Crushing It.: Recent Episodes
Jim Mellin, Chief Sales Officer, Equitable Advisors
Ever wonder how others have found success? How they manage to keep it all together? Dive in as Chief Sales Officer, Jim Mellin, hosts a variety of leaders from across the financial services industry for candid and insightful conversations on finding success in multiple areas of life, career, mental well-being, physical health and simply put - Crushing It.
Equitable is currently the brand name of Equitable Holdings, Inc. and its family of companies, including Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company (Equitable) (NY, NY), Equitable Advisors, LLC (member FINRA, SIPC), and Equitable Network, LLC (Equitable Network Insurance Agency of California, LLC; Equitable Network Insurance Agency of Utah, LLC; Equitable Network of Puerto Rico, Inc.). You should seek advice based on your particular circumstances from your own professional advisors. Equal Opportunity Employer. M/F/D/V. Retirement Benefits Group (RBG) is a specialized division of Equitable Advisors. CFP® and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ are certification marks owned by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. These marks are awarded to individuals who successfully complete the CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements. GE- 4673540.1(4/22)(Exp.4/24)
What does does it mean to be a Financial Professional? It may be different than you think! Shannon Maguire sits down with Jim and shares why women are uniquely positioned for this profession on this episode of Crushing it.
Fostering professional development, spreading cultural awareness and promoting financial literacy is at the top of Omar Perine & Kristen Smith's minds as co-chairs of The Black Leadership Network here at Equitable. Omar & Kristen sit down with Jim to discuss the amazing impact that this employee resource group has had.
Make all major decisions before lunch. Why? Regional Honor Advisor, Andrew Flores joins Crushing It to share some lessons just like this and how they can improve your day! GE-5870709.1(8/23)(Exp.8/25)
Bruce Weinstein joins Crushing It in another National Leaders Forum special. With over 51 years in the business, Bruce shares the wisdom he's gained. GE-5809052.1(7/23)(Exp.7/25)
In a special episode of Crushing It, Jim shares a session from the National Leaders Forum meeting. Fireside chat style, Kyle Schiffler shares how a study group took his business to the next level. GE-5808875.1 (7/23)(Ep.7/25)
How do you connect with your community to make a true impact? How can you become a force for good? Jim sits down with Head of Social Impact & Equitable Foundation, Jarian Kerekes to learn more. GE- 5776895.1(6/23)(Exp.6/25)
Phil Kim joins the podcast this week to share his journey as a financial professional. This Regional Honors Associate is a true master of the s-curve, are you ready to learn how? GE-5756567.1(6/23)(Exp.6/25)
Jessica Baehr has been a part of many different parts of Equitable giving her a unique view of the company. She sits down to discuss what she learned and how these lessens sharpened her skills. GE-4847553.1(10/22)(Exp.10/24).
Phil Fiore sits down with Jim to discuss the reality of reaching his goals and finding joy when times get tough. He focuses on “the why” and how it drove him to crush it. GE-4847792.1(9/22)(Exp.9/24).
District Manager, Jazmin Williams discusses how she grew her practice by building trust with her clients. Explaining how this care for people and relationships lead her to a career in leadership. GE-4847533.1(9/22)(Exp.9/24).
District Manager, Jazmin Williams discusses how she grew her practice by building trust with her clients. Explaining how this care for people and relationships lead her to a career in leadership. GE-4847533.1(9/22)(Exp.9/24).
