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Joel Bruckenstein is widely recognized as one of the most influential financial technology journalists and consultants in fintech. Known as @FinTechie on Twitter, and regularly featured in Barron’s, Financial Planning, RIABiz, InvestmentNews, and WealthMangement.com, for his expertise, Joel is an industry powerhouse and a leading authority on breaking news on emerging technology.

Joel is also the producer of the annual T3 Advisor Conference, the premier technology conference for independent financial advisors, and the T3 Enterprise Conference, an annual gathering of top executives from independent broker/dealers and large RIAs. 

In May of this year, In The Suite was given a front row seat and VIP access to the highly anticipated 2022 T3 Advisor Conference and Enterprise Day in Denton, Texas, May 3 – 5, where we joined Advisorpedia, InvestmentNews, ThreeCrowns Copywriting and Marketing, and Impact Communications covering all the action for the largest T3 ever in history – Thank you Joel Bruckenstein! 

In this amazing episode, recorded live at T3, you get to ride shotgun with me In The Suite, as we sit down with fintech leaders and mega giants like Eric Clarke and Daniel Crosby at Orion Advisor Services, making major news at T3 about Orion’s use of Amazon Redshift and Behavioral Finance innovation known as Protect, Live, Dream. 

We also talk with Evan Rapoport at SMArtX Advisory Solutions about their groundbreaking $30 MILLION DOLLAR strategic investment by Morningstar. 

 And we sit down Kate Healy, now Managing Director of the CFP Board’s Center for Financial Planning, to learn all about probono financial planning AND the Foundation for Financial Planning. 

 But wait, there’s more. 

Mac Bartine, CEO of Smartria joins us to talk about enterprise compliance management.  

 Rich Cancro, CEO of AdvisorEngine to talk about customization, personalization, and the growth of CRM. 

 And you’ll also get to hear from these forward-thinking leaders disrupting the status quo: 

John Mackowiak from Advyzon

Patrick Reed, YourStake

Akshay Singh, Indyfin 

Nitin Seth, Incedo 

And Henry Zelikovsky, Softlab360

 We hope you enjoy this special T3 Compilation episode all about fintech In The Suite! 

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Today we welcome Jess Bost In The Suite, Vice President of Brand Partnerships at Alpha Architect and part-time CrossFit coach. 

Today's podcast begins with Jess explaining how she got into CrossFit. While Jess graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology degree from Berry College, she found CrossFit during a traumatic time in her life. She was forty pounds overweight, and running in her asthmatic condition wasn't helping her get out of her depressive phase. When she joined CrossFit classes, it transformed her life. It kept her physically healthy and mentally strong. She felt empowered, and sports became her bridge to healing. Her competitive nature and love for sports have led her to manage various CrossFit gyms, achieve multiple CrossFit certificates, and a national title in Olympic weightlifting in 2017! She was also qualified for the Masters Pan-AM in 2018. 

Jess' life changed when she moved with her husband and two children to Augusta. Her husband lost his job, and she had to become the family's breadwinner. Her circumstances, combined with her passion for helping people "get from where they were to where they want to be," which CrossFit did for her, led her to the world of Finance. She was happy to learn that Finance was more than math and statistics. It can involve relationship building too!

 During the pandemic, she took the leap of faith when she changed companies and roles to become the new VP of Brand partnerships for Alpha Architect – an opportunity she found on social media! Jess has achieved series 65 and 63 licenses, qualifying her as a securities agent and investment advisor representative. Her belief that fitness and wealth management share the same principles has become an indivisible part of her focus and legacy. 

With more than 12 years of personal training experience and four years in the wealth management industry, Jess is passionate about being an advocate for other women, including her two daughters. To extend her goal, she's started her podcast, "The Breakthrough Factor," where she interviews professionals and athletes to learn how they overcome barriers to build their fitness and finances. 

The ability to act bold, especially in our careers is a recurring theme in today’s episode.  Join the conversation and learn about important life lessons we are often taught too late. Below is the agenda: 

Welcome, Jess!

