Advisor Talk is the premier podcast for insurance advisors where we dive into the real-world challenges and opportunities facing today’s advisors — from underwriting to succession planning, team building, and practice management.


Buying A Book of Business

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In today’s episode, “Buying a Book of Business”, we’re shifting the spotlight to a side of succession planning we haven’t fully unpacked yet: what it takes to become the buyer.

Over the past few episodes, we’ve spent time examining the sell side—preparing for unexpected health events, ensuring continuity, and finding ways to strengthen the long term value of a practice. But acquiring a book comes with its own set of challenges, opportunities, and blind spots. And for many advisors, knowing how to approach a purchase can be just as important as knowing how to eventually transition out of one.

Continue reading “Buying A Book of Business”


Maximizing the Value of Your Practice

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In today’s episode – “Maximizing the Value of Your Practice” we explore the ins and outs of selling your book of business.

If you’re a financial advisor, sooner or later you’ll reach the point where you need—or choose—to sell your practice. Even if you plan to run your business well into retirement, life happens. Changes in your health, your family’s priorities, or the evolving needs of your clients can all bring you to a moment where selling becomes the right decision.

The questions we’re answering today are: How far in advance should you start preparing for the sale? And what strategies can help you maximize the value of your business?

Joining us to break this down is Tim McWhinney, PPI’s Regional Vice President in Ontario, where he partners with leading advisory firms to optimize their business performance and drive growth.

Continue reading “Maximizing the Value of Your Practice”


Advisor Talk 2026: Sneak Peek At This Season’s Guest and Topics


Step into the world of PPI’s Advisor Talk podcast where independent, insurance-focused advisors in Canada can discover strategies and insights to propel their practice and strengthen client relationships. Take a look back at our first four episodes, where we explored Succession Planning, Generative AI, Underwriting, and Coaching.

🎧 Listen on your favourite podcast apps, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, or stream directly in the Insurance Compass app.

Visit www.advisortalk.ca to learn more!


Unlocking Your Team’s Talent

Unlocking Your Team’s Talent

In today’s episode – “Unlocking Your Team’s Talent” – we uncover the most common mistakes leaders make, and explore practical coaching methodologies designed to bypass emotional triggers and cultivate real change.

For many financial advisors and firm leaders, developing talent is one of the greatest and most frustrating challenges. Whether you’re building your existing team’s skills or developing the capabilities of your future successor, when it comes to coaching or delivering performance feedback, it often feels like you’re navigating a minefield. You try to be direct—you point out what went wrong—but instead of getting the desired fix, you’re met with resistance, defensiveness, or a breakdown in motivation.
The question we’re going to explore today is: How do I give feedback that actually works. Continue reading “Unlocking Your Team’s Talent”


The Art of Advanced Underwriting

The Art of Advanced Underwriting

In today’s episode—“The Art of Advanced Underwriting”—we’re diving into the critical skills that give advisors more influence over their client’s underwriting outcomes.

Let’s be honest—it’s frustrating when you have a deserving client, but the initial medical evidence suggests health issues that could lead to a significant rating or an outright decline.

The question we’re going to explore today is: Rather than accepting a frustrating underwriting outcome, how can you actively manage the narrative of your client’s health and truly advocate for them? Continue reading “The Art of Advanced Underwriting”


Flourishing in the Age of AI

In today’s episode – “Flourishing in the Age of AI” – we’re diving into one of the most pressing and complex topics facing advisors today: the rise of artificial intelligence.

Let’s be honest – AI is changing everything. It can process data faster than any human, analyze patterns with astonishing precision, and even generate client-ready reports in seconds.

If you’re feeling uncertain – or even a little fearful – about what AI means for your role, your relationships, and your relevance, you’re not alone. Many advisors are asking: Where do I fit in a world where machines can do so much? Continue reading “Flourishing in the Age of AI”


The Succession Wake Up Call

In today’s episode – “The Succession Wake-Up Call” – we’re diving into a story that every advisor in Canada needs to hear.

It’s heartbreaking. It’s disturbing. And it’s eye-opening. This is not just a cautionary tale – it’s a call to action.

I was recently introduced to a story involving three advisors, three chapters, and one uncomfortable truth: too many advisors are unprepared for the unexpected. Continue reading “The Succession Wake Up Call”