Shows
Don't Do ThatDon’t Create an Echo Chamber with Marwa Zakharia, MZ Global ConsultingAre you creating a culture where your team feels comfortable giving you honest feedback?As a seasoned Turnaround and Growth CEO, Marwa leads organizations through pivotal stages of their development across various industries, with a specialization in financial services and technology. Marwa’s approach combines deep operational insight with innovative strategies, empowering teams to execute on a clear vision while tackling complex market dynamics, particularly in the fast-evolving fintech space.Kelly and Marwa cover:01:22 Marwa's background as a "business nerd" 02:52 Her diverse industry experience and people-first leadership 04:05 How they...2025-05-1236 minDon't Do ThatDon’t Go At It Alone with David Wood, Gateway Financial PartnersAre you trying to build your advisory business without the right support systems?In this episode of Don't Do That, David Wood, Chief Visionary Officer at Gateway Financial, joins Kelly Waltrich to discuss why advisors shouldn't go it alone in today's changing financial services landscape, particularly as scale becomes increasingly important for success.During the episode, David highlights the impact of implementing the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) at his firm, shares his perspective on firm culture amid industry consolidation, and explains why advisors need partners to thrive in a rapidly evolving environment with unprecedented opportunity.2025-05-0233 minDon't Do ThatStop Hiring Experts and Micromanaging Them with Molly McClure, intellifloDo you trust the experts you hired?In this episode of Don't Do That, Kelly Waltrich is joined by Molly McClure, Head of North America Marketing at intelliflo. Molly shares her experience building intelliflo's U.S. marketing presence from the ground up, the importance of balancing creativity with data-driven results, and why events like Future Proof Festival are game-changers for financial services branding. Molly's "Don't Do That" message: Stop hiring experts and then not trusting them to do what they do best.Kelly and Molly discuss:00:56 Molly's background and nearly 20 years i...2025-04-2541 min
WealthTech on DeckStrategies for Sustainable Business Growth with Randy LambertIn this episode, Jack Sharry talks with Randy Lambert, EVP and Head of RIA Solutions at Intention.ly. Randy shares how his experience scaling Orion informs his work helping FinTech and RIA firms streamline operations, align marketing, and enhance client engagement. He highlights the importance of eliminating silos, implementing intelligent automation, and transforming operations from a cost center to a strategic growth engine.In this episode:
(00:00) - Intro
(01:39) - Randy’s journey at Orion
(07:10) - The transition to Intention.ly
(11:54) - Integrating marketing, sales, and operations
(14:41) - Growing and scaling RIAs
(18:43) - Bridging the...2025-04-2229 minDon't Do ThatStop Waiting for Your Turn to Talk with Jack Sharry, SEI LifeYieldAre you listening to understand, or just listening to respond?In this episode of Don't Do That, Kelly Waltrich is joined by Jack Sharry, who shares his journey from LifeYield to Managing Director at SEI following their December acquisition. Jack discusses his excitement about building the industry's first full Unified Managed Household (UMH) platform, reveals the philosophy behind his book on authentic and ethical persuasion, and explains why truly listening is one of the most powerful skills anyone can develop.Kelly and Jack discuss:01:20 Jack's journey from corporate life to entrepreneurship with LifeYield2025-04-1837 min
In the SuiteEP 94 From CMO to CEO: How Kelly Waltrich is Redefining Intentional Growth Strategy in Fintech and Financial Services at Intention.ly (Don't Do That Podcast)Send us a textIn this debut episode of the Don’t Do That podcast, host Kelly Waltrich—CEO and Co-Founder of Intention.ly—sits down with her friend, partner, and colleague Tina Powell for a candid, behind-the-scenes conversation about building businesses, leading with heart, and the hard-won lessons that fuel long-term growth.Kelly shares how her unconventional path—from selling to her grandmother as a kid to running marketing at two of fintech’s fastest-growing firms—shaped her vision for Intention.ly. She opens up about why she launched this podcast, what it means to be a foun...2025-04-0333 minDon't Do ThatDon’t Do All the Decision-Making Yourself with with Adrian “AJ” Johnstone, PractifiAre you carrying the weight of every business decision on your shoulders?In this episode of Don't Do That, Kelly Waltrich chats with Adrian “AJ” Johnstone, CEO and co-founder of Practifi, about the delicate balance of