PODCAST · business
The Flexible Advisor
by Laura Gregg and David Partain
Flexibility can be a game-changer. It cultivates the thinking, practices, and solutions a leader needs to anticipate challenges, recognize opportunity, facilitate successful outcomes, and thrive while others struggle to adapt. Welcome to The Flexible Advisor — a podcast hosted by Northern Trust Asset Management’s Laura Gregg and David Partain. Join us for insightful, sometimes provocative, conversations with thought leaders across our industry and others. With each episode we investigate today’s most pertinent topics and new approaches for financial professionals seeking to be better guides and partners for their clients. We’re committed to bringing you the kind of insight you need to conduct a relevant and growing advisory practice in today’s environment. Together, let’s help your clients address their evolving concerns, and build productive, long-term relationships with a new generation of clients as well. Visit our website to learn more: https://ntam.northerntrust.com/
Episodes
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Generative AI in Finance – With Darren Tedesco (Ep. 107)
How can financial advisors embrace generative AI? Today on The Flexible Advisor, Laura Gregg and David Partain welcome Darren Tedesco, President of Advisor360°, to explore generative AI’s impact on the financial services industry. They talk about how most advisors see AI as an opportunity, not a...
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Healthcare And Financial Planning – With Christine Simone (Ep. 106)
Understanding the variety of healthcare plans available to consumers, the nuances of cost and coverage, and Medicare’s inexplicable geographic variations, is no small feat. Yet, when it comes to estimating healthcare expenses, advisors have had few, if any, solutions at their disposal. In this...
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Trust Strategies that Build Client Trust — With Nikè Anani (Ep. 105)
Amid the Great Wealth Transfer, advisors are seeing a paradigm shift in the way clients are approaching their wealth and legacy strategies. In the second of a two-part series with Nikè Anani, Director of Next Generation for Northern Trust Wealth Management, The Flexible Advisor podcast looks at...
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Helping a New Generation – and Your Practice – Ascend – with Nikè Anani (Ep. 104)
The emerging generation of adults — particularly family business owners — are grapplingwith challenges and responsibilities their parents did not. In this episode, Laura Gregg speakswith Nikè Anani, Director of Next Generation at Northern Trust Wealth Management. Basedon personal experience…
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Ep 103: Meet Your New Intern: Generative AI – With John Prendergast
How generative AI could transform your practice. In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain talk with John Prendergast, co-founder and CEO of Blueleaf. John puts the strengths (and shortcomings) ofgenerative AI into context for advisors – and suggests how this “lazy intern” shouldbe managed....
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Ep 102: Coaching Parents Through Some Tough Lessons – With Sarah Newcomb, Ph.D.
Helping clients address multiple objectives can be fraught with any number of misconceptions, ingrained assumptions, and fears. Laura Gregg and David Partain talked with Sarah Newcomb, Ph.D., founder of The Thrive Financial Empowerment Center, to talk about balancing the desire to finance...
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Ep 101: Why Succession Planning Is Essential – With Linda Willis
Many advisors have yet to move beyond a vague idea of what a succession plan might look like, let alone formalizing one. While the concept of succession should be considered in every stage of your business, it becomes critical in the later stages. In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain…
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Ep 100: What Have We Done?!
As The Flexible Advisor marks its 100th episode, content marketing strategist Matt Halloran joins hosts Laura Gregg and David Partain to discuss the podcast’s genesis, evolving scope, and most impactful topics. Originally focusing on proprietary research, The Flexible Advisor has become a dynamic...
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Ep 99: Assessing the Impact of Secure Act 2.0 — With Lee Freitag
Limited access and chronic under-saving continue to leave many Americans ill-equipped for retirement. New legislation may have a meaningful impact in getting more people access and saving in workplace sponsored retirement plans. In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain are joined by Lee...
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Ep 98: Your Personal Brand: Capitalize on Your Strengths – With Susan Danzig
Creating a distinct personal brand may be the most important (and underestimated) thing you can do to attract ideal clients and enhance your practice. In this podcast episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain invite Susan Danzig, a certified business development coach, to discuss how your brand can...
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Ep 97: The Art of the Nudge – With Patrick Fagan
We know that internal biases form specific client personas which, in turn, shape a person’s approach to making financial decisions. Financial professionals can use those biases as a “nudge” rather than an obstacle to build more productive client relationships. In this episode, Laura Gregg and…
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Ep 96: Reaching and Retaining Next-Generation Investors – with Ryan George
The rapid expansion of social media and artificial intelligence within the financial services space holds undeniable implications for the advisor/client dynamic – particularly when it comes to young investors. Ryan George, Chief Marketing Officer at Docupace, shares insights from his firm’s…
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Ep 95: Clients Want More Than Advice; They Want A Plan – With Chazz Logue
Why pay a financial advisor for services available on a host of digital platforms? Today’s clients expect more from a paid financial professional than a diversified investment portfolio. They appreciate advice, but they expect a plan. In this episode, Laura Gregg speaks with Chazz Logue, Regional...
