Matthew Kavanaugh is a dedicated professional in the financial services industry with nine years of experience supporting financial advisors across a range of firms, including COUNTRY Financial and Nationwide. His expertise lies in building strong advisor relationships, delivering strategic support, and helping drive growth through thoughtful, well-informed guidance. Known for his reliability and collaborative spirit, Matthew brings both structure and adaptability to his role—qualities that have made him a trusted partner to the advisors he serves.
A former Dayton, Ohio, resident now based in Charlotte, North Carolina, Matt Kavanaugh blends his professional discipline with a well-rounded personal life. He is an avid sports fan with a deep loyalty to the Cincinnati Bengals, and he finds balance through outdoor activities like golf and nature walks. His appreciation for learning and connection extends to book clubs, where he enjoys engaging discussions and discovering new perspectives.
Earlier in his career, Matt was actively involved in volunteer work with organizations such as the local food bank, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Junior Achievement. These experiences reflect his longstanding commitment to community and mentorship, values that continue to shape his approach to both work and life.
Whether busy at work or planning his next weekend hike, Matthew approaches each day with intention, curiosity, and a drive to make meaningful contributions. His blend of professional insight, personal passion, and grounded values make him a standout in both his field and his community.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My typical day starts with walking my dog, which grounds me and sets a calm tone. I then dive into work, breaking it up with intentional pauses like preparing lunch or stepping outside. Evenings are for unwinding with TV, cooking dinner, and reading. I stay productive by structuring my time and maintaining routines that balance focus and restoration.
How do you bring ideas to life?
To bring ideas to life I start with thorough research to understand the landscape, then move quickly into action. I believe in testing ideas early and refining them through experience rather than waiting for perfection.
What’s one trend that excites you?
One trend that excites me is the growing emphasis on mental health and wellness. It is encouraging to see society embrace practices like therapy, mindfulness, and restorative activities—not just as treatments, but as proactive lifestyle choices.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
A habit that helps me be productive is meal planning. It reduces decision fatigue, saves time, and helps me stay energized throughout the day. It’s a small habit with a big impact.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would encourage my younger self to take school more seriously—not just for grades, but for the discipline it builds. Listen to your parents and mentors; they often see things you do not. And find a hobby that is both enjoyable and productive—it’s a powerful way to grow.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I do not have a strong answer here yet, but I am open to challenging ideas and exploring perspectives that push against the grain.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
I frequently recommend meal prep as something people should do. It is a simple way to stay healthy, save money, and reduce stress during the week.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
When I feel overwhelmed, I go for a walk. It clears my mind, resets my energy, and often helps me return with a fresh perspective.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
One key strategy that has helped me to grow throughout my life and career is to display a positive attitude and put forth a solid effort. Showing up consistently with a positive mindset and a willingness to work hard has opened doors and built trust—even when I did not have all the answers.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
I lost a job during a period when I was not prioritizing my mental health, and it affected my performance. I am still working through it, but the experience taught me that well-being isn’t optional—it’s foundational to success.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
One business idea I offer to readers is a technology platform that prevents impulse purchases of items that negatively impact your health or finances. It could use AI to flag harmful spending patterns and offer healthier alternatives.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Using the Copilot software helps me be productive. It helps me brainstorm, organize ideas, and stay focused—whether I’m planning a trip, refining a business strategy, or just trying to make sense of a busy day.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink is a book that has had a great impact on me. It reframed how I think about responsibility and leadership—both in business and in life.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I really enjoyed the series Stick. It’s a gritty, character-driven story that resonated with me, especially the themes of resilience and redemption.
Key learnings
- Intentional routines fuel productivity: starting the day with grounding activities like walking the dog and using structured breaks throughout the day helps maintain focus and balance.
- Action beats perfection: ideas are brought to life through early testing and refinement, with research as a foundation, but execution as the driver.
- Wellness is foundational, not optional: prioritizing mental health is essential for sustained performance and personal growth.
- Attitude and effort open doors: consistency, positivity, and a strong work ethic are pivotal in advancing career opportunities and building trust.
- Small habits create big impact: meal prep and outdoor activities like kayaking offer practical ways to stay energized, reduce stress, and reconnect with what matters.