Lifetime Contribution Award | Financial Hall of Fame

Susan Paterson

Financial Hall of Fame® - Lifetime Contribution Award

Susan Paterson’s 20-year career in insurance spanned from 2004 until the sale of her Brisbane-based practice in 2024. As Managing Director, she led a team of 13, serving 3,000 clients across two offices.

Originally from a banking background, she became an adviser, qualifying for MDRT in her first year and earning 16-year membership, with seven Court of the Table and seven Top of the Table designations. She served as a director for the Association of Financial Advisers and as Country Chair for MDRT Australia.

Her leadership extended to MDRT’s Program Development Committee, chairing the 2018 annual meeting and serving as DVP for the 2019 Global Conference in Sydney. Having completed the FASEA qualification, she is now pursuing an MBA at Griffith University.

Beyond work, Susan advocates for the profession and takes pride in over $20 million paid in life, disability, and trauma claims. She remains involved as an expert witness in life and TPD claims.

Mike Morrow

Financial Hall of Fame® - Lifetime Contribution Award

Mike Morrow, CFP is a well-known legacy strategist, international speaker, and author of 4 best-selling books. He and his team have been helping successful Canadian families and business owners meet their critical financial responsibilities and leave a meaningful legacy since 1989.

Mike helps his clients have essential financial security and resilience for themselves, their families, and businesses with a special emphasis on leaving a worthy legacy to their families and community. If you care about it, he cares that you can do it financially. He uses innovative applications of time-tested and proven financial structures to help Canadians rearrange their assets to get the results they want while minimizing the tax they pay.

Mike is a two-time president of The Financial Advisors Association of Canada, Thunder Bay chapter, a Life member of The Million Dollar Round Table, the premier, global association of financial professionals, and a Diamond Knight supporter of the MDRT Foundation. Mike also gives back to his profession and has presented to over 60,000 financial advisors in 21 countries. He is regularly quoted in national media on money, retirement, and legacy.

Mike and his wife Nina are proud residents of Thunder Bay and enjoy family time with their two children and their families at their cottage in the summer and anywhere warm in the winter.

Mike is also involved in several community organisations.

Harish Mishra

Financial Hall of Fame® - Lifetime Contribution Award

Harish Mishra is a seasoned financial expert with nearly three decades of experience in the industry. Born in India and now based in Dubai, UAE, he has built a distinguished career helping individuals and businesses navigate the complexities of wealth management and financial security.

As a Life Member of MDRT, Harish has held various leadership positions, including serving as an Experience Meeting Committee Member. He has actively participated in MDRT Annual and Experience Meetings, contributing innovative ideas that have influenced industry best practices.

Harish holds a Master’s in Accounts & Taxation and an MBA in Marketing, providing him with a strong foundation in financial strategy. Before entering the financial sector, he worked with one of the world’s leading FMCG companies, gaining valuable insights into global market trends and financial planning.

With a deep passion for financial empowerment, Harish specializes in guiding clients toward financial independence, smart investments, and long-term wealth growth. His expertise helps individuals secure their future, plan for retirement, and make informed financial decisions.

Pankaj Adatia

Financial Hall of Fame® - Lifetime Contribution Award

Pankaj Adatia is a distinguished financial services professional with over four decades of experience in the industry. As the Managing Director and CEO of Moneywise Investments Plc, based in East London, Essex, he has been a pivotal figure in the local business community, offering a comprehensive range of financial planning and insurance services to a clientele exceeding 10,000 individuals.

A testament to his expertise and dedication, Pankaj has been a member of the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) for 44 years, achieving both Court of the Table and Top of the Table honors. These accolades place him among the elite professionals in the global life insurance and financial services sectors.

Beyond his professional achievements, Pankaj is committed to client education and empowerment. He actively shares insights on financial planning, retirement strategies, and investment management, ensuring his clients are well-equipped to make informed decisions. His recent discussions include topics such as adapting retirement plans to mitigate inheritance tax and navigating the complexities of multi-asset investing.

Pankaj's unwavering dedication to excellence and client service has solidified his reputation as a trusted advisor and leader in the financial services industry.

Delia Wong

Financial Hall of Fame® - Lifetime Contribution Award

When Delia first joined the profession at 22, she thought she should not have made it. She started off 6 years in the industry and her results were dismal . She was an unnoticeable introvert who lacked communication ability and she spent 6 years on her own , cold calling strangers on the streets and train stations.

