FutureProof Advisor Podcast

AI is no longer a side project. It’s becoming infrastructure—and that shift is redefining how firms grow, protect, and differentiate in real time. In this episode of The FutureProof Advisor, I break down six key developments shaping how AI will impact wealth management in 2026. From the rise of agentic AI and proactive digital workflows to the mounting security threats of shadow AI and the push toward edge computing, the message is clear: we’re moving past the experimentation phase. The firms that win will be the ones who embed AI into how they operate—not just what they offer.We explore how forward-thinking teams are documenting workflows, refactoring processes, and beginning to trust AI agents not just to analyze—but to act. We talk about what it means to shift from using AI as a tool to managing it as a teammate, and why this requires new leadership habits—not just new tech. And as regulatory pressure and client expectations tighten, AI’s value will hinge less on novelty and more on cost, clarity, and control.This isn’t about adopting every shiny platform. It’s about being deliberate: designing for security, training for oversight, and measuring ROI in weeks—not years. If you’re preparing your firm to thrive in the AI-powered future, this episode offers a roadmap for building intelligently, not reactively.

Solving the right problems in today’s advisory world isn’t about doing more—it’s about connecting the right pieces. In this episode of The FutureProof Advisor, I explore the idea that mindset, leverage, and innovation aren’t standalone skills—they’re strategic pillars that work best when orchestrated together. The firms making the biggest impact aren’t the ones checking boxes. They’re the ones that bring their resources, people, and thinking into alignment so they can respond in real time to complex challenges.This is where true adaptability lives—not in siloed initiatives or once-a-year planning, but in a culture of integration. I share lessons from firms across industries, from wealth management to creative giants like Pixar, who create breakthrough results by blending feedback, execution, and reflection into a continuous loop. Whether you're rolling out AI, rethinking client engagement, or scaling a team, the process works the same: align the pieces, learn as you go, and stay open to where the feedback leads you.The takeaway is clear: sustainable success doesn’t come from doing each thing well in isolation. It comes from knowing how those pieces interact—and leading in a way that allows your team to adjust, respond, and keep momentum without burning out. Integration isn’t a tactic—it’s the mindset that helps futureproof everything else.

AI isn’t arriving—it’s already here. But the firms that will benefit most aren’t the ones chasing the next headline—they’re the ones learning to apply the technology with strategy and intention. In this episode of The FutureProof Advisor, I explore how the narrative around AI is shifting—from abstract potential to practical, day-to-day impact. Whether it’s the way firms handle cybersecurity, how clients interpret AI-generated advice, or why most companies fail to get ROI from their AI investments, the gap between promise and real performance is narrowing fast.The conversation focuses on how firms can move past experimentation and into transformation. That starts with rethinking workflows—not just adding tools to outdated systems. I share research on AI perception from the LEAP initiative, a breakdown of OpenAI’s new Atlas browser, and a lesson from cybersecurity that reinforces how these tools can either amplify risks or unlock resilience, depending on how you engage with them. The takeaway: true advantage comes not from the technology itself, but from how thoughtfully it’s embedded into your business.This episode is about moving beyond reaction. It’s a framework for wealth managers and firm leaders who want to navigate the AI landscape with clarity, not noise. Because in a space where everyone’s “trying AI,” the differentiators will be integration, trust, and execution.

Change isn’t what burns teams out—unfinished change is. In this episode of The FutureProof Advisor, I explore the hidden cost of half-executed initiatives and why innovation often fails not from lack of ambition, but from lack of closure. I share my own experience navigating a seemingly simple tech upgrade that revealed something deeper: the real fatigue wasn’t from adopting new tools, but from never fully retiring the old ones.We talk about why layering on new solutions without rethinking the underlying process creates confusion, not progress. True transformation starts by defining what your ideal firm looks like—before reaching for new software. I break down a simple framework for separating exploratory thinking from daily execution, and why protecting mental space for strategic reflection is just as important as implementing new systems. When change is treated as a mindset—not a checklist—it creates space for clarity, accountability, and forward motion.The firms that are built to last won’t be the ones that adopt the most tech—they’ll be the ones that finish what they start, retire what no longer serves, and design change with intention. Because innovation isn’t about adding more. It’s about making room for better.

