Women represent only 20-25% of financial professionals despite decades of diversity initiatives. In this special forum by A Women’s Clarity®, host Kirsten speaks with industry leaders about practical strategies to help change that and show how women can thrive in this environment. Hear from special guests: Lindsay Lewis, MBA, CHFC®, CFP®, Managing Director & Chair for Center for Women at The American College of Financial Services, and Alanah Phillips, founder of Advisor Launch Lab and Break Up With Your Broker Dealer.

Their conversation explores how mentorship can accelerate career development, why finding your professional “tribe” matters, and practical ways to build relationships that lead to greater professional opportunities. From leveraging designation programs to finding male allies who can advocate for you, the discussion provides actionable guidance for women at all career stages in our industry.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Finding Mentorship Opportunities: Practical approaches to building mentoring relationships that focus on specific skills rather than long-term commitments.
• Building Professional Communities: Strategies for identifying and connecting with like-minded professionals who can provide support and collaboration.
• Education as Career Advancement: How designations and continuous learning correlate to increased earnings and client retention.
• Authentic Leadership Development: The importance of presenting your authentic self rather than conforming to industry stereotypes.
• Male Allyship Strategies: Techniques for developing relationships with male colleagues who can advocate for you in professional settings.
• Confidence Building: Methods for overcoming imposter syndrome and developing trust in your professional capabilities.
• Future Industry Trends: Insights on evolving opportunities for women as wealth increasingly transfers to female clients.

Resources:

• Women’s professional development: American College’s Center for Women
• Continuing education platform: Knowledge Hub Plus
• Mentorship program: FinServe Foundation
• Industry networking organizations: Financial Planning Association (FPA,) National Association for Fixed Annuities (NAFA), Women & Finance (WIFS), National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA)
• Educational content: Reshma Saujani’s commencement speech on imposter syndrome

Statistics:

• Women represent only 20-25% of financial professionals, a number that hasn’t significantly changed in two decades
• Professionals with one designation experience 13% higher growth in earnings and 35% higher client retention
• Adding a second designation increases these numbers to 19% higher earnings growth and 45% higher client retention
• 16% of female professionals with designations receive client referrals
• 76% of individuals believe mentorship would help them professionally, but only 37% have mentors
• One-third of financial advisors (approximately 100,000) plan to retire in the next decade

About the Episode:

Discover how simplifying your language can lead to better client outcomes and practice growth. In this episode, host Dave Alison sits down with Greg Hammer, President and CEO of Hammer Financial Group, to explore the art of client communication through The Bucket Plan® framework.

Listen as Hammer shares how he’s built successful practice with the help of this process and communication techniques. Plus, hear practical examples of this language that resonates with clients and drives decision-making.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Connection Techniques: How to use tools from The Bucket Plan® like the Connection Questionnaire to establish meaningful relationships with prospects beyond just collecting financial data.
• Change-Focused Language: Approaches for helping clients recognize that addressing their concerns will require making changes to their current financial situation.
• Analogy-Based Education: Examples of powerful analogies that simplify complex financial concepts and make them more relatable to clients.
• Retirement Income Planning: Strategies for discussing guaranteed income options and helping clients understand the trade-offs between certainty and growth potential.
• Fear Reduction Strategies: Communication techniques that help clients overcome the fear of spending money in retirement.
• Client Meeting Structure: How to keep initial conversations focused on client goals rather than jumping straight to technical solutions.
• Retirement Lifestyle Planning: Approaches for helping clients plan for different phases of retirement spending (go years, slow-go years, and no-go years).

Resources:

• Financial planning process: The Bucket Plan® philosophy
• Book Referenced: The Bucket Plan®: Protecting and Growing Your Assets for a Worry-Free Retirement
• Training Referenced: The Bucket Plan® 1.0

Are you looking to save time and improve client interactions in your advisory practice? Meet Zocks: an AI platform for advisors. Join host Cary Chaitoff, VP of Marketing at C2P, and guests Mark Gilbert, Co-Founder & CEO of Zocks Communications, and Jim Hardeman, EVP of Product at Zocks, as they discuss the ins and outs of this tool, with additional insights from Fred Lowry, CRC®, experienced Zocks user and advisor at BrightPath Wealth Advisors.

Collectively they explain what makes Zocks stand out from other AI solutions – particularly its privacy-first approach and expanding capabilities beyond simple note-taking. Lowry also shares his real-world success with Zocks, revealing how it’s improved his client meeting efficiency and noticeably increased his closing ratio with prospects.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Privacy and Security Focus: How Zocks prioritizes data security, compliance, and client privacy with its innovative design approach.
• Beyond Note-Taking: Exploration of Zocks’ expanding capabilities that go beyond simple transcription to enhance advisor workflow.
• Implementation Strategies: Practical guidance on getting started with the platform and gradually expanding usage.
• AI Learning Capabilities: Insights into how the platform adapts to your communication style and preferences over time.
• Client Communication Enhancement: Strategies for leveraging AI-generated content to improve follow-up communications.
• Compliance Considerations: Discussion of C2P compliance approval and security features that protect sensitive client information.

