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Come together with MDRT peers from across the globe for the most valuable business meeting of the year!
Gain insights from past meetings and learn how to apply them to grow your business today. Log in to mdrt.org to access personalized information and content.
Read about the topics explored at this year’s meeting on the MDRT App. Be inspired by creative business concepts, learn specialized information from world-class speakers and discover new ways to expand your career.
The 2024 MDRT Annual Meeting and its official hotels will be in one of the most beautiful cities in the world — Vancouver. Explore, discover and get a flavor of everything this incredible destination has to offer.
2024 Annual Meeting travel applications for Vancouver may take up to six months.
Please start your visa, electronic travel authorization (eTA) and passport applications today.
(no sessions this day)
(Sessions begin at 11 a.m.)
Ponlacha Rojlertjanya went from being a computer engineer to attaining MDRT-level production as a financial advisor and life insurance agent and has received accolades for his creation of an online market for sustainability.
Kanyarat Yommana has been in the financial services profession for 14 years, joining right after graduation. He has received recognition for his achievements, earning the Quality Manager Award from his company for nine consecutive years.
Magali Bernal is a financial services advisor who specializes in international trade and finance. With a degree in international relations and a master’s degree in financial services, Bernal is a multifaceted businesswoman who believes her career is more than a profession — it’s a lifestyle.
Nobuyuki Fukumoto, AFP, from Hiroshima, Japan, joined Saison Life in 1995 and earned the company’s top performance award twice. In 2009, Fukumoto became an independent agent and established Solution Planning. He joined Sonic Japan in 2015.
Edwin Rodrigo Aguilar Valdez is an insurance advisor at Seguros Monterrey New York Life. With more than six years of experience offering courses, training and lectures in human resources and leadership topics at the national level, Aguilar Valdez works with 300-plus clients in every state of Mexico and serves as a mentor to fellow advisors.
Hozumi Hanada, LUTCF, is a leader of the Japanese division at The Pacific Bridge Companies and serves as president of the Pacific Bridge Wealth Resources. Born in Yamanashi, Hanada worked as an editor in Tokyo for 10 years before discovering her true passion — supporting the Japanese community as their financial advisor by helping them realize their dreams and aspirations through global financial navigation.
Lizzette Castillo Martell joined the financial services profession in 2018 and is committed to achieving her goals — whether they are set by her company or herself. Castillo Martell is a mentor to her fellow advisors and has spoken at various forums, including at several regional offices in Mexico.
Li-ping Chang is an insurance advisor who realized her calling in junior high. With the desire to earn trust as a key motivator, Chang is committed to passing on the Whole Person concept to her clients and becoming the friend they can rely on.
Alexandra de Jesus Garcia Yanez, who has been a financial services advisor at Seguros Monterrey New York Life for three years, received one diamond Legion Conventionist Award and two gold Legion Conventionist Awards from her company while pursuing her postgraduate degree at The American College.
Woong-bae Kim joined Prudential Life in 2010 and is currently a senior consultant at KB Lifepartners Insurance Company of Korea.
Ravi P. Rajpal is a certified coach and experienced worldwide speaker at conferences for financial advisors and students of management. His audiences have topped more than 9,000 attendees, and he is passionate about making a difference in people’s lives.
Kris Amliwala, FPFS, is a Chartered Financial Planner at Designer Wealth Management and 1 of 125 Registered Life Planners in the UK. He helps families in their 50’s create, protect and enjoy their wealth.
Chulaporn Chaimontree has been in the financial services profession for nine years, starting out as a publishing business owner before transitioning to a financial advisor. She runs her own practice and has twice received the Advisor of the Year Award from her agency.
Tae Sik Park, a branch manager at Korea Financial Planning Corporation, provides lectures and financial consulting for employees at large corporations.
Pei Chun Hsieh has been in the financial services profession for 20 years and currently has the highest number of online customer clicks in the company, accounting for more than 20% of the total clicks.
Ngaongam Kunphai is a former customer care consultant who worked with multinational companies. As a financial services advisor, Kunphai spends more than 70% of her time conducting phone sales to clients, with limited time going to client meetings.
Lizbeth Lara Santacruz is an active associate of a women’s business foundation, a member of three chambers of commerce, and a sponsor of events and contests in her city.
Dr. Susan Biali Haas is an award-winning medical doctor, mental health advocate and expert in burnout prevention, stress management and resilience. During the first year of the pandemic, Biali Haas counseled patients with anxiety and depression, and she continues to inspire a broad range of clients — from military leaders and senior executives to physicians and other health care professionals — to take control of their health. She is a bestselling author and has been featured on the “Today” show, “Today With Hoda & Jenna” and “BBC World Service” as well as in the Chicago Tribune, Washington Post and New York Post.
Delia Brimmer is a successful financial advisor with New York Life. Since beginning her career in 2013, Brimmer has grown her business into a multistate practice, in large part because of her focus on building relationships. She attended her first MDRT meeting in June 2022 and is an active MDRT member volunteer.
Vanessa Y. Bucklin, MBA, CLU, is a financial advisor for Eagle Strategies LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of New York Life. She specializes in creating custom insurance and financial solutions for her clients, while working together with them to develop a comprehensive approach that helps transfer wealth to the next generation, ensuring today’s needs and tomorrow’s goals are met.
Mark D. Olson, CFP, MSFS, specializes in providing customized comprehensive financial and retirement planning for corporate executives, business owners and other professionals. For more than 30 years, Olson has helped his clients find financial peace of mind by serving as their financial coach and advocate. He enjoys working with those who are preparing for retirement or just beginning that chapter of their lives.
Ted Rusinoff, from Stow, Ohio, USA, serves as managing partner at Wealth Design Partners and Hall-Green Agency, where he leads advisors and agents to better ways of meeting the needs of their clients. Rusinoff has spoken at the Advanced Association of Life Underwriters, The School of Life and The Best Practices Symposium as well as at many MDRT events. He served as the 2019 MDRT Foundation President and is an Excalibur Knight of the MDRT Foundation.
Yu Chun Chen has 10 years of experience in the life insurance profession. Specializing in medical insurance, Chen ensures her communication with clients when reviewing their policies is clear, simple and easy to understand.
Alfonso Jorge Orozco Hernandez has been a financial services advisor for seven years and has found, when his strategy stays focused on the client, success follows.
Sky Chen Wei saw his leads go from zero to unlimited by taking action on his dreams and applying a mindset for success.
Pei Mei Chiu has 10 years of experience in the life insurance field and five years’ experience as a supervisor.
Alessandro M. Forte, FCII, CFP, is one of the world’s top financial advisors — by production, qualification and compliance standards. He has spoken in 88 countries, is the author of the international bestseller “Dare to be Different,” which is published in eight languages. He is currently Vice President of the MDRT Foundation and has helped raise more than USD 24 million for numerous charities.
Satoshi Ishii had no sales experience when he joined the financial services profession 12 years ago, having started his career as a system engineer in charge of stock exchange systems. He is now part of the Mitsui Sumitomo Aioi Life Insurance Company Group and works for MSK Insurance Center Company, where he specializes in selling protection products. His main source for acquiring new clients comes from his existing clientele of individuals and businesses.
Guy Mankey is a 14 year Top of the Table member and one of Australia’s most experienced and innovative insurance advisors, providing coverage for private and business clients since 1979. He is a sought-after presenter and mentor and enjoys sharing his wisdom around the world. Mankey has a reputation for looking at the business differently to most, which has enabled him to develop unique and profitable approaches to the profession.
Nobuyuki Ishikawa is a top executive life planner at Sony Life Insurance Company in Japan, where he specializes in providing financial advice to clients in a way that helps mitigate their worries about their future.
Hsiao-Yin Lu joined the life insurance profession in 2012 and currently serves more than 1,500 clients, helping them to secure their futures with sound financial planning. She also strives to provide warm and caring service during the claims process.
Pawel F. Skotnicki is the founder and first president of the Polish Association of Recommended Insurance Advisors. He has authored the book “Polak mądry przed szkodą” (“Smart Pole Before Harm”), is a columnist at Gazeta Ubezpieczeniowa and has created several e-books.
(Exclusively for 2024 Court of the Table and 2024 Top of the Table members)
Steve Backley established himself as one of the all-time greats of his sport, becoming the world’s No. 1 javelin thrower after breaking the world record three times. Despite serious setbacks during his career, Backley participated in the British national athletics team for more than 15 years, is the only British track-and-field competitor to win medals at three different Olympic games and, in 1990, was crowned World Athlete of the Year.
