Great Aspirations

In this episode of Great Aspirations , Mike LaMena sits down with Robert Wickens to explore resilience, innovation, and the determination to return to what you love. Through his journey, Robert shares how preparation, mindset, and an unwavering belief in possibility fueled his path back to racing—and how partnership and perseverance can turn even the most difficult setbacks into a new definition o...

In this episode of Great Aspirations , Mike LaMena sits down with Lt. Colonel Rob Grunewald (Retired) to reflect on service, leadership, and the events of September 11 at the Pentagon. Through his experience, Rob shares how years of preparation shaped his response in a moment of crisis—and how the power of giving is often defined by courage, selflessness, and a commitment to others. IMPORTANT DISC...

Hosted by Wealthspire CEO, Mike LaMena, This season of Great Aspirations is centered on a simple but powerful idea: the power of giving. At Wealthspire, we talk often about success, growth, and opportunity—but we believe true wealth is measured by something deeper. It’s measured by the impact we have on others. By the lives we touch. By what we choose to give back, how we choose to give, and why....

In this episode, Mike LaMena talks to Angie Lau, an award-winning journalist turned entrepreneur and someone who’s deeply passionate about shaping a brighter future for the next generation. She is the Editor-in-Chief and Co-Founder of ASRV’s Life Beyond School, an initiative that helps kids and families get ready for the ever-changing, tech-driven world we’re all navigating.  IMPORTANT DISCLOSURE...

In this episode, Mike LaMena speaks to Caroline Gaynor, vice president, relationship director and investment specialist at Avantis Investors®. Prior to joining Avantis Investors, Caroline served as a regional director at Dimensional Fund Advisors (DFA). Caroline is also a sought-after public speaker who has presented at numerous events and conferences for end-investor and advisor audiences. Caroli...

In this episode, Mike LaMena speaks to Jim McCann, entrepreneur, philanthropist, public speaker and published author. Jim is the Founder of 1-800 Flowers, a world-renowned floral and food gift retailer based in Long Island, NY. He also serves as Chairman of Worth Media Group, as well as a variety of other private and not-for-profit boards. Jim is deeply involved in philanthropy and is especially d...

In this episode, Mike LaMena speaks to French professional golfer, Matthieu Pavon, who plays on the PGA Tour and the European Tour. Matthieu turned professional in 2014 and won on the Alps Tour in that year and again in 2015. Over the course of his career he has continuously placed high in numerous tournaments in both the US and Europe.  In 2023 he won his first European Tour event in Spain, and m...

In this episode, Mike LaMena speaks to Alden Mills, Brett Bush and Chip Pyfer on their enduring friendship and their shared passion for mountain climbing and giving back to their communities. Alden Mills is a renowned motivational speaker, a nationally-ranked rowing champion, a 3-time Navy SEAL platoon commander, CEO of one of the fastest growing companies in America, and author of Be Unstoppable,...

In this episode, Mike LaMena speaks to Mike James, Executive Vice President and Chief Sales Officer at NFP. Mike is responsible for driving the strategic direction of NFP’s sales organization and also plays an active role in the company’s diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging strategy, serving as a trusted advisor to NFP leaders on related issues. He is an active participant in a variety of i...

In the Season 3 opening episode, Mike LaMena talks to Abbott Stillman, real estate developer, venture investor and artist based in New York City.  Wealthspire did not receive direct or indirect compensation from the authors related to the production of this podcast episode. CERTIFIED DIVORCE FINANCIAL ANALYST® or CDFA® professionals must develop their theoretical and practical understanding and kn...

In this episode, Mike LaMena talks to the "Health and Wealth Sisters," Amanda Campbell, a financial advisor, and Michelle Riley, a Certified Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach, on how they work together to help women take charge of their lives.  Wealthspire did not receive direct or indirect compensation from the authors related to the production of this podcast episode. CERTIFIED DIVO...

In this episode, Mike LaMena speaks to Mike Delgass, Wealthspire Managing Director and Advisor, and Christine Lai,  cofounder and Executive Director of Special Education Legal Fund (S.E.L.F.), a nonprofit organization in Connecticut dedicated to leveling the playing field for families in special education by providing information and resources to enable families in need to successfully advocate fo...

