Great Aspirations
Welcome to Great Aspirations, Wealthspire Advisors' podcast series on life, wellness, and financial advice. Hosted by the CEO of Wealthspire Advisors, Michael LaMena, each episode shares the experiences of extraordinary people whose stories inspire others to think big, find balance, and explore the possibilities of achieving health, wealth, and happiness. Season 1 highlights game changers in financial services - women who have elevated the industry through their extraordinary achievements.
Episodes
21 episodes
Dreams Achieved: Caroline Gaynor's Lessons from Guiding Visually Impaired Athletes
In this episode, Mike LaMena speaks to Caroline Gaynor, vice president, relationship director and investment specialist at Avantis Investors®. Prior to joining Avantis Investors, Caroline served as a regional director at Dimensional Fund Adviso...
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Season 3
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Episode 6
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19:21
Life in Full Bloom: Jim McCann’s Impact and Legacy on Modern Business and Philanthropy
In this episode, Mike LaMena speaks to Jim McCann, entrepreneur, philanthropist, public speaker and published author. Jim is the Founder of 1-800 Flowers, a world-renowned floral and food gift retailer based in Long Island, NY. He also serves a...
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Season 3
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Episode 5
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56:35
A Wish Fulfilled: Matthieu Pavon’s Journey to the Masters
In this episode, Mike LaMena speaks to French professional golfer, Matthieu Pavon, who plays on the PGA Tour and the European Tour. Matthieu turned professional in 2014 and won on the Alps Tour in that year and again in 2015. Over the course of...
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Season 3
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Episode 4
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30:33
The Highest Peak: A Band of Brothers’ Pursuit of Fellowship, Fundraising and Fun
In this episode, Mike LaMena speaks to Alden Mills, Brett Bush and Chip Pyfer on their enduring friendship and their shared passion for mountain climbing and giving back to their communities. Alden Mills is a renowned motivational speak...
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37:14
Empowered: Mike James’ Inspiring Journey to Leadership and Philanthropy
In this episode, Mike LaMena speaks to Mike James, Executive Vice President and Chief Sales Officer at NFP. Mike is responsible for driving the strategic direction of NFP’s sales organization and also plays an active role in the company’s diver...
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Season 3
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Episode 2
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36:02
Life in Abstract: Abbott Stillman’s Inspiring Journey from Real Estate to Art
In the Season 3 opening episode, Mike LaMena talks to Abbott Stillman, real estate developer, venture investor and artist based in New York City. Wealthspire did not receive direct or indirect compensation from the authors rela...
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Season 3
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Episode 1
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44:48
Health and Wealth: How two sisters combined forces to help women take charge of their lives
In this episode, Mike LaMena talks to the "Health and Wealth Sisters," Amanda Campbell, a financial advisor, and Michelle Riley, a Certified Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach, on how they work together to help women take charge of their live...
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Season 2
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Episode 7
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38:01
Building a Village: Mike Delgass and Christine Lai on Supporting the Special Needs Community
In this episode, Mike LaMena speaks to Mike Delgass, Wealthspire Managing Director and Advisor, and Christine Lai, cofounder and Executive Director of Special Education Legal Fund (S.E.L.F.), a nonprofit organization in Connecticut dedica...
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Season 2
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Episode 6
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38:33
Value Beyond Investing: How Bento Engine helps client-centric Advisors deepen existing relationships
In this episode of Great Aspirations, Mike LaMena speaks to Philipp Hecker, CEO of Bento Engine, an award-winning FinTech platform that combines technology and wealth management advice. Wealthspire Advisors ("Wealths...
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Season 2
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Episode 5
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34:10
Planning for Life’s Next Chapter: How Cobi Blumenfeld-Gantz helped simplify Medicare for clients and advisors
In our second season, we’re highlighting the people behind the innovative ideas and concepts that continue to level up our industry through elevating the client experience. Episode 4 features Cobi Blumenfeld-Gantz, the co-Founder an...
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Season 2
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Episode 4
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26:31
Closing the Gap: How Trevor Rozier-Byrd is bridging the racial wealth gap through investment app, Stackwell
In our second season, we’re highlighting the people behind the innovative ideas and concepts that continue to level up our industry through elevating the client experience. Episode 3 features an interview with Trevor Rozier-Byrd, th...
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Season 2
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Episode 3
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43:20
The New Skool Approach: How FiComm modernized marketing and helped advisors strengthen client relationships
Welcome to Season 2 of Wealthspire Advisor’s podcast, Great Aspirations. This season, we’re highlighting the people behind the innovative ideas and concepts that continue to level up our industry through elevating the client experience.
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Season 2
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Episode 2
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38:48
The Business of Experience: How Dennis Moseley-Williams helps financial organizations create transformative experiences for clients.
Welcome to Season 2 of Wealthspire Advisor’s podcast, Great Aspirations. This season, we’re highlighting the people behind the innovative ideas and concepts that continue to level up our industry through elevating the client experience.
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Season 2
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Episode 1
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39:41
Teaching Finance: Rachel Haberman’s journey from English teacher to Aspiring Financial Advisor
Rachel Haberman is a senior advisor associate in the firm’s Madison, WI office, providing advisors and clients with an enhanced level of support in all aspects of service from assisting with portfolio management and construction to building fin...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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23:43
Designing Success: Channing Olson’s path to RIA leadership through operational excellence
Channing has long been an outspoken advocate for the RIA industry, helping to establish the standard for operational efficiency within tech, communications, marketing and facilities. She is a graduate of Leadership San Francisco and the G2 Lead...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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29:46
Redefining C-Suite: Donna Levy’s Journey to Advisory and Investment Leadership
Financial Advisor, Donna Levy, is a powerhouse. With over 3+ decades serving clients, specializing in creating comprehensive financial and investment strategies that integrate investment, insurance, retirement, tax management, and estate ...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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34:47
From IBM VP to Advisor: How Stephanie Carmel shifted gears to pursue her passion of becoming an advisor.
After a successful career at IBM Corporation, holding leadership positions in sales and sales operations, Stephanie Carmel had an "aha" moment about her professional journey. A leader at the company had asked her where she wanted to be in 10 ye...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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32:14
Leadership Redefined: Michele Walthert’s journey from financial advisor to RIA leadership
Michele Walthert grew up in Switzerland. When her father suggested she "broaden her horizons" and go to college in the US, she moved to the States, got a crash course in the language from daytime talk shows, and ultimately graduated with a full...
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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34:24
Tech Savvy: How Alia Wagenhoffer shifted gears from being a financial advisor to leading fintech.
Alia Wagenhoffer started her career in the industry as a financial advisor, serving clients for five years before having an "aha" moment. She was passionate about client service and finance, but also had an interest in technology - something sh...
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Season 1
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Episode 3
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22:17
Words of Wisdom: How financial reporter Anora Gaudiano shifted careers to become a financial advisor
Growing up in Uzbekistan, Anora Gaudiano learned at a young age the importance of budgeting, saving, and planning. She came to the U.S. as a college student, motivated to help others live meaningful lives through education and information. Anor...
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Season 1
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Episode 2
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28:49
From Hollywood to High Net Worth: How Heather Flanagan is helping redefine family office services in the RIA Industry
Everyone’s journey to financial services is unique, and Heather Flanagan’s is no different. Currently the Head of Family Office Services at Wealthspire Advisors, she oversees the firm’s enhanced family office service platform as well as trust a...
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35:23