The Flexible Advisor: Recent Episodes
Laura Gregg and David Partain
Welcome to The Flexible Advisor podcast with Laura Gregg and David Partain from FlexShares Exchange Traded Funds. In this podcast we attempt to help financial advisors overcome the ever-increasing wave of information that comes their way. We break down overwhelming amounts of research and solutions into absorbable information so advisors can apply what they are learning to grow their practice. Join us as we strike up thought-provoking conversations with a variety of experts within the financial industry to decipher the ever increasing amount of research to help you build implementable solutions.
How can financial advisors embrace generative AI?
Today on The Flexible Advisor, Laura Gregg and David Partain welcome Darren Tedesco, President of Advisor360°, to explore generative AI’s impact on the financial services industry. They talk about how most advisors see AI as an opportunity, not a threat, with the potential to serve more clients efficiently. However, data quality and compliance are significant concerns. Darren highlights AI’s current use in client communication and process automation, and its capacity to aid in making decisions that involve processing large amounts of data.
Darren discusses:
- Overview of Advisor360°, a wealth tech company
- Generative AI’s impact on the financial services industry
- Findings of Advisor360°’s research study on AI
- Current use of AI in client communication and task automation
- The potential of AI to help advisors serve more households
- Challenges and compliance issues in adopting AI for advisors
- And more
Resources:
- FlexShares Exchange Traded Funds
- Connected Wealth Data Hub | Advisor360°
Connect With Darren Tedesco:
- Advisor360°
- Darren Tedesco’s LinkedIn
- Darren Tedesco’s blog posts on AI
Connect With Laura Gregg:
Connect With David Partain:
About Our Guest:
Darren Tedesco, President, Advisor360°
Darren is one of Advisor360°’s founders and is responsible for guiding the vision of the platform, technology strategy, and company direction. Darren focuses on elevating the customer experience through the application of new technologies to solve client pain points. He has been part of the software development since its inception, bringing together the thinkers, creators, and visionaries that help power our clients’ productivity, profitability, and growth.
Darren began his career at Commonwealth Financial Network in 1994, starting as a member of the finance team and transitioning to the company’s newly formed technology department in 2000 where he became Managing Principal of Innovation and Strategy. He regularly speaks at conferences and is often quoted in industry publications for his FinTech expertise in the financial advisor community. Darren received his MBA from Bryant University and a BS from the University of Connecticut.
Understanding the variety of health care plans available to consumers, the nuances of cost and coverage, and Medicare’s inexplicable geographic variations, is no small feat. Yet, when it comes to estimating healthcare expenses, advisors have had few, if any, solutions at their disposal.
In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain talk with Christine Simone, CEO of Caribou Wealth, about the challenge of integrating health care costs into a holistic financial plan as well as new resources and support available to advisors.
Christine discusses:
- The growing need to integrate health care into the planning process
- Optimizing key milestones to address clients’ evolving health care concerns
- Opportunities to engage the next generation in the health care conversation
- Health care planning as a differentiator in the advisory marketplace
- A new tool to identify optimal health insurance options
- And more
Resources:
- Northern Trust Asset Management
- FlexShares Exchange Traded Funds
- WealthManagement.com’s Ten to Watch in 2024
Connect With Christine Simone:
- Caribou Wealth
- Christine Simone’s LinkedIn
Connect With Laura Gregg:
Connect With David Partain:
About Our Guest:
Although she’s years away from her own retirement, Christine Simone is obsessed with helping current and future retirees plan for and optimize their healthcare costs. She’s held notable leadership positions within the health care industry working with key stakeholders from payers to providers to the Department of Veterans Affairs. Now, Christine is the CEO of Caribou Wealth, a software solution for the finance industry.
Amid the Great Wealth Transfer, advisors are seeing a paradigm shift in the way clients are approaching their wealth and legacy strategies. In the second of a two-part series with Nikè Anani, Director of Next Generation for Northern Trust Wealth Management, The Flexible Advisor podcast looks at some ways in which advisors can help satisfy the objectives of a new, Rising Generation.
Nikè discusses:
- Incorporating the values and the aspirations of both the grantor and the recipients in wealth transfer planning
- How you can help to empower Rising Generation clients
- The benefits of facilitating open, cross-generational communication
- Alternative trust structures that may better align with your clients’ evolving priorities
- And more
Resources:
- FlexShares Exchange Traded Funds
- Northern Trust 2024 Wealth Planning Outlook – Rethink Tomorrow
- Northern Trust’s Statement of Intent Workbook
- Wealth 3.0 by James Grubman PhD, Dennis T. Jaffe PhD, and Kristin Keffeler MAPP
Connect With Nikè Anani:
- Northern Trust
Connect With Laura Gregg:
- Email – lg79@nrts.com
Connect With David Partain:
- Email – dbp2@ntrs.com
About Our Guest:
Nikè Anani is the Director of Next Gen Advisory for Northern Trust Wealth Management. In her role, she prepares next-generation family members for the complexities of wealth ownership. Her personal experience as a second-generation owner and family office founder is the inspiration behind her passion for helping other next gens find their voice and become successful stewards.
An accomplished speaker and author on wealth and values transfer strategies, Nikè is the host of “The Connected Generation” podcast and the author of “Lifetime to Legacy: A New Vision for Multigenerational Family Businesses.”
Nikè earned an economics degree from University College London, is a chartered accountant, and has a certificate in Family Business and Family Wealth Advising from Family Firm Institute. She is a board member of YPO’s Global Family Business Networks, where she champions initiatives to support education and peer learning of the next generation.
The emerging generation of adults — particularly family business owners — are grappling
with challenges and responsibilities their parents did not. In this episode, Laura Gregg speaks
with Nikè Anani, Director of Next Generation at Northern Trust Wealth Management. Based
on personal experience running her own enterprising family office and finding her joy and
purpose in consulting with rising gen people like herself. Nike identifies strategies you can use
to help empower these clients for ownership and leadership roles. See how targeted
communication can uncover key generational differences, deepen trust, and retain and grow
assets.
Nikè discusses:
- How the dynamics of her family helped her create the path she’s on today
- What differentiates “rising generation” from “next generation”
- The unique experiences and concerns facing the rising generation
- How to deepen trust with these clients to retain and grow assets
- Key aspects of a productive family meeting
- And more
Resources:
- The Connected Generation with Nike Anani
- Lifetime to Legacy by Nikè Anani
- The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman
- Northern Trust 2024 Wealth Planning Outlook – Rethink Tomorrow
Connect With Nikè Anani:
- Northern Trust
Connect With Laura Gregg:
Connect With David Partain:
About Our Guest:
Nikè Anani is the Director of Next Gen Advisory for Northern Trust Wealth
Management. In her role, she prepares next-generation family members for the
complexities of wealth ownership. Her personal experience as a second-generation
owner and family office founder is the inspiration behind her passion for helping
other next gens find their voice and become successful stewards.
An accomplished speaker and author on wealth and values transfer strategies, Nikè
is the host of “The Connected Generation” podcast and the author of “Lifetime to
Legacy: A New Vision for Multigenerational Family Businesses.”
Nikè earned an economics degree from University College London, is a chartered
accountant, and has a certificate in Family Business and Family Wealth Advising
from Family Firm Institute. She is a board member of YPO’s Global Family Business
Networks, where she champions initiatives to support education and peer learning
of the next generation.
