Podcasts about Northwestern Mutual

Brent Schutte, Chief Investment Officer at Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co., sees "a lot of different parts of the U.S. economy that aren't working," and while the market and economy have overcome those concerns to this point — and may have the strength to keep that up — he is concerned about the potential for a fall and says investors need to be diversified properly to ride out the year ahead. "Diversification doesn't pay all the time," Schutte says, "but it often times makes up for all the costs that it has in periods where whatever you want to concentrate in actually doesn't work. And that's where I think diversification going forward is not only a risk management tool, but it's also a return enhancer." Schutte sees the market broadening out but delivering only modest gains, and says he is more concerned about recession than most experts, because many analysts and investors are so focused on the upside that they have missed warning signs. Alessandro Valentini, fundamental portfolio manager at Causeway Capital Management, says that the gains in foreign stock markets this year were not just about currency fluctuations and he believes there is more potential for growth in 2026 as concerns over tariffs continue to diminish, the dollar produces a smaller tailwind — or at least no resistance — and low valuations create more potential for upside. Richard Stone, chief executive officer for The Association of Investment Companies — the British equivalent to the Active Investment Company Alliance — discusses differences in the activist investor cultures in the United States and Great Britain, including how "venture capital trusts" — the British equivalent of business-development companies — have tax advantages that make private credit investing much more palatable, but also why interval funds (known in England as "long-term asset funds") are a model that has stirred some controversy with investors.

With AI transforming nearly every industry, today's guest is helping property investors supercharge their front-end sales funnels through intelligent chatbot systems. Kevin Brenner, Founder of PropertyBots™, is a true trailblazer at the intersection of real estate and artificial intelligence, bringing cutting-edge tech solutions to the investment world. In this episode, Gary and Kevin explore the future of AI in business, how Kevin's military experience shaped his path to entrepreneurship, and the journey that led him to master the world of AI. Kevin also breaks down the five essential elements of effective chatbot prompts, explains how AI can support raising capital, and shares how PropertyBots™ is leveraging these tools to drive meaningful results. To discover how AI is reshaping real estate, the potential it unlocks, and how you can prepare for an AI-driven future, tune in now!Key Points From This Episode:Who is Kevin Brenner: our guest's introduction and background.Kevin's thoughts on AI and the future of the business world.How he translated his military experience into a foundation for business success.Kevin shares how he ventured into the world of AI, and ultimately mastered itHe sheds light on the easiest way to get started in AI.The 5 elements of an AI prompt.Raising capital with the help of AI.Kevin explains how they utilize AI at PropertyBots™ and the potential applications of AI.How to prepare for the AI-driven workforce of tomorrow. Find out more about PropertyBots™.Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:Kevin Brenner on LinkedInProperty Bots™Active Duty Passive IncomeRich Dad Poor DadBiggerPocketsDate With Destiny EventTony RobbinsChatGPTClaudeGeminiGeoff Woods on LinkedInAI-Driven LeaderAsset Management Mastery Facebook Group Invest SmartBreak of Day Capital Break of Day Capital InstagramBreak of Day Capital YouTubeGary Lipsky on LinkedIn

We're back for more stories about the impact the David Eccles School of Business has on the lives and careers of our alums, and today we are sharing another success story of connections made through the David Eccles Alumni Network with Jeff Lewis and Alexandra Floor.Continuing our focus on mentorship and networking, Frances talks to Jeff and Alexandra about how they connected through the Eccles School, and how that connection led to an internship opportunity that created benefits for both Jeff and Alexandra. Jeff, a wealth management advisor at Northwestern Mutual and Founder/CEO of Gelder Generational Wealth, served as a member of the David Eccles Alumni Network Board for 15 years, and Alexandra, set to graduate from the David Eccles School of Business this spring, serves as the director of Mentorship for Women in Finance and vice president of recruitment for Alpha Phi. Jeff has been involved with the school as an alum and a mentor, while Alexandra shares her experiences as a student benefiting from these connections. They discuss the value of internships, mentorship, and the ways in which the alumni network fosters professional growth for both current students and graduates. Eccles Business Buzz is a production of the David Eccles School of Business and is produced by University.fm.Eccles Business Buzz is proud to be selected by FeedSpot as one of the Top 70 Business School podcasts on the web. Learn more at https://podcast.feedspot.com/us_business_school_podcasts. Episode Quotes:Alexandra reveals the real secret to building and growing your network[27:48] You're only as smart as the people you surround yourself by. And if you don't reach out to people who are smarter than you and intelligent and not in a negative way, but as students, there's so much opportunity out there. And for people with such high levels of experience, I mean, Jeff's been in the business for almost 30 years and for just taking that step to reach out and be around them and surround yourself, even if it's just lunch, even if you know it does turn into an internship, is the only way you're going to grow so significantly and build your network. Why experiential opportunities build student confidence[13:46] When you think about an internship, it's really that you're test driving a career, and you're doing it without high consequence. You're not going into it with this expectation of being there for years on end. You're going into it with the parameters that are dialed out, like in this case, a semester. In some cases, it's just summer. But I think that's where the opportunity lies with an intern opportunity: to really have the student engage in that experiential learning and do it in order to build their confidence and really stretch themselves because I think that's what's going to differentiate them, not only on a resume, but really in the marketplace to be able to say, “Look, I've done something; I've done something different here, and here's why I know I do or don't want to continue to do that.” And I think that's something that, from my standpoint, if we find out that it's not a good fit, we're going to hopefully help that intern find something else that's a better fit. And when I was mentoring some students years ago, when they started the mentoring program at the University of Utah formally, I remember being in the union, and there were so many students that wanted to have mentors, and I had a table of about 10 students. And I learned very quickly that some of them just really wanted to have that interaction, to have discussions, have conversations, and some of them just wanted to be walked down the road. Jeff reminds alumni that simply showing up makes a big impact on a student's life[25:58] It's always fun to have that connection with people that you just have been able to do some good with and to be able to raise money for scholarships or to be able to mentor incoming students or outgoing students or those that are right in the middle. So all of the above. And I would encourage anybody if they're having second thoughts about doing it, like, “Well, I don't know if I can really help.” There's always something you can do. Showing up is such a great thing. There are so many people that come up and just invest a little bit of time, and it really yields some great benefits for the students and all those that are participating.Show Links:Jeff Lewis | LinkedInJeffrey Gelder Lewis | Northwestern MutualAlexandra Floor | LinkedInDavid Eccles School of Business (@ubusiness) | InstagramUndergraduate Scholars ProgramsRising Business LeadersEccles Alumni Network (@ecclesalumni) | Instagram Eccles Experience Magazine

Welcome to the 250th episode of the Real Estate Investor Podcast! Today, Gary is joined by Joe Fang and Andy Huang to discuss the lessons we've learned throughout this experience. Tuning in, you'll hear all about the history of the show, our favorite episodes, what we've experienced this year, and so much more! We delve into our outlook for 2026 before touching on what we expect the market will do. Finally, we talk about what it looks like to walk away from a deal. Thanks for listening, and be sure to stay tuned for more from the Real Estate Investor Podcast! Key Points From This Episode:Welcoming Joe Fang and Andy Huang to the show. A brief overview of the history of this podcast. We share our favorite episodes from this year. A summary of what we've experienced in 2025. Expanding on our outlook for the year ahead.We discuss what it's like to walk away from a deal.Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:Joe Fang on LinkedInAndy Huang on LinkedInAsset Management Mastery Facebook Group Invest SmartBreak of Day Capital Break of Day Capital InstagramBreak of Day Capital YouTubeGary Lipsky on LinkedIn

David Zervos of Jefferies shares his take on what the Fed's move means for markets and the economy. Earnings from Oracle, Adobe and Synopsys, with Rishi Jaluria of RBC Capital Markets breaking down Oracle's results and Sassine Ghazi, Chief Executive Officer of Synopsys, discussing the company's outlook. Brian Moynihan, Chief Executive Officer of Bank of America, weighs in on the broader Fed and economic backdrop. Barbara Doran of BD8 Capital and Brent Schutte, Chief Investment Officer of Northwestern Mutual, unpack what the Fed, Oracle and earnings season mean for investors. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Park Avenue Capital CEO Pete Tiboris shares how he and his partners built a $4B enterprise inside Northwestern Mutual through intentional design, a pod-based advisor structure, a culture built on fit and alignment, and an unwavering focus on the client experience.