On the 8th year, she began to active her first MDRT. Subsequently , she was able to achieve MDRT Lifetime membership. Only in recent years (2023 & 2024) , she achieved Court of the Table.

Her stories as a financial advisor are one that mirrors many others. Though we may not start well , with grit, nothing is impossible."

Kok Fook On (Michael) PKC

Financial Hall of Fame® - Lifetime Contribution Award

With over 40 years in sales across tobacco, beverage, and financial planning, Michael Kok is a seasoned trainer, lecturer, and speaker. Passionate about developing skilled financial planners, he has led training programs across Southeast Asia and Malaysian universities.

A key figure in financial planning, he served as President of the Malaysian Financial Planning Council (2017-2019) and has chaired its Certification, CPD, and Exam Boards. He was also President of NAMLIFA (2008-2010) and chaired the International Certification & Standards Board of APFINSA (2008-2013).

Recognized for his contributions, he was awarded the MFPC Fellowship (2011) and the Pingat Kerajaan Cemerlang (2019). As President of Soka Gakkai Malaysia (2014-2024), he promotes peace, interfaith dialogue, and community collaboration.

Gary Weston

Financial Hall of Fame® - Lifetime Contribution Award

Gary Weston, a retired financial advisor from Winnipeg, has had a long and fulfilling career. After working in the military for 20 years, he transitioned into financial advising, a profession he dedicated himself to until retiring at 66 due to health concerns. Though he hadn’t planned to retire when he did, he still enjoys helping others by preparing taxes each spring.

Retirement has brought unexpected challenges, including mobility issues, but Gary and his wife have embraced their time together. Thanks to her foresight, they traveled extensively in their earlier years, and now they enjoy a quieter life at home and weekends at their cottage near Lake of the Woods, where Gary relaxes with fishing.

Financially, the Westons are secure, having paid off their mortgage and accumulated multiple pensions. Gary emphasizes the importance of planning, saying, “Retirement advice can be overwhelming, so compare different perspectives and ask plenty of questions to find what works best for you.”

Dr Sijo C Mathews HC

Financial Hall of Fame® - Lifetime Contribution Award

Dr. Sijo C Mathews — Navy veteran, humanitarian, and financial advisor. After a decorated 15-year career in the Indian Navy, he embraced entrepreneurship, faced setbacks, and rose again with renewed purpose. Dedicated to human rights, he worked on issues like female infanticide, child prostitution, and elder rehabilitation before transitioning to financial services in 2009.

Now serving 400+ clients across six continents, Dr. Sijo is a 14-year MDRT member with multiple COT and TOT honors. As UAE Country Chair (2021-2024), he earned a Doctorate in Financial Planning and co-authored The Financial Advisor’s Blueprint for Success. Featured in Gulf News and named Zurich International Life’s Insurance Educator of the Year, he actively spreads insurance awareness via social media.

Affectionately called the ‘Insurance Godfather,’ Dr. Sijo is a sought-after speaker, avid traveler (72 countries and counting), and passionate advocate for purpose-driven living. A Rotarian and BNI leader, he enjoys reading, DJing, and spending time with his wife and six pets. Anchored in ethics and gratitude, he continues to inspire lives worldwide.

Smiljan Mori

Financial Hall of Fame® - Lifetime Contribution Award

Smiljan Mori is the #1 authority in transforming insurance professionals into industry leaders. With a proven track record of building a $100M+ insurance empire across six countries, Smiljan equips agents and agency owners with the mindset, systems, and strategies to achieve unparalleled growth and financial independence.

Smiljan Mori is also an internationally recognised authority in the realms of mindset, marketing, and personal development, having been endorsed by Brian Tracy as one of the world’s top coaches in these fields.

A former top coach to Olympic athletes, World Cup soccer players, and high-profile business owners, Smiljan has spoken live to over 500,000 people from 50 different countries, sharing his insights and strategies on achieving success. His influence extends into the digital realm as well, where he commands a social media following of over 1,000,000 people.

Marcia Johnson

Financial Hall of Fame® - Lifetime Contribution Award

Marcia Johnson has a 35 year career in the Financial and Insurance industries.

A native of LaGrange, Georgia and a graduate of the University of Alabama with degrees in Education and Mathematics,

Ms. Johnson was instrumental in product research, new product development, creative idea generation, and marketing and sales promotion.

She describes her greatest initiative of all her career years to be the privilege of working with Dr. Marius Barnard to successfully develop and launch a full portfolio of Critical Illness products to the United States marketplace.