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Ep 94: When Children Are Not Part of the Plan – With Pamela Lucina
The new generation of investors includes a growing and influential population: childless/child-free clients. They present a distinctly unique set of priorities, objectives, concerns, and expectations. In this episode, Pamela Lucina, President of the Northern Trust Institute and Head of Trust and...
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Ep 93: Two Pages That Can Elevate Your Clients’ Experience – with Brad Connors of iWealth
Clients who feel engaged in the planning process are more likely to have a positive experience. But how do you better engage clients in the process? In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain speak with Brad Connors, CEO of iWealth. Brad talks about iWealth’s proprietary software, FDC Plan on...
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EP 92: The Financial Coach Can Use A Coach – With Lacy Garcia of Willow
It’s not just you. Most advisors face the same challenge. Your client base is broadening and diversifying. You need to provide more sophisticated, more personalized solutions but where do you find the right resources? In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain speak with Lacy Garcia, Founder...
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Ep 91: Going Solo: Making a Leap of Faith — with Kaysian Gordon
Building a practice from scratch after years in a large-team environment may not be easy, but it can be immensely rewarding. In this episode, we invited Kaysian Gordon, Founder and Wealth Advisor at Kaysi Gordon Financial Planning, to talk about how she came to that decision, and the lessons she...
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Ep 90: Overcoming Adversity: GRIT As A Game Changer — With Austin Hatch
It’s True: GRIT can be a game-changer. In this episode, Austin Hatch – a motivational speaker, athlete, and remarkable survivor—shares his inspiring journey and lessons that can help others respond to unexpected circumstances. Tune in for Austin’s powerful story and learn how the G.R.I.T.…
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Ep 89: Assessing The Advisor Landscape—with Michelle Lynn of Bloomberg
What has changed in the advisor landscape? What are advisors doing differently? In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain talk with Michelle Lynn, Global Head of Data Science and Insights at Bloomberg Media Organization about the research she leads on the state of the advisor landscape....
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Ep 88: How SEC rule 206(4) could change your business model — With Paul Binnion
Are you familiar with the SEC’s 206(4) proposal? Will you be compliant? In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain are joined by Paul Binnion of Hanlon Investment Management to consider the intent and potential impact of the proposal. If you outsource certain investment functions or have been...
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Ep 87: Take Your Passion To Work Today with Regina Huber
How can your favorite pastime — running, cooking, travel… whatever — boost your performance, increase job satisfaction, build a stronger team culture? In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain speak with Regina Huber, the CEO and founder of Transform Your Performance, about the powerful...
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Ep 86: Your Most Valuable Asset: Personal Branding with April Rudin
Just as people look online to check a restaurant or service provider before making a reservation or appointment, prospects and referrals are probably vetting you (among others) to determine whether to contact you. Who are they seeing? In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain dive into the...
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Ep 85: The Science Behind Growing Wallet Share — With Barnaby Riedel, PhD
What are your clients not telling you? What could you do differently to earn greater trust? In this episode, Laura Gregg talks with Barnaby Riedel, one of the architects of FlexShares’ behavioral study on growing wallet share. The findings provide a sensible groundwork to build more productive…
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Ep 84: Why Settle for “Satisfied” Clients? — Brendan Frazier on the Value of Emotional Connection
Provide good numbers and exceptional service and you’ll have a satisfied client. Create a personal connection, and you may be surprised at the results. In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain speak with financial advisor Brendan Frazier, founder of Wired Planning and host of The Human Side...
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Ep 83: Getting to Yes! Why You Need to Acknowledge Behavioral Finance — With Michael Pompian
Most advisors recognize that, when it comes to making investment decisions, a client’s emotions can derail a plan. Equipping yourself with knowledge on behavioral finance and financial personas could be the key to a more successful approach to ensuring your clients stick to their plan. In this...
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Ep 82: Back to School — With Steve Schiestel, Director of Financial Planning at MSU
Is your firm seeking new talent? Are you a student seeking a career in wealth management? Consider introducing yourself to the growing number of Financial Planning directors at universities in your area (and beyond). In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain speak with Steve Schiestel, CFA,...
