Shows
Diversity in Action™Bridging the Diversity Gap in Financial ServicesIn this episode, we are joined by Suzanne Lawrence, CEO of Advisor Business Solutions. Suzanne shares her passion for increasing diversity in all aspects of business, and helping women and people of color find jobs. She also partnered with BLX to manage the program and help connect Black and Latinx college students and career changers with fee-only and fee-based financial planning firms.The BLX Internship Program would not have been possible without her generous time and her team. Listen to learn how we make an impact in an industry that everyone is passionate about!Notes: 2024-11-0540 min
Diversity in Action™Shaping the Future of Our Industry TodayIn this episode, we are joined by Sherri Trombley and Dr. Peter Fisher. Sherri is a Director at Schwab in Business Consulting and Education and Dr. Fisher is a founding partner and CEO of Human Investing. Tune in to learn the amazing things they are both doing to increase racial diversity, close the gender gap, and create fulfilling career tracks for the next generation of talent.Notes: In this episode, Shawn, Luis, Sherri & Dr. Fisher talk about: How firms can cultivate the next generation of talentThe RIA Talent Advantage(r) Student ScholarshipThe importance of cu...2024-10-2946 min
Diversity in Action™Developing Your Talent Pipeline with Kate HealyKate Healy is THE Next Gen Growth Builder. Kate is the CEO & Founder of AdvoKate IQ, helping wealth management firms with their NextGen growth strategy. Her previous roles include Managing Director at TD Ameritrade Institutional, Managing Director at the Center for Financial Planning, and as board member of the FinServ Foundation, and Invest In Others Charitable Foundation. Kate is also an inaugural member of the CFP Board’s Women’s Initiative. Kate is also a passionate public speaker and moderator and a force for good in the wealth management space. Notes: In this episode, Shawn, Luis a...2024-10-2249 min
Diversity in Action™BLX Intern Success Stories with Isaac Craps & Mahogany PersonToday we are joined by two of our prior interns, Isaac Craps and Mahogany Person. We catch up with them to see where they are in their career journeys. Isaac was a student who majored in financial planning at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and Mahogany is a career changer who was a former teacher before pursuing financial planning. They both have amazing stories about their trajectories and share with us their experience during their internships and the roles they’re currently fulfilling.Notes: In this episode, Shawn, Luis, Isaac & Mahogany talk about: 2024-10-1540 min
Diversity in Action™Learn About the 10,000 Interns Foundation with Rebecca Ajulu-BushellRebecca Ajulu-Bushell was an elite athlete who made history as the first Black woman to swim for Great Britain at the national level. She has represented both Great Britain and Kenya and eventually rose to world number one and clinched the title of British Champion. Next, Honoured as one of Forbes' 30 Under 30 in the Social Impact category and recognised by TIME as one of the 18 Black leaders working tirelessly to close the racial wealth gap, she currently leads the 10,000 Interns Foundation as CEO, a groundbreaking non-profit dedicated to championing underrepresented talent and reshaping the future workforce.2024-10-0847 min
Diversity in Action™DEI&B at Wealthspire with Mike LaMenaMike LaMena is the Chief Executive Officer of Wealthspire Advisors, having joined the firm in September of 2017. He has 27+ years of experience building, operating, and leading global wealth management organizations. His commitment to service excellence and his fundamental belief in the power of the firm’s independent, conflict-free model of financial advice inspires his enthusiasm to serve clients and expand the business. Throughout his time at Wealthspire, Mike has helped grow the organization to over $20 billion in AUM with 22 offices across the country and more than 300 employees.Notes: In this episode, Shawn, Luis, and Mike tal...2024-10-0140 min
Diversity in Action™The Gateway Foundation by MMI with Sarit AbramowiczSarit Abramowicz is the First Vice President – Program Director of the Gateway Foundation by Money Management Institute, whose mission is to build meaningful change in the financial services industry by advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion. Gateway’s three strategic priorities include, financial literacy, career exposure and preparation, and performance and professional development. Before joining Gateway, Sarit spent more than 15 years in nonprofits and academia running leadership and professional development programs for thousands of students and early career talent from diverse backgrounds, cultures and disciplines. Sarit is a first-generation, multilingual, native New Yorker, who completed her Master’s degree at New York...2024-09-2436 min
