The Customer Wins

Ben Wiener is the Managing Partner at Jumpspeed Ventures, a venture-capital firm focusing on early-stage, Jerusalem-founded tech startups. Since founding the firm in 2014, he has served as the lead investor in dozens of startups and often provided their very first capital. Before his VC work, Ben co-founded his first startup in 1999 and gained experience as both a corporate lawyer and clerk at Israel's Supreme Court. He is also the author of Fever Pitch and holds a BA in economics from Yeshiva University and a JD with honours from Columbia Law School. In this episode… Communicating the true value of an idea is a common hurdle for entrepreneurs — investor interest often fades not from weak concepts but from unclear or uninspired pitches. Even the most innovative founders can stumble when translating passion into persuasion. How can startups tell their story in a way that connects deeply with investors and customers alike? Venture capitalist and author Ben Wiener shares how storytelling can transform the way founders present their businesses. Drawing from his experience and his book Fever Pitch, he introduces the HEART framework — a five-part structure that helps entrepreneurs communicate their purpose, stakes, alternatives, differentiation, and team strengths. He emphasizes truth over performance, encouraging founders to make their product — not themselves — the hero of the story. By focusing on clarity, authenticity, and emotional connection, Ben's approach helps entrepreneurs pitch with confidence and integrity. In this episode of The Customer Wins, Richard Walker interviews Ben Wiener, Managing Partner at Jumpspeed Ventures, about the art of storytelling for entrepreneurs. Ben discusses his HEART framework for crafting compelling startup pitches, why truthfulness matters more than flash, and how to shift the focus from the founder to the product. He also shares insights on the role of AI in storytelling and lessons from his own entrepreneurial journey.

Thomas Clawson is the Co-founder of Slant, a next-generation AI-powered CRM built to help financial advisors streamline workflows and deepen client relationships. He co-launched the platform to replace traditional CRM systems by integrating AI agents that manage meetings, follow-ups, and client interactions. Under his leadership, Slant has raised $3.3 million in seed funding and scaled to serve over a thousand advisors. Prior to this venture, Thomas held leadership roles in marketing and demand generation at tech unicorns, including Whatnot and Podium. In this episode… Financial advisors face growing pressure to deliver personalized service while managing an ever-expanding workload. Traditional CRMs, however, often add complexity instead of reducing it — creating more manual tasks and slowing growth. With AI transforming the way professionals work, how can financial advisors adopt technology that actually simplifies their day-to-day operations while improving client outcomes? Thomas Clawson, an expert in advisor technology and automation, shares how embracing AI-first design principles can completely redefine the CRM experience. He emphasizes simplifying workflows, reducing manual data entry, and allowing advisors to focus on people instead of processes. Thomas discusses how chat-based interfaces and AI-powered insights can make managing client relationships seamless. By building adaptable systems that learn from user behavior, Thomas highlights how advisors can serve more clients efficiently while maintaining a personal touch. In this episode of The Customer Wins, Richard Walker interviews Thomas Clawson, Co-founder of Slant, about reimagining CRM for financial advisors through AI and automation. Thomas also discusses the need for simplicity in advisor technology, the rise of chat-driven user interfaces, and how his team built a secure CRM in just six months.

Michelle Feinstein is the General Manager and Vice President, Global Financial Services at Salesforce, a company that provides cloud-based CRM and enterprise software to help businesses connect with customers. She leads global solutions and strategy for the financial services sector, focusing on wealth and asset management. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, Michelle guides firms in digital transformation, data usage, and advisor-client engagement. She works across product, partner, and client teams to modernize the technology and operations of financial firms. In this episode… Financial services firms face challenges in unifying technology, streamlining advisor workflows, and adopting AI to improve experiences. Legacy systems, fragmented data, and slow governance often block innovation. How can firms modernize, improve adoption, and leverage AI while maintaining trust? Michelle Feinstein, an expert in digital transformation and client experience, explains that success begins with a clear strategic purpose — identifying the specific business outcomes technology should achieve. She shares how leading firms streamline advisor experiences by integrating data, simplifying workflows, and leveraging AI to automate repetitive tasks such as meeting prep and client summaries. Michelle also emphasizes adopting open, flexible systems that allow firms to plug in specialized AI tools while keeping human oversight central to innovation. In this episode of The Customer Wins, Richard Walker interviews Michelle Feinstein, General Manager and VP of Global Financial Services at Salesforce, about transforming financial services with AI and customer-centric design. Michelle discusses how firms can build unified experiences, leverage AI agents for automation, and transition to consumption-based pricing models that drive efficiency. She also shares insights on advisor retention, data integration, and the future of AI adoption.

