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

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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.

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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

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