Category Archives: Power Your Advice

Episode 271 – The Secret to Scaling Personalized Wealth Management with Andrew Stavaridis



Today we talk with Andrew Stavaridis, Chief Relationship Officer at Envestnet, about how advisors can better serve high net worth clients. Andrew highlights Envestnet’s investments in UMA, tax overlay, planning tools, and data analytics to help advisors scale, stay compliant, and deliver a more personalized, holistic experience.

He stresses that winning and retaining high net worth clients requires deeper relationship-building, advanced planning, and access to a broad product set—including alternatives. As fee compression continues and DIY platforms grow, Andrew sees a key opportunity for advisors to differentiate through high-touch service and expert guidance in today’s complex, volatile markets.

Recorded at Envestnet Elevate 2025

Resources: Envestnet

Disclosures:

The information, analysis, and opinions expressed herein are for general information only. The views expressed herein reflect the judgement of the speakers as of the recording date and are subject to change at any time without notice. Information obtained from third party resources are believed to be reliable but not guaranteed. Nothing contained in this document is intended to constitute legal, tax, securities, or investment advice, nor an opinion regarding the appropriateness of any investment, nor a solicitation of any type. Investing carries certain risks and there is no assurance that investing in accordance with the portfolios or strategies mentioned will provide positive performance over any period of time. Past performance is not indicative of future results.


Episode 270 – Unlocking Organic Growth Through Cash with Morgan Ludovico



Today we talk with Morgan Ludovico, Director of Intermediary Sales at StoneCastle, where we discuss how advisors are engaging the cash conversation and utilizing KEEP by StoneCastle as a powerful driver of organic growth. KEEP is an enhanced savings solution offering up to $100 million in federal insurance per tax ID, competitive rates, full liquidity, and no fees—designed to simplify the advisor-client conversation and capture held-away assets.

Morgan outlines four key opportunities for advisors—held-away, affiliated, institutional, and impact cash—and explains why cash is often the fastest, easiest path to growth. With trillions sitting in uninsured or low-yield accounts, KEEP helps advisors protect client assets, build trust, and expand relationships. Backed by StoneCastle’s singular focus and institutional pedigree, KEEP gives advisors a scalable solution in a volatile market.

Resources: KEEP by StoneCastle


Episode 269 – Serving Those Who Serve: Financial Coaching for Military Families with Sharon Watson



Today we sit down with Sharon Watson, Wealth Solutions Strategist at First Command, to talk about about their mission to serve military families through personalized financial coaching. Built for those often overlooked by traditional wealth firms, First Command helps clients build financial readiness through budgeting, risk management, and long-term savings—starting with small-dollar planning and growing alongside them through their careers.

Sharon shares how client feedback, especially from those who left, sparked a digital transformation focused on transparency, customization, and better integration. By adopting tools like MoneyGuidePro and Yodlee, First Command now delivers more flexible, goal-based planning while preserving its personal, face-to-face ethos. From basic literacy to legacy-building, First Command is helping military families turn discipline into lifelong financial security.

Recorded at Envestnet Elevate 2025

Resources: First Command


Episode 268 – How Orion Is Powering Personalized Advice at Scale with Natalie Wolfsen



Today we talk with Natalie Wolfsen, CEO of Orion, about how advisors can future-proof their practices through smarter tech adoption, AI, and personalized client experiences. Drawing from Orion’s 2025 Wealthtech and Investor Surveys, Natalie highlights that most advisors use just 60% of their tech stack, but many are prioritizing better integration and personalization to drive growth.

Natalie positions AI as a “force multiplier” that deepens advisor-client relationships rather than replacing them. She explains how Orion’s unified ecosystem—including behavioral finance tools, OCIO services, and scalable investment solutions—helps advisors eliminate complexity and focus on what they do best. With a massive generational wealth transfer underway, advisors who embrace technology now will be best positioned to grow and lead.

Resources: Orion


Episode 266 – The Untapped Power of ABS in a Modern Portfolio with Andrew Hsu



Today we talk with Andrew Hsu, founding member and Portfolio Manager at DoubleLine, about their new ETF: DABS, an ETF focused exclusively on asset-backed securities (ABS). Andrew explains why ABS are gaining attention beyond institutional investors, citing their low correlation, strong yields, and resilience. He breaks down what ABS are, how they differ from other fixed income products, and why now is the right time to make them accessible to a broader audience.

Andrew details DoubleLine’s active management strategy for DABS, which targets income and total return through diversified exposure to both consumer and commercial ABS. With a current focus on infrastructure-like assets and high-quality consumer loans, the fund is positioned to navigate a slowing economy while maintaining flexibility. He sees growing interest in ABS from new sectors and investors, and views DABS as a core building block for modern fixed income portfolios.

Resources: DoubleLine


Episode 265 – Why Donor-Advised Funds Belong in Every Advisor’s Toolkit with Julia Reed



Today, Doug talks with Julia Reed, National Director of Charitable Consulting at DAFgiving360TM, about how advisors can strengthen client relationships through philanthropic planning. Julia explains how donor-advised funds (DAFs) offer tax-smart, flexible solutions that align financial strategies with personal values, while helping advisors deepen multi-generational ties and differentiate their practices.

She shares key moments to introduce charitable giving conversations, strategies to maximize the impact of donations, and how DAFs fit into retirement and legacy planning. Julia also highlights resources advisors can use to build confidence around philanthropy and encourages viewing charitable planning as a meaningful, relationship-driven part of wealth management.

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.

