Episode 297 – Maximizing Charitable Impact Through Donor-Advised Funds with Fred Kaynor



Today we welcome back Fred Kaynor, Managing Director at DAFgiving360™. Fred explains how donor-advised funds have become an effective way for individuals and families to maximize their charitable giving, making the process simple, tax-smart, and impactful. Since inception, DAFgiving360 donors have granted more than $44 billion to over 280,000 organizations, including a record $8.9 billion last year alone.

Fred highlights the trends shaping philanthropy today, from year-round giving and surging disaster relief support to the rise of socially responsible investment strategies inside DAF accounts. He also underscores the growing role of financial advisors, with nearly 80% of DAFgiving360 accounts now advisor-led, as clients look for guidance on how charitable planning fits into their broader wealth strategy.

If you’d like to learn more about working with DAFgiving360 and the benefits to both you and your clients, review their online resources or request more information.

DAFgiving360™ is the name used for the combined programs and services of Donor Advised Charitable Giving, Inc., an independent nonprofit organization which has entered into service agreements with certain subsidiaries of The Charles Schwab Corporation. DAFgiving360 is a tax-exempt public charity as described in Sections 501(c)(3), 509(a)(1), and 170(b)(1)(A)(vi) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Contributions made to DAFgiving360 are considered an irrevocable gift and are not refundable. Once contributed, DAFgiving360 has exclusive legal control over the contributed assets.

Contributions of certain real estate, private equity, or other illiquid assets may be accepted via a charitable intermediary, with proceeds transferred to a donor-advised fund (DAF) account upon liquidation. Call DAFgiving360 for more information at 800-746-6216.

A donor’s ability to claim itemized deductions is subject to a variety of limitations depending on the donor’s specific tax situation.

Market fluctuations may cause the value of investment fund shares held in a donor-advised fund (DAF) account to be worth more or less than the value of the original contribution to the funds.

DAFgiving360 does not provide legal or tax advice. Please consult a qualified legal or tax advisor where such advice is necessary or appropriate.

(1025-RC13)


Episode 296 – J.D. Power 2025: Succession, Satisfaction, and the Future of Human Advice with Mike Foy



Mike Foy, Managing Director and Head of Wealth Intelligence at J.D. Power, shares insights from the 2025 U.S. Financial Advisor Satisfaction Study. The research highlights a critical industry crossroads: investor demand for professional advice continues to rise, even as many seasoned advisors near retirement. Foy discusses the urgent need to attract younger and more diverse talent, build stronger mentoring and team models, and leverage technology—particularly AI—to improve efficiency and client service.

He also explores where firms are falling short in supporting advisors, from underwhelming social media resources to inconsistent succession planning. Drawing on J.D. Power’s data, Foy underscores that while technology won’t replace human advice, it will redefine how advisors deliver it—empowering firms that invest wisely to scale more effectively, retain talent, and strengthen client loyalty.

Resources: J.D. Power


Episode 295 – Cracking the Personality Code: AI for Better Client Relationships with Matt Schiffman



Matt Schiffman, founder of totumai, joins us to share how the platform is reshaping advisor-client communication. By combining personality science with artificial intelligence, totumai helps advisors move beyond demographic labels and understand how each client truly thinks, decides, and connects. Instead of one-size-fits-all messaging, advisors can tailor communication to fit personality, building trust, strengthening relationships, and driving better outcomes.

Drawing on research with hundreds of investors, Matt explains how totumai distilled complex psychology into a simple eight-question survey that identifies five distinct personas—represented by musical instruments—that reveal how clients prefer to engage. He highlights how advisors can apply these insights across use cases, from personalized emails to meeting agendas and team dynamics. Looking ahead, Matt shares how AI may soon identify personality in real time, expanding the impact of this approach not only in wealth management but also in healthcare, education, and other fields where communication drives results.

Resources: totumai

Read the white paper: Why Traditional Personas Fail

 Take the personality survey! Visit survey.totumai.net to discover insights about your personality traits and characteristics through totumai’s comprehensive assessment.

