Crushing It.
Business & Finance
About
Ever wonder how others have found success? How they manage to keep it all together? Dive in as President of Advice and Wealth Management, 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 Ad
Episodes
- Redefining Success: Work, Life, and Leadership
Greg Boosin shares insights on purposeful leadership, fostering creativity, and navigating career development stages.
- Culture by Design
Jennifer Littlefield details her approach to hiring and team building, focusing on character, growth mindset, and leadership.
- Not the Finish Line: A New Chapter
Chris Noonan shares reflections on his career path and the ongoing nature of his work, framing the episode as a moment of contemplation rather than a conclusion.
- From Trickle to Triumph
Chris Strivieri details the importance of legendary leaders, basic principles, and a sustained strategy in establishing his success. He also addresses the difficulties encountered when starting in business.
- The Learning Advantage: Why Investing in Yourself Matters
Michelle Direnzo shares insights on how education and professional designations contributed to her success, enhancing both confidence and client conversations.
- The Power of Persistence
Mike Sufficool shares how persistence, grit, and an unwavering commitment to others transformed early career struggles into a decades-long story of growth, leadership, and legacy. GE-8786986.1 (2/26) (Exp.2/30)
- S-Curves, Culture, and the Power of Saying "Yes"
Dror Nir walks through pivotal S-curves of his career from Covid pivots to national leadership expansion. He explains how saying "yes" before you feel ready can unlock extraordinary progress. GE-8767015.1 ( 2/26)(Exp.2/30)
- Grit, Growth, & Leadership
Dennis Long's leadership journey was shaped by real responsibility, early loss, and hard decisions. In this episode, he reflects on how those experiences clarified his why and how that clarity turned into discipline and consistency over ti…
- Learning, Growing, and Impacting
Dive into an inspiring conversation with Kurt Meyers as he shares the lessons from his leadership journey, his powerful approach to communication, and strategies for balancing work and family. Gain valuable insights from his experiences th…
- Leading with Impact: Coaching, Confidence, and a Commitment to Excellence
On this episode of Crushing It, Sarah Vita shares her journey of leadership and resilience, offering practical tips on empowering teams and maintaining personal well-being through innovative strategies
- Betting on Yourself
This episode highlights the inspiring journey of Wolfgang Hilse who chose the challenging path of entrepreneurship over comfort. From managing a Starbucks to becoming a successful financial advisor, learn how personal growth, courage, and…
- The Endurance Mindset
This week on Crushing It, Tim Mackie shares his story on resilience, adaptability, and lifelong learning. Hear how Tim’s focus on strength, cardio, and recovery has made him fitter than ever and how you can apply these principles to your o…
- Momentum & Mentorship
On this episode of Crushing It, Charlie Samuelsohn discusses his rise in the financial services industry and his passion for helping others succeed. Learn how he transitioned from advisor to leader, developed his unique ability to inspire…
- Crush the Doubt & Create the Dream
Jim chats with Shanene Muldrow about turning fear into action, building talent at Equitable, and co-creating her children’s book series Sawyer Kid, Lawyer. A quick hit of inspiration for anyone sitting on a dream.
- Believe. Commit. Execute.
In this special episode of Crushing It, the mic gets turned as EVP Tim Maguire interviews host Jim Mellin. From early career challenges to leadership breakthroughs and life-defining moments, Jim shares lessons on resilience, growth, and th…
- Purpose-Driven Growth
In this episode of Crushing It, Jim Mellin sits down with Sean George, Equitable Advisors' new Director of Business Development. With 30+ years in the industry and a powerful personal story, Sean shares what drew him to Equitable, why he b…
- Leading Forward: Vision, Culture, and Innovation
In this episode of Crushing It, Jim Mellin talks with Bill Degnan about what it means to lead with intention, creativity, and a forward-focused mindset. Bill shares how he builds strong, shoulder-to-shoulder teams, drives innovation throug…
- Inner Excellence
In this episode of Crushing It, Jim sits down with Financial Professional, Dan Munroe to discuss Inner Excellence by Jim Murphy—a book that challenges how we measure success. They dive into the power of focusing on the process rather than…
- Leadership and Life
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Todd Johnson, the NAF Chair and a top advisor in the industry. Todd discusses the successes of his term, his approach to managing priorities, and the mindset that keeps him steady amid challenges.…
- Marathons & Milestones
Jim Mellin sits down with Alex Price—a superstar financial professional and elite marathon runner. Fresh off completing the New York City Marathon in an impressive 2 hours and 24 minutes, Alex shares his journey of balancing a thriving car…
- Empowerment
Jim Mellin talks with Natasha Daniels, a remarkable financial professional who made a bold career switch from healthcare to finance during the Covid-19 pandemic. Natasha opens about the life-altering events that led to her transition, incl…
- Resilience in Leadership
Jim Mellin sits down with Karan Chainani, the newly appointed EVP in Atlanta. Karan shares his inspiring journey from a transactional business owner to a transformational leader, sharing the importance of resilience, mentorship, and buildi…
- Rising to the Challenge
Jim Mellin sits down with Steven Fortino, the newly appointed EVP of Central Florida, to discuss what it takes to rise to the occasion in leadership. Steven shares his journey from starting out in the industry to taking on new challenges,…
- From Breaking Point to Making Point
In this powerful episode of Crushing It, Jim Mellin welcomes a very special guest, Cedric King, a personal friend and a true inspiration. For the first time ever, someone outside of Equitable Advisors joins the podcast, and Cedric’s story…
- Navigating Change with Focus
Change is constant, but how we navigate it makes the difference. Had the pleasure of chatting with Anthony Silva, our new EVP in Wisconsin. From welcoming a newborn to moving cross-country—all while stepping into a new role—his focus and r…
- Energizing Leadership
In this episode of Crushing It, we sit down with Allei Holway, a dynamic and inspiring leader whose energy and passion have made her a standout at Equitable. Allei shares her journey from growing up in a family immersed in finance to carvi…
- Coaching Beyond Metrics
In this episode, we dive into a compelling conversation with Nick Aguglia. Nick shares his unique approach to coaching, emphasizing the integration of personal and professional goals to enhance both individual success and well-being. He di…
- Life is a Team Sport
What truly makes a great leader? How does culture impact success? Jim dives in with Julian Fensterheim, to cover those topics and much more!