DAFgiving360 does not act as trustee or custodian. Donors should consult their legal or tax advisor about their particular circumstances.

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

©2025 Donor Advised Charitable Giving, Inc. All rights reserved.

TRG (0525-UGTP)


Episode 264 – Balancing Innovation and Human Touch in Wealth Tech with Molly Weiss



On this episode, Doug speaks with Molly Weiss, President of the Wealth Management Platform at Envestnet, about how the firm balances innovation with simplicity across its platform. Molly shares Envestnet’s dual-track approach to development—advancing core systems while rapidly testing new features—and explains how modern APIs help integrate acquisitions without compromising user experience.

She also highlights how AI and automation are enhancing advisor efficiency by surfacing actionable insights, not replacing relationships. With over 19,000 data sources powering its wealth data platform, Envestnet enables more holistic, personalized advice. Molly emphasizes configurability, seamless workflows, and a human-first mindset as essential to meeting the evolving needs of both advisors and clients.

Recorded at Envestnet Elevate 2025

Resources: Envestnet

Disclosures:

The information, analysis, and opinions expressed herein are for general information only. The views expressed herein reflect the judgement of the speakers as of the recording date and are subject to change at any time without notice. Information obtained from third party resources are believed to be reliable but not guaranteed. Nothing contained in this document is intended to constitute legal, tax, securities, or investment advice, nor an opinion regarding the appropriateness of any investment, nor a solicitation of any type. Investing carries certain risks and there is no assurance that investing in accordance with the portfolios or strategies mentioned will provide positive performance over any period of time. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

There are risks inherent in AI technology and its application in the financial sector, including embedded bias, privacy concerns, outcome opaqueness, performance robustness, unique cyberthreats, and the potential for creating new sources and transmission channels of systemic risks. Trends or potential transactions identified by AI are for informational purposes only and are not to be construed as an instruction to take any specific action. Envestnet, Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates are not responsible for any decisions or recommendations you may provide to your clients.


Episode 262 – The Power of Steady Advice in Unsteady Markets With Dana D’Auria



On today’s episode, Doug talks with Dana D’Auria, Group President and Co-Chief Investment Officer at Envestnet. Dana shares how advisors can support clients through turbulent markets by staying connected, reinforcing long-term discipline, and ensuring portfolios align with risk tolerance. With volatility driven by headlines and sudden policy shifts, she highlights the importance of steady guidance.

Dana also unpacks how new tariffs are raising concerns around both inflation and slowing growth—reviving fears of stagflation. She stresses the role of customized solutions, especially tax-aware strategies, and draws on lessons from 2008 and COVID to show how thoughtful planning can make all the difference. In uncertain times, clear communication and a steady hand remain the advisor’s greatest tools.

Recorded at Envestnet Elevate 2025

Resources: Envestnet

Disclosures:

The information, analysis, and opinions expressed herein are for general information only. The views expressed herein reflect the judgement of the speakers as of the recording date and are subject to change at any time without notice. Information obtained from third party resources are believed to be reliable but not guaranteed. Nothing contained in this document is intended to constitute legal, tax, securities, or investment advice, nor an opinion regarding the appropriateness of any investment, nor a solicitation of any type. Investing carries certain risks and there is no assurance that investing in accordance with the portfolios or strategies mentioned will provide positive performance over any period of time. Past performance is not indicative of future results.


Episode 261 – Bitcoin’s Evolution: From Risk Asset to Portfolio Tool With Matt Hougan



Today, Doug talks with Matt Hougan, CIO of Bitwise Asset Management, about Bitcoin’s rapid evolution into a more stable, institutionally accepted asset. Matt explains how improved custody, regulation, and ETF access have significantly de-risked Bitcoin over the last five years, making it a viable portfolio enhancer—especially at small allocations of 1–5%.

He outlines the “Three Horsemen” driving Bitcoin demand—ETFs, corporations, and governments—and why their combined influence, against a fixed supply, is reshaping the market. With institutional adoption growing and behavioral risks better managed through advisor guidance, Matt argues that Bitcoin is following a natural path to becoming digital hard money.

Resources: Bitwise Asset Management


Episode 260 – AI, Integration, and Innovation at Envestnet With Chris Todd



On this episode, Doug sits down with Chris Todd, CEO of Envestnet. With over $6.5 trillion in platform assets and 111,000 advisors, Chris discusses how Envestnet balances innovation and stability at scale. He shares how AI is beginning to reshape advisor workflows, enabling deeper client engagement and efficiency, and explains how private equity ownership through Bain Capital is empowering more agile decision-making and strategic investment.

Chris also outlines his vision for tighter integration of Envestnet’s acquired platforms, a more seamless advisor experience, and stronger partnerships across the wealth management ecosystem. He reflects on the legacy of Envestnet’s founders, the culture they built, and his responsibility to lead the firm through its next chapter. With an eye on smart M&A and continued tech-forward solutions, Chris emphasizes a client-first approach as the key to Envestnet’s future.

Recorded at Envestnet Elevate 2025

Resources: Envestnet

Disclosures:

The information, analysis, and opinions expressed herein are for general information only. The views expressed herein reflect the judgement of the speakers as of the recording date and are subject to change at any time without notice. Information obtained from third party resources are believed to be reliable but not guaranteed. Nothing contained in this document is intended to constitute legal, tax, securities, or investment advice, nor an opinion regarding the appropriateness of any investment, nor a solicitation of any type. Investing carries certain risks and there is no assurance that investing in accordance with the portfolios or strategies mentioned will provide positive performance over any period of time. Past performance is not indicative of future results.