Diversity in Action™

In this episode, we are joined by Suzanne Lawrence, CEO of Advisor Business Solutions. Suzanne shares her passion for increasing diversity in all aspects of business, and helping women and people of color find jobs. She also partnered with BLX to manage the program and help connect Black and Latinx college students and career changers with fee-only and fee-based financial planning firms.

The BLX Internship Program would not have been possible without her generous time and her team. Listen to learn how we make an impact in an industry that everyone is passionate about!

Notes: 

In this episode, Shawn, Luis and Suzanne talk about: 

• Current trends and driving factors impacting today’s RIA firms
• How the robust BLX matching process connects firms and ideal candidates
• The benefits of using BLX even if a firm has an established internal internship program
• How firms can widen their pool of candidates to meet their talent needs

And more…….. 

Resources: 

• Website: https://advisorbusinesssolutions.com/
• ABS LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/advisor-business-solutions/
• Suzanne’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzanne-patrick-lawrence/

Episode Sponsor: 

This episode is sponsored by Advisor Business Solutions, specializing in providing HR recruitment and succession planning solutions for independent financial services firms throughout the US. Their team focuses on guiding financial practices, primarily looking to hire C suite executives, licensed support staff and interns while building a diverse team, ABS is passionate about advising financial practice on shifting cultural hiring dynamics with retention in mind and coaching women in career transition and people of color seeking opportunities to access next level industry jobs. For more information and to connect with the team at Advisor Business Solutions, please visit advisorbusinesssolutions.com

Diversity in Action™ is all about showcasing real stories of individuals who are making an impact in the financial planning industry. You will learn how they got started in the industry, how they built their foundation, where they are headed in their careers, and their passion for making the financial industry more diverse.

It’s time to be inspired by those working to make a positive difference in the financial planning industry. It’s time to be part of this radical change!

Diversity in Action™ is a project of BLX Internship - a program for aspiring black and Latinx financial planners. Visit our website at www.blxinternship.org

In this episode, we are joined by Sherri Trombley and Dr. Peter Fisher. Sherri is a Director at Schwab in Business Consulting and Education and Dr. Fisher is a founding partner and CEO of Human Investing. Tune in to learn the amazing things they are both doing to increase racial diversity, close the gender gap, and create fulfilling career tracks for the next generation of talent.

Notes: 

In this episode, Shawn, Luis, Sherri & Dr. Fisher talk about: 

• How firms can cultivate the next generation of talent
• The RIA Talent Advantage(r) Student Scholarship
• The importance of cultivating the next generation of clients
• Results from Schwab’s RIA benchmark study

And more…….. 

Resources: 

• Get the book: Becoming a 401(k) Millionaire
• RIA Talent Advantage® Student Scholarship
• Visit the Human Investing $1 Million Endowment
• Schwab Impact 2024
• Connect with Peter Fisher on LinkedIn
• Connect with Sherri Trombley on LinkedIn

Episode Sponsor: 

This episode is brought to you by Schwab Advisor Services, in partnership with the Charles Schwab Foundation, which has been supporting firms for over 30 years. They focus on a client-first mentality and offer a perfect blend of personalization and technology. Through their University Grant Program, they have provided over $25 million in funding to universities and institutions since 2007. The goal is to support universities and organizations that can benefit from Schwab's involvement while developing high-quality talent for independent advisors to hire. For more information, visit schwab.com. 

Diversity in Action™ is all about showcasing real stories of individuals who are making an impact in the financial planning industry. You will learn how they got started in the industry, how they built their foundation, where they are headed in their careers, and their passion for making the financial industry more diverse.

It’s time to be inspired by those working to make a positive difference in the financial planning industry. It’s time to be part of this radical change!

Diversity in Action™ is a project of BLX Internship - a program for aspiring black and Latinx financial planners. Visit our website at www.blxinternship.org

Kate Healy is THE Next Gen Growth Builder. Kate is the CEO & Founder of AdvoKate IQ, helping wealth management firms with their NextGen growth strategy. Her previous roles include Managing Director at TD Ameritrade Institutional, Managing Director at the Center for Financial Planning, and as board member of the FinServ Foundation, and Invest In Others Charitable Foundation. Kate is also an inaugural member of the CFP Board’s Women’s Initiative. Kate is also a passionate public speaker and moderator and a force for good in the wealth management space. 

Notes: 

In this episode, Shawn, Luis and Kate talk about: 

• Embracing the unconventional career path in the wealth management industry
• Looking beyond sales roles in financial services
• How hiring Nex Gen talent is an asset for forward looking firms
• The amazing transferrable skills that career changers bring to the industry
• The importance of measurement and impact when it comes to DEIB

And more…….. 

