Tag: Wealth Management
Creating Lasting Advisory Practices Through Client Experience And Continuity with Jim Mellin

Creating Lasting Advisory Practices Through Client Experience And Continuity with Jim Mellin

By |

How can financial advisors grow their practice while maintaining strong client relationships?

What does it take to develop future generations of advisors while keeping the human side of advice at the center?

In this episode of Focused On The Future, host Suzanne Siracuse sits down with Jim Mellin, president of advice and wealth management at Equitable Advisors, to talk about building sustainable advisory practices through client experience, advisor development, and thoughtful team structures. 

Jim shares how strong relationships, personalized coaching and continuity planning can help advisors grow their businesses while maintaining meaningful connections. He also explores the role of AI, technology and next-generation talent in shaping the future of financial advice.

Jim discusses:

  • How delivering strong client outcomes and experiences can create lasting relationships and referral opportunities
  • How advisors can use segmentation and teams to expand capacity while maintaining client connections
  • Why coaching, training and hands-on development are essential for new financial advisors
  • How continuity planning helps advisors build practices that support clients and future generations
  • How AI can support advisors while human connection, listening, and trust remain essential

Resources:

Connect With Suzanne Siracuse:

Connect With Jim Mellin: 

 About Our Guest:

James Mellin is the President of Advice and Wealth Management for Equitable Advisors and a member of Equitable’s Operating Committee.

In his current role, he leads the growth strategy for Equitable Advisors, the company’s network of 4,600 financial professionals nationwide, including advisor development, performance, and training.

A nearly four-decade veteran of the company, Mr. Mellin began his career as a financial professional and steadily advanced through various leadership roles at Equitable Advisors, including district manager, branch manager, and Chief Sales Officer.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More
Why CFP Certification Is Becoming More Important in Financial Planning with Dane Snowden

Why CFP Certification Is Becoming More Important in Financial Planning with Dane Snowden

By |

What will financial advisors and wealth management firms need to prepare for as consumer expectations, technology and the financial planning profession continue to change?

From attracting the next generation of financial planners to using AI responsibly, the profession is facing decisions that could shape how advisors build trust, serve clients and grow in the years ahead.

In this episode of Focused On The Future, host Suzanne Siracuse speaks with Dane Snowden, chief executive officer of CFP Board, about his vision for making CFP certification essential to consumers, firms and financial professionals. Dane explores the profession’s talent pipeline, CFP Board’s workforce initiatives and its evaluation of the bachelor’s degree requirement for CFP certification.

He also shares his perspective on AI, professional judgment, ethical accountability, public trust and expanding access to financial planning earlier in people’s lives.

Dane discusses:

  • Moving CFP certification from consumer awareness toward an expectation when people seek financial planning
  • Building a stronger talent pipeline through career awareness, early opportunities, mentorship and training
  • Evaluating the bachelor’s degree requirement while protecting the rigor and relevance of CFP certification
  • Using AI to increase advisor capacity and client connection while keeping human judgment and accountability central
  • Expanding access to trusted financial planning so more people can receive guidance earlier in their lives

Resources:

Connect With Suzanne Siracuse: 

Connect With Dane Snowden:

 About Our Guest:

Dane Snowden serves as Chief Executive Officer of CFP Board, the professional body for more than 110,000 CFP professionals in the United States. He joined CFP Board in 2023 as Chief Operating Officer after previously serving as a public member of its Board of Directors from 2017 to 2020. Throughout his career, Dane has held senior leadership roles across communications, technology, government, and public policy, including President and CEO of the Internet Association, Chief Operating Officer of NCTA – The Internet & Television Association, Vice President of External and State Affairs for CTIA, and Chief of the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau of the Federal Communications Commission following his appointment by President George W. Bush. As CEO of CFP Board, he is focused on strengthening the organization’s role in advancing competent, ethical financial planning, expanding public awareness of CFP certification, supporting academic and professional pathways, addressing emerging issues such as artificial intelligence, and maintaining strong competency standards as the profession grows. Dane holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from William & Mary and has served on numerous nonprofit, education, and industry boards throughout his career.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More
How Financial Advisors Can Better Serve Underserved Communities with Louis Barajas

How Financial Advisors Can Better Serve Underserved Communities with Louis Barajas

By |

Financial advisors can build meaningful businesses by understanding the people and communities they serve beyond the numbers. 

What changes when advice starts with listening, culture, trust and behavior?

