Focused on the Future

Join us on this episode of Focused on the Future as host Suzanne Siracuse sits down with Beth Bosworth, wealth advisor and head of planning at Perigon Wealth Management. Beth highlights her effective strategies for attracting and retaining next-gen clients, how being a member of the LGBTQ community influenced her planning services with clients, how she participates as a team member and leader, and...

Join us on this episode of Focused on the Future as host Suzanne Siracuse sits down with Liz Nesvold, Chair of Emigrant Partners. Liz highlights the three critical areas that firms need to focus on to ensure future success, discusses the key levers that contribute to obtaining a high firm valuation, and the profound impact her mother had on her leadership style.   Key discussion points include: Th...

Join us on this installment of “Focused on the Future” as Suzanne Siracuse sits down with Stacy Francis, the Founder and CEO of Francis Financial, and the nonprofit, Savvy Ladies . Stacy shares the heartbreaking story of her grandmother’s life, and how it impacted her becoming a financial advisor working with women in transition such as divorce or widowhood. Stacy also discusses her fi...

In this episode of “Focused on the Future,” Suzanne Siracuse interviews Shannon Eusey, Founder and CEO of Beacon Pointe Advisors. Shannon opens up about her unique journey, starting from her childhood experiences as the only girl on all-boys sports teams, shares her top 5 trends in wealth management, and discusses why scale is crucial for future success.  Key discussion points include:...

In this episode of “Focused on the Future,” Suzanne Siracuse interviews Dr. Vinay Nair, Founder of Tifin, about the current landscape of AI and its implications for the wealth management industry. They delve into various facets, including the opportunities and challenges AI presents, and the importance of adaptability for achieving success. Dr. Nair offers insights and advice for advis...

In this episode of “Focused on the Future,” Suzanne Siracuse talks with Rita Robbins, Founder and President of Affiliated Advisors, on the evolving treatment of women in the financial industry, the importance of focusing on clients’ adult children to capture next-generation wealth and the crucial role of networking in succession planning. Specifically, Rita discusses: Her Journey...

In this episode of Focused on the Future, industry veteran Suzanne Siracuse sits down with Andrew Altfest, president of Altfest Personal Wealth Management and founder of FP Alpha, to explore the transformative power of AI in financial advising and how it’s reshaping the advisor’s value proposition. Specifically, Andrew discusses: His early exposure to the world of wealth management Why what has wo...

In this episode of Focused on the Future, Suzanne Siracuse talks with Brian Seymour, principal and founder of Prosperitage Wealth on why his unique social media videos are really resonating with clients, the lessons he learned since launching his own RIA and the significant impact his coaches have had on his career.  Specifically, Brian discusses: His journey into the industry and the factors that...

In this episode of Focused on the Future, Suzanne Siracuse, talks with Will Trout, Director of the Securities and Investments practice at Datos Insights, on the how technology advancements are impacting our industry, why the major resurgence of alternative investments and that the client of the future will require personalization of advice. Specifically, Will discusses: The evolution of Generative...

In this episode of Focused on the Future, veteran industry leader Suzanne Siracuse talks with Anna N’Jie Konte, president of Re-Envision Wealth, on the importance of taking a human first approach with clients, how every advisor can incorporate AI into their practices and why she is reframing the way first generation wealth builders think about money. Specifically, Anna discusses: Speaking on a “hu...

In the first episode of Season Two of the Focused on the Future podcast, veteran industry leader Suzanne Siracuse talks with Carina Diamond, CEO of Stella Secunda and Director of Diversitas, Expanding Diversity in Wealth Management. They discuss the importance of adopting a personal approach with every client and how that leads to more business. Carina also describes why talent development and ret...

In the latest episode of the Focused on the Future podcast, veteran industry leader Suzanne Siracuse talks with Teri Shepard, president of Carson Group, on the evolution of the role that a financial advisor plays, how she and her firm are investing in women and why constantly challenging oneself is the only way to evolve and grow. Specifically, Teri discusses: The key areas Carson Group is focused...

In the latest episode of Focused on the Future, veteran industry leader Suzanne Siracuse talks with Mike LaMena, CEO of Wealthspire, on how he is ensuring his clients never outgrow his firm’s offering and advice, creating a DEIB strategy that works and why the future of advice is “human.” Specifically, Mike and Suzanne discuss: His unique journey from a volunteer teacher in the Bronx, to working f...

