Purposeful Planning Podcast

What is family systems theory, and why should advisors care? In this episode of the PPI 101 Podcast Series, family legacy coach Steve Legler hosts Dr. Charles Eckhart, PPI's Dean of Family Dynamics, Systems Theory, and Relationships and leader of the Family Systems Theory Learning Circle. Charles traces family systems thinking to its roots in mid-20th-century family therapy, then shows how it give...

In this episode of the Purposeful Planning podcast , host Susan Bradley sits down with Dr. Moira Somers to discuss her book The Fault Lines of Finance: Understanding and Preventing Financial Misconduct. The conversation centers on what Dr. Somers calls "misguided helpers": well-meaning financial advisors, family office professionals, and other wealth advisors who inadvertently cross ethical lines...

In the premiere episode of the PPI 101 podcast series, sponsored by the Merrill Center for Family Wealth, host Steve Legler sits down with Valerie Galinskaya, Managing Director and Head of the Merrill Center for Family Wealth, to explore what "rising generation" really means and why it matters for family wealth advisors. Valerie explains that the term is intentionally inclusive, spanning anyone fr...

In this episode of the Purposeful Planning Podcast, hosted by Karen McNeill, PPI's Dean of Family Stories, History, and Culture, featuring award-winning filmmaker Debbie Brodsky (founder of DMB Pictures) and Dave Goetz (co-founder of Journey 66), the conversation explores why capturing family legacy stories matters for family wealth management, when families tend to undertake these projects (aging...

In this episode of the Purposeful Planning Podcast, host Andy Stubblefield sits down with Buddy Thomas, founder of the Super Plan Family Wealth group of companies and PPI's newly appointed Dean of Financial Advising and Wealth Planning, to explore how 40+ years in the profession led him to reframe wealth as the fusion of love, wisdom, and money. Buddy shares the story behind his "family fiduciary"...

What is the other 95% of your foundation's capital doing while the 5% does the giving? In this episode, Courtney Joyner-Gage sits down with Lauren Sercu, co-founder and managing partner of Sorensen Impact Advisory, to trace the Sorensen Impact Foundation's journey to a 100% mission-aligned portfolio — replacing over 30 investment managers while pursuing market-rate returns. Lauren breaks down the...

In this episode of the Purposeful Planning Podcast, host Andy Stubblefield sits down with Jeff Savlov and Garrett Wells to explore what it really looks like to collaborate through conflict in complex family systems. Drawing from a real-world engagement involving a strained trustee-beneficiary relationship between a mother and daughter, Jeff and Garrett reflect on the challenges of stepping into a...

In this episode of the PPI Podcast, host Steve Legler sits down with Dr. Ed Shapiro, former longtime CEO and Medical Director of the Austen Riggs Center and author of Finding a Place to Stand. Dr. Shapiro walks through what makes Riggs unlike any other psychiatric setting — an open campus, intensive psychotherapy, a therapeutic community, and real roles in the surrounding town — all built around t...

What role do mistakes play in effective advising—and how can they become a catalyst for deeper learning and better outcomes? In this episode of the Purposeful Planning Podcast, Kathy Wiseman and Natalie McVeigh explore how missteps in systems work, client referrals, and family meetings can serve as powerful opportunities for growth. Kathy shares her personal journey of reframing mistakes, emphasiz...

Philanthropic advising is evolving from an informal add-on to a distinct and emerging profession. In this episode of the Purposeful Planning Podcast, host Joseph Brooks sits down with Dien Yuen, CEO of Daylight, and Marguerite Griffin of Northern Trust to explore the growing field of philanthropic advising. Together, they discuss what modern philanthropic advisors actually do, the core competencie...

In this episode of the Purposeful Planning Podcast, the husband-and-wife team of Sean and Jill Maher share how their interdisciplinary approach transforms outcomes for families and business owners. The goal of this conversation is to provide insights to fellow advisors, attorneys, and family office professionals about how imbedding relational connection into the financial planning process leads to...

