Thinking Independently With Conor Delaney | Powered by Good Life

The wealth management industry is entering a new phase of independence.With assets projected to grow from roughly $35 trillion to $70 trillion over the next decade, financial advisors face both a major opportunity and a growing challenge: capacity. In Episode 16 of Thinking Independently, Good Life CEO Conor Delaney joins Nick Lopresti to discuss how forward-thinking advisors are preparing for the next stage of growth in the wealth management industry.Rather than operating solely as practitioners, many advisors are beginning to think like business owners and CEOs, building firms designed to scale, serve more families, and create long-term enterprise value.In this episode, Conor and Nick discuss:• Why the most successful advisors are shifting from practitioner to business owner • How advisory firms can build capacity as client demand continues to grow • The difference between running a practice and building a scalable firm • How recruiting and industry trends are reshaping independence • Why service demands are consuming more advisor time than everThey also explore leadership, culture, and the operational challenges advisors face as they grow their firms.If you're a financial advisor, RIA owner, or wealth management professional, this conversation offers insight into how firms can position themselves for the next phase of independence.Visit GoodLifeCo.com/podcasts/thinking-independently for more episodes.Good Life Companies is a stand-alone entity providing real estate, infrastructure, technology, training, marketing, and support to independent professionals throughout the United States. Good Life Companies is not a broker/dealer or a Registered Investment Advisor and does not provide legal or tax advice.

In Episode 15 of Thinking Independently, Nick LoPresti and Conor Delaney unpack the leadership lessons Conor learned while running 7 marathons on 7 continents in just one week. They dive into what happens mentally, physically, and emotionally when you reach the point where most people would quit and how those moments translate directly into the way advisors lead their teams and build their businesses.Conor shares powerful reflections on breaking generational patterns, staying grounded through adversity, and choosing grit over excuses when challenges show up. From the freezing isolation of Antarctica to the final finish line surrounded by his kids, each race revealed something new about resilience, mindset, and leading with purpose.This episode is a reminder that success is not defined at the finish line. It is built in the quiet and unseen moments of preparation, discipline, and commitment. Whether you are growing a practice, leading a team, or trying to stay consistent in a busy season, these lessons will help you break out instead of break down.Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/D-b_FrP4CkIVisit GoodLifeCo.com/podcasts/thinking-independently for more episodes.Good Life Companies is a stand-alone entity providing real estate, infrastructure, technology, training, marketing, and support to independent professionals throughout the United States. Good Life Companies is not a broker/dealer or a Registered Investment Advisor and does not provide legal or tax advice.

In Episode 14 of Thinking Independently, Nick LoPresti and Conor Delaney explore what it means to scale smarter in today’s advisory world. They talk about how great advisors grow faster by focusing on their strengths, letting go of what holds them back, and surrounding themselves with the right people, systems, and technology.Conor explains how the best advisors create more capacity by leveraging support instead of trying to do everything themselves. That shift allows them to focus on what truly drives results: serving clients, developing people, and building lasting impact.This episode challenges the traditional definition of independence and shows how real growth happens through collaboration, leadership, and purpose.Visit GoodLifeCo.com/podcasts/thinking-independently for more episodes.Good Life Companies is a stand-alone entity providing real estate, infrastructure, technology, training, marketing, and support to independent professionals throughout the United States. Good Life Companies is not a broker/dealer or a Registered Investment Advisor and does not provide legal or tax advice.

In Episode 13 of Thinking Independently, Nick LoPresti and Conor Delaney discuss what it really takes to shift from financial advisor to business owner. They explore the importance of adopting a CEO mindset, building intentional frameworks, and leading with strategy rather than reacting to cash flow.The conversation highlights key inflection points in an advisor’s journey, including hiring that first team member, protecting time, defining a clear vision, and creating a culture rooted in purpose and accountability. They also examine the difference between advisor growth and business growth, and how independence allows advisors to build firms that reflect their values.Ultimately, they emphasize that true independence is not just about freedom. It is about structure, leadership, and building something that lasts.Visit GoodLifeCo.com/podcasts/thinking-independently for more episodes.Good Life Companies is a stand-alone entity providing real estate, infrastructure, technology, training, marketing, and support to independent professionals throughout the United States. Good Life Companies is not a broker/dealer or a Registered Investment Advisor and does not provide legal or tax advice.

