In this episode of the Financial Behavior Thought Leaders podcast, Dr. Mary Bell Carlson welcomes Danika Waddell, CFP®, MS, RLP, a human-centered financial life planner known for her unique approach to ongoing client engagement and holistic life planning. Danika Waddell brings her heartfelt story of how she entered the world of financial planning—a journey that began with degrees in math and psychology, winding through career shifts before finding the perfect balance between analytical rigor and values-driven guidance. The conversation dives deep into what it means to go beyond traditional, technical financial advice and truly help clients align their money with their purpose and life changes over time.

Together, Mary and Danika explore why modern financial planning isn’t just about creating beautiful plans or offering technical recommendations. They discuss the crucial “human side” of advising—empowering clients to articulate their deepest values, revisit those goals regularly, and hold themselves accountable to the life they most want to live. Danika Waddell shares real-life stories from her practice, provides a behind-the-scenes look at her keynote speech, and offers simple, actionable shifts any advisor can use to make their client relationships more impactful and lasting. The episode closes with a personal note on living your own values as an advisor—illustrating why authenticity matters when inspiring others to pursue their dreams.

Five Key Takeaways:

1. The Power of Human-Centered Advice:
2. Danika advocates moving “beyond the three questions” of initial client discovery to maintain meaningful engagement throughout a client’s life. She explains that technical expertise is just table stakes: true impact comes from ongoing conversations about clients’ values, goals, and life transitions.
3. From Advisor as Expert to Client as Expert of Their Own Life:
4. Financial professionals are trained to be technical experts, but Danika stresses the importance of shifting the focus—putting the client in the driver's seat as the expert on their own values and priorities. This mindset empowers clients and leads to more authentic, lasting transformation.
5. Why Financial Plans Don’t Get Implemented:
6. Technical plans often sit unused because they aren’t connected to real motivation. Advisors need to revisit clients’ original goals and values regularly, reflecting clients’ own words back to them. This accountability can be a catalyst for clients to make changes, as illustrated by Danika’s moving example of a client re-evaluating his work-life priorities.
7. Adapting in an AI-Driven World:
8. With the rise of AI and automated planning tools, delivering a “standard” financial plan is no longer a differentiator. Danika argues that what will set advisors apart is their ability to integrate deep, ongoing behavioral work—focusing on values, dreams, and emotional support, which technology simply can’t replicate.
9. Simple, Actionable Tools for Any Advisor:
10. No matter where you are in your career, adding just one new human-centered question, tool, or reframing technique can deepen your client relationships. Danika’s keynote and approach are designed to help advisors at every level immediately make their client work more meaningful and effective.

Tune in for insights, practical applications, and inspiration from one of the leading voices on blending technical mastery with the art of human connection in financial planning. Discover how you—and your clients—can create lives aligned with your deepest values, not just your bottom line.

On this episode of Financial Behavior Thought Leaders, host Mary Bell Carlson welcomes the dynamic Deirdre Van Nest, renowned keynote speaker, coach, and storyteller within the financial services industry. The conversation dives deep into Deirdre’s unique journey—overcoming a paralyzing fear of public speaking to become a sought-after speaker who specializes in leveraging emotional intelligence and storytelling for powerful business results.

Through candid anecdotes and practical insights, Deirdre unpacks the principles behind her keynote, “Getting to the Yes Quicker,” sharing tangible strategies and real-life success stories that illustrate how authentic connection leads to trust, likability, and client conversion.

The episode provides a behind-the-scenes look at what makes a keynote speaker truly unforgettable, the challenges and triumphs that shaped Deirdre’s approach, and actionable ways financial professionals can transform their communication, deepen client relationships, and grow their practices. Listen for insights on emotional intelligence, the power of vulnerability, and the impact of personal narrative in business.