• (03:00) Being a CrossFit Coach for 12 years
• (08:00) Is CrossFit for those over 50?
• (12:35) "Progress. Is. Not. Linear."
• (21:00) First Exercise with Jess
• (27:00) A Reboot in our Mindset
• (30:40) How did she get into the world of Finance
• (41:20) About Alpha Architect and her Role as the VP
• (57:40) Financial Advice that Influenced Jess
• (01:10:10) Second Exercise with Jess
• (01:14:00) How To Connect With Jess 
• (01:18:42) About Jess' Podcast "The Breakthrough Factor."
• (01:28:15) Jess' Family Charity

Resources
The Breakthrough Factor Podcast with Jess Bost on Apple Podcasts
Jess Bost on Twitter
Jess Bost on Linked
Jess Bost on CrossFit - Fit Augusta
Alpha Architect
Carl Richards - BehaviorGap
Wes Gray on Twitter 
Sonya Dreizler on Twitter
 Mission MBALE

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Recorded live from ExchangeETFs, today we are joined by the inspiring Nicole Casperson, Founder of WTFintech? & Content Creator at Workweek! Workweek is an innovative, new kind of media company and is a growing collective of industry experts who are changing the world of business. Over the past several years, Nicole has covered niche financial markets.

With this, she realized that traditional media lacks female perspectives and storytellers— and Nicole has brought her A-game to change the narrative and make HERstory known.

Being a true contemporary journalist branded for our time, WTFintech also offers a newsletter, YouTube Channel, and a podcast covering the evolution of FinTech with a focus on innovation and inclusion. 

Tired of hearing one-dimensional stories from the same “pale, male, and stale” voices that dominate the space, Nicole is bringing stories of diverse leaders.

Through her podcast, Nicole has interviewed numerous industry leaders like Shark Tank star Kevin O’Leary, Rishi Khanna from StockTwits, Flori Marquez from BlockFi, Henry Yoshida of Rocket Dollar, and more. Like Nicole, most of her guests were outsiders to the world of Fintech—but now they’re making their mark on it.

In today’s episode, Nicole takes us through her journey from reporter to creator. Nicole intertwines her years of experience as a hard-hitting finance journalist with industry expertise to provide culturally relevant content to create a new financial system that gives equal access to everyone.

Tune into this jaw-dropping conversation to hear all about:

• (1:38): What exactly defines a success story? 
• (5:41): Coming to terms with perspective.
• (7:22): Beginnings into the fintech industry.
• (10:25): How the pandemic changed outlooks on life.
• (14:12): People follow people, not institutions.
• (22:59): Taking a spin at different leadership companies.
• (29:08): The power of responsibility
• (36:43): Attracting the next-gen talent & telling a meaningful story.
• (46:20): When two worlds collide.
• (50:48): Resonating to crypto & analyzing why it is the way it is.
• (56:20): Moving mountains in community and charitable giving.

Resources 

• WTFintech? on Workweek
• WTFintech? on YouTube
• Humans of Fintech Podcast 
• Nicole Casperson on Twitter 
• Nicole Casperson on LinkedIn 
• ExchangeETFs Conference
• Future Proof Festival 
• Fintech is Femme - September 21, 2022 - The Village East Theater

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

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Joining us today In The Suite is Danika Waddell. Danika is the President and Founder of Xena Financial Planning, a fee-only financial planning firm working with women in the tech industry and receiving equity compensation, typically in the early to mid-career stages.

In 2020, Danika Waddell felt called to make a bold move. She founded Xena Financial Planning, a fiduciary financial planning firm in Seattle, Washington, focused on helping them to take control of their financial lives. Specifically, Danika works with women and their partners in the early to middle stages of their careers to help them navigate whatever life delivers. And she does it through communication, conversations, and collaboration. 

Xena Financial Planning welcomes clients of all backgrounds and aims to make financial planning more accessible to groups of people who the financial planning profession has typically underserved.

Xena FP is also a strong advocate of the LGBTQ community and works with clients of any gender identity or sexual orientation. Within the industry, they are constantly seeking ways to amplify the voices of women and people of color.

One of the many gifts you’ll discover about Danika Wadell in this episode is that building relationships matters. Danika’s relationships stem from her work in the financial planning process, she strives to educate and empower clients as we develop a collaborative relationship. And in this episode, we discuss community, conversation, the art of connections, real-life tips on aligning your values & more. 

