In this inspiring episode, Adam Figura welcomes Colleen Bowler, a seasoned financial advisor turned coach and innovator. Colleen recounts her unconventional entry into the financial services industry during a personally challenging time, and how she built a successful, client-centered practice by asking meaningful questions, collaborating with experts, and charging for her planning expertise. She discusses her transition to coaching and the creation of the Passport Package—an innovative tool that helps advisors connect more deeply with clients through mindset assessments. The conversation underscores the importance of intentionality, specialization, and embracing the human side of financial planning.
⏱️ Time-Stamped Show Notes
- 00:00 – Welcome and Introduction
- Adam introduces Colleen Bowler, highlighting her 25+ year career in financial advising, her coaching background, and her co-founding of CNJ Innovations.
- 01:15 – Starting in a Storm: Colleen’s Entry into Financial Services
- Colleen shares her origin story—becoming a financial advisor during a personal crisis as a newly single mother. She emphasizes the power of flexibility in the profession.
- 03:13 – From Struggle to Strength: Building a Practice on $14K
- Recounting her early income and challenges, Colleen discusses how asking questions and surrounding herself with experts helped her thrive.
- 05:15 – I to We: The Power of Joint Work and Collaboration
- Colleen describes building an “ensemble” team and the transformative impact of charging planning fees—starting with just $900.
- 08:11 – Real Client Story: $10M Moved from Friends to Colleen
- Colleen shares how a $10,000 planning fee led to deep trust and consolidation of client assets—highlighting the importance of process and value.
- 09:08 – Specialization Matters: Lessons from Building a House
- Colleen explains how financial advisors should embrace specialization and leverage expert teammates to provide complete client solutions.
- 10:00 – Shifting Roles: From Advisor to Life Coach
- The industry has evolved—clients now want “Canyon Ranch” service, not just numbers. Colleen talks about embracing the human side of advising.
- 11:42 – Launching CNJ Innovations and a New Mission
- Colleen shares why she moved from advising to coaching, driven by her passion for learning, teaching, and helping advisors scale with intention.
- 12:43 – The Birth of the Passport Package
- Colleen introduces the Passport Package: a pair of five-minute assessments that measure eight key client mindsets to deepen conversations and relationships.
- 15:00 – Real-World Impact: New Revenue & Better Conversations
- Examples of advisors discovering major opportunities (like LTC planning) using the Passport Package—and how it reveals key differences between spouses.
- 17:07 – Qualifying Fit Through Assessment Results
- How the tool quickly identifies misaligned prospects and saves advisors time—some clients “just want returns,” others want more.
- 18:45 – Deepening the Dialogue: Mindsets Beyond the Money
- The tool opens conversations about health, partnership, and values—often the missing pieces in traditional planning.
- 19:34 – Coaching for Intentional Growth
- Colleen reflects on her coaching work, encouraging advisors to lean into what they love and be intentional with how they build their business and life.
- 21:07 – Planning with Purpose: R-Factor and Strategic Questions
- Adam and Colleen discuss using future-oriented questions—like “Where do you want to be in 3 years?”—to guide advisors and clients alike.
- 21:49 – Where to Learn More: Connecting with CNJ Innovations
- Colleen shares how to get in touch—via LinkedIn, email, or a 15-minute “impact call.”
- 22:25 – Final Thoughts and Inspiration
- Colleen offers encouragement: from $14K to a 7-figure exit, her story is a testament to what’s possible in this profession.
💡 Key Takeaways
- Flexibility enabled Colleen to balance family and a new career.
- Asking powerful questions was her foundational skill.
- Collaboration with experts fueled trust and referrals.
- Charging planning fees added professionalism and clarity.
- The Passport Package opens deeper client conversations through quick, insightful assessments.
- Advisors should lean into the human side of financial planning.
- Mindset and intention are crucial for long-term success.
🔊 Sound Bites
- "It's just different skill sets."
- "That just saved him a lot of time."
📞 Contact Colleen Bowler
- Website: www.cnjinnovations.com
- Email: colleen@cnjinnovations
📞 Contact Adam Figura
