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Patrick Larkin, Partner & Practice Leader, Cerity Partners Three years after launching his independent RIA, Patrick Larkin merged with Cerity Partners—but not because that was the original plan. He explains how ownership changed the way he viewed enterprise value, optionality, and the future of his business. In Summary Going independent is often viewed as the destination. Patrick Larkin discovered it was just the beginning. Louis sits down with Patrick, Partner and Practice Leader at Cerity Partners and former founder of Oak Hill Wealth Advisors, to discuss an unconventional journey: leaving Wells Fargo to build an independent RIA, then choosing to merge that business just three years later. Rather than following a predetermined exit strategy, Patrick shares how ownership fundamentally changed the way he thought about enterprise value. A conversation with a prospective acquirer revealed that buyers weren't interested in purchasing a book of business—they were looking for a business. That realization reshaped how he invested, hired, delegated, and ultimately positioned his firm for the future. The conversation from our Build Grow & Transact series also offers a candid look at life after a merger, from evaluating cultural fit and partnership to balancing autonomy with the resources of a larger organization. More broadly, it illustrates how ownership creates optionality—and why the most valuable decision an advisor makes may not be the one they originally envisioned. The Storyline After spending nearly 15 years building a successful practice at AG Edwards, Wachovia, and Wells Fargo, Patrick Larkin launched Oak Hill Wealth Advisors in 2022 with a simple objective: build a business on his own terms. Like many advisors, he expected independence to be the final destination for a long time. But then there was the realization that ownership changes more than economics; it changes perspective. And it became the beginning of an entirely different way of thinking. As acquisition inquiries arrived sooner than expected, Patrick realized something that fundamentally changed his strategy. Sophisticated buyers weren't evaluating his client relationships as a book of business; they were evaluating Oak Hill as an enterprise. That insight shifted his priorities from maximizing short-term profitability to building a business that could thrive beyond its founder. Just three years after launching, Patrick chose to merge with Cerity Partners—not because he was looking for an exit, but because he believed it strengthened the future for his clients, his team, and his family. Louis and Patrick explore what led to that decision, how ownership increased the value of his business almost immediately, why he compares independence to an IPO, and what advisors should consider if they hope to create options for the future—even if they don't yet know what that future looks like. Topics Covered Building enterprise value versus maximizing annual income Creating optionality through ownership Leaving Wells Fargo to launch an independent RIA Why buyers value businesses more than books of business Evaluating strategic partners and acquisition opportunities The economics of independence and business valuation Life after merging with Cerity Partners Balancing autonomy with enterprise-scale resources Leadership, succession, and building beyond the founder Long-term ownership and partnership models > Download a transcript of this episode… Listen and Learn Highlights for Advisors Why did Patrick decide to leave Wells Fargo? (11:07) Patrick explains why growing frustrations around control, firm priorities, and the ability to build his business eventually outweighed the comfort of staying put. How did going independent immediately change the value of his business? (21:42) Patrick introduces one of the episode's biggest ideas: why launching Oak Hill felt like taking a company public and how ownership increased the firm's value almost overnight. Why did Patrick sell only three years after becoming independent? (20:03) An unexpected conversation with a prospective acquirer completely changed how he viewed enterprise value and accelerated his long-term thinking. What separates a business from a book of business? (21:42) Patrick discusses why recruiting advisors, delegating client relationships, and investing beyond himself made Oak Hill more attractive to strategic buyers. Why Cerity Partners? (26:48) Rather than focusing on valuation, Cerity emphasized culture, partnership, and long-term alignment—qualities Patrick says ultimately mattered most. What is life actually like after a merger? (37:57) Patrick offers an unusually candid perspective on autonomy, leadership, and why he says he hasn't second-guessed the decision once. Key Takeaways Ownership creates opportunities that often aren't visible until after independence. Enterprise value is built by creating a business that can thrive beyond its founder. The first acquisition conversation can be valuable even if no transaction occurs. Cultural alignment may ultimately matter more than valuation when selecting a long-term partner. Independence doesn't eliminate future options—it expands them. Strategic transactions can strengthen outcomes for clients, employees, and owners simultaneously. The goal isn't simply to own a business; it's to create choices for what comes next. https://youtu.be/f7FGLGjBbyo Quotable Moments “The day Oak Hill launched felt like the business had gone public.” “Potential acquirers weren't interested in buying a book. They were interested in buying a business.” “Ownership isn't simply about control. It's about creating optionality.” “The fear of leaving is almost always worse than the actual experience of leaving.” FAQs Why did Patrick Larkin merge with Cerity Partners only three years after launching his RIA? Patrick explains that independence changed how he viewed enterprise value. After learning what sophisticated buyers were actually looking for, he intentionally built Oak Hill as a business rather than simply managing for annual profitability. Why does Patrick compare independence to an IPO? Because ownership immediately transformed the economic value of his practice. Rather than participating in an internal succession model, he owned an independent enterprise that carried substantially greater market value. What changed after Patrick became independent? Beyond gaining control, he began making decisions through the lens of enterprise value—investing in advisors, systems, and infrastructure that would make the business less dependent on him personally. What made Cerity Partners stand out? Patrick cites the firm's culture, partnership model, meritocracy, long-term vision, and ability to combine local autonomy with enterprise-level capabilities. Is this episode only relevant for advisors considering selling? No. The broader lesson is that ownership creates flexibility. Whether an advisor ultimately remains independent or joins another organization, understanding how enterprise value is created can influence decisions from day one. What is the biggest lesson Patrick hopes advisors take away? That independence isn't simply about leaving a firm. It's about creating the ability to choose what comes next on your own terms. Patrick explains that independence changed how he viewed enterprise value. After learning what sophisticated buyers were actually looking for, he intentionally built Oak Hill as a business rather than simply managing for annual profitability. Because ownership immediately transformed the economic value of his practice. Rather than participating in an internal succession model, he owned an independent enterprise that carried substantially greater market value. Beyond gaining control, he began making decisions through the lens of enterprise value—investing in advisors, systems, and infrastructure that would make the business less dependent on him personally. Patrick cites the firm's culture, partnership model, meritocracy, long-term vision, and ability to combine local autonomy with enterprise-level capabilities. No. The broader lesson is that ownership creates flexibility. Whether an advisor ultimately remains independent or joins another organization, understanding how enterprise value is created can influence decisions from day one. That independence isn't simply about leaving a firm. It's about creating the ability to choose what comes next on your own terms. Related Resources From Start-Up to $31B Behemoth RIA: The Catalysts Behind the Growth of Mega-Firm Cerity Partners Ownership Matters: What Advisors Need to Know When Evaluating Firms Top Tips for Setting Your Business Up for Success Years Before a Move Patrick LarkinPartner and Practice Leader Patrick is a Partner and Practice Leader in the Lansdowne, VA office. He is a member of the Lansdowne Practice, where he works closely with families, foundations, and non-profits to help them define and achieve their financial goals with clarity and confidence. With a deep specialization in retirement income distribution planning and complex risk and wealth management strategies, Patrick is known for helping clients simplify complicated financial decisions, reduce uncertainty, and build sustainable, long-term plans. His approach emphasizes fiduciary responsibility, transparency, and personalized guidance — ensuring clients always feel informed and empowered. Prior to joining Cerity Partners, Patrick was the founding member of Oak Hill Wealth Advisors, where he built a highly respected independent advisory practice that earned the trust of families, professionals, and mission-driven organizations across the region. His leadership was instrumental in shaping a client-first culture that continues today. Patrick's work is rooted in a passion for long-term relationships — guiding clients not just through markets, but through life's milestones such as retirement, business transitions, philanthropic planning, and wealth transfer across generations. He takes pride in being both a strategic advisor and a steady partner to the people he serves. Patrick lives in Bluemont, VA, with his wife Angela, their two children, Paige and Sean, and their Golden Retrievers, Huckleberry and Genoa. Outside of the office, Patrick and his family enjoy an active lifestyle — whether it's hiking and backpacking on the Appalachian Trail, biking the Great Allegheny Passage, or sailing on the Chesapeake Bay. These experiences reflect his belief in balance, resilience, and enjoying the journey — values he also brings to his work with clients. NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation. View the transcript of this episode… Build, Grow & Transact: From Breakaway to Transaction in 3 Years A conversation with Louis Diamond and Patrick Larkin, Partner & Practice Leader at Cerity Partners.      Louis Diamond: Welcome to the latest episode of our podcast series for financial advisors. Today’s episode is Build, Grow & Transact: From Breakaway to Transaction in 3 Years. It’s a conversation with Patrick Larkin, Partner and Practice Leader at Cerity Partners. I’m Louis Diamond, and this is The Diamond Podcast for Financial Advisors. Mindy Diamond: At Diamond Consultants, we help elite advisors identify the right environment for their businesses to thrive, whether that’s at a wirehouse, boutique, or independent firm. With nearly three decades of experience, we’ve guided thousands of advisors and represented more than a quarter of a trillion dollars in assets transitioned. And each year, one in four advisors managing a billion dollars or more who change firms are our clients. Our process is education-driven and based on building relationships, starting as your strategic partner well before you’re even thinking of a move. To schedule a confidential conversation, call us at 908-879-1002. Wondering why advisors change firms and where they’re headed? Are transition deals going up or down? Those very questions and more inspired us to create our annual Advisor Transition Report. It’s the award-winning, data-driven resource designed for advisors that connects the dots between the motivations around movement and the firm’s appetite for top talent. Arm yourself with the knowledge you need to make smart decisions. Download your copy at diamond-consultants.com/transitionreport. Louis Diamond: Ownership as a way of creating opportunities you can’t always predict. That’s exactly why we created our Build, Grow, and Transact series. Independence isn’t the end of the story. It’s often the beginning of thinking differently about enterprise value, optionality, and what comes next. Today’s guest is Patrick Larkin, Partner and Practice Leader at Cerity Partners, and formerly the founder of Oak Hill Wealth Advisors. Patrick spent nearly 15 years building a successful practice at A.G. Edwards, Wachovia, and eventually Wells Fargo before launching his own independent firm in 2022. Just three years later, he merged that firm into Cerity. At first glance, that timeline might seem surprisingly short, but as you’ll hear, the merger wasn’t a change in direction. It was the result of seeing his business differently once he owned it. Yet, it’s this perspective that really brings that thought home. Patrick said the day Oak Hill launched felt like the business had gone public because overnight, what had been viewed as a book of business became an enterprise with substantially greater value, some four to five times the value of what it was worth at Wells. And that realization changed the way he invested, the way he hired, and ultimately the way he thought about the future. Pat and I also talk about something advisors don’t often discuss candidly, what life actually looks like after a merger. How much control do you give up? What changes day to day? How do you know whether you’re joining a partner or simply selling a business? Whether your long-term plan is to remain independent forever or eventually join a larger organization, Patrick’s experience is a reminder that ownership isn’t simply about control. It’s about creating optionality and putting yourself in a position where the next decision is yours to make. So let’s get to it. Patrick, thanks for coming on our show today. Patrick Larkin: Oh, my pleasure. Nice to meet you, Louis. Louis Diamond: You too. So let’s start off basically how we start every interview. Tell us about yourself, your background, and how you found your way into our industry in the first place. Patrick Larkin: Yeah, thank you for asking. I knew I always wanted to be a financial advisor. That part really wasn’t in question, but upon graduating college and being a 22-year-old, I knew that it was probably not practical to walk in and start advising people my parents’ age with their life savings. Probably wasn’t going to be a recipe for success. So I took a quick tour through the pharmaceutical industry first, which ended up being unexpectedly valuable. My employers there pushed me to think like an entrepreneur and within our territories. And honestly, that mindset never left me. It shaped how I built everything that came after. Eventually, an opportunity presented itself in Loudoun County, Virginia in Northern Virginia, and I became an FA trainee with A.G. Edwards, absolutely fantastic firm to start my career. Now, what drew me to this career was pretty simple. I felt like it was one of the professions that we had an opportunity to do so much good for others while simultaneously also doing well for yourself, and those two things aren’t in conflict. I also really loved the idea that in this profession there was no hiding. You don’t get paid to show up. You get paid for what you actually do. And perhaps for me, what was most important, I loved the weight of responsibility. I loved earning people’s trust. I loved the idea of deserving, being deserving of their trust, and being a steward of what they’ve worked a lifetime to build. I never took that lightly, and I still don’t. Louis Diamond: That’s amazing. Yeah, I mean, the number of people I’ve heard, you talked so fondly about A.G. Edwards and there’s a bunch of other firms that have since been absorbed or emerged that are like the regional firms of old. So not surprised to hear you loved it. A.G. Edwards, obviously, became Wells Fargo Advisors or was acquired or merged with Wells Fargo. So I know you’re at Wells and A.G. Edwards until 2022. So give us a quick version. How’d you build your practice from the pharma world into being in FA? Patrick Larkin: Yeah, so as I started with A.G. Edwards, I came in at really just the perfect time. It was towards the end of the financial crisis. And I built the business the old-fashioned way with a lot of cold calling and eventually did some dinner seminars, which I can tell you is a very expensive way to learn how to speak in front of a room. But I made some progress, and I was also in a great office, small enough that some of the advisors there would hand off some of the smaller accounts that they weren’t interested in working with, and got an opportunity to get a lot of reps in working with real life clients and individuals. I knew early on I didn’t have enough talent to win on talent alone, so I made up for it and compensated for that with really hard work. The real turning point came for me when A.G. Edwards was first acquired by Wachovia Securities, and that was about five years into my career. And at that point, my branch manager, who was eyeing retirement, asked me to step in as her partner, and that changed everything. We eventually moved over to a Wachovia Securities office, another really great local office in Loudoun County, Virginia. And from that office, I worked on and became a CIMA, a CFP, worked with the clients, built a business through referrals. And I found at that point in my career when I would go to a meeting with Wachovia, eventually Wells Fargo, as a young 30-year-old, I would look around the room often and realize that I was the youngest person in the room. The funny thing was 10 years later, I would go into that same room and I’d look around and I still was the youngest guy in that room. And those demographics in our industry, and when I came into our industry, ultimately led that office that I worked in with Wells Fargo Advisors, I eventually was the recipient and party to five different succession plans- Louis Diamond: Wow. Patrick Larkin: … at Wells Fargo Advisors. I hoped that I had built a reputation as somebody that these other advisors would entrust with their clients. And over that time period, really, I would say professionally, one of my accomplishments I’m most proud of is all five of those retired advisors that I used to work with, who had an opportunity to see me work with clients, all became clients of mine, I still continue to work with. And it’s professionally just one of the greatest honors that I’ve ever had. Louis Diamond: I mean, that’s a large number of advisors you helped sunset, but I would agree it’s the ultimate proof of concept that they not only trusted you with their clients and their life’s work, but now also with their family’s wealth. So I like that, kind of the full life cycle there. So I’m curious, though, you stayed at Wells through a really turbulent time through the fake bank scandal. There’s a lot of attrition. I mean, obviously, they’re still a powerhouse to this day, but what kept you at Wells for as long as it did before you left in 2022? Patrick Larkin: You described it as a turbulent time. Pretty turbulent might be an understatement. Even before Wells, the transition to Wells, Wachovia Bank had been the first company that we transitioned to from A.G. Edwards. And we, of course, went through the financial crisis during that time period and handholding our clients and helping them get through that time period and dealing with concerns that we shouldn’t really have to be prepared with. “Is my money safe? It’s not what’s happening to the market, but is my money safe in your institution?” But once things stabilized, I found real purpose in partnering with some of the retiring advisors and opportunities that came up. It was a really wonderful climate and atmosphere in our local office. It was really a family-like atmosphere, and I still had a lot to learn. And all those advisors that I partnered with, I’ve joked I’ve never had an original idea in my entire life. I stole all my good ideas from them. And some of them were really ahead of their time, and I learned, adopted, and built my own philosophies by working closely with them. Ultimately, by the time I left Wells Fargo, I was finishing up the fifth sunset program and had only made my way halfway through the sunset before the opportunity presented itself to create my own practice. Louis Diamond: So I’m curious, when did you first seriously start thinking about leaving and what really tipped the scales for you? What was the proverbial straw that broke the camel’s back? Patrick Larkin: Yeah, it really was a number of small items and