Hall of Fame EVP, Tim Mackie, joins this week’s episode of Crushing It to discuss what led him to such a long and prosperous career in leadership. GE-4919493.1(8/22)(Exp.8/24)
Hall of Fame EVP, Tim Mackie, joins this week’s episode of Crushing It to discuss what led him to such a long and prosperous career in leadership. GE-4919493.1(8/22)(Exp.8/24)
This week, Jim sits down with Hector Martinez to understand the importance of defining the “wins” in life. Defining what those qualitative factors are will help you crush it too! GE-4847527.1 (7/22) (Exp.7/24)
Chief Legal Officer, Jose Gonzalez joins the discussion this week to talk about his experience joining Equitable. He takes time to discuss what makes Equitable distinct from the rest. GE-4847575.1(7/22)(Exp.7/24)
Focusing on each piece of the puzzle to ensure the company functions at peak performance; Armand Alaverdian discusses with Jim what sets Equitable apart. GE-4843745.1(7/22)(Exp.7/24)
Bernadette Mitchell discusses her start in the industry and her connection to the RBG. Listen to this week’s episode to find out what few major elements led to the RBG’s success. GE-4804957.1(6/22)(Exp.6/24).
Beginning in the Gold Mentor program, Erica Sylvia shares how she started in the business and her career path to becoming the National Chair of the NAF. GE-4722506.1(5/22)(Exp.5/24)
Andrew Flores’ passion for helping others runs thick. Learn how this passion has driven him to succeed throughout his career. GE-4804402.1(6/22)(Exp.6/24)
Paulina Vakouros has touched every product line and has a knack for translating the complex to simple. GE-4721670.1(5/22)(Exp.5/24)
Activity was key for Mitchell Pearson as he started in the business, but creating a partnership made work a bit more fun—and ultimately productive. GE-4721550.1(5/22)(Exp.5/24)
While working in an accounting firm, Amos Akinyooye met someone who changed the trajectory of his life. Now a top SVP, he shares with Jim his journey and the influence of the people who have shaped him. GE-4721133.1(5/22)(Exp.5/24)
Julian Fensterheim has been building a dynasty—creating an intersection of meaning, capability and relationships. GE-4721446.1(5/22)(Exp.5/24)
As an inaugural recipient of the Athena award, Charles Larkam shares his mindset and what he’s found to be the foundation of Client relationships. GE-4675684.1(4/22)(Exp.4/24)
From receptionist to the Branch Controls Manager in Cleveland, Hannah Uveges shares her passion for helping the community around her and what it was like when she found out she was the winner of the inaugural Athena Award. GE-4675868.1(4/22)(Exp.4/24)
Elzie Ross’s enthusiasm is palpable, and his story highlights the influence of key friendships and how our business can provide tremendous opportunities for impact. GE-3665438(11/21)(Exp.11/23)
What gets Jim jazzed up? Discussions like this one with Karl Fisher who is pushing himself both personally and professionally to achieve compelling goals. GE-3892299.1(11/21)(Exp.11/23)
Clay Janson reflects with Jim on his journey from retail business owner to joining his father as a National Honor Agent. GE-3892129.1(11/21)(Exp.11/23)
Starting in the business 4 months apart, Jim and Scott Prechtel have shared experiences in getting started in the business, the importance of belief and the ability to last. GE-3735911.1(9/21)(Exp.9/23)
Molly Ward connects with Jim on how sometimes unexpected events can change the trajectory of your career –and your life. GE-3734925.1(9/21)(Exp.9/23)
Regional Honor Advisor, Michelle Mast, reflects on her 34-year career and her earliest days in the business. What advice would she give a new agent? Turns out, it’s the same she’s giving her daughter as she comes into the business. GE-3742938.1(9/21)(Exp.9/23)
Last year was a crazy year, but what did 2020 bring for Gerald Grant III? An opportunity to deepen relationships and focus on the fundamentals. GE-3734604(9/21)(Exp.9/23)
Over a 46 year career, Rob Redwine has worked with legends and learned the importance of keeping the big picture in mind and staying focused on balance, discipline and gratitude. GE-3665575(7/21)(Exp.7/23)
