A Guide for Navigating Client Conversations When Markets Are Crazy

Root Ready

#Careers #Business #James Conole, CFP® #James Conole

40:34

We’ve turned intuition into a buzzword—flattened it into a slogan, a gut feeling, or a vague whisper we don’t always know how to hear. But what if intuition is so much more? What if it's one of the most powerful tools we have—and we’ve just forgotten how to use it? In this episode, I’m joined by Hrund Gunnsteinsdóttir , Icelandic thought leader, filmmaker, and author of InnSæi: Icelandic Wisdom for Turbulent Times . Hrund has spent over 20 years studying and teaching the science and art of intuition through her TED Talk, Netflix documentary (InnSæi: The Power of Intuition), and global work on leadership, innovation, and inner knowing. Together, we explore what intuition really is (hint: not woo-woo), how to cultivate it in a culture obsessed with logic and overthinking, and why your ability to listen to yourself might be the most essential skill you can develop. In This Episode, We Cover: ✅ Why we’ve misunderstood intuition—and how to reclaim it ✅ Practical ways to strengthen your intuitive muscle ✅ What Icelandic wisdom teaches us about inner knowing ✅ How to use intuition during uncertainty and decision-making ✅ Why trusting yourself is an act of rebellion (and power) Intuition isn’t magic—it’s a deep, internal guidance system that already exists inside you. The question is: are you listening? Connect with Hrund: Website: www.hrundgunnsteinsdottir.com TedTalk: https://www.ted.com/talks/hrund_gunnsteinsdottir_listen_to_your_intuition_it_can_help_you_navigate_the_future?utm_campaign=tedspread&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=tedcomshare Newsletter: https://hrundgunnsteinsdottir.com/blog/ LI: www.linkedin.com/in/hrundgunnsteinsdottir IG: https://www.instagram.com/hrundgunnsteinsdottir/ Book: InnSæi: Icelandic Wisdom for Turbulent Times Related Podcast Episodes: How To Breathe: Breathwork, Intuition and Flow State with Francesca Sipma | 267 VI4P - Know Who You Are (Chapter 4) Gentleness: Cultivating Compassion for Yourself and Others with Courtney Carver | 282 Share the Love: If you found this episode insightful, please share it with a friend, tag us on social media, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! 🔗 Subscribe & Review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

24 days ago 30:55

MP3•Episode home

In this episode, James Conole, CFP®, shares a powerful framework for navigating emotional client conversations during turbulent markets. Drawing insights from unexpected fields like hostage negotiation, James outlines a five-step approach designed to build trust, acknowledge client concerns, and create space for thoughtful decision-making.

Rather than rushing to provide data or reassurance, James emphasizes the importance of active listening and understanding each client’s unique situation. As he explains, it’s not about being an expert in every market event — it’s about being an expert in your client’s plan and goals.

Tune in to learn how to guide clients through uncertainty with structure, empathy, and confidence — strengthening relationships when it matters most.

Chapters

1. Introduction (00:00:00)

2. Addressing Market Volatility With Clients (00:01:53)

3. Understanding the Hostage Negotiation Framework (00:02:50)

4. Step 1: Framing the Conversation (00:03:45)

5. Step 2: Acknowledging Fears (00:05:14)

6. Step 3: Ask Questions and Listen (00:10:22)

7. Step 4: Responding With Your Perspective (00:18:33)

8. Step 5: Showing The Data (00:24:20)

9. Tactical Tips From Hostage Negotiation (00:25:14)

10. Final Thoughts (00:29:47)

7 episodes

A Guide for Navigating Client Conversations When Markets Are Crazy

Root Ready

published 24 days ago

MP3•Episode home

Tune in to learn how to guide clients through uncertainty with structure, empathy, and confidence — strengthening relationships when it matters most.

