Description: Dive into our comprehensive guide on debt management strategies, curated by financial expert Mike Baumann. Learn how to assess, prioritize, and tackle debt effectively, paving the way for a brighter financial future.

Master Your Finances: Expert Strategies for Debt-Free Living with Mike Baumann

Join us as we explore the art of personalized financial planning with Mike Baumann, guiding listeners through the steps to craft their own unique roadmap to financial success.

Navigating Financial Waters: A Personalized Journey with Mike Baumann

In this episode, you get to know the role of technology in modern investment management with Mike Baumann, a leading financial planner. Uncover how advancements like automated portfolio management, real-time market data, and personalized financial tools are transforming the investment landscape.

Modern Investment Strategies: The Tech Advantage with Investment Advisor Mike Baumann

Ready to secure your golden years? Tune in to the 'Retirement Income Show' with Michael Eastham, your trusted retirement planning expert. Discover the critical traits of a top-notch financial advisor and learn how to safeguard your retirement dreams against unexpected challenges. Don't let your lifelong aspirations derail - join us for invaluable insights on building a rock-solid retirement plan. Listen now and take the first step towards a worry-free future!

Retirement Risks You Can't Afford to Ignore

In this episode of the Live Off Rents podcast, host Brian Davis, co-founder of Spark Rental, discusses how to leverage financial planners to build wealth faster with guest Kyle Lutters, a certified financial planner from Moneta Group. They cover key insights on investment strategies, tax efficiencies, estate planning, and the benefits of having expert guidance as your portfolio grows. Stay tuned for actionable tips to optimize your financial planning and take control of your wealth-building journey.

9 Ways to Leverage a Financial Planner with Brian Davis & Kyle Lutters

In this episode we discuss the reasons one might need to hire a financial planner. 

Episode 91: Why Should I Hire A Financial Planner

Comprehensive financial planners are experts at helping our clients manage their money in support of their goals. But what about the advisor’s own financial picture? Who’s advising them? Our guest, Brooklyn Brock, CFP®, CEPA®, ChFC®, founder of Ellevate Advisors, discusses her work as an advisor to financial advisors, helping them to reach financial independence and establish successful exit plans.

To learn more about the ACP, please visit www.ACPlanners.org. To learn more about Brooklyn Brock, please visit www.EllevateAdvisors.com

Ep. #27: The Advisor’s Own Financial Plan - Brooklyn Brock, CFP®, CEPA®, ChFC®

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Buy a Business

How Business Owners & Financial Planners FAIL With Retirement Plans

What does it take to build a future-proof financial advisory business? 

Veteran industry leader Suzanne Siracuse sits down with Jon Jones, CEO and co-founder of Brighton Jones, to explore his incredible journey from small-town beginnings to leading a $30 billion RIA. 

In this episode of the Focused on the Future podcast, Jon reveals how a client-centric, holistic approach has propelled his firm to the forefront of the wealth management industry.

Jon dives into:

The “Personal CFO” model that seamlessly integrates life goals with financial planning
Redefining wealth management to thrive through industry changes
Using strategic giving to enrich client relationships and advisor satisfaction
His vision for corporate responsibility through the Net Positive Consortium
Organic growth strategies that balance culture with accountability for long-term success

Connect With Suzanne Siracuse:
 
LinkedIn: Suzanne Siracuse: https://bit.ly/4e8Zyt0 
Twitter: Suzanne Siracuse: https://x.com/suzsiracuse 
Email: Suzanne@suzannesiracuse.com

Connect With Jon Jones:

https://www.brightonjones.com/ 
LinkedIn: Brighton Jones: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brighton-jones/ 
LinkedIn: Jon Jones: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-jones-1b3114/ 
 
About Our Guest:

Jon Jones, co-founder of Brighton Jones, helped pioneer the Personal CFO approach to wealth management alongside Charles. While many firms focused solely on managing clients' investment accounts, Brighton Jones took a holistic approach by overseeing clients’ entire balance sheets. Financial well-being and acting as a Personal CFO remain at the core of the firm’s services. However, Jon believes that truly helping clients live richer lives requires going beyond traditional financial management.

Standing at the intersection of life and wealth, Jon and his team recognize the importance of influencing clients’ emotional and social well-being. They celebrate life’s joys—marriages, new homes, births, and retirements—and provide guidance during challenges like job loss, divorce, illness, or loss. Jon values the opportunity to encourage clients to embrace the bigger picture, focus on their whole selves, and understand that true happiness extends far beyond financial success.