How generative AI could transform your practice.
In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain talk with John Prendergast, co-
founder and CEO of Blueleaf. John puts the strengths (and shortcomings) of
generative AI into context for advisors – and suggests how this “lazy intern” should
be managed.
John discusses:
● What generative AI is, how it evolved, and what it’s capable of
● Some concerns and potential risks associated with generative AI in financial
services
● Why advisors need to learn about generative AI before using it with clients
● And more
Resources:
● FlexShares Exchange Traded Funds
● The Augmented Advisor
● How Financial Advisors Are Leveraging Outsourcing And What The SEC Has
To Say About It
● The New York Times: Artificial Intelligence
● ChatGPT
● The Imitation Game
Connect With John Prendergast:
● Blueleaf
● LinkedIn: John Prendergast
Connect With Laura Gregg:
● lg79@nrts.com
● Laura Gregg’s LinkedIn
Connect With David Partain:
● dbp2@ntrs.com
● David Partain’s LinkedIn
About Our Guest:
John Prendergast is the co-founder and CEO of Blueleaf and is an active startup
advisor. He is also an experienced entrepreneur and senior executive. As part of 6
founding teams, he has led the product management, marketing, and finance
functions. His background in banking and wealth management has shaped the
vision for Blueleaf.
Helping clients address multiple objectives can be fraught with any number of misconceptions, ingrained assumptions, and fears. Laura Gregg and David Partain talked with Sarah Newcomb, Ph.D., founder of The Thrive Financial Empowerment Center, to talk about balancing the desire to finance children’s higher education with the need to work toward a secure retirement. Leaning into core tenets of behavioral investing, Sarah helps to clarify some of the psychological hurdles parents face in this situation and shares practical strategies to help advisors add value to the decision-making process.
Listen in as Dr. Newcomb discusses:
● Common preconceptions that may not serve the client or the children.
● Key points that can shift the narrative in the advisor/client dialogue
● The importance of including the child in the college finance discussion
● The opportunity for parents to model financial problem-solving
● How behavioral investing concepts are becoming core competencies in the advisory industry
● And more
Resources:
- FlexShares Exchange Traded Funds
- Ep 20: Coaching Clients in Volatile Times – With Morningstar’s Dr. Sarah Newcomb
- A Personal Note To All The Single Parents And Caretakers Trying To Make Ends Meet
- Wealth 3.0: The Future of Family Wealth Advising
Connect With Sarah Newcomb:
- Thrive Financial
- Sarah Newcomb’s LinkedIn
Connect With Laura Gregg:
- Laura Gregg’s LinkedIn
Connect With David Partain:
- David Partain’s LinkedIn
About Our Guest:
Sarah Newcomb, Ph.D. is a behavioral economist and Founder of the Thrive Financial Empowerment Center. Through writing, speaking, and coaching, she teaches people of all stripes to build lives they love with the resources they have. As a subject matter expert, Dr. Newcomb has worked with corporate behavioral science teams at HelloWallet, Morningstar, and Edward Jones, where she helps financial advisors understand and respond to aspects of psychology that affect financial decisions. In all her roles, Sarah aims to adapt the findings of academic research to practical use in the financial lives of ordinary people, and to ground innovative approaches to financial advice in well-established psychological theory.
Many advisors have yet to move beyond a vague idea of what a succession plan might look like, let alone formalizing one. While the concept of succession should be considered in every stage of your business, it becomes critical in the later stages.
In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain talk with Linda Willis, founder and CEO of Career Management Advisors Consulting (CMA) about the importance of succession planning and how to start the process. Linda discusses key considerations, timeframes and the price of procrastination.
Linda discusses:
- Why many advisors avoid actively creating their exit strategies
- The importance of an emergency exit strategy at every stage of a practice.
- How far in advance of your exit the planning should begin
- Starting the process
- And more
Resources:
- FlexShares Exchange Traded Funds
- The Key to Gaining Wallet Share: Understanding How Clients Think
- Ep 98: Your Personal Brand: Capitalize on Your Strengths – With Susan Danzig
Connect With Linda Willis:
- Career Management Advisors
- Linda Willis’ LinkedIn
Connect With Laura Gregg:
- Laura Gregg’s Linkedin
Connect With David Partain:
- David Partain’s Linkedin
About Our Guest:
Linda Willis is a top-performing, outcome-driven financial services professional. With a proven track record of leading global financial services businesses, she has held senior positions at major financial institutions and distinguished herself as an astute business leader and tenacious and accomplished recruiter of top talent. A former securities litigator with experience in corporate and employment law, Linda built a business career at global investment firms as well as launched and scaled her own independent RIA. Linda’s experience across the landscape of the financial services industry, coupled with her proficiency as a skilled negotiator and over-all business manager, ensures superior results for clients seeking an M&A, succession or transition advisor. A graduate of Mercer University with a J.D., LAW, Linda has completed advanced educational and leadership programs at both Harvard University as well as the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. Her thought leadership and insightful counsel provide CMA clients with a comprehensive and holistic engagement.
As The Flexible Advisor marks its 100th episode, content marketing strategist Matt Halloran joins hosts Laura Gregg and David Partain to discuss the podcast’s genesis, evolving scope, and most impactful topics.
Originally focusing on proprietary research, The Flexible Advisor has become a dynamic forum exploring multiple aspects of many topics concerning financial advisors and planners
In this episode, Laura, David, and Matt discuss:
- How The Flexible Advisor has come to be one of the top podcasts in the financial services industry.
- How COVID became an unlikely catalyst for the platform’s development
- Notable guests and topics
- And more!
Resources:
- FlexShares Exchange Traded Funds
- Special Episode 18 – Serving Medical Professionals During COVID-19 –– With Lauren Oschman
- Episode 21- Strategies for Advancing Racial Equity and Diversity – With Connie Lindsey
- Episode 24- Leadership and Diversity –– With Shundrawn Thomas
- Episode 45- Women and Financial Wellness – With Heather Ettinger
- Episode 46- Why Advisors Should Consider Outsourcing Investment Management — With Paul Binnion
- Episode 48- How to Achieve Advisor Wellness and Prevent Burnout — With Dr. Jack Singer
- Episode 49- Conquering Stress: Harnessing the Power of Your Anxiety — With Dr. Chloe Carmichael
- Episode 55- Consumer Preferences In Hiring a Financial Planner — With Dr. Miranda Reiter, CFP®, Texas Tech University
- Episode 57- Guiding Suddenly Single Women – With Steph Wagner
- Episode 58- Disrupting With Purpose — With Dana Wilson
- Episode 62- Developing and Retaining Next Gen Talent — With Yonhee Gordon
- Episode 67- GenX. They Need You. Now. – With Michael Labos
- Episode 68- I’m Not a Therapist! When Clients Bring Up Emotional Issues – With Dr. Chloe Carmichael
- Episode 73- Use ESG as a GPS Tool, Not a Moral Compass — With Jeff Gitterman
- Episode 75- ESG Investing: “This is where people are” – With Jon Hale
- Episode 84- Why Settle for “Satisfied” Clients? — Brendan Frazier on the Value of Emotional Connection
- Episode 85- The New Rules Of Growing Wallet Shares With Barnaby Riedel, PhD
Connect With Matt Halloran:
- Matt Halloran’s LinkedIn
- Matt Halloran’s Twitter
- ProudMouth
- PodRocket Influence Academy
Connect With Laura Gregg:
- Laura Gregg’s Linkedin
Connect With David Partain:
- David Partain’s Linkedin
About Our Guest:
Matt Halloran is a co-founder of ProudMouth, the world’s leading influence accelerator for financial advisors.
