WealthTech on Deck

This week, Jack Sharry talks with Brooke Elliott, Dean of Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Brooke leads the college in developing a compelling, strategic vision while continuing to build upon its distinctive brand and identity.They discuss how the college empowers future leaders through transformative education, research, and innovation. Brooke shares how their purpose-driven approach is embedded in the curriculum, the impact of technology and AI in shaping this mission, and how experiential learning bridges the gap between classroom knowledge and real-world opportunities.In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (02:27) - Helping students discover their purpose (07:59) - Insights from students and alumni (09:25) - Inside the Gies College online program (11:41) - Lessons from teaching online (16:27) - AI’s role in the future of education (19:55) - Will avatars replace faculty? (22:19) - The power of authenticity in teaching (24:42) - What it means to prioritize learners (26:43) - Brooke's interests outside of work Quotes"We want to create amazing leaders who move into business and really have an impact on their community, their state, and their nation." ~ Brooke Elliott"We really believe in expanding access to high-quality education. We serve individuals from all types of different backgrounds. And so, it's diversity in its very broadest sense." ~ Brooke Elliott"Our online programs were intentionally designed to be online. We did not take an existing program and move it to a remote environment. We started a new one and knew that we were going to offer these programs online and serve learners all around the world. And so, every single design choice was made with intention." ~ Brooke Elliott "Education is still the greatest investment an individual can make in themselves and an organization can make in their employee." ~ Brooke ElliottLinks  Brooke Elliott on LinkedIn Gies College of Business Aaron Schumm Vestwell Frances Frei Connect with our hosts LifeYield Jack Sharry on LinkedIn Jack Sharry on Twitter Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify LinkedIn Twitter Facebook

In this episode, Jack Sharry talks with Steven Miyao, an Executive Coach at Coaching Metta. Steven equips executives, entrepreneurs, and startups with the skills, strategies, and mindset needed for sustainable success. He helps professionals navigate career transitions, balance family and personal goals, and discover lasting fulfillment.Jack and Steven explore the challenges and opportunities of midlife career transitions, offering insights on how leaders can redefine their purpose and direction. Steven shares his coaching philosophy, the crucial role of understanding one’s ‘why’ before making a career shift, and how he helps financial services executives build a fulfilling second act in their careersIn this episode: (00:00) - Intro (01:15) - What is Coaching Metta? (02:24) - Steven's career journey (06:15) - Steven's nontraditional path to financial services (08:19) - Why Steven shifted to healthcare (11:52) - Steven's coaching practice and the challenges his clients face (13:19) - Helping clients redefine their purpose (17:30) - Steven's coaching process (22:31) - The importance of authenticity in building trust (24:19) - Steven's key takeaways (25:30) - Steven's interests outside of work Quotes"The older I get, it’s more important for me to see other people succeed than myself. It's just so gratifying when you see the impact that you have on others." ~ Steven Miyao"Most people are stuck in the hamster wheel, and they're running and running, but they don't even know why they're running. Oftentimes, it's because of the expectations that they have on themselves. But these expectations are often driven by society, their parents, or their peers." ~ Steven Miyao"A lot of us are going through this midlife. Whenever that point comes where you say to yourself, 'Is this really it?', it's important to take a break and really think about what you want to do, identify your ‘why’, and then pivot if you need to." ~ Steven MiyaoLinks  Steven Miyao on LinkedIn Steven Miyao Vanguard Fidelity Investments Capital Group McKinsey & Company Morgan Stanley Goldman Sachs Frances Frei Midlife Remix Connect with our hosts LifeYield Jack Sharry on LinkedIn Jack Sharry on Twitter Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify LinkedIn Twitter Facebook

