Episodes

Diversity isn’t the end game in DE&I. To create powerful outcomes, leaders need to understand how to create Equity and Inclusion within their firms, which takes strategy, commitment and accountability. In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain welcome back Connie Lindsey, long-recognized for her outstanding work and former Head of Corporate Social Responsibility and Global Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for, who has since retired. Connie discusses why she views DE&I as a strategic imperat...

Consumers want to work with advisors like them! That’s according to FlexShares’ most recent DE&I research. But in an advisory industry that is primarily white and male, finding a Black or LatinX advisor can be difficult. Dana Wilson, Founder and CEO of CHIP (Changing How Individuals Prosper) is working to change that! In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain welcome Dana back to the show to check in on the progress of her fintech firm that matches consumers and advisors of color and the ne...

While divorce rates have decreased over the last 20 years according to the U.S. Census Bureau, the rates of divorce among baby boomers are increasing. Because family wealth tends to be much higher at this age, these divorces may present complex problems for clients. In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain speak with Steph Wagner, Director of Women and Wealth at Northern Trust. They explore the meaningful impact that advisors can make – both financially and emotionally — when guiding women...

“Assess before you make a mess,” is what Kemy Joseph, CEO and DEI Strategist at F.E.A.R.S. Advantage tells Laura Gregg and David Partain in this episode of The Flexible Advisor. Kemy talks about the stress that firm leaders face when it comes to the topic of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and why it’s critical that firm leaders understand the current culture that exists within their firm before implementing DEI change. Once existing staff and leaders feel safe, trusted and included, then ...

What’s most important when choosing a financial planner? Does race and gender outweigh other characteristics like age, years of experience or levels of trust? Dr. Miranda Reiter, CFP®, from Texas Tech University, is studying this topic and shares her findings on what’s most important to consumers. Listen as Laura Gregg and David Partain compare and contrast data with Dr. Reiter’s about her work and the FlexShares’ 2021 study on diversity in advisory. Where were findings similar and where did the...

How do conversations with your prospects start? Is it about their needs or about your firm? Samuel Deane, CEO of Deane Financial Partners, talks about his experience as an immigrant seeking the American dream and why taking a traditional wealth management path wasn’t a fit for him. At 25 he started his own firm focused on addressing the unique needs of Millennial tech executives. Samuel talks with Laura Gregg and David Partain about how he’s grown his firm through a laser focus on his ideal clie...

FlexShares research continues to confirm that high-net-worth clients prefer advisors with a similar culture and gender and whom they feel will understand their unique needs. In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain speak about the growing importance of women advisors with Jana Gregorek, Chief Growth Officer at Visionary Wealth Advisors. They discuss how firms can attract and better retain women advisors. In this episode, you will learn about: The power of teaching financial literacy at an...

As vaccinations ramp up and offices are re-open, many firms are facing a dilemma: Bring the entire staff back, create a hybrid team model or go fully virtual? In this fourth episode of our Advisor Wellness series, Laura Gregg and David Partain speak with Lauren Oschman, CFP®, Partner, Chief Experience Officer and producing Advisor at Vestia Personal Wealth Advisors. They discuss the power of building an intentional firm culture that embraces flexibility in both work location and hours and how th...

Is work getting the best of you? Do you wish you had more control over your life and time? In this third episode of our advisor wellness series, Laura Gregg and David Partain talk with Productivity Coach, Patty Kreamer. Patty helps financial advisors develop personalized systems to get more done in less time while clearing the brain clutter that blocks success through her firm Productivity Uncorked, LLC. Everyone has a vision of what life was supposed to look like but not everyone has made it ha...

The Financial Planning Association (FPA) is taking action to drive change in our industry through both its NexGen and Pride Planners programs. In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain speak with FPA NexGen President Joey Stemmle about his new leadership role and what he hopes to accomplish. He also talks about the growth of the FPA’s Pride Planners and how it is helping advisory firms create more inclusive environments for LGBTQ employees and clients. In this episode, you will learn: How ...

Advisors are stressed, and female advisors report the higher levels of stress. But is that necessarily bad? This is the second in a series of episodes focused on Advisor Wellness where we talk with experts who provide tips to help you manage your health and wellbeing. In this episode we speak with Dr. Chloe Carmichael, a clinical psychologist whose private practice in New York City focuses on stress management, relationship issues, self-esteem and coaching. Dr. Chloe is the author of the recentl...

As an advisor, you work hard to lessen your clients’ financial stress. But, how can you reduce and manage your own stress to prevent burnout? This is the first in a series of episodes focused on Advisor Wellness where we talk with experts who provide tips to help you manage your health and wellbeing. In this episode we speak with Dr. Jack Singer, PhD., a clinical/sports and organizational psychologist who authored The Financial Advisor’s Ultimate Stress Mastery Guide. Listen for his easy-to-impl...

