Healthy Advisor

In 2018, Melissa Caro’s perfectly healthy 72-year-old mother was suddenly diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer, and within 24 hours she became her sole caregiver, her financial planner, her life coach and her healthcare advocate. At the same time, her 87-year-old stepdad was falling apart and spiraling into dementia, and her husband was in the hospital with severe back problems. As a Type A personality, she struggled significantly during this time. During one doctor’s visit for her mother, a nurse reminded her to take care of herself. In this episode of The Healthy Advisor, host Diana Britton speaks with Caro, founder of My Retirement Network, a financial education resource for clients and the advisors who serve them, on how she navigated caregiving while managing her career and other responsibilities. She discusses the emotional complexity of caregiving, the gap in financial literacy for those without advisors, and how her experience shaped her mission to help people understand their finances during life’s most challenging moments. She discusses: Her journey into financial services The sudden shift from professional routine to full-time caregiving The financial, physical and emotional toll caregiving can have on a person The things that helped her cope and get through the struggling times How financial fear intensifies during illnesses How her caregiving experience shaped the work she does today with My Retirement Network How personal loss can help advisors listen, communicate and frame their role with clients Resources: Listen to The Healthy Advisor on Wealth Management Subscribe and listen to The Healthy Advisor on Apple Podcasts Subscribe and listen to The Healthy Advisor on Spotify Connect With Melissa Caro: LinkedIn: Melissa Caro LinkedIn: My Retirement Network Website: My Retirement Network mcaro@myretirementnetwork.com Connect with Wealth Management: Wealth Management LinkedIn: Diana Britton diana.britton@informa.com LinkedIn: Informa LinkedIn: Wealth Management About Our Guest: Melissa Caro is a Certified Financial Education Instructor, CFP, and the founder of My Retirement Network, a digital media platform dedicated to promoting financial literacy. With a mission rooted in the belief that knowledge empowers people to create the future they envision, Melissa brings decades of experience in finance and education to her work. She has witnessed firsthand the positive impact that understanding finances can have on people’s lives, far beyond just numbers. Melissa’s goal is to make financial literacy accessible and meaningful for everyone. My Retirement Network was created to bridge the gap between complex financial concepts and the everyday decisions that shape financial futures. The platform empowers individuals at every stage, whether they’re planning for retirement, starting a career, or teaching their children about money, to understand and take control of their financial well-being. Through education and awareness, Melissa supports people on their journey to building a stronger, more informed financial foundation.

After facing divorce, financial hardship and even losing her home in a wildfire, Bridget Venus Grimes rebuilt her life and career around helping other women do the same, taking control of their finances, finding community and redefining success on their own terms. In this episode of The Healthy Advisor, host Diana Britton sits down with Grimes, president of WealthChoice and co-founder of Equita Financial Network, to explore her journey from Wall Street trader to pastry chef to financial planner for breadwinner women. From personal struggle to powerful purpose, Grimes reveals how she built a network to uplift female advisors and how coaching, balance, and connection helped her thrive through life’s toughest seasons. She discusses: The unconventional path that led Bridget from trading floors to Paris kitchens and back to finance How divorce, debt and disaster shaped her passion for empowering women through financial planning Why pay inequity and lack of flexibility persist for women in financial services What inspired her to create Equita Financial Network How coaching, community, and boundaries can protect advisors from burnout Resources: Listen to The Healthy Advisor on Wealth Management Subscribe and listen to The Healthy Advisor on Apple Podcasts Subscribe and listen to The Healthy Advisor on Spotify The Healthy Advisor: Overcoming Insecurities and Self-Doubt With Stephanie Bogan Focused on the Future: Breadwinner Women, Gen Z, and Succession with Bridget Venus Grimes Connect with Wealth Management: Wealth Management LinkedIn: Diana Britton diana.britton@informa.com LinkedIn: Informa LinkedIn: Wealth Management Connect With Bridget Venus Grimes: LinkedIn: Bridget Venus Grimes bridget.grimes@wealthchoice.com Equita Financial Network LinkedIn: Equita Financial Network WealthChoice LLC LinkedIn: WealthChoice LLC About Our Guest: Bridget Venus Grimes, CFP, is President of WealthChoice, a wealth management firm for women executives, and Co-founder of the SEC-registered investment advisor Equita Financial Network, a community of women-led financial planning firms. Bridget began her career in 1987, trading stocks for private hedge funds in New York City, before pursuing her passion for financial planning for women. Bridget believes in empowering women to take confident steps toward a better life. She authored the best-selling book Corner Office Choices: The Executive Woman’s Guide to Financial Freedom and has written countless articles for major US media channels. Her commitment to women’s financial education extends not only to women professionals but also to fellow financial planners. She has spoken at major industry conferences and co-hosted the Financial Planning Association’s Women’s Knowledge Circle. Bridget splits her time between Arizona and California and enjoys boating, golf, entertaining, anything French, and, most of all, cooking. She holds a B.A degree in German language and literature and a minor in Art History from Mount Holyoke College.