We often think that losing a client is about performance—but more often, it’s about a disconnect we never noticed. In this episode of The FutureProof Advisor, I reflect on a client relationship that unraveled not because of returns or planning, but because we never went deep enough. I held onto the surface: the portfolio, the strategy, the metrics. What I missed was the fear, the doubt, and the emotional weight that performance talk was meant to cover up.As advisors, we’re trained to solve problems, but not always to sit in uncertainty. We default to measurable things because they feel safe. But real client retention doesn’t live in the measurable—it lives in how well we understand the person behind the plan. I talk about how emotional clarity often comes after technical success, and why clients may not ask for that deeper connection—but still expect to feel it.This episode is about earning the right to go deeper—not just through planning, but through presence. Because what keeps people isn’t a perfect portfolio. It’s the sense that someone sees them clearly, and is willing to ask the questions they’re still working through themselves.

AI is no longer a novelty—it’s a normal part of how millions of people gather insight, solve problems, and make decisions. In this episode of The FutureProof Advisor, I explore what it means when 800 million users interact with AI weekly—not just for efficiency, but for guidance. The tools are evolving, yes—but so are client expectations. This moment calls for more than surface-level tech adoption. It demands fluency.I dig into the practical shifts we’re already seeing: clients turning to ChatGPT for financial advice, OpenAI launching Atlas as an intelligence layer across the web, and humanoid robotics entering the mainstream at a fraction of the cost. But here’s the real insight—your clients may already be using these tools, and if you’re not part of that learning curve with them, you risk falling behind. Knowing how these platforms generate information—and where they fall short—is the new advisory edge.This isn’t about replacing the human element. It’s about repositioning it. AI frees up time and mental bandwidth, but it’s still your judgment, your clarity, and your ability to ask the right questions that clients will trust. The firms that engage with AI now—not as a bolt-on, but as a process redesign—will be the ones positioned to lead as this technology moves from disruption to expectation.

Some clients don’t leave because of performance—they leave because they never felt truly understood. In this episode of The FutureProof Advisor, I explore why emotional connection—not technical brilliance—is what drives long-term loyalty. We often assume that adding more services means adding more value, but research (and experience) shows that clients are asking for something deeper: clarity, trust, and a sense that their advisor sees the whole picture—not just the portfolio.It’s easy to default to what's measurable—returns, reports, deliverables—because those offer certainty. But true retention is built in the uncertainty: understanding a client’s future self, what’s keeping them up at night, and what they’re really trying to achieve beyond financial outcomes. I share lessons from a client I lost, and the quiet realization that performance conversations were masking deeper anxieties I never addressed. When we stop assuming and start asking better questions, we earn the right to have more meaningful conversations—the ones that actually matter.This isn’t about abandoning strategy or services. It’s about recognizing that the plan and portfolio earn us the permission to go deeper. And when we do, we stop being service providers and start becoming true partners in our clients’ lives.

Purpose is something we talk about often—but rarely define well. In this episode of The FutureProof Advisor, I explore the difference between goals, values, meaning, and purpose—and why getting clear on those distinctions matters more now than ever. Purpose isn’t a box to check or a milestone to hit. It’s a narrative in motion—woven from past experiences, present decisions, and a vision of who we’re still becoming. And for advisors, guiding clients toward that clarity means first being willing to ask those questions of ourselves.One of the greatest barriers to purpose work is that it feels uncomfortable. It’s easier to talk numbers than identity. But when we use money to avoid harder questions, we miss the real opportunity: to help clients connect their wealth to what truly matters to them. I talk about the emotional and cognitive friction that keeps us—and our clients—from engaging with purpose, and how we can create space for meaningful reflection through tools like narrative writing, values clarification, and structured dialogue. These aren’t one-time exercises. They’re part of an ongoing relationship built on curiosity, not certainty.Helping clients find their purpose isn’t about having the right answers. It’s about being willing to explore the right questions, over and over again. Advisors who embrace that work—who model it in their own lives—are the ones who will earn the deepest trust. Because in a world where everything feels uncertain, purpose is what makes planning feel personal. And that’s where our value becomes irreplaceable.

