InFLXtion Points: Recent Episodes
FLX Networks
A moment of significant change or a turning point, altering your course, is known as an inflection point. In business, these moments have a significant impact in many ways. That’s why we’re speaking with leaders from across the asset management industry to hear the stories of their inflection points and the impact they’ve had on their journeys. Join us as we explore the business of being in business, with insights that can help you wherever you may find yourself.
In this episode, Jillian DelSignore is joined by Estee Faranda, CEO of PFS Investments. Estee's career journey, driven by a hunger for new challenges, is influenced by her time in the Navy Reserves, which cultivated the confidence to seek more. Discover the transformative potential of networking and how unexpected opportunities can arise. Estee also delves into her team-building approach, emphasizing the importance of kindness.
In this inside edition of inFLXtion Points, Mark Spina sits down with Michael Silver and Eric Sheikowitz, the brilliant minds behind Focus Partners Practice Management, which is now powered by FLX Networks. From their initial meeting in New Jersey as parents of toddlers, the two highlight their passion for helping others and their shared entrepreneurial spirit that led to the formation of their renowned coaching and consulting firm. Throughout the conversation, they draw parallels between their personal experiences and the invaluable lessons they bring to their coaching work, providing listeners with a glimpse into their motivation to empower advisors and drive business growth.
Join host Mark Spina in a captivating conversation with Kathy Freeman, founder of Kathy Freeman Company Executive Search for Financial Services. Kathy shares valuable insights on adaptability, innovation, and talent management, offering guidance for executives seeking to thrive in today's cutthroat environment and unveiling critical strategies for driving growth all while fostering innovation. Whether you're an executive seeking top talent or a business leader aiming to stay ahead, this episode equips you with the knowledge to make impactful decisions for your business, unlocking its true potential and conquering competition by getting to know what success really looks like.
Join host Jillian DelSignore on a special episode celebrating Pride Month. Jillian sits down with Jon Maier, Chief Investment Officer at Global X ETFs, as they explore his transformative 20-year journey. From his time in the Peace Corps in Ukraine to his successful career on Wall Street, Jon shares his experiences and the hurdles he faced with imposter syndrome in the financial industry. Discover how Jon fearlessly embraces new experiences, steps beyond his comfort zone, and forges meaningful connections by remaining true to himself, his loved ones, and his colleagues. Jon's inspiring personal and professional journey of coming out as gay serves as a beacon of hope for the entire LGBTQ community. Together, here at FLX, we proudly celebrate Pride Month as allies to Jon and all our LGBTQ employees and partners. We remain committed to driving progressive change in the financial industry, ensuring that everyone, regardless of gender or identity, can live authentically.
Join host Mark Spina as he engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Kimberly Beck, Head of Asset Management Marketing at FNZ North America. From humble beginnings in a blue-collar town to unforeseen entry into the financial services industry, Kimberly recounts her remarkable career trajectory filled with stories of start-ups and industry giants. Discover how her influential roles have helped her build what she calls a “personal balance sheet of connections and assets” and how her spiritual nature and love of family can help us all in the quest to finding equilibrium in both personal and professional spheres.
In this episode, Jillian DelSignore is joined by Reggie Browne of GTS, an industry pioneer known as "Mr. ETF". Since 1996, Reggie has played a role in launching about 1,000 of the 3,000 ETFs trading today. From his earlier days on the NYSE floor to serving as ETF Chairman of the Board at American Century, Reggie explains to Jillian how cleaning off "scraped knees" and an entrepreneurial spirit has allowed him to grow with different teams and educate investors, domestically and abroad, in the ever-transforming world of ETFs.
Join Mark Spina in this week's podcast episode as he speaks with Laks Ganapathi, founder of Unicus Research, a contrarian long/short research firm that takes a unique approach to the markets, worlds apart from traditional Wall Street counterparts. Laks and her team go to the midstream to get a pulse on the market, producing valuable surveys that identify the structural flaws in companies that could lead to their downfall or discovering key factors that may cause a company's stock price to rise. Her unapologetic approach to risk management draws parallels between her passion for rock climbing, where timing is crucial, just like in investing. As one of Laks’ mentors once taught her, "The stock market doesn't wait for anybody!" and Mark and Laks discuss the importance of actionable information in today's crowded and volatile markets and how Unicus Research is standing out from the crowd.
