2050 TrailBlazers

In this bonus episode, Rianka sits down with Tonia Bottoms, a Managing Director and Senior Managing Counsel for BNY Mellon | Pershing to talk about how DEI has been woven through the fabric of their entire organization.   https://www.2050trailblazers.com/episode/s06e08

In the final episode of the Masterclass for Allies and Trailblazers, Rianka and Katie are breaking down what organizations who are ready to take action on DEI need to know. Get ready to hear about the importance of not just earmarking money but also calendarizing time, and setting and communicating the right expectations to all stakeholders.   https://www.2050trailblazers.com/episode/s06e07

In this episode, Rianka and Katie share with listeners best practices in caring for themselves during this reflection period of DEI work and highlighting the importance of mental health awareness through practicing grace and rest.    https://www.2050trailblazers.com/episode/s06e06

In this episode, Rianka and Katie talk about learning from their mistakes in the DEI space, and how you can (and should) too! By identifying common practices like gaslighting and revenge mindsets, the two navigate how they have overcome missteps in service of the greater and continuing work.   https://www.2050trailblazers.com/episode/s06e05

In this episode, Rianka and Katie talk about the ways that organizations can avoid common traps, and encourage individuals to find their secret sauce to help draw out creativity in the workplace.   https://www.2050trailblazers.com/episode/s06e04

In this episode, Rianka and Katie discuss how organizations can do the work by simply listening and responding to their employees.   https://www.2050trailblazers.com/episode/s06e03

In this episode, Rianka and Katie tackle how individuals can understand their own roles in advance equity in the workplace.   https://www.2050trailblazers.com/episode/s06e02

In this episode, Rianka kicks off Season 6: The Masterclass for Allies and TrailBlazers and introduces this season's special guest, longtime 2050 TrailBlazers favorite, employee experience strategist Katie Augsburger.   https://www.2050trailblazers.com/episode/s06e01

In this episode, Rianka reconnects with Sonya Dreizler, CEO at Solutions With Sonya, to discuss combating trolls, the power of intentional networking and the case for marrying our personal and professional lives together.   https://www.2050trailblazers.com/episode/s05e08

In this episode, Rianka sits down with Rachel Robasciotti, founder and CEO of Adasina Social Capital, to talk about her social investing approach and discuss in depth why gender, racial, and social/economic diversity is so critical to financial services. https://www.2050trailblazers.com/episode/s05e07

In this episode, Rianka speaks with Star Carter, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer at Kanarys, a technology startup focused on increasing diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace, with its work rooted in data and analytics. The two ponder: could a consortium be the key to moving major financial services players to action?   https://www.2050trailblazers.com/episode/s05e06

In this extended cut of episode 5, Rianka and Katie continue the conversation on diversity and inclusion in the workplace and how employers can better meet the needs of their employees. This episode builds upon the discussion of S05 EP05: DEI Work Is Not About Shame, It’s About Accountability.

In this episode, Rianka welcomes back longtime 2050 TrailBlazer podcast guest, employee experience strategist, Katie Augsburger. The two connect on how the past year has changed things for them, providing more introspection, and having find silver linings amidst the grief of the pandemic and the murder of George Floyd, among countless others. https://www.2050trailblazers.com/episode/s05e05  

In this episode, Rianka speaks with Dani Fava, Head of Strategic Development at Envestnet and self-proclaimed futurist. Dani shares her insights into how the world- and color-of money has changed and her warning for experts who continue to speak from the same echo-chamber, serving new clients with old philosophies. https://www.2050trailblazers.com/episode/s05e04

In this episode Rianka speaks with Rachel Sanborn Lawrence, Director of Advisory Services at Ellevest, about how the company continues to elevate its commitment to being an inclusive workplace, led by its bold “Our Commitment to Racial Justice” statement. https://www.2050trailblazers.com/episode/s05e03   Disclosures: All opinions and views expressed by Ellevest are current as of the date of this writing, for informational purposes only, and do not constitute or imply an endorsement of any third party’s products or services. Information was obtained from third-party sources, which we believe to be reliable but not guaranteed for accuracy or completeness.

