Episodes

What does it take to build a future-proof financial advisory business? Veteran industry leader Suzanne Siracuse sits down with Jon Jones, CEO and co-founder of Brighton Jones, to explore his incredible journey from small-town beginnings to leading a $30 billion RIA. In this episode of the Focused on the Future podcast, Jon reveals how a client-centric, holistic approach has propelled his firm to the forefront of the wealth management industry. Jon dives into: The “Personal CFO” model that seaml...

Join host Suzanne Siracuse as she sits down with Lisa Crafford, Managing Director at Constellation Wealth Capital, to explore key strategies for building successful, future-ready wealth management firms. Drawing on her deep experience working with financial advisors, Lisa offers valuable insights into the power of mentorship, strategic growth approaches, and fostering a strong community. She also sheds light on the pivotal role of technology in positioning firms for sustained growth and resilien...

In the latest episode of Focused on the Future, Suzanne Siracuse sits down with Bryce Skaff of Dimensional Fund Advisors to explore his unique journey from aspiring marine biologist to a career in wealth management. Bryce offers an inside look at DFA’s investment philosophy, deeply rooted in academic research, and how the firm’s growth aligns with the rise of independent advisors. Drawing from DFA’s extensive investor studies and advisor benchmarking research, Bryce shares his perspective on the...

Suzanne Siracuse engages in a conversation with George Nichols, CEO of the American College of Financial Services, to uncover strategies for success in financial advising. Nichols shares insights into significant areas for financial advisors, such as specialization, the future of retirement planning, and the importance of representation. Nichols explored how understanding the diverse needs of various communities is crucial for advisors to succeed in the future. He emphasized that financial advis...

Suzanne Siracuse interviews Vanessa Martinez, CEO and managing partner of Expressive Wealth, to explore how holistic financial planning and inclusive communication can transform the client experience. Vanessa shares her journey, rooted in the values instilled by her parents, who overcame educational limitations in war-torn Central America. This background shaped her commitment to empowering clients through education and comprehensive wealth management. Vanessa also discusses the need for financi...

Are you ready to learn the keys to building a profitable, sustainable, and impactful business in the ever-evolving financial landscape? Join us for an insightful conversation with Brian Hamburger, the visionary founder, president, and CEO of MarketCounsel Consulting, and founder and chief counsel of the Hamburger Law Firm. In this episode, Brian sits down with host Suzanne Siracuse to share his journey through the wealth management industry, exploring the challenges advisors face today. Together...

On the latest episode of Focused on the Future, host Suzanne Siracuse sits down with Sibyl Slade, founder and president of IntegriVest Wealth Advisors. Sibyl shares her journey from working at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta to establishing her own independent financial planning firm. Their conversation delves into the evolution of her career, the what she learned after starting her own firm, and her innovative approach to structuring her fees in order to meet clients where they are. Highlig...

Join us on this episode of Focused on the Future as host Suzanne Siracuse sits down with Beth Bosworth, wealth advisor and head of planning at Perigon Wealth Management. Beth highlights her effective strategies for attracting and retaining next-gen clients, how being a member of the LGBTQ community influenced her planning services with clients, how she participates as a team member and leader, and her recommendations for evaluating which tech tools work best for your firm. Key discussion points ...

Join us on this episode of Focused on the Future as host Suzanne Siracuse sits down with Liz Nesvold, Chair of Emigrant Partners. Liz highlights the three critical areas that firms need to focus on to ensure future success, discusses the key levers that contribute to obtaining a high firm valuation, and the profound impact her mother had on her leadership style. Key discussion points include: The subconscious influences that shaped her career path The story behind her current role at Emigrant P...

Join us on this installment of “Focused on the Future” as Suzanne Siracuse sits down with Stacy Francis, the Founder and CEO of Francis Financial, and the nonprofit, Savvy Ladies. Stacy shares the heartbreaking story of her grandmother’s life, and how it impacted her becoming a financial advisor working with women in transition such as divorce or widowhood. Stacy also discusses her firm’s growth strategy focused solely on organic growth and why every advisor should start a succession plan earlie...

In this episode of “Focused on the Future,” Suzanne Siracuse interviews Shannon Eusey, Founder and CEO of Beacon Pointe Advisors. Shannon opens up about her unique journey, starting from her childhood experiences as the only girl on all-boys sports teams, shares her top 5 trends in wealth management, and discusses why scale is crucial for future success. Key discussion points include: How her childhood experiences in sports lead her to break down barriers in her career. The pivotal moment when ...

In this episode of “Focused on the Future,” Suzanne Siracuse interviews Dr. Vinay Nair, Founder of Tifin, about the current landscape of AI and its implications for the wealth management industry. They delve into various facets, including the opportunities and challenges AI presents, and the importance of adaptability for achieving success. Dr. Nair offers insights and advice for advisors and firm owners on leveraging AI to their advantage without feeling overwhelmed by rapid advancements. Key p...