Aligning Wealth with Purpose with Jon Jones

What does it take to build a future-proof financial advisory business? 

Veteran industry leader Suzanne Siracuse sits down with Jon Jones, CEO and co-founder of Brighton Jones, to explore his incredible journey from small-town beginnings to leading a $30 billion RIA. 

In this episode of the Focused on the Future podcast, Jon reveals how a client-centric, holistic approach has propelled his firm to the forefront of the wealth management industry.

Jon dives into:

The “Personal CFO” model that seamlessly integrates life goals with financial planning
Redefining wealth management to thrive through industry changes
Using strategic giving to enrich client relationships and advisor satisfaction
His vision for corporate responsibility through the Net Positive Consortium
Organic growth strategies that balance culture with accountability for long-term success

Connect With Suzanne Siracuse:
 
LinkedIn: Suzanne Siracuse: https://bit.ly/4e8Zyt0 
Twitter: Suzanne Siracuse: https://x.com/suzsiracuse 
Email: Suzanne@suzannesiracuse.com

Connect With Jon Jones:

https://www.brightonjones.com/ 
LinkedIn: Brighton Jones: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brighton-jones/ 
LinkedIn: Jon Jones: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-jones-1b3114/ 
Net Positive Consortium - http://www.netpositivewealth.com
 
About Our Guest:

Jon Jones, co-founder of Brighton Jones, helped pioneer the Personal CFO approach to wealth management alongside Charles. While many firms focused solely on managing clients' investment accounts, Brighton Jones took a holistic approach by overseeing clients’ entire balance sheets. Financial well-being and acting as a Personal CFO remain at the core of the firm’s services. However, Jon believes that truly helping clients live richer lives requires going beyond traditional financial management.

Standing at the intersection of life and wealth, Jon and his team recognize the importance of influencing clients’ emotional and social well-being. They celebrate life’s joys—marriages, new homes, births, and retirements—and provide guidance during challenges like job loss, divorce, illness, or loss. Jon values the opportunity to encourage clients to embrace the bigger picture, focus on their whole selves, and understand that true happiness extends far beyond financial success.

In this episode, veteran industry leader Suzanne Siracuse hosts the dynamic duo of Shannon Spotswood, CEO, and Abby Salameh, chief growth officer, from RFG Advisory. Listen as they wrap up Season 2 with an insightful discussion on what it takes to build the RIA of the future. From effective strategies for driving organic growth to fostering a thriving firm culture and community, this is a must-listen episode.

They discuss:

- Key strategies for advisors to thrive in a rapidly changing industry
- The pivotal role of technology in enhancing advisor efficiency
- RFG’s StrongHer Money initiative and how it aims to empower female clients in financial decision-making
- The importance of professionalizing and operationalizing your business to be successful in the future. 
- Why ensuring everyone on your team is in the right role is critical to growth

Resources:

StrongHer Money: https://stronghermoney.com/ 
  
Connect with Suzanne Siracuse:
 
LinkedIn: Suzanne Siracuse: https://bit.ly/4e8Zyt0 
Twitter: Suzanne Siracuse: https://x.com/suzsiracuse 
Email: Suzanne@suzannesiracuse.com

Connect with Shannon Spotswood:

LinkedIn: Shannon Spotswood: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonspotswood/ 
https://rfgadvisory.com/ 
LinkedIn: RFG Advisory: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rfgadvisory/ 

Connect with Abby Salameh:

https://rfgadvisory.com/ 
LinkedIn: RFG Advisory: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rfgadvisory/ 
LinkedIn: Guest Name: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbysalameh/ 

About Our Guests:

Shannon Spotswood is a 25+ year industry veteran in financial services with an outstanding reputation built on leadership roles in professional management, investment banking, hedge fund management, and business development. 

Joining RFG Advisory in 2015, Shannon recognized the opportunity to combine her entrepreneurial experience with her passion to build an innovative, Advisor-focused RIA of the future. At RFG Advisory, Shannon of RFG 2.0, a fully integrated platform for independent Financial Advisors and the implementation of strategic initiatives contributing to advisor success

Abby Salameh serves as RFG Advisory’s Chief Growth Officer, where she heads the firm’s growth activities spanning marketing, recruiting, onboarding, and transitions. With over 25 years spearheading growth support and services for independent advisors, Ms. Salameh has demonstrated excellence across multiple disciplines. Most recently, she served in multiple C-suite roles at CAIS, including chief marketing officer, managing director of CAIS IQ, and head of strategic partnerships.
 