Get ready to learn the key ingredients to success as Joanne Hill, Chief Advisor for Strategy & Research at Cboe Vest, the firm known for its innovative use of options and volatility management, shares her secrets with Jillian DelSignore. Joanne's impressive journey is a testament to the power of taking calculated risks when opportunities arise and the importance of staying focused on a three-year horizon when making career decisions. Join us in this final episode honoring today’s leaders through Women’s History Month as we unpack Joanne's winning approach and discover how it can inspire and inform your own path towards success and leaving a legacy where it matters.
In this week’s episode, Jillian DelSignore is joined by Suzanne Siracuse, Founder of Suzanne Siracuse Consulting. Starting with influences in her formative years, Suzanne credits a friendship in the 4th grade to helping unleash her personality and find her voice. She talks about the importance of relationships throughout her career, including the early influence of a mentor and boss who allowed her to see what was really possible to achieve.
In this week’s episode, Jillian DelSignore connects with fellow Chicagoan and Women in ETFs member Laura Lutton, who has worked at Morningstar for over 23 years and is has more recently become Director of ESG Product Management at Morningstar Sustainalytics. Ironically for a Podcast, the two of them very much appreciate the importance of an interview through the lens of Journalism, noting that Laura’s time at Morningstar started with answering an ad out of the Wall Street Journal in 1994. Since then, Laura has moved mountains at the firm, including founding the Women’s Initiative and leading roles in research, sales and product. Throughout all of these career moves, however, Laura has stayed true to her mantra of having impact by helping others and, as she terms, “going to the data” to play her part in helping to drive Morningstar and this industry forward, both culturally and professionally.
This week’s episode features Mark Spina and Jack Sharry, Chief Growth Officer at LifeYield and Host of WealthTech on Deck Podcast. From Jack’s formative years as a teen sweeping the floors of a sports shop to becoming a newly minted wholesaler in the early 1980’s, his hallmark approach to committed listening and the power of storytelling has led to a long career in asset management and now Fintech, driven based on what he terms “the evolution of making the complex simple”. For Jack, advancing the discourse with anyone is a win-win, but, when you learn to listen for opportunity, is when real value comes into play.
In this episode, Jillian DelSignore is joined by Reggie Browne of GTS, an industry pioneer known as "Mr. ETF". To put it in perspective, Reggie is responsible for launching about 1,000 of the 3,000 ETFs trading today.Starting with his time on the NYSE floor and with several flagship firms prior to GTS, Reggie explains how cleaning off "scraped knees" and an entrepreneurial spirit has allowed him to grow and educate investors amongst a changed corporate environment and the ever-transforming world of ETFs, both domestically and abroad!
In this episode, Mark Spina speaks with former colleague and friend, Julie Zhang, Director of GTM Enablement at Panther – the firm making security operations painless. As an immigrant from China, Julie had a passion for networking with all types of people through three spoken languages while chasing first, the Canadian, and then, the American Dream. She believes strongly in cultivating a culture of hungry, happy and humble people, and providing those same people with a chance to expand into challenging roles, something that she credits Mark for pushing her to achieve in her own career. With a newly found appetite for the start-up world, Julie’s entrepreneurial spirit inspires us all to take the leap…so dive in and let’s go!
In this week’s episode, Jillian DelSignore is joined by Kelly Ye, CFA, Head of Digital Assets at Fidelity. Kelly discusses how her formative years in China have helped shape her ability to adapt being in the U.S., including being the only woman in the PhD program at MIT. Jillian and Kelly explore her fascinating career surrounded by financial innovation since 2008; from Structured Credit Research on Wall Street to the growth of ETFs at IndexIQ, and now educating “TradFi” professionals to adopt the future of digitalization through “DeFi”. Kelly encourages all of us to raise our hand for challenges in this everchanging financial landscape and continuously look for new problems to solve to drive our industry forward!
In this week’s episode, former colleagues reconnect as Mark Spina is joined by Shanna Weber, Managing Director of Corporate Strategy at one of the largest Broker Dealers in the industry, Charles Schwab. Shanna explains how the formational foundation that was gifted to her from her elders has shaped her ability to maneuver roles in her career and continuously take on challenges to stretch her wings, including taking on a fresh corporate role at Charles Schwab. Shanna explains how change in an organization often breeds the opportunity to ask to do more and encourages us all to take that opportunity when it presents itself. Shanna is a firm believer in “don’t sweat the small stuff” and has embraced her new role at Schwab with a passion for diversity, something we can all learn from!
