Day In A Canoe Podcast

In this episode, Nathan and Marcus discuss: The importance of media presence Winning at what you want Building your dream, career, or business Importance of accountability in keeping your word   Key Takeaways: Video is becoming more and more important. Think about how your authentic identity can appear in public and social media. Win at something that energizes you. Struggle will happen, so it’s better to struggle and move in a direction you want to go towards. When building your dream, build it brick by brick, focus on the day to day. Be a person of your word and always give value to people. Surround yourself with people that can get things done. When you fall short of keeping your word, own it, communicate with the person that trusted you. Be there to take responsibility for what happened and be honest.   "Keeping your word is probably just as important, you need people to trust you, trust your word and it means something to a lot of people. Those who have the ability to influence what you’re doing need

In this episode, Nathan and Vinay discuss: Being ready when opportunity unfolds The trap of setting conditions for your happiness Minimizing regrets in life Avoiding the burden of expectation   Key Takeaways: Some people say that life is all about drive, setting goals, and attaining success but in life, opportunity can lead to doing something you didn’t plan for but end up enjoying anyway. Don’t fall into the trap of “I won’t be happy unless I get ____”. Putting conditions for your own happiness will only set you up for disappointment, discontentment, and unhappiness. Minimize your regrets in life. Don’t be stuck trying to live a life that others want you to live.  Don’t let yourself be burdened by expectations, either from others or yourself. Carve your own path and live your own life the way you want to.   "It’s healthy to have a goal, but it’s just a guide - it’s not an end-all-be-all… if you try something new and it doesn’t work but you learn something in the process, that in itself is fulfilling. " —

Doug Speight: Leaving a Legacy In this episode, Nathan and Doug discuss: How entrepreneurship takes curiosity Leaving a legacy Approaching each day with humility Taking care of our ecosystem   Key Takeaways: Entrepreneurship takes a certain degree of curiosity - a love for learning new things and making new solutions for unaddressed problems. At some point, everyone’s has to think about what legacy they’ll leave behind. How will you like to leave this earth better than you found it? Approach each day with humility. You don’t know everything, so keep your mind open to the new ideas of experts and innovators in your field. Your company does not exists in a void, there’s a whole ecosystem that it relies on it. It’s not somebody else’s responsibility to take care of this ecosystem, but the responsibility of every member in it, including you. "A brilliant statement that stuck with me for my entire career: go where they, the competition, aren’t." — Doug Speight   About Doug Speight: He is a tech startup foun

In this episode, Nathan and Tom Graney discuss:   Aligning life plans and investment plans Importance of focusing on client needs Why listening is so important Learning from your clients     Key Takeaways:   The most important thing we could do is to help people identify their life goals and objectives and match those goals with their investment plans. Always consider the client’s comfort level with various strategies. For example, you can explore ways to plan for a family’s financial needs while at the same time meeting philanthropic goals. Listen and ask questions, avoid assuming or dictating without understanding their entire situation or learning about their investing philosophy. Look forward to learning from your clients. Approach each meeting with curiosity and humility, while also giving them sound ideas and providing tools that will help them succeed.     "The biggest mistake that’s made in our industry is that we tell… we don’t listen enough." — Tom Graney   About Tom Graney: He is a

In this episode, Nathan and Jack Uldrich discuss: How to be a futurist? The challenge of unlearning Trends to keep an eye on Importance of being aware of risks   Key Takeaways: Anyone can be a futurist, different people can take different paths into becoming one as long as you are curious about the future, are concerned about the world making it to the best possible outcomes, and are committed enough to your ideas that you’re willing to take action.  People can understand what is coming next, what they have a really hard time doing is letting go of what they have always known. Unlearning takes humility, curiosity and a willingness to not only ask questions but to get better at asking better questions.  Here are some trends to keep an eye on: cryptocurrency, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, satellite technology, the internet of things, and 3D printing robotics. And one of the most fascinating thing about all this is that it’s not going to be just one technology that transforms the world, it’s goi

