Mind and Money

In this episode of Mind & Money, hosts Corey Butler and Shawn Todd dive into some hot financial topics with their colleague, Michael Lutes, COO and Director of Financial Planning at the firm. The trio tackles myths around money, DIY financial management, risks and opportunities in today's market, and the critical importance of financial planning for entrepreneurs. Peppered throughout the episode are candid stories, practical advice, and even a segment featuring spicy drinks and personal truths for some added entertainment. Connect with Corey, Shawn, and Ecivda Financial on Instagram, FB, LinkedIn, YouTube & Twitter. Here are 3 Key Takeaway: *Don't DIY Everything: Tempted by TikTok trends or AI financial advice? A trusted advisor is still essential, especially in volatile times when emotion-driven decisions can hurt your long-term results *Plan for the Worst, Hope for the Best: From properly funded shareholders' agreements to wills, having the right paperwork and succession strategy isn't just smart—it's essential when life throws a curveball. *Get Real About Risk: Whether it's crypto, pot stocks, or EVs, hype cycles come and go. Understanding *your* risk tolerance and timing matters just as much as picking the "right" investment.

Mind & Money, hosts Shawn Todd and Corey Butler sit down with Carmen Abela, founder and Managing Director of Windreach Consulting Services, for a candid discussion on business leadership, personal growth, and mental health. Carmen Abela is a seasoned consultant with nearly 30 years of experience advising senior government leaders on governance, risk management, and accountability. She's deeply committed to building public trust and supporting meaningful causes. The conversation explores Carmen's unconventional path to building her own firm, the values instilled by her immigrant upbringing, and her passion for community advocacy—especially in mental health. Together they explore challenges of risk-taking, perfectionism, and finding balance as entrepreneurs, touching on men's mental health and the importance of vulnerability and self-care in leadership. Connect with Corey, Shawn, and Ecivda Financial on Instagram, FB, LinkedIn, YouTube & Twitter. Here are 3 Key Takeaway: *Vulnerability is Strength: True leadership isn't about having all the answers; it's about being open to challenges, sharing struggles, and creating space for others to do the same. *Mental Health Is Health: Real, vulnerable stories about burnout, perfectionism, therapy, grief, and why self-care needs to be in every entrepreneur's toolkit. *Small Businesses = Big Impact: You don't need to be a giant corporation to make a difference. Small business owners can lead by example, rally together, and drive real social change.

In this episode of Mind & Money, hosts Shawn Todd and Corey Butler are joined by Chris Reynolds, the founder of Investment Planning Council (IPC) and a seasoned leader in Canada's wealth management industry. With over thirty years of experience, Chris shares his journey from growing up on a horse farm to building one of Canada's leading advisory platforms. The conversation covers everything from succession planning and industry changes to the importance of client experience and adapting to technology. The hosts and Chris also dive into the personal side of entrepreneurship—the challenges, lessons learned, and what it really takes to balance business and life. Connect with Corey, Shawn, and Ecivda Financial on Instagram, FB, LinkedIn, YouTube & Twitter. Connect with Chris Reynolds Here are 3 Key Takeaway: *Focus on Human-Centered Advice: As technology and regulation evolve, the success stems from those who put the client relationship first—trust, communication, and a genuine interest in clients' wellbeing will always set you apart. *Build Processes, Not Personalities: Businesses built on strong systems, clear succession plans, and repeatable client experiences are more resilient and valuable than those built around a single individual *Embrace Change: Those who adapt, invest in learning, and view these changes as opportunities are poised to thrive in the next decade.

