Meet the Experts
At Peak Performance Advisor Consulting, our experts bring decades of diverse experience across the financial services industry. Each offers a unique perspective, deep industry knowledge, and practical insights designed to help advisors and firms strengthen their businesses, develop their teams, and achieve greater success.

Brian Sullivan
Founder of Peak Performance Advisor Consulting
Brian Sullivan is the Founder of Peak Performance Advisor Consulting. He brings over 40 years of experience partnering with financial advisors in the wealth management industry. While primarily focused on the asset management business and the distribution of investment strategies to financial advisors, Brian became a valued partner to many advisors because of the value added resources he delivered every time he met with an advisor or their clients. Brian saw firsthand for over four decades how successful advisors managed their business and the pitfalls they encountered along the way. Even in retirement Brian received calls daily from advisors with questions about tax planning, practice management, succession planning, financial planning strategies and the financial markets. Brian is a mentor, coach, trainer and partner to financial advisors. Brian’s coaching focuses on: • Time management • Organic growth • Educational and experience events for clients and prospects • Training new financial advisors on how to build relationships and turn prospects into clients

Don Connelly
Founder of Don Connelly & Associates, Motivational Speaker, Market Historian
Don Connelly is a globally recognized coach, mentor, and speaker with over 40 years in financial services, including 25 in the institutional and ultra high-net-worth space. He helps advisors master the soft skills that drive 95% of career success. Don empowers advisors at every level with practical tools to stand out, strengthen relationships, and grow their business. He also speaks directly to clients, breaking down markets and strategies in ways that build confidence and inspire lasting trust. A true partner, Don motivates advisors, reassures clients, and elevates your entire practice. Don’s key coaching themes include: • Distinctly Different — Ya Gotta Stand Out: Learn how to stand apart from the crowd and become the obvious choice • Say it So it Makes a Difference: Learn how to cut through complexity by using clear, simple, story-driven communication that clients understand, remember, and act on • Don't Listen to the Short-Term Noise: Learn how to use stories and analogies to quiet client anxiety, cut through market volatility, and keep investors focused on long-term goals

Bill Cupach
Founder of focusFirst Consulting
Bill Cupach is the Founder of focusFirst Consulting, where he leverages over 20 years of experience helping financial advisors and firms achieve sustainable growth. He works with CEOs, COOs, and lead advisors on organizational design, compensation models, client segmentation, sales processes, and leadership development. Known for his tailored, values-driven approach, Bill helps advisors think strategically, act intentionally, and execute consistently to enhance productivity and deliver exceptional client experiences. Bill’s coaching focuses on: • Organizational design, structure and compensation modeling for all team members • Creates client segmentation & service models to boost efficiency and enhance client experience • Develops structured sales processes focused on lead activity to drive accountable results • Installing leadership principles across the firm with owners and executive team members

Mark Gherity
Product Designer
Mark Gherity began his career as a financial advisor with Smith Barney in 1986 before moving into leadership at MorganStanley, where he spent three decades helping advisors grow. Now retired from team management, he consults with Supernova, coaching financial advisors to simplify their business, strengthen client relationships, and achieve sustainable growth. Mark’s coaching strategies focus on: • How to manage and maximize Client Capacity in your practice • Building generational client relationships • Implementing the 12-4-2 client service model that delivers consistent client contact

Craig Kirkpatrick
Co-Founder Optimal Advisor AI
Craig Kirkpatrick is a nationally recognized advisor coach, consultant, and speaker who helps financial professionals integrate practical AI strategies into their daily workflow. With deep experience in advisor development and business growth, Craig focuses on turning emerging technology into simple, repeatable processes that enhance client relationships and drive measurable results. He equips advisors with the clarity and confidence to use AI as strategic advantage — without adding complexity or losing their personal touch. Craig’s sessions focus on: Practical AI for Advisors: • Simple AI workflows for emails, meeting prep, and follow-up • Making AI Sound Like You: Shape AI output to match your voice and stay client-ready • AI for Growth & Referrals: Use AI to identify prospects, prepare for meetings, and handle objections efficiently

Jeff Lanza
Former FBI agent and Cybersecurity Expert
Jeff Lanza is a former FBI Special Agent with over 20 years of experience investigating cybercrime, organized crime, and terrorism. A recognized cybersecurity expert, author, and media commentator, he has lectured at Harvard and Princeton and been featured in a Netflix documentary about the FBI. Jeff has delivered thousands of presentations worldwide for leading corporations, frequently appears on national news programs, and continues to advise organizations on cybercrime, ethics, and leadership. Jeff’s key advisor events include: • Simple Safeguards: How to Stay Safe From Cyber Crime and Identity Theft • Cybercrime Prevention for Business: How to Stay Safe Against the Growing Threat • Protecting the Generations: How to Keep Your Family Safe from Fraud