Resources:

• Connect with Kate Healy on LinkedIn
• FinServ Foundation
• Follow Kate Healy on X

Episode Sponsor: 

This episode is brought to you by eMoney Advisor, LLC. eMoney provides technology solutions and services that help people talk about money. Rooted in holistic financial planning, eMoney solutions strengthen client relationships, streamline business operations, enhance business development, and drive overall growth. More than 98,000 financial professionals across firms of all sizes use the eMoney platform to serve more than 5 million households throughout the United States. To learn more about eMoney, visit eMoneyAdvisor.com.

Diversity in Action™ is all about showcasing real stories of individuals who are making an impact in the financial planning industry. You will learn how they got started in the industry, how they built their foundation, where they are headed in their careers, and their passion for making the financial industry more diverse.

It’s time to be inspired by those working to make a positive difference in the financial planning industry. It’s time to be part of this radical change!

Diversity in Action™ is a project of BLX Internship - a program for aspiring black and Latinx financial planners. Visit our website at www.blxinternship.org

Today we are joined by two of our prior interns, Isaac Craps and Mahogany Person. We catch up with them to see where they are in their career journeys. Isaac was a student who majored in financial planning at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and Mahogany is a career changer who was a former teacher before pursuing financial planning. They both have amazing stories about their trajectories and share with us their experience during their internships and the roles they’re currently fulfilling.

Notes: 

In this episode, Shawn, Luis, Isaac & Mahogany talk about: 

• Their experiences during the BLX Internship Program
• Where they are in their journeys in the financial planning industry
• What surprised them the most working in financial services
• Their long-term career goals

And more…….. 

Resources:

• Connect with Isaac on LinkedIn
• Connect with Mahogany on LinkedIn
• Mariner Wealth Advisors
• Envestnet – Money Guide Pro
• Fish & Associates Financial Planning
• Gianola Financial Planning
• Brotherhood of Men Mentor Group

Special Shout Out: 

Today, BLX would like to give a special shout out to Invest in Others, the charitable arm of the financial services community. For nearly 20 years, Invest in Others has been celebrating and amplifying the outstanding charitable work of financial advisors, employees, and their firms. In total, Invest in Others has awarded over $6 million dollars in honor of more than 750 of our colleagues to the charities they care about. Go to investinothers.org to learn how you too can invest more in others!”

Diversity in Action™ is all about showcasing real stories of individuals who are making an impact in the financial planning industry. You will learn how they got started in the industry, how they built their foundation, where they are headed in their careers, and their passion for making the financial industry more diverse.

It’s time to be inspired by those working to make a positive difference in the financial planning industry. It’s time to be part of this radical change!

Diversity in Action™ is a project of BLX Internship - a program for aspiring black and Latinx financial planners. Visit our website at www.blxinternship.org

Rebecca Ajulu-Bushell was an elite athlete who made history as the first Black woman to swim for Great Britain at the national level. She has represented both Great Britain and Kenya and eventually rose to world number one and clinched the title of British Champion. 

Next, Honoured as one of Forbes' 30 Under 30 in the Social Impact category and recognised by TIME as one of the 18 Black leaders working tirelessly to close the racial wealth gap, she currently leads the 10,000 Interns Foundation as CEO, a groundbreaking non-profit dedicated to championing underrepresented talent and reshaping the future workforce.

Notes: 

In this episode, Shawn, Luis and Rebecca talk about: 

• How the 100 Black Interns initiative inspired the birth of the BLX Internship
• How the 10,000 Interns Foundation is scaling diversity in Wealth Management in the UK
• Rebecca’s experience feeling as an outsider, and her book, “These Heavy Black Bones”
• Advice for how firms can create an inclusive environment

And more…….. 

Resources:

• 10,000 Interns Foundation
• Follow Rebecca Ajulu-Bushell on LinkedIn
• Follow Rebecca on Instagram
• Read her book These Heavy Black Bones

Episode Sponsor: 

This episode is brought to you by Abacus. Abacus began with a vision to be a catalyst for people to not simply get richer, but to live a more fulfilling life. As a purpose-driven, values-centric financial advisory firm, they are focused on creating authentic and measurable impact by:

• Delivering values-aligned financial advice to improve people’s lives
• Being thoughtful about the impact their investments have on society and the environment.
• Effecting change in the financial services industry to create and serve a more diverse and equitable profession and client base.

 Learn more by visiting abacuswealth.com

Diversity in Action™ is all about showcasing real stories of individuals who are making an impact in the financial planning industry. You will learn how they got started in the industry, how they built their foundation, where they are headed in their careers, and their passion for making the financial industry more diverse.

