

AFO|Wealth Management Forward
For Entrepreneurs, Financial Advisors and Accountants
AFO|Wealth Management Forward is a podcast at the intersection of accounting, wealth management, behavioral finance, technology, and entrepreneurship.
Designed for CPAs and financial advisors to help them grown their practice by going beyond the numbers. Each episode features conversations with industry leaders and subject matter experts who share the secrets to their success. From the transformative power of AI to the human-first principles of behavioral finance, we dive into the emotional and psychological aspects of money and meaning.
Designed for CPAs and financial advisors to help them grown their practice by going beyond the numbers. Each episode features conversations with industry leaders and subject matter experts who share the secrets to their success. From the transformative power of AI to the human-first principles of behavioral finance, we dive into the emotional and psychological aspects of money and meaning.
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 31, 2023 • 50min
Improving Intergenerational & Gender Communication w/ Julie Johnson
In this episode, Rory is joined by Julie Johnson, the CEO of XY Communication, with a mission to revolutionize intergenerational and gender communication in financial advisory. They navigate the vital studies by institutions like Wharton, Harvard, and Vanguard on the importance of engaging women and younger investors. Get insights on how advisors can support clients through life-changing events and build stronger, more authentic relationships. Uncover strategies to effectively connect with inheritors in the era of the Great Wealth Transfer, and how to transcend the label of "just my parents' advisor". Discover from Julie's rich coaching experience the power of deep client understanding, and learn to address the most common concerns of the younger generation. Want to know how to enhance your advisory approach, build trust with the broader family network, and connect meaningfully with the next generation? Join us in this insightful episode with XY Communication CEO Julie Johnson.

May 24, 2023 • 44min
Behavior, Psychology & Money Messages - Dr. Joy Lere
In this episode, Rory hosts a conversation with Dr. Joy Lere, a clinical psychologist and the Co-Founder of Shaping Wealth. They delve into the intricate nexus of behavior, psychology, and our complex relationship with money. The conversation explores how advisors employ psychology to improve client outcomes, marking a shift from technical training to fostering human connections. Dr. Lere explains the concept of the "Hedonic Treadmill" and discusses why people often find themselves trapped in its cycle, along with the psychological tools required to break free. Discover insights on how better management of your calendar and bank account can align your real-life actions with your stated priorities. Find out how Financial Advisors and CPAs can help navigate a lot of relational dynamics of clients that are simply being played out through money. Can you find out a person's money scripts by looking at their family's relationship to money? Do you want to know how to improve your emotional, physical, spiritual, and financial well-being? Find out the answer to these questions and more on this Shaping Wealth Episode with Dr. Joy Lere.

May 18, 2023 • 48min
Accounting Today Conference Wrap-Up w/ sethfineberg.com
In this episode, Rory speaks with Seth Fineberg, business journalist and industry consultant, about the recent Accounting Today Firm Growth Forum. Listen as they discuss the challenges firms face and the importance of adapting to change. Discover the top takeaways from the Accounting Today conference, with commentary on the growth potential of service lines like Wealth Management and CAS. Learn about trends and insights from conference speakers like Alan Koltin, Dan Hood, Bob Lewis, Loren Fogelman, Michael Hsu, Joe Woodard, and Randy Crabtree. Find out how firms can adapt to new technologies and changing client needs in an ever-evolving marketplace. Did Seth, Rory, and crew really eat 10k calories at a Japanese BBQ? Is Seth Fineberg coming back out with a newsletter? Find out the answers to these questions and more on this Accounting Today Firm Growth Forum Recap with Industry Consultant Seth Fineberg!

May 11, 2023 • 1h 10min
Financial Therapy for CPAs and Advisors - Dr. Kristy Archuleta
In this episode, Rory speaks with Dr. Kristy Archuleta, a professor at the University of Georgia, about financial therapy and the psychology of money. Dr. Archuleta emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and introspection in our perceptions of money. This episode unveils how practitioners are applying a solution-focused approach to enhance clients' financial health. Discover the 'Miracle and Best Hopes Question', a tool that encourages individuals to envision their desired future. Understand how to establish a 'pause appreciation zone' during client meetings, or when conversing with family and friends. Explore the methods of creating a safe space for clients through the art of reflective listening and paraphrasing. Want to understand why money messages hold such a pivotal role in our lives? Interested in Dr. Archuleta's philosophy of change? Tune in to find the answers to these questions and much more with our Financial Therapy Pioneer, Dr. Kristy Archuleta.