For 35 years, Mark Singer owned an independent financial planning firm, Safe Harbor Retirement Planning, in the Boston area, a Commonwealth Financial Network affiliate. During that time, he was living life at full speed—running three businesses, exercising, playing golf, boating, spending time with grandchildren—until he had a life-changing stroke in October 2022. He lost his ability to speak, swallow, eat and perform the most basic functions. His recovery forced him to slow down and retire from the business earlier than he expected. In this episode of The Healthy Advisor, host Diana Britton talks with Mark Singer, a retired financial advisor, about how the stroke reshaped his view of success and identity. His story points to the strength of resilience, perspective and compassion, both in business and in life. Diana and Mark discuss: Mark’s journey from textile manufacturing to founding Safe Harbor Retirement Planning in Boston The moment the stroke upended his life, and how he figured out a way forward Mark’s mantra of “focus on the what is, not the what if.” How things played out with his financial planning business The role of friendships, community and client relationships in his recovery Lessons learned from 35 years as an advisor Resources: Listen to The Healthy Advisor on WealthManagement.com Subscribe and listen to The Healthy Advisor on Apple Podcasts Subscribe and listen to The Healthy Advisor on Spotify Connect With Mark Singer: LinkedIn: Mark Singer mark55retire@gmail.com  Connect with WealthManagement.com: WealthManagement.com LinkedIn: Diana Britton diana.britton@informa.com LinkedIn: Informa LinkedIn: WealthManagement About Our Guest: Author Mark Singer has been recognized for his vision and creativity within the world of financial planning. He is the author of two books, and the most recent, The Six Secrets to a Happy Retirement, is available on Amazon.com. Drawing upon his over three decades as a founder of one of the leading retirement firms in Boston, the book profiles the financial, emotional, and physical issues associated with the transition into retirement. He retired from his role as president of Safe Harbor Retirement Planning in 2022, and had served as the Retirement Guide to thousands of investors since 1986. Mark’s approach was to focus on each individual client and ask the questions that other advisors and investors often overlook. Mark is a frequent speaker and has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, ABCNews.com, FoxNews.com, and Bloomberg Radio, as well as locally (Boston) on NECN and WRKO.  Mark is also a multiyear recipient of Boston Magazine’s 5 Star Wealth Manager Award.

Ryan Marcus has a passion for helping the wealth management industry better serve the neurodivergent community. He argues that the industry is not serving them in an intentional way. Neurodivergence refers to divergence in mental or neurological function from what is considered typical or normal. It’s frequently used with reference to autistic spectrum disorders. The issue is personal to Ryan, whose nephew, Nicholas, is on the spectrum. That experience revealed how unprepared the wealth management industry is to serve this growing community, even as trillions in wealth shift to younger generations. In this episode of The Healthy Advisor podcast, WealthManagement.com Executive Editor Diana Britton speaks with Ryan Marcus, chief business development and engagement officer at Binah Capital, about what he’s learned from his nephew, why authenticity matters, and how advisors can embrace practical, human changes that make a big impact. Ryan discusses: His personal connection with his nephew and the lessons he’s learned about authenticity The financial obstacles neurodivergent clients face, from sensory overload to complex communication   Small office and meeting adjustments that remove barriers and improve comfort The gap in how the financial services industry serves the neurodivergent community The opportunity advisors have to better serve individuals on the spectrum How financial literacy and wealth management both play critical roles in long-term well-being Resources: Listen to The Healthy Advisor on WealthManagement.com Subscribe and listen to The Healthy Advisor on Apple Podcasts Subscribe and listen to The Healthy Advisor on Spotify Connect with Ryan Marcus: LinkedIn: Ryan Marcus Website: Binah Capital Ryan.Marcus@Binahcap.com   Connect with WealthManagement.com: WealthManagement.com LinkedIn: Diana Britton diana.britton@informa.com LinkedIn: Informa LinkedIn: WealthManagement About Our Guest: A recognized connector in the wealth management industry, Ryan Marcus has over two decades of experience leading strategy and client engagement across respected firms such as United Capital, RBC Advisor Services, and MarketCounsel Consulting. He has driven growth by aligning people, ideas, and opportunities, with a focus on enhancing client experience and deepening relationships. Known for building trust and offering strategic insight, Ryan has shared his perspective through industry panels and publications. His work continues to shape how firms think about client service, business development, and scalable infrastructure in an evolving regulatory and competitive landscape.

Lisa Erickson spent 37 years in financial services, ultimately leading the Public Markets Due Diligence team at U.S. Bank, which manages over $500 billion in client assets. In addition to her business acumen, she was best known for her selflessness, positivity and character. But earlier this year, Lisa chose to retire early after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a movement disorder of the nervous system. She now enters a new phase of her life, having to deal with this illness. That wasn’t the first personal hardship she’s faced. In 2020, she lost her husband, Chris, to a sudden and aggressive illness. In this episode, WealthManagement.com Executive Editor Diana Britton is joined by Lisa Erickson, retired head of the Public Markets Due Diligence team in U.S. Bank’s Wealth Management’s Asset Management Group, who opens up about these personal struggles. These past few years have tested her strength in unimaginable ways, but they’ve also revealed lessons about grief, faith and finding purpose in the face of adversity. Lisa discusses: Her path into financial services and leadership at U.S. Bank Losing her husband and the grieving process Life adjustments after his passing Receiving her Parkinson’s diagnosis and deciding to retire Coping strategies rooted in faith, gratitude and community The role financial advisors play in helping clients prepare for the unexpected Resources: Listen to The Healthy Advisor on WealthManagement.com Subscribe and listen to The Healthy Advisor on Apple Podcasts Subscribe and listen to The Healthy Advisor on Spotify Connect with WealthManagement.com: WealthManagement.com LinkedIn: Diana Britton diana.britton@informa.com LinkedIn: Informa LinkedIn: WealthManagement Connect With Lisa Erickson: LinkedIn: Lisa Erickson About Our Guest: Lisa Erickson is a seasoned financial professional who recently retired as Head of the Public Markets Due Diligence Team at U.S. Bank’s Wealth Management group, where she helped manage over $500 billion in assets. Beyond her successful career, she’s faced profound personal challenges, including the sudden loss of her husband and her own Parkinson’s diagnosis. Through it all, Lisa remains committed to living with gratitude, faith, and resilience, inspiring others with her courage and openness. If you have a struggle and wish to share your experiences and help others in similar situations, please reach out to Diana at diana.britton@informa.com.

