Australian Financial Adviser

The world has changed. The business has changed. Advice in Australia is very different than it once was. As leaders in the sector we know we must adapt. It's right now that your resilience to change is being tested and for many advisers, a crystal ball would be welcome.

Join Jim Stackpool, Sarah Kendell, Michael Harrison, Nicola Beswick, Simon Hoyle and Stephen Prendeville for this SPECIAL series that discusses where we are, where we've come from, and, more importantly, what the future holds for Financial Advisers throughout Australia.

Hosted by Russell Pearson, of the Marketing Report Podcast, each insightful conversation looks at the industry from a different perspective and highlights the opportunities and challenges for you as a Financial Adviser in this country.

Jim Stackpool is one of Australia’s foremost authorities on the topic of Creating Successful Financial Advisory Firms.

Focussed on helping clever people, firms and organisations within the financial advice profession, his mission is to remove financial uncertainty from every Australian. This involves fundamentally redefining the role of financial advice in the lives of Australians from being seen as too expensive, too product-based, full of conflicts of interest, and catering mainly for retirees with superannuation balances.

Not only does Jim speak on a wide variety of trends, results, paradigms, benchmarks surrounding the fast developing advice profession, he also teaches and coaches serial entrepreneurs who share Jim’s enthusiasm for the most prosperous of future times as Australians come to value, respect and significantly demand great financial advice from great financial advisory firms.

Jim Stackpool is one of Australia’s foremost authorities on the topic of Creating Successful Financial Advisory Firms.

Sarah Kendell is the editor of SMSF Adviser, which is the leading source of news, strategy and educational content for professionals working in the SMSF sector.

Sarah joined the Momentum Media team in July 2019 from a previous role as Account Director at financial services PR firm Madden & Assoc, where she managed communications strategy and media relations for brands including Crestone Wealth Management, Perennial Value Management and FASEA.

Sarah has extensive experience in financial services media and communications, having previously edited financial adviser trade title Financial Observer and worked as Account Manager for financial communications consultancy Honner.

Sarah Kendell is the editor of SMSF Adviser, which is the leading source of news, strategy and educational content for professionals working in the SMSF sector.

Michael has extensive experience in banking and insurance.

He has developed no-nonsense, easy to implement strategies for profit improvement processes for business. Specialising in service industries, especially financial services.

Since the establishment of Stategies Plus Concepts Pty Ltd in 1989, Michael Harrison has successfully delivered partnership and alliance solutions, strategic sales advice, and market entry facilitation services to a variety of clients located in Australia and internationally.

Michael is driven by results. His clients have seen their business grow by up to 30% year-on-year when implementing his quality advice. In particular, Michael has worked with professional services businesses, such as bankers, insurance providers, financial services manufacturers and advisers, mortgage brokers and accountants.

Michael is also a Keynote and workshop speaker and Author of Ready, Aim, Sell; How to Turn Questions into Cash; Diamond Selling; Lessons in Leadership; The Mini Guide to Business series

Michael has extensive experience in banking and insurance.

He has developed no-nonsense, easy to implement strategies for profit improvement processes for business. Specialising in service industries, especially financial services.

Michael is also a Keynote and workshop speaker and Author of Ready, Aim, Sell; How to Turn Questions into Cash; Diamond Selling; Lessons in Leadership; The Mini Guide to Business series

Nicola Beswick is a financial adviser, mentor and confidante who empowers people to create a financially certain future free from stress and uncertainty.

While studying science at the University of Otago, Nicola realised that she needed to swap the lab coat for a career that involved more human interaction. She moved into intellectual property law and drew off her science background to become a patent attorney.

When Nicola’s father was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis at the age of 55, Nicola once again re-evaluated her career and the contribution she could make to the greater good. The experience highlighted the importance of financial education and structure so people can plan for the future and its unexpected hurdles. Nicola said goodbye to her legal career to become a financial planner.

In mid-2019 Nicola became involved at an advisor level in the Pro-bono Financial Advice Network (PFAN). PFAN specifically provides advice to individuals who have experienced a health crisis. She was subsequently elected as a Director in late 2019 and then Chair in July 2021. Nicola has prepared and presented several webinars to MS Limited clients.

Nicola Beswick is a financial adviser, mentor and confidante who empowers people to create a financially certain future free from stress and uncertainty.

Simon has 35 years’ experience as a business and finance journalist, covering superannuation, insurance, investment and financial planning.

He joined CoreData in 2018 as head of market insight, bringing an ability to craft simple but compelling narratives from often complex issues, and a passion for higher standards of education, ethics and professionalism in financial planning.

From 2007 to 2017 Simon was editor of Professional Planner magazine, a leading voice in calling for higher standards for financial planners.

He has worked as an investment writer for The Australian and The Sydney Morning Herald; and before that spent 11 years at the Australian Financial Review where he was appointed deputy investment editor and editor of the Smart Money personal finance section.

He was on the team that created and launched Money Management in 1987, after joining BRW and Personal Investment magazines on a cadetship through The Age in Melbourne.

Simon has 35 years’ experience as a business and finance journalist, covering superannuation, insurance, investment and financial planning.

From 2007 to 2017 Simon was editor of Professional Planner magazine, a leading voice in calling for higher standards for financial planners.

He was on the team that created and launched Money Management in 1987, after joining BRW and Personal Investment magazines on a cadetship through The Age in Melbourne.

Founder and Managing Director of Forte Asset Solutions, Forte Licensing Solutions and Forte Consulting Solutions.

Forte’s Asset Solutions core activity is selling financial services businesses. Forte Licensing Solutions assist practices to find the right Dealer group or become self- licenced. Forte Consulting Solutions assists business to grow.

Stephen has enjoyed a successful 30 plus year career in financial services.

Stephen was a Partner in Deloitte and CEO of DFS Financial Services a HNW Advisory Group. After selling DFS Steve created Australia’s first specialist financial services M&A group. Over the last 18 years’ he has facilitated more than 150 Financial Planning business sales in Australia.

Stephen is a member of the International Association of Consultants, Valuators and Analysts.

Founder and Managing Director of Forte Asset Solutions, Forte Licensing Solutions and Forte Consulting Solutions.

Stephen has enjoyed a successful 30 plus year career in financial services.

Stephen is a member of the International Association of Consultants, Valuators and Analysts.

Whether stalking the big stage, going global from his private studio or rocking a comedy club, Brand Strategist, Russell Pearson brings passion, humour and insight to every presentation.

His fun and engaging style has impacted thousands of business people around the world.

Whether keynotes or workshops, Russell brings decades of experience and practical application to every presentation. Powerful observation, captivating storytelling and a strong grasp of online technology enable Russell to connect audiences with the future of business.

For years, Russell has provided strategic advice, presentations and facilitations to Practices, Dealer Groups and Associations across the spectrum of Financial Sectors.

Russell is an award winning founder of the Crimson Fox Creative Studios and has a lifetime of experience in the world of marketing. Russell is also the Past National President of Professional Speakers Australia.

In addition to his professional career, Russell is also co-founder of the Awesome Show Leadership podcast, the Rusty Pearson blacksmithing podcast and is a father of three feisty children that continue to challenge his passion to learn more every day.

Whether stalking the big stage, going global from his private studio or rocking a comedy club, Brand Strategist, Russell Pearson brings passion, humour and insight to every presentation.

His fun and engaging style has impacted thousands of business people around the world.

For years, Russell has provided strategic advice, presentations and facilitations to Practices, Dealer Groups and Associations across the spectrum of Financial Sectors.