In this episode, Nathan and Jennifer discuss: The demand for mental health services De-stigmatizing conversations around mental health Contributions of women in leadership What makes Lightfully Behavioral Health unique   Key Takeaways: The arrival of the pandemic exacerbated existing mental health issues in many people. The demand for mental health services has significantly increased. To de-stigmatize conversations about mental health, try to gradually practice vulnerability and openness with your loved ones. Cultivating a nurturing, highly collaborative and highly communicative environment in the workplace is the optimal for people in mental health care profession. Bring solutions that work based on evidence. Demonstrate efficacy of treatment through data, show how someone improves through treatment. "Be open, make that connection with your loved one. Do your best to be vulnerable." — Jennifer Steiner   About Jennifer Steiner: As Chief Executive Officer of Lightfully Behavioral Health, Jennifer is res

In this episode, Nathan and Jeffrey Kleintop discuss: How Jeff develops and maintains his knowledge base Communication learnings Developing a global perspective Maintaining a sense of discovery each day   Key Takeaways: Utilize technology to keep a pulse on world events and to keep collaboration with other people going.  Focus on the audience, getting asked questions is a good indicator that they are completely engaged in the topic. Use imagery and compact your sentences with long pauses in between to help your audience catch up and digest what you’re saying.   Recognize opportunities that show themselves, don’t think about what could go wrong but what could go right - it may very well be the right step towards your own growth.  Be motivated by a sense of discovery, cultivate a deep sense of curiosity about the world and about people.     “Don’t be afraid of making mistakes, try not to minimize risks - take smart risks and don’t be afraid of the occasional setback." —  Jeffrey Kleintop   About Jeff Kleint

In this episode, Nate and Brian Gast discuss: Why people don’t find fulfilment when they are living in success Learning from failures and blowups  Taking an honest inventory Seeing the deeper need    Key Takeaways: Happiness and fulfillment is an inside job. You can’t buy your way into it, it’s not something that has to happen externally, fulfilment is cultivated within.  As you grow older, you stop learning from success and start learning more from failure. For some people, it takes a few blowups to realize their blindspots. Are you going to wait for that blowup before you sit down with someone and figure out yours?  Take an honest inventory of what really is going on. Try it yourself, but if you have someone you can trust who will tell you your blindspots with brutal honesty, even better.  Success, money and fame are not often what people really want when they say they want them, but there’s a deeper need behind each that has to be fulfilled in order for the person to feel truly happy.    "Humans actual

In this episode, Nathan and Antony Davies discuss:   How to create change from an economic perspective.  Sustainable incentives. Debts and government involvement in debt. The motivation behind writing his upcoming book, Cooperation and Coercion        Key Takeaways:   −The fundamentals of economics boils down to two things; all things have a trade-off and all people respond to incentives.   -The money the government spends without increasing the taxes will be taxed to unborn generations who will have to pay that debt despite having a say in this inherited debt.   −It is the government failing to do its job that is causing the short-term incentive problem, including the impact on the environment from companies.   −The biggest myth is that the government owes $23 trillion. The debt is much greater. That $23 trillion is just the federal government.       “The largest problem with the debt is that politicians have figured out a way to tax people who can't vote. And that's effectively what debt is." — Antony Dav

In this episode, Nathan and Julie Faupel discuss:  Julie is the owner of Jackson Hole Real Estate and the newly launched REALM, a Real Estate tech company.   Decision making around risk taking.  Her recipe for success rooted around mindset.  Connection and authenticity with people on your journey.     Key Takeaways:  There is always a balance in risk taking. Have a healthy perspective on your life and your support makes it easier to charge head long into a risky situation.  Don’t be afraid of hard work – it might be scary or difficult, but good things will come.  Develop compassion for people in their journeys as they are now.  Fear is what keeps us small.      "The more you bring your most authentic self to the table, the better results you get from other people, the more honest the communications are, the higher you can actually achieve." — Julie Faupel       Connect with Nathan Mersereau:    Phone: 248-645-1520 Website: www.dayinacanoe.com Email: nathan.mersereau@planningalt.com Twitter: @NathanMers

In this episode, Nathan and Dakin Sloss discuss: Dakin’s professional journey. Breakthrough scientific startups. How the human experience will change with technology.   Key Takeaways: AI will have a dramatic effect on our lives. Valuable companies are created with valuable people. Don’t wait to take action when a decision is available. Diligence with communication is a key priority for success. The #1 ingredient in building your team is hunger within the individual.     “Success leaves clues. I have tracked those clues and tried to do what other, more successful people than me have done to follow in their footsteps.“- Dakin Sloss        Connect with Dakin Sloss: Twitter: @DakinSloss Website: PrimeMoversLab.com & DakinSloss.com LinkedIn: Dakin Sloss   Connect with Nathan Mersereau:    Phone: 248-645-1520 Website: www.dayinacanoe.com Email: nathan.mersereau@planningalt.com Twitter: @NathanMersereau LinkedIn: Nathan Mersereau Address: 36800 Woodward Avenue, Suite 200 Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304  

