Purposeful Planning Podcast

In this episode, guest host Natalie McVeigh of Oikonomia and a member of the PPI Education Development Committee is joined by Kathy Wiseman of Working Systems, Inc, The Family Portfolio and faculty at The Bowen Center for the Study of the Family, for a reflective conversation on family systems theory in practice. Together, they explore what it means to view families and organizations through a systems lens, how this perspective shapes both personal and professional journeys, and why it is so valuable when working with complex family dynamics. Drawing on Kathy’s deep experience in systems thinking, the conversation highlights practical insights for advisors seeking to better understand patterns, relationships, and long-term impact across generations.

For many people, talking about money is seen as taboo. While open communication about money and wealth is touted as a best practice in preparing the rising generation and maintain harmony, many families don’t know where to begin and when and how much to share. Often, they feel pulled toward two opposing choices: disclose everything or disclose nothing. In this sense, disclosure feels like an on/off switch. At the Merrill Center for Family Wealth®, we have developed a progressive approach that makes wealth conversations efficient and productive for families. Thus, rather than viewing wealth disclosure communications as an on/off switch, we suggest viewing it as a dimmer switch.

As families and advisors prepare for year-end giving, Stephanie Ellis-Smith, Dean of Philanthropy at the Purpose Planning Institute speaks with Nick Tedesco, President and CEO of the National Center for Family Philanthropy about what effective family philanthropy looks like today—beyond metrics and mission statements. Together they explore how clarity of purpose, equity, and family alignment can make giving both more joyful and more purposeful. Tune in for a grounded, hopeful discussion about how generosity can meet this moment with intention and impact.

When the going gets tough...what then? Advisors can best support clients when they know through experience what makes a real difference during tough times.  Our own experience can give us so much to draw on if we've learnt how to handle ourselves better. In Part 1 Ian gave us three approaches that really make a difference. Now in Part 2 he gives us three new tools - how to cultivate flexibility, how to change perspective and how to keep going - with lots of practical examples.

Stephanie Ellis Smith sits down with Courtney Joyner Gage to explore her work in sustainability and impact investing through Aligned Impact and PPI. Courtney unpacks the spectrum between traditional investing and philanthropy, clarifies common misconceptions, and highlights the importance of aligning investments with personal values.

Explore the innovative world of purpose trusts and their transformative impact on business ownership and succession planning. Join us as we delve into how companies are shifting from traditional profit-centric models to structures that prioritize mission, sustainability, and stakeholder value. We'll discuss the mechanics of purpose trusts, their benefits, challenges, and real-world applications, offering insights into this emerging trend that's redefining corporate governance.​

Why healthcare navigation is a critical yet often overlooked risk in comprehensive wealth and legacy planning.

Meet Dr. Karen McNeill, PPI’s new Dean of Family Stories, History, and Culture. As you will soon discover, she is passionate about the potential for families to nourish a thriving family culture by exploring the unique, complex, and unfinished tapestry that is their shared past, present, and future. Learn about many ways to integrate history into your work with multi-generational families as well as why it matters.

Donating art and collectibles can be a meaningful way to preserve a legacy, but the process is often complex. In this episode, we explore the nuances of gifting to museums and galleries across North America—legal considerations, donor intent, and institutional needs. Join us for an insightful conversation on the art of giving wisely.

When clients fall into the trap of problem solving when they are facing a polarity, they entrench in epic battles. Join Cathy Carroll, author of "Hug of War: How to Lead a Family Business With both Love and Logic" to learn the key to resolving conflict when both sides are right.

Into every life a little rain must fall' - but what if it's not so much a shower, more a downpour? Advisors can best support clients when they know through experience what makes a real difference during tough times. Ian McDermott has been working with individuals, families, teams and organizations for 45 years. In this session he'll be sharing how to deal with setbacks by offering tools and strategies that can benefit advisors and clients alike.

How advisors work together to support clients’ philanthropic interests.  Talking Points:  What are your roles at your firms and at what point do they intersect?  What types of clients do you work with and how do you support them in their giving? What has been important to creating these successful collaborations? What are the hallmarks of philanthropy at scale?