It’s time to be inspired by those working to make a positive difference in the financial planning industry. It’s time to be part of this radical change!

Diversity in Action™ is a project of BLX Internship - a program for aspiring black and Latinx financial planners. Visit our website at www.blxinternship.org

Mike LaMena is the Chief Executive Officer of Wealthspire Advisors, having joined the firm in September of 2017. He has 27+ years of experience building, operating, and leading global wealth management organizations. His commitment to service excellence and his fundamental belief in the power of the firm’s independent, conflict-free model of financial advice inspires his enthusiasm to serve clients and expand the business. Throughout his time at Wealthspire, Mike has helped grow the organization to over $20 billion in AUM with 22 offices across the country and more than 300 employees.

Notes: 

In this episode, Shawn, Luis, and Mike talk about: 

• Wealthspire Advisors’ commitment to DEIB through its DEIB Committee
• Fostering an environment of belonging and growth at your firm or organization
• The importance of advocating for and being an ally to women in the workplace
• How Wealthspire supports external organizations, including BLX

And more…….. 

Resources: 

• Wealthspire
• Connect with Mike LaMena on LinkedIn
• NFP (Parent company of Wealthspire)
• Wealthspire’s CFP Scholarship

Episode Sponsor: 

This episode is brought to you by Wealthspire Advisors. Wealthspire Advisors is an independent registered investment advisor that oversees, across its entities, 22 offices in 12 states throughout the Northeast, Atlantic, Midwest, and West Coast. Wealthspire advisors are fiduciaries who value connecting all parts of a client’s financial life to deliver thoughtful, collaborative strategies that optimize their finances and fulfill their aspirations. Wealthspire Advisors acts as a wealth manager, investment advisor, consultant, and constant partner in helping clients gain confidence in their financial futures. For more information on Wealthspire Advisors, please visit www.wealthspire.com. 

Diversity in Action™ is all about showcasing real stories of individuals who are making an impact in the financial planning industry. You will learn how they got started in the industry, how they built their foundation, where they are headed in their careers, and their passion for making the financial industry more diverse.

It’s time to be inspired by those working to make a positive difference in the financial planning industry. It’s time to be part of this radical change!

Diversity in Action™ is a project of BLX Internship - a program for aspiring black and Latinx financial planners. Visit our website at www.blxinternship.org

Sarit Abramowicz is the First Vice President – Program Director of the Gateway Foundation by Money Management Institute, whose mission is to build meaningful change in the financial services industry by advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion. Gateway’s three strategic priorities include, financial literacy, career exposure and preparation, and performance and professional development. Before joining Gateway, Sarit spent more than 15 years in nonprofits and academia running leadership and professional development programs for thousands of students and early career talent from diverse backgrounds, cultures and disciplines.   Sarit is a first-generation, multilingual, native New Yorker, who completed her Master’s degree at New York University and her Bachelor’s from SUNY Binghamton. 

Notes: 

In this episode, Shawn, Luis, and Sarit talk about: 

• Money Management Institute and the Gateway Foundation
• How Gateway’s three strategic priorities are having impact
• MMI’s Career Connect Program & Leadership Pathway Accelerator
• Opening Doors Awards, Impact Night, and Golf Classic

And more…….. 

Resources: 

•  Money Management Institute
• Gateway Foundation
• Connect with Sarit Abramowicz on LinkedIn
• Career Connect website
• Investopedia

Episode Sponsor: 

This episode is brought to you by Schwab Advisor Services, in partnership with the Charles Schwab Foundation, which has been supporting firms for over 30 years. They focus on a client-first mentality and offer a perfect blend of personalization and technology. Through their University Grant Program, they have provided over $25 million in funding to universities and institutions since 2007. The goal is to support universities and organizations that can benefit from Schwab's involvement while developing high-quality talent for independent advisors to hire. For more information, visit schwab.com. 

Diversity in Action™ is all about showcasing real stories of individuals who are making an impact in the financial planning industry. You will learn how they got started in the industry, how they built their foundation, where they are headed in their careers, and their passion for making the financial industry more diverse.

It’s time to be inspired by those working to make a positive difference in the financial planning industry. It’s time to be part of this radical change!

Diversity in Action™ is a project of BLX Internship - a program for aspiring black and Latinx financial planners. Visit our website at www.blxinternship.org

Carina is a financial services veteran, having built and sold several wealth management firms and mentored dozens of young people entering the profession. She’s a frequent source for national media on diversity and succession planning. She currently is serving in two roles: Director of Diversitas at The University of Akron, and as Founder-CEO of Stella Secunda, a consulting firm focusing on fintech consulting and organic growth and succession strategies for financial services firms.

