Episode 88: Bridging the Risk - Rudy Pineda on Legacy, Loss, and the Power of Planning
In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Rudy Pineda—Chartered Life Underwriter, Certified Health Specialist, and Director of Advanced Sales at PPI—shares his journey from Guatemala to Canada, and the life-changing events that shaped his purpose in the insurance industry. Rudy opens up about navigating a contested inheritance, the emotional toll of caregiving, and the financial realities of funding life-saving cancer treatment. Together with host Reh Bhanji, Rudy explores how insurance can bridge the gap between life’s unpredictable turns and long-term financial well-being—and why holistic risk planning is more essential than ever.
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1:10:59
Episode 87: Building Leaders: Ted Girard on Growth, Strategy, and a Coach’s Mindset
Great leadership isn’t born—it’s coached.In this episode of Discovery Series: Unplugged, Ted Girard, Senior Director of DFSIN Ontario Central, shares lessons learned from years of coaching—both on the field and in the financial services industry. Drawing inspiration from his early baseball coaching days, Ted discusses how strategy, execution, and mindset shape high-performing advisor teams.Whether you’re building your book of business or leading others, Ted’s insights into growth, leadership, and change management offer a practical blueprint for success.Tune in for:How coaching principles apply to advisor developmentGrowth strategies that drive lasting successLeading change through execution and teamworkBuilding resilient, high-impact teams
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43:38
Episode 86: Arrow Forward - Paula Andreychuk on Grief, Growth, and Giving Back
How do we accelerate action when life throws us loss, grief, and the unexpected? In this special live episode of the Discovery Series: Unplugged, financial security advisor and volunteer firefighter Paula Andreychuk shares her powerful personal story—one that begins in professional sports, turns through tragic loss, and lands in a place of purpose.Recorded at the Advocis Toronto International Women’s Day event, this conversation covers:A life insurance claim that didn’t pay—and whyHow grief shaped Paula’s mission to protect othersTurning trauma into advocacy through peer counselling and firefightingLessons for advisors navigating conversations around life, loss, and legacyWith honesty, resilience, and a dash of grit, Paula reminds us what it means to serve with empathy—and to move through life with intention.Her symbol? An arrow. Because no matter how far she’s pulled back, she always fires forward.
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Episode 85: Power Plays & Pension Strategies - Elevating Business Owner Planning
How can advisors power up their business owner conversations and unlock new insurance and pension opportunities? In this high-energy episode, Leo Deblois, Pension Analyst and Business Development Advisor at SFL Wealth Management, joins us to break down how Executive Pension Plans (EPPs) can simplify retirement planning, create major tax efficiencies, and open the door to powerful cross-selling opportunities in the corporate market.Drawing from his background as a competitive hockey goalie, Leo shares how advisors can make “high percentage plays” with EPPs, demystify pension planning, and drive success for both their business owner clients and their own practices.Whether you’re looking to sharpen your game or find new pathways into corporate insurance cases, this conversation is packed with practical insights you won’t want to miss!
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Episode 84: Tariffs & Tensions - What Advisors Need to Know
With headlines swirling about rising global tariffs and economic uncertainty, what does it really mean for Canadian businesses—and the advisors who support them?In this episode of the Discovery Series: Unplugged, Randall Bartlett, Senior Director of Canadian Economics at Desjardins, breaks down the latest developments in international trade and what they signal for the Canadian economy.We unpack:The impact of U.S.-Canada trade tensionsHow tariffs ripple through small businesses and householdsWhat advisors can do to help clients prepare for volatilityWhether you’re guiding business owners or planning with incorporated professionals, this episode brings clarity to a complex economic landscape.A Recession is Likely as Trade War Impacts LoomTit for Tat: What Do Retaliatory Tariffs Mean for Canadian Imports, Growth and Inflation?
Welcome to the Discovery Series: Unplugged podcast! Join Reh Bhanji and David Lee from Desjardins Insurance as they dive deep into the stories of real people, real advisors, and real-life experiences. From navigating the highs and lows of the financial industry, to finding success and fulfilment in unexpected places, this podcast is for advisors who want to be inspired, informed, and engaged. So, whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, tune in and join the community!
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