An in-demand speaker, he’s appeared on over 1,000 podcasts. As well, Matt is the host of ProudMouth’s Top Advisor Marketing Podcast, where he and industry leaders empower advisors to become trusted, recognized authorities.
Matt is the author of “The Social Media Handbook for Financial Advisors,” the first social media book for financial services.
Limited access and chronic under-saving continue to leave many Americans ill-equipped for retirement. New legislation may have a meaningful impact in getting more people access and saving in workplace sponsored retirement plans.
In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain are joined by Lee Freitag, former practice lead of the Retirement Solutions Group at Northern Trust Asset Management to discuss how Secure Act 2.0 stands to benefit individuals as well as small plan sponsors and administrators.
Lee discusses:
- Five key provisions addressing issues such as accessibility, portability, and penalty relief for emergency expenses.
- How Secure Act 2.0 helps individuals balance student loan debt and retirement plan contributions.
- The latest on the treatment of catch-up contributions
- Important provisions to help part-time workers access employer-sponsored retirement plans
- Penalty relief for distributions related to emergency expenses
- And more
Resources:
- FlexShares Exchange Traded Funds
Connect With Lee Freitag:
- LinkedIn: Lee Freitag
Connect With Laura Gregg:
- LinkedIn: Laura Gregg
Connect With David Partain:
- LinkedIn: David Partain
About Our Guest:
Lee Freitag is the Practice Lead of Retirement Solutions at Northern Trust Asset Management. He is responsible for the development and distribution of investment solutions and research content designed for the institutional and intermediary retirement markets And, as our regular listeners know, David and I have been conducting investor research for many years, but Lee, I think your tenure as a research leader may eclipse us!
Lee is a return guest to The Flexible Advisor. He joined us early in the pandemic to speak about the Secure Act, so I’m thrilled he’s back to educate us on the revised legislation.
Creating a distinct personal brand may be the most important (and underestimated) thing you can do to attract ideal clients and enhance your practice.
In this podcast episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain invite Susan Danzig, a certified business development coach, to discuss how your brand can help clients and prospects understand who you are and what you can provide.
Susan discusses:
- The value of establishing a market niche in today’s environment
- How personal and corporate branding can work in tandem
- Using your personal interests to connect with your ideal clients
- Why taking stock of who you serve, how you stand out, and what you offer is an ongoing process
- And more
Resources:
- FlexShares Exchange Traded Funds
- Financial Advisor Success Quiz
Connect With Susan Danzig:
- LinkedIn: Susan Danzig
- Susan Danzig, LLC
Connect With Laura Gregg:
- Laura Gregg’s Linkedin
Connect With David Partain:
- David Partain’s Linkedin
About Our Guest:
Susan Danzig has been consulting with financial services professionals since 1997. She helps her clients understand and clarify their true value, define their specialization and create effective marketing strategies. Susan’s specialty is brand refinement, messaging and strategic marketing to enhance a business’s market value for growth and sale.
Susan is a graduate of the University of Colorado in Boulder, a Certified Business Development Coach and a Certified Master Neuro Linguistic Programming Practitioner. A strong contributor to the financial services community, Susan has served as a National Board Member of the Financial Planning Association.
We know that internal biases form specific client personas which, in turn, shape a person’s approach to making financial decisions. Financial professionals can use those biases as a “nudge” rather than an obstacle to build more productive client relationships. In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain speak with Patrick Fagan, Chief Scientific Officer at … Continue reading Ep 97: The Art of the Nudge – With Patrick Fagan →
The rapid expansion of social media and artificial intelligence within the financial services space holds undeniable implications for the advisor/client dynamic – particularly when it comes to young investors. Ryan George, Chief Marketing Officer at Docupace, shares insights from his firm’s recent white paper — Five Ways to Capitalize on the Changing Attitudes of American … Continue reading Ep 96: Reaching and Retaining Next-Generation Investors – with Ryan George →
Why pay a financial advisor for services available on a host of digital platforms? Today’s clients expect more from a paid financial professional than a diversified investment portfolio. They appreciate advice, but they expect a plan. In this episode, Laura Gregg speaks with Chazz Logue, Regional Director and Business Development Team Lead of Advice and … Continue reading Ep 95: Clients Want More Than Advice; They Want A Plan – With Chazz Logue →
The new generation of investors includes a growing and influential population: childless/child-free clients. They present a distinctly unique set of priorities, objectives, concerns, and expectations.
In this episode, Pamela Lucina, President of the Northern Trust Institute and Head of Trust and Advisory Practice, talks with Laura Gregg and David Partain about this demographic, and why advisors should recognize and rethink some long-standing biases and assumptions.
Pamela discusses:
- How unconscious biases can undermine client conversations, particularly with women
- Rephrasing discovery questions for more productive conversations
- Key considerations when estate planning for clients without children
- And more
Resources:
- FlexShares Exchange Traded Funds
- Wealth Management.com I Advising Childless and Child-free Clients
- Pew Research
Connect With Pamela Lucina:
- Pamela Lucina’s LinkedIn
Connect With Laura Gregg:
- Laura Gregg’s Linkedin
Connect With David Partain:
- David Partain’s Linkedin
About Our Guest:
Pamela Lucina is the President of The Northern Trust Institute, Chief Fiduciary Officer and Trust & Advisory Practice Executive. She leads a national team of trust and estate professionals to help clients achieve their goals through the use of world-class tools and techniques, with an eye toward the human element of wealth and family dynamics. She is a recognized leader and speaker within the trust and estate legal community and a strong advocate for women in the industry.
Clients who feel engaged in the planning process are more likely to have a positive experience. But how do you better engage clients in the process?
In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain speak with Brad Connors, CEO of iWealth. Brad talks about iWealth’s proprietary software, FDC Plan on Purpose, which helps advisors demonstrate their value and elevate the client experience through client meetings that begin with visualization rather than investment portfolio reviews.
Brad discusses:
- Why so many clients are unprepared for retirement (it’s not about money)
- The power of visuals when talking with clients
- How a two-page document can elevate your practice
- How FDC Plan on Purpose can complement an existing tech stack
- And more
Resources:
- FlexShares Exchange Traded Funds
- “Fish Don’t Clap: Planning For A Purposeful Retirement” by Brad Connors
- FDC Plan on Purpose
- Strategic Coach
- Riskalyze
- e-Money
- MoneyGuidePro
- The Key to Gaining Wallet Share: Understanding How Clients Think
- Ep 66: Supporting Executive Clients With Their Tomorrow Story — With Elisa Spain
Connect With CEO, iWealth Companies:
- iWealth
- LinkedIn: Brad Connors
Connect With Laura Gregg:
- Laura Gregg’s Linkedin
Connect With David Partain:
- David Partain’s Linkedin
About Our Guest:
Brad Connors is the founder and CEO of iWealth and the founder of the FDC Plan on Purpose tool for advisors. Brad is also the author of “Fish Don’t Clap: Planning For A Purposeful Retirement” and has been advising individuals, corporations, and institutional investors for over 29 years. His work has been recognized by many and he has received numerous awards including LPL Financial’s “2019 Chairman’s Award” and Investment Centers of America Inc.’s “2014 Spirit of ICA” Award. Brad has been named a Twin Cities Five Star Wealth Manager Award Winner every year from 2012 to 2018, and one of the 2007 Top 50 Bank Advisors in the Nation by Bank Investment Consultant Magazine.
It’s not just you. Most advisors face the same challenge. Your client base is broadening and diversifying. You need to provide more sophisticated, more personalized solutions but where do you find the right resources?
In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain speak with Lacy Garcia, Founder and CEO of Willow, an award-winning financial technology and guidance platform. Her mission: To equip advisors with practical resources to engage with women and an overall rapidly changing wealth demographic.
Lacy discusses:
- The New Majority investor and their growing wealth ownership
- How advisors can address the unique needs of their changing client base
- Tactical solutions that can be put in place quickly
- How coaching from Willow can help advisors create a meaningful client experience
- And more
Resources:
- FlexShares Exchange Traded Funds
Connect With Lacy Garcia:
- Willow
- LinkedIn: Lacy Garcia
Connect With Laura Gregg:
- Laura Gregg’s Linkedin
Connect With David Partain:
- David Partain’s Linkedin
About Our Guest:
Lacy Garcia is the founder and CEO of Willow. Willow is an award-winning financial technology and guidance platform that helps financial institutions better engage and serve women and the new majority of investors. Lacy and Willow have been featured on Yahoo Finance, Business Insider, Wealth Management, and more. Most recently, Lacy has appeared on the Today Show on NBC to help explain some important financial concepts and applications.
Building a practice from scratch after years in a large-team environment may not be easy, but it can be immensely rewarding.
In this episode, we invited Kaysian Gordon, Founder and Wealth Advisor at Kaysi Gordon Financial Planning, to talk about how she came to that decision, and the lessons she has learned that can benefit any advisor no matter what their career plan.
Kaysian discusses:
- Her professional journey leading up to her decision to step out on her own.
- How she integrated her personal passion and professional skills.
- Her philosophy for investing and life
- Practical advice for those who choose to run their own business
- And more!
Resources:
- FlexShares Exchange Traded Funds
Connect With Kaysian Gordon:
- Kaysian Gordon’s LinkedIn
- Kaysi Gordon Financial Planning
Connect With Laura Gregg:
- Laura Gregg’s Linkedin
Connect With David Partain:
- David Partain’s Linkedin
About Our Guest:
Kaysian Gordon is a Valley Stream, NY fee-only financial planner. Kaysi Gordon Financial Planning provides comprehensive and objective financial planning and investment management to help women of faith who are going through transitions organize, grow, and protect their assets through life’s changes. As a fee-only, fiduciary, and independent financial advisor, Kaysian Gordon is never paid a commission of any kind, and has a legal obligation to provide unbiased and trustworthy financial advice.
It’s True: GRIT can be a game-changer.
In this episode, Austin Hatch – a motivational speaker, athlete, and remarkable survivor—shares his inspiring journey and lessons that can help others respond to unexpected circumstances. Tune in for Austin’s powerful story and learn how the G.R.I.T. framework can help managers adapt to today’s challenges.
Austin discusses:
- Helping others as a driving motivation
- How the G.R.I.T. framework can help managers in the current economic market
- The power and importance of leading by example
- More insights and lessons from Austin’s experiences
Resources:
- FlexShares Exchange Traded Funds
Connect With Austin Hatch:
- Austin-Hatch.com
- Austin Hatch’s Linkedin
Connect With Laura Gregg:
- Laura Gregg’s Linkedin
Connect With David Partain:
- David Partain’s Linkedin
About Our Guest:
Austin Hatch survived two plane crashes that claimed the lives of his entire immediate family. He suffered severe injuries that nearly took his life. When Austin woke from a 2-month-long coma, he had to re-learn basic life skills. The road to recovery was tough, but he found a way to push forward and fulfill his dream of joining the University of Michigan basketball team. Austin is now a motivational speaker with a poignant message about G.R.I.T. and how we can all thrive in the midst of adversity.
What has changed in the advisor landscape? What are advisors doing differently?
In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain talk with Michelle Lynn, Global Head of Data Science and Insights at Bloomberg Media Organization about the research she leads on the state of the advisor landscape. Michelle explains why Bloomberg supports this long-running study and discusses highlights from its findings and what it means for advisors.
Michelle discusses:
- The genesis and focus of Bloomberg research on advisory issues
- Soft skills as a differentiator
- Why diversity is increasingly important
- The necessity – and challenge – of work/life balance
- And more
Resources:
- Bloomberg Media, The Financial Advisor Study
- The New Rules of Growing Wallet Share (FlexShares Research)
- The Race to Scalability (FlexShares Research)
- FlexShares Exchange Traded Funds
Connect With Michelle Lynn:
- Bloomberg Media Organization
- Michelle Lynn’s LinkedIn
Connect With Laura Gregg:
- Laura Gregg’s Linkedin
Connect With David Partain:
- David Partain’s Linkedin
About Our Guest:
Michelle Lynn is the Global Head of Data Science and Insights at Bloomberg. She is responsible for all the data research and planning teams globally and provides insights and intelligence to drive solutions for clients.
Are you familiar with the SEC’s 206(4) proposal? Will you be compliant?
In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain are joined by Paul Binnion of Hanlon Investment Management to consider the intent and potential impact of the proposal.
If you outsource certain investment functions or have been evaluating third-party service providers, join us to learn more.
Paul discusses:
- Core aspects of the proposed rule, and how it may affect financial advisors
- How advisors’ due diligence responsibilities may be affected
- What to consider when selecting a third-party solutions provider
- Why deeper client relationships will likely become even more important
- And more
Resources:
- Outsourcing by Investment Advisers, Securities and Exchange Commission, Proposed Rule 206(4) – PDF
- Ep 46: The Race to Scalability — With Paul Binnion, Hanlon Investment Management
- FlexShares Race To Scalability Research
- FlexShares The New Rules in Growing Wallet Share
- FlexShares Exchange Traded Funds
Connect With Paul Binnion:
- Hanlon Investment Management
- Paul Binnion’s LinkedIn
Connect With Laura Gregg:
- Laura Gregg’s Linkedin
Connect With David Partain:
- David Partain’s Linkedin
About Our Guest:
Paul Binnion is the Chief Revenue Officer at Hanlon Investment Management. Paul is responsible for leading the overall direction of the firm’s distribution strategy while overseeing the sales, key accounts, and marketing teams in their efforts to build collaborative partnerships with successful financial advisors. Paul has more than 30 years of experience developing best practices with financial partners and specializes in building and motivating teams to help deliver successful outcomes to financial advisors and their clients.
How can your favorite pastime — running, cooking, travel… whatever — boost your performance, increase job satisfaction, build a stronger team culture?
In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain speak with Regina Huber, the CEO and founder of Transform Your Performance, about the powerful connection between our hobbies and our professional lives.
Regina discusses:
- Her personal experience of integrating her passion into her career
- How the lessons and skills derived from passionate pursuits can serve our professional pursuits
- What business leaders can do to invite passion into the workplace
- And more
Resources:
- Why you should bring your biggest passion (even if seemingly unrelated) to your career & leadership and what it can do for you by Regina Huber
- Speak Up, Stand Out and Shine by Regina Huber
- Speak Up, Stand Out and Shine on Huffington Post
- Career Growth Strategies LinkedIn Newsletter by Regina Huber
- FlexShares Funds In Focus Podcast
- FlexShares Exchange Traded Funds
Connect With Regina Huber:
- Transform Your Performance
- LinkedIn: Regina Huber
Connect With Laura Gregg:
- Laura Gregg’s Linkedin
Connect With David Partain:
- David Partain’s Linkedin
About Our Guest:
Regina Huber is the CEO and founder of a coaching, speaking, and training business, Transform Your Performance. Through her firm, she drives transformational leadership and coaches value-driven, open-minded leaders to implement a powerful new business consciousness paradigm, so they can effectively build trust, increase their influence, and impact and create more human-centered workplaces. Regina believes doing so will result in higher employee engagement and more fulfilling work for employees. She is also fluent in multiple languages and has worked globally during her career on 5 continents, getting her start in Germany. Regina is also a prolific writer and is a published author of multiple books and articles on courageous leadership. Her latest book, Speak Up, Stand Out and Shine, was featured in the Huffington Post.
Just as people look online to check a restaurant or service provider before making a reservation or appointment, prospects and referrals are probably vetting you (among others) to determine whether to contact you. Who are they seeing?
In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain dive into the world of digital marketing and personal branding with April Rudin, founder and president of the Rudin Group. April shares four tips to make your digital presence more interesting and effective.
April discusses:
- Why personal branding is more important than ever
- How a personal dimension can set you apart
- The value of professional input
- Why to make a social pivot to B2B
- And more
Resources:
- FlexShares Funds In Focus Podcast
- FlexShares Exchange Traded Funds
Connect With April Rudin:
- TheRudinGroup.com
- April Rudin’s LinkedIn
Connect With Laura Gregg:
- Laura Gregg’s Linkedin
Connect With David Partain:
- David Partain’s Linkedin
About Our Guest:
Founder and President of The Rudin Group, April J. Rudin is widely acknowledged as a top marketing strategist for the financial services and wealth-management sectors. Distinguished by her ability to forecast and leverage critical trends and her expertise in digital and traditional media, she leads a firm that designs bespoke marketing campaigns for some of the world’s leading wealth management firms, fintech, and family offices; campaigns that strengthen their brand value and drive client acquisition. April is recognized by IBM as an “Influencer” in wealth management and fintech and is a regularly-featured source of expert commentary to international news and business outlets, trade publications, and broadcast media.
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Most advisors recognize that, when it comes to making investment decisions, a client’s emotions can derail a plan. Equipping yourself with knowledge on behavioral finance and financial personas could be the key to a more successful approach to ensuring your clients stick to their plan. In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain talk with … Continue reading Ep 83: Getting to Yes! Why You Need to Acknowledge Behavioral Finance — With Michael Pompian →
Is your firm seeking new talent? Are you a student seeking a career in wealth management? Consider introducing yourself to the growing number of Financial Planning directors at universities in your area (and beyond). In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain speak with Steve Schiestel, CFA, the Head of the Financial Planning and Wealth … Continue reading Ep 82: Back to School — With Steve Schiestel, Director of Financial Planning at MSU →
Is this too much to ask? Women just want advisors who recognize their concerns, appreciate their perspective, and respect their ability to make smart choices. Join Laura Gregg and David Partain as they talk with Dr. Barbara Provost, Founder of Purse Strings, LLC and an accomplished educational consultant to the banking and insurance industries. They discuss the often … Continue reading Ep 81: Women are Smart, Savvy, and Speaking with Their Money — With Dr. Barbara Provost →
Virtual meetings are one of the lasting impacts of Covid. While you may have mastered them when everyone was remote, now it’s time to master hybrid virtual meetings. Consider these ideas to make them more comfortable – and productive – for all involved. In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain speak with Lauren Sergy, … Continue reading Ep 80: Virtual Hybrid Meetings, Actual Success – With Lauren Sergy →
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In this marketplace, personalized service is what separates a financial advisor from an app. Knowing your ‘niche’ and your Ideal Client may be the key to a more prosperous —and satisfying — practice. In this episode, Susan Danzig, a Certified Business Development Coach for financial advisors, joins David Partain to discuss the ‘why’ and ‘how’ … Continue reading Ep 77: “Hello, Ideal Client” — With Susan Danzig →
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Trying to accommodate a wide range of client needs may actually limit your practice’s growth, your effectiveness, and your satisfaction. Targeting a niche that fits your specific experience and expertise can make a meaningful difference for you AND your clients. Kristen Luke is the president of Kaleido Creative Studio, a marketing agency specializing in helping … Continue reading Ep 72: Building a More Successful – and Satisfying – Business Through Niche Marketing — With Kristen Luke →
The right questions elevate good service to actual engagement. They build trust, confirm your credibility and, most important, provide valuable information you won’t capture on a client questionnaire. In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain speak to Julie Littlechild, Founder and CEO of Absolute Engagement. They discuss the importance of going beyond “How are … Continue reading Ep 71: Are Your Clients “Really” Fine? With Julie Littlechild →
Wow. That digital platform sure looks good. Sleek and sophisticated. Smart and fast. So intuitive, it anticipates your every need – some you didn’t even know you have. But will it help to enhance the client experience? In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain talk with Adam Boyer, Head of Business Development at Emotomy. … Continue reading Ep 70: Shiny Toy or Serious Solution? Enhancing Your Practice Digitally – With Adam Boyer →
Investors can build, manage and monitor their portfolios without ever talking to another human. So why do they choose an advisor? Personal connection. What makes them stay? A satisfying personal connection. In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain talk with Barbara Healy, Partner and Senior Financial Planner at Allworth Financial, about creating personal relationships … Continue reading Ep 69: How to Keep a Client (Hint: It’s Not All About Money) – With Barbara Healy →
For many, the pandemic has triggered varying degrees of stress, anxiety and depression. Addressing it in the context of an advisor/client relationship can be uncomfortable. What can you do when emotional health becomes part of the conversation? In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain talk with Dr. Chloe Carmichael, a clinical psychologist whose focus … Continue reading Ep 68: I’m Not a Therapist! When Clients Bring Up Emotional Issues – With Dr. Chloe Carmichael →
They are misunderstood, neglected and in a precarious situation. Why are so many financial planners not actively engaging with Gen X? In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain talk with a champion of the Gen X investor. What issues are challenging this generation and why should advisors pay attention? Michael Labos CFP®, CCFS®, and … Continue reading Ep 67: GenX. They Need You. Now. – With Michael Labos →
To have a beginning, we must also have an ending. Sometimes the ending is our choice, and sometimes it is thrust upon us. Elisa Spain is an Executive Life Coach and the creator of the You Pivot™ Program. She helps senior-level executives plan and create the next version of themselves whether in a new career … Continue reading Ep 66: Supporting Executive Clients With Their Tomorrow Story — With Elisa Spain →