Prior to that, Ms. Salameh held a variety of leadership positions at multiple billion-dollar-plus RIA firms like Hightower Advisors, Private Advisor Network, and Fusion Advisor Network (now Kestra). She received the 2023 WealthManagement.com Industry Award for CMO of the year, and in 2022 won a Wealthie for Thought Leader of the Year.
 
Ms. Salameh serves on the Board of Invest in Others, a non-profit organization that celebrates the charitable work of financial advisors, has led the FSI Growth & Marketing Council, is a vetted industry speaker and a regular volunteer at her local animal shelter. She holds an MBA from the NYU Stern School of Business and a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from Hofstra University.

Professionalizing Your Advisory Firm for Future Success

It's all too common for investors to be seduced by the illusion that careful stock-picking leads to outsized returns. Most of the time, though, the results are disappointing. Our guest, Jonathan Bird, CFP®, CWS®, explains what our clients should be doing instead, and how he plans to change the way everyone invests... by doubling the size of his practice year over year. He also discusses why he values being a member of ACP.

To learn more about the ACP, please visit www.ACPlanners.org. To learn more about Jonathan Bird, please visit www.FarnamFinancial.com

Ep. #28: How Not To Invest, What To Do Instead, and Changing the Investing Mindset - Jonathan Bird, CFP®, CWS®

In this episode of Focused on the Future, host Suzanne Siracuse kicks off Season 3 with a powerful conversation with Katrina Radenberg, chief investment officer of Mariner and president of the Mariner Foundation. Katrina shares her unique path from investment analyst to C-suite leader, the importance of mentorship and how intentional partnerships and niche marketing are fueling Mariner’s organic growth.

The discussion highlights how the Mariner Foundation—fueled by associate donations and company matches—has become a cultural cornerstone, reinforcing the firm’s commitment to community impact and attracting next-generation talent. Katrina also shares insights on emerging investment trends, the importance of customized client solutions at scale and why giving back and talent development are non-negotiables for building a sustainable, impactful wealth management firm.

This episode is a must-listen for financial advisors looking to blend business growth with a broader mission—and stay competitive in an evolving industry.

Key takeaways include:

- Katrina's unique journey from math-loving college graduate to industry leader in wealth management 
- Proven strategies for organic growth within Mariner, including niche marketing and digital transformation 
- The Mariner Foundation's impactful role in community support and employee engagement
Innovative approaches to attract and retain next-generation talent in the financial industry 
- Current trends in investment management focus on customization and client problem-solving 

Resources:

Listen to Focused on the Future on WealthManagement.com: https://bit.ly/4m0yHnC 
Subscribe and listen to Focused on the Future on Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3EJ5MUe 
Subscribe and listen to Focused on the Future on Spotify: https://bit.ly/44jXhJI 


Connect With Suzanne Siracuse:
 
LinkedIn: Suzanne Siracuse: https://bit.ly/4e8Zyt0 
Twitter: Suzanne Siracuse: https://x.com/suzsiracuse 
Email: Suzanne@suzannesiracuse.com


Connect With Katrina Radenberg:

Mariner Wealth Advisors: https://www.marinerwealthadvisors.com/ 
LinkedIn: Mariner: https://www.linkedin.com/company/access-mariner/ 
LinkedIn: Katrina Radenberg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katrinaradenberg/ 

About Our Guest:

As Chief Investment Officer, Katrina oversees all aspects of investments across the firm. Her responsibilities include leading our investment committee and private investment committee. She is also a member of our risk committee.

Since joining the firm in 2007, Katrina has had a wide range of responsibilities throughout the organization, including serving on the investment and asset allocation committees and managing fixed income portfolios for high-net-worth clients. Before moving into a leadership role, she co-managed a tactical ETF portfolio. Katrina has 21 years of experience in the investment industry.

Prior to joining Mariner, she was an analyst for a hedge fund in Manhattan, Kan. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with an emphasis in finance from Kansas State University.

