Barron's Advisor

Matt Ludmer, a former DLJ top producer, author, and founder of Aligned Wealth Management, explores why achievement can feel empty. He discusses finding the “right mountain,” recognizing when you’re on the wrong path, and redefining wealth through inner life, relationships, community, and purpose. The conversation also examines money’s role, deeper client relationships, and how advisors can remain essential in the age of AI.

Erin Moriarty, a personal finance educator behind the Erin Talks Money channel, reveals how she surpassed 400,000 subscribers and 100 million views. She discusses building trust on YouTube, reaching retirees with tax and Social Security topics, decoding the algorithm, using AI without losing authenticity, and turning viewer questions into content and financial-planning opportunities.

Patrick Kilbane, general counsel and wealth advisor at Ullmann Wealth Partners, leads its Divorce Advisory Group after a career in family law. He discusses transitioning into wealth management, discovering a niche through client demand, and building credibility beyond credentials. The conversation explores trust, empathy, business valuation, client feedback, thought leadership, serving both sides of a divorce, and using AI strategically.

Breanna Rae Blaney, founder of the Anya Institute and creator of the Integrative Wealth Advisor Certification, explores how financial advice is evolving. They discuss redefining wealth as well-being, turning retirement planning into life design, and helping clients align money with identity and purpose. As AI automates transactions, deeply human guidance may matter more than ever.

David Chubak, Edward Jones’ head of wealth management and field management, explores how AI and technology are reshaping financial advice. He discusses closing the advice gap, protecting clients from fraud, and preparing for a historic intergenerational wealth transfer. The conversation also covers advisor succession, team-based service models, and creating a digital front door for younger and self-directed investors.

Jennifer Marcantel, founder of Marcantel Wealth Management, helps families in the energy and chemical industries connect money with purpose. She discusses building a multigenerational advisory organization, creating specialized teams for clients’ life stages, and designing financial security for women. Other topics include human connection in an AI world, guiding clients through financial anxiety, integrated tax and estate planning, and developing authentic leaders.

Jeff McMillan, a wealth-management and AI executive formerly leading firmwide AI at Morgan Stanley, imagines the advisory firm of 2030. They explore how AI could reshape prospecting, personalization, fees, compliance, and client relationships. As routine planning becomes commoditized, advisors may stand out through judgment, empathy, discernment, and whole-person guidance.

Spuds Powell, a Barron’s Hall of Fame financial advisor and Kayne Anderson Rudnick managing director, shares lessons from three decades serving affluent families. He explores trust, vulnerability, humor, and the value of challenging clients. The conversation also covers guiding families through market anxiety, wealth-related fears, legacy building, and the behavioral forces behind diversification and patience.

Barbara Trautlein, an organizational psychologist and founder of Change Catalysts, explores the human side of AI adoption. They discuss why resistance can be valuable, how her Head, Heart, and Hands framework guides transformation, and why AI can disrupt professional identity. The conversation also covers psychological safety, fair compensation, leadership teams, and building organizations ready for continuous change.

Scott Danner, chief growth officer at Steward Partners and founder of Freedom Street Partners, explores succession planning in an aging advisory industry. He discusses why founders delay stepping aside, the emotional toll of selling a practice, and how strategic partnerships can ease transitions. Danner also shares his Life Model for preventing burnout, protecting relationships, and building purpose beyond work.