Life decisions made with urgency, short timeframes, and pressure will shape the next chapter of someone’s life. How can advisors help clients navigate thoughtfully through life’s changes? In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain talk about the impact that life transitions can have on financial plans. Susan Bradley CFP® CeFT®, Founder of Sudden Money … Continue reading Ep 65: The Power of Transition Planning — With Ross Marino and Susan Bradley →
Our world has changed dramatically over the past 18 months. The wealth management industry is no different. In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain talk with Mark Bruno, Managing Director of Wealth Management at Informa Connect. Mark talks about his new role in expanding and growing WealthManagement.com, Inside ETFs and Inside WealthStack. He also … Continue reading Ep 64: Trends Shaping Wealth Management Today – With Mark Bruno →
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While firms may be successful in hiring younger employees, they often struggle to keep them. In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain talk about successful retention strategies with Yonhee Gordon, a Principal of JMG Financial Group and the RIA’s Chief Operating Officer and Chief Marketing Officer. They discuss how a methodical hiring process and … Continue reading Ep 62: Developing and Retaining Next Gen Talent — With Yonhee Gordon →
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Savvy Ladies strives to empower women by providing free financial literacy education to all women, regardless of age or income level. The nonprofit has helped more than 20,000 women of varied-backgrounds through their volunteer network of financial planners that answer key questions during times of transition which has helped put women on the path to … Continue reading Ep 60: Savvy Ladies – Help a Woman in Just One Hour a Month – With Judy Herbst →
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While divorce rates have decreased over the last 20 years according to the U.S. Census Bureau, the rates of divorce among baby boomers are increasing. Because family wealth tends to be much higher at this age, these divorces may present complex problems for clients. In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain speak with Steph … Continue reading Ep 57: Guiding Women Through Divorce – With Steph Wagner →
“Assess before you make a mess,” is what Kemy Joseph, CEO and DEI Strategist at F.E.A.R.S. Advantage tells Laura Gregg and David Partain in this episode of The Flexible Advisor. Kemy talks about the stress that firm leaders face when it comes to the topic of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and why it’s critical … Continue reading Ep 56: Assess Before Building A Diversity & Inclusion Program – With Kemy Joseph, CEO of F.E.A.R.S Advantage →
What’s most important when choosing a financial planner? Does race and gender outweigh other characteristics like age, years of experience or levels of trust? Dr. Miranda Reiter, CFP®, from Texas Tech University, is studying this topic and shares her findings on what’s most important to consumers. Listen as Laura Gregg and David Partain compare and … Continue reading Ep 55: Consumer Preferences In Hiring a Financial Planner — With Dr. Miranda Reiter, CFP®, Texas Tech University →
How do conversations with your prospects start? Is it about their needs or about your firm? Samuel Deane, CEO of Deane Financial Partners, talks about his experience as an immigrant seeking the American dream and why taking a traditional wealth management path wasn’t a fit for him. At 25 he started his own firm focused … Continue reading Ep 54: Finding Your Ideal Clients Through Content Marketing — With Samuel Deane →
FlexShares research continues to confirm that high-net-worth clients prefer advisors with a similar culture and gender and whom they feel will understand their unique needs. In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain speak about the growing importance of women advisors with Jana Gregorek, Chief Growth Officer at Visionary Wealth Advisors. They discuss how firms … Continue reading Ep 53: Finding and Retaining Women Advisors — With Jana Gregorek, Visionary Wealth Advisors →
As vaccinations ramp up and offices are re-open, many firms are facing a dilemma: Bring the entire staff back, create a hybrid team model or go fully virtual? In this fourth episode of our Advisor Wellness series, Laura Gregg and David Partain speak with Lauren Oschman, CFP®, Partner, Chief Experience Officer and producing Advisor at … Continue reading Ep 52: Conquering Stress Through Flexible Work Arrangements — With Lauren Oschman, CFP® →
Is work getting the best of you? Do you wish you had more control over your life and time? In this third episode of our advisor wellness series, Laura Gregg and David Partain talk with Productivity Coach, Patty Kreamer. Patty helps financial advisors develop personalized systems to get more done in less time while clearing … Continue reading Ep 51: Conquering Stress with Productivity — With Patty Kreamer, CPO® →
The Financial Planning Association (FPA) is taking action to drive change in our industry through both its NexGen and Pride Planners programs. In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain speak with FPA NexGen President Joey Stemmle about his new leadership role and what he hopes to accomplish. He also talks about the growth of … Continue reading Ep 50: FPA’s NexGen and LGBTQ Outreach — With Joey Stemmle, President, FPA NexGen →
Advisors are stressed, and female advisors report the higher levels of stress. But is that necessarily bad? This is the second in a series of episodes focused on Advisor Wellness where we talk with experts who provide tips to help you manage your health and wellbeing. In this episode we speak with Dr. Chloe Carmichael, … Continue reading Ep 49: Conquering Stress: Harnessing the Power of Your Anxiety — With Dr. Chloe Carmichael →
As an advisor, you work hard to lessen your clients’ financial stress. But, how can you reduce and manage your own stress to prevent burnout? This is the first in a series of episodes focused on Advisor Wellness where we talk with experts who provide tips to help you manage your health and wellbeing. In … Continue reading Ep 48: Conquering Stress and Coming Back Stronger — with Dr. Jack Singer →
Build the business of your dreams while serving clients with integrity, creativity, and compassion! In this exciting episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain sit down with Rita Robbins, Founder of Affiliated Advisors. As one of the first women to launch an Super OSJ (Office of Supervisory Jurisdiction) and a consultant who leads more than 85 … Continue reading Ep 47: Growing the Practice of Your Dreams — With Rita Robbins →
Advisors, how are you collaborating and partnering with your outsourced solutions partners? In this episode Laura Gregg and David Partain are joined by Paul Binnion of Hanlon Investment Management. They discuss today’s advisory landscape and take a deeper look into FlexShares’ Race to Scalability study and the power of collaboration between advisors and their external … Continue reading Ep 46: The Race to Scalability — With Paul Binnion, Hanlon Investment Management →
In 2019, women in the U.S. controlled more than $10 trillion with expectations of that tripling over the next decade according to McKinsey & Co. Many advisors, however, are missing the mark in building relationships with women. In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain welcome Heather Ettinger, Founder and CEO of Luma Wealth – … Continue reading Ep 45: Women and Financial Wellness – With Heather Ettinger →
The culture of a firm directly impacts it’s bottom line. It affects how employees engage with clients and how your firm is viewed within the community. In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain welcome Marie Dzanis, Head of Asset Management, EMEA and Chief Executive Officer of Northern Trust Global Investments. Marie is passionate about … Continue reading Ep 44: The Benefits of Building a Purposeful Firm Culture – With Marie Dzanis, CIMA® →
It’s time for advisors to let go of some deeply held stereotypes about women investors. Investment preferences may have less to do with gender or more with levels of wealth and roles in the household. In this episode, David Partain talks with Co-Host Laura Gregg, AnnMarie Pino Director of Financial Research at Greenwald Research and … Continue reading Ep 43: A New Look At Gender Stereotypes – With AnnMarie Pino and Susan Czochara →
Over the last decade, FlexShares has been researching how and where advisors are seeking to better scale and grow their businesses, all while building a better client experience. In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain welcome Noreen Beaman, President of Orion Advisors Solutions. Noreen has been a supporter of Flexshares’ Race to Scalability research … Continue reading Ep 42: The Race To Scalability — With Noreen Beaman, President, Orion Advisor Solutions →