Diversity in Action™Hear What’s New at Diversitas with Carina DiamondCarina is a financial services veteran, having built and sold several wealth management firms and mentored dozens of young people entering the profession. She’s a frequent source for national media on diversity and succession planning. She currently is serving in two roles: Director of Diversitas at The University of Akron, and as Founder-CEO of Stella Secunda, a consulting firm focusing on fintech consulting and organic growth and succession strategies for financial services firms.Notes: In this episode, Shawn, Luis, and Carina talk about: The importance of educating people on the variety of roles with...2024-09-1738 min
Diversity in Action™Digging into FARE (the Financial Alliance for Racial Equity) with Nicole RidleyNicole Ridley is a highly accomplished leader with extensive experience in Finance, Investments, Commercial Real Estate, Strategic Relationship Management, and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.With over 15 years of experience, Nicole’s results-oriented, innovative, and enthusiastic approach will be a tremendous asset to FARE. She is known for her proven record of success in developing and implementing innovative programs that support our organization’s strategic direction and she will undoubtedly elevate FARE’s transformative impact in our industry.Notes: In this episode, Shawn, Luis, and Nicole talk about: The Financial Alliance for Racial Equity (FARE)The i...2024-09-1037 min
Diversity in Action™Learn about the SER Summit for Latinos in FinServ with Ana Trujillo LimonAna is a community builder, connector, and award-winning content creator in financial services. She is the co-founder of the SER Summit for Latinos in FinServ and currently serves as a director of coaching and advisor content at Carson Group. Notes: In this episode, Shawn, Luis, and Ana talk about: Ana’s background and journey into financial servicesThe SER Summit for Latinos in FinservThe importance of building community to help diversify our industryThe Mini Money Runners project And more…….. Resources: SER Summit for Latinos in FinservFollow SER on Linked...2024-09-0339 min
Diversity in Action™Season 3 Kick Off with Shawn & LuisTune in to this kick off episode as Shawn and Luis discuss everything BLX since the program’s inception. The application window for 2025 internships is opening soon, and Shawn and Luis provide an update on all the exciting things at BLX.Notes: In this episode, Shawn and Luis talk about: Celebrating successes and providing an update on how things have gone so farChanges we made and learnings we have discovered over the yearsChallenges our program has facedWhat’s next for the BLX Internship ProgramAnd more…….. Resources: https://www.blxinternshi...2024-08-2741 min
Swift Chats in the Financial Services IndustryThe BLX Internship Program with Luis Rosa, Emlen Miles-Mattingly, and Shawn TydlaskaIn this Swift Chat conversation, Marie Swift speaks with Luis Rosa, Emlen Miles-Mattingly, and Shawn Tydlaska, three of the four co-founders of the BLX Internship Program, a premier initiative dedicated to fostering diversity in the financial planning profession, specifically for aspiring Black and Latinx financial planners. The trio expresses a genuine desire to make the financial planning industry more inclusive in response to the civil unrest following George Floyd's murder. Through partnerships with organizations like the National Association of Personal Financial Planners (NAPFA) and sponsors like the Charles Schwab Foundation, the program has successfully provided opportunities for underrepresented groups, estab...2023-12-1923 min
Diversity in Action™Advisor Business Solutions: Empowering Financial ServicesWelcome to the tenth episode of the Diversity in Action™ podcast Season 2!In today's episode, we are joined by Guy Lawrence, a Senior Operations Manager of Advisor Business Solutions, Inc based in Long Beach, CA. The firm specializes in wealth management consulting solutions since 2001 providing HR and staffing solutions, practice management (coaching advisors on how to grow their practice, make it more efficient, improve marketing) and succession planning (advisors needing a partner or finding a new firm to sell their business) for RIAs and independent financial services firms managing $200 mil - $60 bil AUM throughout the US. H...2023-11-0742 min