Roger Black is a former athlete who is well-known for winning 15 major championship medals in the 400-meter and 4x400-meter relays, including European, Commonwealth and World Championship gold medals. Black competed internationally for Great Britain and England, overcoming many obstacles during his successful athletic career.
Regina Bedoya, CLU, ChFC, is president of RB Financial Services, a financial consulting firm specializing in retirement and insurance planning. She served as the 2020 MDRT President and is a Platinum Knight of the MDRT Foundation and a member of its Inner Circle Society. Bedoya’s volunteerism within MDRT also includes extensive committee work as well as speaking at Annual Meetings and international industry conferences. She has received the Irvin Konter Award and the American Free Enterprise Companion Medal and was named Prudential Palm Beach’s Agent of the Year twice.
Tony Gordon is one of the most successful and well-known advisors in the financial services profession. As an MDRT Past President — and with more than 50 years of experience in the business — Gordon applies his expansive knowledge to mentor other advisors and share his ideas and enthusiasm with audiences around the world.
Thian Lung Jong joined AIA in 2006 and was promoted to unit manager in 2008. He authored “Simplicity,” co-authored “The Mindset Playbook” and “Malaysia Big Deals,” and has received several awards over the years for his accomplishments. Jong has volunteered extensively as an MDRT member, serving in various roles for the MDRT Program General Arrangements Committee, as an MDRT Global Ambassador and for the MDRT Foundation. He has also participated in numerous speaking engagements for MDRT, at agency managers’ conferences and for other financial services organizations.
Alex Boyé, an America’s Got Talent alumni, is a multicultural, multigenerational global artist with more than 1 billion views on his YouTube channel. He received the Didi Hirsch “Erasing the Stigma” award for his work on mental health initiatives and is the official ambassador for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Boyé has performed at Carnegie Hall eight times and has appeared on talk shows such as “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” “Fox & Friends” and “Good Morning America.”
Ian Green, Dip PFS, was the 2021 MDRT President and 2017 Top of the Table Global Council Member and Advisory Board Chair. He runs an independent financial planning firm in London and, as an advocate of the Whole Person concept, attributes much of his success to what he learns from MDRT.
Yohei Tomita joined Prudential Life of Japan in 2004 and was promoted in 2009 to sales manager, a role that taught him how to recruit, develop and manage a team. In 2013, he transitioned back to sales and currently specializes in inheritance/estate planning and business succession. Tomita is passionate about uncovering potential challenges clients may face and guiding them to solutions that are best for them.
Joel Zeff is a dynamic speaker, improvisational humorist and renowned motivator with a central message for his audiences: Organizations and individuals should celebrate everyday successes to increase collaboration, productivity, passion and innovation. Since 1997, Zeff has inspired audiences such as Wells Fargo, Samsung and the IRS, delivering a combination of inspiration, essential business knowledge and ideas to help them reconnect with their passion and success.
Diana Chao, a first-generation Buyi Chinese American immigrant from Southern California, grew up below the poverty line with parents who didn’t speak English. Learning firsthand that healing is a nonlinear, complicated process no one should have to approach alone, she founded Letters to Strangers (L2S) when she was a sophomore in high school. Today, L2S is the largest global, youth-run mental health nonprofit seeking to destigmatize mental illness and increase access to affordable, quality treatment for youth. Chao has been recognized by two U.S. Presidents, named a 2021 Princess Diana Legacy Award winner and featured as the 2019 Health Hero in The Oprah Magazine.
Gregory B. Gagne, ChFC, is the 2024 President of MDRT. An Excalibur Knight of the MDRT Foundation, Gagne is also a member of its Inner Circle Society and has served on its Board of Trustees. Gagne is the founder of Affinity Investment Group LLC, which provides wealth management and distribution-planning services. His extensive MDRT volunteerism has included roles as Top of the Table Global Council Member and Advisory Board Chair and the 2020 Program Development Global Council Member. He has spoken at 12 MDRT meetings. In addition to his MDRT leadership, Gagne is a past president of NAIFA–New Hampshire and was awarded the Distinguished Financial Advisor Award in 2008.
Rick Hu, CLTC, RICP, is the founder and president of Midas Wealth, where he helps clients with all aspects of their investment and financial planning matters while also directing the firm’s financial strategies for client portfolios. Hu has received many awards for his sustained vision, outstanding leadership and client communication, and he is a frequent speaker on financial services topics. In addition, he has been featured in Forbes, Winston Benefits, Yahoo Finance and Newsday.
Jim Kwik is an internationally acclaimed authority on brain optimization, memory improvement and accelerated learning. As a New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, he has equipped countless people with tools for unparalleled productivity, personal transformation and professional triumph — including brain nutrition, brain types and how AI will impact our daily lives. Industry giants such as Google, Virgin Atlantic, Nike, SpaceX and 20th Century Studios, along with institutions like Harvard University and the United Nations, have embraced his methodologies.
Andrew C. Lord, CLU, ChFC, is the owner of Essential Planning LLC, a New Hampshire-based investment advisory firm specializing in retirement planning and offering comprehensive, personalized financial management solutions for clients. Lord currently serves as the President of the MDRT Foundation. He also has an extensive history of volunteerism with MDRT, including roles as Top of the Table Advisory Board Chair, Global Council Member of the Member Resources Division and Divisional Vice President of the Member Services Division.
Elke Rubach, LL.M., CLU, founder of Rubach Wealth, provides highly personalized support to her clients so they can become financially independent — an important position that her mother learned the hard way. Rubach speaks four languages, has a background in law, banking and finance, and is a sought-after speaker on wealth management, estate planning and philanthropy. She also is the founder of Fashion Heals for SickKids, which has raised more than $450,000 for pediatric cancer care and research since 2014.
Gino Wickman created the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), a practical method for leading businesses to greatness. An entrepreneur since he was 21, Wickman had an obsession for learning what makes businesses thrive and set out to help leaders get what they want out of their businesses. He has delivered more than 2,000 full-day sessions for more than 135 companies, showing them how to implement the EOS, and has authored the bestselling book “Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business.”
Tham Wongsankakorn is the director of the Numthong team at AIA Company. He began his financial services career in 1995 and has received numerous awards throughout the years. He also authored the book “Dare To Be Rich.”
Dr. Susan Biali Haas is an award-winning medical doctor, mental health advocate and expert in burnout prevention, stress management and resilience. During the first year of the pandemic, Biali Haas counseled patients with anxiety and depression, and she continues to inspire a broad range of clients — from military leaders and senior executives to physicians and other health care professionals — to take control of their health. She is a bestselling author and has been featured on the “Today” show, “Today With Hoda & Jenna” and “BBC World Service” as well as in the Chicago Tribune, Washington Post and New York Post.
(Sessions begin at 11:30 a.m.)
Sun-young Kim is a financial services advisor at Nonghyup Insurance Company Ltd. and was named a Golden Fellow of the Life Insurance Association.
Masakazu Shigemori joined Sony Life Insurance Company in 2004. He specializes in providing financial services to dentists and believes his personality has helped establish him as a valued advisor for the high-net-worth market.
Togo Kimura joined AXA Life Insurance Company in 2009 and currently serves as executive financial plan advisor, focusing on life plan consulting and inheritance planning.
Joo-hwan Lee joined Mirae Asset Life Insurance in 2010 and founded a branch office of KMI Asset in 2019. He has an extensive MDRT volunteer history and strives to become a role model for fellow life insurance advisors in Korea.
Jesus Rodrigo Alfaro Gutierrez has been an insurance advisor at Seguros Monterrey New York Life since 2015. He has participated in conventions and symposiums and is the recipient of the Legion Centurion Award.
Hiroshi Maeda joined Prudential Life Insurance Company in 2003. He is a part-time lecturer at Kagoshima University and has served on the board of MDRT Prudential Company Club for seven years, currently serving as Vice Chair.
Aurora L. Tancock, FLMI, CFP, is president of Aurora Tancock Financial Services Inc. in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada. With more than 30 years of experience in financial services, Tancock strives to help her clients understand and overcome complexity as they plan for their financial future. She is an active MDRT and MDRT Foundation member volunteer and sits on the Finance Committee for the St. Catharines Community Foundation.