In this episode of Thinking Independently, Good Life CEO Conor Delaney joins Chief of Staff Nick LoPresti to dig deep into what growth really means for individuals, advisors, and organizations.From Conor’s training for the grueling “7 marathons in 7 days on 7 continents” challenge to the importance of self-discipline, accountability, and a values-driven culture, this conversation unpacks how leaders can break free from complacency and unlock true growth.Whether you’re a financial advisor or a business owner looking to reimagine what success looks like in 2026 and beyond, you’ll walk away with actionable insights on building enterprise value, aligning your business with purpose, and inspiring your team.Visit GoodLifeCo.com/podcasts/thinking-independently for more episodes.Good Life Companies is a stand-alone entity providing real estate, infrastructure, technology, training, marketing, and support to independent professionals throughout the United States. Good Life Companies is not a broker/dealer or a Registered Investment Advisor and does not provide legal or tax advice.

In Episode 11 of Thinking Independently, Nick and Conor discuss what it means to grow an advisory business with purpose. Conor shares insights from his upcoming 777 challenge—seven marathons on seven continents in seven days—and how that mindset applies to business. They cover the danger of staying comfortable, the importance of discipline, and how gratitude and self-confidence can drive progress. Conor also offers advice for advisors considering independence and emphasizes the need to think like a CEO, not just an advisor.Visit GoodLifeCo.com/podcasts/thinking-independently for more episodes.Good Life Companies is a stand-alone entity providing real estate, infrastructure, technology, training, marketing, and support to independent professionals throughout the United States. Good Life Companies is not a broker/dealer or a Registered Investment Advisor and does not provide legal or tax advice.

In episode 10 of Thinking Independently, Conor Delaney and Nick LoPresti tackle the biggest myths keeping advisors from taking the leap to independence. From fears about losing clients and lacking support to concerns over costs and becoming a business owner, they break down each objection with real talk, personal experience, and practical insight. They explore why going independent isn’t just about leaving a firm—it’s about owning your future, maximizing business value, and building something that lasts. If you’ve been fed fear or stuck on “what ifs,” this conversation flips the script. As Conor says: “No excuses—just results.”Visit GoodLifeCo.com/podcasts/thinking-independently for more episodes.Good Life Companies is a stand-alone entity providing real estate, infrastructure, technology, training, marketing, and support to independent professionals throughout the United States. Good Life Companies is not a broker/dealer or a Registered Investment Advisor and does not provide legal or tax advice.

In episode 9 of Thinking Independently, Conor Delaney and Nick LoPresti discuss the journey of financial advisors transitioning to independence. They explore the common characteristics of advisors who make this leap, the importance of understanding client experiences, and the balance between confidence and humility in leadership. The conversation emphasizes the need for advisors to break free from constraints, embrace growth, and adapt to feedback to enhance their practices and client relationships.Visit GoodLifeCo.com/podcasts/thinking-independently for more episodes.Good Life Companies is a stand-alone entity providing real estate, infrastructure, technology, training, marketing, and support to independent professionals throughout the United States. Good Life Companies is not a broker/dealer or a Registered Investment Advisor and does not provide legal or tax advice.

In episode 8 of Thinking Independently, Conor Delaney interviews Dan Kinney, a seasoned financial advisor with a rich family heritage in the industry. They discuss Dan's journey into financial planning, the evolution of retirement plans, and the importance of building personal relationships with clients. Dan shares insights on navigating the entrepreneurial landscape as an independent advisor and offers valuable advice for newcomers in the field. The conversation emphasizes the significance of fiduciary responsibility, the use of technology, and the need for continuous adaptation in the financial advisory space.Visit GoodLifeCo.com/podcasts/thinking-independently for more episodes.Good Life Companies is a stand-alone entity providing real estate, infrastructure, technology, training, marketing, and support to independent professionals throughout the United States. Good Life Companies is not a broker/dealer or a Registered Investment Advisor and does not provide legal or tax advice.

In episode 7 of Thinking Independently, Conor Delaney interviews Noah Brooks, Chief Market Strategist at Good Life Companies. They discuss Noah's journey in the investment world, his early career, and the evolution of financial advisory services. The conversation delves into the importance of financial planning, the impact of emotions on investing, and the strategies that advisors should adopt to succeed in the industry. Noah shares valuable insights for newer advisors and emphasizes the need for a client-first approach in financial planning.Visit GoodLifeCo.com/podcasts/thinking-independently for more episodes.Good Life Companies is a stand-alone entity providing real estate, infrastructure, technology, training, marketing, and support to independent professionals throughout the United States. Good Life Companies is not a broker/dealer or a Registered Investment Advisor and does not provide legal or tax advice.

In episode 6 of Thinking Independently, host Conor Delaney, CEO of Good Life Companies, sits down with Brie Williams, VP and Head of Practice Management at State Street Global Advisors, to explore the evolving role of financial advisors in a dynamic industry. They discuss strategies for business growth, the importance of relationships in financial planning, and the shift from product-focused offerings to holistic wealth management.Visit GoodLifeCo.com/podcasts/thinking-independently for more episodes.Good Life Companies is a stand-alone entity providing real estate, infrastructure, technology, training, marketing, and support to independent professionals throughout the United States. Good Life Companies is not a broker/dealer or a Registered Investment Advisor and does not provide legal or tax advice.