Key Takeaways

1. Overcoming Fear Unlocks Growth:
2. Deirdre’s journey began with a vow to avoid public speaking after a humiliating experience in her youth. Her eventual decision to confront that fear—by hiring a speaking coach and facing vulnerability head-on—not only transformed her career, it reignited her passion and enabled her to help others do the same. Her story demonstrates that personal growth starts when we challenge our own limitations, and that authenticity is the foundation of impactful communication.
3. Emotional Intelligence and Human Connection Matter More Than Ever:
4. With rapid advances in technology such as AI, the human elements of financial advising—emotional intelligence, empathy, and connection—are increasingly critical. Deirdre and Mary explore how advisors who excel at building genuine relationships will stand out, as clients value trust and relatability over pure technical expertise.
5. The “Why I Care” Personal Story is a Game-Changer:
6. Sharing a personal "why I care" story can dramatically accelerate trust and likability. Deirdre recounts a pivotal moment when revealing her authentic reason for caring about her audience resulted in immediate credibility—even from skeptical, analytical top producers. This shift marked a turning point in her business and is a replicable strategy for financial professionals: when crafted and delivered well, personal stories lead prospects to say “yes” faster.
7. Practical Success Stories Prove the Power of Storytelling:
8. The episode features compelling examples—from new advisors converting prospects at community events to elite producers boosting their conversion rates from 85–90% to 100%. Deirdre's clients have used intentional storytelling in everything from one-on-one meetings to video introductions, consistently finding that prospects come in ready to work with them, referrals increase, and business grows. Storytelling isn’t just for speeches—it’s a practical tool that works in everyday advisory interactions.
9. Authenticity, Adaptability, and Partnership Are Essential On—and Off—Stage:
10. Beyond speaking skills, Deirdre’s personal journey—including living on a boat and embracing an adaptable lifestyle—mirrors her approach to working with event hosts and teams. She emphasizes flexibility, partnership, and a commitment to making each event extraordinary. Her story offers inspiration for both life and career: embracing change, staying adaptable, and bringing your full self to any endeavor leads to more meaningful impact and memorable experiences.

Whether you’re an advisor, event planner, or someone seeking to strengthen your influence and...

In this inspiring episode, host Mary Bell Carlson welcomes Heather Fortner, CEO of SignatureFD and a featured speaker with Financial Behavior Keynotes Group. Heather Fortner shares the transformative journey of scaling her wealth management firm from $250 million to over $10 billion in assets—all while fiercely preserving the soul and integrity of the organization. You’ll get a front-row seat to Heather’s personal and professional evolution, with candid insights on leadership, courage, and authentic growth.

The conversation opens with Heather Fortner's surprising keynote debut at Schwab Impact, detailing how she learned to practice authenticity on stage and why being true to herself became the cornerstone of her career. She recalls the winding path that brought her to Signature FD, starting as an intern and eventually ascending to CEO, drawing on both her technical expertise and counseling background to bridge the science of finance and the art of people.

Together, Mary Bell Carlson and Heather Fortner explore the real meaning behind “growth without losing soul,” discussing the importance of self-awareness, relational intelligence, and vulnerability in business leadership. The episode features Heather’s raw account of becoming CEO during one of the most challenging periods of her life, along with reflections on fear, courage, and parenting while leading a thriving organization.

Five Key Takeaways:

1. Authenticity is Crucial—On Stage and Off:
2. When Heather Fortner began her public speaking journey, she quickly realized that being authentically herself matters far more than perfect delivery. After tough feedback at her keynote debut, she learned to lean into her true voice and values—an approach she now carries into both her leadership and her talks.
3. Growth Is Both Technical and Human:
4. Heather credits her success to a rare blend of technical financial knowledge and deep empathy developed through her counseling training. True financial leadership, she shares, requires mastering both the “science of finance” and the “art of people,” understanding that every business system is fueled by human relationships.
5. Self-Awareness Fuels Sustainable Success:
6. Scaling an organization without losing its soul demands that leaders—and all team members—cultivate self-awareness and hold firm to core values. Heather believes personal growth and organizational growth are inseparable; when leaders are introspective and grounded, the teams and culture thrive.
7. Courage Means Choosing Action in the Face of Fear:
8. From tackling her first keynote to accepting the CEO role during the uncertainty of the pandemic, Heather describes pivotal moments where she faced fear head-on and chose courage. Her story highlights that it’s not the absence of fear, but the choice to move forward regardless, that defines true growth.
9. Human Connection Outlasts Technology:
10. Despite rapid advances in AI and financial technology, Heather and Mary agree that the hardest—and most rewarding—aspect of financial work is building genuine human connections. Relational skills, empathy, and forgiveness require lifelong practice and are essential in fostering trust, resilience, and personal fulfillment.

Listen to this episode for an honest look at what it takes to scale smart, lead authentically, and nurture both business and personal growth. If you’re seeking a keynote speaker—or simply inspiration from one of the industry’s most genuine voices—discover more about Heather Fortner and the Financial Behavior Keynotes Group at financialbehaviorthoughtleaders.com.

In this episode of Financial Behavior Thought Leaders, host Dr. Mary Bell Carlson welcomes the multi-talented Andi Wrenn, AFC®, MQFP®—an exclusive speaker with the Financial Behavior Keynote Group. With over two decades of experience, Andi is an Accredited Financial Counselor, military-qualified financial planner, award-winning educator, mentor, and passionate advocate for financial well-being. Renowned for her creative approach and dedication to empowering both professionals and clients, Andi joins Mary to discuss her journey from the gymnastics floor to financial counseling, the evolution of her train-the-trainer ethos, and most notably, her acclaimed book study programs that have reshaped professional education in the financial services field.