Click here for the full video demonstration.


Episode 294 – Modern Tools, Human Stories: Marketing That Truly Connects with Greg Banasz



Greg Banasz, Chief Marketing Officer at Steward Partners, shares how he brings the firm’s brand to life while empowering more than 200 independent advisors to express their individuality. Instead of a one-size-fits-all playbook, he offers a flexible “spice rack” of strategies—helping advisors mix and match tools that best support their goals in branding, communication, and growth. By putting collaboration and advisor input at the center, he ensures every strategy feels authentic while still connected to Steward’s broader identity.

He also speaks to the generational shift transforming the industry and the importance of meeting younger, tech-savvy clients where they are—with modern tools like QR codes, video, and AI. For Greg, compliance isn’t a barrier but a partner in creating authentic messaging. Looking ahead, he sees video, personalization, and data-driven insights as key growth drivers, but believes lasting success starts with something simple: listening to advisors and building from their genuine interests.

Resources: Steward Partners


Episode 293 – The Back-Office Advantage: Innovation That Elevates Advice with Ryan George



Ryan George, Chief Marketing Officer at Docupace, joins us to discuss how back-office innovation is helping advisors scale smarter. He shares his personal journey to Docupace and how the firm has grown into a 23-year-old leader in streamlining advisor operations, from account opening and compliance to compensation management and advisor transitions.

He also highlights the company’s latest investments in user experience, its acquisition of Hubly, and the evolving role of AI in advisor technology. Ryan emphasizes the importance of operational efficiency in unlocking growth for RIAs, offers perspective on the “buy vs. build” debate, and explains why expanding access to quality financial advice is what excites him most about the future of fintech.

Resources: Docupace


Episode 292 – Navigating Global Change: Strategy, Infrastructure, and Opportunity with Jeremy Schwartz and Sam Rines



Jeremy Schwartz, Global CIO, and Sam Rines, Macro Strategist for Modern Portfolios at WisdomTree, join us to explore how today’s shifting geopolitical landscape is shaping new global investment strategies. Sam explains how Europe’s renewed focus on defense and infrastructure—driven by NATO spending commitments—is creating long-term momentum across industries. He highlights companies like Saab, Leonardo, and Rheinmetall, where sustained demand and innovation in areas like drone tech and anti-drone systems are already translating into earnings growth.

Jeremy shares how these developments could mark the beginning of a new era for European technology and industrial leadership. Together, they walk through WisdomTree’s Geo Alpha strategy (GEOA), designed to help investors navigate uncertainty and align portfolios with major global shifts. With themes spanning policy, innovation, and evolving supply chains, GEOA offers a forward-looking framework for those seeking broader diversification and resilience across changing markets.

Click here to view the current holdings in GEOA.

Definitions:

  • European Defence Industrial Strategy (EDIS): plan developed by the EU to strengthen the EU’s defense industry and collaborative procurement
  • LNG stands for liquified natural gas
  • MSCI ACWI: A free-float adjusted market capitalization-weighted index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed and emerging markets.

Resources: WisdomTree ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds) & Investments

Investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of the Fund before investing. For a prospectus or, if available, the summary prospectus containing this and other important information about the fund, call 866.909.9473 or visit WisdomTree.com/Investments. Read the prospectus or, if available, the summary prospectus carefully before investing.

WisdomTree GeoAlpha Opportunities Fund (GEOA) Risk Information: There are risks associated with investing, including possible loss of principal. Some countries and regions in which the Fund invests may have and may continue to experience security concerns, war, aggression and/or conflict, economic uncertainty, sanctions or the threat of sanctions, natural and environmental disasters, and widespread disease or other public health issues. Foreign investing involves special risks, such as risk of loss from currency fluctuation or political or economic uncertainty. Investments in non-U.S. securities involve political, regulatory, and economic risks that may not be present in investments in U.S. securities. To the extent the Fund invests a significant portion of its assets in a single country or region, it is more likely to be impacted by events affecting that country or region. Please read the Fund’s prospectus for specific details regarding the Fund’s risk profile.