We’re often told that trust is built through flawless execution and airtight planning—but what if that’s not the full story? In this episode of The FutureProof Advisor, I challenge the industry’s instinct to perfect every process before presenting it to clients. Instead, I explore how adopting the MVP mindset—borrowed from the world of tech—can help advisors futureproof their firms by running small, controlled experiments that lead to faster learning, stronger relationships, and more meaningful innovation.MVPs aren’t about rushing or cutting corners—they’re about iterating in the real world. I break down how this approach applies in wealth management, from testing new client communication formats to refining internal workflows before scaling them. I also talk about why many advisors hesitate to experiment: fear of being wrong, compliance concerns, or simply the belief that we must always appear to have the answer. But as I share in the episode, “The firms that are going to win in the next three, five, and ten years won't be the ones with the best technology or smartest investment strategy. They will be the ones who learn the fastest.”For advisors looking to evolve without risking their credibility, this is a roadmap for building a culture of safe experimentation. Start small. Start at the edges. And commit to learning faster than the world is changing around you. Because the mindset that built your firm may not be the one that carries it forward—and innovation starts the moment you admit you don’t know everything.

We often confuse preparation with progress. But in a profession built on precision, that mindset can quietly stall innovation. In this episode of The FutureProof Advisor, I explore why the advisors and firms that thrive aren’t the ones who wait for perfect clarity—they’re the ones who learn through action. Because, as I share in the conversation, “The decision you make isn’t the determination of your future outcome—it’s more information that helps to build it.”Drawing lessons from high-reliability industries like aviation and medicine, I unpack how we can shift our culture from fearing mistakes to learning from near misses. Our instinct is to breathe a sigh of relief and move on—but those close calls are gold. They reveal weak points in our systems long before they break. If we can treat decisions as data, and mistakes as design feedback, we unlock more than resilience—we unlock momentum.Too many firms are stuck in planning mode, looking for perfect outcomes instead of refining the process. But lasting trust isn’t built by playing it safe. In fact, “Our fear of breaking trust has made us risk averse to the point of stagnation. And stagnation is its own form of breaking trust—just slower.” Future-ready firms are moving forward with intention—testing, adapting, and building systems that grow stronger with every small step.

AI isn’t replacing advisors—it’s rewriting the rules of how value is delivered. In this episode of The FutureProof Advisor, I unpack three recent developments shaping the future of wealth management: the rise of “generative engine optimization” as AI tools begin replacing traditional search, the quiet release of GPT-5 and what that signals about integration over intelligence, and how firms like McKinsey are using AI not to disrupt—but to enhance—human capital. The takeaway? We’re not in a tech race—we’re in a relevance race.As clients increasingly turn to AI assistants for real-time answers, advisors need to rethink how they show up in those conversations—digitally and personally. That means making your thought leadership easy to surface in AI tools, adopting systems that free you up to focus on what clients value most, and training teams to work with AI, not around it. The firms that get this right won’t just be more efficient—they’ll be more trusted, more visible, and more human.Ultimately, this episode is a call to futureproof your practice by doubling down on the one thing AI can’t replicate: real relationships. Empathy. Nuance. The ability to sit with uncertainty and guide someone through life-changing decisions. The advisors who lead with transparency—about what AI can do and what it can’t—will build deeper trust and clearer differentiation in an increasingly automated world.

Wealth management firms often pride themselves on planning—but in a world moving this fast, waiting for clarity can be more dangerous than acting without it. The truth is, execution isn’t what follows strategy—it’s what reveals it. In this episode of The FutureProof Advisor, I explore why firms that learn to move forward without perfect conditions are the ones that adapt fastest and grow strongest.Drawing on neuroscience and years of advisor experience, I break down why our brains are wired to favor caution and over-analysis—and why that tendency can quietly stall growth. But when teams treat change as experimentation instead of high-stakes decision-making, everything shifts. Small, consistent actions compound. Confidence builds. Innovation becomes a habit, not a project. It’s not about avoiding uncertainty—it’s about making uncertainty work for you.Advisors who adopt this mindset will outperform those waiting for the perfect plan. Futureproofing isn’t about predicting what’s next—it’s about creating a culture where forward motion is the norm. This episode is a playbook for shifting from hesitation to momentum—one small, strategic step at a time.