In the latest episode of Focused on the Future, industry leader Suzanne Siracuse talks with Dr. Sylvia Rose, assistant dean, James T. George School of Business at Hampton University, and Dr. Curtis Kidd Telemaque, director, HBS Center for Financial Excellence and Adjunct Professor at the School of Business at Howard University. Their thoughtful insights into what their students are looking for in...

In the latest episode of Focused on the Future, veteran industry leader, Suzanne Siracuse, talks with Jimmy Lee , Founder and CEO of Wealth Consulting Group, on focusing on “where the puck is going”, the debate around ESG and its future, and the many applications and use cases on AI in financial planning. Specifically, Jimmy discusses: The shift in the way clients want to be communicated with Why...

In the latest episode of Focused on the Future, veteran industry leader, Suzanne Siracuse, talks with Kay Lynn Mayhue, President of Merit Financial Advisors, on the importance of cultivating top talent and creating a strong company culture, organic growth tactics that work, and the many ways to attract and support women in financial services. Specifically, Kay Lynn discusses: Why Merit’s Servant l...

In the latest episode of Focused on the Future, veteran industry leader Suzanne Siracuse talks with Maurice Miller, CFP, Managing Director of The Miller’s Wealth Management on reevaluating how new advisors are compensated, assisting your clients in talking about money with their children, and why there is no better time than now to be in the wealth management industry. Specifically, Maurice discus...

In the latest episode of Focused on the Future, veteran industry leader Suzanne Siracuse talks with Luis Rosa the founder of Build a Better Financial Future LLC , on the importance of authenticity in your approach and your business model,  changing the status quo on pricing models, and how his BLX Internship program is cultivating the advisor of the future. Specifically, Luis discusses: How, by sh...

In the latest episode of the new podcast series, Focused on the Future, veteran industry leader Suzanne Siracuse talks with JC Abusaid, CEO of Halbert Hargrove, on the importance of purposeful collaboration, being fearless on culture, clients and teams,  and capturing a client’s loyalty for the long term. Specifically, JC discusses: How fate and persistence landed his dream job How his “no fences”...

In the latest episode of the new podcast series, Focused on the Future, veteran industry leader Suzanne Siracuse talks with Lazetta Braxton, Co-CEO of 2050 Wealth Partners, about how she is structuring her firm to serve the investor of the future, why she doesn’t like the term “mentor”, and why we all need to pay attention to Gen Z. Specifically, Lazetta discusses: Her firm’s business model and ho...

In this episode of Focused on the Future, industry leader Suzanne Siracuse talks with Trap Kloman, the President and COO of Commonwealth Financial Network, to discuss strategies and principles that have contributed to the long-standing success of Commonwealth Financial Network and its dedication to serving its advisors effectively. Specifically, Trap discusses: How a customer-centric approach has...

In the latest episode of the new podcast series, Focused on the Future, veteran industry leader Suzanne Siracuse talks with Heather Fortner, CEO of SignatureFD, about the importance of understanding people’s motivations,  the evolution of a firm’s messaging and why inclusion is key to a positive culture. Specifically, Heather discusses: Her journey from intern to CCO to CEO Why her degree in profe...

In the latest episode of the new podcast series, Focused on the Future, veteran industry leader Suzanne Siracuse talks with Peggy Haslach, financial advisor at The Finity Group, talk about how to best serve LGBTQ+ clients and team members, creating a niche practice that aligns with you as a person, and why she believes our profession “needs more pies!” Specifically, Peggy discusses:  Why she chang...

In the latest episode of the new podcast series, Focused on the Future, veteran industry leader Suzanne Siracuse talks with Leslie Tabor, Director of Education and Consulting at Charles Schwab, about what key areas top performing firms are investing in, mastering inclusive leadership skills, and why a “people first, employees second” approach to culture is a win for all. Specifically, Leslie discu...

In the latest episode of the new podcast series, Focused on the Future, veteran industry leader Suzanne Siracuse talks with industry legend, Mark Tibergien, on the key areas every firm needs to focus on to ensure success, why he encourages everyone to embrace reverse mentoring and how everyone can participate in improving financial literacy in their communities. Specifically, Mark discusses: The E...