leadership decision-making. AJ shares his journey of leading Practifi back to its roots serving RIAs and why growth should be purposeful rather than pursued at all costs. With refreshing candor, AJ discusses the privilege of supporting financial advisors who help clients achieve their personal outcomes while offering practical advice about building strong teams and making confident decisions in the face...2025-04-0328 minDon't Do ThatStop Avoiding the Hard Conversations with Jason Early, RISRAre you tiptoeing around what really needs to be said?In this episode of Don’t Do That, Jason Early, CEO and founder of RISR, joins Kelly Waltrich to talk about why tough conversations are so important. “Bad news doesn’t get better with time,” Jason points out, and saying the thing that needs to be said often leads to breakthrough moments.During the episode, Jason highlights the growing industry challenge that led him to found RISR, shares his approach to recruiting and hiring, and explains the importance of assuming positive intent during difficult discussions.Kel...2025-03-2822 minDon't Do ThatDon’t Wait to Start Marketing with Mark Gilbert, ZocksWhat if AI could give you back nine hours a week—would you take it?Mark Gilbert, CEO and founder of Zocks, joins host Kelly Waltrich for a conversation about the transformative potential of AI, a platform that actually delivers on its promise of saving advisors time, and the costly mistake of waiting too long to build marketing momentum. During the discussion, Mark explains how Zocks is helping advisors reclaim up to nine hours per week by eliminating the tedious administrative tasks they hate: meeting prep, documentation, follow-up, and data entry. Mark and Kelly also exp...2025-03-2022 minDon't Do ThatAvoid Hiring Brilliant Jerks with Ainslie Simmonds, BNYAre you compromising your company's culture by hiring brilliant jerks? In this episode of Don't Do That, host Kelly Waltrich is joined by Ainslie Simmonds from BNY to discuss the importance of hiring for culture, avoiding toxic influences, and the power of loving the problem rather than the answer. Ainslie shares her journey from the fintech world to starting a fintech within BNY Mellon, outlining her insights on innovation, advisor productivity, and cultural transformation. She emphasizes the key to success is surrounding yourself with the right people and avoiding those who may be talented yet da...2025-03-1831 minDon't Do ThatDon’t Ignore Organic Growth in Favor of Inorganic Growth with John Wernz, Great Hill PartnersIs your firm too focused on acquisitions while neglecting the power of organic growth? Kelly Waltrich welcomes John Wernz, a "reformed CMO" who now works with private equity firm Great Hill Partners as an Entrepreneur in Residence. Together, they explore a common pitfall in the financial advisory industry: prioritizing acquisitions and inorganic growth at the expense of developing strong organic growth capabilities. John shares insights from his experience working with firms looking to grow organically and sitting on several industry boards, offering a valuable perspective on balancing growth strategies.Kelly and John discuss:0:32 J...2025-03-0628 minDon't Do ThatStop Thinking Small with Billy Hopkins, Silver Oak SecuritiesAre you limiting your growth potential by thinking too small? In this episode of Don't Do That, host Kelly Waltrich sits down with Billy Hopkins, CEO of Silver Oak Securities, to discuss the importance of thinking big, taking uncomfortable steps, and adopting an enterprise mindset to accelerate business growth.With 25 years of experience building Silver Oak Securities from a small Tennessee firm to a thriving enterprise, Billy shares his "Dave Grohl moment" that changed everything and the pivotal decisions that transformed his business.Kelly and Billy discuss:0:44 Introduction to Billy Hopkins a...2025-02-2726 minDon't Do ThatDon’t Assume the Best Ideas Always Win with Brian Portnoy, Shaping WealthThink having the best idea guarantees success? Think again. On this episode of the Don’t Do That podcast, Kelly Waltrich and Brian Portnoy, CEO of Shaping Wealth, explore why great ideas alone aren't enough and how to ensure your message actually lands with your audience. Brian shares hard-earned insights from his 30-year journey from academia to entrepreneurship, revealing why everything—whether you like it or not—is ultimately sales.Kelly and Brian discuss:02:56 The myth that the best idea or catchiest phrase always wins05:48 How the "attention economy" has changed the game09:3...2025-02-2022 minDon't Do ThatDon’t Take a Top-Down Approach to New Initiatives with Randy Lambert and Jason Mirabella, Intention.lyAre you making the biggest mistake in your business