Christian Thomas Carpizo Vazquez Sr. believes success begins with applying consistency, maintaining self-discipline and setting very clear goals.
Matthew T. Hoesly, CFP, ChFC, started his financial services career in 2004 after graduating from St. Norbert College. He relocated to Virginia in 2006 to join Resource 1 Inc., where he focuses on providing clients with personal financial advice, corporate retirement plans and asset management. He also plays a vital role in corporate trustee meetings as well employee meetings and educational seminars. In addition to serving as president of his local NAIFA chapter in 2012, Hoesly is also active in the Heritage Group, a national study group of young financial professionals who are being mentored by successful relatives.
Jim Kwik is an internationally acclaimed authority on brain optimization, memory improvement and accelerated learning. As a New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, he has equipped countless people with tools for unparalleled productivity, personal transformation and professional triumph — including brain nutrition, brain types and how AI will impact our daily lives. Industry giants such as Google, Virgin Atlantic, Nike, SpaceX and 20th Century Studios, along with institutions like Harvard University and the United Nations, have embraced his methodologies.
Xiaohu Liu has been in the financial services profession for eight years, achieving MDRT every year. He currently serves as agency manager in Beijing and frequently appears as a special guest on Beijing’s TV program “100 Questions about Insurance.”
Ying Qi Carrie Chee is a financial services manager who has groomed multiple successful associates. She is a strong advocate of clear communication to facilitate understanding and minimize confusion. With 11 years of experience, she excels in having that difficult conversation with clients without coming across as offensive or aggressive.
Yohei Tomita joined Prudential Life of Japan in 2004 and was promoted in 2009 to sales manager, a role that taught him how to recruit, develop and manage a team. In 2013, he transitioned back to sales and currently specializes in inheritance/estate planning and business succession. Tomita is passionate about uncovering potential challenges clients may face and guiding them to solutions that are best for them.
Aree Burapapunjakul, who worked as a part-time agent for 10 years, managed to achieve MDRT qualification within nine months of going full time due to her dedication to working hard and securing a steady stream of clients.
Imelda Xochitl Padilla has maintained consistent growth during her 24-plus years as a financial advisor. She is also an entrepreneur in the wine industry, president of AMASFAC Aguascalientes, a neurotech therapist and a member of three organizations that support women leaders.
Joon Sik Choi joined MetLife Korea in 2005. Since becoming an MDRT member in 2006, Choi has been active on MCC and PGA committees and was a presenter in the ConneXion Zone at the 2019 MDRT Annual Meeting.
Shusaku Tezuka has found success in a unique way — without cold calls, letter writing and client meetings. Yet, he has continued his weekly production for the past 16 years and believes his approach has led to stress-free days.
Shane E. Westhoelter, AEP, CLU, started in 1988 going door to door to build a client base. Now, as founder and CEO of Gateway Financial Advisors Inc., he oversees 180 offices, 230 producers, USD 4 billion in assets and more than USD 30 million in revenue. He has spoken at several MDRT events as well as internationally on sales training, motivational leadership and visionary topics, and is a frequent contributor to industry publications.
Saad Anthony Baksh, BSc, started his financial services career 18 years ago with The Maritime Financial Group immediately following his graduation from The University Of London. Saad is the most successful Unit Manager at Maritime Financial with his team winning the "Unit of the year" title 9 times. He is now a Branch manager leading 30 advisors in a multi-line environment.. He has achieved many accolades, including MDRT's Diamond Award for field leaders in 2023, MDRT Honor Roll (16 time life and qualifying member), Best all round Unit in Trinidad and Tobago, is an active MDRT member volunteer, and has spoken at conferences in the U.S., Barbados, Jamaica and Belize.
Kathleen R. Benjamin, CFP, CPA, recently stepped down from her role of chief integration officer at The Pacific Bridge Companies, where she was part of the leadership team. Benjamin is currently the President of her own consulting company which specializes in providing financial advisory firms with strategic financial and operational advice to strengthen their overall practice management.
Timothy Daniel Clairmont, MSFS, founded Clear Financial Partners Inc., a holistic planning business in Portland, Oregon, USA, that provides retirement income planning strategies to pre-retirees and the recently retired. He created the globally available, free education app for advisors and clients, and is also a bestselling author and inspirational public speaker.
Hsiu-chung Hsu has found success in the financial services profession due to her commitment to lifelong learning and serving clients with enthusiasm.
John R. Benton Jr., ChFC, CLTC, is the founder of Chartered Financial Services, a financial planning and insurance practice that he leads with his wife and daughters in Warren, New Jersey, USA. He has served on numerous MDRT committees over the years and currently sits on the MDRT Foundation Board of Trustees.
Stephen Kagawa, FSS, LUTCF, is committed to helping financial advisors love the work they do. Born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA, Kagawa is the founder and CEO of The Pacific Bridge Companies, a comprehensive wealth management organization that is focused on global financial navigation as well as helping ethnic communities from Asia in the U.S. He is the bestselling author of “Aloha Financial Advising,” and regularly speaks on international consultative and wealth management principles around the world.
Mark P. Brunelle, CFP, CLU, has been in the financial services profession since 1994, when his father realized he needed a succession plan for his business. This foundation inspired Brunelle to mentor others and share the knowledge he has gained during his nearly 30-year career. He finds that mentoring others helps them grow their skills while also keeping him connected to what has helped him find success.
Salvador Perez Mendez has eight years of experience in the financial services profession, earning the diamond Legion Conventionist Award for each of those years.
Yen Wei Nee has more than 20 years of experience in the financial services profession.
Krits Pitimana-aree, LUTCF, ChLP, is an executive district director with 36 years of experience. He has qualified for the highest awards from his company, receiving distinct recognition for his service. Having served as president of his company's MDRT Chapter, Pitimana-aree is determined to improve the financial services profession and better serve society by helping to build the next generation of high-quality advisors.
Jun Shimizu joined the financial services profession in 1980 and has become a sales expert. He has held key positions over the years, such as group head of sales and branch manager, and has built strong relationships with numerous clients. At his current company, Shimizu is leveraging his extensive experience and know-how through his engagement in corporate sales activities, primarily focusing on group insurance.
Tham Wongsankakorn is the director of the Numthong team at AIA Company. He began his financial services career in 1995 and has received numerous awards throughout the years. He also authored the book “Dare To Be Rich.”
(Prepaid ticketed event, at additional cost at time of registration. Session presented in English only. No interpretation will be offered.)
Natalie Hales is a brand strategist who helps financial advisors across the U.S. and Canada establish their expertise, build their brand and connect with their ideal clients. With more than a decade of financial marketing experience, Hales’ unique expertise was honed through her work with renowned companies like Canada Life. Personally touched by the transformative impact of financial guidance, Hales is devoted to amplifying advisors' potential and establishing them as unrivaled experts for their target audience.
Kentaro Asai joined Sony Life Insurance Company in 2014.
David Braithwaite, DipPFS, began his financial services career in 1994 and has witnessed firsthand immense transformations over the years within this ever-changing profession. Passionate about sharing and speaking honestly about his experiences, Braithwaite presents his own weekly finance show on BBC radio, has appeared on TV in the U.K. and worldwide and has spoken at many conferences around the globe. He has also contributed to numerous podcasts and is an associate coach for Strategic Coach, a recognized worldwide leader in entrepreneurial coaching.
Sammi Chang has actively participated as a member and speaker at various MDRT events, including as a ConneXion Zone and Main Platform speaker at two Taiwan Area MDRT Days as well as a ConneXion Zone speaker at the 2022 MDRT Annual Meeting.
Neha Prasad Doiphode specializes in retirement planning, income replacement and legacy planning. She conducts insurance awareness programs for corporates and helps underprivileged people through her participation in many social organizations.
Matt Halloran is a communications and podcast expert for financial services professionals. He is the host of the acclaimed podcast “Top Advisor Marketing,” a highly sought-after keynote speaker and an in-demand podcast guest who is known for sharing the secrets of his techniques with financial advisors. He is the co-author of “The Social Media Handbook for Financial Advisors” and has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Investment News and Financial Planning magazine.
Seonghun Jo earned his master’s degree in MIS and transitioned from IT to financial services in 2006. He provides asset management services to individuals and business management planning to corporate clients. As an in-house professor, he trains his team on how to use the company’s IT system and sales know-how strategies through various apps. Jo also works as a financial planning lecturer outside his company.
