Episodes
Oct. 4, 2023
Focused on the Future: Luis Rosa: How Leading with Planning, Authenticity and a Specialty Translates to Success
In the latest episode of Focused on the Future, veteran industry leader Suzanne Siracuse talks with Luis Rosa the founder of Build a Better Financial Future LLC, on the importance of authenticity in your approach and your business model, changing the status quo on pricing models, and how his BLX Internship program is cultivating the advisor of the future. Specifically, Luis discusses: How, by sharing his own personal experiences with money, translates into new clients His strategy on serving fi...
Sept. 20, 2023
Focused on the Future: JC Abusaid: Being Fearless and Defining your NorthStar
In the latest episode of the new podcast series, Focused on the Future, veteran industry leader Suzanne Siracuse talks with JC Abusaid, CEO of Halbert Hargrove, on the importance of purposeful collaboration, being fearless on culture, clients and teams, and capturing a client’s loyalty for the long term. Specifically, JC discusses: How fate and persistence landed his dream job How his “no fences” approach led him to building successful teams Handling conflict through consistent communication an...
Sept. 6, 2023
Focused on the Future: Lazetta Braxton: Her Advice on Making an Impact by Doing the Work
In the latest episode of the new podcast series, Focused on the Future, veteran industry leader Suzanne Siracuse talks with Lazetta Braxton, Co-CEO of 2050 Wealth Partners, about how she is structuring her firm to serve the investor of the future, why she doesn’t like the term “mentor”, and why we all need to pay attention to Gen Z. Specifically, Lazetta discusses: Her firm’s business model and how it is allowing people who are income rich and building assets to have access to financial plannin...
Aug. 9, 2023
Focused on the Future: Trap Kloman Discusses How to Continue Success in an Unpredictable and Evolving Market
In this episode of Focused on the Future, industry leader Suzanne Siracuse talks with Trap Kloman, the President and COO of Commonwealth Financial Network, to discuss strategies and principles that have contributed to the long-standing success of Commonwealth Financial Network and its dedication to serving its advisors effectively. Specifically, Trap discusses: How a customer-centric approach has helped Commonwealth build strong relationships with advisors as their mission and reason for being...
July 26, 2023
Focused on the Future: Heather Fortner: Her Journey, Lessons and Advice on Making it to the C-Suite
In the latest episode of the new podcast series, Focused on the Future, veteran industry leader Suzanne Siracuse talks with Heather Fortner, CEO of SignatureFD, about the importance of understanding people’s motivations, the evolution of a firm’s messaging and why inclusion is key to a positive culture. Specifically, Heather discusses: Her journey from intern to CCO to CEO Why her degree in professional counselling was the most important thing she has done. Her firm’s unique website messaging a...
July 12, 2023
Focused on the Future: Peggy Haslach: How Financial Advisors can best serve the LGBTQ+ community
In the latest episode of the new podcast series, Focused on the Future, veteran industry leader Suzanne Siracuse talks with Peggy Haslach, financial advisor at The Finity Group, talk about how to best serve LGBTQ+ clients and team members, creating a niche practice that aligns with you as a person, and why she believes our profession “needs more pies!” Specifically, Peggy discusses: Why she changed careers and became a financial advisor. Critical best practices in serving the LGBTQ+ community. ...
June 28, 2023
Focused on the Future: Leslie Tabor: Why every Financial Advisory Firm needs to have a Talent Strategy
In the latest episode of the new podcast series, Focused on the Future, veteran industry leader Suzanne Siracuse talks with Leslie Tabor, Director of Education and Consulting at Charles Schwab, about what key areas top performing firms are investing in, mastering inclusive leadership skills, and why a “people first, employees second” approach to culture is a win for all. Specifically, Leslie discusses: Why having a talent strategy is critical to firm growth. Tips for creating a team culture in ...
June 21, 2023
Focused on the Future: Mark Tibergien on Setting your Strategy to Drive an Enduring Business
In the latest episode of the new podcast series, Focused on the Future, veteran industry leader Suzanne Siracuse talks with industry legend, Mark Tibergien, on the key areas every firm needs to focus on to ensure success, why he encourages everyone to embrace reverse mentoring and how everyone can participate in improving financial literacy in their communities. Specifically, Mark discusses: The Evolving Role of a Financial Advisor His Four step process in Setting a Successful Firm Strategy. Th...
June 14, 2023
Focused on the Future: Kristi Rodriguez on Redefining Retirement, Attracting GenZ and Making an Impact
In the latest episode of the new podcast series, Focused on the Future, veteran industry leader Suzanne Siracuse talks with Kristi Rodriguez, Senior Vice President of The Nationwide Retirement Institute, about redefining retirement, appealing to the Gen Z investor and an innovative approach to introducing the financial services industry to diverse students. Specifically, Kristi discusses: Taking a “safety first” approach when it comes to retirement income How to best serve Gen Z’ers What and Wh...
June 7, 2023
Focused on the Future: Tyrone Ross on What It Will Take To Serve the Client of the Future
In the latest episode of the new podcast series, Focused on the Future, veteran industry leader Suzanne Siracuse talks with Tyrone Ross, about what it will take to best serve the client of the future, the importance of firm culture and why he still believes in crypto! Specifically, Tyrone discusses: What the client of the future is going to want in a financial advisor Why the words “wealth management” may exclude an entire group of investors. Which industry firms have him “excited” Why he is st...
May 31, 2023
Focused on the Future: Michael Nathanson on Retaining Top Talent through Purpose, Sustainability and Culture
In the latest episode of the new podcast series, Focused on the Future, Veteran Industry leader Suzanne Siracuse talks with Michael Nathanson, Chair and CEO of wealth management firm, The Colony Group, to discuss keys to retaining top talent, setting up a sustainable firm for the future and what we all can do to make an impact on our industry. Specifically, Michael discusses: His overall philosophy and process around attracting retaining and hiring top talent Deciphering the difference between ...
May 25, 2023
Focused on the Future: Hannah Moore, CFP on Embracing Your “Why” and Reimagining Client Offerings, Internships and Developing Talent
In the inaugural episode of the new podcast series, Focused on the Future, Veteran Industry leader Suzanne Siracuse talks with Hannah Moore, CFP, Owner and Principal Advisor of Guiding Wealth, Founder of Amplified Planning and Creator of The Externship Program to discuss how by first focusing in on your WHY, becomes a critical piece to an advisors overall success both personally and professionally. Specifically, Hannah discusses: Her unconventional journey into financial planning Why she believ...