English is the official language of the 2025 MDRT Top of the Table Annual Meeting.
Alison J. Flaum, ChFC, CLU, has been the sole producer of an insurance, investment and planning practice since 1997, with two full-time staff and clients in more than 30 states. She was included as one of the top 100 financial security professionals by Forbes magazine for the last several years and is a qualifying member of New York Life's prestigious Nautilus Plus and Cabinet.
No matter how much you love your work and produce at a high level, sometimes it feels like the tail wags the dog. Flaum shares techniques she uses to maintain work-life balance and mental health while also qualifying for Top of the Table.
What is the MDRT Business Performance Analysis, how are the results used and what are the benefits of taking the survey? Harding explains the one-page summary results from the 2025 analysis and encourages members to complete it in 2026.
Brian Joseph Haney, CFS, CLTC, is the founder of The Haney Company and an industry expert, operating an independent, family-owned practice with his father and brother. He’s been in the profession for 18 years and is an author, speaker and podcast host, helping financial professionals develop a strategic, digital brand and marketing framework to catapult their practices forward.
In the digital economy where content generation, combined with AI, makes standing out more difficult than ever, financial professionals must become “finfluencers.” Haney shares a deep dive into four crucial areas of branding and marketing to equip you with actionable items for making your digital presence measurably more effective.
Cameron Herold is the mastermind behind the exponential growth of hundreds of companies. As the founder of the COO Alliance, he has coached some of the biggest names in business. His entrepreneurial journey began at a young age, and by 35, he had helped build his first two USD 100 million companies. Known as the "CEO whisperer," Herold has a reputation for guiding his clients to double their profits and revenue in just three years or less. He is the host of the podcast “Second in Command,” a bestselling author of six books and has spoken in 29 countries.
Companies and leaders think business is way more complicated than it is, Herold says. Discover 12 leadership skills every manager needs and how better understanding adult learning can increase revenue, employee retention and the confidence of your leaders
Do you know how to recruit, interview, hire and onboard a top COO? Having run the COO Alliance for six years and interviewed more than 285 COOs on his “Second in Command” podcast, Herold shares how to build a relationship and communication system with your COO that can double your revenue, profit and free time — while ensuring you avoid the mistakes of hiring the wrong COO or senior leader.
Carla Brown, FPFS, CFP, is the CEO of Oakmere Wealth Management, an award-winning financial planning firm, and president and chair of the Personal Finance Society. She specializes in working with business owners, company directors and high-earning professionals to create personalized financial plans that empower them to live their best lives. With more than 28 years of experience, Brown brings energy, clarity and real-world insight to help people feel more confident and in control of their financial futures.
With so many options and factors to consider regarding AI, what applications should advisors be using in their professional and personal lives? Learn how a trio of MDRT members have utilized this now-ubiquitous technology to advance everything from client care to compliance to marketing to cybersecurity to staffing.
Christopher V. Kimball, CFP, MSFS, is the owner of Christopher V. Kimball Financial Services. He has 31 years of experience in the financial services profession, specializing in investment management and financial planning. He received his master’s degree in financial services from The American College and has a background in electronic sales and advertising copywriting. He currently serves as board president of Network Services, a nonprofit that assists homeless families.
Just by asking a question, Kimball launched a fundraiser in 2003 that has raised tens of thousands of dollars for charities and continues to this day. He explains how to overcome the fear of rejection and why the fear of asking can be the difference between success and failure.
D. Kyle Atkins, CLU, CFP, has more than 40 years of experience in the financial services profession, and is an active member of numerous national and local professional organizations.
What does it take to overcome personal and professional challenges, including family and business conflict? Atkins shares thoughtful actions that can lead to successful outcomes in the face of seemingly insurmountable adversity.
D. Kyle Atkins, CLU, CFP, has more than 39 years of experience in the financial services profession and is an active member of numerous national and local professional organizations.
At some point, nearly every advisor will deal with buying, merging or transitioning a business. Gain lessons on each practice continuation from MDRT members with extensive experience and insight.