In this episode Rianka speaks with John McCarthy, founder of McCarthy Tax Preparation, about his experience increasing diversity in the workplace as a Midwest-based white male small business owner. John shares how his focus on making incremental impacts in his industry is paying dividends for his employees, and previews the work ahead. https://www.2050trailblazers.com/episode/s05e02

In this episode, Rianka speaks with Walter Booker, Chief Operating Officer of MarketCounsel, about how firms can improve their Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) efforts. Wealth, itself, is getting more diverse in terms of clientele and talent. If you want to create a great external client experience, you have to start with a great internal workplace experience.  https://www.2050trailblazers.com/episode/s05e01

In the third episode of our 2021 History Makers Series, celebrating Black women during Black History Month, Rianka chats with Chasity Cooper, a communications strategist, marketing guru and wine connoisseur who owns Wine With Chas on the importance of mental health, pro tips on choosing wine, and making space for Black women to thrive. https://www.2050trailblazers.com/episode/bhm203

In this episode, Minda Harts, award-winning and bestselling author of The Memo: What Women of Color Need to Know to Secure a Seat at the Table, joins to discuss the importance of activating conversations around race in the workplace, building your social capital, and why we need to make the workplace work for everybody. https://www.2050trailblazers.com/episode/bhm202

In this first episode of our 2021 History Makers Series, celebrating Black women during Black History Month, Rianka reflects on the power of partnership and celebrates the one-year anniversary of her financial planning firm, 2050 Wealth Partners, with her co-CEO Lazetta Rainey Braxton, and colleague Raquel Tennant.   https://www.2050trailblazers.com/episode/bhm201

After a “year-off” which included maternity leave, birth, loss and a pandemic, 2050 TrailBlazers is back.  In this episode, we recap Seasons 1-4 and preview what the new season of the podcast holds: how to ensure financial services firms are not just attracting, but retaining ethnically-diverse talent. https://www.2050trailblazers.com/episode/bhm200

In this episode, Daria Victorov, CFP® and John Eing, MBA, CPA, CFP® are going over what steps they’ve taken, what’s worked, and what bumps in the road they’ve encountered. This episode is perfect for a business owner or professional who wants to dig deeper and increase their focus on diversity and inclusion, but needs an actionable blueprint to get started. https://www.2050trailblazers.com/episode/s04e08  

In this episode, Samuel Palmer, Managing Director and Head of Business Development and Strategy for Chase Wealth Management, is here to discuss building inclusive initiatives at an organizational level. He’s talking through DEI best practices, and providing listeners with actionable tips to implement today. https://www.2050trailblazers.com/episode/s04e07

In this episode, Johnny Bailey, Executive Director of The ShineHard Family, is talking about how he decided to commit to the Shine Hard movement, the intricacies of creating a nonprofit ecosystem, and how listeners can get involved in supporting the next generation of minority leaders in their own communities. https://www.2050trailblazers.com/episode/s04e06  

Renée Richardson Gosline is the Senior Lecturer in the Management Science group at the MIT Sloan School of Management. In this episode, she’s diving into the scientific and academic grounds for an inclusive business model. Tune in now! https://www.2050trailblazers.com/episode/s04e05

Chloe McKenzie is a wealth justice expert. She advocates for financial education in classrooms and runs a nonprofit organization that helps to empower women of color to build their wealth and break negative financial behaviors. In this episode, Chloe helps listeners understand what they can start doing to get involved in delivering financial advice to underserved communities. https://www.2050trailblazers.com/episode/s04e04

In this episode, Mark Tibergien, CEO of Advisor Solutions at BNY Mellon | Pershing, is discussing how advisory businesses can support a more diverse financial planning culture, why being committed to elevating others is critical, and so much more. Tune in now!   https://www.2050trailblazers.com/episode/s04e03