The summer after his freshman year in high school, John Connell went on the Texas Giant rollercoaster in Arlington, Texas, the tallest wooden rollercoaster in the U.S. at that time. John ended up in the hospital, with injuries the doctors weren’t sure he’d recover from. That became an “origination point,” a wake-up call that forever changed the trajectory of his life. In this episode of The Healthy Advisor podcast, WealthManagement.com Executive Editor Diana Britton talks with John Connell, co-founder and CEO of Focal, about the life-changing experience. It shaped his perspective, inspired his relentless curiosity, and ultimately led to the creation of Focal, an artificial intelligence meeting management solution for financial advisors. John opens up about the accident that nearly claimed his life as a teenager, how it fueled a lifelong commitment to impact, and why he believes hardship is a hidden teacher. He also shares how his global travels, time at Microsoft and passion for scaling meaningful change converged to create a company that helps advisors spend more time with clients and less on paperwork. John discusses: His childhood and early experiences that shaped him His near-death experience and its long-lasting impact on his worldview Lessons from global travel and embracing different cultures The role of technology in driving societal change How Focal is helping advisors reclaim their time and serve more clients Resources: Listen to The Healthy Advisor on WealthManagement.com Subscribe and listen to The Healthy Advisor on Apple Podcasts Subscribe and listen to The Healthy Advisor on Spotify The WealthStack Podcast: How Agentic AI is Revolutionizing Wealth Management with John Connell Connect With John Connell: info@meetwithfocal.com Focal Website LinkedIn: John L. Connell LinkedIn: Focal | Secure Advisor AI Connect with WealthManagement.com: WealthManagement.com LinkedIn: Diana Britton diana.britton@informa.com LinkedIn: Informa LinkedIn: WealthManagement About Our Guest: John leads Focal as CEO, an AI note-taking platform and automation services provider. Focal goes beyond AI note-taking by helping firms automate KYC, onboarding, planning, and more. We are trusted by executives across Ritholtz, Fidelity, Vanguard, KPMG, and more as the industry’s most secure note-taker and automation provider, helping advisors save 8 hours a week and scale serviceable clients by 30%. John started his career at Microsoft, where he managed a $1B P&L for Office 365 and contributed strategically to Microsoft’s landmark acquisition of LinkedIn. After relocating to San Francisco, he joined a video conferencing startup that was acquired by Dialpad. He then leveraged his expertise in enterprise SaaS and AI/ML to invest at a $5B AUM venture capital fund, later scaling an AI/compliance startup from its early stages as the first business hire to securing $36M in funding within three years. John graduated from the University of Texas, combining studies in Finance and Management Information Systems with foundational experiences in wealth management at Merrill Lynch and equity trading at Jefferies in New York. If you have a struggle and wish to share your experiences and help others in similar situations, please reach out to Diana at diana.britton@informa.com.

After a successful career in the pharmaceutical industry—rising from clinical research to business development and marketing—Paula Nangle took a step back to raise her young children and reflect on what truly mattered.   Motivated by her early experiences with money and a desire to make a meaningful impact, she reinvented herself as a Certified Financial Planner, helping others navigate their financial lives with clarity and confidence.  In this episode, Diana Britton speaks with Paula, who’s now president and senior wealth advisor at Marshall Financial, on finding balance, overcoming career transitions, and integrating mindfulness into daily life.  Paula discusses:  The advice her mother gave her when she was young Her unconventional career path into wealth management Her biggest challenges in making the career switch Valuable lessons from childhood about money and independence  The role yoga and mindfulness play in handling career stress Simple wellness practices advisors can use  Resources: Listen to The Healthy Advisor on WealthManagement.com Subscribe and listen to The Healthy Advisor on Apple Podcasts Subscribe and listen to The Healthy Advisor on Spotify  Connect with WealthManagement.com: WealthManagement.com LinkedIn: Diana Britton diana.britton@informa.com LinkedIn: Informa LinkedIn: WealthManagement  Connect With Paula Nangle: Marshall Financial LinkedIn: Paula Nangle LinkedIn: Marshall Financial pNangle@marshallfinancial.com About Our Guest: As President of the firm since November 2016, Paula is laser-focused on instilling the values that have guided Marshall Financial for 40+ years. “Running the firm is truly a team approach, with everyone in our management group working together seamlessly and in the same direction,” she says.  That allows Paula to spend most of her time doing what she loves best: Working with clients as a Senior Wealth Advisor. In fact, the opportunity to build close, impactful relationships played a big role in her transition from a pharmaceutical career to financial planning.   If you have a struggle and wish to share your experiences and help others in similar situations, please reach out to Diana at diana.britton@informa.com.