Edward Jones is redefining what it means to provide personalized advice. The firm is creating a signature experience where personalized service is not a luxury but an expectation and where the best financial advisors have the tools, capabilities, and technology needed to provide a seamless, sophisticated, and impactful advisory experience.In this episode, Jack Sharry talks with Russ Tipper, General Partner at Edward Jones. Russ leads more than 300 professionals across North America and drives the firm's advisory offerings, including SMAs and UMAs, alternatives, retirement products, and more.Jack and Russ discuss how Edward Jones is doubling down on comprehensive, personalized financial planning, moving beyond point-in-time solutions to ongoing advice. Russ also talks about how the company strategically expands its product offerings, including alternative assets and retirement products, as well as its signature experience and future developments.In this episode: [01:12] - Russ' role at Edward Jones [03:02] - Edward Jones's strategic ambition [05:04] - Personalization at scale [12:24] - Edward Jones' investment in alternative assets [15:19] - Edward Jones' signature experience [19:18] - Future developments and AI integration [22:06] - Russ' career journey [26:04] - Russ’ key takeaways [27:13] - Russ's interests outside of work Quotes"We want to help make our clients’ needs, wants, and wishes a reality." ~ Russell Tipper "Our goal is to help our clients move into an advisory perspective and never be stuck in a brokerage account or a legacy model where they can't move because of friction." ~ Russell Tipper"We want to be a highly curated shelf, but we want to offer a choice. The last thing I want to do is for a client to leave their great financial advisor because of a lack of access to a product that would improve their outcome." ~ Russell TipperLinks  Russell Tipper on LinkedIn Edward Jones MoneyGuidePro Envestnet Aladdin by BlackRock  J.P. Morgan Porch Software Capital Group Merrill Lynch Connect with our hosts LifeYield Jack Sharry on LinkedIn Jack Sharry on Twitter Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify LinkedIn Twitter Facebook

In this episode, Jack Sharry talks with Doug Fritz, Founder & Executive Chairman of F2 Strategy. A seasoned veteran in the wealth management industry, Doug leads a team of experts at F2 Strategy and is a highly sought-after strategist, helping growth-focused advisory firms make informed decisions about their technology and client experience.Jack and Doug discuss the confluence of marketing and technology in the wealth management industry. Doug talks about true innovation and how firms can implement meaningful technology and marketing solutions that deliver real value to advisors. He also discusses F2 Strategy's expansion and acquisitions, AI-powered efficiencies, and the rise of Wealth as a Service (WaaS) in wealth management.In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (01:36) - Update on F2's recent expansion (03:37) - The confluence of marketing and technology in wealth management (06:27) - Aligning technology with business goals (09:26) - How F2 helps firms with tech and marketing (13:56) - The challenges of being a strategy partner (17:54) - Mitigating risk and ensuring successful technology implementation (19:49) - How F3 defines innovation (21:42) - Wealth as a Service (WaaS) (26:30) - Organic growth and its relationship to Wealth as a Service (29:32) - Doug's interest outside of work Quotes"We're built to be like an advisor would be. We're going to help you build a portfolio of technology, and then we're going to be with you forever as your partner in the execution and implementation of that when you need us." ~ Doug Fritz"It's fun to be helpful to great brands and great people that we work with in new ways and go deeper. Those relationships are everything to us, and they mean the world to us." ~ Doug Fritz"Innovation means getting it done. It isn't about theoretically picking a vendor that's innovative. It's actually getting it done and getting it into production." ~ Doug FritzLinks  Doug Fritz on LinkedIn F2 Strategy SEI Fidelity Investments BlackRock State Street Global Advisors Franklin Templeton Connect with our hosts LifeYield Jack Sharry on LinkedIn Jack Sharry on Twitter Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify LinkedIn Twitter Facebook