Greg Bennick is the Founder and Executive Director of One Hundred For Haiti, an international humanitarian initiative focused on rural Haiti's development, community leadership, and human empowerment. He is also a keynote speaker, documentary producer, and author of Reclaim The Moment. Greg has delivered transformative presentations in 27 countries, spoken to audiences ranging from private groups to thousands at major corporate events, and has been recognized as a TEDx speaker. His work centers on building better teams, fostering authentic human interactions, and helping organizations and individuals reclaim focus amidst daily distractions. In this episode… Many professionals struggle to connect authentically with their audiences — whether in sales, leadership, or public speaking. They focus too much on outcomes like applause, recognition, or profit, and lose sight of the people they're meant to serve. How can leaders, speakers, and entrepreneurs shift their focus from themselves to creating genuine, lasting impact for others? Greg Bennick, keynote speaker, author, and humanitarian, offers actionable insights on how to engage people through authenticity, empathy, and listening. He explains that effective communication starts before the first word is spoken — by observing, preparing with intention, and reading the room. Greg encourages listeners to check their egos, focus on shared human experience, and remain adaptable in every interaction. Drawing on decades of stage experience, he emphasizes that success comes from service, not self-promotion. In this episode of The Customer Wins, Richard Walker interviews Greg Bennick, keynote speaker and author at gregbennick.com, about the power of authenticity in communication and leadership. Greg shares how to listen deeply to audiences, build trust through vulnerability, and adapt quickly when plans change. He also discusses public speaking fears, the role of AI in creativity, and lessons from his book Reclaim the Moment.

Max Klein is the Co-Founder and CEO of LEA, a company that automates client data workflows for wealth management firms using AI and APIs. He previously spent seven years at Amazon working on products like Alexa, Kindle, and Prime. Earlier in his career, Max lived in China for eight years, working in international business and public policy. He is also fluent in Mandarin and has founded prior ventures in education and global placement. In this episode… Wealth management firms often struggle to efficiently organize and manage client data. From PDFs and statements to client conversations, data arrives in countless formats, making it both time-consuming and error-prone to manage. If advisors are overwhelmed with manual data handling, how can they scale their businesses while still delivering exceptional client experiences? Max Klein, an expert in AI workflow automation with years of experience at Amazon, sheds light on how firms can overcome this challenge. He emphasizes the importance of automating data recognition and classification, turning unstructured documents into usable information that drives business processes. Max highlights the role of embedding AI into existing platforms rather than creating new systems, meeting firms where they already work. He also shares lessons from his career, including Amazon's customer-centric approach and the value of written communication and active listening. In this episode of The Customer Wins, Richard Walker interviews Max Klein, Co-Founder and CEO of LEA, about leveraging AI to solve data challenges in wealth management. Max explains how firms can eliminate repetitive manual work with smarter automation. He also discusses embedding technology into existing platforms, centralizing operations in systems like Salesforce, and the importance of customer listening and feedback loops.

Michael Jeanfreau is the Director of Advisor Enablement at Mariner Wealth Advisors, a firm that provides wealth planning, investment management, tax, and estate-planning services to individuals and businesses. He leads strategies and tools to make financial advisors more effective and client-centric. Michael holds Series 63 and 65 licenses and has over 25 years of experience in financial services, spanning roles in wealth management and product development. He joined Mariner in 2021 and works to strengthen the advisor experience and support firmwide growth. In this episode… Many financial advisors are hindered by inefficiencies — from last-minute paperwork and disconnected tech tools to corporate-centered processes. These obstacles waste valuable time and limit the ability to deliver personalized service. How can firms better equip advisors with the tools and processes they need to thrive? Michael Jeanfreau, an expert in advisor enablement, demystifies how streamlining workflows and adopting practical technology boost efficiency. He emphasizes that freeing advisors from manual tasks, such as filling forms or gathering scattered client data, is essential. He urges firms to implement AI-powered tools, such as digital agents and note-taking companions, and to establish stronger feedback loops between advisors and operational teams. For Michael, success means giving advisors more time to strengthen relationships and serve clients. In this episode of The Customer Wins, Richard Walker interviews Michael Jeanfreau, Director of Advisor Enablement at Mariner Wealth Advisors, about creating better advisor and client experiences. Michael explains how AI and digital tools can reduce inefficiencies, why empowering advisors with time drives growth, and how fostering communication between the field and the home office leads to better outcomes.

Brian Edelman is the CEO of FCI, a firm that provides NIST-based endpoint and network cybersecurity and compliance solutions for heavily regulated industries. He founded the company in 1995 and has grown it into a managed security service provider specializing in cyber-regulated organizations. Brian is widely recognized as a cybersecurity expert and frequently speaks at industry conferences on topics like regulatory compliance and incident response. He holds a certificate in cybersecurity risk management from Harvard and serves as a Cybersecurity Technology Expert on the Forbes NY Council. In this episode… Cybercriminals are evolving, and the threats facing financial services have never been more severe. From stolen data sold on the dark web to AI-driven email scams that can drain accounts in days, the risks are escalating. How can firms protect sensitive client information while meeting strict regulatory requirements? Brian Edelman, a cybersecurity expert in the financial services industry, explains how firms can strengthen their defenses. He emphasizes the importance of building trust with clients, adopting a zero-trust security model, and preparing with incident response drills. Brian highlights automation as a means to protect endpoints without overwhelming advisors, while warning that AI is making cyberattacks both faster and more sophisticated. His insights provide practical steps for organizations to safeguard data, finances, and reputation. In this episode of The Customer Wins Podcast, Richard Walker interviews Brian Edelman, CEO of FCI, to discuss cybersecurity in financial services. Brian shares how automation simplifies compliance, why zero trust matters for firms, and how AI is reshaping cybercrime. He explores incident response preparedness, the role of regulators, and the growing responsibility of financial advisors to educate their clients about cyber risks.