Good morning and happy Thursday, friends and neighbors! Thank you for watching a new episode of: Living in Aurora, our new Thursday morning program sponsored by the The Neighbor Project. The purpose of this program is to educate and share important homebuying information with the Aurora community. Each episode will feature experts in finance, banking and real estate to answer the tough questions, explain the details and set families up for success!Today's guest is Lizette Cardenas, Financial Representative with Northwestern Mutual here to talk about debt planning, benefits and financial security. Lizette is a friend of our program and a trusted network partner. To learn more about Neighbor Project programs, resources and services visit their newly redesigned website here: https://www.neighborproject.us/Got questions? Send us an email to: goodmorningaurorail@gmail.comHave a great rest of the day! Good Morning Aurora will return with more news, weather and the very best of Aurora. Subscribe to the show on YouTube at this link: https://www.youtube.com/c/GoodMorningAuroraPodcastThe second largest city's first daily news podcast is here. Tune in 5 days a week, Monday thru Friday from 9:00 to 9:30 am. Make sure to like and subscribe to stay updated on all things Aurora.Threads: https://www.threads.net/@goodmorningaurorailInstagram: goodmorningaurorailSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6dVweK5Zc4uPVQQ0Fp1vEP...Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/.../good-morning.../id1513229463Anchor: https://anchor.fm/goodmorningaurora #kanecountyil #bataviail #genevail #elginil #aurorail #auroraillinois #cityofaurorail #auroramedia #auroranews #morningnews #goodmorningaurora #fyp #thursday #theneighborproject

Tom and Don spend this post-Thanksgiving episode dismantling the illusion that big insurance companies—Northwestern Mutual in particular—are “financial advisors” rather than high-pressure sales organizations built on whole-life commissions. Don recounts his own early days as a Dean Witter cold-call cowboy, and the two walk listeners through a damning Guardian investigation revealing recruitment practices, high-pressure quotas, and the wealth-destroying math behind whole life. The phones open to calls about Cambridge's nearly 3% wrap fees, sociopathic insurance sales relatives, term-insurance needs for young families, Roth vs. pre-tax decisions, and how to find a real fiduciary advisor. The theme is consistent: avoid sales machines masquerading as advice, and keep investors from being devoured by the industry's worst incentives. 0:04 Tech glitches, Thanksgiving jokes, and Tom's three-week vacation cadence 1:45 Why this is “not the best-of”—it may be the worst-of 2:26 Don's Dean Witter cold-call origin story and the culture of selling, not advising 3:35 Northwestern Mutual's rebrand and the Guardian investigation 4:08 False promises: “You'll make $200K in three years” 5:12 The cold-calling boot camp and why only one trainee survived (Don) 6:46 Inside the student recruitment pipeline and the friends-and-family harvesting 8:11 Whole life math: the S&P at +3700% vs. Northwestern at +44% 10:50 Why whole life persists: commissions 12:41 Wrap-up of the Guardian findings and the industry's structural sleight-of-hand 16:23 CALL: Cambridge Wealth “index” portfolio with hidden fees 23:14 The reveal: Cambridge's small-account wrap fees approach 3% per year 25:54 CALL: Son-in-law selling insurance, knows it's a ripoff, loves the money 28:55 Thanksgiving family drama and the “sociopath vs. psychopath” riff 29:59 CALL: How much term life insurance should a high-income parent carry? 32:52 CALL (same): Splitting Roth vs. pre-tax contributions when income is high 34:28 CALL: How to find a true fiduciary (and avoid annuity traps) 37:59 The advisor interview form and how to make salespeople disqualify themselves Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many of us carry shame and anxiety around money and stories we've inherited, absorbed, or unconsciously lived into. Mindfully acknowledging our stories is the first step toward freedom. Money is emotional, relational, and often a mirror of what matters most in life. Awareness of your money "story" creates spaciousness for something more compassionate. This week, Jessie is joined by Helena Rosenthal, MBA, MPH, and Nikki Macdonald, CFP®, financial advisors from Northwestern Mutual who specialize in supporting women and women-led households.  Mindfulness and money are powerful partners. Thoughtful awareness transforms how we save, spend, and invest.  Learning to trust yourself with money is a practice. Financial safety doesn't come from overthinking but from clarity, planning, and presence. Reflection Questions: What story were you taught about money growing up? What feelings arise when you think about money? Are they guilt, fear, shame, or hope? If money weren't an issue, how would you spend your time? What would change if you approached your finances with compassion and curiosity rather than fear or judgment? If you'd like support to integrate what you heard today into your life, coaching is a powerful place to begin. You can explore working with me here: www.jessiemahoneymd.com/coaching To experience this kind of reflective work in a beautiful and nourishing setting, join me at a retreat: www.jessiemahoneymd.com/retreats If you'd like to bring this kind of mindful conversation to your team, institution, or conference, reach out to explore having me speak: www.jessiemahoneymd.com/speaking To learn more about Dr. Liang's work or invite her to speak, visit: www.awakenbreath.org Helena and Nikki offer a complimentary 30-minute session that's thoughtful, values-aligned, and designed to help you begin with ease. *Nothing shared in the Healing Medicine Podcast is medical advice.  

Behind every successful property turnaround is a set of choices that shape the outcome. In this solo episode of the Real Estate Investor Podcast, Gary Lipsky walks listeners through a detailed case study of Icon on Spanish Trail, the 256-unit Tucson property he acquired in December 2023. He explains why the deal stood out (an institutional-quality asset purchased at a discount during a period of low transaction volume) and how his team crafted a business plan centered on water savings, staff optimization, and cost-effective upgrades. Gary breaks down the improvements that delivered the biggest impact, from high-efficiency plumbing fixtures and privacy fences to selective painting and smart amenity additions. He also shares the early challenges, including occupancy dips and renovation difficulties, and how focusing on controllables helped stabilize the asset and lift NOI (Net Operating Income) by 36% in the first year. Tune in for a transparent look at the wins, struggles, and strategic pivots behind this value-add execution!Key Points From This Episode:Why Gary chose to spotlight Icon on Spanish Trail as a case study.How limited deal flow in Tucson in 2023 created a rare buying opportunity.What was appealing about the deal: scale, quality, and discounted pricing.An overview of the business plan's focus on water savings and operational efficiencies.Targeted upgrades, including low-flow fixtures and privacy fences.Selective repainting and amenity improvements to enhance the property.How cost controls and efficiencies lifted NOI by more than 36% in year one.Navigating early struggles with occupancy and constraints on pushing rents.Capital-raising challenges due to tight liquidity and investor uncertainty.Washer-dryer additions as a controllable income-generating upgrade.Refinancing the property to lower-rate debt and greater savings.Community-building as a driver of retention and resident satisfaction.Gary's key lessons for focusing on controllables, efficiency, and stability.Current investment opportunities, from Class A and C options to Icon on Headley.Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:Icon on Spanish TrailIcon on HeadleyEmail Andy Huang, Investor Relations ManagerAndy Huang on LinkedInAsset Management Mastery Facebook GroupInvest SmartBreak of Day CapitalBreak of Day Capital InstagramBreak of Day Capital YouTubeGary Lipsky on LinkedIn

The woman who as a sixth-grader stabbed a classmate to please the fictional "Slender Man" is likely headed back to Wisconsin after police say she cut off her ankle monitor and fled to Illinois. The Trump administration is investigating claims that a Milwaukee insurance company discriminated against a white man. And, scientists say this could be a severe flu season. Only one-quarter of Wisconsinites have gotten flu shots.

