In the latest episode of Work Ethic, Ethic CEO Doug Scott sits down with Steve Tenney, founder of Grandview & Co. After a 30-year career in wealth management, including as Founder and CEO of $700MM RIA Great Diamond Partners, Steve now leads Grandview to be the coach to RIAs that he wished he had earlier in his career.
In the conversation, Steve reflects on how dyslexia became a source of discipline, creativity, and resilience - rather than limitation. He also shares lessons from building a business from scratch early in his career, from cold-calling the white pages to win clients to navigating the transition from successful advisor to business owner and leader.
The episode is especially relevant for advisors thinking about growth and leadership. Steve offers a candid look at the mistakes he made when going independent, what holds firms back operationally, and why strong leadership ultimately means empowering others so the business does not depend entirely on the founder.
Inside the episode:
- Persistence opens doors: Why relentless effort can create opportunities that strategy alone cannot, especially early in a career.
- Struggles can become strengths: How Steve came to see dyslexia as a superpower that shaped how he works and leads.
- Leadership means making yourself less important: Why empowering others is one of the most important ways to build a durable firm.
- Advisors need operational leverage: Why models, repeatable processes, and better delegation matter if firms want to scale.
- Learn beyond wealth management: Why some of the best lessons for advisors come from studying great businesses outside the industry.
Whether you’re building a practice, leading a team, or thinking about the next stage of your firm, Steve offers a practical perspective on turning challenges into advantages and building with greater intention.
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