What a wonderful ride it has been!

Jim Ruta

Financial Hall of Fame® - Lifetime Contribution Award & Canadian Insurance Hall of Fame® - Lifetime Contribution Award

From successful agent to mega-agency executive manager to thought leader, Jim Ruta has devoted his life to helping others help others in the life insurance industry.

He is a renowned author, coach, sales tactician, and international keynote speaker. His best-selling books, industry articles, and programs like SOLIS – the School of Life Insurance Selling and Advisorcraft are helping strengthen agent professionalism and performance around the world.

Jim’s passionate industry achievement has been recognised as a “Fellow of Distinguished Financial Services”. He lives in Burlington, Ontario, Canada with his wife Rhonda.

Doug Anderson

Financial Hall of Fame® - Lifetime Contribution Award & Canadian Insurance Hall of Fame® - Lifetime Contribution Award

Douglas Anderson started in the life insurance industry in Edmonton in 1960 as a junior auditor. In December of that year, upon turning 21, he was able to acquire his life insurance license. Therefore, on January 1, 1961, he obtained his first insurance license. As of today, he has maintained his insurance coverage for 65 years.

In 1979, he formed Pacific Rim Administration Services Ltd. Doug’s principal coverages since 1979 have been a combination of selling life insurance products and the administration and adjudication of group benefits. He has developed a special coverage plan called The Blended Plan. This is now known as Pacific First Dental & Health Plans. Through his corporation known as D. D. Anderson & Associates Life Insurance Consultants Ltd. he is able to work closely with other insurance brokers to provide a much broader-based coverage for their clients.

Doug feels that since 1979, with the advent of the private health spending account and the critical illness market, families now have a much broader base in which to cover themselves.

He is still in business in Burnaby. His companies are licensed in BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario.

Amarjit S. Leekha

Financial Hall of Fame® - Lifetime Contribution Award & Canadian Insurance Hall of Fame® - Lifetime Contribution Award

Dr. Amarjit S. Leekha is a distinguished financial advisor with over 50 years of experience in the industry. An alumnus of Khalsa College, Amritsar, Dr. Leekha has dedicated his career to serving others, building a proud and distinguished professional journey. His extensive tenure at MetLife Canada has been marked by numerous accolades, reflecting his commitment to excellence and client service. Currently based in Vancouver, Dr. Leekha continues to provide expert financial guidance, leveraging his decades of experience to benefit his clients and the broader community.

Lloyd Litke

Financial Hall of Fame® - Lifetime Contribution Award & Canadian Insurance Hall of Fame® - Lifetime Contribution Award

Lloyd’s journey in financial services began at TD Bank in management before he joined New York Life in 1981. His first year was marked by an impressive achievement—qualifying for the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) with over 150 life cases.

Advancing through leadership roles, he served as Sales Manager, General Manager, Regional Vice-President, and more, hiring and mentoring hundreds of advisors. After retiring from Canada Life, he became CEO of a major Managing General Agency before stepping away from management.

Now, as President of Family Tree Financial Group, he specialises in retirement and estate planning. A dedicated industry leader, Lloyd has chaired professional organisations and helped raise over $1 million for charities. Alongside his wife, Georgette, he spearheaded a $3 million endowment for WorldWide Marriage Encounter.

His guiding principle comes from James 1:27: What God considers pure religion is to look after widows and orphans and keep oneself from being corrupted by the world.

Mark Schulhof

Financial Hall of Fame® - Lifetime Contribution Award & Canadian Insurance Hall of Fame® - Lifetime Contribution Award

With nearly four decades in Life Insurance and Financial Planning, Mark specialises in Business Succession and Estate Planning, as well as Living Benefits (Disability, Critical Illness, and Long-Term Care Insurance). As an Independent Financial Consultant, he delivers unbiased, strategic financial solutions for business owners, executives, and high-net-worth individuals.

Before entering the financial industry, Mark owned a successful communication company with 30 employees, gaining firsthand expertise in business operations, succession planning, and employee benefits.

An active industry leader, Mark is a member of the Estate Planning Council of Vancouver, Estate Planning Council of Canada, and Advocis. He has also chaired the Vancouver Estate Planning Conference and previously served with the Canadian Association of Gift Planners (CAGP).

Through Cara Insurance Solutions, he collaborates with lawyers, accountants, and financial experts to offer comprehensive estate, tax, and business planning. He also partners with firms specialising in real estate and insurance.