ultimately one big one. But for a long time, I’d been content, but as I tried to grow the business beyond what I could do individually, I felt like I kept running into walls. There were it felt like limitations on how I could build out my team and structure the practice the way I envisioned it. Additionally, there were some new policies that also started to bother me. One of them was the platform advisory fee, which in my eyes was less about client transparency and more about replacing a declining revenue source on the firm’s balance sheet. And after dealing with clients and helping them through the bank scandal at the firm, I was concerned that this would come back and hurt me and the relationships that I had with my clients. Incidentally, I just recently onboarded a new client that transferred to us. And for them, looking at their statement, identifying this platform advisory fee- Louis Diamond: Oh boy. Patrick Larkin: … was the last straw for them before they moved about 15 million of assets to us. Also, I thought I would be I would be a better allocator of resources than Wells Fargo. Wells Fargo retained about half of the revenue that I earned for the business. They seemed to think that the best allocation of that money was additional middle management. Whereas, I thought investment in technology, investment in additional personnel, and an investment in marketing were best places to continue to build out my vision. The final straw, and really a thing that crystallized everything for me was when I read a book in 2021 called The Infinite Game, a book written by Simon Sinek. Chapter eight, the title is Ethical Fading. And it uses the Wells Fargo bank scandal as a case study in what happens when a firm loses its moral compass. I read the chapter and thought, “There it is, I have to do something.” That was really the final push I needed. I mentioned earlier I was very fortunate to start my career with a company called A.G. Edwards, a regional brokerage firm. And while I was at A.G. Edwards, there was a research report that came out on A.G. Edwards as a company. And I’m going to paraphrase a little bit on what was said in that report, but ultimately there was a line in there, and it was a criticism, but I took it as a huge positive as being an employee there. The line said, “While management does not necessarily say it, we believe the client is put ahead of the shareholder.” And that was something I was very proud of. And I just, upon reflecting on it, felt confident those were words that I never was going to see go to print about Wells Fargo. Louis Diamond: So you left Wells in 2022 and founded Oak Hill Wealth Partners in Lansdowne, Virginia. Walk us through that decision. Why go independent rather than going to another firm? Patrick Larkin: I really thought moving to another firm, the things that I had grown frustrated with at Wells Fargo Advisors, I would also find at another wirehouse firm. I was ready, and honestly, the simple answer is I thought I could do better. And I wanted control after having what I felt like was very little control. I had grown frustrated with others making important decisions, and I wanted an opportunity to grab the reins and make decisions on my own. I believe at that time, the future of wealth management was going to be built around fiduciary advice, and I didn’t want to watch that from the sidelines anymore. I was watching what was happening in the industry. And as we were trying to hire new advisors, reaching out to college graduates who were studying CFP programs, identified that they were more inclined to want to start employment with an RIA than a wirehouse. What made the timing work really well was Wells Fargo had actually introduced a program to help advisors in the private client group spin off and establish their own RIAs. Now, whenever I tell this to another advisor, particularly ones that are wirehouses, they can’t understand it. And quite frankly, I don’t understand why they helped us do it, but we were about the 30th practice that they helped us through this process and they provided real support. They hired consultants, made vendor recommendations, even referrals to financing so I could pay off my last succession plan before I left. The only really upside for Wells Fargo was that the ask was that we continue to use First Clearing as the custodian. And one of the downsides for me was I was going to leave all of my deferred comp behind with Wells Fargo. Now, all clients had to do to join me was sign a positive consent. And on May 9th, 2020, we turned on our computers in our new office and our clients were already there. That same day, we launched and started a relationship with Charles Schwab. And it was so exciting to be able to start shopping for what I thought was the best FinTech, really feeling like I was stuck with proprietary tools that Wells Fargo advisors had offered. I felt like I was a kid in a candy store. And if there was a cool tool that I identified that would help us serve our clients better, I was all in and I was buying it. I really feel that some of the technology that Oak Hill eventually bought into and some of the tools we’re using now are going to take years and years before they eventually trickle down to where the wirehouses are, if ever. Louis Diamond: Interesting. So it was really it was for the most part an internal move from one- Patrick Larkin: It was- Louis Diamond: … channel to the other. Patrick Larkin: … it was an internal move, but there was no requirement to stay at First Clearing. As a fiduciary, they couldn’t make those demands. And again, they helped us with the financing, which is really unusual that they helped us secure a loan so I could pay off the last retiring advisor. It’s really unusual that a bank will loan money where there is no business at the time, but because of previous experience that financial institution had working with Wells, they helped us facilitate the transaction. And the program is still in place at Wells Fargo, which is absolutely amazing to me after the experience that I’ve just had myself. Louis Diamond: Yeah, it’s interesting. I mean, does it cannibalize a more profitable revenue source? Sure. But if the alternative was all the assets go to Schwab or Fidelity, to me, honestly, it’s smart. I think they played the long game by not being adversarial on it. Patrick Larkin: I think they played a long game and they took the philosophy, and I think they use it as a recruiting tool that if you love them, set them free. And that’s exactly what they did. Louis Diamond: So for the rest of the episode, I want to talk about your eventual, and not that long period of time, transaction or decision to merge Oak Hill with Cerity Partners. This is our Build, Grow, Transact subseries. And I was really struck by your story because you were three years or so into running Oak Hill, and then your merger with Cerity Partners, an amazing RIA closed. That’s a fairly short runway. Usually when I see folks go independent for the first time, it’s 10, 15, 20 years, maybe never, that they decide to merge or sell. I’m curious to understand your thinking about the transaction. Were you looking to do something? Or was it just like right place, right time and the opportunity presented itself? Patrick Larkin: I had started Oak Hill with the intent of eventually down the road, much closer to retirement, looking for a partner. The opportunity and what I learned early on helped change that idea and philosophy, and I adapted and made modifications to take advantage of it. Louis Diamond: Interesting. So you weren’t necessarily planning on selling or merging the business, it just kind of circumstances happened the way they did? Patrick Larkin: Yeah. When we started Oak Hill Wealth Advisors, it was a really pretty short period of time before we started getting calls from larger national RIAs about potential acquisition, much sooner than I expected. Early on, I just brushed them off, but about a year in, I took one of those calls and it really just opened my eyes up. I realized for the first time this small firm, this little practice actually had some real value, way more than I’d given it credit for. That first call, that first exploration didn’t go anywhere. It wasn’t a good fit. But what it gave me was a much clearer picture of what the serious acquirers were actually looking for. And that changed decisions I made at Oak Hill going forward. I really at that point stopped trying to optimize for near-term profit and really thought of my business as a business and started building towards enterprise value, sometimes at the cost of short-term income. And that turned out to be exactly the right call. Louis Diamond: That’s such an interesting perspective. Let’s double-click into that concept. So it sounds almost counterintuitive that if you kind of had this light bulb moment that like, “Okay, maybe I want to transact my business sooner than I initially thought.” I think most people would say, “Let’s become lean and mean. Let’s become as profitable as possible so my EBITDA’s higher.” But you took the different approach. What were the decisions you did to invest more in enterprise value rather than current cash flow? Patrick Larkin: A true business is one that doesn’t need me to be here every day to operate. And when we left Wells Fargo Advisors, it was myself and one other advisor that created Oak Hill Wealth Advisors. I was responsible for about 95% of the assets and revenue. And one of the more significant investments we made is in additional advisors. I recruited three new advisors, all CFPs, to join Oak Hill Wealth Advisors. Whereas, before I had been largely managing all the relationships myself. For someone that kind of grew up in the regional wirehouse space, it’s pretty counterintuitive to start moving relationships away from you onto other advisors. You’re trained and built to create a moat around your relationships, and realized that the potential acquirers are not interested, at least the ones I was interested in, weren’t interested in buying a book. They were interested in buying a business. And that just meant every decision we made going forward was not profit-driven, but how can I increase the value of the business? So after that first call, I knew I probably would be looking to move forward with a transaction sooner as opposed to the end of retirement. That information that I got on that first call helped me realize that when Oak Hill Wealth Advisors opened its doors on May 9th, 2022, we effectively had an IPO. I had great familiarity with how the succession plans at Wells Fargo Advisors worked. And on that day that we opened our practice, the value of my business jumped to be four to five times the value of it in a succession plan at Wells Fargo Advisors. Now, I knew going forward that I was going to be able to increase revenue. I was going to be able to increase EBITDA. I was going to potentially have some benefits from a market tailwind. I knew the multiples of EBITDA that the firms use may fluctuate, but the biggest change by far occurred leaving the wirehouse and having the value of my business grow four to fivefold in that same day. So what I really focused on was making sure that I was going to, when I was ready to start looking again after I had worked on improving the practice, really was going to look for a firm that was going to be a good cultural fit for both my clients, my team, and myself. Louis Diamond: That’s such a cool perspective. I’ve never heard anyone say that the day we launched your independent business was like an IPO. But honestly, it’s so true. You’re planting a flag in the ground that like, “Here is real value. This is value that we’ve created that we own rather than it being a book of business and a W-2 paycheck.” And it’s a fascinating perspective. Patrick Larkin: Yep. It really is amazing that the value changed that much on one day and the future value changes. Looking at the equity that I owned in Oak Hill Wealth Advisors, it made sense to consider is there a better way to take some risk off the table for myself and my family and diversify some of the equity that I had in Oak Hill Wealth Advisors with a larger enterprise? Louis Diamond: It makes complete sense. Obviously, everyone would sign up for 4 to 5X increase in value. Patrick Larkin: Sure. Louis Diamond: That’s not the reason most people go independent, but it’s important to know. And also, what I really liked about what you shared is I think a really valuable learning for anyone is those calls come in, whether it’s from annoying people like me or from an acquirer, from a firm, they’re not all noise. You took it as an opportunity to learn. Even though that first person who called wasn’t the right fit, it crystallized something in your mind and it let you make proactive decisions that ultimately paid off in spades when it came time to sign the dotted line for your transaction with Cerity. So I think it’s brilliant. And it’s very big picture, big-business-owner-type stuff that I think a lot of people will just filter out because it’s annoying and I’m young, I’m not looking to sell, but that was the journey. Patrick Larkin: Yeah, that first call changed my opinion about timing of when to move forward with a partnership. Originally, I thought this would be something at the end of retirement. The timing of doing so sooner seemed a lot more appealing after having that conversation and realizing what we had actually built. Louis Diamond: Amazing. So ultimately you decided to merge with Cerity Partners. We’ve had Kurt Miscinski from Cerity Partners on the show. They’re a real heavyweight within the RIA world. Most recently, they were valued at $8 billion in a recap, and it’s a very impressive firm. What specifically drew you to Cerity versus other potential buyers? Like you said, you got a lot of calls. Patrick Larkin: After that first call, I just got to work and focused on continuing to take care of our clients, building a team, adding new advisors, being a mentor to those advisors. But at the same time, we were being approached fairly regularly by that point. And I had a pretty good system for quickly deciding whether something was worth a second look, and most weren’t. But about a year ago, one of the national RIAs caught my attention and I started having conversations with them. And once I had progressed with them, I though, “You know what? If I’m giving this consideration, I really need to cast a wider net.” So I reached out to other RIAs that I had looked at and admired and been keeping an eye on. And ultimately, my longtime business coach, Barbara Kay, suggested I talk with Cerity Partners, a company that one of her other clients had just recently joined. And from the very first call, I could tell something was different. And I talked to many different companies. Cerity Partners, and an individual I spoke with, Geoff Newman, they weren’t leading with valuation formulas or deal structure. They were asking questions about my clients, my team, and how I actually ran the practice. They had a very defined process for identifying partners who were genuinely compatible, not just advisors with books that were transferable. And that distinction mattered greatly to me. They also offered really, in my opinion, the right balance of support and still having some autonomy. And their aspiration to deliver consistent standard of care to clients, whether they be in California or Virginia, so that those individuals get the same quality of experience, resonated with how I was already running things within my practice. That combination of support and autonomy, I really liked the idea of continuing to have oversight over my local practice, over our practice, which included the budget, salaries, and bonuses. It more than anybody else felt like a partnership and not a buyout. And I really appreciate it during that first call, Cerity was the only company that talked about a hundred-year plan. It was amazing to me to hear what their thoughts were. Most of the other firms I spoke with talked about valuations. And very quickly in the process, I found myself on a Zoom call with a Patagonia fleece vest-wearing private equity rep walking me through a valuation. And it was efficient, but it was not a cultural fit for me. And the infrastructure behind us and the combination of autonomy is really harder to find than most people think. As I progressed with Cerity, I remember early on in the process thinking to myself, “My God, I hope they want me, I hope they want me,” because I could tell I’m a very process-driven person They had a process with the way they brought me on board. And ultimately, we had a due diligence trip set up to go to one of their larger offices where I met with one of their leaders, Claire O’Keefe, part of their practice development, and had an opportunity to meet with different leaders within the firm and really get my arms wrapped around the potential that they had. Just the quality of the people I encountered through the whole process just kept reinforcing the decision. And by the time we got to the finish line, it didn’t feel like a transaction. It felt like I was joining something that I was excited to be part of. So just a little bit more about what attracted me to Cerity, their culture is just phenomenal. Cerity Partners uses the word “meritocracy” and they actually mean it. Ownership and influence here track your contribution, not your tenure or how well you play the politics. I just attended my first partner meeting in April, and without exaggeration, it was the most extraordinary professional meeting I’ve attended in my 25-year career. During the meeting, there was open debate about the direction of the firm, and every voice in the room carried weight. You could feel the culture. And that type of culture is built over years. You can’t fake it. Everyone in the room it felt like was rowing in the same direction. And by the time the meeting was over, I was so excited to get back to my team and tell them about what I had just witnessed, I wasn’t looking for the exit. I was looking for the brick wall to run through. I was so excited. And every once in a while I wonder having spent so much time in the wirehouse spaces, the bar just set really low for me when I talked to some of my other colleagues that have been independent for a long time. But it was just an absolutely amazing experience. And I do want to just add, one of the last really important things to me about Cerity Partners is I’ve been very fortunate with my career and in this profession. And part of my goal over the rest of my career is to have a legacy. And my legacy currently exists with the families I’ve advised and the team that I’ve built and have served and led. But Cerity Partners is helping me achieve even a greater legacy in our industry with our shared long-term goals. During my first meeting, they talked about their hundred-year vision of being a worldwide employee-owned professional services firm. And currently, and this is very exciting, the employees are the largest shareholder of the firm. No one else I talked to talked about their long-term goals like this, and it’s a vision I believe in. I want to contribute to help to see it accomplished. And one day when I do retire, I want to look back and see how I contribute it to a company that I believe is going to change the direction of professional wealth management. Louis Diamond: Wow. Patrick Larkin: My partnership with Cerity Partners is going to make that a reality. It’s just an amazing place. Yeah, very happy. Louis Diamond: Honestly, you can’t fake that type of enthusiasm. It sounds like- Patrick Larkin: It’s not- Louis Diamond: … you entered into a transaction, which is it’s like jumping into the deep end. How do you sort through what’s the sales process versus what’s real? How much of this is actually going to translate to my life? But hearing you not that long after the transaction, you still feel that and it’s very cool. In the press release I read, you cited estate planning, private markets access, and cross-border planning as key reasons for the merger. Can you talk about what it was about those? Maybe- Patrick Larkin: Yeah. Louis Diamond: … anything else that was missed? Patrick Larkin: Yeah. Louis Diamond: And were those not things that you felt like you could have delivered yourself as a standalone? Patrick Larkin: I thought that they were going to help me be able to be more effective in delivering those, but they weren’t the complete picture. The capabilities that we cited in the release were genuine gaps I wanted to fill and have available for clients and be able to prospect and go after new additional clients. But being fully honest, there were also deeper drivers. One was my team. Sometimes we get emotional about this. Being someone who’s trusted is really important to me, and that’s something I hold in high priority. There are people that followed me out of Wells Fargo to join me. One of my client associates had delayed her