AI is already reshaping the way we work—but the most successful firms won’t be the ones that adopt the most tools. They’ll be the ones that adopt them with purpose. On this episode of The FutureProof Advisor, I sit down with Jason Wenk, Founder and CEO of Altruist, to talk about what it really means to modernize through AI—without losing the human connection at the heart of advisory work.Jason brings decades of experience at the intersection of wealth management and technology, sharing how he’s seen AI evolve from early experiments in algorithmic trading to its current role in everyday advisory operations. We talk through practical examples, like Hazel—Altruist’s AI assistant designed to replicate a first hire’s tasks—and how tools like this are freeing advisors to focus more on empathy, creativity, and trust-building. But Jason makes it clear: none of this works without good data. Firms that ignore data hygiene and operational clarity will fall behind—fast.As AI becomes more powerful, the advisor’s role will evolve—not disappear. Jason sees a future where firms split: some leaning into AI-first operations, others branding themselves as AI-free. But those who succeed will strike a balance—embracing automation where it enhances the client experience, and doubling down on the distinctly human skills that technology can’t replicate. For firms ready to think strategically about growth, relevance, and scale, this is the conversation to start with.

Financial freedom isn’t just about having enough—it’s about knowing what “enough” means. That’s the shift happening across the wealth management industry, and it’s the reason I launched a nine-month national study on the future of advice. The findings make one thing clear: despite having financial plans in place, many affluent clients still feel anxious and unfulfilled—not because they lack money, but because they lack clarity on what that money is truly meant to do.In this episode of The FutureProof Advisor, I share why the most meaningful evolution for advisors has nothing to do with new products or performance metrics—and everything to do with helping clients uncover purpose. I introduce a new framework grounded in three pillars: mindset, leverage, and process. That means doing your own internal work as an advisor, building scalable systems for deeper client conversations, and reimagining the client experience around what truly matters—not just asset allocation, but alignment.The future of advice won’t be defined by technical expertise alone. AI can optimize a portfolio or automate a tax strategy, but it can’t help a client figure out what gives their life meaning. That’s our role—and our advantage. The firms that embrace this shift will lead the profession forward. Those who resist it risk becoming indistinguishable in a sea of low-cost alternatives.

Technology gets a lot of attention—but it’s not the story. The real story is how innovation, when paired with emotional intelligence and intentional design, can elevate the human advisor-client relationship rather than threaten it. In this episode of The FutureProof Advisor, I talk with Ritik Malhotra, founder and CEO of Savvy Wealth, about what it really means to modernize in a way that supports—not replaces—the core value of advice.Ritik shares how his early exposure to tech and years of building companies led him to the wealth management space, where he’s been focused on rethinking the advisor experience from the ground up. He breaks down the myths around automation and AI, emphasizing that clients still crave human connection—especially when navigating the emotional complexity of wealth. But to deliver on that, advisors need to be intentional with their time, streamline low-value work, and adopt tools that integrate naturally into how they already operate.One of the key takeaways from our conversation is that true innovation doesn’t require abandoning what works—it requires being honest about where time is spent, what drives client value, and how technology can free up more space for meaningful relationships. It’s not about replacing advisors with platforms—it’s about building firms that are more human because they’re built on better systems.

Most advisors assume that affluent clients are confident, clear, and financially fulfilled. But after months of national research, I’ve uncovered something else entirely: a quiet crisis beneath the surface—one defined not by returns, but by disconnection, emotional uncertainty, and a lack of purpose-aligned planning.In this episode of The FutureProof Advisor, I break down what this nine-month study revealed about the evolving expectations of high-net-worth clients. While 89% still believe in the importance of human advisors, they’re looking for more than portfolio reviews and performance metrics. They want help navigating the emotional weight of wealth, making better behavioral decisions, and finding clarity in what their money is for—not just what it earns.Advisors who respond to this shift will differentiate fast. That means combining technological fluency with behavioral coaching, and shifting from performance-focused planning to purpose-driven guidance. This research is more than a report—it’s a challenge to rethink how we show up, connect, and lead.