Take your practice to the next level by taking small actions that can lead to big changes over time. In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain welcome advisor coach and author, Matt Anderson. Over the last 20 years, Matt has helped thousands of financial advisors power their practices by implementing a series of tiny … Continue reading Ep 41: Improve Your Business in 2021 through Tiny Habits — With Matt Anderson →
What are the secrets to building a diverse, high-functioning team? To find out, Laura Gregg and David Partain welcome back Fran Skinner to The Flexible Advisor. As a Co-Founder of AUM Partners, a leadership and talent assessment consulting firm for the financial services industry, Fran explains why moving away from old systems can help you … Continue reading Ep 40: How to Build High-Functioning Advisory Teams – With Fran Skinner →
As an advisor, your work with clients often goes well beyond their financial portfolio – especially when their story changes. In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain talk with Ambient Financial Advisors’ Christopher D. Hill, CFP®, CGRS. Christopher discusses why his firm decided to rebrand and focus specifically on helping clients manage through transition … Continue reading Ep 39: Serving Clients When Their Story Changes — With Christopher D. Hill, CFP®, CGRS →
Studies have shown that diversity of thought can lead to positive business results. Finding that type of diversity may, however, require new recruitment strategies. In this episode, Abdur Nimeri, PhD. joins Laura Gregg and David Partain to discuss why, how and where to look for diverse thought leaders for advisory teams. As the head of … Continue reading Ep 38: Seeking Diversity of Thought in Advisory Teams — With Abdur Nimeri, PhD. →
It’s no secret that the financial industry lacks diversity. But how do we move the needle? In this episode, Laurie Barry, Senior Vice President at UBS and principal of The Barry Wealth Consulting Group joins Laura Gregg and David Partain to explore how we can start making real progress towards more gender diversity. Laurie shares … Continue reading Ep 37: It’s A Fit! Women and Advisory — With Laurie Barry →
Many people feel nervous or uncomfortable when talking about money. Negotiating a raise or letting clients know about an increase in fees can be even more intimidating, even for financial professionals. In this episode, discover how advisors and clients alike can break their money silence with money-taboo shattering tips from wealth psychology expert Kathleen Burns … Continue reading Ep 36: Break Your Money Silence — With Kathleen Burns Kingsbury →
Most operations leaders are alone at their advisory firm. But you don’t have to be alone in your career. Whether you’re an operations professional, an advisor or even a compliance officer at a small or large firm, there are opportunities to find your tribe through a study group. In this episode, Laura Gregg and David … Continue reading Ep 35: Find Your Tribe in the Advisory Industry — With Shaun Kapusinski →
How we think, act and work has been overhauled in 2020. This has meant major shifts for news and media professionals that advisors rely on for the latest advice news and in how they engage and meet their peers at industry events. Are these media professionals hitting the mark and what do they see ahead? … Continue reading Ep 34: Breaking Through The Noise — with Christine Shaw →
During uncertain times, it’s critical that advisors remind and reinforce the value that they are providing to their clients. In this episode, Laura Gregg welcomes Corey Hoffstein, Founder and Chief Investment Officer at Newfound Research, a quantitative asset manager offering a suite of separately managed accounts and mutual funds to advisor firms and institutional investors. … Continue reading Ep 33: Lessons Learned from the Pandemic and Beyond – With Corey Hoffstein →
How can advisors take behavioral finance from theory to practice and address not only client biases but perhaps some of their own biases as well? Listen to this episode, as Laura Gregg and David Partain talk with Stringer Asset Management’s Jonathan Bernstein. Jonathan has a passion for identifying and understanding the behavioral financial issues that … Continue reading Ep 32: Taking Behavioral Finance From Theory to Practice — With Jonathan Bernstein →
Advisors, are you well-equipped with the knowledge and expertise you need to provide clients with the insurance guidance they need? In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain are joined by Rebecca Woan, Principal and Founder of Chartwell Insurance Services. Together, they discuss a range of risk management considerations. Rebecca highlights areas where high-net-worth clients … Continue reading Ep 31: Adding Value through Insurance Discussions – With Rebecca Woan →
Why have some advisory firms grown while others have stalled during the pandemic? In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain discuss how advisors are gaining traction in the pandemic with Thrivos Consulting Founder Penny Phillips. Penny shares some timeless advice on prospecting, marketing and the urgent need to embrace change to build trust and … Continue reading Ep 30: How Advisors Are Gaining Traction in the Pandemic – With Penny Phillips →
Just because you can’t meet your clients face-to-face at this time doesn’t mean you can’t host extraordinary events and attract new leads. In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain are joined by Dr. Maribeth Kuzmeski, PhD, President of Red Zone Marketing. Maribeth shares some insights from her recent advisor study on how financial advisors … Continue reading Ep 29: Marketing in the Age of Social Distancing – With Maribeth Kuzmeski, PhD. →
In a crowded financial advisory space, how can you stand out? To answer this question, Laura Gregg and David Partain welcome Devin Ekberg, chief learning officer and managing director of content development at Investments & Wealth Institute. Listen to hear about the research that the Investments & Wealth Institute conducted with Cerulli Associates on three … Continue reading Ep 28: Standing Out Among Advisors — with Devin Ekberg →
Advisors, have you checked in with your clients recently? Adam Boyer, Head of Business Development for Emotomy at Northern Trust joins Laura Gregg and David Partain to discuss the importance of advisor-client relationships and what it takes to build client trust. Together, they explore the role technology plays in communication and the need for maintaining … Continue reading Ep 27: Cultivating Meaningful Client-Advisor Relationships — With Adam Boyer →
While COVID-19 has sidelined hiring plans for many firms, many leaders are using this time to find top talent. Explore today’s hiring trends as Laura Gregg and David Partain welcome Fran Skinner to the podcast. As the co-founder of AUM Partners, a leadership and talent assessment consulting firm for the financial services industry, Fran shares … Continue reading Ep 26: Why Now is the Right Time to Hire — With Fran Skinner →
As the world becomes increasingly technology- and convenience-based, podcasting has risen as a new medium to showcase your voice and connect with your ideal audience. For advisors, podcasting has become a great way to build relationships with ideal and existing clients, all the while maximizing the advisor-client relationships and ROI alike. In this episode, Laura … Continue reading Ep 25: Podcasting to Reach and Retain Clients in the Digital Age – With Matt Halloran →
There are specific actions that leaders must take if they’re serious about driving diversity, equity, and inclusion in their organization. Shundrawn Thomas, President of Northern Trust Asset Management recently spoke with Laura Gregg and David Partain about the role of leaders in DE&I. He also talked about his recent open letter – Breaking the Silence … Continue reading Ep 24: Leadership and Diversity – With Shundrawn Thomas →
Investors prefer to work with financial professionals who they feel will understand them, according to a recent FlexShares study on diversity. How can we draw more people of color into the financial industry? And how can we help investors find those who are already out there? Today, Laura Gregg and David Partain welcome Dana Wilson, … Continue reading Ep 23: Connecting People to Advisors of Color – With Dana Wilson →
Charitable giving is on the minds of many people, now more than ever. In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain are joined by Elena Pullen-Venema, the Director of Gift Planning at the Community Foundation of Snohomish County (Greater Seattle Area). Elena explains the foundation’s growing commitment to Racial Equity and how grants during the … Continue reading Ep 22: Partnering with Community Foundations to Strengthen Client Relationships in Uncertain Times – With Elena Pullen-Venema →