retirement so that she could join me and help us launch for the first three months. One of my other client associates has been with me close to 15 years. These are people that trusted me to do the right thing and to make sure that I wasn’t walking them off the plank. Being able to join Cerity Partners and give them a future that didn’t hinge entirely on my personal longevity was a huge relief. And Cerity Partners is an ownership culture. I’m so happy to say today that every single individual on my team in our practice in Lansdowne is now either an equity owner in Cerity Partners or very shortly will be an equity- Louis Diamond: So cool. Patrick Larkin: … equity owner. So they have a stake as well in what they’re building. It matters. My youngest client associate noticed how much it costs to send to FedEx. And he goes, “Now that I’m an owner, maybe we should rethink about sending regular mail.” Another driver was my family. And I’ve always had the philosophy of trying to prioritize and clients first, team and colleagues, and then my family. And I’ve always made decisions that if I put those others before myself, eventually I’ll be taken care of. And going through this transaction, it was so generous to my family and provided such security. There was a little bit of guilt that, “Am I doing this for all the right reasons?” But being able to secure my family’s future, converting equity in a three-year-old RIA into a stake of a $8 billion-plus valuation with institutional backing, that was a meaningful moment and I’d be less than honest if I glossed over that. I also really wanted to be part of something larger than myself. And the opportunity to help build a legacy in this business with Cerity Partners really gives me the platform to do that. Louis Diamond: Very cool. I can tell that you’re genuine, not just because of the way you sound, the way you’re speaking, but in the very beginning of the episode, you talked about the reason you got into this business was because you thought it gave you the dual purpose of being able to help people, but also being able to enrich yourself or your family. So this answer, it comes full circle. You’re able to accomplish all these goals, which made it the right decision. And I think, look, I say to advisors all the time, “You’re allowed to be greedy, you’re allowed to be selfish as long as the clients are still in the front of your mind as the most important thing.” There’s nothing wrong with doing better for clients, building a legacy in your case, but also reaping the rewards of all your hard work and labor and also all the risks that you’ve taken over your career. I got to ask you, though, from being an employee of Wells, where you were running your team, for the most part, you can run the business within their guardrails the way you want, to then running an RIA, which is really like you’re fully in control of everything, to now being a partner, but you’re not the one who has the name on the door anymore. Patrick Larkin: Right, right. Louis Diamond: Well, how do you think about the giving up control and full ownership of your practice versus owning a very small amount of a much larger entity? Patrick Larkin: There was such continuity. Oak Hill Wealth Advisors and Cerity Partners were so philosophically aligned that I genuinely never felt like I was giving up anything that I wasn’t glad to let go. My wife joined the business shortly before I left Wells Fargo Advisors. And still to this day, on my drive home from work, I call her up and say, “You’re not going to believe this.” And it’s all a positive, good thing. So Cerity has struck the perfect balance of that autonomy and support combination that I was looking for. So I still have control and a say over the way our practice is managed. Very shortly after the merger, my supervisor came down and met me for the first time, and we went out together after the day had ended. And early in the conversation I said to him, “What can I do to make your life easier?” And he said, “Pat, what can I do to make your life easier?” And that set the tone that still exists to this day. I almost cried when he said that because that was so different than what I had experienced up to that point. So the collaboration, the way we work together, it’s just absolutely amazing. And not once for a single moment have I second-guessed my decision. And it’s really weird because I’ve now been part of this organization for nearly nine months, and there just has not been one thing that’s occurred where I said, “That’s a disappointment.” It’s just been absolutely amazing every single day. Louis Diamond: Very cool. To me, there’s different arcs of when you want to ask people the question of, “Hey, any regrets?” And usually you don’t want to ask them too soon because they’re still going through the transition and integration and growing pains. And you don’t want to ask them too far in the future because you forget about what was life before. To be this short of a duration into this new partnership and to have these feelings, that’s absolutely pretty special. I got two more questions for you, Pat, if you don’t mind. Patrick Larkin: Sure. Louis Diamond: First one, economically, to me, one of the hardest things for really any advisor to really grapple with or to fully comprehend or make their own is, “I own 100% of the equity in my business. I get to decide when I want to sell in the future. My business is growing 10% per year. I wait to sell until 10 years from now, my business is going to be much bigger and I get to keep all the cash flow. I get to make all the decisions.” That compared to the path that you took, which was take cash off the table, which everyone understands, to, “Now, I own a much smaller piece of a much larger pie.” How would you talk to someone about the financial trade-off between a hundred percent ownership in their business, full control, full discretion over everything, versus becoming a minority equity partner in a larger entity? Patrick Larkin: You have to look at the valuation of my business, again, the day that we opened our doors as Oak Hill Wealth Advisors. There was such a massive jump in the value of the business. There was not going to be an opportunity for an appreciation at that level. So then, you have to compare what the growth rate is of Oak Hill Wealth Advisors versus a Cerity Partners. And I’m not embarrassed to say that Cerity Partners is and has been growing at a much faster rate of return. The value of the equity that I have retained in Cerity Partners, my ownership stake, I fully expect by the time I transact that business as I get closer to retirement, that’s going to be worth many times more than whatever opportunity I would have had at Wells Fargo with the valuation they would have provided me. Nevermind, very important, the tax consequences of a structure like this is all the retiring advisors that I worked with were taxed at their highest marginal rate. I owned a business and we were taxed at long-term capital gains rates. A significant difference in savings in what as the owner we actually realize. So yeah, I feel very comfortable with the ownership that I have and the control and continued opportunity with the meritocracy culture to increase my share of ownership in the company. Louis Diamond: Okay, and let’s do one more question here. I’ll pick it back up. So Pat, I think it’s a really cool perspective. It’s almost do your homework, and if you find the right horse and the right jockey that can run faster than you can on your own, that the equity value will compound and grow and appreciate in a faster, more efficient way than what you’re doing on your own, which makes complete sense. It’s the ultimate trade-off. And again, it’s like jumping into the deep end. On the one hand, Oak Hill was all you, right? You control the growth, for better or worse, for the good days, the bad days, the good years, the bad years, versus now your growth is diversified amongst hundreds of partners across M&A, across different lead flow channels, et cetera. It makes complete sense. But honestly, if I were an advisor, I don’t know how I would think about it. I think it’s all just fact-and-circumstance-based on where I am in my life and who the firm is and what I’m trying to accomplish. But it’s such a cool perspective because usually the playbook that we see, which is why we did this series, is go independent and there’s a long pause until there is a realization of all the value that’s been created. So seeing you do this in a much quicker timeframe, it seems like it was the absolutely right decision. To me, it just is another path, another way that an advisor or a firm is able to think about their future. Any final advice or parting words for someone who is sitting right where you were in 2021 or 2022 thinking about making the leap? And we’ll say a transition in general, or really anything you want to share to wrap our episode here. Patrick Larkin: Thank you for having me, and this is a great question. Happy to give a thoughtful answer to it. Before I’d left Wells Fargo Advisors through the program and started Oak Hill Wealth Advisors, I had an opportunity to go through a due diligence process and make sure that this was going to be a right move for me. There was no carrot out there that was obvious. I learned after that first conversation that I had built a practice that had some value to it. I was leaving behind the security of something I knew, leaving behind a significant amount in deferred compensation, and I wanted to make sure I was making the right decision. And through that due diligence process, talked to about five other firms that had recently left Wells Fargo to join this RIA program. I asked them a lot of different questions about what their experience was. And at every point during those conversations, they all said the same thing at different points. And it sounded like this. They said, “I’m working harder than I ever have before, but I wish I had done this sooner.” So my advice to those people, do it. I know that sounds simple, but I mean it. The fear of leaving is almost always worse than the actual experience of leaving. And I understand the inertia of not leaving and the real apprehension of what was on the other side. But what I found was a version of this profession I genuinely didn’t know was possible. One where I could do things the right way on my terms for the people I care most about serving. And not every path is going to look like mine. Some advisors should go fully independent and stay there, and that can be an incredible life. But when it comes time to look for a partner, quite frankly, if Cerity Partners is not on your shortlist, you’re making a significant mistake. And I say that not to sell anything, but because I’ve lived the comparison firsthand and there’s simply nothing else like it. Louis Diamond: So Pat, it’s been really fun, but I don’t think we’ve had anyone on the eight years or so we’ve been doing this show that’s gone through this type of arc or journey that you have. One of my big takeaways or sticking points that this episode brought for me is by going independent and taking control over your future, you created complete optionality for yourself to do exactly what you wanted to do with your business, even if that was different than what you initially planned. So in your case, it was selling within three years of going independent, but by taking action, being proactive, playing some offense, you made the opportunity happen on your terms and your timeline. So this has been fun in so many different ways. I loved your comment about how when you went independent, it’s basically like the day of your IPO, the four-to-five-times increase in value versus an internal succession deal, and even just the way to think about getting equity in a larger entity versus running your own plays only. So thank you so much for doing this. This has been fun. Mindy Diamond: As a financial advisor, you hold yourself to the highest standards of integrity, honesty, and credibility. You are successful because you take your professional responsibility seriously and are dedicated to your clients. But are you living your best business life? Are your goals aligned with your firm’s or could a better option exist? Should I Stay or Should I Go? Is a book written with you in mind? It’s a self-guided journey that walks you through the key steps that we take with our advisor clients. This strategic thought process and roadmap to professional self-discovery is designed to help you ask the right questions and think critically and objectively, whether you’re considering change or not. Learn how to get your copy at diamond-consultants.com/thebook.   Build, Grow & Transact: From Breakaway to Transaction in 3 Years A conversation with Louis Diamond and Patrick Larkin, Partner & Practice Leader at Cerity Partners.      Louis Diamond: Welcome to the latest episode of our podcast series for financial advisors. Today’s episode is Build, Grow & Transact: From Breakaway to Transaction in 3 Years. It’s a conversation with Patrick Larkin, Partner and Practice Leader at Cerity Partners. I’m Louis Diamond, and this is The Diamond Podcast for Financial Advisors. Mindy Diamond: At Diamond Consultants, we help elite advisors identify the right environment for their businesses to thrive, whether that’s at a wirehouse, boutique, or independent firm. With nearly three decades of experience, we’ve guided thousands of advisors and represented more than a quarter of a trillion dollars in assets transitioned. And each year, one in four advisors managing a billion dollars or more who change firms are our clients. Our process is education-driven and based on building relationships, starting as your strategic partner well before you’re even thinking of a move. To schedule a confidential conversation, call us at 908-879-1002. Wondering why advisors change firms and where they’re headed? Are transition deals going up or down? Those very questions and more inspired us to create our annual Advisor Transition Report. It’s the award-winning, data-driven resource designed for advisors that connects the dots between the motivations around movement and the firm’s appetite for top talent. Arm yourself with the knowledge you need to make smart decisions. Download your copy at diamond-consultants.com/transitionreport. Louis Diamond: Ownership as a way of creating opportunities you can’t always predict. That’s exactly why we created our Build, Grow, and Transact series. Independence isn’t the end of the story. It’s often the beginning of thinking differently about enterprise value, optionality, and what comes next. Today’s guest is Patrick Larkin, Partner and Practice Leader at Cerity Partners, and formerly the founder of Oak Hill Wealth Advisors. Patrick spent nearly 15 years building a successful practice at A.G. Edwards, Wachovia, and eventually Wells Fargo before launching his own independent firm in 2022. Just three years later, he merged that firm into Cerity. At first glance, that timeline might seem surprisingly short, but as you’ll hear, the merger wasn’t a change in direction. It was the result of seeing his business differently once he owned it. Yet, it’s this perspective that really brings that thought home. Patrick said the day Oak Hill launched felt like the business had gone public because overnight, what had been viewed as a book of business became an enterprise with substantially greater value, some four to five times the value of what it was worth at Wells. And that realization changed the way he invested, the way he hired, and ultimately the way he thought about the future. Pat and I also talk about something advisors don’t often discuss candidly, what life actually looks like after a merger. How much control do you give up? What changes day to day? How do you know whether you’re joining a partner or simply selling a business? Whether your long-term plan is to remain independent forever or eventually join a larger organization, Patrick’s experience is a reminder that ownership isn’t simply about control. It’s about creating optionality and putting yourself in a position where the next decision is yours to make. So let’s get to it. Patrick, thanks for coming on our show today. Patrick Larkin: Oh, my pleasure. Nice to meet you, Louis. Louis Diamond: You too. So let’s start off basically how we start every interview. Tell us about yourself, your background, and how you found your way into our industry in the first place. Patrick Larkin: Yeah, thank you for asking. I knew I always wanted to be a financial advisor. That part really wasn’t in question, but upon graduating college and being a 22-year-old, I knew that it was probably not practical to walk in and start advising people my parents’ age with their life savings. Probably wasn’t going to be a recipe for success. So I took a quick tour through the pharmaceutical industry first, which ended up being unexpectedly valuable. My employers there pushed me to think like an entrepreneur and within our territories. And honestly, that mindset never left me. It shaped how I built everything that came after. Eventually, an opportunity presented itself in Loudoun County, Virginia in Northern Virginia, and I became an FA trainee with A.G. Edwards, absolutely fantastic firm to start my career. Now, what drew me to this career was pretty simple. I felt like it was one of the professions that we had an opportunity to do so much good for others while simultaneously also doing well for yourself, and those two things aren’t in conflict. I also really loved the idea that in this profession there was no hiding. You don’t get paid to show up. You get paid for what you actually do. And perhaps for me, what was most important, I loved the weight of responsibility. I loved earning people’s trust. I loved the idea of deserving, being deserving of their trust, and being a steward of what they’ve worked a lifetime to build. I never took that lightly, and I still don’t. Louis Diamond: That’s amazing. Yeah, I mean, the number of people I’ve heard, you talked so fondly about A.G. Edwards and there’s a bunch of other firms that have since been absorbed or emerged that are like the regional firms of old. So not surprised to hear you loved it. A.G. Edwards, obviously, became Wells Fargo Advisors or was acquired or merged with Wells Fargo. So I know you’re at Wells and A.G. Edwards until 2022. So give us a quick version. How’d you build your practice from the pharma world into being in FA? Patrick Larkin: Yeah, so as I started with A.G. Edwards, I came in at really just the perfect time. It was towards the end of the financial crisis. And I built the business the old-fashioned way with a lot of cold calling and eventually did some dinner seminars, which I can tell you is a very expensive way to learn how to speak in front of a room. But I made some progress, and I was also in a great office, small enough that some of the advisors there would hand off some of the smaller accounts that they weren’t interested in working with, and got an opportunity to get a lot of reps in working with real life clients and individuals. I knew early on I didn’t have enough talent to win on talent alone, so I made up for it and compensated for that with really hard work. The real turning point came for me when A.G. Edwards was first acquired by Wachovia Securities, and that was about five years into my career. And at that point, my branch manager, who was eyeing retirement, asked me to step in as her partner, and that changed everything. We eventually moved over to a Wachovia Securities office, another really great local office in Loudoun County, Virginia. And from that office, I worked on and became a CIMA, a CFP, worked with the clients, built a business through referrals. And I found at that point in my career when I would go to a meeting with Wachovia, eventually Wells Fargo, as a young 30-year-old, I would look around the room often and realize that I was the youngest person in the room. The funny thing was 10 years later, I would go into that same room and I’d look around and I still was the youngest guy in that room. And those demographics in our industry, and when I came into our industry, ultimately led that office that I worked in with Wells Fargo Advisors, I eventually was the recipient and party to five different succession plans- Louis Diamond: Wow. Patrick Larkin: … at Wells Fargo Advisors. I hoped that I had built a reputation as somebody that these other advisors would entrust with their clients. And over that time period, really, I would say professionally, one of my accomplishments I’m most proud of is all five of those retired advisors that I used to work with, who had an opportunity to see me work with clients, all became clients of mine, I still continue to work with. And it’s professionally just one of the greatest honors that I’ve ever had. Louis Diamond: I mean, that’s a large number of advisors you helped sunset, but I would agree it’s the ultimate p

