English is the official language of the 2025 MDRT Top of the Table Annual Meeting.
Kathleen R. Benjamin, CFP, CPA, is president of KB Consulting Group LLC, where she provides financial advisory firms with strategic financial and operational advice to strengthen their overall practice management. She and her team specifically examine processes and systems with the goal of increased efficiency and improved client experience to enable management to accurately analyze and make decisions that lead to the growth of their firms. Benjamin has more than 25 years of corporate and financial experience and has worked extensively with physicians and medical practices.
In the U.S., there's a popular saying in real estate that the three most important factors are "location, location, location." When it comes to managing your firm, however, the three key aspects are "process, process, process." Benjamin explains how building a solid foundation of well-established processes in every area of your firm — such as operations and planning — can create growth without compromising your culture or high level of client engagement.
Eric David Brotman, CFP, AEP, is chief executive officer of BFG Financial Advisors. He began his financial planning practice in 1994 and founded Brotman Financial Group in 2003, which later became BFG Financial Advisors. He and his team focus on supporting families and individuals by providing comprehensive financial planning and wealth management services.
For any advisor who owns a practice, Brotman says, succession planning is crucial — not just for the end of your career but to ensure the continuity of your practice at any stage. He shares five key succession strategies for financial advisors, from the role of second-generation leaders (G2) to understanding internal vs. external succession options, as well as when you should begin planning and important steps to take early to ensure a smooth transition.
Jason L. Smith is an acclaimed speaker, financial planner, bestselling author, coach and entrepreneur who founded his holistic financial services practice in 1995. He is also the founder of C2P Enterprises, a holding company comprised of four distinct brands designed to simplify financial planning for advisors and their clients. He made his firm a process-driven company so it could operate with or without him, and he helps other advisors implement similar processes. He recently authored “The Rainmaker Multiplier: How to Create a Self-Sustaining, Scalable Financial Planning Business,” which outlines the development of these processes.
There comes a time when, as a business owner, an advisor must ask themselves how they can take their practice to the next level. Smith shows how an outlined advisor career path and compensation program can help advisors find success in attracting, retaining and rewarding top talent to advance their practice, provide a consistent client experience and create a lasting legacy.
Thomas Chan, BSc, currently serves as business development manager at Novella Wealth. With 11 years of experience in the financial services profession, Chan specializes in retirement and business planning, is a bestselling author and has won the Top Producer Award at this company.
Even as Top of the Table achievers, many advisors still spend 80% of their time prospecting, leaving little room to serve clients effectively. Chan shares how to reverse this ratio by boosting visibility on Google, crafting impactful videos and utilizing paid social media ads to attract ideal clients effortlessly.
Karl Hartey is a visionary entrepreneur, author and financial expert, renowned for his innovative approach to wealth management. As the founder of Hartey Wealth Management, he has built a reputation for blending traditional financial expertise with cutting-edge technology. He has authored multiple books, including the “Smart Money” series, and pioneered the use of AI to enhance client engagement, streamline operations and unlock creative potential. Hartey has delivered inspiring talks at MDRT and other global platforms, sharing actionable insights with financial professionals and empowering others to reimagine what’s possible in business.
Deeper Dive: Unleashing AI: From bathroom ideas to business breakthroughs
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.
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.
Stacey Hanke inspires individuals to persuade, sell, influence and communicate clear messages face to face by eliminating the static that plagues effective delivery. With more than 20 years of experience studying influence across cultures and industries, Hanke’s implementable strategies help leaders communicate with confidence and credibility, build trust and deliver messages that drive action. The CEO of a highly sought-after consulting and training company, Hanke has been a frequent contributor to media outlets such as The New York Times, Forbes and The Economist, and some of her clients include FedEx, American Express and Google.
Building on "Influence elevated," this deeper dive focuses on the nonverbal and delivery skills that shape executive presence. Hanke breaks down the 10 key delivery skills that either enhance or weaken your ability to connect, build trust and drive action, with a focus on the top four that hold most leaders back.
Ben Nemtin is the No. 1 New York Times bestselling author of “What Do You Want To Do Before You Die?” Nemtin has presented his “5 Steps to Make the Impossible Possible” worldwide to leadership teams for Amazon, Microsoft, Nationwide, Viacom, Verizon, Levi’s, Harvard University and more. In a pit of depression, Nemtin and his three friends created the world’s greatest bucket list to make them feel alive. From playing basketball with President Barack Obama to raising over USD 400,000 for charity, Nemtin’s bucket list quest has inspired millions to chase their dreams and realize that impossible is possible.
Nemtin reveals the game-changing truth: Purpose isn’t just a buzzword, it’s the secret weapon that not only fueled his own extraordinary journey but can help you unleash untapped potential, create true work-life harmony and empower you to become the best version of yourself. He shares a strategic blueprint for translating purpose into tangible outcomes and cultivating a workplace that inspires genuine passion.
Stefanie Reid dreamed of playing rugby on the world stage. But at 15, she was in a serious boating accident and had to get her right foot amputated. She has since become a British Paralympic long jumper and sprinter; a four-time Paralympian; a triple Paralympic medalist; and a five-time world-record holder. With a degree in biochemistry, Reid is vice president of The Leprosy Mission UK and British Athletics, was the first amputee to walk the London Fashion Week catwalk and starred in the British reality TV show “Dancing on Ice 2022,” making it to the quarterfinals with an artificial foot.
At 15, Reid's dream of becoming a world-class athlete was shattered in a boating accident that led to the amputation of her right foot. Discover the four-part framework of resilience and reinvention that led her from devastation to becoming a Paralympic medalist and world champion.
Vernice Armour is a trailblazer with a collection of firsts on her resume. As America’s first Black woman combat pilot, she served two tours of duty in Iraq as a Marine and was also a diversity liaison officer to the Pentagon for Headquarters Marine Corps. After her military service, Armour became an entrepreneur, business consultant and author. Her advice and anecdotes from her adventures on the battlefield and in business help individuals and organizations accomplish significant goals through inner force and conviction. She has two honorary doctorates, is an award-winning pioneering pilot, and was featured on CNN, MSNBC, The View, Fox News and Oprah Winfrey.
In high-stakes environments — combat zones, hospital floors, sales territories — success isn’t about waiting for the perfect plan. It’s about bold execution, fast decisions and teams who are locked in and ready to move. Armour delivers the framework your people need to flip pressure into purpose, make bold decisions with limited information and stop circling the mission — and start crushing it.