Build the business of your dreams while serving clients with integrity, creativity, and compassion! In this exciting episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain sit down with Rita Robbins, Founder of Affiliated Advisors. As one of the first women to launch an Super OSJ (Office of Supervisory Jurisdiction) and a consultant who leads more than 85 advisors across the country, Rita shares how she’s helping advisors better grow their business using social media strategies, succession planning, forward-thi...

Advisors, how are you collaborating and partnering with your outsourced solutions partners? In this episode Laura Gregg and David Partain are joined by Paul Binnion of Hanlon Investment Management. They discuss today’s advisory landscape and take a deeper look into FlexShares’ Race to Scalability study and the power of collaboration between advisors and their external investment managers. In this episode, you will learn: Are you interesting or interested? Why it matters to the advisor-client re...

In 2019, women in the U.S. controlled more than $10 trillion with expectations of that tripling over the next decade according to McKinsey & Co. Many advisors, however, are missing the mark in building relationships with women. In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain welcome Heather Ettinger, Founder and CEO of Luma Wealth – an advisory firm designed around serving and empowering women. Heather shares her passion for helping women design their intentional future through a path to financia...

The culture of a firm directly impacts it’s bottom line. It affects how employees engage with clients and how your firm is viewed within the community. In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain welcome Marie Dzanis, Head of Asset Management, EMEA and Chief Executive Officer of Northern Trust Global Investments. Marie is passionate about the power of nurturing a sustainable culture and talks about a paper she recently authored on the subject which specifically addresses a more virtual workfo...

It’s time for advisors to let go of some deeply held stereotypes about women investors. Investment preferences may have less to do with gender or more with levels of wealth and roles in the household. In this episode, David Partain talks with Co-Host Laura Gregg, AnnMarie Pino Director of Financial Research at Greenwald Research and Susan Czochara, Head of Retirement Solutions from Northern Trust Asset Management. Together, these three women talk about their research and provide data on what rea...

Over the last decade, FlexShares has been researching how and where advisors are seeking to better scale and grow their businesses, all while building a better client experience. In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain welcome Noreen Beaman, President of Orion Advisors Solutions. Noreen has been a supporter of Flexshares’ Race to Scalability research for many years and in this episode she shares her insights on changes taking place in the advisory space and how firms are adapting their bu...

Take your practice to the next level by taking small actions that can lead to big changes over time. In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain welcome advisor coach and author, Matt Anderson. Over the last 20 years, Matt has helped thousands of financial advisors power their practices by implementing a series of tiny habits that have led to better business results. In this episode Matt will help you understand which small changes you can implement today to grow your business in 2021! In thi...

What are the secrets to building a diverse, high-functioning team? To find out, Laura Gregg and David Partain welcome back Fran Skinner to The Flexible Advisor. As a Co-Founder of AUM Partners, a leadership and talent assessment consulting firm for the financial services industry, Fran explains why moving away from old systems can help you to cultivate a more forward-thinking firm with high-functioning team members. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why advisors should consider broadening their re...

As an advisor, your work with clients often goes well beyond their financial portfolio – especially when their story changes. In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain talk with Ambient Financial Advisors’ Christopher D. Hill, CFP®, CGRS. Christopher discusses why his firm decided to rebrand and focus specifically on helping clients manage through transition due to a meaningful loss of life or livelihood or other traumatic events. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why rebranding helped Ambien...

Studies have shown that diversity of thought can lead to positive business results. Finding that type of diversity may, however, require new recruitment strategies. In this episode, Abdur Nimeri, PhD. joins Laura Gregg and David Partain to discuss why, how and where to look for diverse thought leaders for advisory teams. As the head of Northern Trust’s Institutional Multi-Asset Programs, Abdur shares his insights into how the firms can adjust recruitment practices that lead to high-functioning d...

It’s no secret that the financial industry lacks diversity. But how do we move the needle? In this episode, Laurie Barry, Senior Vice President at UBS and principal of The Barry Wealth Consulting Group joins Laura Gregg and David Partain to explore how we can start making real progress towards more gender diversity. Laurie shares her passion for educating women about entering the financial advisory industry. She shares actionable steps we can all take to introduce the business to young girls and...

Many people feel nervous or uncomfortable when talking about money. Negotiating a raise or letting clients know about an increase in fees can be even more intimidating, even for financial professionals. In this episode, discover how advisors and clients alike can break their money silence with money-taboo shattering tips from wealth psychology expert Kathleen Burns Kingsbury. With a passion for helping people find their voice around their money, Kathleen joins Laura Gregg and David Partain to sh...