Voices of MDRT: Top Advisors Reveal How They Build Thriving Practices

Whether going independent, offering holistic services, or finding work-life balance, MDRT gives advisors the tools and peer support to succeed in a changing industry.

The financial services industry is changing faster than ever. Clients expect more than traditional product advice—they want holistic guidance that integrates life insurance, investments, and financial planning into a cohesive strategy. Advisors face a constant stream of challenges: new tax laws, evolving markets, and emerging technologies like AI. Navigating this complexity alone can feel overwhelming, but MDRT provides a unique peer-driven platform to not just keep up but thrive.

For over a century, the Million Dollar Round Table has brought together the world’s top financial professionals, offering mentorship, peer networking, and tools that accelerate growth and elevate client outcomes.

Learning From Those Who’ve Done It

Delia Brimmer, a five-year MDRT member with Eagle Strategies, a wholly-owned subsidiary of New York Life Insurance Company, describes the organization as the perfect environment for advisors transitioning into holistic financial planning.

“New York Life supports advisors in offering a holistic advice and planning approach. ” she says. “Through MDRT, you can surround yourself with people who have been offering holistic advice to their clients for years.”

Brimmer recalls attending her first MDRT Annual Meeting was like summer camp: an immersive week filled with connections, learning, and inspiration. “You’re building relationships that become very deep bonds. You learn from others about what’s working in their practices, and it gives you confidence to apply it in your own. One session taught me something I applied immediately, and ultimately,  my clients were happier for it.”

She emphasizes the value of mentorship: “The MDRT Academy gives newer advisors access to top tier MDRT members. You’re surrounded by people who lift you up, show you systems that work, and help you navigate transitions in your practice.”

Pivoting and Expanding Your Practice

Robert Cullen, a 14-year MDRT member at Farmers, made a major career pivot from property-casualty insurance to life insurance and broader financial products. MDRT helped him navigate the transition.

“Coming from the P&C world, one of the great things about the MDRT Annual Meeting is I’ve learned tools and ways to make that conversation pivot a lot easier,” Cullen says. “I leave the meeting rejuvenated, energized, and full of ideas to finish the year strong. The relationships I’ve built give me support I couldn’t find anywhere else.”

Cullen also underscores the Academy’s value for training advisors early in their careers. “It provides practical tools, mentorship, and systems that complement company training. The ROI is almost immediate. It’s the best investment I’ve made in my practice.” Explore these resources and learn more about the MDRT Academy.

Independence, Peer Learning, and Scaling Up

Ryan De La Torre, a 13-year MDRT member who transitioned to independent advising, forming the De La Torre Financial Group, found the peer network invaluable in shaping his decisions.

“MDRT members helped me decide to go independent. There’s no substitute for peer-to-peer learning,” he explains. “I could sit through a million seminars, but I wouldn’t have learned what I’ve learned here. Advisors share mistakes, successes, and practical strategies you can actually implement.”

De La Torre emphasizes the importance of staying ahead of industry changes: “If you don’t have a learner’s mindset, you’ll struggle. Markets change, tax laws change, clients’ lives change. MDRT helps you apply these lessons directly to clients’ unique situations.”

Inspiration, Accountability, and Giving Back

Bobby Ning, a 19-year MDRT member and founder of the Financial Literacy Council, highlights the unique combination of inspiration and accountability within MDRT.

“The MDRT community inspires you to aspire,” he says. “People truly think about you. They ask if you’re doing what you said you would, and that accountability is immeasurable. The relationships you build here aren’t just for fun. They help you scale your business and your life.”

Ning also emphasizes MDRT’s commitment to helping members achieve work-life balance through the organization’s “Whole Person” concept. “MDRT helps you see all facets of your life that need attention, from business efficiency to personal growth. It’s about building a practice that empowers both you and your clients.” Discover work-life harmony with MRDT’s Whole Person concept.

Why MDRT Matters

From mentorship to networking, from skill-building to peer accountability, MDRT provides a platform advisors can’t replicate elsewhere. Members gain:

• Peer-driven learning from top advisors across companies and geographies
• Mentorship for career pivots and expanding into holistic planning
• Tools to scale practices efficiently, freeing time for philanthropy or personal growth
• Access to actionable insights that improve client outcomes and deepen relationships

As Brimmer puts it: “If I called a random advisor at another firm, they probably wouldn’t help me. But MDRT relationships are built on trust and reciprocity. That’s why it’s so valuable.”

De La Torre echoes this sentiment: “You want to surround yourself with people who will help you and push you to be better. MDRT is that community. If you’re not participating, you’re falling behind. This is the premier association for financial professionals worldwide.”

Join the Conversation, Accelerate Your Practice

MDRT isn’t just a credential—it’s a living, breathing community of advisors committed to excellence, innovation, and client outcomes. Whether you’re looking to pivot, scale, or expand your offerings, there’s no substitute for the experience, mentorship, and accountability MDRT provides.

For advisors ready to take their practice and their clients’ financial futures to the next level, there’s no better time to get involved. Surround yourself with the best, learn from the best, and let MDRT help you thrive.

Visit mdrt.og/member-benefits and discover how MDRT can support your next step.