Feeling stuck in your career and unable to break through? What if the key to unlocking your potential and achieving real growth lies in a simple shift in mindset and systems, not just working harder?   In this episode of the Registered Investment Advisor Podcast, Seth Greene interviews Jim Effner, founder of the P2P Group, a coaching and training firm dedicated to helping financial advisors turn their potential into real performance. With over 30 years of experience in the financial industry, Jim shares the mindset and systems that have enabled him to build high-performing teams and achieve lasting success. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, Jim's insights will help you reach your full potential and elevate your business.   Key Takeaways: → Why the biggest mistake advisors can make is winging it. → How successful business run on systems not improvisation. → Why empowering beliefs are crucial to overcoming self-doubt and achieving success. → How growth requires embracing risk and moving forward even when it's uncomfortable. → Why the solo advisor model is dying and how a team-based approach provides scale, service, and succession.   Jim Effner is founder and President of P2P Group, a company specializing in sales training for financial services professionals. His mission is to help bridge the gap between financial advisors' potential and their performance. Prior to forming the P2P Group, Jim was Managing Partner of one of the largest Northwestern Mutual offices in the country. He built the Effner Financial Group to nearly 150 full-time and college advisors, insuring over 65,000 policyholders with a face amount of nearly $27 billion. A Million Dollar Round Table qualifier every year he worked in the business, Jim is now a lifetime member of MDRT. He was a three-time Recognition Dinner/Forum qualifier, which represents the top 5% of all Northwestern Mutual advisors. In fact, he was the youngest person to make Forum the first two times he qualified. As a new advisor, he led his region in 1990, 1991 and 1992, placing runner-up in the Bronze and Silver awards, and 3rd in the Gold. Jim has overcome numerous life challenges, including losing his hearing just 30 days after taking his Managing Partner contract. He brings his commitment to excellence, his passion, energy and conviction – along with his perspective of 30+ years in the industry – to every aspect of his business.   Connect With Jim:   Website: https://jimeffner.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jimeffnerp2p LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimeffner/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We sat down with John Roberts, Executive Vice President and Chief Field Officer of Northwestern Mutual, for a conversation on the role of the advisor-client relationship in financial planning. John shared his insight on how advisors are establishing niche specialties to differentiate their practices, and balancing modern technology with human connection in their relationships with clients.

Joining Gary on the show today is Break of Day Capital's Director of Asset Management, Tim Chui. With over a decade of experience in institutional real estate, Tim Chui has held senior roles at leading firms including JRK Properties, Essex Property Trust, and American Realty Advisors. He began his career analyzing equity and fixed income opportunities before moving into acquisitions, portfolio management, and asset management. Tim has overseen 54 multifamily assets across Southern California totaling more than 12,000 units and $5 billion in value, and has successfully navigated complex, over-leveraged portfolios through challenging market cycles. In today's conversation, Tim shares what first drew him to the asset management space, the path that led him to his current role, and the skill set needed to excel in the field. He opens up about the toughest property he's ever managed, the lessons learned, and his proudest accomplishments to date. They also dive into the tools and metrics that drive effective asset management, the industry's evolving landscape, and where Tim believes the future of asset management is headed. Thanks for tuning in!Key Points From This Episode:Introduction to today's guest and topic of conversation.What first grabbed Tim's interest in the asset management space.The path to becoming an asset manager.Tim breaks down the basic skillset required in asset management. He shares about the hardest property he's ever had to asset manage.What he learned from his most challenging property.His biggest accomplishment so far, in the asset management space.Tim sheds light on some of the biggest challenges he faces. Asset management tools and resources Tim can't live without. A typical day as an asset manager; from Tim's perspective. What he hopes to achieve when visiting properties on a monthly basis.Key metrics he focuses on.Tim shares his thoughts on the changes he's witness and where the industry is heading. Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:Tim Chui on LinkedInEliseAIAsset Management Mastery Facebook Group Invest SmartBreak of Day Capital Break of Day Capital InstagramBreak of Day Capital YouTubeGary Lipsky on LinkedIn

Insurance is a Confusing topic. Health insurance, life insurance, homeowners insurance, disability and long-term care insurance.. How do we get what we need, and where do we even start? Today's guest is Paris Jackson, Financial Advisor with Northwestern Mutual, and she's going to give you some simple, do-able financial things today, with a focus on Insurance. Be ready to take some notes if you can! Here's the link to get in touch with her: LINKSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We speak with Everton Simmons, a Northwestern Mutual financial advisor. We discuss what is the fall financial reset? How to enter 2026 financially prepared? Tune in now and lets elevate. Black Men Sundays is ranked #12 of the top 80 Black Wealth Podcasts on https://podcasts.feedspot.com/black_wealth_and_investing_podcasts/Subscribe on our Youtube channel! https://www.youtube.com/@blackmensundays Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok @blackmensundays Our Third Annual Turkey Drive is in effect feeding the families of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida. To make a donation click the link below. Donate Here: https://square.link/u/5EjkgKz7?src=sheet

Today on the podcast, Gary sits down with Joe Rinderknecht, founder of Upgrade Partners Capital, a fund of funds, and Cowboy Capital, a real estate investment firm specializing in value-add multifamily properties. With nearly a decade of experience in commercial real estate, Joe has owned and invested in roughly 600 apartment units across Montana, Idaho, Utah, Texas, and Ohio. His background spans property and construction management, asset management for large portfolios, and capital raising for a range of projects. In this conversation, Joe shares his approach to overcoming analysis paralysis through actionable steps like 10-minute napkin underwriting, dives into his strategies for investment and market selection, tells us how he honed his skills in asset management, and shares why understanding every part of the process matters. He also opens up about Tiny's Tribe, the nonprofit he founded in memory of his brother and grandmother. Tune in for an inspiring and insightful discussion packed with practical advice, personal stories, and lessons on taking action even when fear stands in the way.Key Points From This Episode:We're introduced to today's guest, Joe Rinderknecht.Joe shares his real estate journey and how he got into commercial real estate.He recounts his first encounter with LIHTC section 42. Joe's advice on overcoming analysis paralysis.His strategy for potential investment properties and market selection.How Joe got into and learned the ropes of asset management. He sheds light on Tiny's Tribe nonprofit work.How to get in contact with Joe. Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:Joe Rinderknecht on LinkedInJoe Rinderknecht on InstagramJoe Rinderknecht on EmailCowboy CapitalTiny's Tribe on FacebookObsidian CapitalLevi Allen on LinkedInAsset Management Mastery Facebook Group Invest SmartBreak of Day Capital Break of Day Capital InstagramBreak of Day Capital YouTubeGary Lipsky on LinkedIn

Stocks notch fresh record highs as investors weigh Big Tech's next moves and massive AI investments. Brent Schutte of Northwestern Mutual and Malcolm Ethridge of Capital Area Planning Group break down what's driving the rally. Mackenzie Sigalos reports on Amazon's sweeping AI push and major job cuts, while Vivek Arya of Bank of America shares insights from Jensen Huang and Lisa Su on the state of semiconductors and the demand picture. We also hear from Check Point CEO Nadav Zafrir on earnings and Nvidia partnership news. Starbucks' struggles with Jacob Aiken-Phillips of Melius Research. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After the tragic loss of her daughter Erin to gun violence, Marcy Langhofer transformed heartbreak into hope by founding Do Good for Erin, a nonprofit devoted to ending violence and supporting those it affects. What began as a simple clothing drive in Erin's memory has grown into a powerful movement that's donated over $650,000 to local agencies and awarded scholarships to future social workers. Through courage, compassion, and community, Marcy shows that even in our darkest moments, love can rise, kindness can heal, and purpose can be reborn.  Key Takeaways:   Kindness has the power to turn pain into purpose and loss into legacy.  Healing begins when we choose to reach outward with compassion, even in grief.  Community connection strengthens resilience and reminds us we are never alone.  Every small act of giving can restore hope and dignity to someone's life.  True impact happens when we live with empathy, intention, and heart.  Join us for the Kindness Campaign and help create a ripple of compassion in your community! Sign up today at SmallChangesBigShifts.com/Kindness to receive daily acts of kindness and inspiration.   We're also inviting sponsorship partners to help us expand this movement and touch even more lives. If your organization would like to be part of spreading kindness across communities, explore the opportunities here: https://smallchangesbigshifts.com/download/9926/?tmstv=1757105005     About Marcy Langhofer:  Marcy Langhofer is a Founder and President of Do Good for Erin, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization launched in 2019 after the tragic death of her daughter, Erin, from a random act of gun violence. Based in Overland Park, Kansas, Do Good for Erin started as a humble “Comfy Clothing” drive collecting Erin's favorite attire for the women and children she served as a domestic violence therapist at Rose Brooks Center, but has since expanded into a charitable powerhouse. In its six years, Do Good for Erin has provided $650,000 to agencies that support its mission “Passion for Ending Violence, Compassion for those it Affects.” In addition, the organization has awarded $30,000 in scholarships at the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare.   Prior to her work at Do Good for Erin, Marcy was Associate Financial Representative for Timothy Moyer at Northwestern Mutual for 17 years and Director of Human Resources for Smith, Gill, Fisher and Butts. In 2024 she was awarded Northwestern Mutual's national Community Service Award. She received degrees in Personnel Management and Communications at The University of Kansas.   Marcy has been married to Tom Langhofer for 39 years and is a loving mom to her daughter and son-in-law, Kathryn and Adam Rowe, and an adoring Grammie to Jennings and Jack.    Connect with Marcy Langhofer at:  https://dogoodforerin.com/      https://www.facebook.com/DoGoodForErin/     https://www.instagram.com/dogoodforerin/?hl=en       Connect with Dr. Michelle and Bayleigh at:  https://smallchangesbigshifts.com  hello@smallchangesbigshifts.com  https://www.linkedin.com/company/smallchangesbigshifts  https://www.facebook.com/SmallChangesBigShifts  https://www.instagram.com/smallchangesbigshiftsco  Thanks for listening!  Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.  Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!  Subscribe to the podcast  If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.  Leave us an Apple Podcasts review  Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts. 