Drew Shockley grew up on a dairy farm in Tennessee. He started working in insurance for $7.50/hour, and by his 30s had built and sold multiple companies—including an eight-figure exit in 2020. From the outside, it sounds like a dream. But the road to Drew’s success was not a straight path. Along the way, he experienced burnout and struggled with the pressure of leading a much larger team. The personal lessons really stuck with him. In this episode of the award-winning Healthy Advisor podcast, WealthManagement.com’s Diana Britton is joined by Drew Shockley, co-founder of Move Health, a platform that helps financial advisors forecast pre-retirement health insurance costs. He opens up about the struggles behind the success. He also reflects on building something more intentional this time around and how those lessons resonate with any entrepreneur or financial professional today. Drew discusses: His unique path from the farm to forming and selling multiple companies The personal struggles with burnout and the pressure of leadership Balancing personal and professional life to find sustainable success His passion for personality assessments and how that has shaped his career How Move Health can help financial advisors forecast health insurance costs  Resources: Listen to The Healthy Advisor on WealthManagement.com Subscribe and listen to The Healthy Advisor on Apple Podcasts Subscribe and listen to The Healthy Advisor on Spotify Connect with WealthManagement.com: WealthManagement.com LinkedIn: Diana Britton diana.britton@informa.com LinkedIn: Informa LinkedIn: WealthManagement Connect With Drew Shockley: LinkedIn: Drew Shockley Move Health LinkedIn: Move Health drew@movehealth.io  About Our Guest: Born and raised in East Tennessee, Drew Shockley moved to Indiana for college and decided to make it home. He began his career in healthcare insurance in 2005 with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, one of the nation’s largest carriers. Over the course of his 20-year career, Drew has trained thousands of agents in the health and Medicare space and has been a founding member or investor in three successful startups within the healthcare market. He’s been married for 19 years and is the proud father of two teenage boys. On weekends, you’ll likely find him on the golf course, cheering on the Vols at a sporting event, or spending quality time with his family. If you have a struggle and wish to share your experiences and help others in similar situations, please reach out to Diana at diana.britton@informa.com.

When natural disasters hit, your life can turn upside down. Beth Bosworth experienced this firsthand when Hurricane Helene hit her town of Asheville, N.C. on Sept. 27, 2024. The hurricane caused severe damage to the city, including fallen trees, destroyed power lines, and flooded roads. Her neighborhood is still feeling the effects of that storm several months later.  In this episode, Diana Britton, WealthManagement.com executive editor, speaks with Bosworth, head of financial planning and wealth advisor at Perigon Wealth Management, who shares how she and her community banded together under immense pressure to restore normalcy after the storm’s devastation. She did all this while continuing to serve clients and run an advisory practice.   Beth discusses:  The unexpected impact of Hurricane Helene and how it reshaped entire communities  Being prepared for natural disasters The emotional rollercoaster of being cut off from communication in a world reliant on connectivity  Finding strength in community solidarity amid nature’s chaos  What the ordeal taught her about her own resiliency and strength Resources: Listen to The Healthy Advisor on WealthManagement.com Subscribe and listen to The Healthy Advisor on Apple Podcasts Subscribe and listen to The Healthy Advisor on Spotify Connect with WealthManagement.com: WealthManagement.com LinkedIn: Diana Britton diana.britton@informa.com LinkedIn: Informa LinkedIn: WealthManagement Connect With Beth Bosworth: Perigon Wealth LinkedIn: Beth Bosworth LinkedIn: Perigon Wealth About Our Guest: Beth is a Wealth Advisor with Perigon and oversees the firm’s financial planning operations. Her passion is to help clients manage the risks associated with accumulating and preserving wealth. Her favorite part about her career is that she has the privilege of living life alongside her clients. She is an avid advocate of the independent wealth management space and values protecting her fee-only practice. Beth is a CFP® professional and holds a BA from the University of Georgia. She helps manage the Atlanta office and resides in midtown with her wife and two sons. She is an avid tennis player, enjoys golf, and spends the weekends hiking with her family and two dogs in the North Georgia Mountains. Beth is also passionate about dedicating her time to worthy causes, and currently serves as the Treasurer of USTA (United States Tennis Association) Georgia and on multiple Finance Committees for the Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities. If you have a struggle and wish to share your experiences and help others in similar situations, please reach out to Diana at diana.britton@informa.com.

When Stacie Calder first joined the financial services industry, she pounded the pavement and quickly climbed the corporate ladder. But her rise came with a cost.  In this episode, she opens up about the persona she adopted to fit a traditional mold of leadership, one that silenced her authentic voice in favor of external approval. A turning point came when a close friend called out her lack of vulnerability, sparking a profound shift in how she showed up, not just as a leader, but as a person. That insight became a catalyst for embracing authenticity, building deeper connections, and redefining success on her terms. In this episode, WealthManagement.com Executive Editor Diana Britton speaks with Stacie Calder, executive vice president of North American distribution and marketing at Conquest Planning, about her personal and professional evolution. The episode highlights the power of daily habits, intentional goal-setting, and community support in navigating adversity. Stacie discusses:  Her passion for fitness and nutrition, and how it shaped her early life and career The pressures faced as a woman in financial services and the challenge of proving herself The turbulent times of restructuring at Manulife and her eventual departure Her personal experience of going through a divorce and how it altered her perspective The healthy coping mechanisms that kept her grounded during challenging life transitions The power of embracing vulnerability and authenticity at work Resources:  Listen to other inspiring episodes of The Healthy Advisor Connect with WealthManagement.com: WealthManagement.com LinkedIn: Diana Britton Email: diana.britton@informa.com LinkedIn: Informa LinkedIn: WealthManagement Connect With Stacie Calder: LinkedIn: Stacie Calder Conquest Planning About Our Guest: Stacie Calder is dedicated to creating meaningful connections and inspiring boldness in those around her every day. She is passionate about eliminating obstacles, driving efficiency, and serving her colleagues and clients with purpose. Drawn to frictionless experiences and motivated by gritty, resilient individuals, Stacie brings energy and intention to everything she does. If you have a struggle and wish to share your experiences and help others in similar situations, please reach out to Diana at diana.britton@informa.com. The Healthy Advisor podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Android, Stitcher, Spotify, and wherever podcasts are found.