Alain Quennec, CFP, CIM, is known as “the explainer” by his clients because they consult with him before making any important decisions regarding their financial well-being. Quennec takes pride in guiding his clients along their journeys and helping them avoid mistakes that could jeopardize a successful outcome.
Ana Sofía Rodríguez, MBA, is an associate director of Grupo Inversiones en Seguros, representing the second generation in the brokerage firm, which was founded by her parents more than 40 years ago. Rodriguez sees herself as a protector of dreams: Those of her family, her friends and her clients. Through insurance, she provides the necessary tools to safeguard client's assets. She was President of Club Kiwanis Las Perlas, a non-profit association, made up entirely of professional women. She has been active as an MDRT volunteer as a director and committee member and speaker at annual meetings. Rodriguez often gives presentations at seminars on topics such as personal image, brand promotion, digital marketing, and asset protection
Pitchaya Watcharakan, CFP, MBA, is a successful financial advisor who plays an important role in establishing and supervising the MDRT team within his organization. He believes the key to reinforcing customer relationships is to focus on financial planning rather than selling products.
(Exclusively for MDRT Center for Field Leadership members. Session presented in English only. No interpretation will be offered.)
Tim Boyle began his career in the financial services profession as an insurance telemarketer for Allstate Financial at the age of 15. Working there throughout high school and college, Boyle held various roles and was promoted to his first management position by age 19. After graduating from the University of Alabama, he opened a successful, independent insurance agency in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA, before joining AAA at 23. He created the Life Insurance Career Distribution Channel for AAA Northeast in 2021, and currently manages a team of more than 50 life insurance and financial specialists throughout New England.
Fabian Bio
Joyce Bio
D. Kyle Atkins, CLU, CFP, has more than 39 years of experience in the financial services profession and is an active member of numerous national and local professional organizations, such as Strategic Coach, the Spartanburg Rotary Club and NAIFA.
Caroline A. Banks, FPFS, served as MDRT President in 2015. The managing director of one of the first firms in the U.K. to be recognized with the prestigious Chartered Financial Planning designation, Banks specializes in holistic financial planning and is an affiliate of the worldwide Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP).
Mark J. Hanna, CLU, ChFC, served as MDRT President in 2017 and as Chair of Top of the Table in 2007. He is a Royal Order Excalibur Knight of the MDRT Foundation and a member of its Inner Circle Society.
Ross Vanderwolf, CFP, of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, served as MDRT President in 2019. A Platinum Knight of the MDRT Foundation, he is also a member of its Inner Circle Society and has served on its Board of Trustees. Vanderwolf is managing director of Rothgard Financial Partners, a full-service financial planning practice. Over the course of his MDRT membership, Vanderwolf has served on numerous committees. He has been recognized as one of Australia’s Most Trusted Financial Advisers, since this designation’s inception in 2014.
Vanina Paola Cruz is the commercial director at her company, which is comprised of 180 insurance advisors. She has been working in the field of personal finance for more than 25 years, as an employee for different companies and a freelancer.
Caio Henrique Guidugli Cunha has been a financial advisor since 2007. He is an active MDRT member volunteer, having served as Regional Chair for Latin America and the Caribbean as well as Country Chair for Brazil. In 2012, Guidugli Cunha authored a publication on family economic planning that explored family behavior and identified their overall financial needs throughout life.
Dulce Maria Zamora Davila is a regional and national advisor at Seguros Monterrey New York Life. She is also a professional speaker image consultant, having worked at Procter & Gamble, Banco Compartamos and Coca-Cola FEMSA.
Mariant Carolina Navarro Protzel is an industrial engineer from Venezuela with a master's degree in manufacturing processes optimization. She enjoys helping her clients improve their finances and secure a stable financial future.
Samir Chaman Sabag Sr., CLI, FPC, is founding partner of Lopezychaman, an insurance advisory agency that has been providing financial services to clients since 2007. He holds a master’s degree in insurance, moderates the American College certification course in life insurance, has delivered more than 50 presentations to various promoters and agencies around the country, and is an active MDRT member volunteer.
Jazmin Eliana Vasquez has been a social communicator and risk manager for great economic impacts for more than a decade. She has studied at EUschool in Madrid and attends Hoopis Performance Network University. Vasquez has achieved first place for three years in the sales of wealth and family plans, keeping 100% of her clients in Colombia.
Atthapong Lao-ananchai has been in the financial services profession for four years and has already established his own wealth firm, acquiring four franchises under his firm. He was the youngest advisor to be promoted to sales executive in Allianz Ayudhya Thailand and has received great recognition for his success in his country .
Pimlada Thanusakdumrong graduated from Burapha University with a bachelor's degree as a Japanese language major. She continued her studies at Yokohama International Education Academy in Japan for more than a year and a half. Ms. Thanusakdumrong, formerly a Japanese interpreter for Mitsubishi Electric’s Marketing Department, transitioned in 2010 to the financial services industry. Since 2012, she has focused her expertise on specialized marketing, adding to her skills in this field for over ten years.
Piyamon Wongthianchai began her financial services career eight years ago, following in her mother’s footsteps. She works with approximately 22 administrative agencies and 200 agents, 24 of whom are MDRT members — the highest number in Rayong Province.
Nikki Chen had other plans for her life before COVID hit. Now, the business she least wanted to be part of has become the fundamental tool for her success. As a multiple gold and platinum achiever and top salesperson at her company, she enjoys sharing how she broke through the industry and was promoted to director within a year.
Sheri Fitts is an internationally recognized financial services speaker, success coach, social media expert and visionary pioneer of digital emotional intelligence. Fitts has nearly 30 years of experience helping financial services organizations and fintech firms build brands, deepen client relationships, and drive sales and revenue growth. She believes that, to survive the disruptive change that’s happening across the financial services industry, you must uncover and emotionally articulate the life transformations you deliver each day to your clients.
Alessandro M. Forte, FCII, CFP, is one of the world’s top financial advisors — by production, qualification and compliance standards. He has spoken in 88 countries, is the author of the international bestseller “Dare to be Different,” which is published in eight languages, and has helped raise more than USD 24 [VL1] million for numerous charities.
Sunil N. Hassija gained experience in stenography and accountancy before discovering his passion for financial services and wealth management. His firm mainly focuses on retirement planning, child education and family security planning. Hassija is also part of an accounting and income tax consultancy firm, where he has contributed his services for more than 30 years.
Takahiro Izuki is the CEO of Financial Link Service Company Ltd., where he provides insurance, annuity and securities services to high-net-worth clients, particularly in the U.S. market.
Atthapong Lao-ananchai has been in the financial services profession for four years and has already established his own wealth firm, acquiring four franchises under his firm. He was the youngest advisor to be promoted to sales executive in Allianz Ayudhya Thailand and has received great recognition for his success in his country .
Young Il Lee, an executive at KB Life Partners, believes communicating the benefits of financial planning to clients doesn’t require long meetings. With proper preparation, relaying important information to them in concise conversations is not only possible but could prove to be more effective.
Panos Leledakis, LUTCF, has been in the financial services profession for more than 20 years and is considered a pioneer in his field. An expert in millennials, digital transformation, internet marketing strategy and new technology, Leledakis invented two innovative programs for insurance need analysis that use the science of risk management, AI and extensive neuroscience research on risk perception. He served as president of the Panhellenic Association of Insurance Consultants from 2015 to 2019 and, in 2020, was honored with the esteemed “Top 25 InsurTech CEOs of 2020” global award.
(Exclusively for MDRT Center for Field Leadership members. Session presented in English only. No interpretation will be offered.)
Bryan Phang, BBA, AEPP, has a decade of financial services experience and served as an agency leader for seven years. He spearheads a group of 18 financial consultants and oversees a diverse clientele of nearly 1,000. Recently honored with the prestigious MDRT Culture of Excellence Diamond Agency Award, Phang is only one of five global agency leaders recognized for outstanding achievements in areas such as production, retention, recruitment, persistency and holistic personal development. His commitment to excellence and leadership distinguishes him as a trailblazer in the financial services profession.
(Exclusively for MDRT Center for Field Leadership members)
(Exclusively for MDRT members with 25+ years of membership)
(Exclusively for 2024 Top of the Table members)
Ian Green, Dip PFS, was the 2021 MDRT President and 2017 Top of the Table Global Council Member and Advisory Board Chair. He runs an independent financial planning firm in London and, as an advocate of the Whole Person concept, attributes much of his success to what he learns from MDRT.