Focused on the Future: Mariner’s Katrina Radenberg on Growth, Giving and the Future

In the latest Focus on the Future podcast episode, industry veteran Suzanne Siracuse chats with Tom Orecchio, CEO of Modera Wealth Management, about the evolving dynamics and secrets to building a successful financial advisory firm. Tom brings in his wealth of experience, sharing stories from his inspiring journey into financial planning and revealing why he continues to foster long-term client relationships. They discuss the vital role that technology is playing in the advisor/client relationship, strategies for organic growth, and the magic behind nurturing client relationships beyond investments.

Key points:

- The significance of personal connection in client relationships and the integration of digital advisory tools 
- Modera’s tactical approach to client acquisition, incorporating traditional referrals, digital marketing, and centers of influence
- The role of technology in enhancing estate planning and the essentials of client preparation
- How Modera differentiates itself through fee-only fiduciary services and ownership plans for team members 
- The industry’s future disruptions and how AI provides opportunities for more personal advisory roles 

Resources:

Listen to Focused on the Future on WealthManagement.com: https://bit.ly/4m0yHnC 
Subscribe and listen to Focused on the Future on Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3EJ5MUe 
Subscribe and listen to Focused on the Future on Spotify: https://bit.ly/44jXhJI 
The Net Positive Consortium in Wealth Management: http://netpositivewealth.com 

Connect With Suzanne Siracuse:
 
LinkedIn: Suzanne Siracuse: https://bit.ly/4e8Zyt0 
Twitter: Suzanne Siracuse: https://x.com/suzsiracuse 
Email: Suzanne@suzannesiracuse.com

Connect With Tom Orecchio:

Modera Wealth Management: https://moderawealth.com/ 
LinkedIn: Modera Wealth Management: https://www.linkedin.com/company/modera-wealth-management/ 
LinkedIn: Tom Orecchio: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-orecchio-cfa-cfp-5968b44/ 
Email: tomo@moderawealth.com 

About Our Tom Orecchio:

With over 25 years of experience in wealth management, Tom has always believed that the best way to serve clients and provide objective advice is through the independent, fee-only approach. During that time, he has had the privilege of serving individuals, families, nonprofit organizations, foundations, trusts, and others in all areas of their investment and wealth management needs.

Creating a Client-Centric Wealth Management Firm with Tom Orecchio

In this episode of Focused on the Future, host Suzanne Siracuse speaks with Lee Korn, co-founder of Opal Wealth Advisors, about how his firm is growing by focusing on people, purpose and process.

Lee explains how Opal begins every client relationship by uncovering meaningful life goals, not just financial ones, using a discovery process rooted in George Kinder’s life planning framework. While AI tools enhance advisors’ ability to deliver services like tax and estate planning more efficiently, Lee emphasizes that real client transformation comes from human insight, accountability and connection.

The conversation turns to talent development, where Lee shares how Opal’s training program focuses on technical expertise, communication skills and personal development. Weekly “Opal Insights” sessions, communication workshops and outside trainings help younger advisors grow into confident, effective professionals.

Key insights include:

- How AI tools helped solve a complex client matter faster than seasoned accountants and attorneys
- Why Lee believes advisors won’t be replaced by tech but enhanced into “bionic advisors”
- Opal’s culture of Ikigai, helping team members align personal purpose with professional roles
- Opal’s unique training approach, blending technical knowledge, communication skills and life planning
- The firm’s Opal Insights sessions and how constant learning fuels team cohesion and client relationships

Resources:

Listen to Focused on the Future on WealthManagement.com: https://bit.ly/4m0yHnC 
Subscribe and listen to Focused on the Future on Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3EJ5MUe 
Subscribe and listen to Focused on the Future on Spotify: https://bit.ly/44jXhJI 

Connect With Suzanne Siracuse:
 
LinkedIn: Suzanne Siracuse: https://bit.ly/4e8Zyt0 
Twitter: Suzanne Siracuse: https://x.com/suzsiracuse 
Email: Suzanne@suzannesiracuse.com

Connect With Lee Korn:
 
Website: Opal Wealth Advisors: https://opalwealthadvisors.com/ 
LinkedIn: Opal Wealth Advisors: https://www.linkedin.com/company/opal-wealth-advisors/ 
LinkedIn: Lee Korn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lee-korn-cpwa%C2%AE-440b5018/ 
Email: lee.korn@opalwealthadvisors.com 

About Our Guest:

Lee Korn is committed to seeing clients succeed. He loves to brainstorm ideas to arrive at the best solutions—and he stands side-by-side with clients to help make sure those solutions are effectively implemented. In particular, Lee enjoys assisting business owners in identifying opportunities and strategies to take their companies to the next level. With a forward-thinking outlook, he also helps Opal remain at the forefront of the financial planning industry.