Today, Kate Healy, the Managing Director of TD Ameritrade Institutional’s Generation Next, is taking time to outline the importance of creating a more inclusive financial planning profession for the next generation and beyond. She’s going over actionable steps you and your team members can start taking today to focus on the DEI movement - and why it’s important! https://www.2050trailblazers.com/episode/s04e02

Cait Howerton, MBA, AFC®, CFP® Candidate, is relatively new to the financial planning profession - but she’s already making waves. In this episode, Cait is about to give listeners some amazing, actionable tips to start implementing better hiring practices today, and other ways financial planning firms can start to pursue inclusivity.   https://www.2050trailblazers.com/episode/s04e01

As the host of 2050 TrailBlazers and the founder of YGC Planning, I receive a lot of emails, DMs, and in-person requests for coaching and mentorship. I’ve noticed that over the years I receive a lot of similar questions. That’s where the inspiration for this mailbag-style episode came from!   https://www.2050trailblazers.com/episode/mentorship01

In this episode, Roberte Exantus is offering a global perspective of how money and culture intersect. This season of 2050 TrailBlazers has focused on all things money and culture - and I’m so excited to end it with Roberte’s unique experience. https://www.2050trailblazers.com/episode/s03e08

Michael G. Thomas Jr. is an Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC®)  and 4th-year Ph.D. Financial Planning Candidate at the University of Georgia. In this episode, Michael is bringing all of his education and background on financial empathy and money stories of underserved populations to the table. https://www.2050trailblazers.com/episode/s03e07

This episode, featuring Peter Kwadwo Asare from Ghana, is full of fascinating information, and a completely different viewpoint about money that we should be taking into consideration when working with clients or interacting with others.    https://www.2050trailblazers.com/episode/s03e06

Pamela Capalad, CFP®, and Dyalekt focus on meeting people where they are in their journey. They take away the suits, the big desks, and the pretense of anyone being an authority figure in their educational programs, and in Pam’s financial planning practice.   https://www.2050trailblazers.com/episode/s03e05

This episode gets into the nitty gritty of what role money plays in the African American culture - and Lazetta Rainey Braxton, CFP®, brings incredible insight and wisdom to the table both from her own personal story and her experience as an advisor. You don’t want to miss this episode! https://www.2050trailblazers.com/episode/s03e04

Catalina Franco-Cicero is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, and has found that education and sports have given her a voice as a woman of color. She’s fascinated by helping her clients as a financial advisor, because she knows that there’s a knowledge gap, and the confidence gap, in minority groups when it comes to their money. Her work has focused on bringing positive change to underserved populations, and to spread financial knowledge in a fiduciary capacity. https://www.2050trailblazers.com/episode/s03e03  

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who is interested in Asian American culture, and how money plays into their cultural background. Phuong Luong does a fantastic job of offering both her personal experiences, getting vulnerable in her conversation, and providing well-researched information about the Asian American culture as a whole. https://www.2050trailblazers.com/episode/s03e02

In this episode, Saundra Davis is going to help us understand how to get to the need under the need - because it’s never just about the money. Working with clients on their personal finances can be challenging, and it will be even more challenging if we don’t look to approach our diverse client base with curiosity, openness, and the ultimate goal of helping them find their best financial life. https://www.2050trailblazers.com/episode/s03e01

Natasha Alford is an award-winning journalist, host, and content creator. She pursued journalism with a focus on uncovering education policy in Washington D.C. Now, she’s grown her career in journalism as “The People’s Journalist.” This episode is an amazing insight into the life of someone who is making history as a journalist, and who is pushing past traditional boundaries in her storytelling.   https://www.2050trailblazers.com/episode/bhm04

