Elite Achievement

Hosted by Kristin Burke

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188

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Aug 2026

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About the show

Elite Achievement with Kristin Burke You’re a financial advisor. Your calendar is booked with back-to-back client meetings. You have a vision to grow your firm. You’re not sure if you have the right team in place. You’re holding on to work you know you should be delegating. You want to spend more time doing complex planning and working with your best clients, but you’re still trying to deliver for every client in your book. At the end of the day, you’re still the one driving the revenue. Or… You’re leading a team of financial advisors or a firm. You’re responsible for growth, but don’t produce the results yourself. They come through the people you recruit, develop, and retain. And many of them aren’t traditional employees, which means you’re leading as much through influence as you are through expectations and accountability. Your calendar is full, but your time doesn’t always feel well spent. You start the day with a plan, and it quickly shifts as people come to you with questions, challenges, and decisions that need your input. You’re constantly balancing competing priorities. Attracting and bringing in new talent. Launching and developing new financial advisors. Supporting career advisors as they continue to grow. Having difficult conversations when someone isn’t performing. Protecting the culture and keeping everyone aligned to the vision. At the end of the day, you’re still accountable for the results. Different roles. Same challenges. How do you create clarity around your vision and get others aligned to it? How do you focus on the right priorities when everything feels important? How do you develop people and hold a high standard of performance? How do you lead effectively while still driving results? This is the work of Elite Achievement. A leadership and execution podcast for financial advisors and firm leaders who are building and scaling a firm and being challenged to lead at a higher level as success becomes less about your individual effort and more about how you lead. Kristin Burke brings over 20 years of industry experience and works closely with financial advisors and firm leaders as they build firms, develop people, and navigate the challenges that come with growth. Elite Achievement is about setting a bold vision, executing consistently, and becoming the kind of leader capable of building a legacy.

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August 20, 20268 min

Elite Insights - The Power of Great Questions

Today we step back from “questions as coaching” and treat great questions as one of the most powerful leadership tools we have for clarity, growth, and firm building. We share practical questions we use for weekly and quarterly reflection, plus simple ways to coach, recruit, and plan without jumping straight to answers. Key topics discussed in this episode: • Using questions to lead ourselves through weekly wins, lessons, and priorities • Running a quarterly review with on track vs off track and the key “why” • Identifying what is no longer serving us, from beliefs to habits • Asking better questions in recruiting, client work, and difficult conversations • Scaling decision-making by creating group discussions and clearer planning day agendas Follow Elite Achievement for more conversations on leadership and high-level execution. About Kristin Burke Kristin 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 Kristin If 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: Website Connect on LinkedIn LinkedIn

August 13, 202638 min

How Elite Financial Advisors Build Trust Through Listening with John Gatewood

Today we talk with John Gatewood about why elite financial advisors win through listening, not knowledge, and how real connection is what motivates clients to act. We break down practical language, coaching habits, and preparation routines that help advisors and firm leaders build trust, clarity, and conviction. Key topics discussed in this episode: • Advisor training crisis driven by high attrition and looming retirements • Communication skills as the true differentiator in wealth management • Data-backed perception gap between how advisors think they listen and how they actually show up • Being interested versus being interesting to deepen trust fast • Empathy and clarification to reach the root issue behind client goals Follow Elite Achievement for more conversations on leadership and high-level execution. About John John Gatewood, CFP®, CLU®, is the founder and Director of Advisor Development at Gatewood Wealth Solutions and author of The Listening Advisor: Winning Loyal Clients Through Authentic Human Connection . During his 45-year career as a financial advisor, John was recognized on Barron’s list of the top 1,200 advisors and earned Top Ten standing at LPL Financial and Forum honors at Northwestern Mutual. After selling his practice in 2021, he shifted his focus to helping advisors master the communication skills that build lasting client relationships. Connect with John Website LinkedIn The Listening Advisor – Building Client Loyalty through Authentic Human Connection About Kristin Burke Kristin 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 Kristin If 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: Website Connect on LinkedIn LinkedIn

August 6, 20266 min

Elite Insights - The Hidden Work Of Great Leaders

Today we unpack the hidden work that drives real leadership results, even when nobody sees it. We share how we protect preparation, think time, and mindset work so our firms run better as they grow. Key topics discussed in this episode: • Why outcomes get credit while the setup stays invisible • Protecting preparation time to run better leadership meetings • creating think time that starts with specific prompts and decisions • Using coaching as a thought partner for clearer execution • The leadership shift from doing tasks to creating conditions for success Follow Elite Achievement for more conversations on leadership and high-level execution. About Kristin Burke Kristin 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 Kristin If 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: Website Connect on LinkedIn LinkedIn

July 30, 202639 min

How Authentic Leadership Scales A Financial Advisory Firm with Dustin Corrente

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 change Follow Elite Achievement for more conversations on leadership and high-level execution. About Dustin Dustin 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 Dustin Website Connect on LinkedIn LinkedIn About Kristin Burke Kristin 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 Kristin If 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: Website Connect on LinkedIn LinkedIn

July 23, 202630 min

Scaling Without Losing Culture with Mary Becker

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 experience Follow Elite Achievement for more conversations on leadership and high-level execution. About Mary Mary 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 Mary LinkedIn Website About Kristin Burke Kristin 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 Kristin If 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: Website Connect on LinkedIn LinkedIn

July 16, 202613 min

Elite Insights - Are You Waiting Too Long to Develop Future Leaders?

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 place Follow Elite Achievement for more conversations on leadership and high-level execution. About Kristin Burke Kristin 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 Kristin If 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: Website Connect on LinkedIn LinkedIn

July 9, 202639 min

How To Build A Real Path To Ownership with Luke Madsen

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 normal Follow Elite Achievement for more conversations on leadership and high-level execution. About Luke Luke 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 Luke LinkedIn About Kristin Burke Kristin 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 Kristin If 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: Website Connect on LinkedIn LinkedIn

July 2, 20264 min

Elite Insights - Working on the Business When You're Busy Running It

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 Burke Kristin 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 Kristin If 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: Website Connect on LinkedIn LinkedIn

June 25, 202643 min

How Socium Scaled To Nearly $5B Through Planning with Scott Underwood

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 performance Follow Elite Achievement for more conversations on leadership and high-level execution. About Scott Scott 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 Scott LinkedIn Instagram Website About Kristin Burke Kristin 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 Kristin If 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: Website Connect on LinkedIn LinkedIn

June 18, 20267 min

Elite Insights - Why Execution Breaks Down

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 Burke Kristin 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 Kristin If 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: Website Connect on LinkedIn LinkedIn