In this episode of Focused On The Future, host Suzanne Siracuse speaks with Louis Barajas, CEO and wealth advisor of International Private Wealth Advisors, about his journey from East Los Angeles to financial planning. Louis shares how culture and financial behavior shape client relationships, why underserved communities need greater access to advice, how Corazón Financial is supporting advisors, and why artificial intelligence may make human connection even more valuable.

Louis discusses:

  • How his upbringing in East Los Angeles shaped his commitment to bringing financial planning back to his community
  • Why education alone may fall short when culture, behavior, trust and financial mindset are overlooked
  • How listening to cultural concerns can help advisors build stronger relationships with underserved families
  • Why Corazón Financial trains advisors to understand families before recommending financial or insurance products
  • How AI may shift advisors toward behavioral coaching, empathy, listening and deeper human relationships

Resources:

Connect With Suzanne Siracuse: 

Connect With Louis Barajas: 

 About Our Guest:

Louis Barajas has strived to redefine what it means to be a wealth and business expert. Rather than limiting his scope to the size of the client’s bank balance, investment portfolio, or retirement account, his approach has always been to show people how to use their finances to enrich their lives. Louis connects with people through their passions, their dreams, and their sometimes-challenging situations of life. The ever-changing landscape of consumer finance has helped to transform Louis into an internationally renowned speaker, author, media segment expert, and wealth & business manager to some of the most iconic Latin artists and executives in the entertainment industry for over three decades. He is a highly sought-after keynote speaker and presenter for some of the most influential organizations in the United States.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More
Growing an Advisory Firm Organically with James Bogart

Growing an Advisory Firm Organically with James Bogart

By |

Growing an advisory firm requires more than attracting new clients. It requires clarity around the type of business you want to build, the systems that support it and the people who help move it forward.

How do you decide whether growth, independence or a different path is right for your firm? How do you create an organization that reflects your long-term goals?

In this episode of Focused On The Future, host Suzanne Siracuse interviews James Bogart, founder and CEO of Bogart Wealth, about building a growing advisory firm through intentional decisions, educational content and digital strategies. He shares how his firm expanded organically, how the pandemic changed his approach to client acquisition, and why investing in people, data and future advisors is essential for creating an enduring organization.

James discusses:

  • How intentional decisions shape the future direction and structure of an advisory firm
  • How educational content helped create meaningful connections with prospective clients
  • How digital strategies transformed the firm’s organic growth process during the pandemic
  • How data helps guide marketing investments, capacity planning and business decisions
  • How developing future advisors supports long-term organizational growth

Resources:

Connect With Suzanne Siracuse:

Connect With James Bogart:

 About Our Guest:

As CEO of Bogart Wealth, James Bogart focuses on maintaining the highest level of customer service possible and seeking to deliver the most effective technology, reporting tools, and analysis to every Bogart Wealth client. A charismatic visionary and next-gen founder with seemingly endless energy, he surrounds himself with people who complement his skills. James promotes a collaborative environment, leading by example and always exemplifying Bogart Wealth’s core values. He sets a high bar for himself and his employees, encouraging everyone to acquire designations that will help them advance their careers and better serve clients. 

A seasoned wealth advisor and visionary leader, James takes personal pride in assisting executives, entrepreneurs, and professionals in pursuing their dreams through highly customized financial planning strategies. James’ practice spans wealth plan design, investment management, estate planning, family legacy planning, business succession, charitable giving, asset protection, and retirement concerns, with a special insight and focus on multi-generational strategies. He regularly addresses audiences of industry professionals and senior corporate executives on new and upcoming developments in this field.

James enjoys spending time with his wife and children.  He is a proud Eagle Scout, remaining active with the Boy Scouts of America. He enjoys golf, travel, reading, and cooking.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More
Building Growth Through People, Technology and Advisor Support with Neil Turner

Building Growth Through People, Technology and Advisor Support with Neil Turner

By |

Growth is a priority for many advisory firms, but building a business that can continue growing while serving clients well requires thoughtful planning.

What separates firms that continue attracting advisors and clients from those that struggle to scale? How can technology, business development and hiring decisions shape the future of an advisory business?

In this episode of Focused On The Future, host Suzanne Siracuse chats with Neil Turner, co-founder of NewEdge Advisors and chief strategy officer and chief revenue officer at NewEdge Capital Group, about building an advisor-focused wealth management platform. They explore the role of net new assets as a growth metric, how dedicated business development teams support advisors, the realities of digital marketing and the growing influence of artificial intelligence. 

Neil also shares lessons from launching a shared RIA model, investing in talent and why people remain the foundation of a lasting business.