From Jeff Hurd’s unique perspective, Covid showcased the remarkable level of care Equitable employees have for each other and opened opportunities to rethink the traditional workspace. GE-3665208(7/21)(Exp.7/23)
Jan Williams shares his story, the importance of belief and his new drive to create more wealth for African Americans. GE-3665053(7/21)(Ep.7/23)
Drew Houston, head of Financial Planning and Investment Sales, chats with Jim about the impact to our business and the process-driven themes where he’s seeing advisors win. Fee based and non-fee based financial planning is offered by financial professionals who are investment advisor representatives of Equitable Advisors, LLC, a registered investment advisor. GE-3586928(5/21)(Exp.5/23)
Mid-pandemic, Amy Schlager moved cross-county and chose to lean into the resistance with the understanding that we were built to do difficult things. GE-3594033(5/21)(Exp.5/23)
Jim Crimmins dives into how the past year has brought opportunities to connect with clients and ultimately to learn and innovate. GE-3594308(5/21)(Exp.5/23)
Jim sits down with Bill Galvin to discuss the importance of setting goals for 5-10 years out and focusing on making clients deliriously happy. GE-3597413(5/21)(Exp.5/23)
2020 was a winning year for Anthony Italiano who saw a 100% increase in his business. How? The culmination of hard work, bringing value and looking for opportunities. GE-3543365(4/21)(Exp.4/23)
A sharpshooter and 15-year life insurance enthusiast, Sam Curtin unpacks how she had her best year ever in 2020 and is taking the time to “be where your feet are.” GE-3543272(4/21)(Exp.4/23)
David Veale unpacks how 2020 helped shape the outlook of how we move forward, and the lessons learned from a difficult year. GE-3542735(4/21)(Exp.4/23)
In a tumultuous year, Cynthia Bodison had a mindset shift that helped shape her perspective on opportunities and blessings. GE-3542678(4/21)(Exp.4/23)
Sarah Ogle had a busy year between making the move to Austin, being promoted to EVP and leading through the pandemic. She talks with Jim about mindset and getting to define what our future looks like. GE-3485539(3/21)(Exp.3/23)
As the Chair of the NAF, Matt Gast describes ‘standing on the shoulders of giants,’ how he’s adjusted to a post-Covid world and is focusing on advisor efficiency. GE-3443917(2/21)(Exp./2/23)
In 1968, John Krahnert started with Equitable and began the cascade of impact on countless careers. GE-3486339(3/21)(Exp.3/23)
Through 36 years in the business, and with 36 consecutive NLCs under his belt, Brian Sharkey has mastered how to get in the “show me” position. GE-3486353(3/21)(Exp.3/23).
Lou Nuchereno is accustomed to winning, but 2020 brought a new challenge for his team in the Empire. Wrapping up the series on 2020 wins, Lou shares his mindset and how he’s built a winning culture. GE-3427952(2/21)(Exp.2/23)
Kelly DeMay had her best year ever in 2020. Amid all the challenges of embracing technology and the emotional highs and lows, she gained the confidence to set her goals even higher in 2021. For purposes of this discussion, "advisor" is used as a general term to describe insurance/annuity, investment sales, and advisory professionals who may hold licensing as insurance agents, registrations with broker-dealers, and registrations as investment advisory representatives (IAR) of registered investment advisors, respectively. "Advisor" in this context is not intended to necessarily refer to IAR offered fee-based financial advisory/planning services. GE-3440789(2/21)(Exp.2/23)
Newly-appointed SVP, Loren Lo, made huge adjustments in 2020 when the RBG model of meeting face-to-face with teachers was no longer an option. GE-3433104(2/21)(Exp.2/23)
Next up, in a four-part series on 2020 wins, Richard Allen shares how this year has allowed him to get closer to his clients and put himself on the other side of the table. GE-3427947(2/21)(Exp.2/23)
In the last of a four-part series on reflections, Brandy Mickens shares how going digital has emphasized the importance of intentionality and focusing on opportunities. GE-3394805(1/21)(Exp.1/23)