Tim Grover is a worldwide keynote speaker and consultant, teaching business leaders, athletes and elite achievers across various industries the principles of relentless ambition, results-driven performance and mental toughness. Grover is author of the national bestseller “Relentless: From Good to Great to Unstoppable” and creator of the digital training platform, The Relentless System. A featured columnist for Sports Illustrated and Yahoo, Grover also appears on media outlets such as ESPN and Fox Sports and was named one of Real Leaders’ top 50 keynote speakers in the world for 2022.
Wave Chow Wing Kai is a renowned speaker across Asia with more than 20 years of experience in the insurance industry. As an agency director, he leads a team of talented professionals, all of whom have qualified for MDRT. He is a bestselling author, passionate columnist for three publications, and recipient of the “Asia Insurance Agency Leader of the Year” and “Digital Agency Leader of the Year” awards.
Karen Eber is a global leadership consultant, keynote speaker and bestselling author. As the CEO and chief storyteller of Eber Leadership Group, she helps companies build leaders, teams and culture, one story at a time. She works with Fortune 500 companies like General Electric, the Kraft Heinz Company and Microsoft Corporation, guest lectures at universities such as the London School of Business, MIT and Stanford, and frequently contributes to Fast Company, Forbes, the New York Post and Business Insider.
Brandon Farbstein inspires millions of people across the globe with his universal message of living life on your own terms and building the framework for self-acceptance. Born with an extremely rare form of dwarfism, Farbstein has turned his suffering, isolation and victimhood into empowerment, impact and influence. The driving force behind getting two new pieces of legislation against bullying signed into Virginia law, Farbstein continues to empower readers with his books and deliver tools to audiences that shatter limiting beliefs, elevate mindset and create an amplified life.
Carol Kheng, ChFC, is the 2024 First Vice President of MDRT. A Diamond Knight of the MDRT Foundation, Kheng is also a member of its Inner Circle Society and has served on its Board of Trustees. A master financial consultant with Prudential Assurance Company Singapore, Kheng focuses on estate planning for high-net-worth individuals. Kheng's extensive MDRT volunteerism includes roles as Divisional Vice President of the Global Conference Program General Arrangements (PGA) Division, Divisional Vice President Member Resources–Practice Management Division and Divisional Vice President of the 2014 MDRT Experience meeting. Kheng is also a 2020 Prudential Presidents’ Club awardee and has been a member of Prudential’s Quality Club Elite and Star Club since 1996. In 2005, she was the founding member and chairperson of Prudential’s MDRT Club.
Jennifer P. Mann, MBA, CFP, has been with Lenox Advisors since 2012 and serves as a vice president at the Chicago office. She primarily works with high-net-worth families and executives to develop integrated solutions in the areas of estate planning, retirement planning, insurance planning, wealth management, college funding and employee benefits. Prior to joining Lenox Advisors, Mann had nine years of industry experience at Eagle Strategies LLC.
Jamie McIntyre, CFP, is the director and wealth specialist at Mac Financial. A dynamic financial expert with a passion for empowering clients, McIntyre is known for reshaping financial futures and fostering lasting client relationships. He combines expertise with empathy, is committed to transforming clients’ financial lives through innovative strategies and enjoys sharing his valuable insights on social media.
(Sessions begin at 11:30 a.m.)
Sittichai Kallayasiri earned his degree in finance, graduating with first-class honors. He has continued to receive repeated recognition by his agency throughout his nine-year career in the financial services profession.
Hua-Yu Kao has been in the financial services profession for 11 years and holds the record for selling three policies per week for 400 consecutive weeks.
Se-hyuk Lee is principal of MetLife Korea and serves as in-house trainer. He has found success by expanding his reach to include a variety of clients across many industries.
Alain Pérez Munoz is the founder and CEO of Hemisferio Financiero. He focuses on helping millennial clients understand the value of planning for their future.
Mongkol Tangmannaikit is passionate about leading his team through a core-driven business approach that is simple yet efficient. Believing hard work and discipline lead to success, Tangmannaikit encourages his team to aim higher, achieve more and become empowered from the inside out .
Hea-young Youn has been an insurance agent for 11 years, with eight of those years as a certified agent. She believes goal setting is a key factor in establishing strong client relationships.
Yuichiro Nakamura, who previously worked as a teacher and manager at an English conversation school, joined Prudential Life Insurance Company in 2003. In 2005, Nakamura worked as a sales office manager before returning to the life planner/sales position in 2010.
Gustavo Rojas Ramirez credits his success with making good first impressions, which has helped him establish solid relationships and trust with potential clients.
Othniel Duncombe has been in the financial services profession for more than 30 years, with 12 of those years in the insurance field, and is one of the top executive agents at BAF Financial & Insurance (Bahamas) Ltd.
Juana Lilia Martinez Ortiz is a marketing specialist with a bachelor’s degree in communication sciences. She received the diamond Legion Conventionist Award and currently serves more than 400 clients.
Yusuke Mizuguchi focused on individual insurance for the first three years of his career after joining Prudential Life Insurance Company in 2014. Since he started offering business insurance services, 50% of his clients have come from referrals from existing business owner and tax accountant clients.
Discuss insurance using Maslow's demand theoryLing Shan Lin has been in the life insurance profession for 11 years. She believes communicating with clients in simple terms is the most effective way to help them understand the need for risk management planning.
Edit Martonosi has been in the financial services profession for 18 years and is an independent champion consultant at MetLife, selling risk life insurance, unit-linked insurance and pension savings. She is also an international sports insurance expert, as her career model for athletes includes unique risks and the entire savings and pension concept of life after elite sports.
Elke Rubach, LL.M., CLU, founder of Rubach Wealth, provides highly personalized support to her clients so they can become financially independent — an important position that her mother learned the hard way. Rubach speaks four languages, has a background in law, banking and finance, and is a sought-after speaker on wealth management, estate planning and philanthropy. She also is the founder of Fashion Heals for SickKids, which has raised more than USD 450,000 for pediatric cancer care and research since 2014.
We-Cheng Lin has been in the financial services profession for eight years and attended his first MDRT Annual Meeting in 2018. After hearing many speakers discuss their experiences and how to attain life goals, Lin has discovered that MDRT’s Whole Person concept is the true purpose of this profession.
Douglas Eugene Owens, LUTCF, is a seasoned financial services advisor with three decades of experience, half of which was spent in management training. He currently leads a team of four advisors and two marketing and service specialists.
César Arturo Sepúlveda Garza, LUTCF, FSCP, is a wealth protection and risk management advisor who has dedicated his life to protecting people’s lifestyles.
José Sánchez Lopez, the former regional director of private banking in Mexico, achieved second place in Mexico in the sales of individual life insurance.
David C. Blake is the founder and president of InsMed Insurance Agency Inc., an independent insurance company that specializes in creating voluntary benefit offerings for health care organizations across the U.S. Since it was established more than 30 years ago, Blake has sold more than 20,000 individual disability insurance policies to health care professionals. He credits his success to having staff members who not only exude a sense of pride in and ownership of their responsibilities but also possess a caring and sharing attitude toward their peers and clients.
Yolie Aleman-Rodriguez has worked for State Farm Life for 32 years. She has held various roles at multiple locations throughout the nation, including serving as a supervisor in Texas at the first bilingual agency center in the country and as a Hispanic business analyst in Illinois, where she assisted in developing State Farm’s national bilingual programs. Aleman-Rodriguez has received numerous industry awards over the years for her excellence and is an active MDRT member volunteer, currently serving on the MDRT Academy Task Force.
Tom E. Sunny, CFP, CLU, is an advisor with New York Life and the founder of Sunny Financial Strategies LLC based in the suburbs of Chicago IL, where he provides clients with optimal strategies and solutions to help them grow, protect and conserve their wealth through all stages of life. He has a protection first practice which is focused on comprehensive financial planning and wealth management. As a second-generation financial professional, Sunny grew up seeing his father provide insurance services for more than 25 years and the significant impact it made on the community. Now, he strives to establish personalized financial security for his clients that will last for generations.
Yi Chun Liu has found success as a financial advisor through her passion, professionalism and service. She believes it’s possible to transform personal charisma into the type of kindness and trust that can be passed down to new generations of advisors.
George B. Sigurdson, CLU, is president of Sigurdson Financial Group and Sigurdson Financial Benefits in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. He has been in the financial services profession for more than 53 years and is the author of “In Search of Friends,” a handbook for new advisors.
