The Above Board Podcast

Part 2: I'm Learning to "Let Me"

In this episode of The Above Board Podcast, we delve into the 'Let Them Theory' by Mel Robbins, exploring the often overlooked but powerful concept of 'Let Me.' Learn how to stop managing others’ reactions and focus on prioritizing your own happiness, health, and peace. John shares personal experiences and tips for implementing this mindset shift in various aspects of life, including leadership, family, and career. Tune in for practical advice on setting boundaries, handling overcommitment, and making self-care a priority. Don't miss this enlightening conversation!

• 00:08 Introduction to the 'Let Them Theory'
• 01:49 The Importance of 'Let Me'
• 02:16 Learning to Say No
• 03:52 Leadership and Letting Go
• 05:12 Practical Applications of 'Let Me'
• 05:32 Weekly Challenge and Final Thoughts

Part 1: I'm Learning to "Let Them"

In this episode, John Kennedy opens up about learning to let go of people-pleasing and the pressure to be understood by everyone. Inspired by The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins, he shares how this mindset shift is helping him show up with more peace—in parenting, leadership, and everyday life. If you’re ready to stop carrying what isn’t yours, this episode is for you!

• 00:16 Personal Impact of 'The Let Them Theory'
• 01:38 Key Lessons from the Book
• 03:25 Real-Life Application
• 05:29 Leadership and Letting Go
• 07:08 Call to Action

Tariffs, Trade Tension, and the Economic Outlook

In this episode of The Above Board Podcast, Michael Scott, CFA, and Matt Marcoux, EA, CFP® share a timely replay of their recent client webinar focused on the economic impact of newly announced tariffs. They break down what the headlines actually mean, how markets are reacting, and what it all could signal for investors. You'll also hear tailored strategies for individuals at various stages of retirement planning—whether you're 10 years out, just about to retire, or already enjoying it. With a focus on facts over fear, this episode offers practical guidance to help you navigate market volatility with clarity and confidence.

• 04:47 Current Market Conditions and Economic Data
• 08:00 Tariff Impacts and Market Reactions
• 09:40 Understanding the Why and How of Tariffs
• 19:49 Potential Outcomes and Future Projections
• 26:19 Diversification Strategies
• 27:31 Rebalancing Portfolios
• 28:50 Market Timing and Adjustments
• 34:48 Client Group Strategies: 10+ Years to Retirement
• 37:52 Client Group Strategies: 5 Years to Retirement
• 39:59 Client Group Strategies: 1 Year to Retirement
• 41:37 Client Group Strategies: Newly Retired
• 43:11 Client Group Strategies: Comfortably Retired
• 45:12 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Should Market Volatility Change Your Retirement Plans?

John shares a personal story about a neighbor struggling with financial stress due to stock market volatility. Through this anecdote, he emphasizes the importance of controlling what we can in life, preparing for uncertainties, and the benefits of discussing financial anxieties with trusted individuals. This episode aims to provide perspective on market corrections, volatility, and living a balanced life despite economic challenges.

Join our next economic update webinar for a more in-depth conversation regarding the current market environment!

 

01:47 Understanding Market Volatility

03:15 Controlling What You Can

04:36 Aligning Money Strategy with Goals

06:08 Perspective on Market Corrections

07:47 Upcoming Economic Update Event

Leadership, Impact, and Pursuing Your Passion with Dawn Hooper, CPA

In this episode of The Above Board Podcast, Dawn Hooper, CPA shares her incredible journey from a successful career in the private sector to finding purpose and impact in the nonprofit world. Dawn opens up about what motivated her to make the shift, the challenges and rewards of leading in the nonprofit space, and how impact investing became a driving force in her work and personal life. If you've ever thought about aligning your career with your passion or wondered what it takes to lead with purpose, this conversation is for you.

 

Dawn is the President and CEO of Dawn Advisory Services, LLC, where she helps nonprofits drive transformational change and empowers teams to reach their full potential.

 

 

Helpful resources from today's episode:

 

Connect with Dawn

GuideStar 

Charity Navigator

A Guide to Impact Investing

 

 

Episode Timestamp: 

 

• 01:03 Dawn's Career Journey
• 03:01 Transition to Nonprofit Sector
• 07:08 Challenges in Nonprofit Financial Management
• 09:45 Leadership Insights and Evolution
• 14:16 Generational Differences and Leadership
• 17:59 Diversity in Leadership
• 19:45 Impact Investing and Personal Growth
• 23:36 Dawn Advisory Services and Interim CFO Role
• 28:56 Advice for Aspiring Nonprofit Professionals
• 35:25 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

 

 

Wealth That Is Given Is Not a Gift - It's a Curse

In this episode of the Above Board podcast, John Kennedy discusses the alarming statistic that 70% of generational wealth is lost by the second generation and 90% by the third. He shares his thoughts on why wealth often vanishes and how to prevent it, emphasizing the importance of preparation, accountability, and the transfer of values. This conversation is aimed at ensuring that wealth becomes a meaningful and lasting gift for future generations.

