The Flexible Advisor

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. … Read More Read More

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 health care expenses, advisors have had few, if any, solutions at their disposal.  In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain talk with Christine … Read More Read More

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 … Read More Read More

The emerging generation of adults — particularly family business owners — are grapplingwith challenges and responsibilities their parents did not. In this episode, Laura Gregg speakswith Nikè Anani, Director of Next Generation at Northern Trust Wealth Management. Basedon personal experience running her own enterprising family office and finding her joy andpurpose in consulting with rising gen people like herself. Nike identifies … Read More Read More

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) ofgenerative AI into context for advisors – and suggests how this “lazy intern” shouldbe managed. John discusses:● What generative AI is, how it evolved, and … Read More Read More

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 … Read More Read More

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, … Read More Read More

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  … Read More Read More

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, practice lead of the Retirement Solutions Group at Northern Trust … Continue reading Ep 99: Assessing the impact of Secure Act 2.0 — With Lee Freitag →

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 … Continue reading Ep 98: Your Personal Brand: Capitalize on Your Strengths – With Susan Danzig →

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 … Continue reading Ep 94: When Children Are Not Part of the Plan – With Pamela Lucina →

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 … Continue reading Ep 93: Two Pages That Can Elevate Your Clients' Experience – with Brad Connors of iWealth →

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 … Continue reading EP 92: The Financial Coach Can Use A Coach – With Lacy Garcia of Willow →

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 … Continue reading Ep 91: Going Solo: Making a Leap of Faith — with Kaysian Gordon →

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 … Continue reading Ep 90: Overcoming Adversity: GRIT As A Game Changer  — With Austin Hatch →

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 … Continue reading Ep 89: Assessing The Advisor Landscape—with Michelle Lynn of Bloomberg →

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 … Continue reading Ep 88: How SEC rule 206(4) could change your business model — With Paul Binnion →

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:  … Continue reading Ep 87: Take Your Passion To Work Today with Regina Huber →

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 … Continue reading Ep 86: Your Most Valuable Asset: Personal Branding with April Rudin →

What are your clients not telling you? What could you do differently to earn greater trust?  In this episode, Laura Gregg talks with Barnaby Riedel, one of the architects of FlexShares' behavioral study on growing wallet share. The findings provide a sensible groundwork to build more productive and mutually rewarding client relationships.  Barnaby discusses: His … Continue reading Ep 85: The Science Behind Growing Wallet Share — With Barnaby Riedel, PhD →

Provide good numbers and exceptional service and you'll have a satisfied client. Create a personal connection, and you may be surprised at the results.  In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain speak with financial advisor Brendan Frazier, founder of Wired Planning and host of The Human Side of Money podcast. Brendan offers three simple … Continue reading Ep 84: Why Settle for “Satisfied” Clients? — Brendan Frazier on the Value of Emotional Connection →

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 →

What makes “The Ask” so awkward and even counterproductive?  FlexShares recently surveyed high-net-worth investors across the country to better understand what drives their decision to allocate assets to and among advisors. The results are in, and they provide some valuable insight.  In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain talk with Beverly Flaxington, Human Behavior … Continue reading Ep 79: The Rules Have Changed! How to Get More From Clients – With Bev Flaxington →

Understanding Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) criteria points and how they relate to investment portfolios is critical for helping your clients navigate ESG issues. In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain talk with Michael Young, Manager of Educational Programs at US SIF: The Forum for Sustainable and Responsible Investment. They discuss ESG investing and how … Continue reading Ep 78: Expand Your ESG Investing Expertise — With Michael Young →

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 →

As sustainable investing grows in popularity, so do the misconceptions about its framework. In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain speak with Kiley Miller, Director of ESG Investment Solutions at Envestnet. Kiley is a passionate leader in the ESG investment space. She shares how she is working to help advisors better understand underlying value … Continue reading Ep 76: Are Advisors Missing the Forest for the Trees? – Kiley Miller on Sustainable Investing →

Workers and consumers are holding businesses to higher standards. Why wouldn't investors do the same?  As awareness of environmental, social and governance issues grows, more people are saying ‘I want an investment that's going to help me reach my financial goals, but I'd like the more sustainable version, please'. In this episode, Laura Gregg and … Continue reading Ep 75: ESG Investing: “This is where people are” – With Jon Hale, Morningstar →

A supportive work environment can improve performance, job satisfaction, and even client experience. Sometimes a little thing –– a better desk set-up, stepping away from the screen, or a confidential conversation — can make a surprisingly big difference. In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain talk with Amy Dittman, a Health Promotion Specialist working … Continue reading Ep 74: What Makes a Healthy Workplace? – With Amy Dittman →

Why is Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Investing moving from marginal to mainstream? Aligning investments with values is just the beginning.  In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain talk with Jeffrey Gitterman, Co-Founding Partner and Creator of Sustainable, Impact, and ESG Investing Services at Gitterman Wealth Management, LLC. They discuss his passion as an … Continue reading Ep 73: Use ESG as a GPS Tool, Not a Moral Compass — With Jeff Gitterman →

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 →

Many women experience major life transitions like divorce or widowhood. As an advisor, you can be a key support pillar for your clients by educating and empowering them to make informed financial decisions, even during difficult times. In this episode, Stacy Francis, President and CEO of Francis Financial and Founder of Savvy Ladies, joins Laura … Continue reading Ep 63: Empowering Women Through Difficult Transitions — With Stacy Francis →

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 →

Building a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion program (DEI), can be a daunting task. Leaders understand that it's so much more than just hiring people that look different from one another. In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain welcome D.A. Abrams, Managing Director at the CFP Board's Center for Financial Planning. He identifies four key … Continue reading Ep 61: Four Pillars of DE&I from the CFP Board's Center for Financial Planning – With D.A. Abrams →

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 →

Diversity isn't the end game in DE&I. To create powerful outcomes, leaders need to understand how to create Equity and Inclusion within their firms, which takes strategy, commitment and accountability.   In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain welcome back Connie Lindsey, long-recognized for her outstanding work and former Head of Corporate Social Responsibility and Global … Continue reading Ep 59: DE&I as a Strategic Imperative — With Connie Lindsey →

Consumers want to work with advisors like them!  That's according to FlexShares' most recent DE&I research. But in an advisory industry that is primarily white and male, finding a Black or LatinX advisor can be difficult.  Dana Wilson, Founder and CEO of CHIP (Changing How Individuals Prosper) is working to change that! In this episode, … Continue reading Ep 58: Disrupting With Purpose — With Dana Wilson →

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 →