- Prospering
Jim sits down with Regional Honor Associate, Michael Ducore. Michael opens up about his path to financial planning and the choices that led him to prosper in his career.
- Embracing Adventure
Welcome to a special episode of Crushing It featuring Rob Redwine. In this heartfelt fireside chat, Rob shares his journey from starting in the business in 1977 to becoming a national honor associate. He discusses the evolution of the indu…
- A Fireside Chat with Mike Cocco at the NLF
In celebration of Father’s Day, tune in to a heartfelt episode of Crushing It! We’re joined by Mike Cocco from the National Leadership Forum, who shares his journey in becoming a financial advisor, the powerful mentorship of his father, an…
- Unstoppable
Embark on an exhilarating journey with Robin Davey, a financial advisor whose 21-year career is a testament to resilience and passion. From her courageous leap into the industry to her evolution into a trusted family advisor, Robin's story…
- Leading with Purpose
Join Jim as he sits down with Gregg LaSpisa, President of the Honor Guard, in this engaging episode of Crushing It. From celebrating recent achievements to reflecting on the impact of leadership and family in the financial industry, Greg s…
- Unveiling Success
Josh Smith, EVP of the Central Florida branch joins Crushing It to share the impact he's been able to make after joining Equitable Advisors just one year ago.
- Different Set of Eyes
Ever heard the saying "A different set of eyes sees different opportunities"? Valorie Gast has come to live by this saying. She had found great success by taking on new book business and viewing it with a new mindset!
- Optimizing Longevity
Karl Fisher comes onto Crushing It for the second time, to talk all things human performance longevitity. Karl has a personal passion for health and endurance outside of work, listen to learn more! GE-6382558.1(2/24)(Exp.2/26)
- A Journey of Helping Others
Throughout Char Granstra's professional career, she has been known for always being there to help & lift up others. Char discusses her career over the past 30 years and how she has been able create such strong relationships throughout that…
- Mindset Matters
As 2024 begins prioritize refreshing your mindset. Evan Press, a Regional Honor Associate, joins Crushing It to reveal his strategies for sustained progress year after year.
- Genuine Connections
After only 18 months at Equitable, Adriana Esponiza has achieved quick success in the Retirement Benefits Group. Wondering how has she been able to make such an impact in a short amount of time? It's as simple as genuine human connections.
- Leaving a Legacy
Join us in a special episode of Crushing It as we celebrate Jeanne Kondracke's remarkable 48-year career at Equitable. Having held seven different positions, Jeanne reflects on her journey, sharing insights into the profound impact she's h…
- Thoughtful & Deliberate
You may know her if you've attended an Equitable event in the past few years, but get to know her in a new role as Head of Advisory Partnerships. Kristina Coyle is serving as a key partner to the Honor Guard & National Advisor Forum, by co…
- Why Equitable Advisors?
Join us in this episode as Jim sits down with Stuart Roberts, a seasoned advisor who made a strategic career move to join Equitable Advisors just over a year ago. Stuart shares the compelling story of why he made this transition and discus…
- Supported Independence
Head of Experienced Advisor Acquisition, David Goettelmann joins Crushing it to share insights into Equitable's Supported Independence Model. How it is empowering advisors to grow and develop the practices that they have always dreamed of.
- A Unique Perspective
He may have just started his role as Chief Operating Officer of Wealth Management but Will Tsai has played a key role in Equitable for years. Hear more about his perspective on Equitable Advisors and Wealth Management as its own segment.
- Ambitious Goals
Reflecting over the past 9 years, Anthony Greco shares what has made his success possible. Starting with the goals you set each year.
- A Bright Future for Women in Finance
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.
- Black Leadership Network
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…
- Secrets to Success
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)
- Not Just a Job
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)
- Circle of Excellence
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)