Tune in to the conversation to hear all about: 

• (1:44) Taking your personal development to another level.
• (4:38) Realizing what your self-worth is truly about.
• (11:24) The beauty of community and leaning into one another.
• (12:56) Humble beginnings.
• (15:43) Reach personal goals, not just financial goals. 
• (18:59) Differentiate your landscape.
• (21:38) The real questions to ask your clients.
• (23:33) Lay of the land: making good financial decisions.
• (34:53) Involvement in the industry.
• (37:04) Resonating with people & why it’s beneficial.
• (41:22) Get comfortable talking about money.
• (49:29) Align your values and you will go far.

Links: 

• Xena Financial Planning 
• Danika Waddell - LinkedIn 
• Danika Waddell - Twitter 
• XYPN
• NAPFA
• Michael Kitces – The Past, Present & Future of Financial Advice with Patrick O'Shaughnessy
• Association for African American Advisors
• Amazon Smile 

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

❤️ Please follow us on Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/inthesuitepod/

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We are so honored and excited to have the iconic Dr. Karen Altfest In the Suite! Karen is a Principal Adviser and executive vice president at Altfest Personal Wealth Management, a fee-only financial planning and investment management boutique firm in New York. Altfest Personal Wealth Management is a company she runs with her husband Lew and their son Andrew.  Her team manages over a billion dollars in client assets. 

Throughout her 30-year career, Karen has blazed a trail in fee-only financial planning for women. With a Ph.D. in history and CFP designation, Karen has written many scholarly articles and books on financial planning and investments and curated CFP programs at Manhattan's New School and Pace University. 

Karen has carefully curated educational programs through her Women's Financial Spa and Women's Financial Salon programs.  She’s also created a special place within her office called “The Parlor” a private space for women to share their issues.  

Throughout the years, Karen has been the recipient of multiple awards. In 2019, Crain's New York Business acknowledged Karen as a notable woman on Wall Street for the fourth time, and most recently, she was recognized as the Top Woman Wealth Advisor by Forbes for the third consecutive year!

Growing up in a family that believed in social work set a wonderful example for pursuing a better world. As the founding chairman of the New York Common Pantry, she provides hot meals, nutrition education, and case management services to hundreds of people annually!

One of the many gifts you’ll discover about Karen Altfest in this episode is her unrelenting dedication and commitment to women's empowerment and making the world a better place. As a woman in finance, I am in awe of her achievements and inspired by her work. You will be too In The Suite. 

• (03:20) Working with Family 
• (06:41) Karen has a Ph.D. in History!
• (09:25) Karen's Journey to Finance 
• (12:41) “We're Behind in Financial Literacy”
• (16:44) About the Financial Savvy Women Program
• (22:37) Money is about Human Feelings
• (24:53) Advice for Female Financial Advisors
• (30:36) Why Stay Connected to your Alma Mater?
• (34:00) Founder of The New York Common Pantry
• (40:40) “Don't Belittle Yourself!”
• (44:00) Best way to get in touch with Karen
• (44:50) Karen's Book Recommendation

Links: 

• Altfest Personal Wealth Management - Website 
• Dr. Karen C. Altfest, Ph.D., CFP® - LinkedIn 
• Personal Financial Planning by Lewis J. Altfest
• The New York Common Pantry 
• Notable Women on Wall Street 2021: Karen Altfest in  Crain's New York 
• NAPFA 
• Saturday Night Widows by Becky Aikman on Amazon 

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

❤️ Please follow us on Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/inthesuitepod/

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Today’s exciting episode features Veena Jetti, Multifamily Real Estate Investor, Entrepreneur & Humanitarian, and Founder of Vive Funds. Vive Funds was launched to fulfill the company's mission of carefully curating high-quality real estate investments. Vive has developed a rich network of global business partners to make early and transformational investments in assets that have the potential to do great things.
 
Veena lives by the motto, “Build wealth, build a legacy, and do more good in the world.”  Not only does she financially support women and minority-owned businesses, but she’s also actively involved in various charitable boards and philanthropic endeavors. 

In today’s episode, Veena discusses the benefits of different investment models and shares excellent advice on what to look for in investment deals. She also gives us insight into the behind-the-scenes of her deal-making and funding process. Veena also sheds light on gender discrimination within the real estate industry and provides inspiring advice for women entering the industry.

