategy – it’s a leadership challenge. Establishing a team overseas takes more than logistics and cost calculations; it demands cultural awareness, intentional leadership, and a long-term vision. This episode explores the journey of building an offshore team in the Philippines, why the move was made, the growing pains along the way, and how deep integration became the difference-maker. You’ll hear hard-earned insights on managing remote teams with purpose and ensuring offshore employees feel like full members of the organization, not just extensions of it.