Ty Peck is the Co-Founder and CEO of Business Draft, a career acquisition platform that helps companies hire faster through smart matchmaking, video tools, and streamlined applicant tracking. He drives the company's growth, fundraising, and product strategy, with a focus on cutting time-to-hire and enhancing the candidate experience. Under his leadership, Business Draft has secured seed funding and launched tools designed to simplify the hiring process for both candidates and employers. With over a decade of experience in corporate strategy and a candidate-first approach, Ty is passionate about leveraging technology and AI to eliminate hiring busywork. In this episode… Many job seekers today face a frustratingly opaque application process. Candidates often submit resumes and never hear back, while companies drown in unqualified applications and struggle to communicate effectively. With trust eroding on both sides, how can the hiring experience become faster, clearer, and more human? Ty Peck, an experienced entrepreneur in talent acquisition, discusses solutions that make hiring easier for both candidates and employers. He emphasizes designing the process around the candidate first, with tools that bring transparency, automate repetitive tasks, and standardize profiles for easier review. Ty also highlights the value of clear communication, trust scores that reinforce accountability, and AI-driven efficiency that preserves the human touch. In this episode of The Customer Wins, Richard Walker interviews Ty Peck, Co-Founder and CEO of Business Draft, about transforming the hiring process with candidate-first innovation. Ty shares how automation and AI simplify applications, why transparency builds trust, and how cultural fit matters just as much as skills. He also dives into candidate tracking systems, customer-driven product features, and the evolving role of videos in showcasing talent.

Rabih Ramadi is the Co-Founder and CEO of Avantos, an AI-native operating system that streamlines customer onboarding and servicing for financial institutions. Rabih previously served as a founding team member and Chief Revenue Officer at Unqork and was a Senior Partner at KPMG, where he led the Capital Markets sector. He holds an MBA from The Wharton School and an ME in engineering from Cornell University. Rabih also sits on the board of Leathwaite as a non-executive director. In this episode… Many financial institutions struggle with slow, manual onboarding and servicing processes that hamper efficiency. Advisors and operations teams spend significant time re-entering data and managing compliance, creating obstacles to optimal client service. How can financial firms leverage AI to streamline these workflows and elevate client experiences? Rabih Ramadi, an expert in financial technology and artificial intelligence, shares how his team built an AI-driven operating system to address these challenges. He explains how linking clients, products, and advisors through AI agents helps automate tasks, prefill data, and trigger compliant workflows. Rabih emphasizes building flexible systems, embedding human approvals, and prioritizing the right recommendations so advisors can focus on high-value client relationships while still maintaining trust and compliance. In this episode of The Customer Wins, Richard Walker interviews Rabih Ramadi, Co-Founder and CEO of Avantos, about using AI to transform client onboarding and servicing. Rabih discusses the rise of AI agents, how to prefill data from trusted integrations, and why compliance must remain central to innovation. He also explores the risks of too many recommendations, the future of chat-based interfaces, and the importance of pairing business knowledge with technical vision.

Paul Osterberg is the CEO and Managing Director of Security Basecamp, a company that helps financial services firms simplify cybersecurity and compliance while reducing risk. He has over 15,000 hours of experience building and leading information security programs and has completed more than 300 cybersecurity risk assessments. Previously, Paul held senior roles at AFAM Capital, National Financial Partners, and NFP Securities. He holds a degree in finance from the University of Minnesota and has completed further studies at Columbia University and the Wharton School. In this episode… Many businesses struggle with growing cybersecurity risks, from weak passwords and unpatched systems to sophisticated AI-driven scams. These threats not only endanger company data but also erode customer trust when breaches occur. How can organizations strengthen defenses and safeguard their clients while staying ahead of evolving attacks? Paul Osterberg, a cybersecurity leader with decades of experience, explains how companies can take practical steps to reduce vulnerabilities. He highlights the value of risk assessments, the value of multifactor authentication, and the dangers of reusing credentials. Paul also emphasizes the human side of security, showing how training employees to think critically and "trust but verify" can prevent costly mistakes. His insights stress that technology and culture must work together to create resilient organizations. In this episode of The Customer Wins, Richard Walker interviews Paul Osterberg, CEO and Managing Director of Security Basecamp, about building trust through cybersecurity. Paul shares how companies can reduce fear after breaches, why AI presents both risks and opportunities, and how cultivating better human behavior is as important as technical safeguards. He also delves into ransomware, client trust recovery, and the personal side of raising security-aware families.