In this week’s episode, Mark Spina is joined by Steve Gresham, CEO of The Execution Project, whose upbringing as the oldest of four children with academically gifted parents and access to four grandparents has reminded him from an early age that “you work an average day for average pay”. From making his own curriculum in college to trading securities in the 80’s as a 27-year-old, Steve explains the impactful need to just figure it out that has led to an extremely successful career helping transform firms including Fidelity Investments, Merrill Lynch, Charles Schwab, Scotia, and AGF Funds -- 50 companies in total. Now Steve is pulling the industry together to “rethink retirement” through The Execution Project and helping industry-leading financial advisory firms to realize that adoption is the new innovation, and outstanding potential is often waiting to be unlocked from among an organization's people, technology and processes.
For the episode transcript or to ask Steve or Mark a question, visit https://kvgo.com/flxdst/InFLXtion-Points-JUST-FIGURE-IT-OUT
In this week’s episode, Jillian DelSignore is joined by Lara Crigger, Editor-in-Chief at VettaFi. Lara describes the drivers behind the inflection points in her career, from switching to journalism from an astrophysics college major (fewer years in school), shifting from consulting to full-time work (more stability), to most recently, joining a startup amid a pandemic (looking for change). Jillian and Lara also discuss the significant changes the ETF industry has undergone—from a more levelled playing field, to new ETF entrants, and more knowledgeable end investors.
For the episode transcript or to ask Lara or Jillian a question, visit https://kvgo.com/flxdst/InFLXtion-Points-Lara-Crigger-of-VettaFi.
In this week’s episode, Jillian DelSignore is joined by Vince Birley, CEO of Vident Financial and 30-year veteran of the wealth management industry. Vince shares observations from building two businesses—Ronald Blue Trust and Vident--from the ground up. While structural differences exist in running a practice and running a business, similar drivers of success emerge: finding the voids, knowing your values, and uncovering your strengths.
For the episode transcript or to ask Vince or Jillian a question, visit https://kvgo.com/flxdst/InFlxtion_Points_Uncovering_Your_Strengths.
In this week’s episode, Jillian DelSignore is joined by Mark Bruno, Managing Director of Wealth Management at Informa Connect. Marc describes how his drive to achieve mastery, and going narrow and deep, led him to finding a passion within wealth management, particularly within the RIA channel. Marc shares trends and needs within the RIA space, including a continued desire for community and help with complicated issues to better serve their clients.
For the episode transcript or to ask Marc or Jillian a question, visit https://kvgo.com/flxdst/InFLXtion-Points-Mark-Bruno-of-Informa-Connect.
In this week’s episode, Jillian DelSignore is joined by Mark Bruno, Managing Director of Wealth Management at Informa Connect. Mark describes how his drive to achieve mastery, and going narrow and deep, led him to finding a passion within wealth management, particularly within the RIA channel. Mark shares trends and needs within the RIA space, including a continued desire for community and help with complicated issues to better serve their clients.
For the episode transcript or to ask Mark or Jillian a question, visit https://kvgo.com/flxdst/InFLXtion-Points-Mark-Bruno-of-Informa-Connect.
In this week’s episode, Mark Spina is joined by Ben Foreman, long term leader within the Private Trust Company, the largest independent trust company in the country. Ben discusses identifying sources of inspiration, spotting opportunities that align with strengths and interests, and preparing for the important things as important inflection points in his career. He also stresses the importance of customization, understanding, and focus when it comes to working with advisors—and how white-water rafting has contributed to that focus.
For the episode transcript or to ask Ben or Mark a question, visit https://kvgo.com/flxdst/InFLXtion-Points-Ben-Foreman-of-The-Private-Trust-Company.
In this episode, host Jillian DelSignore speaks with Browning Mank of ForwardLane, to discuss her personal and professional inflection points that have impacted her life and career. Stay tuned for Browning’s unique celebration of ForwardLane’s relationship with FLX!
HOST INFORMATION
Jillian DelSignore Managing Director | Head of Advisor Sales | FLX Networks
Jillian DelSignore, CIMA, is Managing Director, Head of Advisor Sales & ETFs at FLX Networks. FLX is an innovative network revolutionizing the engagement experience between asset and wealth managers.
Prior to joining FLX, she was the Principal of Lakefront Advisory advising financial services firms on accelerating their growth through initiating, scaling or changing their distribution strategy. Given her depth of experience in the ETF industry, she also helped her clients demystify the ETF ecosystem by advising on the intricacies of that market.
Before starting Lakefront Advisory, Jillian was Head of ETF Distribution with J.P.Morgan’s Asset Management business. She was responsible for leading the sales and distribution efforts and strategy in the intermediary and institutional markets.
