Host: John Thompson
Guest: Suzanne Patrick Lawrence
In this episode of Nurturing Success, host John Thompson welcomes Suzanne Patrick Lawrence, a seasoned business strategist and CEO of Advisor Business Solutions. Suzanne shares her multi-decade journey working with independent financial advisors, helping them grow through more innovative marketing, succession planning, and intentional leadership. She reflects on the evolution of the advice industry, what makes a firm stand out today, and how embracing transition—both personally and professionally—can unlock the next chapter of success.
💡 What You'll Learn:
Why marketing isn’t sales—and how advisors should think differently
The emotional and business challenges of succession planning
How Suzanne helps match advisors with next-gen successors
The importance of defining your message and staying consistent
Why client relationships are critical in protecting your business
How to grow with intention and lead your firm through transition
Lessons from working with family in a multigenerational business
⏱ Timestamps:
[00:00] John welcomes Suzanne and asks what she’s grateful for
[01:30] Suzanne’s career journey and founding Advisor Business Solutions
[03:00] The evolution of financial planning and the rise of holistic advice
[05:00] Marketing vs. sales: what advisors still misunderstand
[06:00] The challenge of standing out in a crowded, high-budget industry
[08:00] Why consistency in communication is key
[10:00] How emotional value differentiates independent advisors
[12:00] Creating connection in a digital-first world
[13:00] The rise of succession planning—and why many aren't ready
[16:00] Navigating the emotional side of letting go
[18:00] When succession planning really means coaching
[20:00] Bringing family into the business—rewarding and revealing
[22:00] Letting go, moving forward, and redefining your role
[24:00] Final thoughts: Everyone moves at their own pace—but forward is the goal
🔗 Resources & Mentions:
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If you enjoyed this episode, please like, share, and subscribe to Nurturing Success for more insights from industry leaders. Stay tuned for the next episode, where we continue to explore successful financial strategies and practices. If you're interested in being our next guest, please reach out to jack@smplmortgage.com to schedule a time.