In this episode, Carla Harris of Morgan Stanley is dropping so many pearls of wisdom. We cover entrepreneurship, the importance of the DEI movement, how you can advocate for yourself in work and in life, and so much more. Are you ready to be blown away? Tune in now!   https://www.2050trailblazers.com/episode/bhm03

Everette Taylor has started, or been part-owner of, eight different companies in his career. Through his work, he focuses on marketing, social media, events, and more. However, he also uses his brands under ET Enterprises to contribute work toward causes he’s passionate about. This episode is inspirational for anyone who is looking to explore personal growth. Everette is an incredible testament to the incredible things that hard work, mental health care, and focusing on doing good in the world can do.   https://www.2050trailblazers.com/episode/bhm02

LeCount R. Davis, Sr., CFP®, is often referred to as the “godfather” of financial planning. This episode is truly a celebration of a history maker - LeCount has done so much for this profession and for the world through his dedication to advocacy and service. https://www.2050trailblazers.com/episode/bhm01

This year, I wanted 2050 TrailBlazers to contribute to the conversation during Black History Month. That’s why we’re launching the Black History Month - History Makers series. I’m incredibly excited about this series - we’ll be releasing one episode a week for the entire month of February. https://www.2050trailblazers.com/episode/bhm00

In this episode, we’re bringing back Katie Augsburger and Andrew Greenia to discuss how to put empathy first in professional inclusion conversations, how to address equity within your organization, and the best way to accept critical love as we all work to be better and more inclusive of others in our career and in life.   https://www.2050trailblazers.com/episode/s02e08

Lazetta Rainey Braxton, CFP®,  and Kathleen Burns Kingsbury have a beautiful conversation in this episode on how to have honest conversations, make space for one another personally and professionally, and how to start conversations that make you uncomfortable - because, even if they’re uncomfortable, they’re always necessary if we want to make progress.   https://www.2050trailblazers.com/episode/s02e07

Both Thompson, CFP®, and David Rae, CFP®, AIF™, are working to start conversations around LGBTQ financial concerns in the financial planning profession. In this episode, they’re diving in to how all planners can better serve the LGBTQ niche, support their fellow LGBTQ advisors, and approach conversations about LGBTQ inclusivity as an ally.   https://www.2050trailblazers.com/episode/s02e06

How do you spend your privilege? It’s a tough question to answer - and in this episode, Sonya Dreizler and Arlene Moss tackle it. As two white women, Sonya and Arlene have dedicated themselves to supporting diversity and inclusion conversations in the financial planning profession and beyond. http://2050trailblazers.com/episode/s02e05

As the CEO and Publisher of Investment News, Suzanne Siracuse knew that highlighting inclusive initiatives was her responsibility as one of the leading publishers in the financial services industry. The publication has consistently used their platform to start conversations around D&I, and Suzanne offers advice to other media outlets who want to do the same. http://2050trailblazers.com/episode/s02e04

As we continue to build the dialogue around diversity, equity, and inclusion, it was very timely to be able to sit down with Mark Berg, CFP®, and Mark Johannessen, CFP®, AIF®, who participated in the FPA 2018 Annual Conference panel, Winning the Fight for the Female Talent: How Firms Can Gain an Edge.”   http://2050trailblazers.com/episode/s02e03

In continuing our conversation around allyship, I’m sitting down with Tom Nally from TD Ameritrade and Ed Gjertsen II, representing FPA, this week. We’re discussing how to build inclusivity into the foundation of your business’s structure, and what actionable steps you can take to get started when you’re just not sure where to begin.   http://2050trailblazers.com/episode/s02e02

When we started releasing episodes for the first season of 2050 TrailBlazers, we were overwhelmed with how many people with privileged identities reached out to us asking about how they could start being an ally, or how they could become a better ally. So many conversations started with, “I’m here, I’m listening, and I want to help.” That’s why, this season, we’re taking some time to focus on allyship.   https://www.2050trailblazers.com/episode/s02e01