The shift from pensions to 401(k)s, paired with uncertainty around Social Security, has left many retirees with less income and at risk of outliving their savings. Allianz, in partnership with Empower, is taking the challenge head-on.In this episode, Jack Sharry talks with Matthew Gray, Vice President of Employer Markets at Allianz Life. Matt is responsible for the company's employer markets and defined contribution business. He oversees all aspects of the company’s strategy, distribution, marketing, product development, and more.Jack and Matthew discuss the convergence of workplace and wealth, how 401(k) plans evolve to offer better financial guidance, and how Allianz makes guaranteed lifetime income simple and accessible. Matthew also shares the challenges of retirement planning and how Allianz addresses the growing concern of retirees making less of their income and outliving their savings.In this episode: [01:30] - Matthew's role at Allianz Life [03:08] - How Allianz and Empower revolutionize retirement security [04:49] - Key trends shaping the future of defined contribution plans [09:13] - Allianz's guaranteed income solution [16:35] - The future of guaranteed income solutions [18:10] - The good news about lifetime income solutions [19:25] - Matthew's interests outside of work Quotes"Retirement is about generating more income and generating that income for longer. Unfortunately, the trends from moving from defined benefit plans to defined contribution plans, combined with challenges with social security, all point to maybe people getting less or not getting it for as long." ~ Matthew Gray"Our objective is to make guaranteed lifetime income more accessible and inclusive for a larger number of Americans who really depend on what they can generate from their employer-sponsored plan." ~ Matthew Gray"Lifetime income solutions aren't coming sometime in the future. They're already here. They're already in plans helping people and are available for sponsors and advisors who want to help their participants better prepare for retirement." ~ Matthew GrayLinks  Mathew Gray on LinkedIn Allianz Life Empower Connect with our hosts LifeYield Jack Sharry on LinkedIn Jack Sharry on Twitter Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify LinkedIn Twitter Facebook

In this episode, Jack Sharry talks with Jan Buchsbaum, Chief Product Officer, and Mark Fitzgerald, National Sales Manager at Nassau Financial Group. They discuss the integration of annuities and social security planning in creating guaranteed retirement income and Nassau's product development and solution design. From simplifying complex financial products and processes to a streamlined user experience and smart approach to partnerships and distribution, Jan and Mark explore Nassau's impressive growth trajectory and discuss the key elements driving their success.In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (01:28) - Overview of Nassau Financial Group (02:54) - Nassau's sales strength, growth, and momentum (06:29) - Nassau's process for developing products (09:22) - A collaborative approach to product development (14:40) - Integrating annuities and social security planning (20:26) - Educating clients and advisors on the value of annuities (27:52) - Uncovering additional assets through social security optimization Quotes"We are hyper-focused on providing solutions for our partners and consumers that matter and enhance their lives. And we are constantly always trying to figure out how we can be better." ~ Jan Buchsbaum"If you're having a conversation around social security, you're helping that individual maximize their lifetime income." ~ Mark FitzgeraldLinks  Jan Buchsbaum on LinkedIn Mark Fitzgerald on LinkedIn Nassau Financial Group Phil Gass Connect with our hosts LifeYield Jack Sharry on LinkedIn Jack Sharry on Twitter Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify LinkedIn Twitter Facebook DisclosureNassau Life and Annuity Company, the Nassau Income Accelerator Annuity and the Nassau Flex-Forward Income Benefit rider are NOT connected with, recommended, or endorsed by any governmental program, agency, or entity, including the Social Security Administration. All social security and annuity income payment examples are for educational and illustrative purposes only. Individual results will vary. This information is not meant to provide investment, tax or financial planning advice. Nassau does not provide individual tax, financial or investment advice or act as a fiduciary in the sale or service of insurance contracts. Please consult your personal tax or financial advisor for assistance. Fixed annuities are insurance contracts and do not provide ownership of any stocks, bonds, index funds, or other securities. These products are not FDIC or NCUAA Insured and there are no Bank or Credit Union Guarantees. Lifetime payments and other contract guarantees are subject to the claims-paying ability of the issuing company. These annuities offer a Fixed Account and a variety of Indexed Accounts. The Fixed Account earns a specified rate of interest that is no less than 0 to 3% depending on the state and product. Contract growth is not guaranteed. Fees and restrictions apply. Withdrawals may be subject to charges, pro-rated fees and adjustments. Withdrawals (including income payments) are subject to ordinary income tax, and if taken prior to age 59½, a 10% IRS penalty may also apply. Please review the applicable product and rider disclosures for more information. Nassau Income Accelerator is a single premium deferred fixed indexed annuity issued on contract form 19FIA, ICC19EIAN, or 19ISN. This annuity is issued by Nassau Life and Annuity Company, Hartford, Connecticut, a subsidiary of Nassau Financial Group. In California, Nassau Life and Annuity Company does business as "Nassau Life and Annuity Insurance Company." Nassau Life and Annuity Company is not authorized to do business in Maine and New York. BPD42072

