UncommonCents is a
fortnightly event
hosted by Dean Holmes
and Craig Kouimanis.

Dean Holmes and Craig Kouimanis bust the myth that December is a dead month for business. Instead, they share how to turn it into a strategic advantage:

• Build Relationships: Gratitude calls and client check-ins.

• Plan Ahead: Pre-book January meetings and tidy up internal systems.

• Refresh Intentionally: Balance family time, health, learning, and mental reset.

Avoid the year-end scramble and set up January for success. Plus, stay tuned for their 100th episode, celebrating nearly 2.5 years of insights!

In this episode, Dean Holmes and Craig Kouimanis delve into the critical role of practice managers in financial planning firms. Discover why the shift from admin-heavy roles to strategic operational leadership is essential for sustainable growth.

Key topics:

• Why modern firms can’t scale without a strong practice manager

• Core responsibilities: operations, workflow, people & culture, compliance, client experience

• How practice managers reduce advisor burnout

• Recruitment challenges & hiring the right fit

Dean Holmes sits down with leadership and team coach Paul Slezak to reveal the game-changing strategies that turn good teams into unstoppable forces.

In this conversation, you’ll discover:

• How to keep remote and hybrid teams truly connected

• Why small shifts can ignite breakthrough innovation

• The secret to creating a culture of collaboration that lasts

• Where AI fits into the future of high-performing teams

Dean Holmes and Craig Kouimanis discussed the critical topic of succession planning for financial advisers. This episode emphasises the need for clear communication, legal agreements, and regular reviews to ensure the continuity and stability of financial advisory practices.

Key Highlights:

• The Importance of Succession Planning

• Unexpected Succession: Planning for the Unforeseen

• Internal Succession: Grooming Future Leaders

• Full Succession: Selling Your Business

• Partial Succession: Selling a Stake

Dean Holmes and Craig Kouimanis discussed quarterly planning review insights for financial advice firms, covering five essential themes:

1. Business Pulse Check (a 20-question scorecard measuring Plan, Process, People, and Profit tracked over time)

2. Making Process Your Product (document and clearly communicate the consistent 12-month client journey to all clients)

3. AI's Role in modern advice (humans lead with AI as assistant; notably, 50% of web traffic is now AI queries requiring bot-optimized FAQ content)

4. Goal Setting strategies (less is more, block one dedicated hour weekly, use a goal buddy for ongoing accountability)

5. State of Company communication (transparently share results with your team).

Dean Holmes and Craig Kouimanis explore the latest Netwealth AdviceTech Report, highlighting six key trends:

1. Data

2. Personalised advice

3. Automation

4. AI adoption

5. Cybersecurity

6. Connected data systems

   
   

They discuss how tools like Microsoft Copilot and strong change management can help financial advisors enhance client outcomes and business performance.

Dean Holmes & Daniel Vanderzeil of Colonial First State unpack the evolution of managed accounts in financial advice.

They explore how business owners drive adoption for scalability, advisors shift to strategic relationship roles, and support teams play a key part in implementation. With 70–75% client transition, firms can save up to 24 hours weekly.

Dean Holmes and Craig Kouimanis explore the multifaceted responsibilities of a CEO within an advice business.

They emphasize four strategic pillars:

• People: Ensuring the right individuals are in the right roles, supported by regular assessments and development.

• Process: Prioritizing innovation over invention to refine business operations for efficiency and scalability.

• Clients: Staying connected to client needs through direct engagement and feedback.

• Financials: Balancing short-term profitability with long-term reinvestment to sustain growth.

Throughout the conversation, they highlight the importance of data-driven decision-making and the mindset shift required to lead strategically rather than operationally. make it shorter

Dean Holmes shares insights from the Count Conference, covering Australia’s $94B wealth transfer, estate planning, adviser-led super solutions, and the role of tech and AI in advice.

Key topics:

• Australia's retiring population & $94B wealth transfer

• Estate planning & 36-month client reviews

• Adviser-led super vs industry funds

• Documented investment philosophy

• AI, automation & change management

Dean Holmes takes the spotlight at the Count Annual Convention in this episode of UncommonCents, sharing sharp, actionable strategies for mastering client meetings — from mindset to messaging, and everything in between.

Episode Highlights:

• Coffee is for Closers

• Crafting Your Pitch

• Using AI in Practice

• Pre- Meeting Rituals

• Sales is Not a Dirty Word

In this episode, Dean Holmes—the father and founder of The Wealth Network—and Paul Barrett reflect on the key takeaways from the recent Annual Planning Day.

Episode Highlights:

• The Origins of UncommonCents

• Annual Planning Day Overview

• Personal and Business Bests

• Reviewing the Past Year

• Setting Goals and Priorities

• The Importance of Online Presence

• Embracing Authenticity in Video

Craig Kouimanis and Dean Holmes explore how to build brand loyalty that keeps clients with your firm, even when advisers move on.

Key insights:

• Creating strong client communities

• Making your business the brand

• Smooth client transitions

• Lessons from other industries

• Practical retention tips

Perfect for financial advisers and business owners focused on practice management.

Recruitment expert Deepa Surti of RecruiTalent shares her proven hiring strategy—from crafting standout job ads to using psychometric testing and managing counteroffers. A must-listen for business owners and HR leaders looking to hire smarter.

Dean Holmes and Craig Kouimanis focused on the recurring issue of making financial advice and planning services more accessible to Australians, highlighting the importance of changing public perception, making professional financial advice appealing and necessary, and comparing it to other industries like real estate, mortgage broking, and wealth management that have successfully embedded themselves into consumer consciousness. 

Craig Kouimanis goes solo to explore leadership, growth, and the power of pruning—both in gardens and in business. A heartfelt reflection on embracing challenges and leading with kindness."

Craig and Dean discuss Ritz Carlton's $2000 rule: employees can spend up to $2000 solving guest problems without approval.

Example: staff flew across America to return a forgotten laptop. They share how refunding a client error 15 years ago retained a now much more valuable customer. Empowering frontline staff creates lifetime customers.

In this episode of UncommonCents, business coach Col Fink from shares his journey of living communally on a farm near Melbourne and building a solo business focused on money, meaning, and freedom. He emphasises authenticity, community, and collaboration—especially through his podcast Think Tank with his brother Cam Fink.

Dean Holmes and Abhi Rao from Risk Advisory Hub discuss why cyber insurance is essential for financial planning firms.

They explore common cyber threats like social engineering fraud, the claims process, and the importance of incident response and business continuity plans.

Abhi emphasizes regulatory risks, reputational damage, and the need for strong cyber hygiene, including staff training and system security.

This episode explores how small, thoughtful touches in professional settings can significantly enhance the client experience. From office ambience to remote meeting etiquette, it’s all about creating comfort and reducing friction.

In this episode of UncommonCents, host Dean Holmes sits down with Michael Jaeger from Generation Life to unfold the often-misunderstood world of investment bonds.

Key topics include the practical applications of investment bonds within trusts, tax optimization strategies, and how to effectively use investment bonds for wealth transfer and asset protection.