Steve Legler and John Campbell discuss the prevalence of addiction issues that seem to show up in many families that PPI members serve. It can be a very tricky area for advisors, and Steve and John talk about that and how advisors can position themselves as a resource and referral source for such families when the time arises.   BIOGRAPHY   Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, John struggled with drug and alcohol addiction at an early age. He is proud to say that through the process of attending the right treatment center and residing in sober living, he has maintained sobriety since 2008. John’s caring and compassionate nature led him to seek a career in the helping profession, so he accepted a position as an overnight technician at a treatment center in 2009. This launched him into an academic and career path focused on helping those and their families impacted by addiction and mental health issues.   John completed his Bachelor of Arts degree from Southeastern Louisiana University, followed by his Masters of Science degree in Social Work at Louisiana State University. John previously served as Clinical Director at Powerhouse Services in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where he was employed for close to a decade. He also has previous experience as a Social Work Case Manager at St. Clare Psychiatric Hospital. While working in these various roles, John gained extensive knowledge and experience working with individuals battling addiction and families struggling with codependency.   Today, John Campbell is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor, Certified in Brainspotting, and trained in Psychodrama and Experiential work. John’s experience overcoming his addiction and working in several different treatment settings drove him to join the ownership team that founded Casa Colina Treatment Center in 2017.During his time as owner and CEO of Casa Colina, John has had the privilege of being connected to like-minded professionals and treatment facilities across the country for addiction and mental health disorders. These connections have allowed John to help numerous individuals and families find the path to freedom and recovery. This passion drove John to look for other ways to help individuals and families in the Dallas area. The result is John decided to establish Campbell Recovery Services in 2022. Campbell Recovery Services will allow John to use his skills as a clinician to help those find the same opportunities in recovery that he was given.   John currently resides in Dallas with his wife Ashley of nearly two years and their two dogs, Rambo and Stella. Outside of Casa Colina and Campbell Recovery Services, John enjoys rooting for his two favorite football teams, the LSU Tigers and Dallas Cowboys. John also loves working out, and lifting weights, and can oftentimes be found on a golf course.

In this discussion, I will share my experience working with families around issues related to chronic illness in the next generation. We will explore how to set reasonable expectations for adult children struggling with chronic mental and physical health issues, review my ECHO Legacy framework to help families overcome barriers to successful transitions, and go over useful tips for improving communication when someone has a chronic illness. Join us to gain valuable insights and strategies for navigating these challenges within your family.

Join us for another exciting webinar hosted by Dean of Individual Development at PPI, Melissa Mitchell-Blitch with guest speaker, Danielle Howard.  This session will explore the imperative transformation needed in the financial services industry, focusing on fostering healthier client relationships with money.  It will highlight the impact of money mindsets on financial beliefs and behaviors and discuss exercises to enhance awareness and shift these mindsets. Participants will learn about the limitations of traditional financial planning and the importance of understanding one’s identity, processes, and outcomes to cultivate a positive financial life. The session will also cover self-reflection techniques to explore and improve one’s relationship with money, offering practical tools and resources for deeper insight.    BIOGRAPHY Danielle Howard is a Certified Financial Planner®, author, speaker and personal finance thought leader. Her 27 years of client engagement and financial world experience has led her to become a catalyst for change around the financial tools, techniques and temperaments that construct a person’s financial life. Understanding the integrations and implications of a whole-life perspective on money mindsets and financial decisions, she guides people on the progressive journey of financial wellness. Bridging the gap between Wall Street and Main Street, she brings complex financial topics and concepts down to earth. She opens the door to new conversations around money, breaking down the taboo topics of the past to engage, educate, encourage her audiences.