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Ep 81: Women are Smart, Savvy, and Speaking with Their Money — With Dr. Barbara Provost
Is this too much to ask? Women just want advisors who recognize their concerns, appreciate their perspective, and respect their ability to make smart choices. Join Laura Gregg and David Partain as they talk with Dr. Barbara Provost, Founder of Purse Strings, LLC and an accomplished educational...
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Ep 80: Virtual Hybrid Meetings, Actual Success – With Lauren Sergy
Virtual meetings are one of the lasting impacts of Covid. While you may have mastered them when everyone was remote, now it’s time to master hybrid virtual meetings. Consider these ideas to make them more comfortable – and productive – for all involved. In this episode, Laura Gregg and David...
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Ep 79: The Rules Have Changed! How to Get More From Clients – With Bev Flaxington
What makes “The Ask” so awkward and even counterproductive? FlexShares recently surveyed high-net-worth investors across the country to better understand what drives their decision to allocate assets to and among advisors. The results are in, and they provide some valuable insight. In this…
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Ep 78: Expand Your ESG Investing Expertise — With Michael Young
Understanding Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) criteria points and how they relate to investment portfolios is critical for helping your clients navigate ESG issues. In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain talk with Michael Young, Manager of Educational Programs at US SIF: The Forum...
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Ep 77: “Hello, Ideal Client” — With Susan Danzig
In this marketplace, personalized service is what separates a financial advisor from an app. Knowing your ‘niche’ and your Ideal Client may be the key to a more prosperous —and satisfying — practice. In this episode, Susan Danzig, a Certified Business Development Coach for financial advisors…
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Ep 76: Are Advisors Missing the Forest for the Trees? – Kiley Miller on Sustainable Investing
As sustainable investing grows in popularity, so do the misconceptions about its framework. In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain speak with Kiley Miller, Director of ESG Investment Solutions at Envestnet. Kiley is a passionate leader in the ESG investment space. She shares how she is...
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Ep 75: ESG Investing: “This is where people are” – With Jon Hale, Morningstar
Workers and consumers are holding businesses to higher standards. Why wouldn’t investors do the same? As awareness of environmental, social and governance issues grows, more people are saying ‘I want an investment that’s going to help me reach my financial goals, but I’d like the more sustainable...
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Ep 74: What Makes a Healthy Workplace? – With Amy Dittman
A supportive work environment can improve performance, job satisfaction, and even client experience. Sometimes a little thing –– a better desk set-up, stepping away from the screen, or a confidential conversation — can make a surprisingly big difference. In this episode, Laura Gregg and David...
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Ep 73: Use ESG as a GPS Tool, Not a Moral Compass — With Jeff Gitterman
Why is Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Investing moving from marginal to mainstream? Aligning investments with values is just the beginning. In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain talk with Jeffrey Gitterman, Co-Founding Partner and Creator of Sustainable, Impact, and ESG...
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Ep 72: Building a More Successful – and Satisfying – Business Through Niche Marketing — With Kristen Luke
Trying to accommodate a wide range of client needs may actually limit your practice’s growth, your effectiveness, and your satisfaction. Targeting a niche that fits your specific experience and expertise can make a meaningful difference for you AND your clients. Kristen Luke is the president of...
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Ep 71: Are Your Clients “Really” Fine? With Julie Littlechild
The right questions elevate good service to actual engagement. They build trust, confirm your credibility and, most important, provide valuable information you won’t capture on a client questionnaire. In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain speak to Julie Littlechild, Founder and CEO of...
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Ep 70: Shiny Toy or Serious Solution? Enhancing Your Practice Digitally – With Adam Boyer
Wow. That digital platform sure looks good. Sleek and sophisticated. Smart and fast. So intuitive, it anticipates your every need – some you didn’t even know you have. But will it help to enhance the client experience? In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain talk with Adam Boyer, Head of...
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Ep 69: How to Keep a Client (Hint: It’s Not All About Money) – With Barbara Healy
Investors can build, manage and monitor their portfolios without ever talking to another human. So why do they choose an advisor? Personal connection. What makes them stay? A satisfying personal connection. In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain talk with Barbara Healy, Partner and Senior...
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Ep 68: I’m Not a Therapist! When Clients Bring Up Emotional Issues – With Dr. Chloe Carmichael
For many, the pandemic has triggered varying degrees of stress, anxiety and depression. Addressing it in the context of an advisor/client relationship can be uncomfortable. What can you do when emotional health becomes part of the conversation? In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain talk...