Brian Moran is the leading authority on leadership, execution and productivity. As CEO and founder of The Execution Company, Moran is a highly respected expert and accomplished executive who has developed a well-versed business perspective from his vast experience in consumer products, health care, food service, automotive, transportation and professional services. He authored “Periodization,” co-authored The New York Times’ bestseller “The 12 Week Year” and has been featured in various business publications.
Victor D. Reyes, CLU, ChFC, joined the financial services profession in 1975 and has received numerous company sales awards over the years. He has earned certificates as a retirement planning specialist from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and credentialed holistic financial coach from Columbia University.
Erika Silva Velasco, CLI, FSCP, received her credentials from The American College and has found reaching her goals provides the motivation she needs to keep improving within the financial services profession.
Chiung-Yu Su has 16 years of experience in financial services, becoming a life risk planner through information sharing, risk management and problem solving. Su continues to elevate his success by seeking referral opportunities in response to policy changes, applying interpersonal communication skills, conducting policy health checks for clients, consolidating client assets with empathy and maintaining the dignity of the elderly.
Shawn Bellefeuille, CFP, CLU, has found the secret to navigating the complex world of modern marketing. Armed with the skills and knowledge he gained over the years, Bellefeuille enjoys sharing the strategies he has developed to help others also achieve greater marketing success.
Brandon Farbstein inspires millions of people across the globe with his universal message of living life on your own terms and building the framework for self-acceptance. Born with an extremely rare form of dwarfism, Farbstein has turned his suffering, isolation and victimhood into empowerment, impact and influence. The driving force behind getting two new pieces of legislation against bullying signed into Virginia law, Farbstein continues to empower readers with his books and deliver tools to audiences that shatter limiting beliefs, elevate mindset and create an amplified life.
Bryson Milley, CFP, CIM, began his advisory career in 1995 and joined RGF Integrated Wealth Management in 2003. His practice provides holistic financial planning for lawyers, doctors, small-business owners and retirees from these groups. Milley and his team follow a specific planning and review process to ensure each client’s financial goals and needs are properly noted and attended to on an ongoing basis.
Brandon Heckert, CFP, AAMS, began his career in financial services at age 18 interning at MassMutual and at his father’s practice, FSM Wealth. Before becoming a partner at FSM Wealth, Heckert advised representatives on advanced financial planning strategies in areas of investing, retirement planning, education funding and insurance planning at Country Financial. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Illinois State University, is a member of NAIFA and has spoken at MDRT events as well as at numerous virtual sales and leadership conferences globally.
Kusuo Yamaguchi worked at an IT company soon after graduating from Seikei University. He joined Prudential Life Insurance Company Ltd. in 1997 and speaks at more than 30 life insurance and financial events a year.
Freda Yeh has worked in the financial services profession for 15 years. She has extensive marketing experience, currently serves in a management position and leads by example to fulfill the MDRT mission.
Svetlana Plitin has achieved remarkable success since joining the financial services profession in 2014. Balancing her roles as wife, mother and businesswoman, Plitin brings unparalleled expertise as an international speaker, has been recognized as one of the top financial advisors in Lithuania and has consistently qualified for MDRT.
How do you split a complex inheritance between two heirs? Yamaguchi explains how life insurance, wills and more come into play as you help determine the next financial step after someone dies.
Qian Zhou joined the financial services profession six years ago, achieving MDRT every year and consistently engaging in lifelong learning to ensure client satisfaction.
(Prepaid ticketed event. At additional cost at time of registration. Session presented in English only. No interpretation will be offered.)
Arturo Viniegra Castellanos began his career as a professional insurance advisor in 2019 and has achieved many accolades for his success. He advises more than 500 clients on financial planning and is the host of the podcast “La Oveja Sin Lana” (“The Sheep Without Wool”).
Victor Hugo Garcia Gutierrez has more than nine years of experience in the financial services profession and serves more than 500 clients. He is the host of the podcast “La Oveja Sin Lana” and is passionate about promoting a positive financial culture within his country and Latin America.
Kavita Bothra began her career as a software professional and, after the Y2K crisis, transitioned to the financial services profession. Her family background provides a natural advantage of enterprise, effective communication and problem solving, which has helped her nurture relationships and steadily grow as an entrepreneur. As a financial coach, Bothra enjoys educating people on simple saving habits and training young advisors in behavioral finance, insurance and asset allocation — by applying the prized lessons of age-old grit and consistency.
Richard Dobson Jr., CFP, has been in the financial services profession for more than 40 years and headed a national registered investment advisory firm for more than 15 years. He is the author of “Make Simplicity Your Superpower!” and continues to work as a personal financial advisor.
Paphasorn Kaewkorbsin is the CEO of Idol Planner Company and specializes in tax planning, corporate structuring and family constitution.
Han Kim earned his master’s degree in finance and investment at Hanyang University and completed a financial insurance curriculum at KAIST College of Business.
Hajime Mega joined AXA Life in 2003 and served as AXA company club chair in 2018. He has also been a member volunteer on several MDRT committees.
Jim Ruta is president of Advisorcraft Media, where he utilizes his experience as a successful advisor and executive manager to help insurance agents maximize their sales performance. He has spoken at multiple MDRT Annual Meetings, written four books and produced weekly Facebook Live videos since 2017, reinforcing his crusade to preserve, promote and propel the noble financial services profession.
Joseph Tan, ChFC, CLU, an advocate of the Whole Person concept, owns a business that specializes in providing comprehensive financial planning services for couples. Tan is a unique advisor in Singapore, as he enjoys sharing his thoughts on TV and radio about how financial planning pertains to love and marriage.
Yuan Yuan, RFA, is an expert in assurance and retirement planning. She excels at guiding clients to consider the most significant assurance plan in life through the perspective of beginning with the end in mind.
Pádraic Ó Máille is one of Ireland’s freshest speakers on business and motivation. During the global economic recession from 2009 to 2013, many of his clients found themselves facing a tsunami of emotional, financial and physical turmoil. Ó Máille determined the most important quality required to survive the recession was “smacht,” the Irish word for discipline. He then spent the next three years helping 300 business owners set clear goals, commit to action plans and find people to hold them accountable.
(Exclusively for MDRT Center for Field Leadership members. Session presented in English only. No interpretation will be offered.)
Susan Clements is co-owner of Benchmark Business Group LLC, a business coaching and business brokerage company. Her experience in coaching financial services executives, field leaders, insurance agents and financial advisors to achieve greater results led to authoring a turn-key Financial Services Coaching Program. Applied in hundreds of agencies and financial organizations, Optimal Outcome is a proven collection of best practices and a customizable blueprint for growing a financial services business.
Helen Arnold is owner and financial director of Television Mobiles Ltd., a one-stop broadcast facilities company based in Bartlemy, Co. Cork, Ireland, that provides high-spec OB trucks, specialized equipment and the latest technological developments, ensuring a first-class production. Arnold has more than 40 years of leadership experience in business development and strategic planning within the broadcast media industry.
Jagannath Das, MBA, M Com (IS), is a second-generation insurance advisor who specializes in finance and marketing. He began his career by working at a life insurance company for five years before joining his father at LIC India, where they both have been named corporate club members, the highest recognition by LIC India for an advisor. Das is an active MDRT member volunteer and was president of Junior Chamber International Kolkata.
Derek Hagen is a certified practitioner who specializes in helping financial advisors as well as individuals and couples live meaningful lives. He trains advisors on the psychology of financial planning, both as a fractional financial behavior officer and through his training courses. In his weekly newsletters, Hagen uses simple drawings to explain the psychology of money and living a valued life. He has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Kitces’ “Nerd’s Eye View” blog and the podcasts “Standard Deviations” and “The Human Side of Money.”
Matt Halloran is a communications and podcast expert for financial services professionals. He is the host of the acclaimed podcast “Top Advisor Marketing,” a highly sought-after keynote speaker and an in-demand podcast guest who is known for sharing the secrets of his techniques with financial advisors. He is the co-author of “The Social Media Handbook for Financial Advisors” and has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Investment News and Financial Planning magazine.
Hiroyuki Hotta started his financial services career in 2009 and focuses on providing business continuation, finance and insurance advice for small- and medium-sized enterprise owners.
Soo Hyun Oh started working in financial services in 2005 and currently serves as a sales manager and personal wealth management consultant at Authentic Financial Group.
