Curiosity isn't just a nice-to-have trait—it’s a necessary fuel for leadership, growth, and long-term success. When approached with depth and intentionality, curiosity becomes the key to evolving our thinking, building sharper perspectives, and navigating complexity more effectively. In this episode, I break down the difference between general curiosity—the kind that gives us fleeting facts—and epistemic curiosity, the drive to truly understand. It’s not about connecting random dots. It’s about forming meaningful constellations that spark real insight and wisdom.

When we lead with curiosity, we don’t just gather knowledge—we satisfy core human needs. From creating a sense of psychological safety to forging stronger relationships and building confidence through mastery, curiosity shows up at every level of our growth journey. Drawing on Maslow’s hierarchy, I explore how leaning into deep learning contributes to both personal fulfillment and professional momentum. It turns out, curiosity doesn’t just help us grow—it actually makes us happier by triggering the parts of our brain tied to reward and motivation.

But there’s a catch: technology is making it too easy to shortcut the process. Tools like Google and AI are powerful—but if we’re not careful, they nudge us toward convenience instead of clarity. In this solo episode, I challenge us as leaders to use technology as a launchpad for deeper thinking, not as a replacement for it. The path forward? Start questioning more, summarize insights in your own words, and make curiosity a daily practice. That’s how we grow—not just smarter, but wiser.

Building a successful wealth management firm isn’t just about numbers—it’s about vision, resilience, and embracing change. Douglas Boneparth’s journey from childhood dreams of becoming an architect or attorney to leading a thriving financial advisory firm highlights the importance of entrepreneurship, technology, and adaptability in today’s fast-paced financial landscape. With early exposure to tech and entrepreneurial spirit from his family, Douglas emphasizes how these experiences shaped his approach to financial planning, integrating innovation into every step of his firm’s evolution.

Douglas shares the personal and professional challenges he faced when joining the family business, particularly stepping in during the turbulence of the 2008 financial crisis. His ability to pivot, build resilience, and adapt to an ever-changing environment has been key to his success. A central theme of his story is the role of technology—not just as a tool for efficiency, but as a way to elevate client experiences. His willingness to embrace cutting-edge tech solutions has helped him carve out a competitive edge, allowing him to innovate and deliver unparalleled service to clients.

Looking ahead, Douglas's vision is focused on the "love plus money" space—helping couples navigate financial planning together to foster stronger, more transparent relationships. His goal is to reach $250 million in assets under management, and he believes this vision can be achieved by continuing to innovate, invest in technology, and build strong, collaborative teams. His insights underscore the value of curiosity, the importance of embracing new ideas, and the role of relationship-driven financial planning in creating lasting client loyalty.

Our minds often deceive us, shaping our perceptions in ways we don’t realize. Cognitive biases influence decision-making, memory, and our ability to adapt. By understanding these mental traps, we can sharpen our thinking, make better decisions, and foster deeper connections with clients.

One common bias is the Texas Sharpshooter Fallacy—the tendency to find patterns that fit our narratives, even when they don’t exist. This can lead to flawed decision-making and misplaced confidence in trends that may be purely coincidental. Similarly, normalcy bias keeps us anchored to what feels familiar, making it harder to recognize and respond to change effectively. There’s also the argument from authority, where we often accept expert opinions without questioning their validity. And finally, the misinformation effect distorts our memories over time, making them unreliable guides for decision-making.

To counteract these biases, structured decision-making, real-time documentation, and intentional skepticism are key. Establishing clear processes helps us navigate uncertainty with confidence. Journaling or recording key observations preserves unaltered insights, reducing the risk of hindsight bias. And actively questioning authoritative claims ensures well-rounded, independent thinking. By recognizing these cognitive pitfalls, we can future-proof our decision-making and better serve our clients.

The future of financial advisory isn’t just about keeping up—it’s about staying ahead. Erin Voisin of EP Wealth Advisors shares how forward-thinking firms can create a culture that anticipates client needs, embraces innovation, and refines internal processes to drive long-term success. She highlights how strategic time management, leadership development, and a commitment to continuous improvement can help advisors future-proof their businesses in an evolving industry.

One key strategy Erin discusses is the importance of setting aside time for self-reflection and strategic planning. At EP Wealth, they’ve implemented dedicated “decompression days” to allow team members to step back, assess their work, and prepare for the week ahead. This approach enhances productivity, reduces burnout, and ensures advisors are delivering the best possible client experience. Additionally, postmortem evaluations after major projects or implementations provide valuable insights, allowing teams to refine their processes and improve outcomes.

Beyond operational strategies, Erin stresses the importance of leadership development in sustaining long-term growth. By investing in internal training programs, firms can cultivate strong leaders who align with the company’s vision and drive success. As the financial advisory space continues to evolve, firms that prioritize innovation, adaptability, and a strong internal culture will be best positioned to thrive.

Great conversations don’t start with answers—they start with the right questions. In this episode of The FutureProof Advisor, I explore how curiosity, not just knowledge, is the key to deeper connections in wealth management and beyond. With technology providing instant answers, we’ve lost the art of asking meaningful questions—ones that uncover emotions, intentions, and true understanding.

Shifting from fact-based questions to ones that explore feelings can transform any conversation. Instead of stopping at surface-level inquiries, I break down how to ask better questions that spark engagement and build trust. It’s not about what someone did—it’s about how they feel and why it matters.