Neil discusses:

  • Why net new assets remain a leading indicator of firm growth and long-term business health
  • How dedicated business development teams help convert digital leads into client relationships
  • The role recruiting and advisor support play in expanding assets and firm capabilities
  • Why ownership of firm data may become increasingly important as AI adoption grows
  • How hiring people who value advisors can shape culture and long-term business performance

Resources:

Connect With Suzanne Siracuse: 

Connect With Neil Turner:

 About Our Guest:

Neil Turner is the Chief Revenue Officer and Chief Strategy Officer of NewEdge Capital Group and the Co-Founder of one of its subsidiaries, NewEdge Advisors.

Neil has a strong track record of taking great business ideas and turning them into exceptional companies, such as NewEdge Advisors. After starting his career at JP Morgan, Neil made his way to New Orleans-based technology firm, iSeatz.com, as their Chief Strategy Officer. It was there that he met current business partner, Alex Goss. The two went on to form AdverCar.com before co-founding what is known today as NewEdge Advisors. As Co-Founders, they continue to develop NewEdge Advisors into one of the most advisor-first firms in the nation.

Neil graduated from Kenyon College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. He was born and raised in New York City and currently resides in New Orleans. Outside of work, he enjoys running, playing golf and supporting local charities.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More
Rethinking Financial Planning for Childfree Clients with Dr. Jay Zigmont

Rethinking Financial Planning for Childfree Clients with Dr. Jay Zigmont

By |

Traditional financial planning assumes a familiar life path, but what happens when that doesn’t include children?

Many advisors unknowingly rely on planning frameworks built around legacy, inheritance and next-generation wealth transfer. For millions of people, those assumptions simply don’t fit.

In this episode, Suzanne Siracuse speaks with Dr. Jay Zigmont, founder and CEO of Childfree Wealth and Childfree Trust, about the unique planning needs of childfree and permanently childless individuals. They explore how financial planning, estate planning, charitable giving, retirement strategies and pet care decisions change when there are no children involved. 

Dr. Zigmont also shares why many traditional planning tools create blind spots, how advisors can better serve this growing population, and why deeper life planning conversations can transform the client experience.

Key takeaways:

  • Why traditional financial planning often overlooks the goals and priorities of childfree individuals
  • How estate planning becomes more challenging when there is no obvious next of kin available
  • Why pet trusts and long-term care planning deserve greater attention in financial conversations
  • How charitable giving strategies may differ for people focused on spending during their lifetime
  • Why advisors can create stronger relationships by understanding nontraditional life paths

Resources:

Connect With Suzanne Siracuse:

Connect With Dr. Jay Zigmont:

 About Our Guest:

Jay Zigmont is the Founder and CEO of Childfree Wealth, a life and financial planning firm dedicated to helping Childfree and Permanently Childless people. He and his wife are Childfree.

Dr. Jay is a Childfree Wealth Specialist and author of the book “Portraits of Childfree Wealth” and the upcoming book “The Childfree Guide to Life and Money.” Dr Jay is the co-host of the Childfree Wealth podcast. 

He has been featured in Fortune, Forbes, MarketWatch, Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Business Insider, CNBC, and many other publications. In 2023, he was named a “Rising Star” by Financial Planning.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More
Why Advisors Are Rethinking Marketing for AI Search with Susan Theder and Samantha Russell

Why Advisors Are Rethinking Marketing for AI Search with Susan Theder and Samantha Russell

By |

Marketing is changing fast, and many advisors are wondering how to stay visible as artificial intelligence tools reshape the way people search for information.

How can firms stand out when clients are asking questions directly to AI platforms instead of clicking through websites? What signals actually help advisors get noticed online today?

In this episode of Focused on the Future, Suzanne Siracuse speaks with Susan Theder, chief marketing  and experience officer at FMG, and Samantha Russell, chief evangelist at FMG, about how advisors can adapt their marketing for AI-driven search. They share practical ideas around testimonials, authenticity, FAQ content, podcasts and third-party endorsements. 

The conversation also explores how AI tools are changing advisor workflows, improving client communication and creating more time for meaningful human connection.

Key takeaways:

  • Why authenticity and values-driven branding can help advisors attract stronger client relationships
  • How testimonials and third-party mentions influence AEO rankings and online visibility today
  • Why FAQ sections and transcript-based content help AI tools understand advisor expertise
  • How advisors can use LinkedIn events and webinars to generate leads without paid outreach
  • Why AI may create more space for human connection instead of replacing financial advisors

Resources:

Connect With Suzanne Siracuse:

Connect With Susan Theder and Samantha Russell:

About Susan Theder:

Susan Theder is the Chief Marketing and Experience Officer at FMG and a member of the company’s Senior Leadership Team. Susan places an emphasis on the importance of customer-focused strategies that leverage data and technology to deliver personalized and customized experiences that WOW.

