AFO|Wealth Management Forward

In this episode, Rory interviews Eric Eager, the CEO of 4impactdata, a company leveraging AI to enhance business success. Discover how Eric, a recovering CPA with a passion for technology, uses data-driven insights to help businesses navigate the complexities of today's economy. Learn about the crucial role of access to wisdom and mentoring in changing the odds for business success, and how AI can significantly improve decision-making processes. Eric shares his journey from Ernst & Young to becoming a serial entrepreneur, highlighting the importance of financial literacy and market knowledge when scaling a business. Explore how 4impactdata’s Business Guidance System provides predictive analytics, continuously monitors trends, and offers specific guidance to address potential issues. Are you curious about how AI can transform your business operations? Do you want to know how to avoid common pitfalls and enhance your business strategy? Find the answers to these questions and more in this insightful episode with Eric Eager.

In this episode, Rory interviews Byron Patrick, the CEO of VerifyIQ, a practice management solution that automates and accelerates bookkeeping reviews. Discover how Byron, a CPA turned tech innovator, navigates leadership in the rapidly evolving accounting profession. Learn about the critical role of emotional trust in effective leadership and why building a culture of trust and safety is paramount for team success. Byron shares insights from his journey, emphasizing the importance of asking questions and fostering curiosity to build stronger, more resilient teams. Explore the challenges posed by technological advancements, private equity, and talent shortages, and find out how to create a healthy, sustainable organization amidst these changes. Are you curious about how to integrate emotional intelligence into your leadership style? Do you want to know how to build a team that feels safe and supported? Find the answers to these questions and more in this insightful episode with Byron Patrick.

In this episode, Rory speaks with Shahram Zarshenas, CEO of Financial Cents, to explore how practice management software can transform accounting firms. Discover Shahram's unique journey from private equity to founding Financial Cents, and learn how his non-traditional background helped him create a tool that addresses workflow inefficiencies and enhances team collaboration. Find out the importance of adopting new technologies and centralized client management to improve efficiency and foster growth. Gain insights into the future of the accounting profession, including the roles of AI and private equity. How can accounting firms leverage technology to streamline their operations? What are the key trends shaping the future of accounting? Find out the answers to these questions and more in this episode with Financial Cents CEO Shahram Zarshenas.

In this episode, Rory speaks with Shannon Hay, SVP at United Midwest Savings Bank, to talk about accounting firm financing and acquisitions. Discover the opportunities and challenges for firm sellers and buyers and how private equity is reshaping the profession. Learn how the talent shortage and rising interest rates are impacting the M&A market. Shannon also shares insights on succession planning, the advantages of internal buyouts, and how firms can prepare for a successful sale. Are we on the brink of a consolidation bubble in the accounting sector similar to the Sub Prime mortgage crisis? Do you want to know how to leverage SBA financing to acquire a business? Find the answers to these questions and more in this episode with Shannon Hay.

In this episode, Rory welcomes Andrea Eisfeldt, economist, researcher, and finance professor at UCLA Anderson School of Management, to talk about intangible assets. Discover why intangible assets, such as software, R&D, and brand capital, are critical yet overlooked parts of valuing companies. Learn how Andrea's research led to the development of new ETFs that aim to better assess the true value of companies by incorporating intangible assets into the equation. Find out how the shift from tangible to intangible assets has transformed over the decades, and why intangible assets now make up a majority of companies assets in the S&P 500. Get insights on the role of generative AI in enhancing productivity and firm value. Learn about the importance of data and organizational capital in today's economy. Are you curious about how intangible assets can give companies a competitive edge? Do you want to know how generative AI is reshaping industries and occupations? Find out the answers to these questions and more in this Intangible Assets Revolution episode with Andrea Eisfeldt.

In this episode, Rory speaks with Greg Adams, CFO of the American Management Association and author of the darkly humorous financial crime thriller "Green Shades: Accountants Aren't Supposed to Die This Way." Discover how Greg's novel blends financial details with a suspenseful storyline, following the protagonist, Dex McCord, who finds himself ensnared in an international cover-up with major global consequences. Learn about the significant roles and earning potentials of CFOs, the evolving landscape of finance, and the importance of branding to attract talent to the accounting profession. Listen as they discuss the need for developing personal skills like communication and leadership to excel in today's workplace. Are you curious about how to make accounting more attractive and engaging? Do you want to know the inside tips and topics about the accounting world included in Greg's novel? Find the answers to these questions and more in this financial crime thrilling episode with Greg Adams.

In this episode, Rory Henry welcomes Derrick Kinney, author of Good Money Revolution, and media personality seen on Fox, CNN, Forbes, and CNBC. Derrick shares his journey into financial services, driven by a desire to help people like his parents access vital financial knowledge. Discover how Derrick's innovative approach and strategic partnerships have helped advisors build seven to eight-figure businesses while living purposefully and doing good. Learn about the importance of routines in generating revenue, the value of having a dream team, and how setting clear, actionable goals can lead to success. Derrick also discusses the significance of creating a culture that addresses employees' holistic well-being and the power of owning a problem to differentiate yourself in the advisory space. Tune in for an insightful conversation packed with actionable strategies to elevate your practice and make a meaningful impact. Are you curious about how to implement a purpose-driven business model? Do you want to know how strategic partnerships can accelerate your growth? Find the answers to these questions and more in this Good Money episode with Derrick Kinney!

In this episode, Rory speaks with Hal Hershfield, a professor at UCLA Anderson School of Management and the author of "Your Future Self". They explore the concept of 'Mental Time Traveling' and the science behind creating a vivid visual picture of our future selves to make better decisions today. Hal shares insights on 'Projection Bias' and the 'Extreme Discounting of Future Rewards', explaining how our current state can cloud our future decisions and how our preferences can drastically reverse when faced with immediate rewards. He also discusses the role of the temporal parietal junction in our brains, explaining its crucial role in fostering empathy and perspective-taking, which can help us better understand and empathize with our future selves. Additionally, Hal discusses the role of algorithms in predicting our preferences and the potential of commitment devices we can use as guardrails for our future behavior. Curious about why Hal used images of Matt Damon and Natalie Portman in his research on connecting with our future selves? Ever wondered what the real-life serial killer, who inspired the show 'Dexter', has to do with our future self-concept? Tune in to this episode with renowned research and UCLA Professor Hal Hershfield to find out more.

Join Rory Henry as he chats with Joe Moss, Co-founder of Pro Advisor Suite, about advisor tech, marketing strategies, and AI. Explore the impact of AI tools on efficiency and client service, learn about building online communities and leaderboards on LinkedIn, and discover how data tracking can optimize business decisions. Dive into the future of advisory roles in the age of AI and the importance of community building in the digital age.

In this episode, Rory Henry speaks with Dave Connolly, co-founder and CEO of Nudge, a top-rated platform for advice engagement. Discover the journey that led to the creation of Knudge and how it helps advisors ensure clients take actionable steps towards their financial goals. Learn how Knudge integrates behavioral finance principles, to reduce cognitive load and prompt clients to move from inaction to action. Find out how timely reminders and efficient task management enhance client engagement and satisfaction. Are you curious about implementing nudge theory in your practice? Do you want to know what the Zeigarnik Effect is? Find the answers to these questions and more in this insightful episode with Dave Connolly of Nudge!