In this episode of The Trusted Adviser Podcast, host Rob Pyne speaks with Zacary Leeson, Financial Adviser and Director at HPH Solutions, about how the firm has evolved its approach to create truly life-centered conversations with clients.
Zac shares how HPH’s “Progress Update” framework transforms traditional review meetings into deeply engaging, goal-focused experiences that help clients feel lighter, more confident, and genuinely connected to their financial journey. Together, Rob and Zac explore the discipline, tools, and mindset shifts required for advisers to move beyond investment-centric advice and build sustainable, human-centered client relationships that drive lasting value.
LISTEN
SHOW NOTES
Topics Discussed
- The evolution of the client review into a “Progress Update” meeting
- How to structure life-centered conversations that drive engagement
- The role of caring, values alignment, and boundaries in client service
- Avoiding burnout and over-servicing while maintaining high standards
- Why transitioning from investment-focused to life-focused advice must be gradual
- Using tools and team processes to enhance consistency and experience
- How AI and process efficiency will shape the future of client engagement
- Building sustainable, scalable frameworks that keep advisers connected to purpose
Episode Highlights
(Timestamps are approximate)
(00:00) – Introduction: Reframing the client experience at HPH Solutions
(03:20) – What makes the “Progress Update” meeting different from traditional reviews
(08:05) – How clients feel after seeing their financial and life progress
(12:10) – The balance between caring deeply and maintaining healthy adviser boundaries
(16:45) – Aligning client and adviser values for better relationships
(19:50) – How to transition from investment-centric to life-centered advice
(24:00) – The role of data, systems, and technology in freeing up adviser time
(26:30) – The future of financial advice: becoming the “CEO of household finances”
(29:10) – Closing reflections on building meaningful and scalable client experiences
Quotes
“Clients walk out of that meeting feeling lighter. They finally know where they are on their journey, what they’ve achieved, and what to do next.” – Zacary Leeson
“You have to care deeply about your clients, but within boundaries—because without them, you’ll burn out and can’t sustainably serve anyone.” – Zacary Leeson
“If your values align with your clients’, and you’ve got the tools and process to support that relationship, you’ll create the best client experience possible.” – Zacary Leeson
“It’s about progress, not portfolios. Clients want to talk about their life, not last year’s market movements.” – Rob Pyne
“Our role is becoming more integrated—almost like the CEO of the household finances—so clients can focus on living their lives, knowing everything’s under control.” – Zacary Leeson
Resources & Links
- HPH Solutions: https://hphsolutions.com.au/
- Follow The Trusted Adviser Podcast
- Connect with Rob Pyne on LinkedIn
- Connect with Zacary Leeson on LinkedIn
Key Takeaways
- Progress-focused meetings help clients feel ownership, direction, and motivation around their goals.
- Caring with structure—having the right guardrails—is essential to avoid burnout and maintain service quality.
- Values alignment between adviser and client builds trust and engagement.
- Transitioning to life-centered advice requires patience, communication, and supportive tools.
- Efficiency and AI will enable advisers to spend more time building relationships, not managing admin.
- The profession is moving toward a model where advisers serve as “household CFOs”, managing every aspect of financial life through proactive engagement and seamless processes.
Show notes and transcript
For the full show notes and transcript from this episode, head to the episode page on The Trusted Adviser Website here.