Claire O'Meara is getting ready to bring the joy of line dancing to communities across Clare, with four new classes starting in September in Kilrush, Ennis, Clarecastle and Cratloe.   But for Claire, it's about much more than learning dance steps — it's about getting active, meeting people, building friendships and supporting mental wellbeing.   She recently brought 25 dancers to Áras an Uachtaráin, where they met President Catherine Connolly.  Claire joined Alan Morrissey to tell us more about the classes and the community behind the dancing.  Photo (c) Claire O'Meara via Facebook

Things are coming down to the wire for the Northern Stars. With only two rounds left in the ANZ Premiership, the team will need to win both if they're to have any chance of making it into the finals. They're taking on the Southern Steel tomorrow afternoon in what's set to be a tense game as they currently sit just one spot above the Stars on the ladder. Stars midcourter Claire O'Brien joined D'Arcy to discuss the situation. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this final episode of the Dying Your Way Encore Series, Claire O’Berry revisits her powerful conversation with Michele Neff Hernandez, founder of Soaring Spirits International and author of Different After You: Rediscovering Yourself and Healing after Grief or Trauma. Michele’s life changed in 2005 when her husband, Phillip, was killed in a cycling accident. Suddenly widowed at 35 and raising a blended family of six children, Michele began searching for other widowed people who could help her understand what life after such a devastating loss might look like. That search became the foundation for Soaring Spirits International, a global organization offering peer support, resources, and community for people who have experienced the death of a spouse or partner. In this conversation, Claire and Michele explore grief, trauma, widowhood, complicated grief, community support, and the importance of allowing ourselves to be changed by loss. Michele also shares her memorable fishbowl analogy, a practical way to think about boundaries, support, judgment, and whose opinions truly deserve space in our lives. This episode is for anyone who is widowed, anyone supporting someone after the death of a spouse or partner, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of grief that does not fit neatly into society’s expectations. Learn more:Dying Your Way: https://dyingyourway.com Soaring Spirits International: https://soaringspirits.org Michele Neff Hernandez: https://michelleneffhernandez.com Different After You: https://shop.soaringspirits.org/products/autographed-copy-of-different-after-you-rediscovering-yourself-and-healing-after-grief-and-trauma