Chapters

1. Introduction (00:00:00)

2. Addressing Market Volatility With Clients (00:01:53)

3. Understanding the Hostage Negotiation Framework (00:02:50)

4. Step 1: Framing the Conversation (00:03:45)

5. Step 2: Acknowledging Fears (00:05:14)

6. Step 3: Ask Questions and Listen (00:10:22)

7. Step 4: Responding With Your Perspective (00:18:33)

8. Step 5: Showing The Data (00:24:20)

9. Tactical Tips From Hostage Negotiation (00:25:14)

10. Final Thoughts (00:29:47)

7 episodes

#Careers #Business #James Conole, CFP® #James Conole

All episodes

Root Ready

1
Roth Conversions Done Right: What Great Advisors Know That Software Doesn’t 22:42

10 days ago22:42

22:42

In this episode of Root Ready, James shares how advisors should think about Roth conversions—starting with the basics and not just relying on software. Software can help with numbers, but it can’t see the full picture. James explains why Root advisors use software as a tool, not the final answer. He talks through key things to consider before doing a Roth conversion, like future tax brackets, RMDs, charitable giving, and income thresholds. You’ll also hear why Roth conversions are more like “tax insurance” than a perfect plan. If you want to better understand when—and when not—to recommend Roth conversions, this episode is for you. - Advisory services are offered through Root Financial Partners, LLC, an SEC registered investment adviser. This content is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered personalized investment, tax, or legal advice. We do not provide tax preparation or legal services. Always consult with your CPA or attorney regarding your specific situation. Viewing this video does not create an advisory relationship with Root Financial. We only provide advisory services to clients under a written agreement. Investment strategies discussed may not be suitable for everyone. All investments involve risk, and past performance is not indicative of future results. Any opinions expressed are as of the date of recording and are subject to change. Comments left on this video reflect the views and opinions of the individual commenters and do not necessarily represent the views of Root Financial Partners, LLC. Comments should not be considered a testimonial or endorsement of our services and have not been solicited or compensated. Root does not verify the accuracy of comments and is not responsible for their content.…

Root Ready

1
A Guide for Navigating Client Conversations When Markets Are Crazy 30:55

24 days ago30:55

30:55

When market volatility strikes, emotions often run high. Clients nearing retirement may feel especially vulnerable, and traditional conversations around long-term investing can sometimes miss the mark. In this episode, James Conole, CFP®, shares a powerful framework for navigating emotional client conversations during turbulent markets. Drawing insights from unexpected fields like hostage negotiation, James outlines a five-step approach designed to build trust, acknowledge client concerns, and create space for thoughtful decision-making. Rather than rushing to provide data or reassurance, James emphasizes the importance of active listening and understanding each client’s unique situation. As he explains, it’s not about being an expert in every market event — it’s about being an expert in your client’s plan and goals. Tune in to learn how to guide clients through uncertainty with structure, empathy, and confidence — strengthening relationships when it matters most.…

Root Ready

1
Become a Highly Effective Advisor: Time Management & Productivity Tools 22:50

5 weeks ago22:50

22:50

Struggling to get meaningful work done despite your technical expertise and people skills? You're not alone. Every financial advisor knows the frustration of ending a busy day feeling like nothing important was accomplished. The culprit? It's not your ability – it's how you're managing your time and attention in a world designed to fragment both. In this eye-opening episode, I reveal why your morning routine holds the key to transforming your productivity and effectiveness as an advisor. You'll discover why checking email first thing literally rewires your brain for distraction and turns your day into someone else's to-do list. I share the exact framework we use at Root Financial to ensure daily tasks connect directly to our larger purpose – from our mission and vision down to the three things I prioritize each morning. The most successful advisors understand that effectiveness goes beyond just getting things done; it means doing the right things at the right time. Learn the four simple steps you can implement immediately to reclaim control of your day and accomplish what truly matters. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by notifications or simply want to elevate your impact, this episode provides actionable strategies to ensure your time management becomes your competitive advantage rather than your greatest obstacle. The difference between good advisors and great ones often comes down to this hidden dimension of success.…

