FinServ Podcast

Everyone talks about work-life balance like it's a switch you flip. Then you miss another dinner, snap at your kids, and wonder how the people who seem to have it together actually pulled it off. In this episode, Jamie sits down with Derek Notman and Adam Holt, co-founders of REBL Dads and two recovering financial advisors who've built companies, raised kids, and figured out the hard way...

In this engaging conversation, Jamie Hopkins and Bonnie Treichel dive into the inspiration behind Your Retirement Sketchbook and challenge the traditional way we think about retirement planning. Moving beyond spreadsheets and savings targets, they explore how retirement is really about designing a meaningful life—one rooted in purpose, creativity, and personal fulfillment. Through stories, practic...

Everyone tells you to “just apply online” and hope for the best. Then you apply to 100 roles, hear nothing back, and start wondering what you’re missing. In this episode, Jamie sits down with Victoria O’Tool, Executive Director of the FinServ Foundation, to talk honestly about how people actually stand out in the job search. They get into what works, what doesn’t, and why relationships, preparatio...

In this episode, Jamie sits down with David Benskin, Founder and CEO of Wealth Access, to talk about what it takes to build a fintech company that people trust, and why relationships matter more now than ever. David shares how he went from private banking to launching a fintech startup, why “fifty-year relationships” guide every decision he makes, and how culture and clarity shape the way his team...

There’s a lot of talk about the talent gap in financial services, but not enough about what it actually takes to build the next generation of great advisors. Jamie Hopkins sits down with Lindsey Lewis MBA, ChFC®, CFP®, to get real about what that path looks like: early exams, late nights, failed attempts, and the confidence that comes from finally earning your credentials. They talk through why ed...

Jamie Hopkins sits down with Will Peck, Head of Digital Assets at WisdomTree, for a deep dive into tokenization, stablecoins, and the future of digital assets. From the rise of tokenized money market funds to the regulatory frameworks shaping stablecoins, this conversation explores how blockchain is transforming financial services. Jamie and Will also pull back the curtain on what “digital assets”...

In this episode, Jamie and Brodrick are joined by Zach Conway and Kelsey McKenna of Seeds Investor to explore why so many advisors hit a wall—and how to break through it. Here’s the core issue: advisors say they’re client-focused, but when it comes to investment management, they fall back on cookie-cutter portfolios and product-driven conversations. Meanwhile, research shows clients stay loyal bec...

In this episode, Jamie and special co-host Brodrick Lothringer explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the future of financial advising—with insight from John Connell, Co-founder and CEO of Focal. While many tools promise efficiency, Focal delivers real transformation: AI agents that work across platforms—planning tools, CRMs, and more—to take real action, not just notes. With up to 15 ho...

In this episode, Jamie and special co-host Brodrick Lothringer explore what’s really holding financial advisors back—with insight from Brandon McFadden, CWS®, AIF®, MBA , Wealth Director and Vice President at Bryn Mawr Capital Management. While industry events often focus on better prospecting or marketing tactics, Brandon points to something more foundational: most advisors simply don’t ask for w...

Regulations are shaking up financial advice, and Dale Brown isn’t holding back. As CEO of the Financial Services Institute, he’s fighting to keep advice accessible for everyday Americans. In this conversation, Dale breaks down how new rules could disrupt independent advisors, why trust in finance needs rebuilding, and what the future holds for the industry.  Connect with us below! Dale Brown on Li...

Your work doesn’t speak for itself—you do. Marketing guru Samantha Russell joins the show to reveal how financial advisors can stand out without feeling overly promotional. From documenting your journey in public to leveraging client questions for content, she shares simple yet powerful strategies for building an authentic personal brand. Learn why personal branding beats company branding, how vid...

In this episode, Tyrone Ross shares his journey from juvenile probation officer to leader in finance, exploring the loneliness that can come with leadership and the value of mentors. He talks about building strong teams, the importance of shared goals, and his belief that true success includes health. Tyrone’s story shows how purpose, wellness, and teamwork can shape a meaningful career. Connect w...

This episode shares tips for making a great impression in the first 90 days of a new job. We break down a simple 30-60-90 day plan to help you settle in, learn the company culture, and start making an impact. Along with advice on setting routines and keeping a healthy work-life balance, David shares his story of overcoming challenges in a high-pressure role at the NSA. Whether you're starting...