In nearly every conversation I have about growing old, the same three concerns surface. No one wants to be really old and sick. No one wants to be really old and lonely. And no one wants to be really old and broke.Curtis Estes is a wealth management advisor who has been helping high-achievers design lives of purpose and longevity since 1991, when he began his career with Northwestern Mutual. Based in West Los Angeles with his wife and three children, Curtis brings over three decades of experience guiding clients through financial strategies that support vibrant, extended living. A journalism graduate from the University of Kansas, he's authored five books that reflect his passion for intentional living and legacy building. Curtis has also built a longevity community to give participants access to the latest insights from MDs, PhDs and longevity tech CEOs. Connect with Curtis: www.curtisestes.com.To View This Episode- https://youtu.be/d9g4VhXYbOk#philfriedrich #whoknewinthemoment #author #financialfreedom #longevity

So much investing advice sounds convincing until the market shifts and the assumptions break. In this episode of the Real Estate Investor Podcast, we sit down with Chad Ackerman to unpack common myths that trap limited partners (LPs) and explore how to replace them with a disciplined, strategy-first approach to passive real estate investing. Chad is the founder of CARE, a coaching practice helping busy professionals unlock the potential of passive real estate investing without becoming landlords or leaving their careers. After co-founding Left Field Investors (now PassivePockets) and learning through both wins and mistakes, he now coaches others on how to define their investor identity, vet deals, and take confident, informed action. In this conversation, you will hear a practical walkthrough of the seven core myths of passive investing and hear advice for newer investors on distributions, accreditation, advisor incentives, and more. He also explains why emotions derail even seasoned investors, shares real-world lessons from his own portfolio, and offers practical tips to set clear goals, navigate deals with confidence, and take action without fear. Tune in now!Key Points From This Episode:Find out why education beats the analysis paralysis.Hear why defining your goals and developing a strategy is essential. Tips for creating an investor identity sheet and how it can help.Explore why past sponsors should always be re-vetted. Discover why big projected returns are not a guarantee of a good deal. Private Placement Memorandum (PPM) and why it is important.Unpack what people get wrong regarding investment distributions.Why you should always do your own research and not rely on others.Important aspects of diversification and why it needs to be intentional.Uncover common myths about investing and learn the value of community.Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:Chad Ackerman Real EstateCARE Coaching ServicesChad Ackerman on LinkedInTribevestPassivePocketsAsset Management Mastery Facebook Group Invest SmartBreak of Day Capital Break of Day Capital InstagramBreak of Day Capital YouTubeGary Lipsky on LinkedIn

Michael Green, chief strategist at Simplify Asset Management, says the stock market is inflating a bubble, but that it's really "a bubble on top of a bubble" in the artificial intelligence arena, where the stocks in the industry — but also those adjacent to the technology  are booming even though many have yet to prove a real ability to generate profits. Green is worried about slowing economic conditions and expects a recession to hit, barring some significant efforts by the government and/or central bankers --  in 2026. He says investors are overlooking opportunities in fixed income broadly and high-yield specifically, and he favors those areas over rushing into whatever has been popular for a while now.    Jacob Ayres-Thomson, chief executive of 3AI which is working with financial-services firms and index providers to bring artificial intelligence-driven new approaches to the market  discusses how  new technologies are changing the old ways of investing, but without eliminating them. He says that no AI-driven bot will ever replace the genius of a Warren Buffett, but it will help make ordinary market actions easier to forecast and, potentially, capture in an investment.    Michael Scordo, wealth management adviser at Park Avenue Capital, discusses the latest data released from the Northwestern Mutual 2025 Planning and Progress Study, which showed that Generation X — the middle child of the generations with its oldest members turning 60 this year — is particularly worried about its financial future. Many are going through sandwich-generation problems — still raising kids while aging parents now require care — and more than half think they won't be financially prepared for retirement when the time comes.

What do poker strategy and mobile home investing have in common? More than you might think! In this episode of the Real Estate Investor Podcast, we sit down with Pasha Esfandiary to dig into the secret behind his success in real estate and how he is shaking up the mobile home space. Pasha is the CEO and Managing Partner of Evoke Capital, a real estate investment firm specializing in high-upside mobile home communities. After a successful career as a professional poker player, Pasha transitioned into real estate, flipping more than 50 homes in Las Vegas before expanding into multifamily and development projects. Guided by his resilience, emotional intelligence, and a long-term vision, he has built Evoke Capital around creating win-win opportunities for both investors and residents. In our conversation, Pasha explains how skills honed at the poker table, such as long-term thinking, risk mitigation, and disciplined decision-making, have guided his success in real estate. He also shares why he prefers mobile home communities, what operational levers he pulls to maximize performance, and the investing philosophy that continues to shape his approach today. Join us to discover how you can turn an overlooked real estate niche into long-term wealth with Pasha Esfandiary!Key Points From This Episode:Hear about Pasha's journey from professional poker player to real estate investor.What skills from his time as a poker player have helped him be successful in real estate.Learn about his approach to investing and why he focuses on long-term holds.Find out why his focus is on mobile homes instead of conventional real estate investments.The average length of a mobile home tenant and the operational costs of mobile communities. Discover what Evoke's typical buy box is and why the company avoids vacant lots.Explore why being overly optimistic is the biggest downfall of real estate investors.Hear what most real estate investors get wrong and the cyclical nature of real estate.Pasha shares the two qualities that every real estate investor needs to be successful.Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:Pasha EsfandiaryPasha Esfandiary on LinkedInPasha Esfandiary on InstagramEvoke CapitalRaising the StakesThink and Grow RichAsset Management Mastery Facebook Group Invest SmartBreak of Day Capital Break of Day Capital InstagramBreak of Day Capital YouTubeGary Lipsky on LinkedIn

In this episode, I interview Jim Effner, founder of P2P and former Northwestern Mutual leader. We discuss how real estate professionals can build powerful referral partnerships with financial advisors and why technology will never replace human connection.

What does real veteran support in higher education look like? At the University of Missouri–St. Louis, Veterans Center Manager and Missouri Army National Guard Sergeant Martina Meng is leading the way.In this episode, she shares how UMSL serves over 523 military-connected students with personalized benefits support, hands-on learning, and a community that feels like home. She explains why starting 60 days early matters, how veteran-inclusive differs from veteran-friendly, and why camaraderie is the key to retention.Highlights:One-on-one GI Bill & State Tuition Assistance help.Student workers trained to guide peers.Partnerships with Veterans United, Northwestern Mutual & more.A safe, welcoming community that reduces isolation.Why UMSL is a top choice for veterans seeking belonging.

