Tag Archives: Meaningful Connections

#110 – Cultivating Community and Challenging Retirement Myths with Derek Coburn



Thrilled to have interviewed Derek Coburn on the latest episode of the Top Advisor Podcast!

Derek built and sold a thriving financial practice, created the renowned networking community Cadre, and is a bestselling author challenging the conventional views on retirement.

Whether you’re a financial advisor or a growth-minded professional, his journey and perspectives are a must-listen. Here are 3 key takeaways for you:

  1. Curated Networking Beats Cold Outreach:
    Derek found greater success – and deeper relationships – by moving away from mass networking events and instead hosting highly curated, small-group gatherings that create meaningful connections.Tired of large, impersonal networking events? Derek shares how hosting smaller, curated roundtable lunches led to deeper connections and eventually grew into Cadre, a thriving community for entrepreneurs and business leaders
  2. Redefining Retirement:
    Question the traditional model of retirement. The story of Derek’s Dad and his book Let’s Retire Retirement shows that maintaining purpose beyond 65 can not only improve well-being but also offer financial flexibility.Derek challenges traditional thinking about retirement, asking: Should we be steering clients toward a destination they may not truly want?
  3. It’s About Being Present, Not Just Planning:True wealth is about maximizing meaningful moments with family and friends throughout life—not deferring them until “someday.” Don’t underestimate the value of $50,000 moments.Check out this episode for practical ideas on building your network, challenging outdated industry advice, and living life more fully now and later!

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Episode #47 From Bucket Lists to Live It Lists – an Advisor’s path to $1M in Annual Production in 5 Years with Nicole Middendorf, CDFA



From $0 to $1M in annual production in only 5 years sounds impossible, right? Think again.

Successful wealth advisor and certified divorce financial analyst, Nicole Middendorf, CDFA, joins us to share her journey from a troubled marriage to discovering her true purpose and helping others along the way – while building a truly Top Advisor practice. 

To distract from her divorce, she created her Live It List to help her find joy by pursuing meaningful experiences. She now brings her Live It List concept to her clients to help them do the same.

During this lively conversation, Nicole shares her insights about combining financial planning with helping clients achieve their goals and dreams.

Nicole also discusses her decision to go independent and build a team around her, as well as her client acquisition strategies, including hosting events and utilizing LinkedIn.

Bill and Nicole discuss how Nicole: 

  • Transitioned from being a wirehouse advisor to running her own wealth management firm, building her team, and becoming a $1M producer in only 5 years.
  • Uses her Live It List concept to add a comprehensive dimension to financial planning that very few advisors consider. 
  • Uses her Live It List concept as a tremendous referral generator, as well as creating a huge following on social media and in her community.
  • Hosts Live It List events and utilizes LinkedIn to attract and win ideal clients.
  • Leverages TV appearances to boost her client acquisition and overall reputation.
  • …And so much more!

Resources: 

Connect With Bill Cates:

Connect With Nicole Middendorf:

About Nicole Middendorf:

Nicole Middendorf is a knowledge junkie, a mentor, and a born coach. She is an entrepreneur who has run her own business since 2003. Nicole is the author of five books and the mother of two phenomenal children. She is also a world traveler, a philanthropist, and an accomplished public speaker.

As a speaker, Nicole shares a real-life perspective on life and happiness with audiences across the country. Her primary goal is to inspire others to make real changes in their lives by taking complicated things, making them easy to understand, and giving actionable items to make change.

Nicole loves to work hard to empower individuals to make crucial, positive changes in their own lives. Nicole’s books have received local and national press coverage. She has become known for her thoughtful, concise quotes, relaxed on-air presence, and articulate delivery during both radio and television interviews.

The world needs more people—especially women—to be financially savvy, wholly independent, happy, and living a life of balance. Through Nicole’s writing, public speaking, coaching program, and work, she wants to be the one who supports them on all levels.