In episode 5 of Thinking Independently, Conor Delaney of Good Life Companies interviews Marc Cohen, Executive Vice President of Corporate Strategy & Initiatives at LPL, discussing the evolution of independent wealth management and shifts in consumer mindsets. They delve into LPL's strategic investments to support independent financial advisors, highlighting the importance of personalized advisor support, navigating a competitive industry landscape, and addressing the growing need for new talent as the industry matures. Mark shares how LPL is positioning itself as a leader among financial advisor support platforms and offers valuable advice for both new advisors and those approaching retirement.Visit GoodLifeCo.com/podcasts/thinking-independently for more episodes.Good Life Companies is a stand-alone entity providing real estate, infrastructure, technology, training, marketing, and support to independent professionals throughout the United States. Good Life Companies is not a broker/dealer or a Registered Investment Advisor and does not provide legal or tax advice.

In episode 4 of Thinking Independently, Conor Delaney is joined by Lee Alcorn, CFO of Good Life, to discuss the importance of entrepreneurial thinking in the finance industry. They explore Lee’s background, his role at Good Life, and how financial advisors can adapt to an increasingly independent landscape. Lee shares insights from his time at Marriott and LPL Financial and reflects on how experiences in hospitality and corporate finance have shaped his approach to building relationships and scaling financial services. They also touch on the future of the financial advisor industry, the impact of private equity, and the importance of maintaining entrepreneurial spirit.Visit GoodLifeCo.com/podcasts/thinking-independently for more episodes.Good Life Companies is a stand-alone entity providing real estate, infrastructure, technology, training, marketing, and support to independent professionals throughout the United States. Good Life Companies is not a broker/dealer or a Registered Investment Advisor and does not provide legal or tax advice.

Conor Delaney and Nick LoPresti discuss their journey together and the growth of Good Life. They talk about the importance of servant leadership and the pride they have in their team. They also discuss the transition from financial advisor to business owner and the challenges and rewards that come with it. They highlight the impact they have on advisors' lives and the opportunity to make a difference in their communities. They discuss the role of a Chief of Staff and the importance of having a strong support system. They also talk about their passion for serving clients and helping advisors thrive. In this conversation, Conor Delaney discusses the importance of caring for advisors' well-being and personal growth. He emphasizes the need for companies to prioritize the health and happiness of their advisors, rather than just focusing on financial metrics. Delaney also highlights the value of providing support and resources for advisors, such as fitness and nutrition programs and assistance with office space. He believes that the key to success in the industry lies in emotional connection with clients and positioning oneself as a central figure in their lives. Delaney also addresses the challenges of attracting new talent to the financial services space and the need for firms to adapt and innovate to stay relevant.Visit GoodLifeCo.com/podcasts/thinking-independently for more episodes.Good Life Companies is a stand-alone entity providing real estate, infrastructure, technology, training, marketing, and support to independent professionals throughout the United States. Good Life Companies is not a broker/dealer or a Registered Investment Advisor and does not provide legal or tax advice.

Nick Subich, co-founder, president, and CEO of YTS Wealth Management, shares his journey in the financial industry and the growth of his business. He emphasizes the importance of building a team and delegating tasks to achieve scalability. Nick also discusses the impact of becoming a father and husband on his outlook and priorities. He aims to leave no one behind and help as many people as possible, both in the financial industry and in supporting women and children in abusive situations. The best advice he received is to embrace the harder option because worthwhile outcomes require hard work.Visit GoodLifeCo.com/podcasts/thinking-independently for more episodes.Good Life Companies is a stand-alone entity providing real estate, infrastructure, technology, training, marketing, and support to independent professionals throughout the United States. Good Life Companies is not a broker/dealer or a Registered Investment Advisor and does not provide legal or tax advice.

In this episode, financial advisor Ken Calcutt shares his journey into financial planning and building a successful practice. He discusses the challenges he faced early on and how he overcame them. Ken also talks about the importance of training new advisors and creating a culture of service in his office. He emphasizes the evolving nature of client conversations and the need to focus on more than just financial strategies. Ken attributes his success to his faith in God and the support of his wife. He also shares his personal goal of running an ultra-marathon in the future and the importance of health and wellness in the financial industry.Visit GoodLifeCo.com/podcasts/thinking-independently for more episodes.Good Life Companies is a stand-alone entity providing real estate, infrastructure, technology, training, marketing, and support to independent professionals throughout the United States. Good Life Companies is not a broker/dealer or a Registered Investment Advisor and does not provide legal or tax advice.