Whether you’re tech-savvy or hesitant about adopting AI tools, this episode offers valuable guidance on leveraging this compliance-approved technology in your practice.

Resources:

• AI Platform for Financial Advisors: Zocks

About the Episode:

Stock options and equity compensation represent significant wealth-building opportunities for clients, but they also present complex planning challenges that many advisors aren’t equipped to handle. In this insightful discussion, host Dave Alison, President and Founding Partner at C2P, welcomes Greg Dillon, CFA, CFP ®, CLTC®, NSSA®, Principal at OneTeam Financial and C2P Partner, to share strategic approaches for helping clients maximize their equity compensation.

Greg brings his extensive experience working with pre-retirees in the pharmaceutical industry, while Dave offers insights from his work with tech executives and Silicon Valley professionals. Together, they break down the critical differences between various equity compensation vehicles, including Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), Incentive Stock Options (ISOs), Non-Qualified Stock Options (NSOs), and Employee Stock Purchase Plans (ESPPs).

Key Topics Discussed:

• Stock Option Types and Mechanics: An overview of the different equity compensation vehicles and their fundamental characteristics.
• Tax Optimization Strategies: Effective approaches to minimize tax implications when exercising options and selling equity compensation.
• Concentration Risk Management: Methods for transitioning clients from concentrated equity positions to properly diversified portfolios.
• Liquidity and Cash Flow Planning: How to help clients manage the cash requirements associated with exercising options and paying resulting taxes.
• Stock Option Document Analysis: The critical importance of reviewing plan documents to understand specific rules that impact planning decisions.
• 10b5-1 Trading Plans: The benefits of implementing automated selling programs for executives with significant equity positions.
• Charitable and Estate Planning: How to integrate equity compensation into broader wealth transfer and philanthropic strategies.

If you’re an accomplished professional who often doubts your abilities or achievements, you’re probably experiencing a condition referred to as Imposter Syndrome.

Join host Kirsten Schlumbohm for a profound discussion with Kelly Barnard, a seasoned life coach and self-proclaimed “recovering workaholic.” Together they delve into the depths of Imposter Syndrome, exploring its realities and outlining pathways to overcoming its grasp.

Tune in to understand the intricate layers of self-doubt that many professionals navigate, offering insights and strategies to reclaim one’s sense of “enough-ness” and worthiness.

Key topics covered:

• The Essence of Imposter Syndrome: Understanding its definition, origins, and the pervasive feeling of being a fraud in one’s achievements.
• Kelly’s Personal Journey: From a marketing and advertising professional to embracing her true calling as a life coach, Kelly shares her firsthand experiences with Imposter Syndrome and her transition to empowering others.
• Challenges Faced by Women: An exploration of the unique struggles women face in articulating their experiences, achievements, and the impact of societal conditioning on their self-perception.
• Strategies to Combat Imposter Syndrome: Practical advice on recognizing and leveraging one’s accomplishments, shifting focus from fear to potential growth, and the importance of internal work to foster self-trust and confidence.
• The Role of Feedback and External Perceptions: Navigating the waters of feedback, distinguishing between constructive insights and those that fuel self-doubt, and the significance of staying true to one’s authentic self.
• Advice for Younger Selves and Others: A reflective conversation on the messages of worthiness we would impart to our younger selves and the listeners, emphasizing the inherent value in each individual beyond their professional output.

Whether you’re coping with Imposter Syndrome yourself or seeking to support others in their journey, this episode offers a wealth of wisdom, encouragement, and actionable steps to embrace your true potential.

About the episode:

Life insurance is often misunderstood as simply a death benefit, especially for high net worth and ultra-high net worth individuals. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth! Learn the crucial role of life insurance in financial planning in this episode hosted by Kirsten Schlumbohm, Vice President, Head of Annuity Sales at C2P, with guests, Stoyan Petev, CFA, CFP®, CLU, ChFc, Senior Vice President of Advanced Markets at C2P, and Walter C. Young III, national speaker and author.

Listen as they discuss how high-net-worth clients use life insurance for estate planning, business succession, and tax-efficient wealth transfer. Plus, how permanent life insurance provides everyday clients with 10-15 distinct living benefits that can dramatically improve their retirement outcomes.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Life Insurance as an Asset Class: How high-net-worth individuals leverage life insurance for estate planning, business succession, and tax-efficient wealth transfer strategies.
• Estate Equalization Techniques: Using life insurance to create equitable inheritances when family businesses, farms, or real estate are involved.
• Premium Financing: How to leverage wealth to fund insurance premiums while maintaining investment capital elsewhere.
• Living Benefits Analysis: The 10-15 distinct advantages of permanent life insurance beyond the death benefit, including tax advantages, creditor protection, and retirement income optimization.
• Retirement Income Enhancement: How cash value life insurance can help clients move beyond the traditional 4% withdrawal rule to potentially 6-7% with the same risk profile.
• Storytelling Strategies: Effective communication approaches to help clients understand their true insurance needs, including the “UPS truck” scenario and human capital valuation.

