Tag: Shannon Rosic

The WealthStack Podcast: Why Estate Planning is The Next Frontier of Wealth Management with Gene Farrell

The WealthStack Podcast: Why Estate Planning is The Next Frontier of Wealth Management with Gene Farrell

Is estate planning the next frontier of wealth management? Estate planning solutions are becoming steadily more popular with advisors, especially those seeking to differentiate their services. As clients become increasingly aware of the complexities of wealth transfer, asset protection, and legacy planning, they expect comprehensive guidance from their advisors. By using estate planning tools, advisors can offer a holistic approach to wealth management, addressing not only investment strategies but also the essential aspects of estate distribution and tax implications. 

In this episode, Shannon Rosic, director of WealthStack content and solutions, speaks with Gene Farrell, CEO of Vanilla, about the emerging trends in estate planning and why it’s becoming a critical part of wealth management.

Shannon and Gene also discuss:

  • Why estate planning is becoming a differentiator for financial advisors 
  • The biggest misconceptions around estate planning
  • Why the great wealth transfer is driving technological changes
  • The impact AI is having on estate planning software

Connect with Shannon Rosic:

Connect with Gene Farrell:

About Our Guest:

With over 25 years of executive leadership experience driving transformation and growth across the consumer and technology industries, Gene is a recognized thought leader and innovator known for building disruptive new businesses for global brands. He was named a 2019 Innovator of the Year by the Puget Sound Business Journal. 

Prior to Vanilla, Gene spent 4 1/2 years at Smartsheet where he helped take the company public and scale the business from $100M to over $500M in revenue. As Smartsheet’s Chief Strategy and Product Officer Gene was responsible for leading company strategy, corporate development, product management, product marketing, experience design, and strategic alliances. Gene joined Smartsheet from Amazon Web Services where he spent five years as a vice president responsible for enterprise computing. In this role, Gene pioneered new cloud businesses including Amazon WorkSpaces and Amazon Chime. Before Amazon, Gene was a vice president at the Coca-Cola Company, where he founded and led the creation of the Coca-Cola Freestyle beverage platform. His groundbreaking work on Coca-Cola Freestyle was recognized by Forbes as one of the best new products of the decade and received the Edison Gold Innovation and Catalyst Design awards.



The WealthStack Podcast: Crypto’s Journey to the Mainstream WIth Adam Blumberg

The WealthStack Podcast: Crypto’s Journey to the Mainstream WIth Adam Blumberg

The approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs by the Securities and Exchange Commission dominated trends in the first quarter of 2024. But how did we even get to this point? While Bitcoin has been around since 2009, cryptocurrencies have quickly evolved from digital novelties to trillion-dollar technologies, poised to disrupt the global financial system. Digital currencies are being increasingly viewed as investments, which is why advisors need to be educated about the subject.

In this episode, Shannon Rosic, director of WealthStack content and solutions, speaks with Adam Blumberg, co-founder of Interaxis, about how advisors can prepare themselves and their clients for a crypto-inclusive future. 

Shannon and Adam also discuss:

  • The current regulatory landscape 
  • Crypto’s viability as an investment
  • The implications of blockchain technology 
  • Why decentralized finance and Web3 represent significant advancements 

Connect with Shannon Rosic:

Connect with Adam Blumberg:

About Our Guest:

Adam is a Certified Financial Planner, and a former registered investment advisor. He co-founded Interaxis in 2019 to educate advisors and investors on digital assets and decentralized finance. His Interaxis YouTube channel is viewed by thousands across the globe. He is a regular contributor to Coindesk’s Crypto for Advisors and was featured on Bloomberg TV and Blockworks. 



The WealthStack Podcast: Top Tactics For High-Growth Firms WIth Sara Baker

The WealthStack Podcast: Top Tactics For High-Growth Firms WIth Sara Baker

For years, firms have benefited from a rising equity market and an equally long period of near-zero interest rates. RIAs found themselves in a position where they could achieve growth with minimal effort. However, most executives in wealth management are not content with this passive approach to growth. The secret to RIA growth lies in keeping sight of their priorities. In order to differentiate in a ‘sea of sameness,’ RIAs have turned their attention to innovation and tailored client experiences. 

In this episode, Shannon Rosic, director of WealthStack content and solutions, speaks with Sara Baker, president of Triad Wealth Partners, about the tactics high-growth firms are focusing on in order to succeed.

Shannon and Sara also discuss:

  • Why refining service models could lead to growth 
  • The imperative role of technology in scaling operations and improving client experiences
  • The critical distinction between growth and scale for firms
  • How to balance innovation and tradition within an organization

Connect with Shannon Rosic:

Connect with Sara Baker:

About Our Guest:

Sara Baker, JD, LLM, is President of Triad Wealth Partners. She is a leader with over 15 years of financial services experience in M&A, integrations, start-ups, product operations, project management, strategic planning, tax planning, and advanced financial planning. 