Don and Tom tackle Americans' retirement fears, highlighting a survey where one in five say it would take “a miracle” to retire securely. They stress the importance of planning over wishful thinking, cover the risks of recency bias, taxes, and underestimating longevity, and explain why flexibility—delaying Social Security, working part-time, downsizing, or even using a reverse mortgage—may be essential. Listener questions include a 30%+ ETF return (AVDV), the new rules allowing 529 rollovers to Roth IRAs, and a deep dive into Facet Wealth versus Northwestern Mutual, with a reminder about low-cost index investing and the value of fiduciary advice. 0:04 How confident Americans are about retirement security 1:37 “It would take a miracle” vs. “You need a plan” 2:37 The value of professional reviews and planning tools 3:52 No perfect time to retire, recency bias, and government as your “partner” 5:08 Retirement timing compared to parenthood decisions 6:06 The limits of Social Security and lifestyle realities 7:18 Adapting by working longer, delaying Social Security, or reducing expenses 8:25 Cutting wants, working part-time, or considering home equity solutions 9:23 Reverse mortgages and staged retirement strategies 10:03 Purpose, social life, and health in retirement 11:25 Listener question: international ETF with a 30%+ return (AVDV up 38% YTD) 13:02 Why diversification matters for capturing those “30 percenters” 13:22 Listener question: 529 rollovers to Roth IRAs and beneficiary changes 16:21 Listener case study: RN nearing retirement, Facet vs. Northwestern Mutual 18:07 Facet's flat annual fee structure compared to traditional AUM fees 20:54 The pitfalls of Northwestern Mutual's high fees and insurance roots 23:34 When to hire a fiduciary and why $1.5M+ means it's time 25:30 Advisor costs vs. DIY investing, plus an extended “haircut analogy” 27:13 Shout-out to AI-generated Talking Real Money show art Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike Santoli weighs in on fresh AI bubble chatter as Victoria Greene of G Squared Private Wealth and Northwestern Mutual's Brent Schutte size up the broader markets. Our Emily Wilkins breaks down the final 32 hours before a potential government shutdown. Wheaton Precious Metals CEO Randy Smallwood discusses the surge in metals, Plus, Morningstar's David Swartz previews Nike earnings and what investors should watch next. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What does it take to steer a multi-million-dollar property through one of the toughest lending environments in decades? In this episode of the Real Estate Investor Podcast, we welcome longtime friend and investor Gody Khambatta. Gody is a research scientist working on cancer treatments, but for over 25 years, he has also been quietly building a substantial real estate portfolio. In our conversation, Gody shares how he grew from house hacking in San Diego to managing more than 400 units across Texas, and talks about his recent battle to recapitalize a 240-unit portfolio. He also discusses the realities of navigating bridge debt, rising interest rates, property tax exemption programs, and the tough decisions that ultimately led to a successful refinance. Join us for insights into pragmatic strategies on debt, asset management, and staying resilient through market swings, with Gody Khambatta. Tune in now!Key Points From This Episode:Welcoming Gody Khambatta, his background, and why he started investing in real estate.Hear how Gody was able to build his real estate portfolio from one property. His experience with recapitalization and what to consider about a bridge loan. Gody outlines how tax exemption programs in Texas can add significant value.The difference between local property tax exemptions and roamer property tax exemptions.Politics and regulatory hurdles he faced when trying to leverage the tax exemptions.Find out how Gody was able to find financing even though the tax exemption route failed.Discover why matching debt structure with long-term business plans is crucial. Learn about fixed-rate financing and how it can reduce exposure to market volatility. Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:Gody Khambatta on LinkedInGody Khambatta Email           Asset Management Mastery Facebook Group Invest SmartBreak of Day Capital Break of Day Capital InstagramBreak of Day Capital YouTubeGary Lipsky on LinkedIn

1031 exchanges are incredibly valuable for investors and are often underutilized and ignored. Today on the Real Estate Investor Podcast, co-founder and CEO of 1031 Specialists, Jon Hilley, joins us to share a play-by-play of 1031 deals. Tuning in, you'll hear all about Jon's career and what his company does, the structure of a 1031 deal, a definition of a few 1031 terms, and so much more! We delve into Jon's thoughts on Delaware Statutory trusts before he stresses the importance of hiring a qualified intermediary for 1031 exchanges. He even discusses the fee structures and reminds us why proper planning is key in these kinds of deals. Finally, our guest touches on some common mistakes he sees being made in 1031 exchanges. Thanks for listening in! Key Points From This Episode:A warm welcome to today's guest, Jon Hilley. What Jon and his company, 1031 Specialists, do.The structure of a 1031 deal and why it's important. Jon explains basis, equity, and net investment goal. His thoughts on DSTs (Delaware Statutory Trusts). The importance of hiring a qualified intermediary. Jon explains his fee structures for 1031 deals. The importance of proper planning in 1031 exchanges. Common mistakes investors make in 1031 deals. Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:Jon Hilley on LinkedIn1031 Specialists Call 1031 Specialists on 631-438-1031National Association of REALTORSAsset Management Mastery Facebook Group Invest SmartBreak of Day Capital Break of Day Capital InstagramBreak of Day Capital YouTubeGary Lipsky on LinkedIn

What happens when a former engineer and Shark Tank entrepreneur applies a product developer's mindset to real estate? Alvin Uy has been focused on real estate in Los Angeles for 22 years, doing construction, fix-and-flips, short-term rentals, ADUs, SB9, and most recently, senior living. In this episode, Alvin shares how he built wealth by treating real estate like a product, creating solutions that attract tenants instead of chasing them. From maximizing returns through ADUs and rent-by-the-room strategies to developing co-living and senior housing models inspired by personal experience, Alvin reveals the creative approaches that have allowed him to thrive in one of the nation's toughest markets. He also opens up about today's challenges with capital raising and investor expectations, while offering an optimistic outlook on Los Angeles real estate as the city prepares for global events and a new wave of growth.Key Points From This Episode:Alvin Uy's pursuit of real estate after seeing his immigrant parents lose everything.How Alvin transitioned from aerospace engineering and design into real estate by leveraging creativity and side hustles like flipping homes.What appearing on Shark Tank taught him: the value of betting on himself instead of selling out early.How viewing real estate as a product helped Alvin by shifting his focus from chasing deals to creating solutions people chase.Building ADUs in Los Angeles to force appreciation and cash flow.Boosting his returns by pivoting to rent-by-the-room models that maximized market rents and tenant turnover benefits.Partnering with a construction team that allows scalable, cost-efficient builds.Diversifying by experimenting with co-living models like student housing, assisted living, and sober living.Managing investor expectations and navigating market uncertainty with high-end flips.Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:Alvin Uy on LinkedIn Alvin Uy on Instagram Alvin Uy on X AARK Investments Rich Dad, Poor DadAsset Management Mastery Facebook Group Invest SmartBreak of Day Capital Break of Day Capital InstagramBreak of Day Capital YouTubeGary Lipsky on LinkedIn

In this episode of Excess Returns, we sit down with Brent Schutte, CIO of Northwestern Mutual, to discuss the current macro landscape and what it means for investors. Brent shares his balanced perspective on the Fed, inflation, tariffs, concentration risk in markets, and why diversification may be more important now than ever. With over 30 years of investing experience, Brent provides valuable lessons from past cycles that help put today's environment in context.The Fed's dual mandate and why both inflation and unemployment risks matterHow tariffs could reshape growth and inflation dynamicsMarket concentration and the dominance of the Magnificent SevenLessons from past cycles (1999 tech bubble, 2007 commodities, Japan in the 1980s)The role of diversification, including small/mid caps, international equities, and commoditiesActive vs. passive investing and how to evaluate managersRecession signals, rolling recessions, and hidden economic weaknessWhy humility and balance are essential in portfolio construction00:00 – Introduction & importance of diversification02:00 – The Fed's mandate and tariffs' impact on growth & inflation07:30 – Reaction to Powell's Jackson Hole speech & Fed independence15:20 – Hidden recession, labor market signals & AI's economic role20:30 – Reliability of recession indicators post-COVID26:00 – Tariffs, uncertainty & risks for investors28:40 – Market concentration and the Magnificent Seven34:00 – Rethinking diversification: 60/40, commodities, and international exposure41:20 – Lessons from past market cycles (Japan, dot-com, China, commodities)45:15 – Passive flows, active management, and evaluating skill vs. luck50:00 – Government stakes in companies (Intel discussion)52:00 – Standard closing questions & final lessons

If your paycheck stopped tomorrow, how long could you last – weeks, maybe months? In this episode of the Tax Rep Network Podcast, host Eric Green sits down with Elza Sarkisian of Northwestern Mutual to discuss the financial risk too many professionals overlook: disability insurance.You'll learn:Why your income – not your house or retirement account – is your greatest asset.The staggering odds of becoming disabled before retirement.How disability insurance protects your lifestyle, your family, and your business.What tax professionals need to know about coverage and planning.Packed with real-life stories and practical strategies, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who depends on a paycheck – and every advisor who wants to elevate their value.Join Eric and Elza for the free webinar on this topic on September 10th by registering here: https://taxrepllc.com/20250910-income/Contact Elza at elza.sarkisian@nm.com

In this episode of Behind the Impact, Northwestern Mutual's Chief Sustainability & Impact Officer, Grady Crosby, joins the show.