Many women and next-generation investors have struggled to find advisors who truly understand them. Finding the right fit, getting clear information, and building confidence to manage finances effectively are real challenges. However, the old-school client-advisor dynamic is changing, creating an era in which genuine human connections matter just as much as portfolio performance.In this episode, Jack Sharry talks with Lacy Garcia, Founder and CEO of Willow. Lacy is a former financial services marketer turned financial advisor. She has spent her career at the intersection of financial services, women empowerment, and education. Lacy is passionate about helping advisors better serve women and the next generation of investors.Lacy talks with Jack about how advisors can better serve women and next-generation investors. She discusses the importance of empathy, education, and empowerment and how the company's certificate programs empower advisors to meet clients' evolving needs. Lacy also shares her journey from educator and coach to a financial advisor and entrepreneur, highlighting how her experiences of feeling like an outsider in the financial world inspired Willow's creation. In this episode: [01:10] - Lacey's background and career [03:22] - Turning challenges into opportunities [05:40] - Willow's E3 model: empathy, education, and empowerment [10:08] - Creating a business that helps women and next-generation investors [13:54] - Willow's certificate programs [19:54] - How Willow empowers women and next-gen investors [26:01] - Lacy's key takeaways [26:43] - Lacy's interest outside of work Quotes"I felt the challenge that so many women and so many next-gen clients and investors feel in terms of finding the right financial advisor and getting the information, the education, and the confidence they need to take control of their finances." ~ Lacy Garcia"The client-advisor model is changing. Its demographic and wealth transfer shifts are ushering in a new era where it's equal parts investment and human understanding." ~ Lacy Garcia"Women want to be advisor-dependent, and they are loyal. And if you care about them and you do a good job, then they're going to tell their friends and their family, and they're going to recommend you." ~ Lacy GarciaLinks  Lacy Garcia on LinkedIn Trust Willow Jason Aronson Ivan Mitrovic Connect with our hosts LifeYield Jack Sharry on LinkedIn Jack Sharry on Twitter Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify LinkedIn Twitter Facebook

Retirement is no longer viewed as a single event marking the end of one's career, but rather as a chapter with multiple phases and possibilities. This shift has led advisors to rethink their approach to retirement planning, with a focus on balancing financial strategies, healthcare needs, and lifestyle choices.In this episode, Jack Sharry talks with Ken Dychtwald, Founder and CEO of Age Wave. For 45+ years, Ken has been a leading visionary and original thinker regarding the lifestyle, marketing, health care, economic, and workforce implications of the age wave. Ken is a psychologist, gerontologist, and best-selling author of 19 books on aging-related issues.Jack and Ken discuss the changes brought about by increased longevity and the aging population in the financial services industry. From financial readiness to the evolving role of financial advisors, Ken explores what it means to live longer, healthier, and more purpose-driven lives.In this episode: [01:26] - Meet Ken Dychtwald [02:29] - Why people are rethinking their retirement plans [07:00] - How longevity has redefined retirement  [11:15] - The importance of mentors and mentorship [14:19] - The changing role of financial advisors  [19:04] - The need for advisors to be more holistic [21:56] - A shift from accumulation to decumulation strategies [25:29] - Ken's key takeaways [28;43] - Ken's interests outside of work Quotes[07:43] - "Aging isn't what it used to be. More and more people today are realizing that they don't want to live a longer life just to be old longer. They want a more cyclic life. People increasingly refer to this new chapter of their lives as a time of freedom, not a time to decline." ~ Ken Dychtwald[20:45] - "This age wave and this longevity revolution don't just mean that there'll be more older adults, but a new generation of older adults. These boomers are really demanding and want to be listened to and asked questions." ~ Ken Dychtwald[25:04] - "The entire population needs to be better oriented towards the financial considerations of 'How do I live long, how do I live well, and how do I make sure my wealth span matches my lifespan?’” ~ Ken Dychtwald Links  Ken Dychtwald on LinkedIn Age Wave Chip Conley John Thiel Edward Jones The John A. Hartford Foundation Connect with our hosts LifeYield Jack Sharry on LinkedIn Jack Sharry on Twitter Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify LinkedIn Twitter Facebook