The Wealthstack Podcast: Going From Wealth Advisor to a Wealth Coach With Urs Bolt

The Wealthstack Podcast: Going From Wealth Advisor to a Wealth Coach With Urs Bolt

Financial advisors are much more than just “money experts”, and their role is evolving from traditional wealth advising to a more personalized wealth coaching approach. As the needs of investors become more complex, advisors are relying heavily on technology to help them become more efficient and streamline operations. By saving time and money, they’re truly able to focus on a holistic approach for their clients.

In this episode, Shannon Rosic, director of WealthStack content and solutions, speaks with Urs Bolt, a well known financial mentor and coach, about what’s driving this shift.

Shannon and Urs also discuss:

  • How personalization drives innovation
  • Where advisors, coupled with technology, can add value
  • The significance of financial literacy
  • Trends in the wealthtech space outside of the US

Connect with Shannon Rosic:

Connect with Urs Bolt:

About Our Guest:

Urs Bolt is an expert in WealthTech and ecosystems in (crypto) finance, based in Switzerland. 30+ years’ experience in wealth management, investment banking and related technology businesses. My core expertise is to develop and roll out new digital business platforms.

He helps financial service providers and tech companies to review/refocus business strategies, advise on strategic projects, develop solutions and markets, and build business partnerships.

He is also active as a speaker, moderator, micro-blogger, lecturer, and author; recognised as a global opinion leader in #WealthManagement, #WealthTech, #DigitalAssets.

In addition to this, Bolt is a member of advisory boards and jury panels: FT PWM WealthTech Awards, Global Wealth & Society, WealthBriefing Editorial Board and Swiss Awards, Blockchain Competition for Finance.



The WealthStack Podcast: Measuring Tech ROI with John Spyers of Buckingham Wealth Partners

The WealthStack Podcast: Measuring Tech ROI with John Spyers of Buckingham Wealth Partners

Evaluating technology ROI is crucial for ensuring that investments in digital tools and platforms directly contribute to operational efficiency and client satisfaction. This process helps to align technology spending with the firm’s strategic goals, driving growth and enhancing the value delivered to clients. Ultimately, evolving digital experiences for clients and advisors can help firms deliver stronger wealth solutions.

In this episode, Shannon Rosic, Director of WealthStack Content and Solutions, speaks with John Spyers, Chief Information and Technology Officer at Buckingham Wealth Partners, about how productivity solutions are resulting in real ROI for firms. 

Shannon and John also discuss:

  • Differentiating the client experience with automation
  • The critical balance between security and innovation
  • How to prioritize technology initiatives throughout a firm’s digital transformation
  • Buckingham’s approach to digital transformation

Connect with Shannon Rosic:

Connect with John Spyers:

About Our Guest:

John Spyers oversees the day-to-day management of the Technology, Data Operations, Product Support, Service Operations, and Onboarding & Integration teams. He helps identify and design solutions that allow Buckingham Strategic Wealth’s technology and other operational areas to be better utilized in order to improve processes and increase efficiency.

John, who joined Buckingham in 2015, is drawn to technology because of its ability to change people’s lives and reshape businesses. In his role, he is able to watch that play out first-hand as his team delivers solutions to help advisors and clients. He gets great reward in interacting with colleagues throughout the organization, challenging each other and continually searching for ways to do things better on behalf of our clients.

Prior to joining Buckingham, John worked for 15 years at Perficient, a technology consulting organization based in St. Louis, and held roles such as director of operations, director of solution delivery and director of corporate projects. He has a bachelor’s degree from Washington University in St. Louis in finance and operations and manufacturing management.

John lives in Wentzville, Missouri, with his wife, Devon, and their two sons, Grayson and William.



The WealthStack Podcast: What Custodial Competition Means for the Industry with Thomas Moore of Betterment for Advisors

The WealthStack Podcast: What Custodial Competition Means for the Industry with Thomas Moore of Betterment for Advisors

The custodial space is notoriously difficult to break into, but Betterment wasn’t afraid to take the leap. While larger custodians are locked in a battle for scale, Betterment saw an opportunity to better serve smaller RIAs by helping them leverage the platform to support their growth and operational efficiency.

In this episode, Shannon Rosic, director of WealthStack content and solutions, speaks with Thomas Moore, Head of Betterment for Advisors, about why custodial competition is reshaping wealth management. 

Shannon and Thomas also discuss:

  • Trends in the robo-advisory space
  • Where advisors can find growth  
  • Betterment’s approach to AI
  • What’s on the roadmap for Betterment 

Connect with Shannon Rosic:

Connect with Thomas Moore:

About Our Guest:

Thomas Moore has spent his career working with top wealth management firms across the country. He is passionate about helping financial advisors to find the best possible solutions for their clients and businesses. Prior to this role, he held lead sales roles for Affiliated Managers Group, SEI and The Vanguard Group.



The WealthStack Podcast: The Future of Investing with John O’Connell of The Oasis Group

The WealthStack Podcast: The Future of Investing with John O’Connell of The Oasis Group

From the metaverse to alternative investments, the future of investing is going to look very different. Alternatives have historically been reserved for institutions, as alternative asset managers targeted those who could write the biggest checks. But that’s now starting to change as tech companies look to the retail market, opening up opportunities to wealth managers, advisors, and even consumers.