What happens when professional achievement outpaces personal well-being? Dr. Preston Cherry, founder of Concurrent Financial Planning, seemed to have it all—a thriving career and a secure six-figure salary in his late 20s. But beneath the surface, he was stuck in a seven-year fog, struggling to align his personal life with his financial success. In this episode, Diana Britton, executive editor at WealthManagement.com, sits down with Dr. Cherry as he opens up about his challenges—bankruptcy, self-medicating behaviors and racial microaggressions—all while searching for balance, healing and true fulfillment. He discusses:  The realization of his “seven years of fog” The concept of life and money misalignment Thoughts on money buying happiness How his experiences inspired his new book “Wealth in the Key of Life” What his journey has taught him about having empathy and compassion for clients Resources:  Listen to other inspiring episodes of The Healthy Advisor Wealth in the Key of Life: Finding Your Financial Harmony by Dr. Preston D. Cherry Connect with WealthManagement.com: WealthManagement.com LinkedIn: Diana Britton Email: diana.britton@informa.com LinkedIn: Informa LinkedIn: WealthManagement Connect with Dr. Preston Cherry: LinkedIn: Dr. Preston Cherry Website: Dr. Preston Cherry Website: Concurrent Financial Planning Facebook: Concurrent Financial Planning X: @DrPrestonCherry YouTube: Life Money Balance® About Our Guest: Dr. Preston Cherry, Founder & President of Concurrent Financial Planning, leads the Financial Planning Program and directs the Charles Schwab Center for Personal Financial Planning at UW–Green Bay. With over 15 years of experience, he empowers people to shape their financial stories for wellness and freedom. His research focuses on personality traits and financial risks. Cited by top publications, he’s an Investopedia Top 100 Advisor and Financial Therapy Association President. Preston is also a poetry-writing, vinyl-loving uncle. If you have a struggle and wish to share your experiences and help others in similar situations, please reach out to Diana at diana.britton@informa.com. The Healthy Advisor podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Android, Stitcher, Spotify, and wherever podcasts are found.

Mary Saylor had been working hard to earn her accounting degree at Penn State University when she got some shocking news at the beginning of her senior year—she was pregnant. And while many women would think of it as a roadblock, Saylor saw it as a blessing. It didn’t stop her from pursuing her degree and a career in financial services. If anything, it made her more determined.  Not long after giving birth to her daughter, she graduated from Penn State and started working in corporate accounting roles, earning her CPA and working her way up the corporate ladder as a single mother in her early 20s. While she had the support of her firm and her family, the grueling hours and time away from home were difficult for her and her daughter.  In this episode, WealthManagement.com Managing Editor Diana Britton speaks with Mary Saylor, Senior Director of Wealth Management at Choreo, an RIA with nearly $25 billion in assets under management and advisement, about her journey as a single, young mother working her way up in the industry.  She discusses:  Her initial shock and the support received after finding out she was pregnant during college Her experience being pregnant on campus How she navigated this big life change at a young age The challenges of balancing work and personal life as a single parent in the industry What kept her going during these hard times and motivated to be successful in her career Lessons learned and moving forward as her daughter has now gone off to college  Resources:  Listen to other inspiring episodes of The Healthy Advisor  Connect With Mary Saylor:  LinkedIn: Mary Saylor LinkedIn: Choreo Choreo Email: Mary.Saylor@choreoadvisors.com  Connect with WealthManagement.com: WealthManagement.com LinkedIn: Diana Britton Email: diana.britton@informa.com LinkedIn: Informa LinkedIn: WealthManagement  About Our Guest:  Mary Saylor is the director of wealth management at Choreo. She works with high-net-worth individuals and multi-generational families as well as institutions (non-profits, endowments, foundations, and corporate retirement plans) to find solutions to their wealth management needs. Mary’s high-net-worth clients include corporate executives, professionals and business owners, their families, corporate retirement plans and private institutions.   If you have a struggle and wish to share your experiences and help others in similar situations, please reach out to Diana at diana.britton@informa.com.  The Healthy Advisor podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Android, Stitcher, Spotify, and wherever podcasts are found.