May 3, 2023 • 36min
Advisory and Staffing Research Study w/ Donny Shimamoto
In this episode, Rory speaks with Donny Shimamoto, CPA, CGMA, CITP of the Center for Accounting Transformation, about the latest in the accounting profession and the research he's doing into advisory and staffing. Discover why Donny believes that accounting professionals can help their clients achieve their financial goals by providing peace of mind, vision and clarity, and hope. Donnie discusses the potential of AI to automate tasks and improve efficiency, while also highlighting the risks associated with it, such as bias and data privacy. He emphasizes the importance of developing policies and procedures to ensure that AI is used ethically and responsibly. Do you want to know how to create a sense of community and belonging in virtual workplaces? Do you want to know how to go from Trusted Advisory to Transformational Advisor? Find out the answer to these questions and more on this Episode with 3-Time show guest Donny Shimamoto!
Sign up For the Research Study Here: www.improvetheworld.net/owntheunknown

Apr 26, 2023 • 33min
Getting More Referrals
In this episode, Rory speaks with Stacey Brown Randall. Learn about the 4 types of Referral Sources, from Family and Friends to Strangers. Discover how to build a referral ecosystem within your business. Learn why asking flat out asking for referrals is a bad idea and poor strategy. Find out how to better connect with customers on a emotional level and the importance of cultivating a deeper relationship with your top referral sources. Do you want to know what the Secret Sauce Formula you can use to generate more referrals? Do you want to know the phrase you can use to plant a Referral Source seed with anyone? Find out the answers to these questions and more on this Referral Charged Episode with Stacey Brown Randall.

Apr 19, 2023 • 49min
The Subscription Economy, Concierge Doctors, & Virtual Family Offices w/ Ron Baker
In this episode, Rory speaks with Ron Baker, the founder of the VeraSage Institute, co-host of The Soul of Enterprise radio show, and author of "Time's Up: The Subscription Business Model for Professional Firms." Ron discusses the rise of the subscription economy and its impact on the professional world, drawing on the success of concierge doctors. Learn how professionals can guide their clients through serial transformations and why focusing on a holistic, long-term view is essential for providing true value. Ron explains the three options for implementing a subscription model: creating a separate company, making a gradual transition, or undergoing a total transformation like Adobe. Do you want to know what Labor Perception Bias is? Do you want to know how companies like Disney, Hulu, and Porsche are creating deeper human-to-human connections and unique personal experiences with clients? Find out the answer to these questions and more in this "Time's Up" episode with Ron Baker!

Apr 12, 2023 • 27min
Mental Health Awareness & Money Mindset
In this episode, Rory speaks with Larry Sprung, Host of the Mitlin Money Mindset to talk about Mental Health and his work with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). In this episode, Larry shares his personal story of losing his brother-in-law to suicide and the impact it had on his life, leading him to raise awareness and funds for mental health. Discover the 3 pillars of health and how they are all intertwined. Find out how you can start an open conversation about mental health with clients. Learn about the role of shared experiences and community in combating the rising isolation in today's technological world. Do you want to know how you can help plan for greater mental, social, and financial health in retirement? Find out the answer in this Mental Health Episode with Larry Sprung.

Apr 5, 2023 • 35min
A.I. April - Financial Armageddon or Opportunity w/ Jody Padar
In this episode, Rory speaks with Jody Padar, The Radical CPA and Head of Tax Strategy & Evangelism at April to talk about the latest developments in AI. In this episode, Jody talks about how April is leveraging AI to both read the tax code and write computer code. Jody shares her background as a pioneer in the accounting profession and how she continues to push boundaries in her work. Discover why Jody believes AI will enhance, rather than replace, the work of accounting professionals. Learn about the 2023 American Taxpayer Study findings and personality profiles of taxpayers like "The Stubborn DIY" and the "Household CFO." Do you want to know what skills will be valuable in an AI world? Should you be learning how to ask ChatGPT questions? Find out the answer to these questions and more in the Radical CPA episode with Jody Padar.

Mar 29, 2023 • 22min
Wealth Tech, CPA Advisors, and ChatGPT-4
In this episode, Rory speaks with Ryan George of Docupace about his journey from the tax-focused wealth management world for CPAs to his current role as CMO of a leading fintech platform for Independent Broker-Dealers and RIAs. Discover the top pain points for financial advisors and CPAs in the current market and how technology can help solve these challenges. Find out you can leverage technology to enhance zthe client-advisor relationship and expand your service offerings in an increasingly crowded technology marketplace. Learn about the latest trends and innovations in wealth management technology, as discussed at the T3 conference. Do you want to know why 60% of Americans are reevaluating their perception of wealth? Do you want to know how CPAs and advisors can continue to position themselves as trusted advisors in the face of changing technology and consumer behavior? Find out the answer to these questions and more with CMO Ryan George.