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Today, I'm thrilled to introduce Topaz Morrison, Chief Growth and Chief Operations Officer at Independent Advisor Alliance, a leading hybrid firm strategically focused on empowering financial advisors to succeed as independent business owners by providing services that align with each advisor's unique needs and challenges. 

Since joining IAA in August 2023, Topaz has been at the forefront of shaping growth strategies, overseeing sales and consulting teams, and driving advisor adoption of innovative programs and services. I first sat down with Topaz in 2023 at the annual Schwab IMPACT Conference and included some highlights of our first conversation on this podcast. 

With an impressive career spanning leadership roles at Northwestern Mutual, LPL Financial, Allianz Life, and Ameriprise Financial, Topaz brings a wealth of experience and vision to the table. He's a proud graduate of Augsburg University with a BA in Business Managerial Economics and holds an MBA from the University of Minnesota's Carlson School of Management.

But that’s just the beginning.

In today's episode, we dive into Topaz’s fresh perspective as Chief Operations Officer at IAA, exploring how he’s building on the strong foundation laid by founder and CEO Robert Russo. Despite joining the team recently in 2023, Topaz has quickly embraced IAA’s mission and vision, contributing to its impressive growth trajectory—from just 7 advisors a decade ago to nearly 240 by the end of 2024. Together with Robert and team, he’s driving the firm’s commitment to the "supported independence model," empowering advisors to focus on their strengths while planning for their futures.

Get ready for an energizing conversation with a rising leader and visionary thinker—right here, In The Suite.

🔗 Links

• Topaz Morrison on LinkedIn 
• Independent Advisor Alliance Website 
• Schwab IMPACT 
• Future Proof Festival 
• MarketCounsel Summit 
• Newsweek America’s Top Financial Advisory Firms 2025 
• Robert Russo on Advisor Advocates Podcast 

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I’m absolutely thrilled and honored to welcome the incredible Christine Benz In the Suite. Christine, director of personal finance and retirement planning for Morningstar and senior columnist for Morningstar.com. is an absolute trailblazer in personal finance and a trusted voice in retirement planning, portfolio management, and financial literacy.

For over three decades strong, Christine doesn’t just explain personal finance—she redefines it. 

As co-host of Morningstar’s podcast The Long View, soon to be topping over 300 episodes, Christine is on the forefront of finance, talking to today’s most influential leaders in investing, advice, and personal finance about a wide-range of topics, such as asset allocation and balancing risk and return.

Christine has earned numerous accolades, including being named one of Barron’s 100 most influential women in finance and a 2021 honoree as one of the 10 most influential women in wealth management. You know her as a frequent public speaker and widely quoted in the media, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Barron’s, and even PBS, and she serves as president of the board for the John C. Bogle Center for Financial Literacy, making her a beacon in financial education.

But that’s not all. 

She’s a triple threat in the book world? Her latest bestseller, How to Retire: 20 Lessons for a Happy, Successful, and Wealthy Retirement, is packed with wisdom from 20 top experts and names you’ll recognize. Her earlier books, 30-Minute Money Solutions and The Morningstar Guide to Mutual Funds, prove she’s on a mission to make personal finance less intimidating—and a whole lot more doable.

In today’s episode, we dive deep into the insights and inspiration behind Christine Benz’s latest book, How to Retire: 20 Lessons for a Happy, Successful, and Wealthy Retirement. Christine takes us on a journey through the book’s creation to insights into women’s unique financial challenges, from Jean Chatsky, Mary Beth Franklin, and Laura Carstensen. We’ll also explore Christine’s own philosophy on balancing finances with life’s intangible joys and her passion for fostering financial literacy among underserved communities.

Christine’s journey is a blueprint for turning knowledge into impact and passion into purpose. Don’t miss this episode as we uncover her mission to educate, inspire, and elevate investors—right here, In the Suite.

🔗 Links
How to Retire on Amazon
Christine Benz on LinkedIn
Christine Benz on X
The Long View Podcast with Christine Benz
Morningstar Website 

📚 Referenced Books
The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel
The Geometry of Wealth by Brian Portnoy
Tell Me Everything Elizabeth Strout
Be Ready When the Luck Happens: A Memoir - Ina Garten 

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Today, we’re thrilled to welcome the incredible Carolyn Armitage In the Suite. Carolyn is a force in wealth management—a true pioneer with a career that’s redefined advisory, consulting, and executive leadership. 