Notes: 

In this episode, Shawn, Luis, and Carina talk about: 

• The importance of educating people on the variety of roles within the financial services industry
• The need for more diverse people throughout the industry
• Why the traditional focus on math and sales have discouraged talented people from joining our profession
• Defining success in DEIB in the financial services industry

And more…….. 

Resources: 

• Follow Carina on LinkedIn
• Follow Diversitas on LinkedIn
• Visit the Diversitas Website

Episode Sponsor: 

This episode is brought to you Diversitas. Diversitas aims to make the financial planning profession and the wealth management industry more inclusive through education, mentorship and human connection. Diversitas seeks to expand the participation of underrepresented groups in the profession and the industry by mitigating the leading barriers to entry, a lack of education, understanding and awareness. For more information, visit diversitasfp.org. 

Diversity in Action™ is all about showcasing real stories of individuals who are making an impact in the financial planning industry. You will learn how they got started in the industry, how they built their foundation, where they are headed in their careers, and their passion for making the financial industry more diverse.

It’s time to be inspired by those working to make a positive difference in the financial planning industry. It’s time to be part of this radical change!

Diversity in Action™ is a project of BLX Internship - a program for aspiring black and Latinx financial planners. Visit our website at www.blxinternship.org

Nicole Ridley is a highly accomplished leader with extensive experience in Finance, Investments, Commercial Real Estate, Strategic Relationship Management, and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.

With over 15 years of experience, Nicole’s results-oriented, innovative, and enthusiastic approach will be a tremendous asset to FARE. She is known for her proven record of success in developing and implementing innovative programs that support our organization’s strategic direction and she will undoubtedly elevate FARE’s transformative impact in our industry.

Notes: 

In this episode, Shawn, Luis, and Nicole talk about: 

• The Financial Alliance for Racial Equity (FARE)
• The importance of leadership training programs within organizations
• Diversity in action, going from research to reality
• Closing the racial wealth gap in the U.S.
• The impact diversity scholarships have on underserved populations
• HBCU Live!

And more…….. 

Resources:  

• theFARE.org
• Follow FARE on LinkedIn
• HBCU Live
• Connect with Nicole Ridley on her LinkedIn page

Episode Sponsor: 

This episode is brought to you by FARE. In September 2020, when the US was grappling with the social issues still plaguing our country today, FARE was launched–a coalition of financial services firms, industry organizations, and historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

Our mission is to increase racial diversity, drive greater equity, and foster inclusion within the financial services industry and communities served.

Diversity in Action™ is all about showcasing real stories of individuals who are making an impact in the financial planning industry. You will learn how they got started in the industry, how they built their foundation, where they are headed in their careers, and their passion for making the financial industry more diverse.

It’s time to be inspired by those working to make a positive difference in the financial planning industry. It’s time to be part of this radical change!

Diversity in Action™ is a project of BLX Internship - a program for aspiring black and Latinx financial planners. Visit our website at www.blxinternship.org

Ana is a community builder, connector, and award-winning content creator in financial services. She is the co-founder of the SER Summit for Latinos in FinServ and currently serves as a director of coaching and advisor content at Carson Group. 

Notes: 

In this episode, Shawn, Luis, and Ana talk about:

• Ana’s background and journey into financial services
• The SER Summit for Latinos in Finserv
• The importance of building community to help diversify our industry
• The Mini Money Runners project

And more…….. 

Resources: 

•  SER Summit for Latinos in Finserv
• Follow SER on LinkedIn
• Journal of Financial Planning
• Latino Journey to Financial Greatness - Louis Barajas - book
• Wealth Management Edge conference
• Ana’s email if you want to be a sponsor of SER - [email protected]
• Follow Ana Trujillo Limon on LinkedIn 

Episode Sponsor: 

This episode is brought to you by LLiS. As an extension of fee-only financial advisor firms, LLiS works with advisors and their clients to find the right solutions for life disability, long-term care insurance, annuities, and more. Licensed in all 50 states, their experienced team is here to assist advisors and clients through the life of the policy. For more information, please visit llis.com. 

Diversity in Action™ is all about showcasing real stories of individuals who are making an impact in the financial planning industry. You will learn how they got started in the industry, how they built their foundation, where they are headed in their careers, and their passion for making the financial industry more diverse.

It’s time to be inspired by those working to make a positive difference in the financial planning industry. It’s time to be part of this radical change!

Diversity in Action™ is a project of BLX Internship - a program for aspiring black and Latinx financial planners. Visit our website at www.blxinternship.org