Diversity in Action™The importance of Recruitment, Retention and Advancement in Financial Planning with Chris WoodsWelcome to the ninth episode of the Diversity in Action™ podcast Season 2!In today's episode, we speak with Chris Woods, CFP®, Certified Kingdom Advisor™, and Certified Exit Planning Advisor™. Originally from St. Charles, Missouri, a suburb of St. Louis, Chris graduated from Vanderbilt University where he majored in Economics, minored in Business Administration, and managed to squeeze in four years of basketball between his studies. Chris has an extensive career in the industry. From working at American Express Advisors, to serving as a wholesaler, and now as the owner of his own firm, Silvis Financial, Chris sees money as...2023-10-3144 min
Diversity in Action™Creating an Inclusive Culture with Leslie Tabor & Craig JonesWelcome to the eighth episode of the Diversity in Action™ podcast Season 2!In this episode we introduce our guests, Leslie Tabor, Director of Business Consulting and Education for Schwab Advisor Services & Craig Jones, Managing Director and Chief Diversity Officer for the Colony Group and Co-President of the Colony Sports & Entertainment practiceWe discuss diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within the financial industry. This episode covers topics including the Net Positive Pledge, DEI Advocacy Board, $10,000 scholarships for future financial planners, and Leslie's DEI consulting program. The conversation emphasizes the early stages of DEI efforts in ma...2023-10-2448 min
Diversity in Action™Exploring the Impact of the Annual Center for Financial Planning’s Diversity Summit with Dawn HarrisWelcome to the seventh episode of the Diversity in Action™ podcast Season 2!In this episode we introduce our guest, Dawn Harris, the Director of Diversity and Inclusion at the Center for Financial Planning. Dawn discusses her career journey, transitioning from consumer packaged goods to multicultural marketing and the sports industry, ultimately leading to her current role. She highlights the parallels between risk-taking in NASCAR and financial planning, emphasizing attention to detail and numerical acumen in both fields. Dawn explains the creation of the Director of Diversity and Inclusion role at the Center for Financial Planning and...2023-10-1744 min
Diversity in Action™BLX Intern Success Stories with Rodrigo Gomez and Jessica RobertsonWelcome to the sixth episode of the Diversity in Action™ podcast Season 2!In this episode of the Diversity in Action podcast, join us as we dive into the inspiring journeys of two interns who have found their calling in the world of financial planning.Rodrigo Gomez, a first-generation college graduate, takes us through his transformation from a psychology major to a passionate advocate for financial advising. Discover how Rodrigo's determination and discovery of the BLX Internship program propelled him into the world of financial planning.Jessica Robertson, a CPA with a background in ac...2023-10-1046 min
Diversity in Action™Driving Diversity and Inclusion with Suzanne SiracuseWelcome to the fifth episode of the Diversity in Action™ podcast Season 2!In today's episode, we're delighted to be with Suzanne Siracuse, Founder and CEO of Suzanne Siracuse Consulting, LLC. Her firm specializes in advising financial services companies on innovative business strategies, distinctive marketing, and impactful advocacy in areas like diversity, financial literacy, and next-gen talent. Suzanne is also the Creator and Host of two insightful podcast series: "The Big Reveal" and "Focused on the Future." Formerly CEO and Publisher of InvestmentNews, she's an industry thought leader recognized for her contributions. In 2020, InvestmentNews awarded her the "Trailblazer" ho...2023-10-0343 min
Diversity in Action™The Unconventional Path to Financial Planning with Barry MulhollandWelcome to the fourth episode of the Diversity in Action™ podcast Season 2!In today's episode, our guest Dr. Barry Mulholland is the Director of the Financial Planning Program and Associate Professor of Practice at The University of Akron. He also has a Ph.D. in personal financial planning from Texas Tech University. Barry is the founder of the Diversitas and he has won teaching awards for his work in the classroom and has received awards for his work with Diversitas, including a ThinkAdvisor LUMINARIES 2021 award, Investment News Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Diversity Champions Award finalist in 2018 and 2022, and RI...2023-09-2644 min