As the Founder and CEO of RIA Circle, she’s not just building a network; she’s igniting a movement. 

Within RIA Circle, Carolyn is shaping a vibrant, purpose-driven community where advisors gather to connect, grow, and empower each other, one meaningful connection at a time.

In this episode, Carolyn takes us through her journey—from her early days as a fearless young advisor to founding RIA Circle, an innovative community that empowers advisors through connection and learning. We’ll also explore her unwavering commitment to giving back and how she sustains a balance between career and service. 

Since beginning her career as an advisor, Carolyn rapidly ascended the ranks of leadership roles across prominent wealth management firms, including HD Vest (now Avantax), ING Advisors Network (now Voya), and Thrivent Advisor Network. Her experience leading LPL Financial’s Large Enterprise Consulting Team and consulting with ECHELON Partners has given her unmatched expertise across the wealth management value chain.

Formerly holding numerous FINRA and insurance licenses, she holds the CFP®, CIMA®, CLU®, and the ChFC® designations and has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Minnesota and a master’s in management from The American College. 

But that’s not all, Carolyn’s impact goes even further. Inspired during the financial crisis, she launched True Circle, a personal mission turned powerful nonprofit, creating care packages for those in need. As a devoted wife and mother of four, Carolyn instills the values of empathy and service in her children, who actively contribute to the organization.

Carolyn’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of community, resilience, and service. Join us as we dive into her insights on building meaningful connections, her passion for creating positive change, and her inspiring vision for a more inclusive industry—right here, In the Suite.

🔗 Links
 
Carolyn Armitage on LinkedIn
RIA Circle Website
Carolyn Armitage Consulting
True Circle Non-Profit
Hivebrite
Book Recommendation You Weren't Supposed to See That by Josh Brown + The Soul of Wealth by Daniel Crosby
U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social

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Today, we are thrilled to welcome the visionary Kristin Hull In The Suite. As the founder of Nia Impact Capital, Kristin is a true trailblazer in gender lens investing. In 2013, she launched Nia Global Solutions, fusing activism with impact investing in the public markets. 

Kristin crafted Nia’s six solutions-focused investment themes, expertly weaving a gender lens into every aspect of the investment process. Her forward-thinking leadership led to the launch of the Nia Growth and Dividend portfolio in 2018 and the Nia Racial Justice portfolio in 2022, both of which have set bold new standards for inclusivity and equity in finance.

In this episode, we’ll explore Kristin’s incredible journey—her dedication to empowering female leaders, advocating for racial equity audits, and the pivotal role of investors in shaping a more just and equitable economy. Kristin’s blend of financial expertise and passion for social justice has placed Nia Impact Capital at the forefront of intentional investing, driving meaningful change with purpose and impact.

Before dedicating her career to conscious investing, Kristin was an educator, co-founding the North Oakland Community Charter School and serving on the founding board of the George Mark Children’s House, the first children’s hospice and palliative care center in the U.S.

Kristin’s academic journey is equally impressive—she holds a Ph.D. in Urban Education from UC Berkeley, an MA from Stanford, and a BA from Tufts. She continues to influence impactful organizations like How Women Lead and GenderSmart, serving on multiple boards, including the Mosaic Project and American Rivers.

But that’s not all. We also dive into Kristin’s work advocating for a racial equity audit at MetLife, her groundbreaking work on Tesla, and her experiences navigating the male-dominated asset management industry. Plus, we’ll hear about Nia’s impactful internship program, which empowers the next generation of female leaders, and her personal wellness practices like river rafting and connecting with nature.

Kristin’s journey from educator to a pioneering force in finance is fueled by a deep commitment to reshaping capitalism and promoting diversity in leadership. She’s redefining what it means to invest with intention and purpose, right here In The Suite.

🔗 Links

Kristin Hull on LinkedIn
Nia Impact Capital Website
Gender Lens Investing - Crain Currency 8/15/24
Kristin Hull's Speech for MetLife AGM
Kristin Hull's Speech for Tesla AGM
Kristin's Book Recommendation "Leading with Joy: Practices for Uncertain Times" by Akaya Windwood, Rajasvini Bhansali

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Today, we’re honored to have the extraordinary Casey Whalen in the suite—Managing Director, Head, and Chief Investment Officer at Lazard Family Office Partners, a global powerhouse in financial advisory and asset management. Lazard’s influence spans continents, from the Americas to Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and beyond.