Many advisors know Aaron Klein as the super-friendly, charismatic leader of Nitrogen, formerly Riskalyze, the company he founded about 13 years ago as a risk tolerance documentation tool. He’s since stepped down from his role leading the company. What most advisors probably don’t know is Aaron’s personal journey—the challenges he faced balancing running a major fintech company with adopting and raising three children. In this episode, WealthManagement.com Managing Editor Diana Britton sits down with Aaron Klein, co-founder and board member of Nitrogen, to delve into the highs and lows of his career and personal life. Aaron discusses:  The challenges of international adoption Navigating bureaucratic hurdles and unforeseen changes Balancing professional responsibilities with the demands of adoption The impact of PANS diagnosis on his son and the healing journey  How he came to the decision to step down as CEO of Nitrogen What’s next for him Resources:  Listen to other inspiring episodes of The Healthy Advisor Connect With Aaron Klein: LinkedIn: Aaron Klein Nitrogen ak@aaronklein.com Connect with WealthManagement.com: WealthManagement.com LinkedIn: Diana Britton Email: diana.britton@informa.com LinkedIn: Informa LinkedIn: WealthManagement About Our Guest: Aaron Klein is the co-founder of Nitrogen, the growth platform for wealth management firms, which started life as Riskalyze in 2011. As its first CEO, he led the company through 42 consecutive quarters of growth, scaling to serve tens of thousands of financial advisors, and twice being named one of the world’s 10 most innovative companies in finance by Fast Company Magazine. He passed the baton to his successor in 2023, and continues to serve on the firm’s Board of Directors. If you have a struggle and wish to share your experiences and help others in similar situations, please reach out to Diana at diana.britton@informa.com. The Healthy Advisor podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Android, Stitcher, Spotify, and wherever podcasts are found.

Michelle Begina started her journey to financial independence after an unexpected betrayal. When she was just 17 years old, her parents used her college fund to buy a yacht instead of supporting her education. Michelle then had to forge her own path, overcoming adversity and reshaping her perceptions of money and trust. In this episode, WealthManagement.com Managing Editor Diana Britton sits down with Michelle Begina, a senior partner, managing director and private wealth advisor with Snowden Lane Partners in New York City. She shares her personal experiences with financial insecurity masked by wealth and how it shaped her current approach to financial advising. Michelle discusses: The emotional and financial shock of losing her college fund Her decade-long journey working to self-fund her college education The grief she carried for years without realizing it How she dealt with her parents’ betrayal and found healing The challenges and revelations that emerged from her childhood money stories Resources: Listen to other inspiring episodes of The Healthy Advisor Connect With Michelle Begina: LinkedIn: Michelle Begina MichelleAB.com Snowden Lanes Partners Be Good With Money by Michelle Begina Connect with WealthManagement.com: WealthManagement.com LinkedIn: Diana Britton Email: diana.britton@informa.com LinkedIn: Informa LinkedIn: WealthManagement About Our Guest: If you still think of wealth as purely a numbers game, you haven’t met Michelle Begina. Michelle joined Snowden Lane Partners in 2017 as a Managing Director and Financial Advisor, bringing with her a passion for financial literacy that marries the science of wealth management with the art of financial therapy.  Michelle got her official start in the world of financial planning with American Express Financial Advisors, where she counseled high net worth individuals to not only manage their wealth and build their legacy, but to experience a sense of ease in their relationship with money. It’s a concept she’s honed throughout her career: our relationship with money (yes, it’s a relationship!) impacts our ability to create and enjoy prosperity. Michelle has brought this unique approach to each of her successive roles, serving as District Investment Specialist and later Annuity and Compliance Specialist for Northwestern Mutual Life, New York City District Financial Planning Specialist for Merrill Lynch, and Vice President – Wealth Management for Smith Barney/Morgan Stanley before finding her home at Snowden Lane. If you have a struggle and wish to share your experiences and help others in similar situations, please reach out to Diana at diana.britton@informa.com. The Healthy Advisor podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Android, Stitcher, Spotify, and wherever podcasts are found.

George Kinder, raised in St. Clairsville, Ohio, was inspired by his passion for freedom and creativity to explore a deeper purpose for his life beyond traditional career paths. His work as a tax preparer revealed a universal longing for fulfillment, leading him to pioneer life planning, a method empowering individuals to pursue their true aspirations. And while he has trained hundreds of advisors to use life planning with their clients, he also hopes advisors will use it inwardly. Kinder recently released his new book, The Three Domains of Freedom: Each Moment is Yours, Your Life is Yours, Civilization is Yours, which he considers to be a health and wellness book for financial advisors. In this episode, WealthManagement.com Managing Editor Diana Britton sits down with George Kinder, president and founder of the Kinder Institute of Life Planning. He says advisors can achieve better health and balance by modeling life planning principles, adopting mindfulness practices, and prioritizing their own well-being alongside their clients’. George highlights:  The origins of life planning in his personal journey  The three domains of freedom and their impact on health and wellness Balancing life planning with career demands Mindfulness practices for financial professionals The role of fiduciary responsibility in today’s world Resources: Listen to other episodes of The Healthy Advisor The Three Domains of Freedom Q&A: George Kinder on His Call for a New Fiduciary Standard The Fiduciary in All Things Movement Connect With George Kinder: Kinder Institute of Life Planning George Kinder Website LinkedIn: George Kinder information@kinderinstitute.com  Connect with WealthManagement.com: WealthManagement.com LinkedIn: Diana Britton Email: diana.britton@informa.com LinkedIn: Informa LinkedIn: WealthManagement About Our Guest: Harvard-educated George Kinder revolutionized financial advice for more than 35 years by training over 5,000 professionals in 30 countries in the field of financial life planning. He founded the Kinder Institute of Life Planning in 2003 after 30 years as a practicing financial planner and tax advisor.  George Kinder’s latest book, Reflections on Spectacle Pond: The Weekly Edition, is available as a free email subscription through Substack. Inspired by the 30 years he has spent living at the edge of a small New England pond, the book is a meditative guide to living in nature’s cycle, week by week, and moment by moment. Among his seven books, he has written one on mindfulness,  Transforming Suffering into Wisdom, and another book of photography and poetry, A Song for Hana.  If you have a struggle and wish to share your experiences and help others in similar situations, please reach out to Diana at diana.britton@informa.com. The Healthy Advisor podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Android, Stitcher, Spotify, and wherever podcasts are found.