Veena wants to help others make wise financial investments. As a result, she’s designed the Multifamily Masterclass for passive investors. The courses are designed to teach you to be a more sophisticated and knowledgeable investor.
 
 Find the agenda for our conversation with Veena: 

Welcome Veena!

·       04:02 Veena’s Origin and Heritage story

·       10:06 About Vive Funds

·       12:50 About Accredited Investors

·       16:45 The effect the pandemic has had on the real estate industry 

·       22:30 Should women think about real estate differently than men?

·       26:50 About Networking 

·       33:58 Veena’s Philanthropy Roots

·       40:15 Advice for women entering the industry

·       53:40 Best way to get in touch with Veena 

·       54:20 Veena’s book recommendation

Links
Veena Jetti - LinkedIn
Veena Jetti - Twitter
Veena's Multifamily Masterclass
Vive Funds Website
 Kiva.org
Vivid Vision on Amazon
The Formula on Amazon
Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell
Talking to Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell
The Millionaire Nextdoor

 
 

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To kick start this year's season, Tina Powell has a one-on-one conversation with Brian Hamburger. As the architect behind many of the best independent investment firms, Brian is the Founder, President, and CEO of MarketCounsel, a regulatory compliance consulting firm. He is also the Founder and Managing Member of the Hamburger Law Firm; a practice focused on the investment and securities industry.

In addition to being an entrepreneur, Brian wears many hats. In addition to being a father to three children, he's an attorney, columnist, and an outspoken industry advocate for independent investment advisers. Most recently, Brian was featured on Barron’s Podcast The Way Forward speaking about Mergers and Acquisitions in the Wealth Management Industry. 

Brian explains that his entrepreneurial spirit was instilled in him ever since he was a child, watching his parents and grandparents grow from working in textile factories to owning ice cream shops, auto body shops, and advisory practices. His role model, his grandmother, pushed him into the field of law. She told him, 'If you understand the rules and laws, you can take that creativity to do great things.

Besides speaking at regional and national conferences, he has his annual gathering of the industry's top advisors and thought leaders. He emphasizes the value that these kinds of conferences offer the industry and feels extremely grateful for the recognition it's receiving. As a result of his years of hard work and dedication, he has been named an Innovator in "Investment News' 2020 class of Icons & Innovators" and included in "The IA25: Investment Advisor Magazine's Annual List of the Top Influential People in the Industry" in 2020.

Welcome to Season 3: Find the agenda of our conversation with Brian below

(03:50) Why Did he Start His Two Entities Together
(08:30) How Did Brian Get into the Finance Industry
(16:15) Everyone Needs That Champion
(22:23) Brian Hamburger's Ah-Ha Moment and Bone to Pick with Tina
(28:00) About The Market Counsel Summits
(33:30) Gratitude and Reflection
(39:99) Safety and Security Are Key Leadership Obligations
(47:10) Proactive vs. Reactive
(50:10) Best Way to Contact Brian
(53:07) A cause close to Brian’s Heart
(55:56) Thank you, Brian!

Resources
Brian Hamburger LinkedIn
Brian Hamburger Twitter
MarketCounsel Summit Website
Hamburger Law Firm
Ryan Marcus | Head of Engagement MarketCounsel & Hamburger Law Firm
T3 Technology Tools of Today
Greyshirt Team Rubicon
Invest in Others Charitable Foundation

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Today we invite Katie Braden In The Suite! At the time of this recording, Katie was going by Kate Holmes, but now, she’s taken on her husband’s last name and going to back to her full name. Katie Braden, CFP®

You all know Katie as the energetic founder of Innovating Advice, which provides consulting, coaching, and community for forward-thinking financial planners and advisors who want to easily and authentically grow with video. She also co-hosts the Video Creation Masterclass, a three-month course for financial advisors that'll help them increase their comfort and confidence on camera. 

Katie describes herself as a passionate advocate for propelling the global financial planning profession forward and she’s had the pleasure of working with financial services professionals in over 35 countries and territories.

She’s also the host of The Innovating Advice Show, available on all major podcast outlets. 

Katie is a firm believer in innovating and adapting continuously on a professional and personal level. She’s made many of her own life decisions by asking the question 'why not?'. Love that. 

