If you've ever hit a milestone and still felt like something was missing… this episode is for you.

Rob Brown shares a deeply personal reflection on why even the most successful advisors can lose confidence in their calling—and what it takes to get it back. Whether you're navigating a personal challenge, asking what’s next in your business, or simply feeling off-purpose, this conversation will meet you where you are.

You'll hear the story behind Rob’s new season of work, what God revealed to him in a room full of 5,000 men, and why believing in yourself isn’t just about mindset—it’s about mission.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why self-doubt sneaks in (even during seasons of success)
• How to reconnect with your purpose when the spotlight fades
• A simple daily practice to grow your self-belief through prayer
• What it looks like to lead your business as a form of discipleship

Mentioned in this episode:

The Purpose-Focused Advisor Newsletter — Weekly encouragement for purpose-driven advisors

Truest Fan: Live, Love, and Lead with Purpose and Impact — Rob’s book on living a life of intentional faith and leadership

The Purpose-Focused Advisor Mastermind — A high-level experience for Christian men ready to lead with purpose

Closing Thought:

“When you believe in who God made you to be, you stop chasing success—and start living it.”

Connect with Rob Brown:

Website: http://truestfan.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/truestfan/

What happens when a software engineer trades writing code for serving clients? In this week’s episode, I sit down with Mike Zung, founder of Java Wealth Planning and creator of Beautiful Financial Plan, who left a 20-year tech career to build a thriving advisory practice. Then he went a step further, designing a visually compelling way to help other advisors present financial plans more clearly and effectively. Mike is helping shape the way advisors deliver value. He is redefining what it means to serve with clarity, purpose, and beauty.

Key Takeaways:

• Leaving Tech to Find Purpose (01:44) – Mike’s shift from software development to financial planning shows that meaningful career change is possible when you follow what energizes you.
• Build Tools That Clients Actually Use (15:39) – Creating simple, customized deliverables helps clients stay engaged and ensures they truly understand what matters in their plan.
• Serve a Niche You Understand Deeply (07:30) – Working with clients who share your professional background allows you to speak their language and provide more targeted, effective advice.
• Equity Compensation Is More Than a Perk (10:11) – Helping clients reframe RSUs and stock options as real compensation unlocks better decision-making and long-term planning.
• Advisors Hold a Unique Kind of Trust (24:47) – The depth of trust clients place in advisors is powerful—showing up with presence and empathy can turn planning into life-changing support.

Mike Zung: "You only have so much time with the client. And a lot of people meet with them once or twice a year. So that time is super valuable."

Rob Brown: "You can make such a huge difference in their lives if you just listen and care."

About Mike Zung: Mike Zung, CFP®, is the founder of Java Wealth Planning and a former software engineer with nearly two decades of experience in tech. After years in IT leadership roles, Mike felt called to pursue a path with more direct impact, leading him to personal finance. He became a Certified Financial Planner™ professional after completing his education at the University of Georgia's Terry College of Business. Today, he helps tech professionals make confident financial decisions and live with purpose.

Episode References:

• The Purpose-Focused Advisor Weekly Newdletter
• The Purposed-Focused Advisor Mastermind
• Executive Coaching with Rob Brown

Connect with Mike Zung:

Website: https://www.javawealth.com/ & https://www.beautifulfinancialplan.com/

Email: mike@javawealth.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikezung/

Connect with Rob Brown:

Website: http://truestfan.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/truestfan/

In this episode, Rob Brown sits down with Tim Russell, financial advisor, firm leader, podcast host, and now co-author of the brand-new book The Good Steward, written with his father, Roy Russell. Tim shares the story behind the book and how his passion for biblical stewardship shapes the way he leads his advisory firm and serves clients. Rob and Tim dive into what it really means to be a good steward, how to build a faith-driven business culture, and how advisors can bring more purpose and encouragement to their client relationships.

Key Takeaways:

• Early Lessons, Lasting Impact: Tim shares how overcoming dyslexia, passing his securities exam at 17, and his father’s encouragement shaped his calling to financial stewardship.
• The Good Steward: The new book offers a fresh, Gospel-centered approach to handling money, helping Christians balance wise financial management with a deeper trust in God.
• Stewardship Is About 100%: True stewardship isn't just about giving — it’s about wisely managing all of the resources God entrusts to us, including saving, spending, and investing.
• Leading with Purpose: Tim talks about building a thriving advisory firm by weaving faith, prayer, and Gospel-centered encouragement into his client relationships and team culture.
• The Role of Advisors: Rob and Tim explore how financial advisors can bring hope and lasting value to clients, especially during market downturns, by reminding them where true security lies.

Tim Russell: "Good stewardship is about managing 100% of what God has entrusted to us—not just the 10% we give away."

Rob Brown: "Helping clients think about stewardship, not just wealth, can breathe new life into a practice that’s lost its sense of deeper purpose."

About Tim Russell: Tim Russell is a Christian Financial Advisor, podcast host, and author. His mission is to help Christians become even better stewards of all their assets. Along with theological and Biblical language training, he holds the CFP® (Certified Financial Planner) and CKA® (Certified Kingdom Advisor) designations. He currently serves as a wealth manager and President of Life Financial Group (LFG) in Douglassville, PA, along with leading Life Institute, their ministry division.

Connect with Tim Russell:

Website: http://www.thelifegroup.org/ & http://lifeinstitute.org/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothy-russell-cfp%C2%AE-cka%C2%AE-2595739/

Book: The Good Steward: https://www.thelifegroup.org/thegoodsteward/

Podcast: The Stewardology Podcast: https://stewardologypodcast.com/

Episode References:

• The Purpose-Focused Advisor Weekly Newdletter
• The Purposed-Focused Advisor Mastermind
• Executive Coaching with Rob Brown

Connect with Rob Brown:

Website: http://truestfan.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/truestfan/