Breaking Norms in Wealth Management | Chad Willardson on Discipline & Integrity

Breaking Norms in Wealth Management | Chad Willardson on Discipline & Integrity

From The Determined Society with Shawn French | Adversity & Mindset by Determined Society Podcast | Overcoming Adversity & Mindset

July 6, 2026 · 1h 4m · Episode 283

About this episode

Chad Willardson shares his journey from Merrill Lynch to managing $1.5 billion, emphasizing the importance of family and values in achieving true wealth.

Chad Willardson, founder of Pacific Capital, six-time author, father of five, and wealth advisor managing over $1.5 billion, joins The Determined Society for a powerful conversation on faith, family, money, leadership, risk, and building real wealth without losing what matters most. In this episode, Shawn and Chad discuss the moment Chad walked away from Merrill Lynch with no safety net, no clients to take with him, and everyone telling him he was making a mistake. Chad opens up about building Pacific Capital from the ground up, choosing family over hustle culture, walking away from millions of dollars when it did not align with his values, and why success means nothing if it costs you your marriage, your kids, your health, or your peace. This conversation is about wealth, principles, patience, leadership, vision, and the determination to build a life that is successful from the inside out.

People in this episode

Host: Shawn French

Guest: Chad Willardson

Topics covered

  • wealth
  • leadership
  • family
  • values
  • adversity
  • success

Keywords

  • wealth management
  • leadership
  • family values
  • adversity
  • success
  • financial advisor
  • personal growth

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Merrill Lynch, Pacific Capital

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