Before forming Opal Wealth Advisors with partners Jesse Giordano and Joe Filosa, Lee co-founded the 360 Group at Morgan Stanley, where he was a financial advisor and family wealth director. In 2009, Barron’s named him as one of the top 1200 U.S. Financial Advisors. Previously, he worked at Edward Jones as a personal wealth manager. He began his career as a commercial banker, helping successful business owners raise capital for acquisition and expansion.

Lee graduated from Queens College in New York City with a degree in accounting. Active in his community, he has volunteered extensively with special needs organizations. Lee has a wife and three children. He upholds a strong commitment to helping young people develop good values as well as leadership and life skills. He is a Cub Scout Cubmaster and an active board member at his temple.

Purpose-Driven Planning in the Age of AI

ACP members come from a wide range of backgrounds. One of the benefits all members receive from ACP is a system and set of processes that enables ACP advisors to deliver a superior financial planning experience to clients. But where does that system come from? And what's the process for keeping the ACP system not just up to date, but on the cutting edge? Our guest, Fran Goldman, CFP®, MBA, Senior Wealth Advisor with Mercer Advisors, has played an instrumental role in shaping and advancing the toolkit and practices that empower ACP advisors. Uncover the collaborative process behind keeping the ACP system both current and forward-thinking, with insights from a leader dedicated to elevating the profession.

To learn more about the ACP, please visit www.ACPlanners.org. To learn more about Fran Goldman, please visit www.MercerAdvisors.com/Meet-Our-Team/Fran-Goldman

Ep. #29: Enhancements to the ACP System – Fran Goldman, CFP®, MBA

When your career path zigzags from Wall Street to pastry kitchens and back to finance, you pick up lessons most playbooks miss.

In this episode of the Focused on the Future podcast, host Suzanne Siracuse talks with Bridget Venus Grimes, CFP, founder and president of WealthChoice and co‑founder of Equita Financial Network, about centering a firm on breadwinner women, elevating Gen Z through a Rising Professionals program and crafting succession plans that reflect a founder’s values.

Bridget shares how personal experience shaped her niche and why community and retention remain pivotal for women advisors.

Key Points:

- Her unconventional journey from trader to pastry chef to planner, and how life events led her to serve breadwinner women
- Building a niche around women attorneys, then expanding to women in tech, executives, and business owners, who are often the primary earners at home
- Launching WealthChoice to align work with impact after pay disparity and advancement barriers at a prior firm
- The Rising Professionals program that meets Gen Z where they are, with fee‑for‑service guidance on 401(k)s, budgeting and first goals
- Equita’s curated succession planning approach to each founder’s vision, values and client continuity

Resources:


Listen to Focused on the Future on WealthManagement.com: https://bit.ly/4m0yHnC 
Subscribe and listen to Focused on the Future on Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3EJ5MUe 
Subscribe and listen to Focused on the Future on Spotify: https://bit.ly/44jXhJI 

Connect With Suzanne Siracuse:
 
LinkedIn: Suzanne Siracuse: https://bit.ly/4e8Zyt0 
Twitter: Suzanne Siracuse: https://x.com/suzsiracuse 
Email: Suzanne@suzannesiracuse.com

Connect With Bridget Venus Grimes:
 
LinkedIn: Bridget Venus Grimes - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bridget-venus-grimes-cfp/ 
Website: Equita Financial Network - https://www.equitafn.com/ 
LinkedIn: Equita Financial Network - https://www.linkedin.com/company/equita-financial-network/ 
Website: WealthChoice LLC - https://wealthchoice.com/ 
LinkedIn: WealthChoice LLC - https://www.linkedin.com/company/wealthchoice-llc/ 

About Our Guest:

Bridget Venus Grimes, CFP is President of WealthChoice, a wealth management firm for women executives, and Co-founder of the SEC registered investment advisor Equita Financial Network, a community of women-led financial planning firms. Bridget began her career in 1987, trading stocks for private hedge funds in New York City, before pursuing her passion of financial planning for women.