WisdomTree Funds are distributed by Foreside Fund Services, LLC.

Jeremy Schwartz is a registered representative of Foreside Fund Services, LLC


Episode 291 – From the Mound to the Market: Building a Business With Purpose with Jason Bottenfield



Jason Bottenfield, Managing Partner at Park Cities Group within Steward Partners, joins us to share the story of his unique path from professional baseball to wealth management. He reflects on how the discipline and resilience he developed as an athlete helped him navigate the early challenges of breaking into the industry—without connections or a finance degree—and how those lessons continue to shape his approach to business and leadership.

Jason also discusses what led him and his partners to join Steward Partners in 2019 and why the firm’s hybrid model and collaborative culture have helped their business grow. He shares real examples of how Steward’s infrastructure supports complex client needs, emphasizes the value of mentoring the next generation, and explains how Park Cities Group delivers a boutique experience backed by big-firm capabilities.

Resources: Steward Partners


Episode 290 – Breaking the Swivel Chair Cycle: Smarter Tech for Advisors with Dan Bjerke



Dan Bjerke, President of Digital Wealth at InvestCloud, joins us to discuss how the firm is tackling one of wealth management’s biggest pain points — fragmented technology and siloed data. With 35 years in financial services technology, Dan explains how disconnected systems drain advisor productivity and weaken client experiences. He outlines InvestCloud’s approach to unifying systems through a digital data warehouse, workflow automation, and AI tools that streamline onboarding, meetings, portfolio management, and next-best-action recommendations — all while maintaining strict security and compliance.

Dan also highlights the growing role of alternative investments, the need to scale them beyond the ultra-wealthy, and how smart technology can make that possible. From real-time “chat with your data” dashboards to practical steps for breaking down silos without costly overhauls, Dan shares how firms can unlock efficiency, strengthen relationships, and drive organic growth by tackling targeted use cases and building momentum over time.

Resources: InvestCloud


Episode 289 – The Advisor–Client Connection in a Digital Age with Susan McKenna



Susan McKenna, CEO of eMoney Advisor, joins us to discuss the company’s evolution as it marks its 25th anniversary. She shares her path from tech-focused marketing leader to CEO, and how eMoney has stayed true to its planning-first mission while adapting to changing market needs. Susan reflects on its unique culture, dedication to client service, and the importance of equipping advisors with the tools, training, and support to deliver exceptional experiences. Under Fidelity’s ownership, eMoney has had the flexibility to innovate while maintaining its focus on financial planning.

Susan also looks ahead to trends shaping the next decade, from purposeful AI integration to greater personalization, accessibility, and financial wellness for a broader audience. She highlights eMoney’s ability to support clients at every stage, from foundational planning to advanced estate strategies, and the need to balance technology with the human side of advice. With innovations like the premium client portal and a diverse client base driving development, eMoney is focused on delivering full-spectrum planning that reaches more people and deepens advisor-client relationships.

Register for the eMoney Advisor 2025 Summit, October 20-22: https://emoneyadvisor.com/summit


Episode 288 – How Technology and Teamwork Elevate Client Service with James Sahagian



We sit down with James Sahagian, Managing Partner at Ramapo Wealth Advisors within Steward Partners, to explore his path from an early fascination with financial markets to leading a client-focused, team-based practice. He highlights Steward’s responsive culture and commitment to innovation, which have expanded his team’s capabilities through educational seminars, digital platforms, and a holistic service model.

James discusses the growing need for advisors to pair financial expertise with technology, interdisciplinary skills, and behavioral insight—especially as the massive baby boomer wealth transfer accelerates. Committed to financial literacy, he urges early planning, disciplined saving, and long-term thinking to help clients and their families achieve lasting success.

Resources: Steward Partners