In this episode, Nathan and Sara Vladic discuss:  Sara’s role as the storyteller for USS Indianapolis   The story of USS Indianapolis.  What Sara has learned over the 17-year-long project.  The legacy of the USS Indianapolis.        Key Takeaways:  A perfect storm of miscommunication occurred in the disaster of the USS Indianapolis sinking on July 30, 1945.  Only 316 survived from the original 1,196 crew on board.  The legacy of the Indianapolis story is to recognize the significance of what our veterans choose to do for us and how they fought to provide the freedoms which we now enjoy.        "Not all of us are meant to serve, but we can certainly serve those who did and we should never forget that." — Sara Vladic        Connect with Sara Vladic:     Twitter: @SurfinSara  Book: Indianapolis: The True Story of the Worst Sea Disaster in U.S. Naval History and the Fifty-Year Fight to Exonerate an Innocent Man        Connect with Nathan Mersereau:      Phone: 248-645-1520  Website: www.dayinacanoe.com  Emai

Rob Follows: Founder and CEO of STS Capital Partners   In this episode, Nathan and Rob Follows discuss: The STS Capital Partners value proposition.  Issues business owners should consider before selling. Philanthropy and creating legacy. Setting big goals to inspire your heart and mind.      Key Takeaways: It’s not what you think you’re worth as a seller, it’s what the buyer sees doing with your firm that matters most. Doing your homework in advance of a sale can lead to a significant increase in selling price. You don’t need a magical DNA mix to accomplish things in life, anyone can accomplish big goals with reflection, planning, and execution. Find a way to accomplish your goals. You don’t have to rush them, you just have to do them.     "You’ve got to set big goals, ones that you love and inspire you. Anyone can do that; it does take being brave." — Rob Follows     Connect with Rob Follows: Rob Follows, Founding Chairman & CEO 4 Robert Speck Pkwy Mississauga, ON L4Z

In this episode, Nathan and Jennifer Crute Steiner discuss: Alsana, an eating disorder recovery provider in California, Alabama, and Missouri. Jennifer’s career path and personal motivation to destigmatize mental health. How Jennifer uses Enneagram in her organization. Leading people through change, conflict and self-discovery.     Key Takeaways: Many people struggle with mental health issues but options for care and support are available. Enneagram is a tool to help you understand what you are innately good at and how you see the world. Awareness of personality types can improve empathy and communication. Shadow personality types show up during stress. Empathy and understanding is critical during change management and conflict.     “Once we really understand how differently folks see the world, it shifts the way we show up for them.” — Jennifer Crute Steiner       Connect with Jennifer Crute Steiner:   Alsana - From the Latin roots meaning “all” or “total health” Email – Jennifer.Steiner@alsana.com

In this episode, Nathan and Bill Emerson discuss: Bill’s upbringing, college days at Penn State and lessons learned from his father. How team sports shapes people. Bill’s journey from loan officer to CEO of Quicken Loans. Leadership insight, the importance of serving others and what motivates Bill today.         Key Takeaways: You don’t have to be the most talented, you just have to work harder than everyone else.   Effort, energy, and sacrifice is required if you want to be great. Everything starts with the people on your team and your relationships with them. Focus on removing obstacles for the people you are leading. Give in any capacity you can because it is the right thing to do.       "When you take team members and empower them to be part of the solution, you can do anything." — Bill Emerson     Connect with Bill Emerson: Bill Emerson, Vice Chairman Quicken Loans & Rock Holdings, Inc. 1050 Woodward Ave. Detroit, MI 48226 800 863-4332   Twitter – @BillEmerson Quicken Loans website - ww

