Contrasting Viewpoints with Mark Hurley and Ray Sclafani

Returning The Industry Back To Its Original Purpose (Ep. 16)

Aug 1, 2025

Grant Rawdin, CEO of Westcott Financial Advisory Group and key advocate for the Net Positive Consortium, joins the discussion to explore transformative shifts in wealth management. He highlights the industry's transition towards values-based leadership and the rise of alternative investments. The conversation delves into the importance of fostering genuine client relationships and adapting advisory practices to meet evolving demands. Rawdin emphasizes the power of community engagement and ethical stewardship, inspiring firms to create a sustainable impact in today's competitive landscape.

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INSIGHT

Mercer's Smart Employee Ownership Move

Mercer shifts to employee ownership to align incentives and boost retention.
Stability depends on people, not just financial spreadsheets or firm names.

INSIGHT

Beyond Asset Management for Owners

Advisors must evolve beyond managing assets to acting as business consultants for owners.
Specialization in business advisory will be key to sustained competitive advantage.

ADVICE

Specialize and Charge Differently

Advisors should specialize and expand service offerings to compete effectively.
Charge for distinct, high-value consulting services beyond traditional asset fees.

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In this episode of Contrasting Viewpoints, Ray Sclafani and Mark Hurley are joined by Grant Rawdin of Westcott Financial to unpack some of the most powerful shifts happening in wealth management today. From Mercer’s transition to employee ownership to the changing demands of business-owner clients and the strategic use of alternative investments, they explore what it really takes to lead in today’s evolving landscape.

At the heart of the conversation is the Net Positive Consortium—a fast-growing movement of advisory firms committed to giving more than they take. Grant shares the story behind its founding, how firms qualify, and why it's resonating with both idealists and capitalists. Together, the trio tackles tough questions about purpose, performance, and what it means to act like a true professional in a consolidating, high-stakes industry.

Whether you're scaling a firm, building culture, or rethinking your impact, this episode delivers insight, candor, and actionable ideas you can bring back to your business.

Key Takeaways

• Advisors must evolve beyond traditional asset management to support business owners.

• The rise of alternative investments indicates a shift in market dynamics.

• The Net Positive Consortium aims to create a more sustainable and impactful advisory model.

• Client relationships are paramount in retaining business and trust.

• The industry is moving towards a more values-driven approach to leadership.

• The future of wealth management will require adaptability and innovation.

The Net Positive Consortium (NPC), based at netpositivewealth.com, is a collaborative coalition of U.S. wealth management and RIA firms dedicated to becoming “net positive”—that is, creating greater well-being for everyone they touch, from clients and employees to communities and the planet. Founded in 2023 and officially launched in October 2024, NPC operates around a five-pillar framework—Community, Clients, Team Members, Industry, and Planet—and invites firms to complete an Inventory Assessment, sign a public pledge, and implement initiatives in at least three pillars. Members gain access to peer study groups, quiet sharing of best practices, webinars, case studies, an Executive Brief titled Unlocking Our True Potential, and growing influence—evidenced by invitations to speak at events like Goldman Sachs' RIA Forum—while supporting measurable impact and industry-wide change.

Click here for the white paper, written by Mark Hurley and Brian Hamburger, titled 'Are You Trying to Get Sued?'