This episode of Mind & Money features Mike Musi, a seasoned financial advisor and wine and spirits agency operator. Mike shares his insights into the world of fine beverages and the business behind them. Hosts Corey Butler and Shawn Todd discuss the significance of quality in wines and spirits, and Mike details his journey from skepticism to success in the industry. The episode highlights Mike's dual expertise in financial services and artisanal wine and spirits, punctuated by personal anecdotes and professional insights. Connect with Corey, Shawn, and Ecivda Financial on Instagram, FB, LinkedIn, YouTube & Twitter. Connect with Mike Musi: · https://vinsdivino.ca Here are 3 Key Takeaway: *Quality Over Quantity: Mike emphasized the importance of selecting high-quality wines and spirits. He introduces a Prosecco so exceptional that it rivals some of the best champagnes. Message is clear – sometimes, investing in quality pays off multifold. *Building Trust Through Integrity: Starting his wine and spirits business wasn't without its challenges. Initial skepticism from clients turned into trust over time, through consistent delivery of quality and fostering strong relationships. * The Power of Moments and Memories: Mike reminisces about a transformative dinner in Tuscany, where a bottle of Chianti Classico became a symbol of familial love and cultural heritage. A beautiful reminder that the essence of wine isn't just in the bottle, but in the memories it helps create.

Hosts Shawn Todd and Corey Butler are joined by Nick Haince, founder and owner of Capital Strength, to discuss the intersection of health, fitness, and business. Nick shares his inspiring journey from personal trainer to successful gym owner, emphasizing the importance of physical health, proactive healthcare, and a supportive business culture. The conversation uncovers the challenges Nick faced during the pandemic and how he has navigated those to create a thriving fitness community. Connect with Corey, Shawn, and Ecivda Financial on Instagram, FB, LinkedIn, YouTube & Twitter. Connect with Capital Strength: · [email protected] · capitalstrengthts.com · (613) 738 – 4747 Here are 3 Key Takeaway: *Biohacking for Better Health: Nick delves into the world of biohacking and shares how prioritizing sleep, nutrition, and physical activity can drastically improve your overall health and longevity. *Building a Positive Culture: Nick touches on the importance of creating a supportive and energizing work environment that not only attracts but also retains talent and helps businesses thrive. *Business Resilience: Hear Nick's journey of transforming challenges into opportunities, from signing a new lease just before COVID-19 hit to expanding his gym during the pandemic.

Hosts Corey Butler and Shawn Todd delve into the complexities of homelessness and financial planning with special guest Stephen Bartolo, the CEO of Shepherds of Good Hope. The discussion spans a range of topics, including the toxic drug crisis in Ottawa, the importance of supportive housing, the implications of AI on future job markets and personal financial strategies. Stephen shares personal stories of residents' transformation and the positive impact of volunteering. Connect with Corey, Shawn, and Ecivda Financial on Instagram, FB, LinkedIn, YouTube & Twitter. Connect with Shepherd's of Good Hope [email protected] www.sghottawa.com 613-789-8210 Here are 3 Key Takeaway: *Community & Compassion: Stephen emphasizes the importance of integrating individuals experiencing chronic homelessness into the community. Personal engagement and empathy can change perceptions and foster support for supportive housing initiatives. *Investment Insights: Whether you're 10-20 years from retirement or just starting, Stephen offers strategies for maximizing returns, like investing in low volatility, dividend stocks, and reinvesting for long-term compound growth. *Adaptation to Change: The episode explores the AI technologies on lower-income tiers and the potential need for universal income.

Returning guest, Eric Pook, joins Corey and Shawn for Part Two discussing the intersections of finance and healthcare professionals. Eric Pook, president of Cirrus Consulting Group and an expert in commercial real estate and office lease negotiation, sheds light on the essential yet often neglected aspects of financial and estate planning for medical professionals. Together they dissect the long-term impacts of early career decisions on personal wealth, the nuances of lease agreements, and the compelling need for proactive financial management in a clinician's life. Connect with Corey, Shawn, and Ecivda Financial on Instagram, FB, LinkedIn, YouTube & Twitter. Connect with Eric Pook and Cirrus Consulting Group [email protected] Cirrusconsultinggroup.com 1-866-739-9075 Here are 3 Key Takeaway: *Start Early: Planning for financial management and estate matters early on can set you up for long-term success, mitigating risks and ensuring a stable future. *Understand Your Agreements: Dive into the specifics of lease and employment contracts. Overlooking details today can lead to significant challenges tomorrow. *Seek Professional Guidance: Surround yourself with expert advisors who understand the intricacies of your industry. They can help you stay ahead of evolving tax laws and maximize the value of your practice