What does it mean to operate at peak performance, and how can entrepreneurs and real estate investors learn from this principle that athletes adopt? From the NFL field to real estate and beyond, today's guest, Larry English, knows what it takes to perform at the highest level. In this episode, Larry shares his journey from retiring from football to building success in real estate and founding MindBody Mastery, a program dedicated to helping people unlock peak performance. He breaks down common misconceptions about high achievement, the critical role mindset plays, and more! Larry also reflects on what he wishes he knew about peak performance in his youth, offers advice for anyone stuck in a plateau, and reveals how anyone can reach new levels of growth and performance. You don't want to miss this one, so be sure to tune in now!Key Points From This Episode:A brief overview of today's guest, Larry English.What led him to retire from football and get into real estate.How he became a peak performer not only in football, but real estate too.What led Larry to start MindBody Mastery and what they do. Some misunderstandings about achieving peak performance. How mindset plays a role in the effectiveness of peak performance. Larry shares his favorite piece of equipment he uses every day. What he would tell his younger self about peak performance. Larry's advice for anyone who has hit a plateau and feels stuck. Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:Larry English on LinkedInLarry English on InstagramLarry English on XMindBody Mastery Asset Management Mastery Facebook Group Invest SmartBreak of Day Capital Break of Day Capital InstagramBreak of Day Capital YouTubeGary Lipsky on LinkedIn 

What happens when the person you trusted most with your money turns out to be the one stealing it? On today's episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian unpack the stunning story of former Northwestern Mutual advisor John Kersey, accused of running a multi-million-dollar fraud right here in Cincinnati. Bob and Brian break down how the alleged scam worked, and—most importantly—how you can protect yourself and your family from ever falling victim to something like this. Whether you're managing $500,000 or $10 million, this conversation could save you from devastating mistakes.

Navigate today's market landscape with Kristina Partsinevelos setting the market theme while Rick Santelli breaks down critical bond market movements. Scott Wren from Wells Fargo Investment Institute and Brent Schutte from Northwestern Mutual share their global market outlook. BHP CEO Mike Henry discusses earnings, tariffs impact on the global economy and more. Legendary bond observer Jim Grant weighs in on the bond market ahead of Jackson Hole. Plus, CFRA's Arun Sundaram previews Walmart's upcoming earnings.

 Bill Benjamin | Entrepreneur Institute for Health and Human Potential Bill Benjamin is a top Emotional Intelligence keynote speaker and a thought leader on the subjects of leadership and peak performance. He is a regular contributor to CEO magazine, Training Magazine as well as other leadership publications.Bill has an authentic approach that resonates with the audience and especially with those that might be typically resistant to the important relationship between ‘soft-skills' and exceptional leadership. A natural storyteller, he balances anecdotes with science and research to engage all types of participants. When he is not speaking, Bill spends time working with senior leaders and their teams at Fortune 500 companies helping them overcome the barriers that often hold them back from reaching their full potential.Some of Bill's engagements include Fortune 1000 and strategic clients such as ExxonMobil, United Airlines, Home Depot, Procter & Gamble and Northwestern Mutual.As a math and computer science guy, Bill discovered the power of managing emotions while he was working in the technology industry. Bill is very honest and vulnerable when it comes to the struggles he had early in his career as a leader. He was so impressed by the Institute for Health and Human Potential [IHHP]'s brain science-based approach to Emotional Intelligence, and even more so by its practical applications, that he became a partner in the company. Now that's commitment!  

The commercial real estate market is shifting quickly, and in order to keep up and ensure you can finance your investments, you need to be able to adapt. In this episode of the Real Estate Investor Podcast, Anton Mattli from Peak Financing joins us to share his insights on today's market trends and what lending is like in commercial real estate today. Tuning in, you'll hear all about why lenders are tightening their scrutiny on loan schedules, how transparency can make or break your lender relationships, and more! He offers practical advice for navigating loan modifications before sharing his outlook on interest rates in the year ahead. Finally, Anton leaves listeners with some advice about seeking a real estate loan. Thanks for listening in! Key Points From This Episode:An overview of today's guest, Anton Mattli. Anton shares his thoughts on the current commercial real estate market.Why lenders are scrutinizing real estate loan schedules. The importance of transparency when communicating with lenders. Anton shares his advice for anyone going through loan modifications. How he sees the rates evolving in the next few months.Some words of wisdom for anyone looking for a loan. Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:Anton Mattli on LinkedInAnton Mattli Email AddressPeak Financing Asset Management Mastery Facebook GroupBreak of Day Capital Break of Day Capital InstagramBreak of Day Capital YouTubeGary Lipsky on LinkedIn

Jurrien Timmer, director of global macro at Fidelity Investments, says that the market has been dealing with "cross-currents," where concerns about tariffs increasing inflation have been offset by declining oil prices, and where a lack of rate cuts has been countered by record corporate profits. It all combines to create a market that Timmer says can get past the concerns to deliver modest gains moving forward; he makes a case for domestic markets, noting they are not as overvalued as investors might expect after several big years and that they are not facing significant recession or downturn potential.   Todd Rosenbluth, head of research at VettaFi, makes a brand new fund — part of a just-launched suite of funds that use options to generate income off of traditional sector indexes — as his ETF of the Week. Wealth manager Derek Ober of Ober Financial discusses the latest release from the Northwestern Mutual 2025 Planning and Progress Study, which showed that a growing number of Americans plan to leave an inheritance to their heirs, but fewer people expect to receive money from an inheritance. Ober says that a lack of communication between the generations is at the heart of the issue.

SummaryIn this episode of the Winning Season podcast, host Jacqueline Twillie interviews Alair Castro, a Director of Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and Marketing at Northwestern Mutual and founder of the AC Consultancy. Alair shares her journey and passion for addressing the racial wealth gap, advocating for Black women, and creating inclusive marketing strategies. The conversation explores the importance of building trust within communities, measuring success beyond traditional metrics, and the significance of maintaining authenticity in consultancy work. Alair emphasizes the need for multiple streams of income and the value of unplugged family time for personal and professional growth.TakeawaysAlair Castro is a Director of Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and Marketing.Her career is dedicated to advocating for Black women.The racial wealth gap is a significant issue affecting the Black community.Building trust within the Black community is crucial for financial services.Inclusive marketing can drive business goals and community impact.Success indicators should go beyond clicks and impressions.Maintaining authenticity is key in consultancy work.Monetizing your skills can create additional income streams.Unplugged family time is essential for mental well-being.Effective communication of boundaries is vital in leadership.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Alair Castro01:40 Passion for Racial Wealth Gap03:48 Understanding the Racial Wealth Gap05:14 Building Buy-In for Inclusion06:44 The Business Case for Inclusive Marketing07:42 Cultural Insights in Marketing09:23 Measuring Success Beyond Clicks10:40 Overcoming Analysis Paralysis12:15 Monetizing Your Genius14:05 The Importance of Unplugged Time16:00 Turning Conflict into Collaboration17:56 Marketing and Money Rules for Change Makers18:24 Fun and Personal Insights with Alair CastroConnect with Alair LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/alaircastro/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/acoutoftheoffice/Online https://www.theacconsultancy.com/

This week on The Girl Dad Show, Young Han sits down with Umang Shah — marketing executive, fractional CMO, and founder of Inovari — for a thoughtful conversation about what happens when your entire worldview shifts after becoming a parent. Umang Shah is a seasoned marketing executive with 20+ years of experience leading global marketing innovation across industries like tech, retail, CPG, life sciences, and financial services. He's held leadership roles at companies like Microsoft, Walmart, Campbell's, Medidata, and Northwestern Mutual. Named one of Adweek's 50 Vital Leaders in Tech, Media, and Marketing, Umang now runs his own consultancy, Inovari, where he helps startups and growth-stage companies stay perpetually relevant. Together, they unpack how fatherhood has impacted Umang's career decisions, health, and lifestyle, and why the pandemic was a major turning point for realigning priorities. They talk about the emotional and mental adjustments required to show up fully — both at home and at work — and why being present is sometimes the hardest but most valuable thing you can do. Whether you're a new parent, a seasoned one, or someone thinking about how to better balance your ambition with the rest of your life, this episode offers candid reflections and real-world insight. ✨ All episodes of The Girl Dad Show are proudly sponsored by Thesis, helping founders go further, together. Takeaways Parenthood forces a reset on what really matters Success doesn't mean much without well-being Kids model what we do, not what we say Flexibility in consulting can be freeing, but not without its pressures Enjoying the ride is often more important than controlling it

Earlier this month, Gov. Tony Evers signed a new biannual budget that in part brings relief to tax filers, conditional raises to UW employees, and increased funding to special education. Host Bianca Martin speaks with Cap Times state government and disinformation reporter Erin McGroarty to understand how the new budget will impact Madison residents. Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We're also on Instagram!  You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the Madison Minutes morning newsletter. 