Resources:

• Books: The 5th Option: Why Your Retirement Plan Won’t Work the Way You Think It Will by Walter C. Young III
• Tax Management Concepts: The Tax Trilogy
• Training: The Tax Management Journey®

Statistics:

• Ernst & Young and Morningstar studies show having 25-30% of assets in life insurance at retirement can nearly double the probability of financial success

Discover the essential components of successful email marketing for financial advisors from a panel of industry specialists. This discussion, hosted by Matt Seitz, Chief Marketing Officer at C2P, covers everything from crafting compelling subject lines to implementing sophisticated automation strategies that nurture both prospects and clients.

Hear real-world examples and proven strategies that can be implemented immediately from guests, Angel Gonzalez, CMO and co-founder of Snappy Kraken, Kendal Wilde, relationship manager at Snappy Kraken, and Cary Chaitoff, Vice President of Marketing at C2P.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Email Strategy Fundamentals: The six essential components of effective email marketing for financial advisors, including personalization, value-driven content, and compliance considerations.
• Audience Segmentation: How to effectively segment your email lists between prospects and clients to deliver more relevant, engaging content.
• Testing and Optimization: Practical approaches to A/B testing subject lines, email content, and calls-to-action for improved performance.
• Campaign Metrics: Key performance indicators to track, including open rates, click-through rates, and the often-overlooked client retention metrics.
• List Building Strategies: Effective methods for growing your email list through website optimization, events, and proactive outreach.
• Automation Best Practices: How to leverage drip campaigns and marketing automation to nurture leads and deepen client relationships over time.

Resources:

• Email Marketing Platform: Snappy Kraken
• Marketing Agency for C2P Financial Advisors: The Agency at C2P

Statistics:

• Optimistic and positive subject lines consistently achieve higher open rates
• Personalized, segmented campaigns show significantly higher engagement rates than generic broadcasts

About the episode:

Divorce made simple sounds like an oxymoron but it’s possible with financial and emotional guidance. Host Kirsten Schlumbohm welcomes Amy Colton, CEO and founder of Your Divorce Made Simple, to explain how by elaborating on her experiences as a financial advisor specializing in divorce mediation. Amy highlights the importance of addressing emotional, legal, and financial aspects during a divorce and offers insights into her process, which combines financial planning with mediation to create amicable and efficient resolutions. She emphasizes the need for women to be part of the financial conversation and educated about their options, ensuring they have the confidence to make informed decisions.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Amy Colton’s Career Journey: Transitioning from technology and aesthetics to financial advising and divorce mediation.
• Unique Challenges in Divorce: Addressing emotional, legal, and financial aspects for women during divorce.
• Importance of Financial Planning: How financial planning can support women through major life transitions.
• Mediation Process: Combining financial planning with mediation for efficient and amicable divorce resolutions.
• Empowering Women: Ensuring women are educated and confident in their financial decisions during and after divorce.

Tune in to hear Amy’s inspiring story and gain valuable insights on how to support women through significant life changes with effective financial planning.

Resources:

• Your Divorce Made Simple

Are you making the most of your marketing spend? Too often, advisors invest in lead generation without having a solid internal foundation to convert those leads effectively. In this episode, Cary Chaitoff, Vice President of Marketing at C2P, with over 20 years of experience in the wealth management industry, shares his insights on how advisors can maximize their marketing ROI by aligning branding, internal messaging, and lead nurturing with their overall business goals.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Defining Marketing ROI: What return on investment really means for financial advisors beyond revenue.
• Optimizing Internal Processes: Why refining branding, messaging, and lead nurturing is crucial before spending on ads.
• Lead Nurturing Strategies: How to leverage existing prospects and segment audiences for higher conversion rates.
• Marketing Channels Breakdown: The pros and cons of in-person workshops, digital ads, content marketing, and referrals.
• Tracking & Attribution: Understanding the difference between lead source and booking source to measure marketing effectiveness.
• Building a Sustainable Plan: The importance of patience, consistency, and setting realistic expectations for long-term success.

Whether you’re running a solo practice or managing a growing firm, this episode will help you develop a strategic marketing approach that drives real business growth.

Resources:

• Marketing Agency for Financial Advisors: The Agency at C2P

   

• Marketing & Automation Platforms: FMG Suite, Broadridge, Snappy Kraken 

• Website Analytics & Tracking: Google Analytics 

• Advisor Webinar and Seminar Providers: American Financial Education Alliance (AFEA), White Glove 

 Statistics:

• 65% of financial advisors lack a formal lead nurturing strategy
• Advisors who track both lead source and booking source see a higher marketing ROI by optimizing conversion paths. 
• High-net-worth clients are more likely to engage via educational webinars and targeted digital content rather than cold outreach.