She has a passion for helping financial professionals grow and market their businesses and is an active supporter of women and diversity initiatives. She was named CMO of the year by WealthManagement.com in 2019 and a Women to Watch by Investment News in 2019. Susan currently serves on the Board of Directors for SMARSH and ComplySci, both leading SaaS/RegTech companies serving the financial services industry.

Before joining FMG, Susan served as Chief Marketing Officer at both Advisor Group and Cetera Financial Group where she was responsible for all aspects of marketing and advisor marketing. Prior to that, she was a Managing Director at Pershing/BNY Mellon and held senior positions in marketing, product management and practice management at Fidelity Investments.

About Samantha Russell:

Samantha teaches financial advisors how to utilize digital marketing strategies to produce exponential growth through website development, content marketing, SEO, social media and video.

Her cutting-edge thought leadership is recognized throughout the financial services industry and has led to her being awarded an Investment News 40 Under 40, ThinkAdvisor “Luminary” and Wealth Management Ten to Watch.

In addition to being a trusted, go-to resource for advisors looking to grow through digital marketing strategies, Sam is also known as a voracious reader, avid runner and hiker, and master juggler of 3 kids under 6.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More
How AI Is Expanding Advisor Capacity and Elevating Human Connection with Dani Fava

How AI Is Expanding Advisor Capacity and Elevating Human Connection with Dani Fava

By |

What happens when technology removes friction instead of adding to it?

And how does that shift reshape the value of human advice?

In this episode of Focused on the Future, host Suzanne Siracuse interviews Dani Fava, chief strategy officer at Carson Group, about how artificial intelligence is transforming financial advice by increasing advisor capacity and enhancing client relationships. Dani shares how Carson’s proprietary AI assistant is helping advisors streamline workflows, prepare for meetings and access client insights instantly. 

She also explains why the demand for human connection is rising, how advisors can scale without losing personalization and why the future of advice is more relationship-driven than ever.

Key takeaways:

  • How early automation shaped her career and led to a focus on efficiency through technology innovation
  • Why natural language interfaces are removing barriers and changing how advisors interact with systems
  • How AI tools are boosting advisor capacity and allowing them to serve more households effectively
  • Why human connection is becoming more valuable as automation increases across industries
  • How firms can integrate technology while still relying on expertise to serve high-net-worth clients

Resources:

Connect With Suzanne Siracuse:

Connect With Dani Fava:

About Our Guest:

Dani Fava serves the pivotal role of Chief Strategy Officer at Carson Group, wielding over two decades of experience in wealth management to drive our strategic direction. Charged with enhancing the client experience through differentiated products and services, Dani’s leadership is instrumental in shaping innovative growth strategies and advancing the industry on financial advice and the use of AI.

Before joining Carson Group, Dani held influential positions at Envestnet and TD Ameritrade, where she spearheaded initiatives such as digital onboarding, strategic partnerships, and AI integration. Dani’s contributions include the development of advisor technologies like iRebal and the Model Market Center, reflecting her commitment to empowering advisors with cutting-edge tools and insights. Her impact and forward-thinking vision earned her a spot on FinTech Magazine’s Top 100 Women in FinTech (2021), InvestmentNews’ Women to Watch (2020), and ThinkAdvisor’s 2020 IA25, underscoring her status as a trailblazer in wealth management innovation.

In addition to her professional achievements, Dani is recognized for her thought leadership in the industry, often speaking at conferences and contributing to discussions on the future of financial technology. Dani also serves on the board of Language & Culture Worldwide (LCW), a culture consulting company. This work is an extension of her commitment to see more inclusion in the wealth management industry.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Dani finds joy in the company of her loved ones, including her life partner, Julie, and their two children, Camryn and Frankie. Their family is completed by three beloved dogs—Slim Shady, Ghostface and Dolly Parton. When not immersed in strategy, Dani indulges her obsessive passion for pickleball, a testament to her commitment to both work and play. Embracing the guiding principle of “Per aspera ad astra” (from the ashes to the stars), Dani embraces resilience and determination in her pursuit of transformative opportunities for advisors in an ever-evolving market landscape.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More
Building a Relationship-First Advisory Business with Dany Martin

Building a Relationship-First Advisory Business with Dany Martin

By |

What truly drives long-term growth in a financial advisory business?