Looking for the right whole life insurance company in 2025? We break down the major players in the participating whole life insurance market and discuss what makes each one unique. You'll learn which companies excel at cash accumulation and which ones focus more on providing affordable permanent death benefits. We cover over a dozen companies including Guardian, MassMutual, Northwestern Mutual, New York Life, Penn Mutual, and more. You'll discover why some companies are easier to work with than others and what product features matter most for your specific situation. We share insights based on years of experience reviewing policies and working with these companies directly. This isn't about ranking companies from best to worst. Instead, we explain how different companies serve different purposes and why the "best" company depends entirely on your goals. Whether you're interested in maximizing cash value growth or simply need permanent life insurance coverage, you'll gain valuable perspective on your options. We also discuss the importance of understanding that not all whole life policies are created equal. You'll learn why working with an experienced agent matters and how product design can dramatically impact your results. ______________________________ Ready to explore your whole life insurance options? Contact us to discuss which company and product design might work best for your specific situation and goals.

Every driven professional eventually reaches a crossroads where working harder no longer produces the desired growth. Mark Kull found himself at this junction after achieving Northwestern Mutual's prestigious Forum recognition in consecutive years, only to realize he was trapped in an unsustainable cycle of effort.What followed was a transformative journey from frantic producer to strategic business builder. Mark shares the counterintuitive wisdom that reshaped his approach: "You often have to slow down to speed up." This perspective shift led him to create what he considers more valuable than any to-do list – a comprehensive "don't-do list" that freed him to focus on his highest-impact activities.The conversation explores Mark's deeply personal definition of success: being "front door famous" – showing up as the same authentic person whether with family, clients, or strangers. This consistency of character guides his leadership and life choices more powerfully than traditional financial metrics ever could.Mark reveals the practical strategies that supported his transition, from calculating the true hourly value of his client-facing time to intentionally hiring team members with complementary strengths rather than similar personalities. He candidly discusses the challenges of letting go, acknowledging that "in our desperation to want to be everything to everybody, we don't really become much of anything to anybody."Perhaps most surprisingly, Mark credits consistent sleep and wake times as his most important habit – a discipline that builds self-trust and reinforces his capacity for follow-through in every area of life. His approach demonstrates how elite achievement often comes not from doing more, but from doing the right things with remarkable consistency.Ready to rethink your approach to growth? Connect with Mark at mark.kull@nm.com or visit https://cpp.nm.com/ to learn how strategic delegation and intentional habits might transform your personal and professional trajectory. In this podcast you will learn:• Redefining success as being "front door famous" – maintaining consistency of character across all environments• Creating a strategic "don't-do list" rather than just focusing on to-do lists• Calculating the hourly value of client-facing time to determine what tasks to delegate• Hiring people with complementary skill sets rather than similar personalities• Making the shift from "producing forum" to "being a forum producer" through systems and processes• Building in non-negotiable growth opportunities like mastermind groups and industry conferences• Using flexible growth methods like reading that can be done at various times without rigid scheduling• Celebrating wins intentionally rather than constantly moving goalposts• Maintaining consistent habits like regular sleep and wake times to build self-discipline• Finding team members who genuinely enjoy the tasks on your don't-do listHighlights:0:00Self-Actualization and Introduction7:12Defining Elite Success Personally11:40The Journey from Forum Producer20:24Building a Strategic Business30:24Creating Space for Growth39:06The Power of Consistency42:50Celebration and Final ThoughtsInterested in 1:1 Coaching?Kristin partners with high-performing financial advisors, leaders, and business owners who are ready to lead with more clarity, focus, and intention.Clients often come to her with a strong vision—but they aren't sure how to close the gap between where they are now and where they want to go. Many are navigating a season of growth, stepping into expanded leadership, or realizing they've outgrown their current systems and ways of...

What if audit wasn't just a watchdog—but a catalyst for innovation, trust, and long-term growth? And what can education learn from it?In this episode of The TechEd Podcast, Matt Kirchner sits down with Abim Kolawole, Chief Audit Executive at Northwestern Mutual, to explore how risk management, when done right, becomes a strategic advantage. Abim shares his remarkable journey—from growing up in Nigeria and watching Wall Street as a kid, to becoming a lawyer at the SEC, to now leading audit at one of America's most respected financial institutions.But this episode goes far beyond compliance. It's about how innovation and integrity can—and must—coexist. Abim breaks down how technology can accelerate outcomes only when deployed safely, how AI is reshaping how organizations detect and act on risk, and why relevance is the new currency for both businesses and educators.Listen to learn:Why tech is only an accelerant if you deliver it safelyHow AI helps businesses “listen for risk” and act with foresightWhat schools can learn from client-centric models in businessHow Northwestern Mutual is balancing tradition with transformationWhy critical thinking—not just tools—is the real superpower3 Big Takeaways from this Episode:1. Audit is no longer just about compliance—it's about enabling innovation. Abim Kolawole views audit as a strategic partner that delivers foresight, insights, and confidence to help a company grow safely. By using data, analytics, and a future-focused mindset, internal audit can help organizations place smarter bets, not just avoid bad ones.2. Technology only accelerates value when it's implemented with trust and purpose. At Northwestern Mutual, cloud migration and emerging tech like AI are approached with a “safe by design” mindset that includes cross-functional vetting and intentional guardrails. Abim emphasizes that skipping this step puts long-term client trust—and company relevance—at risk.3. Education leaders can learn from the client-centric models used in business. Just like Northwestern Mutual redesigned the advisor and client experience using design thinking, educators must reimagine the student and teacher experience before introducing new tools. Critical thinking, not technology alone, is the foundation of a truly transformative education.Resources in this Episode:To learn more about Northwestern Mutual, visit: www.northwesternmutual.comCheck out the movie Wall Street, mentioned in this episodeFollow Abim on LinkedInConnect with Northwestern Mutual on Social Media:LinkedIn  |  X  |  Facebook  |  Instagram  |  YouTubeWe want to hear from you! Send us a text.Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

Herb Greenberg, editor of Herb Greenberg's Red Flag Alerts, tells the story of a stock scam that most recently centered on Ostin Technology, a Chinese company traded on the Nasdaq that recently popped to over $9 per share before losing 95 percent of its value in a single day. While the company is a cautionary tale for investors, Greenberg's bigger warning involves similar frauds that spring up around other companies overnight — that are fueled by investor greed and AI-powered fakery — which he describes as nearly impossible to stop or end in what he calls "the golden age of grift." Financial adviser Anthony Holds discusses the latest release from Northwestern Mutual's 2025 Planning & Progress Study, which showed that nearly 70 percent of Americans say financial uncertainty makes them depressed and anxious. Plus, in the Market Call, Dryden Pence, chief investment officer at Pence Capital Management, talks about finding stocks that benefit from being at the chokepoints in the supply chain for the next big thing.