Root Ready

1
How to Create Meaningful Conversations When Presenting Portfolio Performance to Clients 27:59

7 weeks ago27:59

27:59

We explore how advisors can effectively present portfolio performance to clients, especially during periods when their investments underperform relative to major market indices like the S&P 500. Through practical examples and a structured approach, we demonstrate how to transform potentially difficult conversations into relationship-strengthening opportunities. • Avoiding common pitfalls like lengthy diversification lectures or ignoring client concerns about underperformance • Framing performance discussions around two key questions: is the discrepancy due to fund issues or asset allocation issues? • Comparing individual funds to appropriate benchmarks rather than broad market indices • Using tangible examples like comparable Vanguard funds to help clients understand proper performance evaluation • Explaining asset allocation strategy in terms of providing optionality and consistency rather than just growth • Leveraging both underperformance and outperformance periods to build trust and prepare clients for market volatility • Conducting "lifeboat drills" during good markets to set expectations for inevitable downturns If you have a question you'd like answered on a future episode, please visit the link in our show notes to submit it.…

Root Ready

1
Your Role as an Advisor Is Not What You Think It Is 12:36

9 weeks ago12:36

12:36

A simple question from my dad years ago completely transformed my approach to financial advising: "What is your role as an advisor to your clients?" After several incorrect guesses, his answer stunned me with its clarity and wisdom - "Your role is to help organize your clients' thinking." This perspective shifted everything. While many of us excel at helping clients understand financial trade-offs, I've come to believe that's actually step two in the process. The first and most crucial step is helping clients organize their thinking strategically before diving into tactical solutions. When someone asks whether they should contribute to a Roth or traditional 401(k), the immediate temptation is to analyze tax brackets and run projections. But what if we're missing bigger questions? Are they saving the right amount? Should retirement even be their priority? Might a brokerage account better serve their early retirement goals? Could funding a business venture yield a higher ROI? The art of advising requires developing sensitivity for when to provide direct answers versus when to elevate the conversation. Sometimes clients genuinely need straightforward tactical guidance, while other times they benefit from being gently guided to more strategic thinking. Our greatest value often comes from helping clients see beyond single-track thinking and illuminating blind spots they didn't know existed - not by telling them what they're missing, but by asking the questions that reveal new possibilities. Have you noticed areas where your clients might benefit from more strategic organization of their thinking? What questions could you ask to help them see their finances from a fresh perspective? Submit your thoughts and questions for future episodes via the link in the show notes - I'd love to address your specific challenges in upcoming Q&A segments. Submit a question here 👉 Root Ready Podcast…

Root Ready

1
Defining the Six Core Standards of Financial Advisor Excellence 25:53

9 weeks ago25:53

25:53

What separates truly exceptional financial advisors from the merely adequate ones? It's not credentials, years of experience, or even what firm they've worked for – it's something more fundamental. In this foundational episode of the Root Ready podcast, we define the six core standards that constitute excellence in financial advising. Drawing from thousands of advisor interactions and assessments, we've distilled what it truly means to be "Root Ready" – our internal benchmark for advisor excellence. A great advisor masters technical competence across all financial domains while making complex concepts simple and accessible. Yet surprisingly, they don't rely on software to make decisions – they understand the deeper "why" behind their recommendations, using technology as a supporting tool rather than a crutch. When discussing retirement spending strategies, for example, the difference between an advisor who can explain the research behind withdrawal rates versus one who simply reports what software outputs is immense. Perhaps most revolutionary is our standard that excellent advisors prioritize life fulfillment over pure financial optimization. Too many advisors encourage clients to delay experiences and joy in the name of maximizing financial metrics. But if all we accomplish is helping clients die wealthy while sacrificing what matters most, we've fundamentally failed as advisors. Great advisors also personalize their guidance rather than delivering cookie-cutter solutions. They maintain intellectual curiosity that drives continuous improvement and, perhaps most importantly, they genuinely love what they do – creating an experience clients actually look forward to rather than a dreaded obligation. Before we dive into specific advisor skills in future episodes, this discussion establishes what we're working toward – not because financial advising is a competition, but because this work is too important to deliver anything less than our absolute best. Submit a question here 👉 Root Ready Podcast…

Root Ready

1
Root Ready Intro Episode: A Podcast for Growth-Minded Financial Advisors 12:44

9 weeks ago12:44