Diversity in Action™Promoting Diversity and Inclusion in Financial Services with Dana WilsonWelcome to the third episode of the Diversity in Action™ podcast Season 2!In today's episode, we have the honor of being joined by Dana Wilson. With over fifteen years of experience in the financial services industry, Dana is the Founder & CEO of CHIP (Changing How Individuals Prosper), a groundbreaking B2B financial services marketplace. CHIP makes it easy to find financial professionals of color. In 2021, Investment News recognized Dana as a "See It Be It Role Model" for her exceptional work in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. During our conversation, Dana discussed the origin of CHIP and sh...2023-09-1943 min
Diversity in Action™Learn about the FinServ Foundation with Jamie Hopkins and Dr. Julie RagatzWelcome to the second episode of the Diversity in Action™ podcast Season 2!Joining us in this episode is Dr. Julie Ragatz and Jamie Hopkins from Carson Group, a renowned organization dedicated to empowering young financial advisors and fostering career growth. Dr. Julie Ragatz leads Carson Group's Next Gen program, which provides valuable support to young professionals in the financial industry. Jamie Hopkins, the managing partner of Wealth Solutions at Carson Group, brings a wealth of experience as a finance professor, author, podcaster, and co-founder of the FinServ Foundation.In this episode, they discuss the importance of...2023-09-1252 min
Diversity in Action™NAPFA’s DEI Initiatives with Nikki PalluzziWelcome to the first episode of the Diversity in Action™ podcast Season 2!We're thrilled to introduce our new co-host Shawn Tydlaska, CFP®, MBA, the CEO and founder of Ballast Point Financial Planning and co-founder of the BLX Internship Program. In today's episode, we have Nikki Palluzzi as our guest. With over 15 years of community-building expertise, Nikki is an association executive who has worked in technology, different user groups, and professional societies. Previously serving as the Senior Director of Member Services and Experience at NAPFA, Nikki will discuss NAPFA's role in representing fee-only financial advisors in the...2023-09-0539 min
Diversity in Action™BLX Success Stories with Uchechi Kalu & Ray PryorWelcome to the eighth episode of the Diversity in Action™ podcast!Joining us in this episode is Uchechi Kalu, a Financial Advisor, and Ray Pryor, Founder of Pryority Finance , both a product of our internship program. Their journey from before, during, and after their internship is an eye-opener and inspiration for those who want to succeed in the financial planning profession, and also want to change their money story. If that’s you, this episode is for you!We began the BLX Internship Program with an idea – a vision. Today, we get to witness the embodime...2022-10-2540 min
Diversity in Action™A Behind the Curtain Look at BLX’s Impact with Suzanne LawrenceWelcome to the seventh episode of the Diversity in Action™ podcast!In this episode, we are joined by Suzanne Lawrence, CEO of Advisor Business Solutions. Suzanne shares her passion for increasing diversity in all aspects of business, and helping women and people of color find jobs. She also partnered with BLX to manage the program and help connect Black and Latinx college students and career changers with fee-only financial planning firms.The BLX Internship Program would not have been possible without her generous time and her team. Listen to learn how we make an impact in...2022-10-1841 min
Diversity in Action™Creating Space for People to Belong with Saundra Davis, MSFP, APFC®, FBS®, CSCWelcome to the sixth episode of the Diversity in Action™ podcast!In this episode, we are glad to have with us one of the most well-known pioneers in our industry, Saundra Davis. She is a US Navy veteran, financial coach, educator, and consultant who is nationally recognized as an expert in the financial coaching field. After serving in the Navy, she went on to serve her own community through financial coaching. Entering an industry where it felt like she didn’t belong, she discovered and made her own space. She built a pathway for the peopl...2022-10-1142 min
Diversity in Action™Cultivating the Next Generation of Talent Through Education with Leslie Tabor and Sherri TrombleyWelcome to the fifth episode of the Diversity in Action™ podcast! In this episode, we are joined by Schwab Advisor Services Directors, Leslie Tabor and Sherri Trombley. As first generation investors, they set out on a mission to spread awareness on the importance of investing and DEI in the Registered Investment Advisor Industry. Through programs and workshops conducted by Schwab, in partnership with the Charles Schwab Foundation, they’ve created a safe space for all people, of all ages, to learn and build connections. Let’s go!Episode Highlights:>> Becoming a first...2022-10-0435 min