Stephen Dunbar is a huge proponent of pushing yourself forward. In this reflection, he discusses a recent 50-miler with his son, levels of generosity and motivation. GE-3393871(1/21)(Exp.1/23)
Through his consistent emails, Jason Dummert has been coaching advisors across the country for years. In reflecting on 2020, he shares how working remotely has stretched him to manage his time differently. GE-3393758(1/21)(Exp.1/23)
First up, in a four-part series on 2020 reflections, Sarah Vita shares the challenge to get more creative and what she’s learned about preparation and practice. GE-3393684(1/21)(Exp.1/23)
As we near year-end, Mark Mitchell discusses how 2020 has challenged us to self-reflect and has emphasized the significance of the work we do. GE-3363049 (12/20)(Exp.12/22)
Tom Mingone has mastered taking the complexity of planning and making it easily digestible for clients. As our world has shifted, he walks through opening your mind to new opportunities, his philosophy and mechanics. GE-3318546(11/20)(Exp.11/22)
Looking back over a 25+ year friendship, Tim Maguire connects with Jim on tenacity plays, the importance of having someone who believes in you, and ultimately learning how to adapt, adjust and move on. GE-3262818(9/20)(Exp.9/22)
How are newer financial professionals pivoting in our new normal? Jim connects with Matt Klotz, a DSF advisor in the RBG to discuss being conditioned for the long haul and the long-term mission of helping take care of people. GE-3212590(8/20)(Exp.8/22)
Like all of us, Kyle Schiffler has been making adjustments in the wake of Covid. While the method of client meetings has changed, the human connection, habits and importance of the work remains. GE-3166645(7/20)(Exp.7/22)
Getting started for Brent Koch required a lot of hustle. Looking back over his career, he’s able to work smarter now, but the fundamentals are the same. GE-4673552.1(4/22)(Exp.4/24)
When you’re two feet in with a daunting deadline, what’s the path to success? For Cynthia Kelley it involved tapping into a network she built as a college athlete and having mentors to help along the way. GE-4673532.1(4/22)(Exp.4/24)
In 1986, a new college graduate walked into an interview at Equitable. Thirty-three years later, David Rispler took the stage as a National Honor Agent. His timely advice for success? Positioning yourself and managing yourself to be at every opportunity. GE-4673495.1(4/22)(Exp.4/24)
Scott Klein is arguably one of the best in the business, but it didn’t come without initial failure. Jim sits down with him to discuss how he worked from failing first to being one of the National Honor Agents of 2019. GE-3992536.1(12/21)(Exp.12/23)
Angela Anderson sits down with Jim to discuss her path from an RBG associate to the Chair of the NAF. GE-3898711.1 (11/21)(Exp.11/23)
Is there a recipe for success? If so, Gerald Grant has the ingredients nailed and it starts with systemic activity. GE-3862123.1(10/21)(exp.10/23)
What does it take to move from being a physician in China to pursuing a financial professional career in the United States? Grit, drive and a little bit of what feels like magic. GE-3862107.1(10/21)(Exp.10/23)
From college intern to the Chairman of Equitable Advisors, LLC (member SIPC) (Equitable Financial Advisors in MI and TN) and Head of Wealth Management, Jim dives in with David Karr on his career highs, the lows and the lessons along the way. GE-3703737 (08/21)(Exp.08/23)
22 years ago, Dror Nir made the decision to leave his career as an attorney to become a financial professional. In this episode, he walks Jim through the steps that led him to becoming a Regional President and leader of one of the largest branches in our firm. GE-3588746 (5/21) (Exp. 5/23)
What does Nick Lane miss most about Japan? And how does humor matter in our business? Jim dives in with Nick Lane, President of Equitable, to cover those topics and more. GE-3615390 (06/21) (Exp. 06/23)
In this episode, Jim sits down with the 2019 GAMA President, Chris Noonan to discuss the importance of putting the time in, daily execution, and setting goals. GE-3543385(4/21)(Exp. 4/23)