In this episode, guest host Natalie McVeigh of Oikonomia and a member of the PPI Education Development Committee is joined by Kathy Wiseman of Working Systems, Inc, The Family Portfolio and faculty at The Bowen Center for the Study of the Family, for a reflective conversation on family systems theory in practice. Together, they explore what it means to view families and organizations through a sys...

For many people, talking about money is seen as taboo. While open communication about money and wealth is touted as a best practice in preparing the rising generation and maintain harmony, many families don’t know where to begin and when and how much to share. Often, they feel pulled toward two opposing choices: disclose everything or disclose nothing. In this sense, disclosure feels like an on/of...

As families and advisors prepare for year-end giving, Stephanie Ellis-Smith, Dean of Philanthropy at the Purpose Planning Institute speaks with Nick Tedesco, President and CEO of the National Center for Family Philanthropy about what effective family philanthropy looks like today—beyond metrics and mission statements. Together they explore how clarity of purpose, equity, and family alignment can m...

When the going gets tough...what then? Advisors can best support clients when they know through experience what makes a real difference during tough times.  Our own experience can give us so much to draw on if we've learnt how to handle ourselves better. In Part 1 Ian gave us three approaches that really make a difference. Now in Part 2 he gives us three new tools - how to cultivate flexibility, h...

Stephanie Ellis Smith sits down with Courtney Joyner Gage to explore her work in sustainability and impact investing through Aligned Impact and PPI. Courtney unpacks the spectrum between traditional investing and philanthropy, clarifies common misconceptions, and highlights the importance of aligning investments with personal values.

Explore the innovative world of purpose trusts and their transformative impact on business ownership and succession planning. Join us as we delve into how companies are shifting from traditional profit-centric models to structures that prioritize mission, sustainability, and stakeholder value. We'll discuss the mechanics of purpose trusts, their benefits, challenges, and real-world applications, o...

Why healthcare navigation is a critical yet often overlooked risk in comprehensive wealth and legacy planning.

Meet Dr. Karen McNeill, PPI’s new Dean of Family Stories, History, and Culture. As you will soon discover, she is passionate about the potential for families to nourish a thriving family culture by exploring the unique, complex, and unfinished tapestry that is their shared past, present, and future. Learn about many ways to integrate history into your work with multi-generational families as well...

Donating art and collectibles can be a meaningful way to preserve a legacy, but the process is often complex. In this episode, we explore the nuances of gifting to museums and galleries across North America—legal considerations, donor intent, and institutional needs. Join us for an insightful conversation on the art of giving wisely.

When clients fall into the trap of problem solving when they are facing a polarity, they entrench in epic battles. Join Cathy Carroll, author of "Hug of War: How to Lead a Family Business With both Love and Logic" to learn the key to resolving conflict when both sides are right.

Into every life a little rain must fall' - but what if it's not so much a shower, more a downpour? Advisors can best support clients when they know through experience what makes a real difference during tough times. Ian McDermott has been working with individuals, families, teams and organizations for 45 years. In this session he'll be sharing how to deal with setbacks by offering tools and strate...

How advisors work together to support clients’ philanthropic interests.  Talking Points:  What are your roles at your firms and at what point do they intersect?  What types of clients do you work with and how do you support them in their giving? What has been important to creating these successful collaborations? What are the hallmarks of philanthropy at scale?

Steve Legler and John Campbell discuss the prevalence of addiction issues that seem to show up in many families that PPI members serve. It can be a very tricky area for advisors, and Steve and John talk about that and how advisors can position themselves as a resource and referral source for such families when the time arises.   BIOGRAPHY   Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, John struggled with dru...

In this discussion, I will share my experience working with families around issues related to chronic illness in the next generation. We will explore how to set reasonable expectations for adult children struggling with chronic mental and physical health issues, review my ECHO Legacy framework to help families overcome barriers to successful transitions, and go over useful tips for improving commu...