She currently serves on the Board of Women in ETFs, Inc, the first women’s group for the ETF industry,and as an Independent Board Member for the Uncommon Investment Funds Trust. She served as Women in ETFs Co-President from 2017-2019.
Before joining J.P.Morgan in September 2015, Jillian was a Strategic Account Manager within BlackRock's iShares ETF Institutional Asset Management Group. She was responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with institutional investors, including boutique asset managers, global institutional asset managers, hedge funds and registered investment advisory firms.
Prior to joining iShares in March, 2009, Ms. DelSignore worked in the Independent Advisory Channel of Goldman Sachs Asset Management covering GSAM mutual funds, separate accounts, retirement plans, and alternative investments. She joined Goldman Sachs in 2005. Earlier, Ms. DelSignore worked in both the Institutional Corporate Cash and Global Bank Divisions at Federated Investors from 2000-2005.
Ms. DelSignore has a B.A. in Communications from John Carroll University and an M.B.A degree in Finance from the Katz Graduate School of Business at the University of Pittsburgh. She earned her CIMA designation from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania and holds the Series 3, 6, 7, 24 and 66 licenses.
Take a cross country tour with Darren Cde Baca to hear about how learnings, connections and drive can take you on a rewarding life journey.
Tune in to hear what pivotal moments helped shape Tom's career and consider how you can apply them for yourself.
Learn about differentiated sources of inspiration and formative career moments. Host Jillian DelSignore speaks with V-Square Quantitative Management's President and CEO, Mamadou-Abou Sarr
Take a guided tour of career inflection points that led to current success. Michael Loukas, Principal and CIO of Truemark Investments, joins host Jillian DelSignore to discuss.
Host Jillian DelSignore speaks with Aisha Hunt and Amrita Nandakumar, two powerful female voices and women of color in the ETF industry, to share their journeys and advice to those who find themselves at a career inflection point.
Host Jillian DelSignore speaks with Robert Nestor, CFA, to discuss his trajectory in business and life and how those experiences have led to his current role as U.S. CEO of Qraft Technologies.
GUEST INFORMATION
Rob Nestor, CFA Qraft Technologies- U.S. CEO
Robert Nestor brings over 30 years of industry experience. Robert has served in a variety of senior leadership roles in asset management over his career most recently as president and head of Direxion ETFs. Prior to that role, Nestor was Head of iShares Factor ETFs at BlackRock. He has also held executive roles leading product, marketing, and enterprise strategy at asset management giants BlackRock and Vanguard. Nestor received his Bachelor of Science in economics from the University of Delaware and his MBA from Drexel University.
HOST INFORMATION
Jillian DelSignore Managing Director | Head of Advisor Sales | FLX Networks
Jillian DelSignore, CIMA, is Managing Director, Head of Advisor Sales & ETFs at FLX Networks. FLX is an innovative network revolutionizing the engagement experience between asset and wealth managers.
Prior to joining FLX, she was the Principal of Lakefront Advisory advising financial services firms on accelerating their growth through initiating, scaling or changing their distribution strategy. Given her depth of experience in the ETF industry, she also helped her clients demystify the ETF ecosystem by advising on the intricacies of that market.
Before starting Lakefront Advisory, Jillian was Head of ETF Distribution with J.P.Morgan’s Asset Management business. She was responsible for leading the sales and distribution efforts and strategy in the intermediary and institutional markets.
She currently serves on the Board of Women in ETFs, Inc, the first women’s group for the ETF industry,and as an Independent Board Member for the Uncommon Investment Funds Trust. She served as Women in ETFs Co-President from 2017-2019.
Before joining J.P.Morgan in September 2015, Jillian was a Strategic Account Manager within BlackRock's iShares ETF Institutional Asset Management Group. She was responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with institutional investors, including boutique asset managers, global institutional asset managers, hedge funds and registered investment advisory firms.
Prior to joining iShares in March, 2009, Ms. DelSignore worked in the Independent Advisory Channel of Goldman Sachs Asset Management covering GSAM mutual funds, separate accounts, retirement plans, and alternative investments. She joined Goldman Sachs in 2005. Earlier, Ms. DelSignore worked in both the Institutional Corporate Cash and Global Bank Divisions at Federated Investors from 2000-2005.
Ms. DelSignore has a B.A. in Communications from John Carroll University and an M.B.A degree in Finance from the Katz Graduate School of Business at the University of Pittsburgh. She earned her CIMA designation from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania and holds the Series 3, 6, 7, 24 and 66 licenses.