Join us for another exciting webinar hosted by Dean of Individual Development at PPI, Melissa Mitchell-Blitch with guest speaker, Tiffany House.  Discover powerful tax-advantaged strategies for selling family businesses and maximizing benefits.  Learn how early planning and gifting shares can leverage estate tax exclusions and explore real-life success stories of creative tax minimization.  Tiffany will simplify charitable trusts and highlight tax-saving opportunities through employee stock ownership programs and qualified small business stock.  Gain the confidence to discuss tax-advantaged sale options and understand various planning tools.   BIOGRAPHY Tiffany House is a tax, estate, and charitable strategist.  She works with clients and donors to help guide them through intricate situations, including transitioning or selling a business, planning philanthropy, values-based estate planning, and tax concerns.  Tiffany is a fiduciary consultant who helps clients and donors create a Master Game Plan that includes their financial, family, retirement, philanthropy, and estate planning goals, values, and legacy.  Since she does not sell products, write documents, or manage assets, there are no conflicts of interest when working with other advisors.  Tiffany has a national-speaking reputation and is very active in her community.

Join us for an insightful exploration into the damaging effects of resentment and perfectionism. In this episode, we delve into the realities of life's imperfections and how the "should" mindset breeds resentment and self-doubt. Discover how resentment acts as a barrier to living a fulfilling life and learn practical strategies for clearing out these negative emotions. Through embracing reality, you'll unlock the key to liberation from perfectionism and resentment, allowing for deeper connections and enhanced well-being in all areas of life.

This episode explores the pillars of effective communication, strategic planning, and the significance of storytelling. Join as we learn about the importance of communication, reasons why people struggle with planning, and strategies to initiate planning without overwhelming fear. The episode also offers advice on selecting trustworthy advisors and highlights key insights from the host's book. Additionally, it delves into the transformative power of storytelling, particularly in the context of family history. Tune in to gain practical tools for personal and professional growth and discover how to shape a future filled with purpose and possibility.   BIOGRAPHY Sandy Pollack, CFP, CLU, TEP, FEA, MFA-P, is the founder of Trimaran Advisory Group Ltd., a financial advisory firm specializing in business and estate planning. Sandy and her team understand the complexities faced by entrepreneurs and self-employed professionals, considering both family dynamics and economic factors. They prioritize understanding each family's unique values and issues before addressing financial matters. Sandy emphasizes values-based legacy planning, distinguishing between wealth building and wealth management. Certified as a Family Enterprise Advisor, Certified Financial Planner, Chartered Life Underwriter, and Trust and Estate Practitioner, Sandy resides in Ottawa, Canada, with her husband, three children, and their dog, Mia.

Chip Fisher advises on understanding and valuing the origins of family wealth and the associated challenges. He emphasizes building genuine relationships within and outside one's economic peer group, including friends and partners. Fisher stresses the importance of selecting a life partner who comprehends the responsibility of wealth and values you beyond financial status. Additionally, he suggests understanding and relating to parents and siblings, managing tensions, and fostering personal independence and self-worth. Fisher highlights the significance of hobbies, interests, clubs, and third places for personal development and gaining perspective. Overall, his guidance aims at becoming a well-rounded individual with depth and breadth in life experiences. BIOGRAPHY   Chip Fisher is an independent life consultant to UHNW NextGen’s, helping them navigate key topics which are the foundations of understanding inherited wealth. The discussion of these topics is key to creating a framework to manage one’s perspective on this daunting subject.

Explore the profound connection between estate planning and family healing in this thought-provoking podcast. Join us as we delve into the significance of estate planning as a catalyst for addressing generational challenges within families. From navigating difficult conversations to fostering healthier relationships across generations, discover how estate planning serves as a doorway to healing familial wounds. Whether you're a baby boomer seeking tools for bridging the gap with younger generations or a professional aiming to integrate family healing into your practice, this podcast offers invaluable insights into leveraging assets and businesses for the greater good of family harmony. Tune in to unlock the transformative potential of estate planning in fostering familial connections and building a legacy of understanding and unity.   BIOGRAPHY   Catherine Hammond is an award-winning attorney, life transition guide, and the author of Hope-less: The truth about hope and where to find it. The experiencing of multiple devastating crises brought her to understand the true nature of hope and dedicate her life to supporting others through the ups and downs of real life. Today Catherine’s primary focus is helping individuals, families, and executive teams navigate challenges and thresholds of all kinds. Mother of two, and “Mimi” to four precious grandchildren, when she’s not spending time with her husband and other loved ones you’ll find Catherine hiking near her Colorado home, traveling, or writing her next book.