Leaders Blog

Are you looking for industry insights, inspiring stories, and actionable advice to elevate your career in financial services? Look no further than NAIFA’s Advisor Today podcast series! Hosted by NAIFA 2026 President, Christopher Gandy, LACP and NAIFA VP of Membership, Suzanne Carawan, this engaging podcast brings you conversations with some of the brightest minds and most accomplished professionals in the financial services industry. Our latest episode features John Davidson, LUTCF, FSS, who shares insights on leadership, mentorship, and balancing personal and professional life.

John's remarkable 44-year career in the financial services industry is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and purpose. As a US Army veteran, past national president of NAIFA, and the 2023 recipient of NAIFA’s prestigious Terry Headley Lifetime Defender Award, John has left an indelible mark on the industry. His journey, deeply intertwined with personal values and a commitment to financial planning, serves as an inspiration to both seasoned professionals and those just starting their careers.

NAIFA-Ohio was recently spotted recognizing a new member on LinkedIn! 

Discover how to seamlessly combine charitable giving with retirement income strategies in our upcoming webinar Bridging Charitable Planning with Retirement Income on Tuesday December 10, 2024, from 12:00 to 1:00 pm Eastern. This session is a must-attend for financial professionals looking to provide their clients with innovative, efficient, and impactful planning solutions.

New to the Chapter Playbook this week, additional Chapter programming materials! Resources include:

NAIFA-Minnesota was recently spotted for their upcoming Holiday Social. Join NAIFA-Minnesota for their annual Holiday Social at Surly Brewing on Thursday, December 5, from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM. This will be a fun and relaxed event with networking, great food, and, of course, Surly's craft beers in a festive atmosphere.

NAIFA's MentorLoop is designed to foster professional development, enhance skill-building and create a supportive network within our membership. Whether members are looking to mentor someone, or seek guidance themselves, this platform provides a structured framework to facilitate these valuable connections.

Here are a few key features of NAIFA’s MentorLoop:

NAIFA-Vermont was recently spotted for their upcoming Holiday Dinner! For a perfect kick off to the Holiday Season this event will be held on December 11th, at the Windjammer. 

NAIFA's Life Happens Community will debut a new Real Life Story at 10 AM eastern on November 25. The production features NAIFA Secretary Chris Gandy, LACP, and his clients, the Saban family. Debuting during Long-Term Care Awareness Month, the educational story showcases how long-term care insurance gave a couple what they valued most: choice. Their planning safeguarded the assets they had worked a lifetime to build, ensuring their financial legacy could be passed down to their children and grandchildren.

First held in 1946, the FSP Institute brings together experts and professionals serving high-net-worth clients. It provides attendees the unique opportunity to network directly with our main-stage presenters and others who have made their mark on the industry. Now that FSP is a NAIFA Community, an even wider array of professionals will join the conversation and enhance opportunities for professional growth. At the FSP Institute, attendees will gain the latest insights into: 

New to the Chapter Playbook this week - the 2025 Chapter Services Team Calendar! Calendar includes reporting dates, Chapter Leaders Webinars, quarterly Certified Leadership Board training, quarterly training opportunities and Chapter Executive Directors meetings.