Adventure racing—an off-road, navigation-based sport that fuses endurance, strategy, and teamwork—became a life-changing journey for Ryan VanGorder. What started as a casual comment while watching The Echo Challenge with friends transformed into a relentless pursuit of his physical and mental limits. Since 1999, Ryan and his team have tackled grueling competitions that stretch from a few hours to several days, pushing themselves against nature and their own endurance.  But Ryan’s path took a harrowing turn when a race led to a life-threatening medical emergency, landing him in a coma. Emerging from that experience, he embraced a fierce commitment to living fully, adopting a “YOLO” mindset that fuels both his life and his approach to business. In this episode, WealthManagement.com Managing Editor Diana Britton sits down with Ryan VanGorder, CEO of Opto Investments, to share his story of survival, resilience, and how his brush with death reshaped his outlook on life and work. Ryan discusses: His introduction to adventure racing and the unique allure that hooked him Memorable moments from races across rugged landscapes The life-changing near-death experience during the Primal Quest race in Moab, Utah How adventure racing taught him valuable lessons for managing risk in business How adventure racing helped him find balance and meditation Resources: Listen to other episodes of The Healthy Advisor. Lessons from over two decades of adventure racing Connect With Ryan VanGorder: Opto Investments LinkedIn: Ryan VanGorder ryan@optoinvest.com  Connect with WealthManagement.com: WealthManagement.com LinkedIn: Diana Britton Email: diana.britton@informa.com LinkedIn: Informa LinkedIn: WealthManagement About Our Guest: Ryan VanGorder is Opto Investments’ Chief Executive Officer. Prior to joining Opto, Ryan was a managing director at BlackRock, leading finance in the Asia Pacific region. Ryan has more than 20 years of financial services experience and began his career in 2001 at Quellos, a Seattle-based hedge fund of funds. When he’s not focused on building Opto into a world-class business, you might bump into Ryan running or biking on a trail near you. If you have a struggle and wish to share your experiences and help others in similar situations, please reach out to Diana at diana.britton@informa.com. The Healthy Advisor podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Android, Spotify, and wherever podcasts are found.

Having grown up around financial planning, Matthew Newman realized the importance of having everything in place before tragedy strikes. His father’s advice to plan for the negative moments was a lifeline.  At age 39, he was diagnosed with Grade 3 Astrocytoma, a form of brain cancer. At the time, he had three children under 5, and his father-in-law was battling pancreatic cancer. All of a sudden, he saw life through a new set of lenses.  Throughout his battle, he sought to make his journey a communal one. He began writing and sending emails about his experiences and reflections to friends and family, which unexpectedly grew into an audience of 20,000 people. His journey resonated deeply and offered a beacon of hope to many enduring struggles. In this episode, Managing Editor Diana Britton speaks with Matthew Newman, a wholesaler at Pacific Life and author of “Starting at the Finish Line,” about his journey and the impact it had on his life. Matt discusses:  What happened leading up to his diagnosis How he received the diagnosis  His treatments Where his strength comes from What became his outlet  The importance of revisiting the journey in daily life What his experience can teach advisors  Resources:  Starting at the Finish Line by Matthew S. Newman Listen to other inspiring episodes of The Healthy Advisor Connect With Matthew Newman: LinkedIn: Matthew Newman Pacific Life Connect with WealthManagement.com: WealthManagement.com LinkedIn: Diana Britton Email: diana.britton@informa.com LinkedIn: Informa LinkedIn: WealthManagement If you have a struggle and wish to share your experiences and help others in similar situations, please reach out to Diana at diana.britton@informa.com. The Healthy Advisor podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Android, Stitcher, Spotify, and wherever podcasts are found.

