As we begin 2026, goal setting is everywhere—but growth isn’t shaped by goals alone. In this episode of Perspectives on Growth, Matt Johnston explores how the challenges and setbacks of 2025 influence our mindset, confidence, and direction, and why reflecting on those battles is critical to setting stronger, more intentional goals. Learn how to reframe adversity into fuel and use it to drive clarity, resilience, and meaningful progress in the year ahead.

In this episode of Perspectives on Growth, Matt Johnston explores the future of wealth management through insights from the book Wealth 3.0 and poses six critical questions shaping how advisors engage with clients. He challenges listeners to rethink the role of advice in an AI-driven world—shifting from product-focused sales to holistic, human-centered relationships. It's a thoughtful look at what it means to truly serve clients in the next era of financial services.

In this episode, we kick off a series on one of the most important drivers of sustainable growth in financial services: talent. Drawing from a recent engagement with a regional bank and inspired by Jeff Colvin’s Humans Are Underrated, we explore what truly sets high-performing organizations apart—human capital.

Matt challenges leaders to rethink how they engage with their teams, asking: Are we leading with the same intentionality that we use to attract talent? From discussing the irreplaceable value of empathy and perspective, to breaking down the differences between training and development, this episode delivers practical insights for leaders who want to unlock the full potential of their people.

Key topics include:

• The critical difference between talking about talent and making talent feel valued
• Fostering ownership at every level of the organization
• Why growth and development must go beyond traditional training
• The true role of leadership as coaching—not inspection

If you're in a leadership role and believe people are your greatest asset, this episode will challenge you to prove it—with action.

In this episode, Matt dives deep into the power of authentic leadership and how it drives sustainable, organic growth. While external factors like market conditions can impact performance, Matt explains why the true winners are those who prioritize net organic growth. He highlights three critical attributes of authentic leadership: credibility, built through competence and communication; vision, which inspires and aligns employees with the organization's future goals; and clarity, achieved through simplicity and repetition.

In this episode, Matt shares leadership strategies for organic growth and talent retention, highlighting the pivotal role of leader credibility with frontline sales teams. He also stresses the need for collaboration between leaders and sales teams, efficient use of technology, streamlined processes, and innovative performance recognition. The goal is to foster a symbiotic relationship where leaders and sales work together to drive growth through better client solutions.

In this episode, Matt delves into the vital role of culture in driving organic growth within organizations. Matt reflects on his recent experience at an executive summit with leaders from regional banks across the U.S., where the conversation centered around leveraging technology and outsourcing strategies for growth while preserving the unique culture of their firms.

Matt shares his insights on what constitutes a strong organizational culture and how it can serve as a powerful catalyst for growth. He explores key themes such as:

- Aligning Strategy with Culture: It's essential to ensure that employees feel heard during times of change to foster a strong organizational culture.

- Leadership Alignment: Breaking down silos and encouraging collaboration can significantly boost organizational effectiveness.

- Thoughtful Technology Integration: Technology should enhance the human element in client interactions, not replace it.

- Outsourcing Considerations: Understanding how outsourcing impacts organizational culture is crucial for sustainable growth.

- Nurturing Human Capital: Leading by example and fostering a supportive workplace can cultivate a culture that drives growth.

Whether you're a leader looking to strengthen your organization's culture or simply interested in the intersection of culture and growth, this episode offers valuable perspectives and actionable insights.