In this Encore episode of the Dying Your Way podcast, Claire O’Berry revisits her first conversation with Toni Reilly, regression specialist and founder of the Toni Reilly Institute. Together they explore what regression work is, how it can include past-life recall and the space “in between lives,” and why many people report feeling calmer and less fearful about death afterward. This conversation touches on the universal fear of dying, the grief and anxiety that can arise as we face mortality, and how curiosity—rather than rigid belief—can soften fear. Toni shares how regression is experienced as a deeply personal inner knowing, and why people often come away feeling lighter, clearer, and more at peace. Learn more about Toni’s work: https://tonireillyinstitute.com/Explore Dying Your Way: https://dyingyourway.com/

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Claire O'Callaghan for a rich and thought-provoking conversation on Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë, a novel that continues to unsettle, challenge, and captivate readers across generations. Together, we explore the wild and untamed landscape of the moors, not just as a setting, but as a force that shapes the emotional and psychological terrain of the characters themselves. Even for those who haven't read the novel, the names Catherine and Heathcliff seem to exist out in the cultural ether, familiar and almost mythic. Many readers come to the book expecting a sweeping romance, shaped in part by film adaptations that present their story as one of enduring love. But this is not that kind of novel. Our discussion grapples with the book's deeply unhealthy and often destructive portrayals of love, relationships marked more by obsession and vengeance than tenderness or mutual care. Violence, both physical and psychological, looms large, and we consider how Brontë uses it not merely for shock, but as a lens into grief, trauma, and the human capacity for endurance. As we reflect on how the book changes depending on when and how it's read, we ask why Wuthering Heights feels so different at various stages of life, and how what once seemed romantic can later reveal itself as deeply tragic. We also explore the novel's ghostly supernatural elements and how the house itself seems haunted. And yet, despite its darkness, Wuthering Heights is not without hope. In the relationship between Cathy and Hareton, we see the possibility of renewal, a quiet but powerful redemption that hints at healing, growth, and a break from the destructive patterns of the previous generation. By the end of this conversation, you may find yourself not only reconsidering the novel, but also longing to step into its world, because if you haven't yet visited Haworth, home of the Brontë family, you'll likely want to now. And for those eager to go even deeper, be sure to explore more of Dr. O'Callaghan's work, including her recent contribution to the transcription of a long-lost manuscript by Charlotte Brontë, a discovery that continues to expand our understanding of one of literature's most remarkable families. https://claireocallaghan.com/

Do pharmacists have a bigger role to play recognising and supporting patients with mental health concerns? The AJP Podcast discusses the matter with Claire O’Reilly Australia’s pharmacists have a frontline role in triaging patients who are struggling, but more training is needed across the profession, the AJP Podcast has heard.  Pharmacist and Associate Professor at the University of Sydney School of Pharmacy, Claire O’Reilly, has been a researching the evolving role of pharmacists in the mental health space for some time. She has become an advocate for further education and training.  “I think we do need to really work at improving the communication skills to make people feel comfortable,” she told Carlene McMaugh.  “If someone does say that they’re not okay, then what? That’s the critical next step.” Other highlights include:  4.01: A distressing incident that highlighted the need for further education.  5.58: The importance of mental health training.  10.03: Signs or cues someone may be struggling.  15.00: Creating a safe, non-judgmental space.  19.19: Medications management.  21.32: Essential steps pharmacists can take.  23.02: Referral services.  26.00: How pharmacists can manage their own mental health and burnout.  Pharmacists can contact the Pharmacists' Support Service (PSS) on 1300 244 910 for peer support related to the demands of being a pharmacist in Australia. Lifeline is available on 13 11 14. Members can call PDL on 1300 854 838 for support from a professional officer. For urgent assistance or in an emergency please do not hesitate to contact emergency services on 000. You can access the full transcript of this podcast here. While we endeavour to ensure all important words and phrases are correct, please note there may be some minor inaccuracies in the transcription. ACCESS PODCAST TRANSCRIPT Go here for the full list of active AJP podcasts. These can also be accessed via Apple Podcasts and Spotify  Carlene McMaugh

In this Encore episode of the Dying Your Way podcast, Claire O’Berry speaks with Julie Ryan, a former medical device entrepreneur and inventor who now works as a medical intuitive and psychic. Julie shares the framework she calls the 12 transitions, describing what she believes happens as a person approaches death from the spiritual side of the equation. Claire and Julie explore the parallels between birth and death, the comfort many people report from end-of-life visions, and why Julie believes no one dies alone. They also discuss grief and guilt, especially for families whose loved ones died during the COVID era, and Julie explains her weekly call-in show and podcast, Ask Julie Ryan, where listeners can ask questions about end-of-life experiences, healing, and the afterlife. Episode page:https://dyingyourway.com/podcast-item/julie-ryan-12-transition-phases-end-of-life/ Julie Ryan:https://askjulieryan.com/

In this Encore episode of the Dying Your Way podcast, Claire O’Berry reconnects with Carlos Pomeda, a yoga teacher and practitioner of more than 40 years, and a scholar of Sanskrit and religious studies. This conversation is personal for Claire. In 2004, she and her mother took a course taught by Carlos called Karma, Death, and Dying, before her mother’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis. That teaching became a steady foundation through years of caregiving, and now, sixteen years later, the conversation continues. Together, they explore how cultural denial shapes our relationship with death, why acceptance can ease emotional suffering, and how meditation supports a shift from body-based identity toward inner awareness. Carlos also shares his perspective on karma, prana (vital energy), ritual, and “unfinished business,” along with research threads that many find compelling, including near-death experiences, hospice visions, and children’s reports of past-life memory. This is a thoughtful, grounding episode for anyone facing illness, grief, caregiving, or the simple human question of how to die well. Learn more about Carlos: pomeda.com