Step inside the world of data innovation as Don Vu, SVP and Chief Data and Analytics Officer at New York Life, reveals how a 180-year-old institution is embracing cutting-edge AI. Don, shares insights from his unique background, spanning Major League Baseball and retail startups, now applied to transforming the insurance industry. Hear how New York Life leverages AI to make experiences proactive and intelligent, addressing challenges like the "last mile problem" in data operationalization. Key Moments: MLB Data Insights (07:28): The conversation delves into how every baseball stadium is extensively instrumented with high-speed camera and radar technology, meticulously tracking every object on the field. This massive trove of data is then shared across all baseball clubs for in-depth analysis and the optimization of strategies.The Last Mile Problem (09:38): A critical challenge in data and AI is identified as the "last mile problem," emphasizing that the primary hurdles often lie in the operationalization, change management, adoption, and acceptance of solutions, extending far beyond the mere building of models.Data & AI in Business Strategy (13:08): The discussion highlights that data serves as the fundamental underpinning for seamless operations, while AI actively transforms experiences, making them proactive and intelligent. This deep integration of AI and data is central to New York Life's core business strategy.Data Readiness & Quality (20:08): Persistent data readiness issues are addressed, underscoring that data quality, latency, governance, and stewardship—with business owners held accountable—are absolutely crucial for both structured and unstructured data environments.AI Interoperability & Agent-Driven Future (22:43): The episode explores the importance of tracking emerging AI protocols such as MCP (Model Context Protocol) and agent-to-agent protocols. A compelling vision of the future is also shared, where AI agents act on behalf of consumers. Realizing this vision depends on interoperability across AI systems, enabling smooth, intelligent collaboration between diverse platforms.GuideMe Application & AI (32:46): New York Life's innovative "GuideMe" tool, utilized by agents during client meetings, is described as possessing incredible potential for pervasive AI integration. This integration is set to significantly supercharge both the agent and client experience, streamlining financial planning.Key Quotes:“There is this phrase that data practitioners often cite. It's like this notion of garbage in, garbage out. And data quality matters. The latency of your data is significantly important. The notion of data governance and data stewardship, with a business owner being accountable for the quality of data, is really important." - Don Vu“We think human-led protection-first holistic advice and guidance is really the key here, and we have amazing advisors, we have amazing agents throughout the country, and what we're really focused on is really enhancing them and trying to make their lives easier by having AI at their side.” - Don Vu“Data is the underpinning foundation upon which that runs seamlessly and consistently. AI is the way by which it becomes proactive and intelligent across the entire set of experiences.” - Don VuMentionsHow New York Life's “Guide Me” is Leading the Way in Digital TransformationRockaway Beach: New York's Best Kept SecretLeading Change: By John P. KotterDiner: South Williamsburg, Brooklyn RestaurantGuest Bio Don Vu is the Senior Vice President and Chief Data and Analytics Officer at New York Life. In this role, Don leads the company's artificial intelligence (AI) and data team, overseeing AI, data, and insights initiatives and ensuring data architecture supports New York Life's business objectives. Prior to joining New York Life, Don served as chief data officer at Northwestern Mutual, where he spearheaded organizational transformation and enterprise data and AI strategy. His impressive career also includes leadership positions at WeWork as vice president of data and analytics and 13 years at Major League Baseball (MLB) as vice president of data and analytics. Don holds a B.S. in Information Systems and Commerce from the University of Virginia and actively contributes to the field as an advisory board member for McIntire's Business Analytics program. Hear more from Cindi Howson here. Sponsored by ThoughtSpot.

Brett Chestnut. He is the Managing Director of Northwestern Mutual Goodwin, Wright Gwinnett. Brett launched his financial planning practice in 2015, experiencing tremendous success helping clients achieve financial security. As his firm expanded, his passion and natural aptitude for leadership became increasingly evident, underscoring his ability to influence and lead with vision. As the Firm’s first black Managing Director, Brett plays a pivotal role in attracting, equipping, and empowering others to launch their own financial planning practice. He is especially committed to drawing more diverse talent to the industry, engaging proven professionals who might not have previously considered the career. Through his unwavering efforts, Brett is driving a wave of financial empowerment in diverse markets. For the first time, many business owners and individuals are actively planning for their financial futures, fostering financial security and building generational wealth with their communities. Company Description *Northwestern Mutual has been helping people and businesses achieve financial security for more than 165 years. Through a comprehensive planning approach, Northwestern Mutual combines the expertise of its financial professionals with a personalized digital experience and industry-leading products to help its clients plan for what's most important. With over $627 billion of total assets1 being managed across the company's institutional portfolio as well as retail investment client portfolios, more than $36 billion in revenues, and $2.3 trillion worth of life insurance protection in force, Northwestern Mutual delivers financial security to more than five million people with life, disability income and long-term care insurance, annuities, and brokerage and advisory services. Northwestern Mutual ranked 110 on the 2024 FORTUNE 500 and was recognized by FORTUNE® as one of the "World's Most Admired" life insurance companies in 2024. Talking Points/Questions *Atlanta’s income inequality, the highest in the nation according to U.S. Census Bureau Data, continues to fuel a racial wealth gap where white households in Atlanta hold 46 times more wealth than Black households. This is a disparity driven by factors including income, home ownership, generational wealth transfers, debt, access to banking and capital, and business ownership. Over the last decade, Northwestern Mutual’s Goodwin Wright office, a key financial services leader in Atlanta, has been intentionally focused on closing the wealth gap. The Goodwin Wright team, honored as Forbes Top Financial Security Professionals, has positioned itself at the intersection of financial empowerment, community and culture by: Empowering first generation wealth builders with tools and strategies they need to build long-term financial success, including women-focused financial planning Mentoring African American financial advisors, business owners, and entrepreneurs early in their careers Investing in the local community through scholarships, a robust internship program, and financial contributions to support community initiatives Questions for consideration:In Atlanta, White households hold 46 times more wealth than Black households. Can you discuss the key factors that have contributed to this gap? Northwestern Mutual’s Goodwin Wright office has been focusing on closing the wealth gap. Can you share more about the specific initiatives and programs you’ve implemented to address this issue? How does the approach of empowering first-generation wealth builders, including women-focused financial planning, differ from traditional financial planning strategies? Mentoring is a big part of your strategy, particularly for African American financial advisors, business owners, and entrepreneurs. How do you support these individuals, and why is mentorship such an important part of this effort? Can you explain how Northwestern Mutual is working to invest in and empower diverse financial advisors and what this means for the future of financial services in Atlanta? What advice would you give to someone starting their financial journey, particularly if they come from a background where wealth-building resources weren’t readily available? #BEST #STRAW #SHMSSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brett Chestnut. He is the Managing Director of Northwestern Mutual Goodwin, Wright Gwinnett. Brett launched his financial planning practice in 2015, experiencing tremendous success helping clients achieve financial security. As his firm expanded, his passion and natural aptitude for leadership became increasingly evident, underscoring his ability to influence and lead with vision. As the Firm’s first black Managing Director, Brett plays a pivotal role in attracting, equipping, and empowering others to launch their own financial planning practice. He is especially committed to drawing more diverse talent to the industry, engaging proven professionals who might not have previously considered the career. Through his unwavering efforts, Brett is driving a wave of financial empowerment in diverse markets. For the first time, many business owners and individuals are actively planning for their financial futures, fostering financial security and building generational wealth with their communities. Company Description *Northwestern Mutual has been helping people and businesses achieve financial security for more than 165 years. Through a comprehensive planning approach, Northwestern Mutual combines the expertise of its financial professionals with a personalized digital experience and industry-leading products to help its clients plan for what's most important. With over $627 billion of total assets1 being managed across the company's institutional portfolio as well as retail investment client portfolios, more than $36 billion in revenues, and $2.3 trillion worth of life insurance protection in force, Northwestern Mutual delivers financial security to more than five million people with life, disability income and long-term care insurance, annuities, and brokerage and advisory services. Northwestern Mutual ranked 110 on the 2024 FORTUNE 500 and was recognized by FORTUNE® as one of the "World's Most Admired" life insurance companies in 2024. Talking Points/Questions *Atlanta’s income inequality, the highest in the nation according to U.S. Census Bureau Data, continues to fuel a racial wealth gap where white households in Atlanta hold 46 times more wealth than Black households. This is a disparity driven by factors including income, home ownership, generational wealth transfers, debt, access to banking and capital, and business ownership. Over the last decade, Northwestern Mutual’s Goodwin Wright office, a key financial services leader in Atlanta, has been intentionally focused on closing the wealth gap. The Goodwin Wright team, honored as Forbes Top Financial Security Professionals, has positioned itself at the intersection of financial empowerment, community and culture by: Empowering first generation wealth builders with tools and strategies they need to build long-term financial success, including women-focused financial planning Mentoring African American financial advisors, business owners, and entrepreneurs early in their careers Investing in the local community through scholarships, a robust internship program, and financial contributions to support community initiatives Questions for consideration:In Atlanta, White households hold 46 times more wealth than Black households. Can you discuss the key factors that have contributed to this gap? Northwestern Mutual’s Goodwin Wright office has been focusing on closing the wealth gap. Can you share more about the specific initiatives and programs you’ve implemented to address this issue? How does the approach of empowering first-generation wealth builders, including women-focused financial planning, differ from traditional financial planning strategies? Mentoring is a big part of your strategy, particularly for African American financial advisors, business owners, and entrepreneurs. How do you support these individuals, and why is mentorship such an important part of this effort? Can you explain how Northwestern Mutual is working to invest in and empower diverse financial advisors and what this means for the future of financial services in Atlanta? What advice would you give to someone starting their financial journey, particularly if they come from a background where wealth-building resources weren’t readily available? #BEST #STRAW #SHMSSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.