Siriporn Phuttharak is the CEO of FIN Infinity Company as well as senior regional director and senior sales consultant for the Association of Life Insurance Agents and Financial Advisors, where she held the position of president for several years. As an investment advisor who specializes in stock and mutual funds, Phuttharak has received many financial services credentials throughout her 30-plus years in the profession and has served as an international guest lecturer.
Ericka Rodriguez, the author of the personal growth and leadership book “El Llamado de tu grandeza” (“The Call of Your Greatness”), has helped individuals and companies in more than 15 countries achieve their wellness goals — enabling them to lead happy and fulfilling personal and professional lives. In 2021, she received the Huellas del Istmo Award in the category of commitment to prosperity.
Wong Wei Chong Wilfred is a senior director at Ascendance Wealth Management and author of “Adulting: The Graduate Starter Pack,” a regionally acclaimed financial planning guidebook for millennials. Out of 124 nominations of top advisors in Asia, Wong Wei Chong Wilfred was awarded “Asia Financial Advisor of the Year” in 2020.
Yuanyuan Zhang, RFC, has been in the financial services profession for 14 years. She began making 50 cold calls a day and what started as orphan leads developed into client referrals, leading her to accumulate 1,144 clients. She soon realized that following her own style of financial planning — and ditching the suit — made her more comfortable on her road to success.
(Exclusively for MDRT Center for Field Leadership members. Session presented in English only. No interpretation will be offered.)
Jack Newman oversees a team of more than 60 financial advisers and 15 office employees. With more than 10 years of experience in leadership roles, Newman combines his personal and professional purpose and values to help, empower and inspire everyone he meets. As a community ambassador for a global charity and running ultramarathons to raise funds to help others, he has seen firsthand how his actions can have a positive impact on the lives of many.
(Exclusively for members with 25+ years of membership)
( Exclusively for 2024 Court of the Table and 2024 Top of the Table members.)
(Exclusively for members with 25+ years of membership)
David Batchelor, Dip PFS, CFP, is the founder of Wills & Trusts Wealth Management, a multidisciplinary practice of financial advisors, accountants and lawyers that focuses on estate planning and investment management. He is a senior U.K. coach for Strategic Coach Inc. and also founder of Trust DFM, an investment management firm that manages the investments for many financial advisors in the U.K.
Simon John Gibson, Dip PFS, is an internationally recognized speaker who has presented at many conferences for MDRT and others. He began advising clients at 18 and now operates a successful financial services business in the U.K.
Alejandro Hernandez graduated from Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México and has spent the past eight years working for a market research agency in Mexico.
Yaravi Morales Diaz Ordaz, MBA, CLI, graduated from El Tecnológico de Monterrey in Mexico and went to IPADE Business School for her master’s degree.
Jong Ryul Choi, who earned his master’s degree in wealth management, has presented financial planning lectures at Samsung Electronics, Bank of Korea and Korea Electric Power Corporation.
Eile Goh is founder of Daaamn Good Pte Ltd. and a dedicated advocate for authentic living. During the pandemic, she transitioned from a food content creator to a supporter of local startups. With two decades of experience in financial services, Goh has earned accolades for her commitment to more than 1,000 clients and shares her H.E.A.R.T. work through workshops, retreats and coaching. Beyond her entrepreneurial endeavors, she is the author of the estate planning book “Hey! Wake Up Already!” and the recently launched sales manual “Hey! What the Huat?!”
Vikas Sayamlal Jethwani is a senior management professional and founder of Veez Insure. He has worked in key leadership roles for 12 years at companies such as ICICI Prudential and Aviva Life, and his proficiency lies in managing large agency business, driving productivities, channelizing businesses and identifying and implementing innovative stages that build sustainable business growth for advisors.
Sotaro Jinno joined AXA Life in 1999 and qualified for the company’s Annual Recognition Award in 2001. He has also received other accolades for his achievements within the financial services profession.
Thanathon Karnjanisakorn is a financial influencer, host of several financial programs and owner of the Namfinance Financial Plan, which has more than 100,000 followers and coordinates with every financial organization in Thailand. Karnjanisakorn believes more Thai people should take an interest in financial planning and has dedicated her life to sharing her knowledge about finance to ensure this becomes a reality.
Bin Qi is an active MDRT member volunteer, having served on many committees and spoken at several MDRT events over the years. She has also authored three publications that have garnered unanimous praise within the profession.
Demarra West is founder of Be Well Beautiful Woman, a global wellness social enterprise for women that focuses on liberation, joy and financial empowerment while also providing retreats, group coaching and culturally inclusive wellness education. She is a board chairwoman of YWCA Kalamazoo and principal of Change Agent Consulting, where she has been offering executive coaching, strategic planning, equity, inclusion and belonging services nationwide for 15 years.
(No sessions this day)
Alvaro Aldrete Morfin is a founding partner and managing director of Aldrete & Asociados, where he and his team advise more than 600 families and companies in financial planning. He is certified by the American College as a financial services specialist and counselor for the promotion and sale of life insurance and is considered one of the most successful insurance agents in Mexico, splitting his time to serve clients, attend conferences and promote his books.
Sergio Alberto Alejo Ortiz earned his master’s degree from IPADE Business School and has experience as a digital marketer.
Warika Chotiwit achieved success as a financial advisor by setting her sights on qualifying for MDRT membership. She began her career as an insurance advisor and gradually developed her marketing experience to expand her client base from the bottom up.
Piyawan Yamarat transitioned from being a full-time mother to a successful financial services advisor — consistently achieving Top of the Table membership since her first year in the business. She maintains a strong work ethic and enjoys sharing her secrets to continued success.
Catherine Gough, FPFS, is the managing director of Kingsland Wealth Management Ltd. in Shrewsbury, England, UK. She has worked in financial services since 1995 and transitioned to advisor in 2002, providing independent financial planning advice to help clients achieve their goals based on what is most important to them.
I Chia He has 16 years of experience in the financial services profession and leads a team of 250 partners, most of whom are under 25. She works hard not only to sustain her own success but also to train her students, recruit a partner every quarter and cultivate a supervisor every year.
Bret Hood, MBA, CFE, served as a special agent in the FBI for 25 years before becoming the director of 21st Century Learning & Consulting LLC upon his retirement in 2016. He serves as an adjunct professor of corporate governance, ethics and forensic accounting for the University of Virginia as well as a faculty member for the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners. Hood has presented on topics such as leadership, ethics and anti-fraud instruction for Fortune 500 companies, nonprofit entities and governmental organizations.
Sungan Jung is a branch manager at Shinhan Life and has contributed as a columnist on how to remodel assets in a semiretirement era.
Izumi Osada graduated from Hose University with a bachelor’s degree in law before joining Nissho Iwai Plant Machinery K.K. In 2001, Osada began working at a non-Japanese life insurance company and, in 2019, joined Life Plaza Partners Company Ltd., where he qualified as an executive financial advisor a few months later.
Stephanie Scheller is a TEDx speaker, two-time bestselling author, award-winning entrepreneur and founder of Grow Disrupt, a company that designs and produces neuroscience-guided educational events for small business owners with ADHD. Scheller uses the violin to tap in to the human subconscious to break down the psychology behind business growth strategies and marketing techniques that simplify implementation and accelerate growth.
Eileen Kerlin Walsh is an award-winning estate planning attorney, author of the bestseller “The Soul of Your Business,” and creator of legacy writing and motivational programs. She also hosts her own monthly TV program and has been interviewed by TV and radio stations nationwide.
Sudeep Pooyath Balapeethambaran is the business head of agency and government alliances with PNB MetLife in India. He has 24 years of experience leading larger distribution channels by conceptualizing and executing sales strategies and people management, and has presented as the keynote speaker at many national and international conferences.
Delia Brimmer is a successful financial advisor with New York Life. Since beginning her career in 2013, Brimmer has grown her business into a multistate practice, in large part because of her focus on building relationships. She attended her first MDRT meeting in June 2022 and is an active MDRT member volunteer.
Timothy Daniel Clairmont, CFP, MSFS, founded Clear Financial Partners Inc., a holistic planning business in Portland, Oregon, USA, that provides retirement income planning strategies to pre-retirees and the recently retired. He created the globally available, free education app for advisors and clients, and is also a bestselling author and inspirational public speaker.
