Michael V Berlau is an Overland Park, Kansas, entrepreneur who engages with students and their families in providing comprehensive planning services for admission to competitive universities. A top-ranked vendor with the College Planning Network, Michael V Berlau facilitates public workshops that go through the college aid process and cover FAFSA and expected family contribution (EFC) strategies.
An emphasis is on helping students achieve the largest possible award package from colleges of their choice. Mr. Berlau also engages with students in exploring potential colleges and determining which are the best fit. He is experienced in making clients look as good as possible from the perspective of admissions decision makers. A distinct value-added offering is a review of the appeals process when students may have been under-awarded financial aid.
Mr. Berlau’s firm also provides a host of positioning tools that extend to personalized essay coaching and proprietary preparation for the ACT and SAT exams. This integrated set of services gives families a significantly higher chance of both affording education and ensuring that their children are positioned for life success.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My typical day starts early with a clear agenda. I prioritize my most important tasks in the morning when my focus is sharpest, block distractions, check emails in set windows, and structure client consultations. I schedule breaks to recharge and reserve time in the afternoon for follow-ups, business development, or learning—be it financial markets analysis or practicing drums and guitar as hobbies. I use digital tools to track progress and ensure everything aligns with my weekly goals.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I brainstorm ideas by writing them down immediately using notes or mind maps. I research and test concepts in small ways, set specific milestones, and seek feedback from trusted colleagues or mentors. For creative ideas, whether music or financial strategies, prototyping and iterating are key.
What’s one trend that excites you?
I’m excited about the rise of AI-powered financial planning tools—they’re making sophisticated strategies accessible to more people and giving advisors new ways to add value for clients.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Ruthless prioritization. Each morning, I identify the top three tasks that will move me toward my goals and tackle those first.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t be afraid of failure; every setback teaches something. Start investing in yourself and your skills early and lean into new challenges even if they’re outside your comfort zone.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
That discipline is more powerful than motivation—motivation fluctuates, but discipline creates real, sustainable results.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Set daily intentions the night before. By deciding on priorities ahead of time, I wake up focused and less likely to get sidetracked.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I step away for a short physical activity—drumming is especially cathartic, but even a brisk walk helps reset my mind. Afterward, I return to work and break tasks into smaller steps.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Building and nurturing genuine relationships—following up with clients regularly, personalizing advice, and asking for feedback have led to trust, referrals, and growth.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Early in my career, I misjudged a client’s risk tolerance, leading to a portfolio mismatch. I overcame it by taking responsibility for the mistake, communicating transparently, and working together to revise the plan. I learned the value of listening deeply and confirming understanding before acting.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
A platform that connects gig musicians with local venues and event organizers, streamlining bookings, payments, and insurance—think “Airbnb for local bands.”
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Trello—It’s my go-to for organizing projects, tracking tasks, and visualizing workflow. I create boards for each area of my life: work, music practice, learning, and personal goals.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
Atomic Habits by James Clear. It’s packed with actionable advice on building good habits and breaking bad ones, which has impacted both my personal and professional life.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I recently enjoyed Whiplash. As a drummer, the film’s intensity, accuracy, and portrayal of musical passion resonated with me.
Key learnings
- Set daily intentions the night before to start the day with a clear agenda and prioritize important tasks to maintain productivity.
- Use notes or mind maps to brainstorm ideas and prototype concepts.
- Believe in the power of discipline over motivation.
- Active listening, regular follow ups, transparent communication, and personalized feedback help build genuine relationships and nurture trust, which are important for business and career growth.