In this episode of “Focused on the Future,” Suzanne Siracuse talks with Rita Robbins, Founder and President of Affiliated Advisors, on the evolving treatment of women in the financial industry, the importance of focusing on clients’ adult children to capture next-generation wealth and the crucial role of networking in succession planning. Specifically, Rita discusses: Her Journey: From starting as a sales assistant to becoming one of the first female wholesalers and eventually founding her own ...

In this episode of Focused on the Future, industry veteran Suzanne Siracuse sits down with Andrew Altfest, president of Altfest Personal Wealth Management and founder of FP Alpha, to explore the transformative power of AI in financial advising and how it’s reshaping the advisor’s value proposition. Specifically, Andrew discusses: His early exposure to the world of wealth management Why what has worked for advisors in the past more than likely won’t work for advisors in the future. Redefining...

In this episode of Focused on the Future, Suzanne Siracuse talks with Brian Seymour, principal and founder of Prosperitage Wealth on why his unique social media videos are really resonating with clients, the lessons he learned since launching his own RIA and the significant impact his coaches have had on his career. Specifically, Brian discusses: His journey into the industry and the factors that affected him in starting his own RIA The crucial role coaching played in shaping his career, helpin...

In this episode of Focused on the Future, Suzanne Siracuse, talks with Will Trout, Director of the Securities and Investments practice at Datos Insights, on the how technology advancements are impacting our industry, why the major resurgence of alternative investments and that the client of the future will require personalization of advice. Specifically, Will discusses: The evolution of Generative AI tools The importance of data hygiene in how firms implement tech effectively. Why Portfolio per...

In this episode of Focused on the Future, veteran industry leader Suzanne Siracuse talks with Anna N’Jie Konte, president of Re-Envision Wealth, on the importance of taking a human first approach with clients, how every advisor can incorporate AI into their practices and why she is reframing the way first generation wealth builders think about money. Specifically, Anna discusses: Speaking on a “human” level to clients, especially the next generation of investors. How her background influenced h...

In the first episode of Season Two of the Focused on the Future podcast, veteran industry leader Suzanne Siracuse talks with Carina Diamond, CEO of Stella Secunda and Director of Diversitas, Expanding Diversity in Wealth Management. They discuss the importance of adopting a personal approach with every client and how that leads to more business. Carina also describes why talent development and retention is everybody’s job and how having a beginner’s mindset attributes to growth both personally a...

In the latest episode of the Focused on the Future podcast, veteran industry leader Suzanne Siracuse talks with Teri Shepard, president of Carson Group, on the evolution of the role that a financial advisor plays, how she and her firm are investing in women and why constantly challenging oneself is the only way to evolve and grow. Specifically, Teri discusses: The key areas Carson Group is focused on to best serve current and future clients. The evolving role of financial advisors; now more lik...

In the latest episode of Focused on the Future, veteran industry leader Suzanne Siracuse talks with Mike LaMena, CEO of Wealthspire, on how he is ensuring his clients never outgrow his firm’s offering and advice, creating a DEIB strategy that works and why the future of advice is “human.” Specifically, Mike and Suzanne discuss: His unique journey from a volunteer teacher in the Bronx, to working for a top advisor at Morgan Stanley to CEO at an RIA Why going from a front office to a back-office ...

In the latest episode of Focused on the Future, industry leader Suzanne Siracuse talks with Dr. Sylvia Rose, assistant dean, James T. George School of Business at Hampton University, and Dr. Curtis Kidd Telemaque, director, HBS Center for Financial Excellence and Adjunct Professor at the School of Business at Howard University. Their thoughtful insights into what their students are looking for in a career and in an employer should be a must listen for any firm seeking to hire for the future. The...

In the latest episode of Focused on the Future, veteran industry leader, Suzanne Siracuse, talks with Jimmy Lee , Founder and CEO of Wealth Consulting Group, on focusing on “where the puck is going”, the debate around ESG and its future, and the many applications and use cases on AI in financial planning. Specifically, Jimmy discusses: The shift in the way clients want to be communicated with Why and how his firm is attracting top female advisor talent His important advice to firms looking to a...

In the latest episode of Focused on the Future, veteran industry leader, Suzanne Siracuse, talks with Kay Lynn Mayhue, President of Merit Financial Advisors, on the importance of cultivating top talent and creating a strong company culture, organic growth tactics that work, and the many ways to attract and support women in financial services. Specifically, Kay Lynn discusses: Why Merit’s Servant leadership style has been instrumental in creating a firm culture where team members thrive. How to ...

In the latest episode of Focused on the Future, veteran industry leader Suzanne Siracuse talks with Maurice Miller, CFP, Managing Director of The Miller’s Wealth Management on reevaluating how new advisors are compensated, assisting your clients in talking about money with their children, and why there is no better time than now to be in the wealth management industry. Specifically, Maurice discusses: Why, in order to broaden the talent pool into wealth management, we need to challenge the curr...