Laura Xue-Fen Hoi, ChFC, AEPP, joined the financial services profession in 2002. She specializes in advising senior executives and high-net-worth individuals on wealth management and estate planning. She has received many awards during her career, is an active MDRT member volunteer, and frequently shares her experience and best practices to financial practitioners both locally and internationally.
Max Major is a world-renowned mentalist living in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. Relying heavily on his skills at reading body language, which he has honed over the course of 3,500 live shows, Major’s performances showcase real-life Jedi mind tricks. In addition to being the breakout star of the 15th season of “America’s Got Talent,” he is the most followed mentalist on the planet, with his video on how to read the minds of strangers surpassing 1 billion views in 2022. His clients include Facebook, Microsoft Corporation and Google, and he has demonstrated his innovative techniques in body language, hypnosis and influence multiple times before Department of Defense intelligence agencies.
Amy Jo Martin is the founder and CEO of Renegade Global, a human innovation company that unlocks positive disruption for both individuals and corporations. She is a bestselling author, keynote speaker, educator, investor and host of the podcast “Why Not Now?” Martin has provided thousands of people with the tools they need to immediately turn their ideas into action and has worked closely with world-renowned brands, such as Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc., Nike, Shaquille O’Neal and Dell. She also founded one of the first digital agencies, pioneering online personal branding as we know it today.
Kim Perell is a CEO, serial tech entrepreneur, prominent angel investor and author of two bestselling books. She started her first company from her kitchen table when she was 23 and grew it to a USD 100 million company. Passionate about helping aspiring entrepreneurs and executives, she has invested in more than 100 companies and received many accolades for her entrepreneurial accomplishments.
Aurora L. Tancock, FLMI, CFP, is president of Aurora Tancock Financial Services Inc. in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada. With more than 30 years of experience in financial services, Tancock strives to help her clients understand and overcome complexity as they plan for their financial future. She is an active MDRT and MDRT Foundation member volunteer and sits on the Finance Committee for the St. Catharines Community Foundation.
Peggy Tsai, RFP, CCFP, is the 2024 Immediate Past President of MDRT. She is a Diamond Knight of the MDRT Foundation and a member of its Inner Circle Society. Tsai, an advisor with Shin Kong Life Insurance Co., has won the award for No. 1 sales achievement in her company for seven consecutive years. Tsai has held numerous volunteer leadership positions for MDRT, including Divisional Vice President of Membership Communications Committee (MCC) Division 2, MCC Region Chair and MCC Zone Chair. Tsai has also volunteered in several capacities for MDRT’s meetings and has presented at the MDRT Annual Meeting. In addition to her MDRT involvement, Tsai has spoken to numerous audiences of financial professionals and has contributed to industry publications in her region.
On the largest stage at the MDRT Annual Meeting, Main Platform offers engaging and inspirational content from featured member speakers, industry leaders, the MDRT Foundation, and your Executive Committee.
Main Platform: Thought leaders and renowned speakers share inspirational stories and industry content covering topics relevant to financial services, sales strategies, business practices, and work-life balance.
MDRT Speaks: A highlight of the meeting, these fast-paced sessions feature MDRT members sharing innovative and creative business concepts delivered in a variety of presentation formats. Come away with ideas to improve your productivity, client engagement strategies, and business practices.
Executive Committee Addresses: Hear from your MDRT Executive Committee, including the 2024 Presidential Address.
MDRT Foundation: Learn about the 2024 charity partner and the continued impact our MDRT Foundation is making across the globe.
Main Platform Conversations: An in-depth conversation between an MDRT leader and a featured speaker.
These sessions provide special and exclusive content, as add-ons to the MDRT Annual Meeting.
Special Session Luncheons*: Join industry experts for a deeper exploration of relevant topics. Lunch provided. (These sessions are presented in English; no interpretation will be offered.)
Launch to Excellence: Whether you are a new MDRT member or attending the MDRT Annual Meeting for the first time, welcome! You are invited to connect with fellow members from across the globe at this engaging kickoff session designed to help you maximize your MDRT membership and meeting experience. You’ll hear from seasoned MDRT members who will share insights and advice as they pass along their secrets of success.
Don’t miss this invaluable MDRT Annual Meeting offering! Specially intended for members in their first five years of membership and those new to MDRT meetings, this session is open to all meeting attendees. The inspiration, guidance and camaraderie you discover will last well beyond your time in Vancouver.
Court of the Table and Top of the Table Program**: Enhance your meeting experience by joining fellow Court of the Table and Top of the Table members at this exclusive session. (This event is open to 2024 Court of the Table and 2024 Top of the Table members only.)
Court of the Table and Top of the Table Open Forum**: Court of the Table and Top of the Table members will have an opportunity to connect and engage in conversations about subjects that matter to them during this 90-minute session on Wednesday morning. Informal roundtable discussions will be grouped by language. (This event is open to 2024 Court of the Table and 2024 Top of the Table members only.)
MDRT Center for Field Leadership sessions**: For MDRT Center for Field Leadership members only, these four special sessions are targeted specifically for field and home office leaders in financial services. Packed with team management strategies and aligned with the MDRT Culture of Excellence Awards, these sessions will help you accelerate your leadership journey and connect with fellow MDRT Center members. (These sessions are presented in English. No interpretation will be offered.)
Designed to spark new ideas and provide solutions to today’s challenges, Focus Sessions do not disappoint! Join member and nonmember industry experts as they share knowledge covering a variety of subject matter, including protection products, wealth management, retirement strategies, marketing, prospecting, business processes, staffing, technology and work-life balance.
With a unique and innovative array of offerings, the ConneXion Zone features quick-hit presentations and a variety of opportunities to connect with fellow members and colleagues. Open throughout the meeting, this fun and lively space is excellent for meeting new people, networking, taking Instagram-worthy photos, and engaging in Q&A sessions with speakers. Featuring more than 100 sessions presented in up to six languages, the ConneXion Zone offers immediate results and cutting-edge ideas to implement in your daily practice.
Those eligible to register are 2024 MDRT members, 2024 MDRT Center for Field Leadership members, 2024 MDRT Agency Manager Program members, 2024 MDRT Academy members and 2024 MDRT Mentoring Program mentees. Spouses, children, relatives, friends or business associates are not permitted to register or attend any official functions or events.
Become an MDRT member nowLearn more about MDRT Center for Field Leadership.
Learn more about the MDRT Agency Manager Program.
Learn more about the MDRT Academy and MDRT Mentoring Program meeting eligibility.
Registration cancellation requests must be emailed to Maritz at mdrt@maritz.com to be eligible for a full refund.
If your visa request has been denied OR if you are unable to secure the necessary appointment to obtain a visa, you are eligible to receive a full refund for the meeting registration fee if your request is received no later than April 25, 2024. Any requests for refunds on or after April 26, 2024, will be subject to the cancellation policies and refund amounts outlined in the above “Registration” section.
All requests must be submitted individually and sent via email to mdrt@maritz.com.
Refund requests must include your MDRT ID# and the official denial letter from the Immigration. Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Office or a screenshot from the IRCC website showing your visa denial.
MDRT will not process requests for information without this documentation.
Enhance your meeting experience by becoming a Program General Arrangements (PGA) volunteer. Network and make new friends from around the world while assisting in vital roles to help make the MDRT Annual Meeting a positive experience for fellow attendees. Learn more and sign up for one of eight task forces when you register for the meeting.
Volunteers must attend the PGA Kickoff on Saturday, June 8, at 4:30 p.m., so plan to arrive in Vancouver in time to hear a special presentation, receive important details regarding your assignment and meet others on your team. All volunteers must be MDRT members. Doors open at 4 p.m.
Visit the MDRT Member Benefits Hub to learn about everything MDRT has to offer. Get a tutorial of the MDRT App, discover valuable content on mdrt.org, and learn about MDRT’s Mentoring Program, the MDRT Academy and MDRT Center for Field Leadership.
The MDRT Foundation gives to charitable organizations worldwide, demonstrating the generosity, service and impact of MDRT members.
Learn more about the MDRT Foundation.
During the meeting, be sure to visit the MDRT Foundation Booth at the Vancouver Convention Centre to learn about the Foundation's Global Grants Program and to make your donation to this year’s charity partner, Letters to Strangers.
The MDRT Store showcases the best educational resources in the industry. Visit the Store on-site at the Vancouver Convention Centre or online at mdrtstore.org to find books, plaques, apparel and more MDRT-branded items.