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Ep 67: GenX. They Need You. Now. – With Michael Labos
They are misunderstood, neglected and in a precarious situation. Why are so many financial planners not actively engaging with Gen X? In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain talk with a champion of the Gen X investor. What issues are challenging this generation and why should advisors pay...
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Ep 66: Supporting Executive Clients With Their Tomorrow Story — With Elisa Spain
To have a beginning, we must also have an ending. Sometimes the ending is our choice, and sometimes it is thrust upon us. Elisa Spain is an Executive Life Coach and the creator of the You Pivot Program. She helps senior-level executives plan and create the next version of themselves whether in a...
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Ep 65: The Power of Transition Planning — With Ross Marino and Susan Bradley
Life decisions made with urgency, short timeframes, and pressure will shape the next chapter of someone’s life. How can advisors help clients navigate thoughtfully through life’s changes? In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain talk about the impact that life transitions can have on...
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Ep 64: Trends Shaping Wealth Management Today – With Mark Bruno
Our world has changed dramatically over the past 18 months. The wealth management industry is no different. In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain talk with Mark Bruno, Managing Director of Wealth Management at Informa Connect. Mark talks about his new role in expanding and growing...
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Ep 63: Empowering Women Through Difficult Transitions — With Stacy Francis
Many women experience major life transitions like divorce or widowhood. As an advisor, you can be a key support pillar for your clients by educating and empowering them to make informed financial decisions, even during difficult times. In this episode, Stacy Francis, President and CEO of Francis...
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Ep 62: Developing and Retaining Next Gen Talent — With Yonhee Gordon
While firms may be successful in hiring younger employees, they often struggle to keep them. In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain talk about successful retention strategies with Yonhee Gordon, a Principal of JMG Financial Group and the RIA’s Chief Operating Officer and Chief Marketing...
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Ep 61: Four Pillars of DE&I from the CFP Board’s Center for Financial Planning – With D.A. Abrams
Building a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion program (DEI), can be a daunting task. Leaders understand that it’s so much more than just hiring people that look different from one another. In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain welcome D.A. Abrams, Managing Director at the CFP Board’s Center...
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Ep 60: Savvy Ladies – Help a Woman in Just One Hour a Month – With Judy Herbst
Savvy Ladies strives to empower women by providing free financial literacy education to all women, regardless of age or income level. The nonprofit has helped more than 20,000 women of varied-backgrounds through their volunteer network of financial planners that answer key questions during times…
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Ep 59: DE&I as a Strategic Imperative — With Connie Lindsey
Diversity isn’t the end game in DE&I. To create powerful outcomes, leaders need to understand how to create Equity and Inclusion within their firms, which takes strategy, commitment and accountability. In this episode, Laura Gregg and David Partain welcome back Connie Lindsey, long-recognized for...
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Ep 58: Disrupting With Purpose — With Dana Wilson
Consumers want to work with advisors like them! That’s according to FlexShares’ most recent DE&I research. But in an advisory industry that is primarily white and male, finding a Black or LatinX advisor can be difficult. Dana Wilson, Founder and CEO of CHIP (Changing How Individuals Prosper) is...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Flexibility can be a game-changer. It cultivates the thinking, practices, and solutions a leader needs to anticipate challenges, recognize opportunity, facilitate successful outcomes, and thrive while others struggle to adapt. Welcome to The Flexible Advisor — a podcast hosted by Northern Trust Asset Management’s Laura Gregg and David Partain. Join us for insightful, sometimes provocative, conversations with thought leaders across our industry and others. With each episode we investigate today’s most pertinent topics and new approaches for financial professionals seeking to be better guides and partners for their clients. We’re committed to bringing you the kind of insight you need to conduct a relevant and growing advisory practice in today’s environment. Together, let’s help your clients address their evolving concerns, and build productive, long-term relationships with a new generation of clients as well. Visit our website to learn more: https://ntam.northerntrust.com/
HOSTED BY
Laura Gregg and David Partain
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Flexible Advisor have?
The Flexible Advisor currently has 107 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Flexible Advisor about?
Flexibility can be a game-changer. It cultivates the thinking, practices, and solutions a leader needs to anticipate challenges, recognize opportunity, facilitate successful outcomes, and thrive while others struggle to adapt. Welcome to The Flexible Advisor — a podcast hosted by Northern Trust...
How often does The Flexible Advisor release new episodes?
The Flexible Advisor publishes regularly with 107 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to The Flexible Advisor?
You can listen to The Flexible Advisor on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Flexible Advisor?
The Flexible Advisor is created and hosted by Laura Gregg and David Partain.
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