The Authentic Advisor

Hosted by Mindshop

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Latest episode

May 2026

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EN-AU

About the show

‘The Authentic Advisor’ interviews are packed with practical ideas, insights, and frank observations on what works (and what does not) when delivering high performance business advisory. Mindshop’s Managing Director, James Mason interviews senior independent and professional service firm business advisors from across the world. Exploring important advisory topics from creating leverage and building capability to marketing advisory services and how to be the best problem solver in the room, this podcast series is a ‘must listen’ for those who want to set themselves apart in a cluttered market.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

May 31, 202631 min

Poor Team Performance is Rising: What's Changed & What to Do About it. With Cameron Geddes, Australia

Why Teams Aren't Performing (And How Advisors Can Actually Help Fix Them).Everyone's busy. But busy isn't the same as effective and right now, most teams are doing a lot of the former while quietly losing grip on the latter.Cameron Geddes has spent close to two decades working inside teams across health, government and corporate organisations. In this episode he gives a frank, no-fluff assessment of what's actually breaking team performance right now, what high-performing leaders are doing differently and how business advisors can support them.The real culprits aren't the ones most leaders focus on. Fatigue and overload are symptoms, not causes. Poor operating cadence, absent leadership and weak alignment are what's actually doing the damage. Cam also draws a sharp distinction between training and learning that every advisor working with leaders needs to hear. Without follow-through and real application, behaviour simply doesn't change, and the gap doesn't close itself.His parting challenge is to stop being the answer to everything. In a world where AI is eroding the value of information and accelerating the value of judgment, the shift from giving answers to asking great questions is the single most important move a leader can make right now.A tight, honest conversation with someone who's seen what works from the inside. Well worth the 30 minutes.Chapters00:00 Why good teams are struggling02:13 Busy but not effective06:05 When leaders go missing10:10 Why alignment breaks down14:15 Training vs learning18:04 The one word: discipline22:09 Stop being the answer

April 30, 202636 min

Beyond Client Advisory Services (CAS). Why Business Advisory Skills Matter More Than Ever. With Dixie McCurley, GA, United States.

Accounting and professional service firms looking to scale client advisory services (CAS) are facing a structural shift. This episode examines what is required to move beyond packaged reporting and into commercially viable advisory.Dixie McCurley draws a clear line between activity and value. Most firms have invested in tools, dashboards and outsourced finance layers. Few have reworked how they think, price or deliver outcomes. The result is under-monetized services, low client engagement with reporting, and advisory positioned as an add-on rather than the core offer.Dixie’s discussion with James Mason reframes CAS as an “office of the CFO” capability focused on enhancing business value with forward-looking decision support, scenario modelling and ongoing measurement of outcomes. When historical reporting is assumed to be automated, the opportunity sits in influencing decisions that move enterprise value.Exploring the evolving landscape of client advisory services (CAS) in professional service firms, this episode emphasizes the importance of advisory skills, technology integration, and strategic transformation to stay relevant and deliver value.Key TopicsThe definition and scope of CAS in modern firmsCritical skills for advisory success including valuation, communication, and pattern recognitionThe impact of AI and technology on advisory servicesStrategies for scaling and monetizing advisory offeringsThe importance of storytelling and facilitation in client relationshipsChapters00:05 What are Client Advisory Services (CAS)?01:14 Dixie McCurley's Journey in CAS02:49 Defining CAS & the CAS Evolution05:12 Challenges & Opportunities07:25 Importance of Insight & Context09:35 Navigating Trends & Client Needs12:12 Real Advisory Work in Practice16:44 Critical Skills for Business Advisors21:56 Real-World Examples of Advisory Packages26:41 Monetizing & Scaling Advisory Services31:38 The Future of High-Performing CAS Practices34:01 Confronting Challenges in Professional Services

March 31, 202627 min

From Elite Sport to Business: Lessons for High Performing Leaders with Neil Tunnah, The Performance Chain, Australia

Drawing on experience from professional rugby coaching and leadership advisory work, Neil Tunnah explores what defines elite leaders: the ability to create clarity under pressure, make decisions quickly, and build genuine connection with the people they lead.Discussing with James Mason the role of self-awareness, reflection, and understanding personal strengths as key drivers of sustained performance. Leaders who consistently improve prioritise decision-making velocity, simplify complexity for their teams, and focus their energy on the activities that move results.The conversation also examines how advisors can play a critical role in leadership development by meeting leaders where they are at, using diagnostics to accurately understand their starting point, and supporting meaningful behaviour change.Practical insights are shared on building habits, balancing intensity versus volume in leadership demands, and creating the emotional connection that inspires teams to perform at a higher level.Key TakeawaysGreat leaders create clarity under pressure.Self-awareness is crucial for performance improvement.Decision-making velocity is essential in today's market.Authenticity in leadership must be genuine.Reflection can lead to significant performance gains.Understanding personal strengths enhances team performance.Intensity versus volume is key for effective leadership.Advisors should meet leaders where they are.Building relationships is vital for leadership success.Creating connection and passion is essential in leadership.Chapters00:00 Introduction to High Performing Leadership01:05 Neil Tunnah's Unique Background03:08 The Essence of Great Leadership05:58 Decision-Making Velocity in Leadership09:06 Self-Awareness and Reflection12:02 Understanding Strengths for High Performance14:54 Intensity vs. Volume18:06 The Role of Advisors21:16 Behavior Change and the Needs-Benefit Model24:06 Creating Connection and Emotional Attachment

February 28, 202626 min

Lessons from My Advisory Journey: The Power of Accountability & Implementation with Kym Arnold, Lincolns, Albany, Western Australia

Business advisory is shifting fast and the firms, coaches & consultants that thrive are the ones who turn strategy into execution.James Mason sits down with Kym Arnold, Senior Manager at Lincoln’s, Western Australia to unpack her journey into advisory and what drives results for clients.From real accountability in implementation to lifting internal team capability, Kym shares practical insights on leading stronger client conversations, building deeper industry expertise, and adapting communication styles to cut through.In a tech-accelerated landscape, tools aren’t the differentiator. Understanding client needs and ensuring strategies are executed is.Key TakeawaysSuccession planning is an ongoing process, not a one-time event.Accountability and implementation are crucial for client success.Clients often struggle with implementation due to busy schedules and discomfort with tasks.Using technology and shared files can enhance client engagement and accountability.Advisors need to focus on future planning and forecasting, not just historical data.Deep industry knowledge is becoming increasingly important for effective advisory.Advisors should tailor their approach to meet individual client needs.Mentorship and collaboration are key to developing advisory skills.Understanding the client's context is essential for providing relevant advice.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Advisory Insights01:08 Kym's Journey in Advisory03:31 The Importance of Accountability in Implementation06:34 Understanding Client Needs and Challenges08:23 Internal Team Development and Planning12:03 Hurdles in Client Implementation15:57 Future Trends in Advisory Services18:56 Building Relevant Skills for Advisors20:51 Key Insights for Technical Experts Moving to Advisory

January 31, 202629 min

High Value Referrals: How Advisors Win the 'Right' Work with Matt Heemstra, Cain Ellsworth & Co. LLP, IA, United States.

In a master class on how to attract high-value referrals Matt Heemstra talks about the importance of clarity, capability, and capacity. He stresses knowing your ideal client, and your ideal self as an advisor to avoid chasing low-value work. Mistakes like assuming old contacts will automatically refer you or failing toask for referrals are common. Success comes from using precise language, sharing concrete examples, and treating referral sources like clients, providing reciprocal value. Matt talks about focusing on a small number of high-potential referrers, nurturing relationships thoughtfully, and following up promptly to build trust. In a nutshell, precision, credibility, and human connection turn referrals into a powerful growth engine.Key Takeaways Identify your ideal self as an advisor. Be clear about the value you bring. Don't compromise on your ideal client profile. Ask for referrals directly and clearly. Demonstrate capability through action, not just words. Manage your capacity to ensure responsiveness. Use specific language to describe your target clients. Nurture relationships with super referrers intentionally. Convert referrals quickly to maintain interest. Provide value to your referrers to strengthen relationships. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Higher Value Referrals 02:13 Matt Heemstra's Journey in Advisory Services 03:45 Understanding Cain Ellsworth's Client Focus 04:51 Identifying Ideal Clients for Referrals 06:33 Common Mistakes in Driving Referrals 12:34 The Importance of Capability and Clarity 15:48 Demonstrating Capacity for New Clients 18:02 Effective Language for Referral Conversations 21:53 Nurturing Super Referrers 24:35 Converting High-Value Referrals 28:42 Key Adjustments for Immediate Impact