Bridget believes in empowering women to take confident steps toward a better life. She authored the best-selling book Corner Office Choices: The Executive Woman’s Guide to Financial Freedom and has written countless articles for major US media channels. Her commitment to women’s financial education extends not only to women professionals but also to fellow financial planners. She has spoken at major industry conferences and co-hosted the Financial Planning Association’s Women’s Knowledge Circle.

Bridget splits her time between Arizona and California and enjoys boating, golf, entertaining, anything French, and, most of all, cooking. She holds a B.A degree in German language and literature and a minor in Art History from Mount Holyoke College.

Breadwinner Women, Gen Z and Succession with Bridget Venus Grimes

In this episode of Focused on The Future, host Suzanne Siracuse speaks with Michael Brady, founder and president of Generosity Wealth Management, about how he built a firm dedicated to aligning wealth with purpose and possibility.

Michael shares how his early mentors shaped his people-first approach to advising, and the client story that inspired him to create a values-driven practice centered on generosity. He also opens up about his personal adoption journey, explaining how it influenced his decision to serve families navigating adoption and foster care planning.

The conversation expands to Michael’s humanitarian work in Ukraine, where he helps support orphans through camps and trauma care, demonstrating the ripple effect of financial advice. He also discusses how AI tools enhance efficiency in his practice while allowing him to stay fully present with clients.

Resources:

Listen to Focused on the Future on WealthManagement.com: https://bit.ly/4m0yHnC 
Subscribe and listen to Focused on the Future on Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3EJ5MUe 
Subscribe and listen to Focused on the Future on Spotify: https://bit.ly/44jXhJI 

Connect With Suzanne Siracuse:
 
LinkedIn: Suzanne Siracuse: https://bit.ly/4e8Zyt0 
Twitter: Suzanne Siracuse: https://x.com/suzsiracuse 
Email: Suzanne@suzannesiracuse.com

Connect With Michael Brady:
 
Website: Generosity Wealth Management - https://www.generositywealth.com/ 
LinkedIn: Generosity Wealth Management - https://www.linkedin.com/company/generosity-wealth-management/ 
LinkedIn: Michael Brady - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradymike
 
About Our Guest:

Michael Brady is the founder of Generosity Wealth Management, where he blends decades of financial expertise with a people-first approach to help clients live meaningful, abundant lives. With over 30 years in the finance industry, Michael has earned a reputation for delivering clear, actionable strategies that simplify complex financial decisions and provide lasting peace of mind.

Michael partners with individuals and families to create tailored, tax-efficient investment plans that not only secure their financial futures but also reflect their unique values and aspirations. His mission is rooted in empowering clients to focus on what matters most while he manages the financial details.

Drawing on a robust leadership background, including roles in brokerage services and hedge fund management, Michael brings a wealth of knowledge to every client relationship. At Generosity Wealth Management, he is dedicated to creating a culture of trust, empowerment, and integrity that extends beyond financial success to making a positive impact in the community.

With a focus on excellence and joyful service, Michael helps clients align their wealth with their purpose, turning financial clarity into a tool for living fully and giving generously.

From Advising Clients to Assisting Communities: The Ripple Effect of Advice

What happens when a schoolteacher from Ireland follows her curiosity halfway across the world and ends up helping shape one of the nation’s largest wealth management firms?

In this episode of the Focused on the Future podcast, host Suzanne Siracuse talks with Claire O’Keefe, partner and head of partner development at Cerity Partners, about her unconventional journey from education to wealth management and the people-first culture that drives firm growth.

Claire shares insights on career transitions, cultural alignment in mergers and acquisitions, the importance of organic growth and how investing in people powers the future of wealth management.

Claire discusses:

- How her travels from Ireland to the U.S. led to a career in wealth management
- The key trends shaping M&A decisions for RIAs, from succession planning to client experience
- Why cultural alignment and shared values determine successful partnerships
- How top-performing firms prioritize training, development, and broad ownership structures
- Her perspective on the future of small and solo firms in a rapidly evolving, AI-driven industry

Resources:

Listen to Focused on the Future on WealthManagement.com: https://bit.ly/4m0yHnC 
Subscribe and listen to Focused on the Future on Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3EJ5MUe 
Subscribe and listen to Focused on the Future on Spotify: https://bit.ly/44jXhJI 


Connect With Suzanne Siracuse:
 