In this episode, Shannon Rosic, Director of WealthStack Content and Solutions, speaks with John O’Connell, founder and CEO of The Oasis Group about: 

  • The future of investing, specifically when it comes to alternative investments
  • How the metaverse is changing the investment landscape
  • Why advisors need to stay on top of AI trends
  • What other trends advisors should be watching

Connect with Shannon Rosic:

Connect with Guest:

About Our Guest:

Mr. O’Connell has more than 30 years of leadership experience in both emerging businesses and mature, established organizations. He started his career designing and developing financial applications at Merrill Lynch and KPMG Peat Marwick. He was a member of the team for an IPO, sale of a firm, and packaging 2 other firms for sale. He held North American leadership positions at Oracle for over 8 years. He was the president of a FinTech firm and held C-level customer-facing roles at two global, publicly traded companies.

John is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer for The Oasis Group. A firm specializing in helping wealth management and technology firms to solve their most complex challenges. The Oasis Group helps firms with technology selection and implementation, sales processes and strategy, and processes to attract, sell, propose, onboard, and service new clients.

John is the author of Rise of The Activist Investor, a handbook for investors who would like their money to reflect their values by exercising their rights as owners of publicly traded firms. He invented the Activist Investor Arc to describe how retail investors progress through different phases of activist investing.

John holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science & Mathematics from the College of Staten Island and an MBA in Finance from Rider University.



The WealthStack Podcast: Utilizing AI to Help Advisors Grow Organically with Yelena Melamed

The WealthStack Podcast: Utilizing AI to Help Advisors Grow Organically with Yelena Melamed

Time. It’s the one thing advisors need more of, and fortunately, Catchlight is on a mission to save advisors time and help them reach their top leads quicker.

In this episode, Shannon Rosic, Director of WealthStack Content and Solutions, speaks with Yelena Melamed, Head of Product and Co-Founder, Catchlight Insights LLC, about how financial advisors can scale and grow organically through the use of powerful data, unique insights, and pre-scripted actions all driven by proprietary AI models.

Shannon and Yelena discuss:

  • How AI is being used as a tool to support the human work of financial advice
  • Why data is key to driving efficiency in an advisor’s prospecting efforts
  • How advisors can understand their prospects at scale
  • Use cases around using data to drive personalized engagement

Connect with Shannon Rosic:

Connect with Guest:

About Our Guest:

Yelena Melamed is a co-founder and head of product at Catchlight, a prospect analysis and lead-conversion provider that came out of Fidelity Labs.



The WealthStack Podcast: Solving Integration Challenges is Now a Reality

The WealthStack Podcast: Solving Integration Challenges is Now a Reality

Many firms are sitting on a plethora of data, but have struggled to unlock the true value of it all. Integration enables (often disparate) systems to communicate with each other, and data integration is key to delivering high-quality client and advisor experiences. By centralizing all of the data, firms can gain a holistic view and understanding of their clients and portfolios, which ultimately leads to happier clients. 

In this episode, Shannon Rosic, Director of WealthStack Content and Solutions, speaks with Kyle Van Pelt, CEO of Milemarker, s how advisors can avoid technological mistakes and create a seamless experience.

Shannon and Kyle discuss:

  • What challenges surround technology integration and how Milemarker provides integration as a serviceWhere tech is adding value to an advisor’s practice
  • How advisors can avoid becoming “accidental CTOs”
  • Three things early-stage data companies must get right when building a scalable business

Connect with Shannon Rosic:

Connect with Guest:

About Our Guest:

Kyle Van Pelt started working in professional sports, then into software, then he and his wife started and ran a coffee shop, then back to software and into finance. Kyle has tried a bunch of different things and built a diverse set of experiences.

 

The WealthStack Podcast: How Does 401(k) and Held Away Account Management Fit into Holistic Advice?

The WealthStack Podcast: How Does 401(k) and Held Away Account Management Fit into Holistic Advice?

What’s in a name? Acting as a “bridge” to better retirement, Pontera enables retirement savers to get help managing their 401(k) from their trusted advisor. 

In this episode, Shannon Rosic, Director of WealthStack Content and Solutions, is joined by Nicole Zheng, CMO of Pontera, to talk about how their secure and seamless platform allows advisors to monitor and trade 401(k), 403(b), and other held away accounts to ensure they are meeting their clients’ needs.

Shannon and Nicole discuss:

  • Why it’s important for clients to have the option to have their 401(k) managed by a trusted advisor as part of their comprehensive financial plan
  • What demographics are receptive to 401(k) management
  • How advisors should approach the concept of holistic advice, especially surrounding retirement planning
  • Who Pontera integrates with and where will they expand in the future 

Connect with Shannon Rosic:

Connect with Nicole Zheng:

About Our Guest:

Nicole Zheng has been a startup founder and marketing executive in smart home, heath tech, unified communications, internet infrastructure, and now fintech. She is passionate about cultivating inclusive company cultures, advancing women in tech, and designing effective go-to-market strategies.