The worldwide protests calling for racial justice and equity have been a wake-up call for us all and the lack of diversity in the wealth management space has been noted for years. In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain are joined by Connie Lindsey, the executive vice president and head of corporate social responsibility … Continue reading Ep 21: Strategies for Advancing Racial Equity and Diversity – With Connie Lindsey →
How should you advise clients who are going into a fight, flight, or freeze response to the market volatility? In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain are joined by Dr. Sarah Newcomb, director of behavioral science at Morningstar. Sarah discusses how financial advisors can have productive conversations with clients to keep them on track. … Continue reading Ep 20: Coaching Clients in Volatile Times – With Morningstar’s Dr. Sarah Newcomb →
The pandemic has altered our work style and the way we communicate. Many have come to rely on video conferencing and other digital tools to keep in touch. But what happens as we begin to migrate back to the office? In this episode of The Flexible Advisor podcast, Laura Gregg and David Partain are joined … Continue reading Ep 19: Is the Video Call Here to Stay? Adapting as We Return to the Office – With Bev Flaxington →
Doctors are experiencing financial uncertainty right now just like everyone else, despite their increased workload on the frontlines. In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain are joined by Lauren Oschman of Vestia Personal Wealth Advisors. Lauren talks about how she is adding value to doctors on the front line of the COVID-19 crisis and … Continue reading Ep 18: Serving Medical Professionals During COVID-19 – With Lauren Oschman →
Do you know how to show your clients that you’re present and at their service? Do you know how to approach questions about portfolio performance right now? In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain are joined by Mark LaVoie, vice president at Prosek Partners, to discuss communication strategies for advisors to adopt during the … Continue reading Ep 17: How to Manage Your PR and Client Communications in Times of Crisis – With Mark LaVoie →
This podcast conversation was recorded on April 29 and the data and material cited were as of that time. Navigating this health crisis and the financial volatility that goes along with it is like drinking from a fire hose. FlexShares is working hard to deliver a variety of resources for advisors under the banner of … Continue reading Ep 16: A Healthcare Analyst’s Views on the Progression of Coronavirus – With Erick Noensie →
When advisors choose to return to the office, they must do it with an abundance of caution. In this episode, Laura Gregg is joined by Ari Levy, MD, MBA and the Founder and CEO of SHIFT – a place for people looking for a transformative approach to healthcare delivery. Ari is a medical doctor, clinician … Continue reading Ep 15: Medical Safety Considerations for Advisory Firms – With Dr. Ari Levy, MD, MBA →
With many states beginning to lift stay-at-home restrictions, you’ll want to create a plan for how and when to open your doors to employees and clients. Who should return to the office and when? How will you create and maintain a safe office environment? Laura Gregg and David Partain, along with Kelli Cruz, the principal … Continue reading Ep 14: Planning for Re-Opening Your Office – With Kelli Cruz →
Welcome to The Flexible Advisor podcast! This is the show for financial advisors that digs into industry trends, investor preferences, and FlexShares’ proprietary advisor and investor research. In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain welcome two special guests: Idea Decanter co-founder Laura Garfield and advisor Fernando Ereneta. Together, the four discuss how advisors can … Continue reading Ep 13: Using Video to Guide Your Clients Through Uncertainty – With Laura Garfield and Fernando Ereneta →
The Flexible Advisor Podcast Leveraging Technology To Improve Client Relationships – 15 Minute Conversation with Laura Gregg and David Partain Navigating this health crisis and the financial volatility that goes along with it is like drinking from a fire hose. FlexShares is working hard to deliver a variety of resources for advisors under the banner … Continue reading Ep 12: Better Client Communication Through Technology – Stronger Every Day in 15 Minutes →
Over the next 20 years, the U.S. is going to look much different than it does today. In fact, we’re already seeing more women, people of color, younger people, and LGBTQ people owning a larger share of U.S. and global wealth. Is your advisory firm building diverse teams and clientele? Today, Laura Gregg and David … Continue reading Ep 11: Raising Awareness of Financial Planning in Diverse Communities – With Malcolm Ethridge →
Navigating this health crisis and the financial volatility that goes along with it is like drinking from a fire hose. FlexShares is working hard to deliver a variety of resources for advisors under the banner of Stronger Every Day including 15-minute bite-size podcasts to give you some quick ideas around helping clients – and your … Continue reading Ep 10: Clients Don’t Want Another Email – Stronger Every Day in 15 Minutes →
With markets in disarray, many investors are looking for help from financial advisors. While it may seem counterintuitive, now is the time to boost – rather than cut – your marketing spend and optimize your visibility online. In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain are joined by Malcolm Ethridge, a financial advisor and executive … Continue reading Ep 9: Now is the Time to Spend Marketing Dollars – With Malcolm Ethridge →
The recently enacted Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) is a stimulus package that offers Americans a bridge to short-term financial survival. In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain are joined by Susan Czochara and Lee Freitag from Northern Trust Asset Management to walk you through the CARES Act. They discuss … Continue reading Ep 8: An Advisor’s Guide to the CARES Act – With Susan Czochara and Lee Freitag →
Could you use some tried-and-true advice to help your team adapt to remote work? In this episode, Laura Gregg is joined by Kelli Cruz of Cruz Consulting Group. They discuss how to engage, manage, and inspire your team while working remotely and how to set up your advisory practice for growth that can continue outside … Continue reading Ep 7: Ways to Manage and Inspire Newly Remote Teams – With Kelli Cruz →
Are your assumptions about high-net-worth (HNW) male and female primary breadwinners hurting your bottom line? In this final episode of the mini-series, Laura Gregg and David Partain of FlexShares Exchange Traded Funds bust advisors’ gender assumptions about executive investors. Together, they urge advisors to reconsider the assumptions that they may be making about their executive … Continue reading Ep 6 Rethink How to Win Executives – Part 3 of 3 →
It’s time to challenge what you thought you knew about the investor behaviors of high-net-worth (HNW) men versus women. In part two of our mini-series, the conversation continues with Laura Gregg and David Partain of FlexShares Exchange Traded Funds as they dig deeper into the unexpected findings from their stereotype-smashing study. Together, they uncover the … Continue reading Ep 5: Rethink How to Win Executives – Part 2 of 3 →
What are you doing to be of service not only to your clients but to their friends and family who are looking for direction and certainty? In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain are joined by Susan Danzig, a consultant for financial advisors. Together, they delve into the impact that the current pandemic is … Continue reading Ep 3: How to Prospect in Times of Crisis – With Susan Danzig →
Despite high-net-worth (HNW) earners being a key market for advisors, little research has been done on the investor behaviors of men versus women in this demographic. Now FlexShares’ study is casting light on the gender differences within this group, and the results call for advisors to change their approach. In this episode, Laura Gregg and … Continue reading Ep 4: Rethink How to Win Executives – Part 1 of 3 →
In this inaugural episode, we talk about why we launched the Flexible Advisor podcast and the content you can expect to receive. The series will focus on investor and advisor research and industry experts and your financial advisor peers will join us provide their insights as well. We are launching during the Coronavirus crisis so … Continue reading Ep 1: Welcome to the Flexible Advisor →
In this special episode, we let you know how we are responding to the COVID-19 situation and how advisors might consider supporting their staff and clients during this difficult time. As we continue to social distance in the coming weeks technology outages within your firm will become apparent. This is the time to begin building … Continue reading Ep2 : Special COVID-19 Update →