It was not just one struggle in her life that shaped Marissa Nehlsen. Since her formative years, she’s faced adversity and come out stronger every time.  Despite significant hardships, including the loss of her family farm, enduring domestic abuse from her father, and coping with Stargardt disease, which has led to blindness, Marissa has built a seven-figure business and become a coach, speaker, and podcast host.  In this episode, Nehlsen, the founder and CEO of Freedom Financial Group, discusses her journey from a challenging childhood on a North Dakota farm to leading a successful financial advisory firm. She offers a story of hope for others in pain, as she has yet to slow down or limit her goals.   Marissa discusses: How she fought back against domestic abuse initiating a major change in her life Learning resilience while living in a trailer park with her mother and siblings Workplace challenges like sexism, favoritism and rejection Her battle with Stargardt disease and how her brother helped her through it Mourning the death of her fiancé The importance of faith and community support in overcoming life’s hardships Resources:  Listen to the latest episodes of The Healthy Advisor The Live Life Rich with Marissa Nehlsen podcast National Eye Institute: Stargardt Disease Connect With Marissa Nehlsen: LinkedIn: Marissa Nehlsen Marissa Nehlsen Website Freedom Financial Group Email: info@marissanehlsen.com  Connect with WealthManagement.com: WealthManagement.com LinkedIn: Diana Britton Email: diana.britton@informa.com LinkedIn: Informa LinkedIn: WealthManagement About Our Guest: Marissa Nehlsen is the founder and CEO of Freedom Financial Group. She rose from humble beginnings as a rural North Dakota farm girl to build a multi-million dollar financial services company. As an accomplished leader with proven results, Marissa Nehlsen’s unique style and approach enable clients to achieve extraordinary and sustainable outcomes. Fueled by the growth of others, she has over 23 years of solid experience. She built a holistic planning firm based on the core principles of educating, empowering, and equipping individuals, organizations, and businesses to make wise choices. Marissa Nehlsen delivers results by connecting with people to share her practical ideas and techniques, helping them achieve their goals and transform their lives through coordinated tax plans, legal plans, and financial plans.   If you have a struggle and wish to share your experiences and help others in similar situations, please reach out to Diana at diana.britton@informa.com.  The Healthy Advisor podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Android, Stitcher, Spotify and wherever podcasts are found.

In her role as head of culture and field experience at RBC Wealth Management U.S., Shareen Luze is responsible for making sure the firm’s 2,200 financial advisors feel supported and have a similar employee experience as those in the home office. One particular area of focus, which has become more acute in the global pandemic, has been mental wellbeing.   But Shareen has had her own mental health challenges, having struggled with anxiety for years. She first realized she had the mental health disorder after the birth of her first child, a son. At the time, she wanted to make it look like she had everything together to the outside world. But on the inside, she was dealing with feelings of excessive worry, an inability to relax or sit still, and lack of sleep. She was diagnosed with postpartum anxiety.  WealthManagement.com Managing Editor Diana Britton speaks with Shareen Luze, head of culture and field experience at RBC Wealth Management U.S., who opens up about her mental health and how these experiences have shaped her approach to employee well-being.  Shareen discusses:  Her journey with postpartum anxiety and her realization about her mental health The impact of perfectionist tendencies and societal pressures on mental well-being Why she initially avoided talking about her mental health at work How her life changed after being more vulnerable at work Her experience with breast cancer and how she dealt with her anxiety during that time The biggest mental health challenges facing financial advisors  Resources: Listen to the latest episodes of The Healthy Advisor  Connect With Shareen Luze: LinkedIn: Shareen Luze RBC Management Email: Shareen.luze@rbc.com   Connect with WealthManagement.com: WealthManagement.com LinkedIn: Diana Britton Email: diana.britton@informa.com LinkedIn: Informa LinkedIn: WealthManagement  About Our Guest:  In her role as head of culture and field experience for RBC Wealth Management–U.S., Shareen Luze dedicates herself to ensuring the firm’s purpose-driven culture and strong values are at the core of every business decision. She has built a career around providing compassionate advice and counsel to employees, managers, and leaders.   If you have a struggle and wish to share your experiences and help others in similar situations, please reach out to Diana at diana.britton@informa.com.  The Healthy Advisor podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Android, Stitcher, Spotify and wherever podcasts are found.

While studying at Duke University, Martine Lellis started to feel sick. It developed quickly into a hospital visit where she was diagnosed with pneumonia in both her lungs. The condition escalated into a near-deadly situation, so her doctors decided to induce a coma even before her parents were able to reach her.  It became so serious that while in a coma, she received her last rites, the religious ceremony performed by a Catholic priest for someone who was dying.  Thankfully, she woke up three weeks later to make a full recovery, although the road back to normal functionality was difficult.  Diana Britton speaks with Martine Lellis, principal of M&A partner development at Mercer Advisors, on her near-death experience, its profound impact on her life, and how it has fueled her passion for making bold, compassionate choices in the financial services industry.   Diana and Martine discuss: Martine’s near-death experience and its aftermath Her recent experience meeting with the doctor who saved her life at Duke Another health scare she had with long COVID How overcoming significant health challenges shaped her professional and personal outlook The importance of gratitude and resilience in her leadership role Her current philanthropic efforts and commitment to giving back to the community  Resources: Listen to the latest episodes of The Healthy Advisor  Connect With Martine Lellis: LinkedIn: Martine Lellis Mercer Advisors: Martine Lellis  Connect With Wealth Management & NREI: WealthManagement.com LinkedIn: Diana Britton Email: diana.britton@informa.com LinkedIn: Informa LinkedIn: WealthManagement  About Our Guest:  Martine is Principal, M&A Partner Development, and is responsible for driving the growth and expansion of the organization through strategic mergers and acquisitions of other RIAs. Based on her more than two decades of experience in the independent wealth management space, she leads like-minded firms in their transition decisions, including assessment of fit, due diligence, financial analysis, talent mapping, and deal negotiations. Martine also currently serves as Chief Talent Officer, overseeing Talent Management and HR Operations for the company, with a focus on developing and growing the talent of the organization. She has been a member of the Executive Leadership Team at Mercer Advisors since joining the firm in 2020.  If you have a struggle and wish to share your experiences and help others in similar situations, please reach out to Diana at diana.britton@informa.com.  The Healthy Advisor podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Android, Stitcher, Spotify, and wherever podcasts are found.