Advisor Spotlight: Seun Adeyemi

What inspired you to become an advisor?

Debt. I finished my undergraduate degree with a mountain of debt and was contemplating taking on additional debt to get into the law. As a first generation Canadian, I knew so little about our financial system and felt a compelling need to learn and also teach others on how to build wealth.

What do you feel is True Wealth Advisors’ greatest competitive advantage?

We are a faith-based organization. We believe that there is no distinction between secular and sacred and so our approach to money isn’t simply to build material wealth but to help you become a better steward of the resources you’ve been blessed with. To use your wealth to make an eternal impact in the lives of your loved ones and the greater communities you are placed in. To build wealth “where moth and rust cannot destroy it”, that, is True Wealth. This is what makes us unique in this industry.

What is the biggest misconception clients have about the process of getting insured?

“It’s expensive or I won’t get approved because of my condition”. A lot has changed in the last decade and certain conditions that were previously automatic declines now get approved. This is good for everyone.

How do you think digitization will affect the industry in 10 years?

As an Advisor, you’ll need to be fully digitally integrated to compete. With an integration of systems e.g. inquiry-insurance software-to insurance application-to insurance carrier-to CRM. Many of the tools we used operated in silos but that’s going to change rapidly, Covid accelerated that. This is going to help with scaling but also being able to reach the consumer right where they are.

How do you stay up to date with industry trends?

I read quite a bit plus I am part of a tight group of Financial Planners and we share lots of useful information amongst ourselves. I am also a part of some great organizations (FPAC, FP Canada) & a few others that provide relevant updates. I also look outside the industry to see what’s working in other sectors (and countries for that matter) and how it can be applied to our industry. I often say this as a joke but it’s true “I’ve been zooming long before zoom became a thing” but that’s because my practise had been set up to be digital long before it became necessary. I learned this by looking outside the industry.

What is one piece of advice you would give a person entering the advisory business today?

Surround yourself with very educated and experienced mentors. Those that are focused on truly educating and helping people and not selling products. Develop a culture of excellence and attention to detail. If possible, niche right away, it’ll set you apart in the long run.

 What’s something about being an advisor you wish you knew earlier in your career?

Don’t join MLM organizations that are focused more on sales and recruiting. It cost me 5-years of my career. See my advice above, that’s what I wish I knew earlier in my career.

How has remote work affected your work and management styles?

Not much has changed for me. The pandemic accelerated my practise and demonstrated we were ahead of the curve in terms of how we deliver our value.

What is the major takeaway you’d like to leave your clients with when choosing you for their insurance needs?

I am an ally, I wouldn’t recommend a product just because it is “suitable” for you, which is the main standard in the industry. Rather, I only recommend what I believe is in your best interest.

Let’s determine what your goals and objectives are, then let’s explore the possibilities to bring that vision to life. As a good mentor said “let’s get you the best return on life”.

What was one of the most meaningful moments of your career?

Going independent in 2014 and finally getting my Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation a few years ago.