Throughout the episode, Mary and Andi explore what led Andi to a career on stage, her unique blend of real-world client work and professional development, and how she continually reinvents her offerings to support the next generation of financial advisors. Andi dives deep into the genesis and lasting impact of her award-winning book study programs, which turn passive reading into powerful, actionable dialogue. Listeners gain an inside look at how these programs engage professionals across disciplines, foster meaningful peer interaction, and bring behavioral finance concepts to life—whether virtually, in-person, or at large conferences. The episode wraps with a peek at Andi’s creative flair, her passion for crafting (including her famous “money” outfits!), and her approachable, pay-it-forward persona that makes her a standout speaker and mentor.

Key Takeaways:

1. Book Studies that Transform Learning into Action: Andi’s book study programs go beyond traditional reading. By breaking books into manageable chunks and incorporating small-group discussions, they foster deep engagement, real-world application, and peer-to-peer learning. Participants don’t just “read” key behavioral finance books—they apply the insights directly to client work and personal growth, making each session meaningful and memorable.
2. Bridging Certification Gaps for Financial Professionals: Recognizing a crucial need, Andi’s experience hour programs serve aspiring Accredited Financial Counselors (AFCs), CFPs, financial therapists, and coaches who lack supervisor access or client-facing practice. Through mock and live counseling sessions, group feedback, and skill-building presentations, she helps bridge the gap between technical knowledge and confident, real-world application—building trust, empathy, and effective communication skills.
3. The Power of Community and Peer Learning: Community is at the heart of Andi’s approach. Her book studies and training programs intentionally foster connections among professionals from diverse backgrounds, creating safe spaces for everyone—from newcomers to seasoned experts—to share stories, perspectives, and best practices. The result is a supportive, dynamic network that continues to pay dividends long after the sessions end.
4. Behavioral Finance and Psychology Drive Client Success: Andi’s programs heavily emphasize the psychological and behavioral aspects of personal finance. By curating books like Nudge, Atomic Habits, and The Psychology of Money, and by prioritizing practical behavioral techniques, she equips advisors and coaches to help clients overcome shame, fear, and inertia—turning insight into sustainable financial change.
5. Creative, Approachable, and Iconically Memorable: Beyond her professional credentials, Andi’s personality—fun-loving, approachable, and endlessly creative—brings her teachings to life. Her handmade “money” outfits spark conversation, her hands-on crafting skills create unforgettable moments, and her “go with the flow” attitude ensures that every audience, whether at a...

Welcome back to Financial Behavior Thought Leaders! In this compelling episode, host Dr. Mary Bell Carlson sits down with Lazetta Rainey Braxton, renowned financial planner, keynote speaker, and one of the exclusive voices of the Financial Behavior Keynote Group. Lazetta is widely recognized for her leadership in advancing cultural competency, inclusion, and equity within the financial services industry. Together, Mary and Lazetta dig deep into the critical topic of “How to Stay Relevant in an Increasingly Diverse Environment,” examining why cultural awareness and inclusion are no longer just buzzwords, but essential skills for advisors, event planners, and all financial professionals.

Lazetta shares her personal journey from speaking in church as a child, to evolving into a leader and influential speaker in financial services. She opens up about how her lived experience as a Black woman in America, combined with her commitment to empowering others to use their voices, informs her work and perspective on diversity in finance. The conversation navigates the changing demographic landscape in the United States, the impact of identity on client relationships, and practical strategies for expanding cultural knowledge and fostering inclusion.

Whether you’re a financial advisor seeking to better serve a diverse client base, an event planner searching for dynamic speakers, or simply passionate about meaningful change in financial services, this episode offers both inspiration and actionable guidance. Listen in for a frank, heartfelt, and empowering discussion about relevance, representation, and resilience in the evolving world of finance.

