

The Mack Podcast
Brian Adams
Join us each week as we discuss trends shaping the family office landscape, featuring conversations with top industry professionals.
To learn more about Mack International, please visit www.mackinternational.com.
To learn more about Mack International, please visit www.mackinternational.com.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 6, 2025 • 44min
Multi-Family Offices, Asset Allocation, and Long-Term Alpha
In this conversation, Robert Gauntt shares his journey from a college baseball player to a seasoned investment professional. He discusses the evolution of the Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) industry, the importance of building a differentiated multi-family office, and the critical factors families should consider when choosing a multi-family office. He emphasizes the significance of leveraging expertise in alternative investments, navigating market volatility, and the lessons learned from institutional investing. He also highlights the vibrant investment landscape in Texas and the importance of risk management and rebalancing strategies in investment portfolios.To learn more about Mack International, please visit www.mackinternational.com.

Jul 31, 2025 • 39min
UK vs. US: Navigating Family Office Structures, Risk, and Opportunity
In this conversation, Brian Adams and Joel Goschalk explore the differences between family offices in the US and the UK. They discuss the scale of operations, investment dynamics, cultural differences in networking, and the role of third-party services. Joel shares his experiences as an expat in the US, providing insights into the job market and offering advice for UK professionals considering a move to the States. The discussion highlights the unique characteristics of family offices in both regions and the evolving landscape of wealth management.To learn more about Mack International, please visit www.mackinternational.com.

Jul 24, 2025 • 1h 15min
Family Office Roundtable: In-House Counsel, Co-Investing, and Crisis Readiness
This panel discussion delves into the role of general counsel within family offices, highlighting the shift from external legal counsel to in-house legal expertise. The guests discuss the cost-benefit analysis of hiring in-house versus external counsel, the importance of risk management, and the growing trend of direct investing among family offices. They also explore the challenges of co-investing with other families, regulatory concerns regarding privacy, and the necessity of crisis management in today's environment. The discussion emphasizes the need for emotional intelligence, adaptability, and strategic thinking in navigating the complexities of family office legal dynamics.This episode was recorded on May 16, 2025.To learn more about Mack International, please visit www.mackinternational.com.

Jul 22, 2025 • 28min
The EQ of Wealth
In this conversation, Wendy Wecksell shares her journey into coaching and the importance of emotional intelligence (EQ) in wealth management, particularly within family offices. She discusses her personal experiences with wealth, the significance of relationships, and how emotional intelligence can unlock capital. Wendy emphasizes the need for strong communication skills and practical applications of EQ to navigate complex family dynamics, especially in ultra high net worth families. She also introduces her framework for building trust and legacy leadership in philanthropy, offering actionable insights for professionals in the field.To learn more about Mack International, please visit www.mackinternational.com.

Jul 16, 2025 • 43min
Implementing AI and the Changing Nature of Trust
In this conversation, Ben Stoddard discusses the evolving landscape of family offices and investment strategies, emphasizing the intersection of technology and investment management. He highlights the importance of creativity, risk management, and the need for a shared vocabulary within family offices. The discussion also covers the challenges of generational wealth, the role of AI in enhancing investment decisions, and best practices for navigating digital transformation. Stoddard shares insights from his extensive experience in the field, providing valuable takeaways for professionals in the industry.To learn more about Mack International, please visit www.mackinternational.com.

Jul 10, 2025 • 52min
Family Office Roundtable: Building a Career as a Chief of Staff
In this episode, Brian Adams hosts a follow-up discussion with three experts in the field of Chief of Staff roles within family offices. The conversation explores various pathways to becoming a Chief of Staff, the essential skills and experiences required for success, and the growing demand for these roles in today's complex business environment. The panelists share insights on work-life balance, managing expectations, and the importance of professional development and networking. They also discuss career trajectories for Chiefs of Staff and the future of this evolving role.This episode was recorded on May 5, 2025.To learn more about Mack International, please visit www.mackinternational.com.

Jul 9, 2025 • 38min
"We vs. Me": The Balancing Act of Family Legacy
In this conversation, Brian Adams engages with Stacey Feiner and Rich Wolkowitz to explore the dynamics of family offices, focusing on the balance between individual aspirations and collective family goals. They discuss the importance of collaboration, the challenges of command and control leadership, and the need for a framework that fosters individual growth within the family system. The conversation highlights the significance of emotional health, communication, and the role of advisors in navigating these complex family dynamics.To learn more about Mack International, please visit www.mackinternational.com.

Jul 2, 2025 • 22min
Difficult Conversations in Family Businesses and Family Offices
In this conversation, Christina Wing discusses the complexities of communication within family offices, emphasizing the importance of addressing difficult conversations. Drawing from her personal experiences and professional insights, she highlights common challenges families face, generational differences in communication styles, and best practices for initiating tough discussions. Christina also shares real-life anecdotes that illustrate the impact of effective communication and the necessity of establishing policies before personal issues arise. The conversation concludes with a focus on current challenges in family offices, including wealth transition and maintaining family cohesion across generations.To learn more about Mack International, please visit www.mackinternational.com.

Jun 26, 2025 • 1h 26min
Characteristics of the Ideal Family Office COO
This conversation explores the multifaceted role of the Chief Operating Officer (COO) within family offices, highlighting the unique challenges and responsibilities that come with the position. The discussion features insights from experienced professionals in the field, who share their journeys to the COO role, the importance of understanding family dynamics, and the need for effective communication and risk management. The conversation also addresses the balance between operational efficiency and family needs, the integration of technology, and the significance of talent development in ensuring the long-term success of family offices.This episode was recorded on May 5, 2025.To learn more about Mack International, please visit www.mackinternational.com.

Jun 25, 2025 • 33min
Mastering Data Management in Family Offices
In this conversation, Ethan Bonar discusses the critical role of data management in family offices, emphasizing the importance of data ownership and the need for effective communication and collaboration among family members and advisors. He highlights the challenges of navigating various data systems and the necessity of having a centralized data management approach. The discussion also covers best practices for technology implementation, the significance of cybersecurity, and the evolving role of AI in enhancing data management processes.To learn more about Mack International, please visit www.mackinternational.com.