In this episode of Great Aspirations, Mike LaMena speaks to Philipp Hecker,  CEO of Bento Engine, an award-winning FinTech platform that combines technology and wealth management advice.  Wealthspire Advisors ("Wealthspire") has partnered with Bento Engine ("Bento"), an integrated content and technology solution, to generate preapproved and proactive client-specific content. On...

In our second season, we’re highlighting the people behind the innovative ideas and concepts that continue to level up our industry through elevating the client experience.  Episode 4 features Cobi Blumenfeld-Gantz, the co-Founder and CEO of Chapter, a technology-enabled Medicare and retirement navigation platform. Cobi was driven to create the platform from personal experiences that he encountere...

In our second season, we’re highlighting the people behind the innovative ideas and concepts that continue to level up our industry through elevating the client experience.  Episode 3 features an interview with Trevor Rozier-Byrd, the founder and CEO of Stackwell Capital, Inc., a fintech startup that seeks to eliminate the racial wealth gap by addressing Black underinvestment in America.  One of W...

Welcome to Season 2 of Wealthspire Advisor’s podcast, Great Aspirations. This season, we’re highlighting the people behind the innovative ideas and concepts that continue to level up our industry through elevating the client experience.  Episode 2 features an interview with two leaders at FiComm Partners, an integrated communications agency serving the industry of financial advice. Megan Carpenter...

Welcome to Season 2 of Wealthspire Advisor’s podcast, Great Aspirations. This season, we’re highlighting the people behind the innovative ideas and concepts that continue to level up our industry through elevating the client experience.  Episode 1 features an interview with Dennis Moseley-Williams, a certified expert in the experience economy. Dennis helps organizations understand that customer ex...

Rachel Haberman is a senior advisor associate in the firm’s Madison, WI office, providing advisors and clients with an enhanced level of support in all aspects of service from assisting with portfolio management and construction to building financial plans for clients. Rachel's journey to starting her career in finance was an inspiring one, as it started with a passion for education. With an...

Channing has long been an outspoken advocate for the RIA industry, helping to establish the standard for operational efficiency within tech, communications, marketing and facilities. She is a graduate of Leadership San Francisco and the G2 Leadership Institute and was one of only 35 people that Schwab tapped for their executive leadership program in 2020.  What most people don't realize is th...

Financial Advisor, Donna Levy, is a powerhouse. With over 3+ decades serving clients,  specializing in creating comprehensive financial and investment strategies that integrate investment, insurance, retirement, tax management, and estate planning, Donna is known for her extensive investment knowledge and works with some of the most sophisticated investors. She previously served as Chief Investmen...

After a successful career at IBM Corporation, holding leadership positions in sales and sales operations, Stephanie Carmel had an "aha" moment about her professional journey. A leader at the company had asked her where she wanted to be in 10 years, and she realized she was struggling to envision herself continuing down the same path. Given she had studied communications and economics in...

Michele Walthert grew up in Switzerland. When her father suggested she "broaden her horizons" and go to college in the US, she moved to the States, got a crash course in the language from daytime talk shows, and ultimately graduated with a full time job lined up right before 9/11. Suddenly her path changed - as it did for so many - and she found herself as a receptionist in a financial f...

Alia Wagenhoffer started her career in the industry as a financial advisor, serving clients for five years before having an "aha" moment. She was passionate about client service and finance, but also had an interest in technology - something she had long believed was the key to creating efficiencies that could streamline operations and elevate the advisor/client experience. With support...

Growing up in Uzbekistan, Anora Gaudiano learned at a young age the importance of budgeting, saving, and planning. She came to the U.S. as a college student, motivated to help others live meaningful lives through education and information. Anora spent nearly two decades as a reporter, with ten years focused on the markets and investing for various publications including MarketWatch and Financial T...

Everyone’s journey to financial services is unique, and Heather Flanagan’s is no different. Currently the Head of Family Office Services at Wealthspire Advisors, she oversees the firm’s enhanced family office service platform as well as trust and estate services. Prior to that, she was the head of trust and family office services for Rockefeller Capital Management and the President of its trust co...