by failing to scale strategically?Kelly Waltrich sits down with Randy Lambert and Jason Mirabella, the visionaries behind Intention.ly’s recently launched Deliver Advice operating system, to discuss how RIAs and fintech firms can overcome growth challenges, optimize operations, and build thriving businesses.With decades of leadership experience—Randy as former President of Orion and Jason as a strategic operations expert—the duo shares how to implement the Deliver Advice framework to scale human capital, improve customer experience, and avoid common leadership pitfalls.Kelly...2025-02-1328 minDon't Do ThatStop Trying to Do Everything Yourself with Joel Bruckenstein, T3 Technology Tools for TodayAre you making the biggest mistake in your business by trying to do everything yourself?In this episode of Don't Do That, host Kelly Waltrich sits down with fintech legend Joel Bruckenstein to discuss the evolution of technology in wealth management, the role of AI, and the critical mistakes advisors make when building their tech stacks.With over 21 years at the helm of the T3 Technology Conference and decades advising firms on technology adoption, Joel shares his insider perspective on the rapid advancements in AI, cybersecurity, and operational efficiency.Kelly and Joel discuss:2025-02-1122 minDon't Do ThatHow AI is Revolutionizing the Advisor-Client Journey with Eric ClarkeAre you scrambling to keep pace with the AI revolution?Kelly Waltrich sits down with Eric Clarke, a renowned influence in the financial services arena, to explore how AI is poised to transform the advisor-client journey. Eric shares insights from his adventures, from sitting on multiple boards to advising companies on leveraging technology for growth. With AI still in its first inning, its potential to personalize client communication and scale advisory services is immense.Kelly and Eric discuss: 04:08 The untapped potential of AI in the advisor-client journey05:40 How Eric is staying on th...2025-02-0721 minDon't Do ThatDon’t Assume You Know What Your Clients Want with H. Adam Holt, Asset-MapDo you really know what your clients are looking for? Kelly Waltrich and H. Adam Holt, CEO and Founder of Asset-Map Holdings, explore the often overlooked gaps between what clients want and what advisors deliver. Adam offers candid insights from his transformation as a “recovering advisor,” emphasizing the critical need to address real client pain … Read More Read More 📩 Stay Informed – Join Our Newsletter!Stay ahead of industry trends and get exclusive updates straight to your inbox: Sign Up Now https://intention.ly/💬 Let’s Talk!Have questions or ready to start...2025-01-2220 minDon't Do ThatIntroducing the Don’t Do That Podcast with Kelly Waltrich, Intention.lyWelcome to the Don’t Do That podcast, where we flip the script on financial and business advice. Instead of another playbook on what works, we’re diving into the don’ts—the missteps, pitfalls, and hard lessons that every professional wishes they could’ve avoided. If you’ve ever wondered about the challenges behind polished success stories, this is your backstage pass. Let’s learn from what went wrong, so we can get it right.Join host Kelly Waltrich, CEO and Co-founder of Intention.ly as she uncovers the secrets behind impactful growth strategies, explores buildi...2025-01-0832 minWealthTech on DeckLeading with Purpose: Championing Growth and Advocating for Health with Tina PowellGrowth isn't just about numbers. It's about driving change, creating meaningful connections, and making a purposeful impact. It comes from challenging the status quo and aligning with partners who understand the journey ahead. Whether championing innovation in the financial sector, cultivating a culture of resilience in businesses, or advocating for health, growth depends on clarity of purpose and bold, intentional steps.In this episode, Jack Sharry talks with Tina Powell, Partner & Chief of Community at Intention.ly. Tina is a trailblazer in the digital marketing industry, with more than 20 years of experience driving growth for financial services...2024-12-0334 min