Mark holds industry designations including RHU, CFP, CLU, and Ch.F.C. His achievements include the National Quality Award, Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT), and Court of the Table.

Rohini Kapoor

Financial Hall of Fame® - Lifetime Contribution Award & Canadian Insurance Hall of Fame® - Lifetime Contribution Award

Over 30 years in the Financial Industry. Started with MetLife and then worked as an Advisor, Sales Director, Regional Manager and Managing Director with Mutual Life, Clarica, F55 and Desjardins.

I retired 2 years ago after selling two very successful Financial Planning Offices in Surrey and Victoria. I had more than 20 women Financial Advisors work at my offices.

Currently I am a worldwide Podcaster and own Step By Step Talks. I have interviewed successful women all over the world on challenges they faced before becoming successful. My advice to women entering or already in the financial industry or any other industry is to never underestimate the power of their unique perspective.

Be authentic and don’t shy away from challenges. Surround yourself with mentors and other successful women who can support and inspire you.

These podcasts are shared with women all over the world to encourage them to never give up!

Step By Step Talks Supports Women being Financially Independent and the importance of children having Financial Literacy introduced to them at a very early age, for Financial empowerment.

Lawrence Ian Geller

Financial Hall of Fame® - Lifetime Contribution Award & Canadian Insurance Hall of Fame® - Lifetime Contribution Award

Lawrence Geller is the President of L.I. Geller Insurance Agencies Ltd. and the Founder of For Advisors Only Inc. (FAO), an online discussion platform for financial professionals. He also co-founded the Canada Sales Congress, a key industry event.

With 48 years of expertise, Lawrence specialises in fully guaranteed benefits with a focus on Living Benefits. He collaborates with national and international professional firms, offering expert plan design, underwriting, and claims support. Lawyers, accountants, and financial advisors frequently seek his guidance, and he works jointly with top professionals, including Members of Top of the Table and CALU.

A respected speaker, Lawrence has presented on topics like Disability Income, Target Marketing, Fiduciary Duty, and Regulatory Issues in Canada and abroad. In 2021, he moderated FAO’s webinar series “Making Compliance Profitable”, and since 2024, he has hosted "Masters of Insurance," a series preserving industry wisdom for future generations.

Beyond his professional work, Lawrence serves as an Expert Witness in insurance-related legal and regulatory matters, covering ethical conduct, insurability, policy provisions, and benefit payments.

His contributions extend to founding organisations like the Transplant Ambassadors Program, the International Disability Insurance Society, the Advocis Protective Association, and the Advocis Century Initiative, driving positive change in the industry.

Avtar Badasha

Financial Hall of Fame® - Lifetime Contribution Award & Canadian Insurance Hall of Fame® - Lifetime Contribution Award

Avtar Badasha is a highly experienced financial strategist with over 38 years in the industry. He began his career with New York Life in 1986 and later pioneered the first ethnic-owned Desjardins franchise in Western Canada in 2003. Under his leadership, the franchise grew to 50 advisors before he successfully sold it in 2014.

A dedicated member of Advocis since 1987, Avtar has remained in good standing for over three decades. His expertise has earned him multiple qualifications for MDRT, as well as participation in numerous industry conferences. He has also taken on leadership roles within Advocis Vancouver, serving twice on the board of directors.

Beyond his professional achievements, Avtar is deeply committed to community service. He co-founded the Indo-Canadian Business Association (ICBA) in 1992 and played a key role in launching high school scholarships that continue to support students in Surrey and Delta. His dedication extends to philanthropy, serving as Chair of the South Asian Committee with BC Children’s Hospital Foundation from 2017 to 2021, where he helped raise significant funds for healthcare initiatives.

As an educator, Avtar has shared his industry knowledge by teaching CLU and CFP courses through Advocis and Ashton College. He has also contributed to financial literacy through radio and television appearances, including segments on Indian radio and the Harpreet Singh Show.

Wade Baldwin

Financial Hall of Fame® - Lifetime Contribution Award & Canadian Insurance Hall of Fame® - Lifetime Contribution Award

Wade Baldwin, CFP, ICD.D, president of Baldwin & Associates Financial Services Ltd in Calgary Chinook. Started in the insurance industry with the Mutual Group in 1996. In his 28 years, he has qualified for every sales campaign, every convention, most elite conferences, and president circles. He was named advisor of the year for Calgary Chinook 19 of his first 21 years.