In this Encore episode, Claire O’Berry speaks with Judith Schwartz, former Clinical Director of End of Life Choices New York, about VSED: Voluntary Stopping Eating and Drinking. This conversation offers a grounded look at what VSED involves, what supports are essential for comfort and safety, and why some people explore VSED when other end-of-life options are not available or accessible. Judith also discusses advance directive considerations, including documents designed to guide feeding decisions if a person later loses capacity. Resources mentioned End of Life Choices New York: VSED information and education Dementia Advance Directive and “Minimal Comfort Feeding” option Voluntarily Stopping Eating and Drinking: A Compassionate, Widely Available Option for Hastening Death (Oxford University Press), edited by Timothy E. Quill, Paul T. Menzel, Thaddeus Pope, and Judith Schwarz Listener care note: This episode discusses end-of-life decision-making. If you feel distressed or at risk, please pause and contact local crisis supports or emergency services.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this Encore episode (recorded in 2020), Claire O’Berry speaks with Stephen Jenkinson about what we have lost culturally around dying, and what it might mean to recover death wisdom as a shared, communal responsibility. Together, they explore why older and vulnerable people are so easily dismissed, the difference between a “personalized” death and a communal one, and why the work of dying asks more of us than a preference list. Stephen also reflects on fear, medicalized dying, and the long shadow a death-phobic culture casts over how we live. Mentioned and recommended: Orphan Wisdom and the Orphan Wisdom School, Stephen’s home for teaching and writing. For your next listen: “Matrimony, Patrimony & the Village We Need” (Claire’s more recent conversation with Stephen).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wuthering Heights is a story full of passion, violence and sexual tension.So it's no surprise that it shocked Victorian readers when it first came out. How did Emily Brontë, the daughter of a clergyman, create such a provocative world? How did the Brontê sisters write about sex and sexuality in their work? And how accurate is the new film to the original story?!Joining Kate today is Dr Claire O'Callaghan, author and Brontë scholar, to take us back to Victorian England at the peak of the Industrial Revolution, and find out more about this scandalous story.For tickets to the live show of Betwixt the Sheets in May, follow the link here https://www.fane.co.uk/betwixt-the-sheets This episode was edited by Hannah Feodorov. The producer was Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Freddy Chick.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.  All music from Epidemic Sounds.Betwixt the Sheets: History of Sex, Scandal & Society is a History Hit podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Encore episode of the Dying Your Way podcast, Claire O’Berry revisits a conversation with Dr. Marjorie Woollacott, world-renowned neuroscientist, tenured professor at the University of Oregon, and author of Infinite Awareness: The Awakening of the Scientific Mind. While Dr. Woollacott’s early academic work focused on rehabilitation neuroscience, her current work explores consciousness research and end-of-life phenomena that challenge strictly materialist assumptions, including near-death experiences, terminal lucidity, and the dreams and visions many hospice patients report near the end of life. This conversation invites listeners to set aside fixed beliefs about both science and religion and to listen with curiosity to the research, the clinical implications, and the human stories that continue to emerge. In this episode, we explore: Consciousness and the brain, including the “filter” hypothesis A near-death experience account that raises clinically relevant questions Terminal lucidity and why it matters for dementia, coma, and stroke care End-of-life dreams and visions, and what they may mean for comfort and fear reduction The implications for carers and clinicians supporting people who appear unresponsive Links and resources mentioned in the episode are included below. https://marjoriewoollacott.com/ https://dyingyourway.com/ https://galileocommission.org/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this Encore episode, Claire O’Berry speaks with Australian filmmaker Molly Reynolds, director of My Name Is Gulpilil, a documentary shaped around the final chapter of iconic actor and dancer David Gulpilil’s life. Together, Claire and Molly explore what David’s story reveals about mortality, culture, identity, and the deep human longing to return to our roots at the end of life. The conversation moves through Aboriginal perspectives on Country and kinship, the complexities of care and access, and the way film can hold both beauty and hard truth. Claire is resharing this conversation after recently watching Journey Home, David Gulpilil (narrated by Hugh Jackman), which tells David’s story of returning home and last wishes being honored. In this episode My Name Is Gulpilil and David’s life on screen and off Country, belonging, and the importance of being laid to rest on ancestral land How care systems can help, and how they can miss cultural realities The role of story, art, and memory in preparing for death Mentioned My Name Is Gulpilil (Molly Reynolds) Journey Home, David Gulpilil (narrated by Hugh Jackman) Films connected to David’s career and collaborations, including Walkabout, Storm Boy, The Tracker, Ten Canoes, Charlie’s Country, and Another Country See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this Encore Series episode, recorded in 2020 during the height of COVID, Claire O’Berry and Terry Mepham speak with Dr. Peter Fenwick and his wife, Elizabeth Fenwick, from Scotland. Peter Fenwick, a renowned neuropsychiatrist and researcher, is widely known for his work exploring near-death experiences and what they may reveal about consciousness, dying, and the human experience at the end of life. Elizabeth Fenwick, a writer and long-time collaborator, brings clarity, warmth, and grounded insight to the conversation. Together, they authored The Art of Dying, the book at the heart of this episode. This conversation is also a living legacy. Peter died in November 2024, and we offer love and condolences to Elizabeth and to all who are missing him. In this episode, we explore: What first drew Peter into near-death experience research, and what changed his scepticism Deathbed visitors, end-of-life visions, and why they may matter deeply to the dying The role of curiosity as a powerful antidote to fear What preparation could look like, including repairing relationships and releasing old regrets Why death literacy may deserve a stronger place in medical education and community care Key moments include Peter’s simple invitation: “If you’re going to die, be curious,” and the reminder that we often talk about death as someone else’s story, not our own. Subscribe, share, and join us as we continue building death literacy from diagnosis through grief and bereavement.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of EMBARGOED!, host Tim O'Toole is joined by Miller & Chevalier's Collmann Griffin and Claire O'Neill McCleskey, former Head of the OFAC Compliance Division, to discuss sanctions compliance in the shipping industry. Roadmap: Typologies Iran Russia, including Lukoil/Rosneft and price cap North Korea How can you protect yourself? Best commercial screening tools Tips for insurers Price cap EU/U.S. divergence Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs)/cartels Tips for flag registries Are S2S transfers ever okay?  ******* Thanks to our guests for joining us:  Claire O'Neill McCleskey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-o-neill-mccleskey/  Collmann Griffin: https://www.millerchevalier.com/professional/collmann-griffin  Questions? Contact us at podcasts@milchev.com. EMBARGOED! is not intended and cannot be relied on as legal advice; the content only reflects the thoughts and opinions of its hosts. EMBARGOED! is intelligent talk about sanctions, export controls, and all things international trade for trade nerds and normal human beings alike. Each episode will feature deep thoughts and hot takes about the latest headline-grabbing developments in this area of the law, as well as some below-the-radar items to keep an eye on. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts for new episodes so you don't miss out!

As the New Year approaches, dancer and choreographer Claire O'Meara is inviting locals to explore her new range of dance classes designed to kick-start your 2026 resolutions. With the long winter nights upon us, now is the perfect time to get out, stay active, and support both your physical and mental wellbeing. Alan Morrissey was delighted to talk to Claire on Tuesday's Morning Focus.

In this Season 4 finale, Claire O’Berry reflects on a season filled with honesty, courage, and deep learning. Each solo episode this season served as a “Cliffs Notes” version of the Dying Your Way End-of-Life Training — a practical roadmap for anyone facing a chronic progressive illness or supporting someone through one. Claire also expresses deep gratitude to each guest interviewed this season. Their stories, insights, and lived experience expanded the teaching topics and grounded them in real human wisdom. Each module was followed by a guest who illuminated the theme through their own journey. This season — and all past seasons — will remain available, and Claire will be highlighting past interviews in the weeks and months ahead as we prepare for Season 5. Listeners are encouraged to subscribe, like, and comment to help spread the message of mindful dying and conscious living. This finale reviews the key lessons from Episodes 1 through 23:• Receiving a diagnosis• Building your end-of-life support team• Advance care planning• Understanding your disease• Aging in place• Legacy work• Funeral planning• Stages of dying• After-death care• The week of the funeral• Grief and bereavement Claire shares why preparation is the greatest gift we can give ourselves and the people we love — and invites listeners to take the complete Dying Your Way End-of-Life Training to create their own EOL plan. Learn more or enroll: https://www.dyingyourway.com/eol-trainingContact Claire: info@dyingyourway.com

What does it mean to prepare for death with dignity — even from behind bars? In this deeply moving episode, Claire O’Berry speaks with Murali Pacini, former director of the Prison Project, about two remarkable men — James and Miguel — who spent their final years on Texas Death Row immersed in spiritual practice. Through meditation, community with like minded inmates, and unwavering commitment to transformation, these men faced their final moments not with fear, but with peace. You'll hear: How the Prison Project brought meditation to thousands of inmates worldwide The final letters exchanged between each man and their spiritual teacher Miguel’s last words, witnessed by those who sat with him James’ poetic statement of oneness moments before execution Reflections on what we can do to live more consciously and die more gracefully This episode is not about capital punishment — it’s about what’s possible when a soul prepares and turns inward. Any soul! Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it. [link] Explore the Dying Your Way End-of-Life Training https://www.dyingyourway.com/eol-training

In this moving and wide-ranging conversation, host Claire O’Berry sits down with mentor and trailblazer Deanna Cochran, RN, hospice nurse and bestselling author, to explore the current challenges — and extraordinary possibilities — in end-of-life care. Together, they discuss the growing gaps in U.S. healthcare, the power of early planning, and how end-of-life doulas can help families long before hospice. Deanna shares the deeply personal story of her father’s end-of-life journey and why community-based models like compassionate communities and doula-led neighborhood networks may be the most effective solution for the future. Topics covered: End-of-life care systems: Australia vs. U.S. The role and training of end-of-life doulas Building community and compassionate care networks What families really need in the pre-hospice stage Why mentorship and collaboration are critical for doulas Deanna’s book: Accompanying the Dying: Practical, Heart-Centered Wisdom for End-of-Life Doulas and Healthcare AdvocatesLearn more: CareDoula® Education https://caredoulaeducation.com/ Earlier Podcast with Deanna Cochran: https://dyingyourway.com/podcast-item/rn-reclaiming-community-centered-death-care-with-deanna-cochran/ Explore Dying Your Way End of Life Training: https://www.dyingyourway.com/eol-training

When a loved one dies, the world tilts. The air feels different. Time both stops and rushes forward. In this compassionate solo episode, Claire O’Berry gently guides listeners through the sacred and often chaotic first days after death — from the moment of passing through the week of the funeral. Learn what steps to take, what mistakes to avoid, and how to find meaning in the midst of grief and confusion. Topics include: Sitting with the body and honoring the sacred moment of death Understanding next-of-kin and executor responsibilities How to handle social media announcements with sensitivity Managing funeral planning and paperwork without losing your center Caring for yourself when exhaustion and grief collide This episode offers reassurance, practical wisdom, and a reminder that there’s no “right” way to grieve — only your way. Listen now and learn how the Dying Your Way End of Life Training provides the Executor Checklist, a vital tool to guide your family through the immediate days and weeks after a loved one’s death. www.dyingyourway.com/eol-training

In this deeply personal and practical episode, host Claire O’Berry gently guides you through the physical, emotional, and spiritual transitions that occur during the final stages of life. Using the framework of two months, two weeks, two days, and two hours before death, Claire offers a compassionate roadmap of what to expect — from declining appetite and extreme fatigue, to near-death awareness and the sacred stillness of the final moments. She shares tender stories of her parents’ passing, personal insights from hospice work, and her own near-death experience that removed her fear of dying. Whether you’re a caregiver, a planner, or simply curious, this episode will help you demystify the dying process and prepare to hold space with peace, love, and presence. Learn more and access the full Dying Your Way End of Life Training: https://www.dyingyourway.com/eol-training

Returning guest Dr. Fred Mirarchi, DO, joins Claire O’Berry to discuss the critical intersection of technology, ethics, and end-of-life care. As CEO of MIDEO, LLC (My Informed Decision on Video) and Chair of the National Palliative Care Committee for USACS, Dr. Mirarchi has led groundbreaking research (the TRIAD Studies) revealing how often advance directives are misinterpreted — and how a short, personalized video can save lives by clarifying patient intent. In this episode, they explore: Why AI and video tools are transforming modern medicine The growing trend of lawsuits for “wrongful prolongation of life” The dangers of outdated, paper-based advance directives New challenges in palliative and hospice care in the U.S. Ethical implications of AI-guided medical decision-making Dr. Mirarchi’s call to action is clear: take charge of your own care through informed decisions and documented clarity. Learn more about your own MIDEO card: https://mideohealth.com/ Listen, learn, and share this episode to start an essential conversation about how you want to be cared for at the end of life.