The Power of the AskEmpowered by the Ask: Navigating Growth, Mindfulness, and Life’s Challenges with Tina Powell of Intention.lyOn this episode of “The Power of the Ask,” financial services veteran Tina Powell joins co-hosts Lisa and Precious for an inspiring conversation about her personal and professional journey. Tina is the Chief of Community at Intention.ly, a growth engine design firm transforming the way fintech and finserv organizations approach growth, and the founder and former CEO of C-Suite Social Media. Growing up, Tina watched her single mother juggle two jobs to make ends meet, which inspired her to pursue her own financial empowerment through education and a career in wealth management. She credits her aunt, an es...2024-09-0649 minWealthTech on DeckModern Marketing Strategies for Financial Services with Kelly WaltrichWith digital disruptions and shifting customer expectations defining the financial landscape, achieving sustainable growth demands a strategic approach that transcends traditional marketing tactics. For forward-thinking financial services firms, the challenge lies in creating a framework that seamlessly integrates marketing and growth strategies, prioritizing brand differentiation and customer-centric value creation.In this episode, Jack talks with Kelly Waltrich, Co-Founder & CEO of Intention.ly. For years, Kelly has been championing the role of marketing in the financial services industry. She designed the strategy behind several successful rebrands, acquisitions, and product launches, including spearheading the development of two advisor marketing...2024-02-1325 min
FutureProof Advisor PodcastReshaping Financial Advice Through Marketing, Differentiation, and Technology with Kelly WaltrichThis week on Bridging the Gap, Matt dives into the intricate world of marketing with Kelly Waltrich, former Chief Marketing Officer at eMoney Advisor and Orion Advisor Solutions, now CEO and Co-Founder at Intention.ly, Fintech and Martech Advisor, and Inaugural WealthManagement.com’s CMO of the Year. The conversation kicks off with Kelly’s journey from a thirteen-year-old entrepreneurially-minded individual selling ideas to her grandmother, to her strategic maneuvers through various financial sectors, ultimately leading to the launch of her marketing firm. The narrative chronicles her encounters with prominent fintech companies, emphasizing the significance of purposeful marketing. Her jour...2023-12-0644 min
Top Advisor Marketing PodcastAppreciating the Art of Advisor Branding To Stand Out With Kelly Waltrich (Ep. 440)What’s your strong suit?
As a financial advisor, you're juggling more hats than a circus performer – marketing, client relationships, and, of course, your core expertise. But here's the catch: if you're trying to handle branding all by yourself, you might be missing out on a difference-maker.
Why blend in when you could stand out?2023-11-0731 min
PRess Play: The StreetCred PodcastWeaving Together PR and Marketing with Kelly Waltrich (Ep. 2)Given the substantial overlap between public relations and marketing, firms stand to benefit from a tight-knit collaboration between these two vital teams. In this episode, Elena Krasnow and Jimmy Moock speak with Kelly Waltrich, co-founder of Intention.ly, about her journey in financial services marketing. Kelly shares her story of why she decided to become an … Read More Read More2023-06-2331 min
Voice from the HillsSpecial Episode: Origin StoryJoin James Werner as he explores the ORIGIN STORY of Voice From the Hills Podcast. -After almost 40 episodes, it seems only fitting that the story of Voice From the Hills be told through the guests that were on the show. Voice From the Hills strives to introduce the best and brightest talents in the industry. With each guest, we gain access to his or her unique capabilities and perspectives. The insights gained from the guests helps our audience build and manage their wealth, and help cement their lifelong impact.-2023-04-1253 min
Fintech ImpactIntention.ly with Kelly Waltrich | E272Jason talks to Kelly Waltrich, CEO of intentionally, a well-known marketing firm within the advisor and fintech space that helps companies market themselves effectively and get results.Episode Highlights01:16: Most people didn't get into a business to market it, they got into a business to do the thing that they wanted to build.05:09: Kelley is extremely particular about the firms that they work with. They conduct a pretty in-depth review of the companies before they agree to market them because they have to have a couple of things right.05:46: It's sort of blows Kelly's mind...2023-04-1132 min
Beacon FlashBeacon Flash: Five Marketing Non-Negotiables of Winning Firms - A Conversation with Kelly Waltrich, Intention.lyFintech and financial services marketing has always been Kelly Waltrich’s playground. From her days as a CMO at major players eMoney and Orion to her new role as co-founder and CEO of the marketing and growth engine design firm, Intention.ly, Kelly has not only seen the evolution of marketing in the financial services space, she’s helped to drive it. And what she’s seeing now, working with over 35 financial services and financial technology firms to transform the role of marketing in their organizations, is that the miseducation about marketing in our industry is slowl...2023-02-2319 min