Legacy is the defining work of a great wealth advisor. Robert Balentine, CEO of Balentine, has spent decades building a firm rooted in values-based advising and multigenerational planning. He joins Alex Kirby to discuss what separates advisors who become trusted family institutions from those who get replaced when the next generation inherits.

Some names in wealth management are respected. A few are legendary. Robert Balentine is one of them. If you’ve spent time in the ultra-high-net-worth world, you know the Balentine name and the influence the firm has had on how families think about wealth, values, and legacy.

In this episode of Visionary Advisor, Alex Kirby sits down with Robert to explore the lessons inside First Generation Wealth and Balentine’s Family & Legacy Guide — including why legacy is a continuum, why empathy is essential, and why rising-generation perspective matters more than ever.

With more than 35 years of experience, Robert shares how families can communicate better, avoid “weaponizing money,” and build alignment across the household. He also explains why advisors must lead by example and why failing to engage both spouses puts the entire relationship at risk.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why legacy is a continuum, modeled through small, intentional actions over time
• Why wealth does not equal legacy — and what actually endures across generations
• Why early, ongoing communication far outperforms end-of-life planning alone
• How empathy, vulnerability, and perspective shape healthier family conversations
• Why alignment between spouses is the cornerstone of lasting multigenerational success

Notable Quotes from Robert Balentine

“Most ultra-high-net-worth investors are worried about things much deeper than money. They’re worried about their legacy.”

“Our happiest clients think about legacy early and communicate it often.”

“Family advising is sacred work.”

“You keep your children closer by giving them space.”

Resources

• Book: First Generation Wealth (https://www.firstgenerationwealth.com)
• Guide: Family & Legacy Guide (https://www.balentine.com/legacy)
• Firm: Balentine (https://www.balentine.com/)
• LinkedIn: Robert Balentine (https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-balentine-8695521a/)

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