Hosts Corey Butler, Shawn Todd, and Michael Lutes sit down with Eric Pook, president of Cirrus Consulting Group, to dissect the intricacies of medical office lease agreements. Eric, with 30 years of experience in commercial real estate and office lease negotiation, provides listeners with crucial advice on navigating and securing favorable terms to protect their practices and ensure financial stability. The discussion highlights potential lease pitfalls, the importance of planning, and the power of having specific, professional guidance when it comes to the legal and financial aspects of running a medical facility. Connect with Corey, Shawn, and Ecivda Financial on Instagram, FB, LinkedIn, YouTube & Twitter. Connect with Eric Pook and Cirrus Consulting Group: [email protected] Cirrusconsultinggroup.com 1-866-739-9075 Here are 3 Key Takeaways from the episode: *Lease Literacy is Crucial: Medical professionals must understand the implications of lease clauses to protect their practice's value and avoid personal and corporate liabilities. *Proactive Planning Pays Off: Long-term planning and professional lease negotiations are essential in saving money, securing favorable terms, and ensuring peace of mind. *Risk Mitigation is a Must: Regularly reviewing wills and buy-sell agreements is crucial to safeguard against unforeseen life events that could derail both personal and business aspirations

Hosts Corey Butler and Shawn Todd sit down with Jon Macaskill, a retired Navy SEAL commander turned leadership and mindfulness coach, to delve into the transformative power of mindfulness and its impact on personal and professional growth. Jon shares his compelling journey from military service to advocating for mental health, revealing how mindfulness practices can fortify resilience, enhance leadership skills, and improve the relational dynamics both in family and operational careers. Their conversation touches on the societal shift addressing mental health, breaking down stigmas, and embracing vulnerability. Connect with Corey, Shawn, and Ecivda Financial on Instagram, FB, LinkedIn, YouTube & Twitter. Key takeaways: *Mindfulness as a Performance Tool: Jon discusses how mindfulness and meditation are not just for stress reduction but are powerful tools for enhancing situational awareness, emotional intelligence, and communication skills — game-changers in both military and corporate environments. *Stoicism in Practice: We explored stoicism beyond the misconception of emotionlessness. Instead, it's about mindfulness and the power of perception in handling life's challenges, with real-world applications from combat training to boardroom decisions. *The Power of Vulnerability: Society is gradually shifting the narrative on mental health, emphasizing the strength in seeking help and expressing vulnerability. For leaders at all levels, embracing one's full emotional range is essential for authentic and effective leadership.

Corey Butler and Shawn Todd have a fireside chat with Chief Alchemist Steve Morrier, President and CEO of Split Tree Cocktail Co. here in Ottawa. They talk with Steve about building a small business, the creativity, the Passion, and the Science of craft Cocktails. Listen as Steve shares his experience honing in on his clientele, his stint on Dragon's Den, and his passion for his imaginative and artistic products. Connect with Corey, Shawn, and Ecivda Financial on Instagram, FB, LinkedIn, YouTube & Twitter.

Corey sits down with Ecivda's "Young Guns", Advisors: Louai Bibi, Michael Lutes, CFP, and William Henriksen, CFP. They sort through the jargon and buzz words surrounding financial planning. Talk in-depth reasons to consider a financial plan and implementing the right one for you. Covering topics such as RRSP vs TFSA, pre-defined pension plans, and what the average Canadian considers their magic retirement number. Connect with Corey, Shawn, and Ecivda Financial on Instagram, FB, LinkedIn, YouTube & Twitter.

Corey and Shawn dive into the importance of succession planning for business owners. They touch on factors for a successful "passing of the torch" while recognizing the emotional and personal connection. Tune in for their thoughts on creating a disciplined strategy to transfer leadership, finding the right compromise on sale, tools for keeping up with inflation and tax shelter, and controlling the messaging to clients. Connect with Corey, Shawn, and Ecivda Financial on Instagram, FB, LinkedIn, YouTube & Twitter.

