Powering Your Financial Future: Live your best life with Martin Moll
In this episode of Finding Fearless, Madeline converses with Martin Moll, a former corporate executive who transitioned into entrepreneurship late in life. Martin shares his journey from a top-ranking position in finance to co-founding Breakaway Advisors, highlighting the importance of authenticity, mentorship, and scaling in business. They discuss the breakaway model, its focus on flexible and equitable work environments, and its impact on both clients and advisors. The conversation also touches on the evolving accounting industry and how Breakaway Advisors is positioned to become a national brand in client accounting services.
Listen in as we speak about:
Discovering a New Path
The Value of Experience and Timing
Embracing Flexibility and Passion
The Significance of Brand and Community
The Role of Technology and AI
The Importance of Mentorship and Soft Skills
Looking Forward: Investing in the Future
And much, much, more!
Discovering a New Path
Martin Moll's story is not that of a typical entrepreneur. His journey began in the corporate world, climbing the ranks to become a top executive in finance and accounting. However, later in life, he felt a distinct pull towards entrepreneurship—a path he had never envisioned for himself, the co-founder of Breakaway Advisors, a firm dedicated to providing high-level client accounting services and fractional CFO roles.
The Value of Experience and Timing
One of the most profound aspects of Moll's journey is the realization that it’s never too late to embrace entrepreneurship. His extensive corporate experience equipped him with unique insights and skills beneficial for scaling a business. Moll's narrative encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to leverage their previous experiences, regardless of where they started.
He candidly discussed the struggles and rewards of building and scaling a business, highlighting that each entrepreneurial venture—whether it’s the first or the fifteenth—comes with its distinct challenges and learning opportunities.
Embracing Flexibility and Passion
Moll's transition into entrepreneurship allowed him to blend his passion for business with the flexibility to create a more fulfilling professional path. As a mentor and advisor, he found immense joy in guiding others through their entrepreneurial journeys, contributing to a supportive community where each member could thrive on their terms.
The Breakaway model emphasizes the importance of giving advisors the autonomy to choose their paths, whether they wish to develop a niche, build a significant book of business, or maintain a smaller client base that aligns with their lifestyle. This approach fosters a diverse and inclusive environment, making it particularly attractive to women and other underrepresented groups in the industry.
The Significance of Brand and Community
One of the critical elements that Moll and Madeline discussed is the power of brand. Moll's experience in leading large firms with established reputations taught him the indispensable value of a strong brand presence. At Breakaway Advisors, the brand is not just a logo or a name; it’s a promise of quality, trust, and community.
The brand's strength is evident with advisors leaning into their unique identities and specialties, whether it’s accounting for healthcare practices or managing finances for creative agencies. This diversity within the brand ensures that Breakaway Advisors can meet a wide range of client needs while supporting its advisors in building their careers.
The Role of Technology and AI
In an era where AI and technology are transforming industries, Moll offers a refreshing perspective. Rather than viewing technology as a threat, he sees it as a tool that can free accountants from mundane tasks, allowing them to focus on higher-value activities and deeper client relationships. This view aligns with the core philosophy of Breakaway Advisors—leveraging technology to enhance human connection and expertise.
The Importance of Mentorship and Soft Skills
Moll's journey underscores the critical role of mentorship in both personal and professional development. By stepping back from the daily operations of Breakaway Advisors, he’s been able to focus on mentoring a new generation of advisors. This supportive, mentorship-driven model reflects the industry's traditional apprenticeship roots, enriching advisors' professional growth and fostering a robust community.
Moreover, developing soft skills such as empathy, effective communication, and critical thinking is at the heart of Breakaway’s training programs. These skills are essential for advisors to offer insightful guidance and build lasting client relationships.
Looking Forward: Investing in the Future
As Moll continues on his entrepreneurial journey, his vision extends beyond Breakaway Advisors. He aims to invest in allied businesses and support startups led by women and minorities, further contributing to the industry's diversity and innovation. This goal reflects his commitment to positive change and equitable opportunities within the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Connect with Martin:
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Website
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