Are You an Influencer or Being Influenced?

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of The LVR Podcast, Ruan Burger and Marissa Schulze tackle a question every broker should sit with: are you influencing your clients, or are your clients influencing you? The difference matters more than most brokers realise.Ruan draws a clear line between brokers who lead with expertise and brokers who simply take orders. The best brokers aren't just processing loans — they're guiding clients through one of the most significant financial decisions of their lives, and doing it in a way that earns long-term trust, referrals, and advocacy. The moment a broker lets the client dictate the direction, the value proposition starts to erode.Marissa expands the conversation beyond the client relationship, sharing how Rise High built influence in the broader community through financial literacy programs for vulnerable Australians — new migrants, young students, women rebuilding after difficult circumstances. That kind of influence doesn't just feel good, it strengthens your brand, your confidence, and your team culture from the inside out.The episode also takes a direct look at AI. Brokers who are order takers are already being replaced. Brokers who educate, advise, and genuinely influence their clients' financial futures are the ones who will continue to thrive. The human element — judgment, empathy, and genuine expertise — is what no algorithm can replicate.The challenge: what category do you fall into, and what would it take to expand your influence?Ready to become a more influential broker? Explore the Broker Journal at successandbroker.com.au/the-broker-journalThank You To Our Hosts: Ruan Burger and Marissa SchulzeMore From Marissa and her company, Rise High Financial Solutions:Marissa Schulze Linkedin Marissa Schulze Instagram Marissa Schulze Facebook Rise High Financial SolutionsMore From Ruan and his company, Success and Broker:Ruan Burger Linkedin Ruan Burger Instagram Ruan Burger Facebook Success and Broker