The RIA industry is experiencing massive consolidation, driving demand for integrated solutions that unify technology, investment management, and professional services. With its extensive back-office expertise, technology, and investment solutions, SEI is well-positioned to meet this growing need. In this episode, Jack Sharry talks with Michael Lane, EVP and Head of Asset Management at SEI. Michael is responsible for the business and growth strategy of SEI's advisor and institutional businesses in North America and for leading the firm's investment management teams globally. Michael shares his career journey and why he joined SEI. He discusses the macro trends in the wealth management industry, SEI's unique position in the market, and its vast and often misunderstood capabilities. Michael also shares the exciting opportunities to bring together SEI's many capabilities and make them more visible to the market.In this episode: [02:26] - Michael's career journey [05:46] - Why Michael joined SEI [09:27] - SEI's unique positioning and capabilities [13:45] - How SEI fills the gap in the wealth management marketplace [19:34] - How SEI coordinates tax and asset location across multiple accounts  [23:26] - SEI's long-term goals [27:09] - Michael's key takeaways [28:16] - Michael's interests outside of work Quotes“ What gets me super excited is how we start thinking about the ‘what ifs’, documenting those ‘what ifs’, figuring out what we can actually do over the next 6, 12, 18, 24 months, and then bringing that story out into the marketplace.” ~ Michael Lane“As you look around the marketplace, there are very few providers that exist out there that can do as many things as SEI can do.” ~ Michael Lane"Whatever you thought SEI was, probably isn't what it is. I hope we have an opportunity to spend a lot more time with the advisor and institutional community to help them better understand who we really are." ~ Michael LaneLinks  Michael Lane on LinkedIn SEI Mercer Advisors Dimensional Fund Advisors BlackRock Ryan Hicke Morgan Stanley Connect with our hosts LifeYield Jack Sharry on LinkedIn Jack Sharry on Twitter Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify LinkedIn Twitter Facebook

At its root, marketing is about storytelling. As markets shift and client needs evolve, Franklin Templeton creates narratives that remain relevant and align with the firm's core mission. Listening to the market, using technology like AI, and collaborating across teams allows the company to maintain its relevance while staying true to its core values.In this episode, Jack Sharry talks with Jennifer Ball, Chief Marketing Officer at Franklin Templeton. Jennifer is responsible for developing and implementing a global B2B marketing strategy, driving change, and defining positioning and messaging. She is also accountable for client experience across Franklin Templeton's US retail, private wealth, retirement, insurance, and institutional businesses. Jennifer is passionate about insight-driven marketing through analytics and powerful content marketing.Jennifer talks about how Franklin Templeton creates and delivers narratives across the globe. She shares how the company uses advanced listening tools, social media, and AI to personalize messaging. Jennifer also highlights the importance of aligning internal voices, tailoring messages to diverse markets, and promoting collaboration in crafting cohesive and impactful narratives.In this episode: [02:05] - Franklin Templeton's acquisitions and strategic direction [03:36] - The challenge of positioning and messaging for global audiences [06:41] - Franklin Templeton's take on narrative economics [13:26] - Launching new narratives and using social media [16:22] - Franklin Templeton's social media strategy [19:25] - Franklin Templeton's process for developing narratives [22:59] - Jennifer's key takeaways [24:30] - Jennifer's interests outside of work Quotes[11:32] - "As things change with your clients and the market, you can evolve your narratives to make sure they stay relevant and still support your overall mission and ambition for the company." ~ Jennifer Ball[19:27] - "The whole process of listening to our internal employees, our clients, and our competition is absolutely the foundation of our work and what felt true to us in terms of where we're trying to go." ~ Jennifer Ball[23:31] - "We all have to figure out how to use AI to transform our business. We're at an inflection point right now, and AI can play a huge role in personalizing storytelling." ~ Jennifer BallLinks  Jennifer Ball on LinkedIn Franklin Templeton Jenny Johnson Microsoft John Connors Boathouse, Inc. Robert Shiller John Thiel Merrill Lynch Narrative Economics Connect with our hosts LifeYield Jack Sharry on LinkedIn Jack Sharry on Twitter Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify LinkedIn Twitter Facebook Franklin Templeton has been a client of SEI LifeYield since 2014.