In this episode, Emily Binder shares how to negotiate salaries and advance your career with confidence. She offers practical tips from her experience and from Chris Voss's book "Never Split the Difference." We also talk about why changing jobs every few years can boost your earnings and career growth, how to know when it's time to make a move, and the importance of mentors and...

How could a single misstep in email etiquette affect your career? This episode dissects the do's and don'ts of effective email communication. Learn the basics like addressing emails correctly, crafting concise subject lines, and professional email addresses.  We'll share best practices for managing your inbox, emphasizing timely responses and avoiding unnecessary replies. Discover h...

What if you could turn your unique heritage and passions into powerful tools for professional success? This week on the FinServ Podcast, we sit down with Bradley Xaltipa, a FinServ fellow who has done just that. Bradley brings a fresh perspective to the financial services industry. He shares how focusing on strengths, not weaknesses, has guided his approach to networking and career moves.  In this...

Ready to tackle the rollercoaster of entrepreneurship? In this week's episode, Jamie Hopkins sits down with Bonnie Treichel, the CEO and Founder Partner at Endeavor Law and Endeavor Retirement, for a chat about her journey in entrepreneurship. Fresh from the Broadridge FI360 Advisor Conference, Bonnie shares some of the ups and downs she's faced since launching her business. We dive into...

Discover the world of agriculture through the lens of finance with Dr. Craig Lemoine, who joins us to talk shop about the specialized needs of farmers and ranchers. We get into the essential economic contributions of agriculture, and the mission of the Agriculture-Focused Financial Planner (AFFP) program at the University of Illinois, shedding light on the complexities of advising within the farmi...

How did a middle-class kid go from watching superhero cartoons  to scaling the heights of Wall Street? Cliff Asness, the quantitative virtuoso behind AQR, pulls back the curtain on his journey from comic book fan to financier.  In this episode of the FinServ Podcast, Dr. David and Cliff take us along on their journeys through underachieving adolescence and how tough lessons fostered discipline, re...

The journey of growth can be nerve-wracking. “Can I do this?” and “Will this work out?” are often asked along the way. But this week, Dr. David Rhoiney is joined by FinServ mentee, Gracelynn Wiest, and her mentor Jess Bost, CFP®, RICP®, AIF®, from Alpha Architect, to discuss drawing support and resources from the community around you, regardless of whether you’re a mentor or mentee.  From battling...

Join Jamie Hopkins as we navigate the impact of mentorship within the professional realm. Kellan Brown from FinServ, a virtuoso in sales leadership, joins us alongside Meg Roberts, a University of Colorado senior, to discuss the indelible marks mentorship has left on their lives. Kellan's journey from mentee to mentor reveals a wealth of insights into nurturing talent and building career foun...

When talking about relationships, we often focus on the bond created between the client and the professional. However, establishing a strong mentor-mentee relationship in your career is essential for personal and professional growth. This week on “FinServ”, Kate Healy, founder of AdvoKate IQ, LLC, and her mentee, graduate student Valentyna Voloshyna, share their experiences with FinServ’s mentorsh...

Innovation begins when leaders become unwilling to accept the status quo. Pushing the envelope, both professionally and personally, can open previously locked doors. This week, Dr. David Rhoiney and Jamie Hopkins discuss the ideal conditions to foster innovation and the different ways that businesses are differentiating themselves from their competitors.  While innovation typically is associated w...

Today, we sit down with Heather Fortner, the trailblazing CEO of SignatureFD. In an episode that aims to reshape your approach to leadership, Heather shares her invaluable insights into what it takes to lead with excellence. Drawing on the wisdom of icons like Laura Bush and the unexpected lessons from our own children, she reminds us that nurturing a culture of learning is vital in both our perso...

Have you ever felt the pressure of a ticking clock while facing a complex problem? That's where the finesse of critical thinking comes into play, a skill that Dr. David Rhoiney and Jamie Hopkins dig into during our conversation. We reveal how preparedness and the ability to pivot are crucial in high-stakes situations. This episode is for those looking to sharpen their strategic acumen, whethe...