Yesterday I had the privilege of attending the Assistive Technology Conference of New England, put on by TechACCESS of Rhode Island. It was a great event that brought together professionals and companies that are trying to improve accessibility through technology for those with ranges of physical and intellectual challenges. Walking around, looking at the exhibits, and talking with people, I was continuously impressed by the innovation and dedication around me.

I would say it was “inspiring” but not in the way that one might usually think. The word “inspiring” can have a negative connotation in this world because it puts people with such challenges on a pedestal, as if their job is to be inspiring, or all they are is their disability, or makes people with these challenges a spectacle. Having a child who is intellectually and developmentally disabled, I totally get that argument.

When I say “inspiring”, I am referring to the people who are working and creating products in this space. It is inspiring for me to see professionals dedicate their work to improve and enhance the lives of others, no matter who that population is. That is very cool, and inspirational. No matter what job we are doing, we should be thinking of ways that we can improve the lives and experiences of others. That is what experience design and this podcast is all about: showcasing the work of those who are trying to apply their time, knowledge, and creativity to improving experiences and lives in ways large and small.

One of the things I need to do more of is highlight people who are working in the world of accessible technology. So stay tuned for that!

And my guest today on Experience by Design is doing the work to improve people’s lives as well in his own way. Like many guests on ExD, Chad Hufford of Veritas Wealth Management in Anchorage, Alaska is a behavioral scientist at heart, fascinated with what makes people act the way they do and what can be done to get them to make changes. He has applied this interest in the work he does as a financial planner.

He does this up in Alaska, focusing his efforts on those who are working in those uniquely blue-collar Alaskan jobs where high risk can come with good pay. His goal is to help them make the best decisions possible with what they earn, but also help to create cultural and behavioral change in his clients. Part of this is to get people to not just think, but to act. His new book “Forging Financial Freedom: Constructing Blue-Collar Millionaires with Seven Wealth Building Lessons Extracted from the Alaska Oilfield”, lays out his experiences and lessons from doing this work.

We talk about Chad’s fascination with fitness, and how that led him to be interested in medical school. Biochemistry taught him a lot about problem solving and complex interactions within systems. The same can be said for the financial world, where a lot is beyond your control. Despite that, you can control how you act and what your vision of your future is.

We also talk about unique aspects of Alaskan culture, overcoming complexity in financial decision making, how to build trust in financial planning, and making for better financial literacy and experiences. He emphasizes the importance of emotional connection and empathy in financial advising, and why friction is required to allow for thoughtful consideration. We explore how AI and technology can reduce friction in financial transactions but should not replace human empathy.

Chad Hufford: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-hufford-066208100/

Forging Financial Freedom: https://www.forgingfinancialfreedom.com/single

Veritas Wealth Management: https://www.veritasalaska.com/