This week, we share Chris's interview with Claire O'Connor! Claire O'Connor is a speech-language pathologist and first-year PhD student at the University of Maryland. Her research focuses on the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and AAC, exploring how tools like ChatGPT can support AAC users better.   Before the interview, Melissa, surprises him with news that his Assistive Technology team, comprising nine members, won the "Most Inclusive Team" award from their county's Special Education Advisory Committee Council! Chris himself also won the "Most Inclusive Administrator" award!   Key Ideas This Week:   Exploring AI as a Support for AAC Users: Claire is researching how large language models (like ChatGPT) can support—not replace—AAC communication by reducing delays, easing the cognitive load of message construction, and expanding short inputs into fuller messages .   Co-Design with AAC Users: The project uses a participatory design approach, meaning AAC users are directly involved in shaping tools and prototypes. This ensures that their voices guide development rather than having solutions imposed on them .   Focus on Empowerment and Trust: The research emphasizes building trust in AI and empowering AAC users. Instead of only testing tools, Claire plans to create a support group to hear AAC users' experiences and perspectives, fostering comfort and inclusion before running compensated co-design workshops.   Help us develop new content and keep the podcast going strong! Support our podcast at patreon.com/talkingwithtech!   Visit talkingwithtech.org for episode transcripts, searchable episode database, links to resources, and more!

Most people avoid thinking about funerals—until it’s too late. But planning ahead is a gift, both for you and your loved ones. In this episode of the Dying Your Way Podcast, Claire O’Berry shares why funeral planning matters, what options are available, and how to create a service that truly reflects a life well lived. From traditional burials to green burials, from heartfelt eulogies to intimate memorials, this conversation will inspire you to make choices with meaning and clarity. Learn how to budget wisely, explore cultural and spiritual traditions, and give your loved ones the gift of closure and connection. Tune in and start planning your curtain call with love and intention. For deeper guidance, visit: https://www.dyingyourway.com/eol-training Resources: Dying Your Way End-of-Life Training → https://www.dyingyourway.com/eol-training

In this episode of the Dying Your Way podcast, Claire O’Berry explores what it really means to leave a legacy. Beyond money and material possessions lies something much richer: your story, your wisdom, your values, and your love. Through personal stories—including her own mother and father's lasting influence—Claire invites you to reflect on the memories, rituals, and teachings that shape the lives of those who come after you.

My guest this week is Claire O'Rourke - campaigner, communicator, and author of Together We Can, a book that shines a light on everyday Australians taking action on climate change. Claire is dedicated to helping people and communities respond to the climate crisis with hope, courage, and practical solutions. She currently works with the Climate Council and has held leadership roles with Solar Citizens and the Every Australian Counts campaign, driving grassroots action and national conversations that create meaningful change. Her work draws on more than two decades of experience in journalism, communications, and social change, spanning Australia and overseas. Through her storytelling, writing, and advocacy, Claire helps people see that climate action isn't just possible - it's already happening all around us. In this episode, we explore what it takes to build a hopeful movement for change, how ordinary people can find their place in tackling the climate crisis, and Claire's journey from journalism to becoming a national voice for climate solutions.

In this practical and heartfelt solo episode, Claire O’Berry explores what it really takes to stay at home in your final days — and how to make that experience as safe, supported, and peaceful as possible. You’ll learn: What defines a “natural death” How to assess if dying at home is right for you Common risks (falls, isolation, access) and how to prepare for them Why hospice, palliative care, and honest communication matter How early planning can prevent crisis, confusion, and unnecessary suffering Free Resource! Download the Home Safety Checklist for a Natural Death (PDF) For step-by-step support, enroll in the Dying Your Way End of Life Training

In this heartfelt episode, Claire O’Berry speaks with longtime friend and visionary artist Tiffany Riley, co-founder of the Laughter League. Tiffany shares what it means to be a professionally trained healthcare clown—collaborating with medical teams in pediatric hospitals to bring moments of levity, connection, and healing to critically ill children. From stories of joy in the ICU to sacred moments at the end of life, Tiffany offers a rare look inside this powerful, misunderstood field. The episode honors her late mother Joy, whose love and legacy continues to inspire compassion through laughter. You’ll also hear how clowning as care is a rigorous, artistic, and emotional discipline—and why it’s so vital today. Prepare to be moved, surprised, and perhaps even inspired to laugh a little differently. Available on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube (Link to DYW YouTube podcast) Donate to the Laughter League: https://laughterleague.org/we-stand-with-you Join our Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/dyingyourway/ Dying Your Way is an online platform dedicated to helping people around the world prepare for a conscious and peaceful death. Through education, planning tools, and End of Life Doula services, DYW supports individuals, caregivers, and communities with grace and compassion.

What happens after a life-changing diagnosis? In this candid and heartfelt episode, Claire O’Berry shares her personal journey following her husband’s recent Parkinson’s diagnosis. From the first awkward conversation with the doctor to the sobering reality of future planning, Claire explores what it means to truly understand your disease — and how to take empowered steps forward. Learn how to: Distinguish between diagnosis and prognosis Navigate challenging conversations with healthcare providers Plan for curative, palliative, and eventually hospice care Prepare for transitions and different levels of support Ensure dignity and quality of life every step of the way Whether you're newly diagnosed, caring for someone who is, or simply preparing for the road ahead — this episode offers clarity, comfort, and actionable advice. Listen now and take the first step toward your personal action plan. [link here] Join our Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/dyingyourway/ Dying Your Way is an online platform dedicated to helping people around the world prepare for a conscious and peaceful death. Through education, planning tools, and End of Life Doula services, DYW supports individuals, caregivers, and communities with grace and compassion.

James Jarvis, CEO of Busselton Hospice Inc., joins Claire O’Berry for a powerful conversation about grief, resilience, and what it means to support community-based end-of-life care. From personal stories of loss to groundbreaking new initiatives like Staying in Place Busselton, James shares why Busselton Hospice is a model of compassion, leadership, and innovation. Perfect timing for Dying to Know Day August 8, 2025! https://busseltonhospicecareinc.org.au/ Find Dying to Know Day events in your area: https://proveda.com.au/community-programs/dying-to-know/ Dying Your Way is an online platform dedicated to helping people around the world prepare for a conscious and peaceful death. Through education, planning tools, and End of Life Doula services, DYW supports individuals, caregivers, and communities with grace and compassion.

In this powerful episode of the Dying Your Way podcast, Claire O’Berry tackles a topic many avoid until it’s too late: Advance Care Planning. With heartfelt stories, clear explanations, and practical advice, Claire breaks down the four essential documents every adult should have in place—regardless of age or health. From medical power of attorney to living wills, from do-not-resuscitate orders to digital access, Claire explores how a little preparation can prevent chaos, conflict, and confusion during life’s most vulnerable moments. Learn why planning ahead is not just a legal necessity—it’s an act of love, clarity, and personal empowerment.

Claire O’Berry sits down with Georges Cordoba, bestselling author of Beating the Odds, to discuss his extraordinary journey of healing from stage 4 melanoma. Georges shares how he moved from surgeries and chemotherapy to a holistic approach that integrated forgiveness, faith, and emotional release. In this powerful conversation, Georges opens up about: Facing terminal cancer with courage Why emotional healing was the missing key The role of service, surrender, and self-advocacy The spiritual “door” to healing we all carry inside Plus, learn about Georges’ program Qualivita and his free ebook to help you shut the door to disease—before it starts.

In this episode, Claire O’Berry shares why building an end-of-life support team is one of the most empowering and essential things you can do. From early diagnosis to hospice care and beyond, having trusted people in place makes all the difference. You’ll learn: Why you (the patient) are the team leader The 10 key roles to consider—from MPOA to Celebrant How caregivers and doulas can reduce stress and increase quality of life Real-life stories of what happens when a team works (or doesn’t) Whether you’re planning ahead or navigating this now, this episode is filled with practical guidance, compassionate insight, and deeply personal reflections. Dying Your Way is an online platform dedicated to helping people around the world prepare for a conscious and peaceful death. Through education, planning tools, and End of Life Doula services, DYW supports individuals, caregivers, and communities with grace and compassion.

There's a clever new marketing ploy from a Wanaka fashion designer. ‘The Precious Collaborative' are selling $10,000 coats in order to subsidise New Zealand wool products in their store. The profits of the coats are able to discount a once $700 item to under $200 – the aim to put quality NZ wool items within the average person's reach. Founder Claire O'Connell told Mike Hosking that by purchasing the coat, people are supporting so much within the country – from the strong wool industry right through to local production. So far two people have bought the $10,000 coat, and O'Connell says that since then they've sold almost 100 garments, of which 85% were bought at the discounted price. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Dying Your Way, Claire O’Berry explores two essential tools—mindfulness and mind-mapping—to help bring clarity, peace, and intentionality to end-of-life planning. Learn how to navigate overwhelm, prioritize what matters most, and make empowered decisions well before a crisis hits. A practical and heart-centered guide for living—and dying—on your terms. Dying Your Way is an online platform dedicated to helping people around the world prepare for a conscious and peaceful death. Through education, planning tools, and End of Life Doula services, DYW supports individuals, caregivers, and communities with grace and compassion.

The launch of an anti-racism resource booklet and campaign took place this morning in Tralee. The campaign - Championing Inclusion: Building a Stronger Ireland Together - involves Kerry and Cork Children and Young People Services Committees, youth groups, as well as migrant support and integration forums. Treasa spoke to Claire O'Toole, co-ordinator of the Kerry CYPSC.

Welcome to a brand-new season of the Dying Your Way podcast! In this kickoff episode, host Claire O’Berry shares a heartfelt reflection on the evolution of end-of-life conversations in our ever-changing world. She offers insights into what’s ahead for Season 4 and reintroduces the mission that started it all. Whether you’re facing a life-threatening illness, supporting a loved one, or walking your own path toward deeper death literacy, this podcast is a space for support, education, and sacred conversation.

Aujourd'hui, c'est au tour de Claire O'Petit, de faire face aux GG. - L'émission de libre expression sans filtre et sans masque social… Dans les Grandes Gueules, les esprits s'ouvrent et les points de vue s'élargissent. 3h de talk, de débats de fond engagés où la liberté d'expression est reine et où l'on en ressort grandi.

Labhraíonn Claire O'Connor le Seán faoin méid atá bainte amach aici sa chamógaíocht, buaicphointí móra spóirt, an méid atá déanta aici sa chóras oideachais, a ról mar chóitseálaí saoil, agus a saol in Atlanta, Georgia.

Welcome to the behind-the-scenes journey of the Soft Power Membership photoshoot! Join me as I share: 1. A stunning venue at the top of Barcelona that inspired the vision. 2. Our talented photographer, Claire O'Keefe, in action. 3. The essence of Soft Power Membership—designed to help you align with your Human Design and step into your most empowered self. In this video, I talk about the four pillars of transformation that form the core of this membership: ✨ Exploring and embracing our inner darkness. ✨ Healing and tending to our inner child. ✨ Rebirthing and aligning with our true purpose. ✨ Creating our dream life. This is more than a membership—it's your safe space to transform, align, and thrive. Learn more about the Soft Power Membership: https://www.maikegabriela.com/human-d...