In this episode, Nathan and Kim Laughton discuss: Kim’s role at Schwab Charitable How donor-advised funds work Charitable giving trends Kim’s career track and what fuels her mission to increase giving at Schwab Charitable Advice Kim would give to her 20-year-old self.   Key Takeaways: Every dollar matters and everyone can make an impact by giving to charity. Start giving early in life, even if it is volunteer time rather than money. You can have it all, but not necessarily all at the same time. Figure out what you want in life, be patient and don’t compromise. Embrace optimistic realism – look forward to the future, but be grounded in your present.   "It’s the marrying of the heart and the mind, when it comes to giving, that can make it the most satisfying." — Kim Laughton   Connect with Kim Laughton: Kim Laughton, President Schwab Charitable 211 Main Street San Francisco, CA 94105 Email – Kim.Laughton@schwabcharitable.org Company Website – www.schwabcharitable.org   Connect with Nathan Mersereau: Phone:

In this episode, Nathan and Liz Hwang discuss: How Liz learned entrepreneurship from a young age while watching her parents. Liz’s passion for helping entrepreneurial women. The power of conversation and mentorship. Advice Liz would give her 20-year-old self.   Key Takeaways: You have to be quick to adapt to the changing environments in the business world. Put your family first, but don’t forget about the importance of your business. The quality of connection, not the quantity, is what is important in all of your relationships. Have an understanding of your consumer to better develop your brand.     "Entrepreneurship has a way to make a better world for everyone in it." — Liz Hwang   Connect with Liz Hwang:   Facebook:  www.facebook.com/Modern-Essentials-512755192549097/ Website:  www.jacksonbags.com & www.modernessentialsdesign.com Email:  liz.hwang@jacksonbags.com LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/in/lizzehwang/    Connect with Nathan Mersereau: Phone: 248-645-1520 Website: www.dayinacanoe.com Email: nat

In this episode, Nathan, Greg Friedman, and Shaun Kapusinski discuss: How Greg and Shaun came together to write The Financial Advisor M & A Guidebook. What drives a firm to consider M & A. How M & A can fuel growth plus facilitate succession planning. How people and culture define success.   Key Takeaways: Technology integration is critical in any M&A transaction. Don’t underestimate the need for frequent communication and ongoing recognition during and after a M & A transaction.  Invest the time up front to clarify roles, define transition steps and set expectations. Be prepared for the unexpected.   "M&A (mergers and acquisitions) is a pathway and opportunity for growth and succession planning." — Greg Friedman   Book: The Financial Advisor M&A Guidebook: Best Practices, Tools, and Resources for Technology Integration and Beyond by Greg Friedman and Shaun Kapusinski Connect with Greg Friedman: Greg Friedman, Founder, CEO and President Private Ocean 100 Smith Ranch Road, Suite

In this episode, Nathan and Kathy Laurinaitis discuss:  Balancing being mother of Nikki and Brie on the Total Bellas TV show and Managing Partner of JBN & Associates.  Kathy's career path and milestones.  What it’s like for Kathy to have her life showcased on a reality TV show.  Advice Kathy would give to a 20-year-old self.      Key Takeaways:  We learn through the challenges that are thrown at us.  Let go and don’t worry about being judged.  Allow yourself to feel pain and reflect. Understand that bad days are part of the process and there is always light at the end of the tunnel.  Take care of yourself – health is first – and enjoy the ride.       "Surround yourself with the right people." — Kathy Laurinaitis      Connect with Kathy Laurinaitis:   Kathy Colace Laurinaitis, Managing Partner & Founder  JBN & Associates, LLC  11111 North Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, AZ  85254  Twitter – @KathyColace  Personal LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/kathycolace/  Company Website

In this episode, Nathan and De Lacy Davis discuss:           The importance of teaching young people financial literacy.             How becoming a police officer inspired De Lacy to give back to his community.           The importance of mentorship and building the next generation.           The signs of a great leader.     Key Takeaways:           There is a hunger and need for children in poverty to access financial literacy tools and resources.              The goal of servant leadership is to serve.           Judge yourself by the leaders you helped create.           Ask yourself, “What is my purpose? Am I fulfilling my purpose? What is my most recent evidence?”   "It gets me excited to see the impact of the lives I’ve touched." — De Lacy Davis     Connect with De Lacy Davis:   Twitter: @delacydavis       Website: familyorgdirectory.fmhi.usf.edu Blog: delacydavis.blogspot.com   Connect with Nathan Mersereau:     Phone: 248-645-1520 Website: www.dayinacanoe.com Email: nathan.mersereau@planningalt.com