December 31, 202526 min

The reset: mitigating burnout as an advisor with Michael Burke, BCAG

With many advisors heading into the new year feeling the impact of burnout, distraction and constant change, James Mason sits down with Mindshop Expert Mike Burke to cut through the noise and unpack what high performers are doing differently.Mike shares his insights on three non-negotiables for advisors right now: staying relevant, protecting energy and maintaining a growth mindset. He highlights the behaviours sabotaging performance, from fixed thinking to poor focus, and explains why disciplined time management, annual resets and “slow advisory” are now critical capabilities.You’ll hear practical tactics for rebuilding clarity, improving client selection, using diagnostics to get to root causes, and designing an advisory model that actually works. A fast, actionable conversation for any advisor looking to reset and lift their performance in the year ahead.Key TakeawaysAnnual reviews help set the stage for the upcoming year.Mindset plays a significant role in an advisor's success.Time management and focus are essential for productivity.The 'Friday Roar' is an effective strategy for weekly reflection.Self-reflection is key to understanding what works and what doesn't.Building mental fitness can help combat burnout.Surrounding yourself with positive influences is important.Setting clear goals and a vision is vital for long-term success.Chapters00:00 Burnout & Change Fatigue03:04 Opportunities in Challenging Markets05:59 Importance of Annual Reviews08:54 Mindset & Behaviours Sabotaging Advisors12:03 Strategies to Maintain Focus & Energy14:58 The Friday Roar: A Weekly Review Process17:59 Practical Interventions for Burnout21:06 Key Strategies for 2026 and Beyond

November 30, 202530 min

Brand Power: How Advisors Attract More Referrals & the Right Clients with Tina Robertson, Pure Bold

Unpacking the pivotal role of branding in helping business advisors attract the right clients and referrals, Tina Robertson joins James Mason to 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.TakeawaysBranding 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.Visibility creates familiarity, which breeds trust.Strong brands lower acquisition costs and increase pricing power.Chapters00:00 The Power of Branding in Business Advisory03:04 Understanding Personal Branding and Trust06:04 Brand as a Trust Multiplier08:51 Strategic Branding Process11:55 Aligning Brand Messaging with Market Needs14:49 Authenticity and Clarity in Branding17:58 Building Emotional Connections through Storytelling21:04 The Importance of Brand Reach24:01 Practical Steps for Branding Success

October 31, 202522 min

An Advisory Growth Journey: Lessons & Case Studies with Renee Bettenay, Director, Harris Black, Australia.

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. Key TakeawaysBuilding a great culture is essential for client-focused advisory services.Separating strategies for accounting and advisory is crucial for clarity.Using advisory language internally helps in building capabilities.Self-mastery is a prerequisite for effective leadership in advisory.Meeting clients where they are is key to successful advisory relationships.Directors must be on board with the firm's advisory strategy.Utilising Mindshop tools internally boosts confidence and effectiveness.Embracing authenticity in advisory practices leads to better client relationships.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Journey of Business Advisory03:02 Building a Culture of Client Focus06:01 Navigating the Advisory Transition08:49 Implementing Advisory Strategies11:58 Developing Advisory Skills Across the Firm15:02 Client Success Stories and Meeting Needs18:03 Practical Actions for Scaling Advisory ServicesContinuous improvement and learning are vitalfor scaling advisory services.

September 30, 202526 min

A CIO's Perspective: Innovation Strategies for Advisory Firms with Abu Bakkar, HLB International

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 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.Takeaways• Innovation is a continuous improvement process.• Standing still isn't an option for organisations.• Innovation should be part of the culture.• Always consult your clients in innovation.• Don't be afraid to try something new.• Innovation is not a special event.• AI is ingrained in what we're starting to do.• We need to redefine roles in advisory services.• Make innovation practical for everyone.• Risk-taking is essential for innovationChapters00:00 Introduction to Innovation in Professional Services02:35 The Continuous Journey of Innovation05:42 Balancing Innovation and Client Relevance07:52 Trends in Innovation: AI and ESG10:05 Implementing Innovation: Strategies and Frameworks12:12 Building a Culture of Innovation15:13 Staying Grounded: External Insights and Trends18:57 The Role of AI in the Future of Advisory24:14 Avoiding Innovation Traps and Embracing Risk

August 31, 202525 min

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.