• 00:00 Shocking Statistics on Generational Wealth
• 00:42 The Burden of Inherited Wealth
• 01:19 The Importance of Responsibility and Values
• 03:20 Strategies for Effective Wealth Transfer
• 05:13 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Don't Let Their Limits Become Yours

Join John Kennedy on The Above Board podcast as he explores the concept of self-imposed limits and how societal influences shape our beliefs about what we can achieve. He reflects on the differences between the limitless potential encouraged in childhood versus the restrictive realism introduced in adulthood. John shares about overcoming doubts and provides actionable advice on how to challenge and change your environment to break free from negative self-talk and limiting beliefs. Tune in to learn how you can start taking small risks to challenge established narratives and reach your true potential.

• 00:23 Understanding Self-Imposed Limits
• 01:09 The Shift from Childhood Dreams to Adult Realism
• 02:02 External Influences on Our Limits
• 03:05 The Role of Risk and Fear in Decision Making
• 03:30 Starting a Company
• 04:38 Challenging and Changing Your Limits
• 05:39 Practical Steps to Break Free from Limits

Recovering Perfectionist

Are you your own toughest critic? In this episode of The Above Board Podcast, John Kennedy and TheRichB get real about the struggles of perfectionism—how it shows up in work, personal goals, and even the little things. They explore the balance between striving for excellence and giving yourself grace, the importance of impact over unrealistic expectations, and how to stop letting perfection get in the way of progress. Tune in and let’s shift the focus from perfect to purposeful.

• 01:10 Perfectionism and Its Struggles
• 02:50 Salvador Dali's Wisdom
• 04:20 Professional and Personal Perfectionism
• 10:36 Managing Expectations and Impact
• 16:18 Struggles with Self-Worth
• 17:27 Childhood Insecurities and Popular Culture
• 18:56 Pride and Self-Reflection
• 25:41 Striving for Excellence Over Perfection

Economic Insights 2025: What Lies Ahead For Investors

Join us this week as we discuss key factors impacting financial markets and the economy in 2025. We cover topics like tariffs, tax changes, inflation, interest rates, and the federal deficit. This episode features excerpts from our recent market update webinar, including insights on investment policy statements, market expectations, and corporate earnings growth. Stay informed about the latest in financial planning and explore how these factors could shape your investment strategy.

Disclaimer: We do reference some charts in this conversation that might serve as a good visual aide. If you'd like to see those as well, please visit this YouTube link!

• 00:55 Market and Economic Update for 2025
• 01:51 Investment Policy and Market Expectations
• 10:41 Inflation and Interest Rates Discussion
• 20:45 Tax Policy Changes and Federal Deficit
• 33:02 Conclusion and Upcoming Resources

The Everything, Everywhere Fallacy with Mitch Matthews

In this episode of The Above Board Podcast, we’re joined by Mitch Matthews—success coach, speaker, and host of the 'Dream. Think. Do.' podcast. Mitch shares the powerful concept of the "Everything, Everywhere Fallacy" and how it leads to overwhelm in a fast-paced world. Together, we discuss practical ways to focus, embrace the mantra of "one place well," and let go of perfectionism to find balance and purpose. Whether you’re juggling work, family, or personal goals, this episode will inspire you to slow down and make the most of the present moment.

 

Check out the Dream. Think. Do. podcast: https://mitchmatthews.com/blog/

Mitch’s Podcast and Website for Coaches and Speakers: www.encouragingtheencouragers.com  

Join Mitch’s “4 THINGS” weekly email: MitchMatthews.com/4things  

Mitch’s “Coaching Success Predictability Assessment”: MitchMatthews.com/CSPA

Instagram: @mitch.matthews
Facebook: @mitch.matthews.104
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitchmatthews/

Mitch's Primary Website: https://mitchmatthews.com/

 

• 01:58 The Everything Everywhere Fallacy
• 07:45 One Place Well: A Life-Changing Epiphany
• 17:05 The Struggle with Perfectionism
• 23:13 Managing Expectations and Perfectionism
• 25:26 Leadership and Team Empowerment
• 27:10 Workplace Engagement and Autonomy
• 28:50 Challenges of Remote Work
• 33:05 Personality Types and Team Dynamics
• 38:23 Goal Setting and Planning for 2025