Has been involved with industry associations - president of Calgary Chapter of Advocis in 2007. Then served as the Alberta chair of the Chapter Leadership Council and was appointed National Chair of the Board of Directors of Advocis in 2016. His current roles with Advocis are the National Chair of Legal and Regulatory Policy and Alberta PAC Chair.

A 27-year member of MDRT, served as Canadian Chair of MCC, and has held multiple leadership roles with the organization. A member of CALU, the Conference for Advanced Life Underwriting.

In 2015, Wade was awarded Wealth Professional Magazine’s Most Outstanding Advisor - Insurance Channel at the Inaugural WP Awards.

A proud father of four grown children, and his dog Chewey, Wade is a passionate sports fan cheering for the Calgary Flames, Calgary Stampeders & Toronto Blue Jays.

Shawn Bjornsson

Financial Hall of Fame® - Lifetime Contribution Award & Canadian Insurance Hall of Fame® - Lifetime Contribution Award

Shawn Bjornsson embarked on his journey in the financial services industry on April 1, 1990, with North American Life—originally planning to explore the profession for just a few months. More than three decades later, his dedication and expertise have established him as a respected leader in the field. A proud member of the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) for 28 years, Shawn has achieved Court of the Table (COT) honors three times, reflecting his commitment to excellence and client success.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Shawn has been deeply engaged in giving back to his community. He has served on numerous MDRT committees, contributed to various boards, and made a significant impact as a coach, mentoring over 20 youth football and hockey teams. His passion for sports extends to his unwavering support for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Winnipeg Jets.

A proud Canadian with deep Icelandic roots, Shawn treasures his family life. He has been happily married to Sherry since July 16, 1988—a wedding date shared with hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, which meant missing The Great One’s big day! Together, they have raised two sons, Svein and Xander.

In recent years, Shawn has taken his passion for endurance and discipline to the world of running, having completed numerous marathons. His commitment to personal growth and excellence in all aspects of life makes him incredibly honored to be nominated for this prestigious recognition.

Enzo Calamo

Financial Hall of Fame® - Lifetime Contribution Award & Canadian Insurance Hall of Fame® - Lifetime Contribution Award

Enzo is the Founder and CEO of Lugen Family Office and Medici Family Office, as well as the Founder and Editor of The Billionaire Report and eight award-winning online newsletters for the wealthy. He also established the Medici Wealth Institute, one of the world’s most comprehensive private databases for wealthy families and corporations.

A social entrepreneur, Enzo designs innovative solutions for governments and financial institutions to empower future generations. He is a bestselling author and has held key roles, including tax and estate planning lawyer for Power Financial institutions, General Manager/Director of Marketing for Aegon Canada’s Vancouver office, and Branch Manager for Investia Financial Services. He also served as Treasurer of the Canadian Association of Gift Planners (Vancouver) and as President and Board Member of the International Association of Advisors in Philanthropy.

Enzo was Canada’s first Legacy Wealth Coach and a charter member of the Legacy Leadership and Legacy Wealth Coach forums in the U.S. He played a pivotal role in introducing Legacy Planning to Canada, enhancing London Life’s prestigious Wealth and Estate Planning group.

In 2006, Enzo was honored as an Ultimate Gift Ambassador for his involvement in adapting Jim Stovall’s The Ultimate Gift into a major motion picture. He is also an international speaker and published writer on Legacy Planning, the Seven Generation Legacy Process, and Wealth Optimization.

Francis D’Costa

Financial Hall of Fame® - Lifetime Contribution Award & Canadian Insurance Hall of Fame® - Lifetime Contribution Award

Francis D’Costa has over 33 years of experience in the insurance industry. He qualified for the Million Dollar Round Table 25 times, the Court of Table 7 times, and the Top of the Table 2 times. Francis served a term as Toronto’s Zone Chair for MDRT membership and another term as Ontario’s Zone Chair. For 13 semesters he moderated Life Advisor training for the Life Underwriters of Toronto.

He has been invited to speak and share his ideas at various MGAs' kick-off events, Allstate Elites Advisors meetings, and Ontario’s New York Life Agents annual meetings. As the founder of his own MGA, he led a team of 75 advisors and brokerages.

Francis was honored with the Volunteer of the Year award by former Prime Minister Jean Chretien and was also awarded the Goan of the Year Personality by Toronto's Goan community for his extensive community involvement.