Diversity in Action™Behavioral Work Into Financial Planning with J.D. Bruce & Jason NaylorWelcome to the fourth episode of the Diversity in Action™ podcast! In this episode, we are joined by J.D Bruce, CPA, Chief of Growth at Abacus and Jason Naylor, Innovation Project Manager for Abacus Wealth Partners. They will share how Abacus got its name, the work Abacus does, and their progress through the various roles they've held before working for Abacus Wealth Partners. Listen and learn more about the impactful works of J.D, Jason and Abacus Wealth Partners!Episode Highlights:>> J.D and Jason’s trajectory before joining Abacus Wealth...2022-09-2740 min
Diversity in Action™Why Representation Matters with Sonya Dreizler & Liv GagnonWelcome to the third episode of the Diversity in Action™ podcast! In this new episode, we are joined by Sonya Dreizler & Liv Gagnon, the Founders of Choir. Together, they aim to give voices to women, non-binary folks, people of color, and especially women of color in the financial industry. Through Choir, they have been creating opportunities for diverse people to speak in conferences. The platforms they have raised now brings more awareness to the world of finance about the discrimination that is experienced by people from underrepresented communities. In order to raise more awareness, we have...2022-09-2036 min
Diversity in Action™Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives with Geoffrey Brown, CAEWelcome to the second episode of the Diversity in Action™ podcast! With us a professional Association Executive with extensive expertise in a variety of sectors and professions. Geof Brown, CEO of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA), has been an incredible advocate and supporter of the BLX internship program. He shares the work his organization is doing, his professional path, his beginnings, and how he got to where he is now.Hop right into this episode to witness diversity in action!Episode Highlights:>> Geof’s career path>> NAPFA...2022-09-1336 min
Diversity in Action™Financial Doing with Louis Barajas, MBA, CFP®, EAWelcome to the first episode of the Diversity in Action™ podcast!With us today is the first Latino CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ pro, speaker, author, and entrepreneur, Louis Barajas. Growing up in East Los Angeles to Mexican immigrant parents, Louis was passionate about imparting financial wisdom to the unbanked Latin community. However, seeing the deficiency in just financial planning, he was inspired to co-found MGO Private Wealth firm that sees through the financial success of their clients. It’s about putting people first, financial planning, and finally, financial doing!Louis is certainly the man who practices what h...2022-09-0638 min
Minority MoneyImplementing the Plan with Shawn Tydlaska [Step 6 of Financial Planning]Welcome back to the Minority Money Podcast and just like what we’ve been doing for the last five weeks, we will be continuing the Steps of Financial Planning series. Today we are on step six and joined by my good friend Shawn Tydlaska.Shawn is the co-founder of the BLX program and also runs his own firm, Ballast Point Financial Planning. He’s here today to teach you more about the implementation stage of the financial planning process and how he goes about this with his own clients. So if you’re look...2021-10-1816 min
New Planner PodcastSPECIAL EPISODE: Bringing Minority Planners into the Profession with Emlen Miles-Mattingly and Luis RosaLuis Rosa and Emlen Miles-Mattingly join the show today to discuss the BLX internship program they co-created with Chloe Moore and Shawn Tydlaska. In this episode, Luis and Emlen share the "why" behind the BLX program, which stems from their personal struggles in entering the financial planning profession, a desire to increase the number of Black and Latino financial planners, and wanting to make advice more accessible to Americans who desperately need it. Listen in as they share the qualifications for the interns (as well as the firms that hire them), the training they provide to help e...2021-10-1539 minMinority MoneyBLX Internship - The Internship Program for Aspiring Black and Latinx Financial Planners!We’re going to start a new program this coming 2021!To ardently change the complexion of wealth, we’re offering internships to aspiring Black and Latin students, as well as career shifters!Join me in this episode as I share some exciting announcements with 3 of my co-founders at BLX Internship - Shawn Tydlaska, Luis Rosa, and Chloe Moore. These three amazing people are killing it in their own financial firms!We'll talk about this new internship program, what inspired us to start it, what interns can expect from it, and how can it help...2020-12-1424 min