Bridging the Gap Between Technology and Data Utilization with Spenser Segal

The use of data and data-driven tools has increased rapidly in recent years. However, many organizations have yet to be able to effectively utilize this data due to a lack of understanding of how to use it. While there is a growing gap between the available data and its utilization, the effective use of data is predicated on technology but grounded in human behavior. In this episode, Ali and Sanjeev talk with Spenser Segal, Chief Executive Officer of ActiFi. With 33 years in the financial services industry, Spenser has witnessed the dawn of the fintech era. Spenser was named by Investment Advisor magazine as one of the top 25 Most Influential People in the U.S. Financial Advisor Community. Committed to delivering world-class financial advice for both financial advisors and the institutions that serve them, Spenser talks with Ali and Sanjeev about the importance of optimizing human and technological capabilities, why bridging the gap between technology and data utilization is key to driving effective business outcomes, and how he and his team at ActiFi deliver customized services at scale. Key Takeaways [00:57] - Spenser's role in the financial services industry. [03:24] - Why financial firms are struggling to unlock their full potential. [08:14] - How advisors have adopted technology in recent years. [12:40] - Why advisors need help unpacking data and analytics. [19:03] - How institutional partners can help advisors leverage data and technology. [20:50] - A strategy for adopting and implementing technology effectively. [25:21] - The platinum rule. [27:20] - What Spenser has in store for ActiFi in the future. Quotes [03:43] - "Financial firms are struggling to unlock their maximum potential because, ultimately, it is a behavioral change problem more than a technology problem." ~ Spenser Segal [05:08] - "One of the ways we better understand how to do something as robust as understanding a client's needs, translating that into a plan, and being able to execute that plan is to experience that ourselves." ~ Spenser Segal [13:56] - "Anyone can produce a report, but not anybody can teach and coach another colleague to effectively look at the report, to truly understand what they're looking at, translate that understanding into concrete actions, and then have accountability and transparency in implementing those solutions to drive a better business outcome." ~ Spenser Segal Links  Spenser Segal on LinkedIn Spenser Segal on Twitter ActiFi Microsoft Power BI Tableau Salesforce Connect with our hosts Ali McCarthy Sanjeev Kumar Skience Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts