In a recent episode of the Coaching Magic podcast, Jill Young sat down with co‑founder of C&J Innovations, Colleen Bowler, CFP® — a seasoned coach and former financial advisor. Their conversation unpacked three core coaching principles that resonate deeply with financial professionals and anyone invested in human‑centered growth:

1. Build Your “Why Wall” — A Daily Reminder of Purpose

Colleen revealed her personal “Why Wall”: a collection of inspirational prompts, family photos, thank‑you notes, and her unique ability statement. It helps her stay grounded and show up fully in coaching sessions.

Why it matters: Having a physical reminder of why you do this work helps maintain clarity, motivation, and authenticity – even on tough days.

Takeaway:
Set up your own wall or visual space filled with what inspires you – family, client gratitude, mission‑driven visuals. Let it fuel your presence and energy.

2. Embrace Getting “Unstuck” with Coaching

They explored how coaches, leaders, and entrepreneurs all experience blocks and the fastest path forward is being coached ourselves. As advisors are also now leaning more into the role of life and money coaches, Colleen delivered a mic‑drop moment:

“Any of us who are coaching… who don’t have their own coach(s), are working our stuff out on our clients.”

She reminded listeners: don’t bypass your own humanity. Be willing to sit with discomfort and grow.

“Growth comes from a willingness to go through fear, uncertainty, and discomfort.”  – Dan Sullivan

If you’re ever stuck, ask:

1. Who can coach me right now to understand what I need to do to move forward?
2. What uncomfortable question am I avoiding?
   Be proactive in your own growth so you don’t replay unprocessed issues with those you’re coaching or advising.

3. Money Mindset: Make It Your Friend

Money conversations often derail presence and trust. Colleen challenged us to embrace radical transparency:

“As soon as you can be transparent and authentic with your money, magic happens.”

She shared lessons from life and business – saving for her son’s future, navigating income dips after 9/11 and 2008, and realizing the comfort of an emergency fund.
By putting money challenges on paper and leaning into accountability, she found clarity and was able to stay in her purpose.

A simple question: “Do you have a system or process in place, or you relying on your willpower?”
Environment and routines make all the difference.

4. The Human‑Centered Advantage – Especially for Financial Advisors

As a coach and former advisor, Colleen emphasized that what sets great advisors apart isn’t just financial expertise – it’s the ability to ask questions on the human side of the conversation. Clients want to be seen for who they are – not just the size of their portfolio. That’s where tools like The Passport Package™ (patent pending) come in.

This quick, values-based assessment helps advisors go deeper by exploring topics clients rarely bring up on their own – like their wellness, longevity goals, and sense of purpose. It opens the door to meaningful conversations that go far beyond the numbers.

Jill reflected on her own experience with The Passport Package™, saying:

“It was great because I got to see where I was doing well – and also where I needed to improve. It was super insightful.”

The power of this approach takes everyone out of judgement and brings transparency – it’s about clarity. And once you have clarity, you can take confident action.

By embedding this tool in their process, advisors can:

• Uncover insights that traditional data-gathering misses
• Make each client feel heard and understood
• Create repeatable processes that are still deeply personal
• Strengthen loyalty and increase referrals

The advisors who embrace this human-first shift are seeing the difference: stronger relationships, more meaningful planning, and clients who feel connected – not just managed.

Move from being a “money manager” to a trusted partner. Ask deeper questions, explore client values, and make mindset part of the plan. The Passport Package™ gives you a scalable, white-labeled way to do just that – without reinventing your process.

Final Thoughts

In an era of AI, automation, and endless data, Jill and Colleen remind us that the human part – the presence, empathy, clarity – matters more than ever. And The Passport Package™ embraces AI to enhance the human experience – not replace it. These reflective tools, honest conversations, and transparent practices are where real connection, trust, and transformation begin.

Curious to explore how The Passport Package™ (patent pending) can help embed these practices in your client experience? Book a free consultation & walkthrough to dive into a human‑centered planning approach.