In this episode, we dive deep into themes of resilience, risk-taking, and seizing pivotal opportunities. Casey’s story is about mentorship, grit, and knowing when to act. One of her defining moments? Her mentorship under the legendary David Swensen, Yale’s Chief Investment Officer. Fresh out of Yale with a degree in economics, Casey was already making waves at the university’s endowment, cutting her teeth across various asset classes. This set the stage for her impressive rise.

Her journey took her to Brookdale Realty in Atlanta, then back to the Northeast, where she joined The Rockefeller University as Director of Public Investments. 

At just 30, Casey became the New York Public Library’s first-ever Chief Investment Officer, building an investment office from scratch and implementing groundbreaking processes to manage its endowment. Her career is a testament to bold leadership and innovation.

But this isn’t just a career highlight reel. Casey opens up about the personal challenges she’s faced, the importance of mentorship, and how macroeconomic trends are shaping the future of investments. We also explore why gender balance in firms is a competitive edge and how diverse teams drive innovation.

Packed with raw insights and invaluable lessons, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to lead, break barriers, and thrive In The Suite.

🔗 Links

Casey Whalen on LinkedIn 

Lazard Famil Office Partners Website 

Casey’s Book Recommendation No Rules Rules on Amazon 

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Evan Simonoff, a titan in financial journalism and a name synonymous with financial advisors and the industry at large. 

Evan is editor-in-chief of Financial Advisor magazine and the editorial director of Private Wealth magazine. With over three decades of experience. Evan’s career has spanned some of the most tumultuous and transformative periods in financial history, from the 1987 crash to the Coronavirus pandemic, and most recently, the rise of AI. 

As Editor-in-Chief of Financial Advisor magazine, Evan’s sharp insights and visionary leadership have been an indispensable guide for elite financial advisors, providing the clarity and foresight needed to navigate even the most complex market conditions.

In this conversation, Evan brings his unique perspective to the evolution of financial journalism. He shares captivating stories from his storied career, invaluable lessons learned from navigating market upheavals, and his predictions for the future of wealth management.

But this episode goes beyond financial reporting. Evan explores critical topics like succession planning in wealth advisory firms, the rise of mergers and acquisitions in the industry, and how multi-generational strategies are reshaping client relationships.

But that’s not all. We also highlight Invest in Women, FA Mag’s groundbreaking annual event. This isn’t just another industry conference—it’s a forward-thinking movement dedicated to addressing the unique needs of female clients and shaping the future of financial advising. I invite you to join me at the 10th Annual Invest in Women conference, happening April 21-23, 2025, in Boston.

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from one of the most influential voices in financial journalism as he shares how to stay agile in an ever-evolving landscape and why anticipating trends is crucial for success In The Suite.

Links
Evan Simonoff LinkedIn
Financial Advisor Magazine Website
Invest In Women Conference 2025
Private Wealth Magazine Website 

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Navigating the tech world easily, John O'Connell transformed himself from a Programmer to an Entrepreneur and masterfully led a company to its first IPO. Today, As the CEO and Founder of The Oasis Group, John spearheads growth, guiding firms in wealth management, fintech, and financial services to transcend limits and rejuvenate their growth trajectories.

In this not-to-be-missed episode, recorded live from Schwab IMPACT, John and I delve deep into the mind of a visionary who's not just leading the charge but rewriting the playbook of technological evolution. John's odyssey is nothing short of legendary from his early days of coding wizardry to architecting the future of data management with industry behemoths like Sybase and Oracle. 

As a vanguard in the database revolution, he's sculpted the landscape of customer relations and data management, turning complex challenges into groundbreaking triumphs.

But hold onto your seats because John's saga doesn't stop there. 

In 2019, John founded The Oasis Group, and as CEO today, steering asset managers, independent broker-dealers, and registered investment advisors through the digital transformation of the 21st century. John was named to the  InvestmentNews Hot List last year and his work was featured in the T3 Technology Tools for Today T3 2024 Conference stage along with Joel Bruckenstien and Survey. 

So, plug in, ignite your curiosity, and prepare to be captivated by a tech entrepreneur who's not just walking the tech talk but is blazing a trail for the digital titans of tomorrow. Our conversation with John will help redefine your perspective on technology and leadership in the suite. 