Corey and Shawn are joined by Ecivda's Advisory Team for a roundtable talk and outlook on 2023. Brian Adams is a Founding President of Ecivda Financial Planning Boutique, Chartered Life Underwriter and Chartered Financial Consultant; Mike Lutes is a Certified Financial Planner and Chartered Life Underwriter; and Louai Bibi holds a degree in Economics and a background in financial analysis. Together they discuss the shift in financial planning from a transactional product to a valuable client-advisor relationship. Enjoy their open discussion about aligning financial decisions with life goals, diversifying and creating risk appropriate portfolios, and the advantage of employee benefits for business owners. Connect with Corey, Shawn, and Ecivda Financial on Instagram, FB, LinkedIn, YouTube & Twitter.

Corey Butler and Shawn Todd are fortunate to spend time with Ottawa Based clinical psychologist, author, and professor Dr. Pete Kelly. Hear Dr. Kelly touch on post pandemic stressors of instability caused by the war and inflation. He shares some great insight on coping resources, acknowledging the negatives and positives life dishes out and the importance of a good relationship with yourself. Connect with Corey, Shawn, and Ecivda Financial on Instagram, FB, LinkedIn, YouTube & Twitter.

Corey Butler and Shawn Todd have a great discussion with Internet Sales Guru and Co-owner of StrongNfree Cdn, Todd McCormick. Todd has helped shape internet-based car sales, built online companies Urban House Imports, East2West Imports and opened western Canada's first eBay drop off store. Todd shares stories of building his businesses from the ground up. He talks about the impact of finding the right suppliers, understanding profit margins, and putting in the work. Connect with Corey, Shawn, and Ecivda Financial on Instagram, FB, LinkedIn, YouTube & Twitter.

Corey Butler and Shawn Todd are fortunate to spend some time chatting with life-biz organizer, author, and speaker Jane Stoller. Jane has a Master's in International Business from the University of Hertfordshire and an MBA from Vancouver Island University. With several books under her belt, Jane has a proven track record helping unprofitable business become profitable through organizing processes. During the podcast we learn how Jane took the leap from the corporate world to starting her own business. Janes shares tips on efficiency, outsourcing, utilizing social media as a marketing tool, decluttering and being intentional with our time! Connect with Corey, Shawn, and Ecivda Financial on Instagram, FB, LinkedIn, YouTube & Twitter.

Corey Butler and Shawn Todd are fortunate to spend some great time with NHL draftee & North Bay hometown all-star goalie Ben Gaudreau. Drafted 81st overall in the 2021 NHL Draft, Ben was ranked among the top 60 Prospects by The Athletic, and Forbes. Named as the top goaltender at the 2021 IIHF U18 Championship. Some highlights - the journey to the NHL, high-level performance as an athlete, what it means when the goalie helmet goes on. Connect with Corey, Shawn, and Ecivda Financial on Instagram, FB, LinkedIn, YouTube & Twitter

Corey Butler and Shawn Todd spend time in the virtual trenches talking about a variety of financial planning topics from debt to why are economists never wrong. Some key discussions revolve around Michael Burry, Canadian Banks, Problematic inheritance issues, & rising avocado prices. Connect with Corey, Shawn, and Ecivda Financial on Instagram, FB, LinkedIn, YouTube & Twitter

Corey Butler and Shawn Todd speak with Clinical Psychologist and Exec Director of Innovation & Partner at Ottawa Institute of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on a variety of topics. Discussions include; why not to sell your investments when you are feeling overwhelmed, how front-line workers are accessing help, what is CBT, when does Worry show up in our lives, why we react to percentages of loss or gain better than whole numbers, and why do people project happiness on their wealth. Connect with Corey, Shawn, and Ecivda Financial on Instagram, FB, LinkedIn, YouTube & Twitter

Corey Butler and Shawn Todd chat with well know insolvency and debt expert Scott Terrio BA, CPCA, QIC from Hoyes, Michalos & Associates. Scott is a regular contributor to Maclean's magazine, Moneysense, and Canadian Business Magazine. Topics discussed; case examples from Scotts Twitter feed, High-Income earners with the debt crisis, Dispelling Internet Myths, & Why Divorce is a wrecking ball and wealth killer. Connect with Corey, Shawn, and Ecivda Financial on Instagram, FB, LinkedIn, YouTube & Twitter.