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Who’s On Your A-Team? The Professional Advisors You Need to Succeed

Success is a team sport, but when you’re caught up in the day-to-day grind, it’s easy to feel like you’re playing the game alone. The truth is, the most successful people we know aren't solo acts. They are quarterbacks, and they have a roster of trusted experts helping them call the plays. You need a team of professional advisors not just to protect what you build, but to help you see the opportunities you might miss on your own.

In our latest conversation, we broke down the "Mount Rushmore" of personal and business advisors that every ambitious professional should have in their corner. It’s about building a 360-degree support system for your money, your business, and your life.

It’s Not Just a Financial Advisor, It’s a Financial Strategist

One of the biggest distinctions we made was the difference between a traditional financial advisor and what Tosin aptly named a "financial strategist." For many, the term "financial advisor" brings to mind someone who simply takes your money and diversifies it in the stock market. While that has its place, it’s only one piece of the wealth-building puzzle.

A financial strategist, on the other hand, is a partner in your deal-making. As your success grows, opportunities will start coming to you. You’ll need a sharp mind in your corner to help you look at a deal from every angle and decide if it’s the right move for you, not just a good-looking one.

"When we make that money it's not about how to invest it but is it the right deal? Have I looked at all of the different angles...? I need my financial strategist to say you know what that's not a good deal."

— Tosin

This is the person who asks the tough questions when you might be emotionally tied to an investment, especially if it’s brought to you by a friend. A financial strategist helps you vet deals, not just manage stocks. They understand your bigger picture and help you deploy your capital in a way that aligns with your specific goals, whether it's investing in a business, real estate, or another venture.

Beyond the Balance Sheet: The Advisors for Your Life and Business

Your circle of professional advisors should extend far beyond your investment portfolio. The crew discussed several other non-negotiable roles you need to fill to create a holistic foundation for growth.

Some of the roles are exactly who you’d expect. Korede emphasized the importance of a spiritual mentor or coach to serve as a moral compass and guide you through life’s complexities. Tosin stressed the need for a good attorney—especially if you have business partners—to ensure everything is structured properly from the start. A handshake deal just won’t cut it when real money and relationships are on the line.

Another key player? A banker. Not just a bank, but a specific person at a bank who understands you and your business. The best time to build that relationship and ask for a line of credit is when you don’t need it. That way, when it’s time to scale, you have a partner ready to advocate for you.

Then, Allen threw in a curveball that made us all think: a great dentist. Initially, it sounds like a joke, but his point was serious. In a world where you often are your brand, your physical presentation matters. It signals that you take care of yourself and, by extension, your business.

"I'm not even talking straightness. I'm talking about actual functionally healthy teeth. They judge people with visibly unhealthy teeth or gums the same way they do with disheveled or bad hygiene, because that's an extension of your hygiene."

— Allen

It’s a powerful reminder that confidence is currency. For anyone in a client-facing role, presenting your best self can directly impact your bottom line. Just like a well-tailored suit, it’s part of the complete package. Your professional network should protect you legally, financially, and even personally.

Ultimately, building your A-team is an investment in yourself. It’s about surrounding yourself with people who are experts in their lanes, so you can stay focused on being an expert in yours.

For the full, candid conversation on who should be on your team and why, watch the full episode on YouTube. You’ll get all the gems and a few good laughs.

And before you go, make sure you subscribe to the Beyond The Grind newsletter to get more insights like this delivered straight to your inbox. '''