I also dive into practical techniques to improve communication, like using silence to encourage thoughtful responses, asking for permission before digging deeper, and clarifying instead of assuming. By prioritizing connection over simple information exchange, we can build stronger, more authentic relationships in both business and life.

Most people hear, but few truly listen. Matt Halloran, author of 'Shut the F Up and Listen', joins The FutureProof Advisor to explore how deep listening transforms communication, leadership, and client relationships. Drawing from his background in therapy and financial services, Matt shares how a pivotal moment studying with George Kinder shifted his perspective on the power of silence and meaningful dialogue.

Listening, he explains, is an act of love—one that builds trust, strengthens connections, and allows others to feel seen and valued. The key isn’t just in hearing words but in embracing silence, using strategic pauses to create space for deeper conversations. Recognizing different communication styles—whether someone is a skydiver, hang glider, or scuba diver—can also help tailor your listening approach to foster more meaningful interactions.

True listening isn’t about waiting for your turn to speak—it’s about setting aside ego, offering full attention, and making others feel genuinely understood. When we adapt our approach to meet others where they are, we create an environment where they feel comfortable, heard, and empowered to arrive at their own solutions. By mastering the art of listening, we can transform the way we lead, connect, and build relationships.

Effective communication is the key to building stronger, more meaningful relationships—both personally and professionally. In a world where information is readily available, the real differentiator lies in the quality of our conversations. Matt Reiner explores how shifting from fact-based questions to feeling-based inquiries can unlock deeper connections and foster trust.

By moving beyond surface-level exchanges, Reiner highlights how asking thoughtful, emotional questions encourages vulnerability and creates space for genuine dialogue. He shares practical methods like seeking permission before diving into deeper topics, which helps set the foundation for more open conversations. Additionally, active listening—such as repeating what you've heard—ensures alignment, minimizes misunderstandings, and strengthens relationships.

These strategies empower advisors to not only build trust with clients and colleagues but also cultivate more profound connections in every aspect of life. When we prioritize curiosity and empathy, we unlock the power of communication to create lasting, impactful relationships.

Success in financial advising isn’t just about managing assets—it’s about anticipating the future, building the right team, and staying relentlessly client-focused. Matt Reiner sits down with Eric Sheerin from Dogwood Wealth to uncover how he grew a $250 million firm in just three years, with sights set on $1 billion. Their conversation dives into the mindset and strategies that drive long-term success in an evolving industry.

Eric highlights the power of strategic partnerships and role specialization, explaining how surrounding yourself with the right people—each playing to their strengths—creates a scalable, efficient business. He also stresses the importance of staying ahead of industry shifts, continuously adapting to client needs and market trends to remain competitive. Finally, he shares why clear goal-setting and accountability are the backbone of sustainable growth, allowing firms to execute with intention while staying flexible enough to adjust along the way.

The key to future-proofing your advisory practice isn’t just working harder—it’s working smarter, with the right people, the right strategy, and a relentless focus on client experience.

The way we communicate can either bridge divides or deepen them, especially in high-stakes conversations. Matt Reiner, host of FutureProof Advisor Podcast, unpacks the psychology behind why people struggle to engage openly, revealing how our evolutionary instincts and need for belonging often lead to closed-minded discussions. Instead of trying to persuade, shifting the focus toward exploration fosters more productive and less polarizing dialogue.

By embracing empathy and viewing conversations through multiple perspectives, professionals can navigate difficult discussions with greater understanding. Matt illustrates this with a theoretical game that exposes how certain statements trigger automatic, emotionally charged reactions. Recognizing these responses allows for more thoughtful engagement and stronger connections. He also challenges the tendency to accept authoritative opinions at face value, advocating for deeper questioning to uncover the emotional context behind data and conclusions.

Curiosity, empathy, and objectivity are the foundation for better communication in wealth management and beyond. By filtering judgments, actively listening, and staying open to different viewpoints, professionals can strengthen relationships, ease difficult conversations, and create more cohesive teams and client experiences.

In this episode of Bridging the Gap, Matt Reiner sits down with Gary Knopf, an attorney at Continuum Legal Group, to explore the intersection of wellness, professional growth, and innovative practices in the legal field. Gary shares how Peter Attia’s book Outlive transformed his perspective on longevity, emphasizing the importance of enjoying life rather than simply extending it. This philosophy inspired his commitment to a personalized wellness routine, including early-morning workouts and incorporating small, sustainable steps like short walks to maintain physical and mental health.

The conversation also delves into the inefficiencies of traditional legal billing practices, with Gary advocating for alternative models like fixed fees that improve client satisfaction and streamline financial management. He highlights the importance of exploring these innovative approaches to create a more transparent and collaborative client experience.

Matt and Gary discuss the significance of relationship-based networking, emphasizing the value of building trust with referral partners and thoroughly understanding their services. This approach leads to more meaningful professional connections and enhances the ability to deliver impactful solutions to clients.

Additionally, they draw parallels between the legal and wealth management professions, highlighting the shared need to deeply understand client needs and focus on offering practical, results-oriented solutions rather than simply transactional services. Gary also shares strategies for maintaining work-life balance, including setting boundaries with clients, prioritizing family time, and getting enough sleep to stay grounded amidst the demands of a challenging career.