Tips from the Top with Joe Mallee
Tips from the Top is hosted by Joe Mallee, head of MassMutual Financial Advisors. Hear candid conversations with some of MassMutual’s most accomplished advisors and field leaders. This podcast offers practical advice, lessons learned, and motivational insights to help financial professionals chart their own course to success. The podcast is updated monthly.
This podcast is for informational purposes only. The views expressed are those of the participants and are current as of the date of recording. Opinions are subject to change. Comments posted in response to this podcast are not actively monitored.
MassMutual Financial Advisors (MMFA) is a career distribution channel of MassMutual. MMFA supports financial professionals offering insurance through MassMutual and its affiliates, and securities and investment advisory services through MML Investors Services, LLC, a MassMutual subsidiary and Member SIPC®. 1295 State Street, Springfield, MA 01111-0001.
©2025 Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual®), Springfield, MA 01111-0001. All rights reserved.
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Episodes
Oct 16, 2025
Oct 16, 2025
30 min
Mary Grate-Pyos shares her journey from federal budget officer and syndicated columnist to a thriving career in financial services. She built her business at First Financial Group through seminar prospecting and a mindset rooted in positivity and purpose. After 21 years with MassMutual, the “Geek in Pearls” continues to blend her mathematical mind with a deep commitment to community—leading seminars, mentoring advisors, and championing causes that uplift others.
Oct 16, 2025
Oct 16, 2025
30 min
What happens when you walk away from comfort and bet on yourself? Jason Lettenberger of WestPoint Financial Group shares how two life-changing events pushed him to leave behind a stable career and step into the unknown. His story of risk, resilience, and redefining success on his own terms is a powerful reminder that embracing life’s most challenging moments can lead to the most rewarding outcomes.
Oct 15, 2025
Oct 15, 2025
33 min
A guest speaker in his college finance class changed the course of Brian Roberts’ life. Hear how he went from broke sophomore to earning $33,000 his junior year—and ultimately found his calling as a ‘servant leader.’ With uplifting energy, a deep sense of purpose, and heartfelt storytelling, Brian’s journey to become general agent of Synergy Wealth Solutions will inspire you to grow in your own career and life.
Oct 14, 2025
Oct 14, 2025
28 min
Deanna Filosa of Charter Oak Financial left her engineering job—and steady salary—to take charge of her own success. An unexpected moment early on sparked her passion for working with doctors, leading her to launch the Physician Planning Group. Deanna reflects on embracing her entrepreneurial spirit to build the life she envisioned. She shares the advice she’d give her younger self and why she’s on a mission to bring more women into the financial services industry.