Is it better tools, stronger strategies, or something far more human at the core?

In this first episode of season 4 of the Focused on the Future podcast, host Suzanne Siracuse interviews Dany Martin, partner and wealth advisor at WFA, about how relationship-first thinking shapes a sustainable advisory business. He shares how early exposure to residual income led him into financial planning, and how serving athletes and women became a natural extension of his values. 

Dany also explains how artificial intelligence is enhancing efficiency without replacing human connection, and why hiring career changers has strengthened his firm’s culture and client experience.

Key takeaways:

  • Why working with athletes revealed the need for structure, guidance, and long-term financial protection
  • How focusing on women clients led to stronger relationships and deeper, more meaningful planning conversations
  • How AI improves efficiency and service delivery without replacing human connection and trust
  • Why hiring career changers builds stronger teams through trust, curiosity, and real-life experience

Resources:

Connect With Suzanne Siracuse:

Connect With Dany Martin:

 About Our Guest:

Dany Martin, a south Louisiana native but Shreveport resident, was in search of a service-oriented, innovative, and proactive wealth management organization. He wanted a team that focused on exceeding clients’ needs and upholding the highest standard of service. His mission is to be a student of life and educate others about the profound, positive impact that sound financial planning will have on peoples’ lives and on their families. He is also a huge advocate of positive thinking and leadership.

Dany’s passion for helping others strive for financial health started during his high school years when residual income and the idea of having money work for you crossed his desk. He further pursued his enthusiasm for business and finance during college, where he attended Northwestern State University. During those 4 years in Natchitoches, he achieved a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and was an active member and treasurer of Sigma Nu Fraternity. He continued his education by obtaining a Master’s in Business Administration degree from Louisiana Tech University.

Prior to becoming part of the WFA team in January of 2015, Dany spent 8.5 years at Capital One Bank, where in a very short time he worked his way up from a teller to a Financial Advisor covering 10+ branches in the Shreveport, LA area.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More
Leading With Empathy and Financial Vision with Cary Carbonaro

Leading With Empathy and Financial Vision with Cary Carbonaro

By |

Many people want guidance that truly supports their goals, yet the way advice is delivered can shape how confident they feel.

How do you create space for every voice at the table? How do you build a client experience that reflects communication, care and long-term thinking?

In this episode of Focused on the Future, host Suzanne Siracuse talks with Cary Carbonaro, CFP, MBA, author, fee-only financial advisor, and CFP Board ambassador, about her early industry realizations, her mission to elevate the experience for women clients, and her approach to building a practice with a clear purpose. 

Cary explains how she built her firm from the ground up, why communication gaps still exist across the profession, and how empathy, education and emotional intelligence foster lasting relationships. She also discusses what advisors can do now to prepare for the great wealth transfer and better serve the clients who will soon lead it.

Key points:

  • How women were routinely left out of early client conversations and how this shaped Cary’s mission
  • The importance of empathy, education and emotional intelligence with women clients
  • Why the great wealth transfer demands changes in communication and client experience
  • How Cary maintained trust through four practice transitions
  • How media presence and clear messaging help advisors expand influence

Resources:

Connect With Suzanne Siracuse:

Connect With Cary Carbonaro:

 About Our Guest:

Cary Carbonaro, CFP, MBA, is an award-winning Certified Financial Planner Professional with over 25 years of experience in financial services. She is the Managing Wealth Advisor and Women and Wealth Ambassador at Ashton Thomas, where she leads a multimillion-dollar financial planning practice focused on empowering women.

Cary is the bestselling author of The Money Queen’s Guide and Women and Wealth: A Playbook to Empower Clients and Unlock Their Fortune (Wiley 2025), which offers actionable strategies for better serving women in financial services. Through her writing, speaking, and advocacy, she is helping reshape the industry to better support its fastest-growing client segment.

She has been honored as a CFP Board Ambassador for over a decade, named a “Women to Watch” by Investment News, and ranked six times among Investopedia’s Top 100 Financial Advisors. In 2024, Cary was appointed as the first female member of the NASDAQ Advisor Council, further cementing her leadership in the field.

Before building her advisory practice, Cary held leadership roles at JP Morgan Chase, Citibank, and Lord Abbett Investment. Today, she is a respected industry voice and frequent media contributor, with appearances on dozens of TV stations. 

Through her decades of experience, Cary remains a passionate champion for financial literacy, gender equity, and empowering women to take control of their financial futures.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

Archives

Categories