Links
- John O'Connell - LinkedIn
- The Oasis Group - Website
- "Rise of The Activist Investor" - Amazon Page
- T3 Technology Tools for Today 2023 Survey - Link to Survey

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When it comes to solving the problems of asset management, there’s one disruptor that stands out and is in a class by himself. That name is Devon Drew.

With a career spanning over 17 years at prominent asset management institutions like Vanguard and J.P. Morgan Chase, Devon's stroke of genius is shaping the future of asset management in unprecedented ways. Devon is the founder and CEO of AssetLink (formerly DFD Partners), a data-driven distribution platform to help smaller, demographically underrepresented asset managers scale up their distribution strategies. Devon is named among Wealth Management.com's coveted list of "10 to watch in 2024."

In today's enlightening episode, recorded live from Schwab IMPACT, Devon discusses the inception of DFD - Diligence Fund Distributors - the company he founded in 2021. We also get an insider's view into DFD's platform, AssetLink, the first-of-its-kind AI-powered, bidirectional platform for investment discovery. AssetLink, approved on Schwab's platform, is transforming how asset managers and advisors connect, offering a dynamic, intelligent solution for investment matching.

Devon's platform has already attracted the attention of major players like JP Morgan, American Century Investments, Ritholtz Wealth and others. Today, AssetLink boasts participation from 67 asset managers and over 7,400 advisors, marking a new era in asset management collaboration.

In our compelling dialogue, Devon emphasizes the transformative power of technology, not only as a tool for efficiency but as a catalyst for equality and community-building within the financial advisory landscape.

For transformative leaders bold enough to tackle the status quo like Devon, today's conversation with Devon illustrates the transformative power of what it means to be forward-thinking In The Suite.

Links

• AssetLink - https://assetlink.ai/
• DFD Partners - https://dfdpartners.com/
• Devon Drew LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/devon-drew-cima%C2%AE-crpc-4b63111a/
• Devon Drew X - https://twitter.com/DevonDFD
• Devon Drew Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/devongdrew/

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Are you ready for a life-changing story? In this episode, In The Suite host, Tina Powell shares her incredible story of survival and strength that will leave you inspired. 

Tina's journey took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer. She underwent a life-saving robotic lobectomy procedure and shares her mental healing process, remarkable resilience, and faith.

Tina Talks is more than just a cancer story. Tina dives deeper into wellness, good health, and leadership. She emphasizes the need for support and the importance of maintenance for a healthy life.

Join Tina as she explores her treatment options, chemotherapy experiences, and targeted therapies' power. She's on a mission to raise awareness, provide advice, and offer hope to others facing challenging times.

This is a story of triumph, determination, and resilience. Get ready to be inspired and motivated to take control of your well-being. 

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Today, we're taking you on an exciting journey to the Aria Hotel in Las Vegas for the highly anticipated second annual Jolt Financial Advisor Marketing Conference by Snappy Kraken, from May 3 - 5, 2023.

This episode is extra special because it's divided into two parts. In the first half, we'll treat you to a series of live, on-the-spot interviews from the conference's opening party, co-sponsored by Intention.ly, a growth marketing consultancy for Fintech and Fiserv companies.  The second half features a replay from our personal branding panel. 

Part 1: Live Interviews 

• Aaron Klein, Nitrogen
• Steph Bogan, Limitless Advisor
• Matt Ackermann, Integrated Partners
• Gibson Bosworth, RFG Advisory
• Diana Cabrices, Diana Cabrices Consulting
• Francesca McLin, Snappy Kraken
• Sheryl Hickerson, Females & Finance
• Julie Johnson, XY Communications
• Mary Kay Glick, Carson Group
• Johnny Swift, Impact Communications
• Domenick DeAndrea, Dandara Wealth Management
• David Coyle, AdvisorEngine
• Johnny Sanquist, Three Crowns Marketing

Part 2: Personal Branding Panel (Replay)
The lively and engaging discussion focuses on how to make authentic, genuine, and profitable connections on social media. The panelists include: 

• Sheryl Hickerson, CEO of Females & Finance
• Lindsay Gladstone, VP of Marketing at Snappy Kraken
• Kian Salehizadeh, VP of Finance at LPL Financial 
• Tina Powell, Chief Growth Officer, Intention.ly

🤩 Thanks for listening, we appreciate your support and 5-star reviews of our show!!!

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