The Art & Science of Success in Finance: Identify Top Talent with George Grombacher

Amber Stitt
4 hours ago
3 min read

Unlocking Success: Art, Science, and the “Go Muscle” with George Grombacher

On a special edition of Pathways with Amber Stitt, live from the NAIFA e3 conference, George Grombacher sat down with Amber Stitt for a vibrant conversation that pulled back the curtain on personal drive, leadership, and what it really takes to succeed in the world of finance and beyond. The insights shared aren’t just for advisors—they’re for anyone looking to sharpen their competitive edge in life and career.

Is Success in Your DNA? Or Is It a Learned Skill?

When asked about his consistent high performance and whether it was always “in his blood,” George Grombacher humbly admitted to having the “go gene.” But he quickly reframed the conversation, offering that it’s less about genetics and more about exercising your “go muscle.”

In other words, anyone has the capability to develop drive with intentional effort:

"I do believe that we all have that 'go muscle'...if you use them, it gets stronger and if you don't, then it gets weaker."

His advice? There’s no excuse: if you want to build something, you absolutely can—but it will require purposeful action and a commitment to growth.

The Art and Science of Success

George Grombacher drew from years of experience in both production and management to underline a vital truth: excelling in business is both an art and a science. It’s not just about talent or hustle, but understanding oneself and others on a deeper level. That’s where tools like personality profiles come in.

Initially skeptical, George Grombacher came to embrace personality assessments as crucial to hiring and mentoring the right people. He learned, sometimes the hard way, that success is as much about fit and wiring as it is about effort.

Investing in assessments from groups like the Self Management Group allowed him to select and support individuals more effectively.

"When you make a wrong decision about hiring somebody, it's really bad for me as the manager...But it's also really bad for the individual because they're just not going to be happy, or successful."

Talent, Habits, and Opportunity: The Performance Equation

A standout topic was the “performance equation,” a model that blends talent, habits, and opportunity to predict success. While managers can train and support, only the individual can supply the right attitude and effort.

“The candidates [are] 100% responsible for their own thinking, attitude, and effort. If they're not capable of doing that, well, I'm certainly not capable of helping another human being to manage their own habits and attitude.”

This advice is especially relevant in the financial industry, where many hopefuls are thrown “into the deep end.” According to George Grombacher, what’s desperately needed is guidance, mentorship, and systems to bridge the gap between knowledge and successful action—much more than another motivational slogan.

True Love and Accountability

So much of success, George Grombacher argued, comes down to accountability—the willingness to give honest feedback and the courage to ask for help when needed.

“If I love somebody, then I'm going to give them whatever they need…with clients, and also with people coming into the business.”

He cautioned leaders and managers: Don’t let people languish in roles where they’re likely to be unhappy. Honest assessments, ongoing mentorship, and a culture of asking for help are vital to nurturing top performers.

Actionable Takeaway: Focus Your Most Valuable Resources

In closing, George Grombacher distilled his philosophy: Success is about how we allocate our most valuable, limited resources—time, energy, attention, and money. He urges listeners to get specific about their priorities and ensure their resources are aligned with those priorities.

"Get a pen and paper out and think about what the most important things are to you…Is that showing up in your budget? Is it in your calendar?"

If not, it’s time to adjust.

For anyone seeking direction, whether you’re a new advisor or a seasoned manager, the episode is packed with wisdom: success is accessible, but only when you’re honest about your strengths, your habits, and your willingness to put your resources where they matter most. Focus, accountability, and the right culture make all the difference—and you have the power to create them.