Send us a textAbout This EpisodeEver wondered how embracing boldness can transform your life? Claire O'Connor, the visionary founder of Bright Life Coaching, joins us to share her story of courage and growth, where stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing mistakes can pave the way for incredible opportunities. Through real-life coaching stories and her own bold journey, Claire underscores the importance of self-advocacy and taking decisive action towards personal fulfillment. Claire takes a deep dive into the dynamics of evolving identities, whether in career paths or personal relationships, encouraging you to support and embrace your own transformations. She also touches on the power of essential connections and the importance of setting boundaries. Claire inspires us with bold stories of positive impact, demonstrating how taking even the smallest steps can lead to meaningful change. Get ready to be encouraged and inspired to embark on your own bold adventures! About Claire O'ConnorClaire O'Connor is a Personal Executive and Leadership Coach. She has spent decades in education, well-being, facilitation, and coaching. Her teamwork and skills in Sports, TV and Media equip her to work with all kinds of teams, individuals, and leaders. She is the CEO and Founder of The Bright Life Coaching. Some of her 2-year research includes the areas of Burnout in the Workplace and Women in Leadership. Life started on a Farm in Rural and Rugged Ireland. She made a BOLD move 2 years ago- when she moved to the United States with her family and decided that she would set up her company here. She is joining us today to tell us her BOLD story and what she has been doing to empower women all over the world from Atlanta, Georgia.  Additional ResourcesWebsite: thebrightlifecoaching.comYour FREE “Refresh your Routine” Guide: joinzenyth.com/58-page-guide-pageInstagram: @thebrightlifecoachingLinkedIn: @ClaireOConnorSupport the show-------- Stay Connected www.leighburgess.com Watch the episodes on YouTube Follow Leigh on Instagram: @theleighaburgess Follow Leigh on LinkedIn: @LeighBurgess Sign up for Leigh's bold newsletter

Claire O'Connor, author of Over the Wall, guest stars on the show today. We hear an excerpt from her cult thriller and talk gratitude, feedback, the expenses of writing, and our favorite tools. Get Over the Wall Connect with Claire: Claire's Website TikTok @claire_oconnor Instagram @claireoconnorauthor

Meet Claire O'Bryan, one of my fave IG accounts to follow (trust me, she's hilarious) and the real deal when it comes to showing up online authentically. Claire is an Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner and Co-Founder of Skin Clique; she's also the brains behind the Dabble Co Podcast. Claire's all about keeping it real, embracing her voice without apology (which hello, makes her 1000% more relatable). We're on the same page about creating content that's authentic, not just following trends. In this episode, we're digging into the messy stuff—career shifts, motherhood chaos, husbands who travel, support systems, meals for new mamas, washing your face, you name it. It's real talk about identity crises and the never-ending  juggle of motherhood and entrepreneurship.  We're also chatting about simple skincare, why SPF is your BFF, and taking bold leaps in life and business. Claire's dropping wisdom left and right, and I guarantee you'll walk away feeling inspired and maybe a little more confident in creating video content! My favorite tinted SPF that everyone needs Connect with Claire on Instagram @claireobryannp and theskincliqueLearn more about Claire and her company by visiting her website Check out Claire's podcast: The Dabble Co PodcastConnect with me on InstagramLearn more about booking a Biz Therapy session and working together by visiting my website

In this week's episode, I've got Claire O'Bryan, Co-Founder of The Skin Clique, a concierge practice offering skin health treatments in the comfort and convenience of your home. Listen in to fund out.. How she pivoted from a Head & Neck Career to aesthetics How she's grown The Skin Clique to have over 250+ board certified practitioners How she didn't think she had a mind for business! Contact Information: Website: https://theskinclique.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/claireobryannp/

Kiki sits down with Claire to discuss her business The Skin Clique, building a concierge injecting business, and her podcast the Dabble Co.

It's a rare occasion when an Amazon executive sits down with an Amazon podcaster to do an interview addressing sellers. To my knowledge, today is quite possibly an industry first!   It was truly and honor to be honest.   Claire O'donnell is the director of Seller Partner Empowerment and "Communities & Trust" at Amazon. She's has about 700 employees in her organization at Amazon who are all in "seller facing" positions - meaning they are focused on building connections and trust with sellers like you and me - in other words, provenamazoncourse.com students.   Her teams manage things like the Account Health Dashboard, the Seller Support Team, the Seller Forums and the Amazon Accelerate event which was attended recently by 2,500 of your fellow sellers from around the world in Seattle. We were there and had the honor of interviewing Claire for a few minutes during her busy schedule as the primary host of the incredible event.   Perhaps the biggest win for us at the event (and for you as well) is that we continue to build great relationships with seller facing personalities at Amazon - and that helps us stay better in tune with the true opportunities that Amazon represents for all of us.   While we had scheduled 30 minutes with Claire, her schedule was understandably shortened due to the tight schedule of the Amazon Accelerate event, but we did get in some solid questions and this is a great step in the direction of building solid relationships on both sides of the Amazon/seller aisle.   Watch this episode on our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/ePn78xDzEr0   Show note LINKS:   SilentSalesMachine.com - text the word “free” to 507-800-0090 to get a free copy of Jim's latest book in audio about building multiple income streams online! If you live outside of the US or Canada please email support@silentsalesmachine.com for a copy!   TheProvenConference.com/virtual2023 - Our Oct 4-6 virtual event for online sellers. FREE for provenamazoncourse.com and coaching students! See site for details!   My Silent Team Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/mysilentteam 100% FREE! Join 72,000 + Facebook members from around the world who are using the internet creatively every day to launch and grow multiple income streams through our exciting PROVEN strategies! There's no support community like this one anywhere else in the world!   JimCockrumCoaching.com - Get a free session with a business consultant on our team at 1-800-994-1792 / 1-801-693-1688 or TEXT US at 385-284-7701 (US & Canada only for Text)  ALL of our coaches are running very successful businesses of their own based on the models we teach here! We've been setting the standard for excellence in e-commerce and Amazon seller coaching since 2002 with over 7,000 students served! Hundreds of our successful, happy students have been interviewed on our podcast!   ProvenAmazonCourse.com - the comprehensive course that contains ALL our Amazon training modules, recorded events and a steady stream of latest cutting edge training including of course the most popular starting point, the REPLENS selling model. The PAC is updated free for life!    

Claire O'Keefe has an impressive resume in the wealth management industry. As Partner and the Head of Partner Development in Cerity Partners' Chicago office, she also serves as member of the company's Executive Committee. Prior to her roles at Cerity Partners, Claire has held leadership positions at two wealth management firms, where she was responsible for: Strategic planning Client Development Advisory services to affluent individuals, business owners, executives, and nonprofit organizations. Claire is a strong advocate for philanthropy, and has served on the Henry Viscardi School Board of Trustees, as well as being involved with other charitable organizations. A PHILOSOPHY TO DOING MERGERS Cerity Partners view themselves as a partner and not an aggregator, and believe in bringing together like-minded professionals to benefit clients and colleagues. Their vision is to build a global professional services firm for wealth management, both for high-net-worth clients and workplace wealth management for executives. When considering potential new partners, they look for key areas of alignment, including: Culture Target clientele Value proposition Business model BUILDING A NATIONAL FOOTPRINT In order to build a national footprint and brand recognition, the distinction of integrator or aggregator is important in terms of their growth, exit, and funding strategy. Cerity Partners is an integrated firm, meaning they have: One brand One technology stack Equal payroll and benefits for all colleagues They use this model in order to build a national footprint and brand recognition. They integrate technology, data, and operations when they acquire other firms, but they do not force or accelerate integration, prioritizing a consistent client and colleague experience. The assimilation of colleagues is a day-one priority, while technology integration can take longer as they make sure to map data and user requirements. THE IMPORTANCE OF HAVING VISION, MISSION, AND VALUE PROPOSITION Part of building recognition for your firm is having a vision, a mission and value proposition is paramount to success. Vision: Setting your vision is effectively the blueprint to how you want your firm to approach business, and allows for you to set a clear mission. Mission: By having a solid mission, your firm and clients are aware of what you can do for their business, and exactly how you will achieve that for them. Value Proposition: This is arguably the most important aspect to set in order to attract clients. Value proposition offers customers what distinguishes you from competitors. With over 800 colleagues and serving about 15,000 clients across 20 markets, Cerity Partners manages about $65 billion in assets. While these are impressive numbers, Cerity Partners prioritizes forming relationships with exceptional people over the quantity of deals it has completed. This aligns with their vision, mission, and value proposition. All of this combined allows Cerity Partners to be very attractive to specifically G2 advisors,. FACING A MARKET DOWNTURN I've said many times, market fluctuations are one of the truths in business. We've discussed in the past how it's important to not rely solely on the market or the news cycle to dictate your deals. (For more: listen to Episode 220, “The Art of Balancing Market Conditions and Client Motivations in Deals.”) For Cerity Partners, Claire emphasizes that they are looking for full merger, and not partial investments. They are flexible on the mix of cash and equity in the deal, and they allow partners to take equity as part of the merger. They are transparent with the valuation structure and consider expenses that would be eliminated after the merger to increase the EBITDA and apply a multiple to it. They believe in the growth opportunity of coming together. Despite the market downturn, their firm's interest continues to be at an all-time high because of this approach to mergers. Cerity Partners continues to invest in the resources and infrastructure required to optimize their pillars, and is agile in experimenting and changing things to continue growth. • • • FOR MORE ON CLAIRE O'KEEFE AND CERITY PARTNERS: http://www.linkedin.com/in/m-claire-o-keefe-305b539 https://ceritypartners.com/ Corey Kupfer is an expert strategist, negotiator, and dealmaker. He has more than 35 years of professional deal-making and negotiating experience. Corey is a successful entrepreneur, attorney, consultant, author, and professional speaker. He is deeply passionate about deal-driven growth. He is also the creator and host of the DealQuest Podcast. If you want to find out how deal-ready you are, take the Deal-Ready Assessment today!

Tell me I'm not the only one that didn't have a skincare routine until I entered my thirties. I've come a long way, but have yet to pull the trigger on Botox. It seems like it's such a hot topic right now, and I can't say I haven't had questions about Botox myself.  I invited my guest, Claire O'Bryan, on the podcast to answer all the questions about injections. She debunks a lot of myths that circle around Botox, some that even surprised me! Claire O'Bryan is a nurse practitioner, wife, mother of two girls and the host of the Dabble Co Podcast. She has been in practice since 2010 where she started out in oncology. Oncology is where she had her first interaction with injections, often used as a form of treatment with cancer patients. She co-founded a national concierge esthetics practice called the Skin Clique where she has taken her knowledge of Botox to the cosmetic arena. Head to the show notes for resources from this episode: lynzyandco.com/motherhood-meets-medicine-the-podcast/ Use code LYNZY20 for Cerebelly products: Shop Cerebelly HERE Use the code MotherhoodMeetsMedicine to shop Wellements here. Use code LYNZY for 30% off Navy Hair Care: Navy Hair Care Shampoo + Conditioner Navy Hair Care Charcoal Mask Connect with Claire: Instagram: @dabbleco Blog The Dabble Co. Podcast The Skin Clique Connect on Instagram @motherhoodmeetsmedicine.  Join the Motherhood Meets Medicine community at patreon.com/motherhoodmeetsmedicine.  Disclaimer: This podcast does not provide medical advice. The information on this podcast is for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.