Technology is changing fast—but the firms that thrive will be the ones that keep people at the center of everything they build.I had a great conversation with Patrick Parker, Founder of Fynancial, about how human-centered design, data structure, and digital agents are reshaping the future of wealth management. Patrick brings a unique perspective—rooted in both tech entrepreneurship and a deep understanding of the advisory space—to show how advisors can blend empathy with innovation. He shared how growing up around an RIA and working in Big Four consulting helped him see the persistent gap between client expectations and what most fintech tools deliver.We covered everything from the evolution of client portals and the role of community in client engagement, to why data infrastructure is the key to getting AI right. Patrick makes a compelling case that digital agents won’t replace advisors—they’ll remove the operational clutter so advisors can double down on what matters: trust, insight, and connection. For firms ready to experiment, iterate, and rethink how technology supports relationships, this is a glimpse into what the next chapter of advising could look like.

Growth doesn’t happen by accident. It’s forged when vision meets intention—and when leaders prioritize clarity, culture, and client experience from day one.I had a great conversation with Kathryn M. Brown, CFP®, ChFC®, CAP®, Co‑Founder and Principal of Morton Brown Family Wealth, about what it takes to build a future-proof advisory firm. She shared how her small-business upbringing and a pivotal family moment shaped her mission. From investing early in marketing to empowering team “champions” and simplifying client deliverables, she illustrates how firms grow through strategy and soul—not shortcuts.What stood out was Kathryn’s belief that clarity is creativity. Whether it’s one-page financial plans or more conversational client experiences, she shows how simplifying the experience fosters deeper engagement. This discussion is a thoughtful look at what it means to grow purposefully, lead intentionally, and redefine success beyond the numbers.

AI isn’t just a support tool anymore—it’s becoming the strategist.As the next generation of autonomous AI agents begins to emerge, we’re seeing a shift from task-based assistance to full-cycle execution. These agents don’t just draft content or summarize research—they can now run processes from start to finish with minimal human involvement. From preparing client reports to organizing internal communications, these tools have the potential to fundamentally reshape the way wealth management firms operate. For smaller firms, they could even become the competitive equalizer.But this isn’t about plugging AI into outdated workflows. It’s about letting AI pursue outcomes—more efficiently, more creatively, and sometimes in ways humans wouldn’t have thought to design. I explore how firms can start experimenting with agents in low-risk areas, build internal comfort and skill, and evolve toward deeper integration. I also dive into what it looks like to shift your team’s mindset: from managing step-by-step processes to defining clear end goals and trusting AI to find the path.Regulatory frameworks are evolving just as fast. With new initiatives like AI sandboxes and emerging tax incentives for workforce training, firms have a chance to shape—not just follow—the rules. I walk through how to align your governance with existing standards, and why compliance shouldn’t be an afterthought. If we want AI to be a long-term partner, we need to set it up with the same intention and clarity we’d expect from any team member. This is about building a future where results—not routine—define success.

Creativity isn't a gift—it’s a tool. The difference between average firms and innovative ones often comes down to the questions their teams are trained to ask. Too often, we default to limiting language like “Should we…” or “Can we…”—questions that quietly reinforce boundaries and trigger judgment. But when we reframe the conversation with a simple “How might we…,” the tone shifts, the ideas expand, and suddenly the room starts thinking differently.In this episode of The FutureProof Advisor, I share stories from my own experience running innovation labs, as well as real-world examples like Procter & Gamble’s product breakthroughs, to show how subtle language changes can create massive shifts in team dynamics. “How might we…” doesn’t just sound more open—it creates psychological safety, inviting people to share bold or imperfect ideas without fear. That kind of space leads to more creative solutions, stronger collaboration, and ultimately, better outcomes for clients and internal processes alike.But curiosity alone isn’t enough—you also need structure. We talk about how to lead teams through divergent thinking in the early stages, and then transition to focused decision-making that drives implementation. When teams know when to explore and when to execute, innovation becomes not just possible—but repeatable. This episode is about giving your firm permission to think bigger, while giving your people the framework to make it real.