LinkedIn: Suzanne Siracuse: https://bit.ly/4e8Zyt0 
Twitter: Suzanne Siracuse: https://x.com/suzsiracuse 
Email: Suzanne@suzannesiracuse.com

Connect With Claire O'Keefe:
 
Website: Cerity Partners - https://ceritypartners.com/ 
LinkedIn: Cerity Partners - https://www.linkedin.com/company/cerity-partners/ 
LinkedIn: Claire O'Keefe - https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-o-keefe-305b539/ 

About Our Guest:

Claire O’Keefe serves as Partner, Head of Partner Development, and member of the Leadership Team at Cerity Partners. She has a deep appreciation for the unique fabric of our firm which she regularly refers to as her “forever home”.

Central to Claire’s philosophy is human connection. As Head of Partner Development, she is passionate about building relationships with both current and prospective partners and colleagues who are excited by the vision of our firm, share our cultural values, and are committed to serving the best interests of clients, colleagues, and the communities in which we operate. She believes that authenticity, empathy, active listening, high emotional intelligence, and genuine curiosity, form the bedrock of effective communication and trusted relationships. In her words, “The magic of our partnership is our people.”

Cerity Partners is more than just a firm; it’s a community. A community where everyone’s voice counts, where an entrepreneurial spirit thrives, and where decisions prioritize our clients, free from external pressures.

Prior to joining Cerity Partners, Claire served as Chief Operating Officer and client advisor for two wealth management firms. In these roles, Claire’s responsibilities included strategic planning, client and colleague development, and client advisory for affluent individuals, business owners, executives, and nonprofit organizations.

Culture, Collaboration and Career Change with Cerity Partners’ Claire O’Keefe

Mike Baumann's expertise extends beyond traditional retirement planning, encompassing advanced strategies for IRA and asset distribution. His specialization in stretching distributions from qualified and non-qualified retirement plans underscores a commitment to securing financial legacies for future generations. By collaborating with clients, he creates tailored plans to generate multiple streams of lifetime income for beneficiaries, reflecting a holistic approach to financial planning.

Mike Baumann Financial Planner's journey led him to establish Honor Financial Group, Inc., just before the infamous stock market crash of October 1987. His strategic foresight and financial expertise allowed him to navigate the challenges of the turbulent market, solidifying his reputation as a resilient leader in the financial services sector.

I discuss buying, selling, financing and managing small and medium sized businesses either alone or with guests.  
I've started, bought, sold and closed businesses. 
Author of three best-selling business books; 'Invest Local: a guide to superior investment returns in your own community,' 'Franchise Warnings: What you really need to know before you buy' and 'How To Sell My Own Business: A guide to selling your own business without paying a broker's commission.' all available as well as 5 other books on Amazon or from www.DavidCBarnett.com

This commentary on this website reflects the personal opinions, viewpoints and analyses of the Topel & DiStasi Wealth Management, LLC employees providing such comments, and should not be regarded as a description of advisory services provided by Topel & DiStasi Wealth Management, LLC or performance returns of any Topel & DiStasi Wealth Management, LLC Investments client. The views reflected in the commentary are subject to change at any time without notice. Nothing on this website constitutes investment advice, performance data or any recommendation that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person. Any mention of a particular security and related performance data is not a recommendation to buy or sell that security. Topel & DiStasi Wealth Management, LLC manages its clients’ accounts using a variety of investment techniques and strategies, which are not necessarily discussed in the commentary. Investments in securities involve the risk of loss. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

The Retirement Income Show radio show was created to address the questions and concerns of retirees, pre-retirees, individual investors, and business owners.

In Practical Wisdom from ACP Financial Advisors, host Ken Robinson, CFP®, talks with Certified ACP advisors as they share their stories of how they became successful, fee-only, comprehensive financial advisors. Through these conversations, Practical Wisdom reveals the strategies, tips, and tools these advisors employed to get where they are today. Practical Wisdom also explores the common denominator among all of these advisors—the ACP methodology.

You don't need to be rich to invest in real estate. And you don't need to become a landlord either. In quick 5-20 minute bites, learn how to invest small amounts in passive real estate investments such as syndications, notes, and funds. We also cover how to buy properties actively if you do want to invest in real estate as a side hustle. With enough passive income, you reach financial independence — and your day job becomes optional.

New tracks tagged #FinancialPlanner