There's no doubt that today's episode will highly inspire you to ask Why Not. Katie’s spontaneous approach to life and attitude toward a growth mindset will only push you to think and do things outside the box In The Suite. 

04:00 Where do advisors need to innovate the most? 
06:29 How did Kate get into the industry? 
10:30 Congrats on 100 episodes of the podcast! 
16:15 Congrats on your pilot certification!
18:56 The best way to build our confidence 
23:40 About her video masterclass  
34:38 The challenges that women face 
39:00 About Sega Network
41:00 The Formation of a Global Society
42:45 Upcoming conferences
44:00 How to build trust in a brand? 
47:50 The secret to Kate’s smiling face.
50:00 How to contact Kate? 
51:39 Kate’s Book recommendation

Resources
Katie Braden, CFP® LinkedIn
Katie Braden, CFP® Twitter
Innovating Advice Website
Katie's Video Creation 3-Month Masterclass
Bob Veres Insider's Forum


 

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It is an absolute joy to welcome Amy Butell In The Suite. Amy wears many hats. She's a ghostwriter, author, editor, consultant, and meditation teacher. 

Amy is CEO of Lake Effect Creative, in which she ghostwrites for a collection of financial advisors who are too busy to write their own books. While she completely understands the work pressure the industry comes with, she truly believes that as the pace of change quickens, the time is now to share your story and inspire others in the process. 

As a result of her 20 years of experience, she's launched her own books, ebooks, and workbooks, in which she simplifies the overwhelming processes of writing your own. Her book "Get Your Book Done in This Lifetime: The Financial Advisor's Guide to Writing a Book" and workbook "The Start Your Book In A Weekend" are one of her most recognized works.

In her podcast, Amy explains how the concept of books has modernized. She describes how books now contain QR codes and links to videos to make them an interactive experience. 

Her podcast talks about the benefits and opportunities that ghostwriting brings, the importance of having a retirement plan, practical tips on taking the time to write, how her writing services can take a load off a client’s chest, and, of course, the benefits of meditation. 

Oh, for those who don't know, she teaches meditation at Kadampa Meditation Center Washington, DC, when she's not writing!

Find the highlights from our conversation with Amy below:

• Welcome Amy!
• About ghostwriting in the financial services (00:56)
• About the complexity in the financial language (03:59)
• You can borrow for college, but not for retirement (08:25)
• Why ghostwrite? (10:30)
• Amy’s services (15:30)
• How to create time to write your book (26:31)
• Tips on how to curate your content for the beginning of a book (33.31)
• Amy’s backstory (39:53)
• The practice of meditation (41:42)
•  Having a positive intention (48:52)
•  Amy’s Contact details (54:45)
•  Book recommendation (55:13)

Resources

• Amy's Website: Lake Effect Creative 
• Follow Amy on Twitter 
• Connect with Amy on LinkedIn 
• Follow Amy on Instagram
• Link to "Get Your Book Done In this Lifetime" EBook 
• "Get Your Book Done in This Lifetime: The Financial Advisor's 5-Step Guide to Writing a Book that Boosts Your Business" by Amy Buttell on Amazon

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We are thrilled to have Kate Asack, the Chief Operating Officer of TimeScale Financial in today's episode. 'TimeScale Financial' is a financial planning and retirement plan advisory firm dedicated to helping people achieve and enjoy financial independence. Previously known as Coastal Capital Group, in May 2021, the firm announced that it is has rebranded itself under the name TimeScale Financial.

Today's powerful episode has everything you need to know about rebranding, business expansion, and fostering a healthy work culture in a hybrid business model. Why is it important to be authentic, accountable, and confident? You'll receive answers that'll resonate with people at different stages of their careers. 

Find the agenda of our conversation with Kate below: 

01:21 About Kate's Role

03:05 How Did Kate get to TimeScale Financial? 

05:00 The Genesis of the Rebrand

07:50 Expansion during the pandemic 

10:00 Transitioning into a Hybrid Model

19:20 How to create a healthy work culture 

22:00 How to come up with brand values 

28:17 The importance of education 

35:14" I was going to help people reach their financial goals."

50:47 "Positioning is everything!".

58:56 Kate's take on social media 

01:01:35 Success tips for people coming into the industry

01:03:00 Best way to get in touch

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