Key Takeaways:

1. Cultural Competency Is Essential for Relevance
2. Lazetta emphasizes that as U.S. demographics continue to change—becoming a “racial mosaic” by 2050—advisors must actively grow their cultural competency to remain relevant and serve new generations of clients. Understanding the lived experiences, values, and identities of clients from underrepresented backgrounds allows for more authentic, effective engagement.
3. Self-Education and Vulnerability Are Critical Steps
4. Genuine inclusion isn’t just about good intentions—it requires intentional learning and vulnerability. Lazetta shares her own efforts to educate herself through books, movies, and diversity training (including resources targeted at different racial and social groups), underscoring the importance of continuous self-improvement in this area.
5. Inclusion Begins with Doing the Inner Work
6. To create inclusive environments, advisors and leaders must first address their own biases, emotional responses, and comfort zones. Lazetta advocates for personal reflection, therapy, and a willingness to sit with discomfort as precursors to truly inclusive, empathetic client relationships.
7. Authenticity and Clear Communication Matter
8. Rather than falsely advertising inclusivity, Lazetta encourages advisors to be honest about whom they serve best, while continually working to broaden their competence. She also highlights the necessity of creating space for clients and colleagues to express emotion and different perspectives—even those that may feel uncomfortable.
9. Forgiveness, Flexibility, and Ongoing Practice for Growth
10. Perfection is not expected—progress is. The episode explores the importance of practicing new behaviors, like correctly using pronouns, and being open to correction, feedback, and forgiveness. This flexibility not only builds trust but models the growth mindset needed to adapt in a rapidly diversifying field.

Connect with Lazetta Braxton and Learn More

If you’re interested in deepening your understanding of cultural competency, building inclusive leadership, or booking Lazetta for your next...

On this episode of Financial Behavior Thought Leaders, host Dr. Mary Bell Carlson welcomes Jonathan Ainsley, a renowned keynote speaker with over 40 years of experience in the financial services industry. Jonathan is known for his transformative approach to financial planning, inviting both advisors and their clients to reimagine what it means to age, connect with technology, and deepen our relationships with ourselves and others. This episode goes behind the scenes of Jonathan’s unique perspective, unpacking his signature framework—the “three revolutions”: flourishing longevity, technology’s disruptive power, and the shifting landscape of relationships.

Mary and Jonathan begin with his personal journey, tracing his fascinating career path from bond broking and day trading featured in the Wall Street Journal to deep expertise in practice management at top firms like SunTrust, Schwab, and Merrill Lynch. Jonathan shares how his own discomfort with public speaking transformed into a passion for inspiring audiences, particularly around the profound societal shift from traditional retirement models to longevity planning. Mary and Jonathan delve deeply into how longevity, in both mindset and practical terms, is changing financial services—and why financial advisors must evolve to meaningfully guide clients across decades, not just dollars.

They discuss the growing need for financial professionals to go beyond numbers and embrace a holistic, human-centered approach. By weaving together stories from his workshops and keynotes, Jonathan illustrates how both advisors and clients have been profoundly changed when encouraged to think expansively about their futures. The conversation also explores the challenges—and opportunities—presented by AI and rapidly advancing technology, as well as the essential inner work advisors must undertake to serve clients fully.

Five Key Takeaways:

1. Longevity Planning is the New Frontier - Jonathan urges advisors to transcend the outdated retirement model and embrace “longevity planning.” With people living longer, more vibrant lives, he believes the industry must shift from simply ensuring clients don’t outlive their money to helping them thrive for up to four additional decades. This means encouraging clients to envision what living well across a 40-year “bonus round” could truly look like—and aligning financial, health, and personal goals accordingly.
2. The Power and Disruption of Technology - AI and technology are not just tools—they’re revolutionizing the advisor role. Jonathan emphasizes that while AI can take over knowledge and analytical tasks, the irreplaceable value advisors bring is wisdom, empathy, and the human touch. Advisors must focus on building trust, facilitating change, and supporting clients through emotional and psychological transitions, not just monetary ones.
3. Flourishing Longevity is Holistic - True flourishing in later life is about much more than financial metrics. Jonathan’s work recognizes the critical importance of metabolic health, mindset, purpose, community, and financial fitness—what he calls the six pillars of flourishing longevity. Programs and tools like his Flourishing Longevity Scorecard and the “InvestinU” platform help clients and advisors holistically assess where they are and create actionable strategies for growth in all areas of life.
4. Relationships and Inner Work Drive Fulfillment - One of Jonathan’s most powerful insights is that the third “revolution” is relational—both our connections with others and with ourselves. As the nature of career and life stages evolves, fulfillment becomes a central goal. Advisors must address not just client portfolios, but also purpose, resilience, community, and helping clients navigate personal transitions. Importantly, this requires advisors to do inner work themselves: addressing their...

Welcome back to Financial Behavior Thought Leaders, the podcast that takes you behind the scenes with the brightest minds in financial services. I’m your host, Dr. Mary Bell Carlson, and in this episode, we’re diving deep into the realities of retirement with special guest Dan Haylett—retirement well-being guide and pioneer, author of The Retirement You Didn’t See Coming, and host of the Humans vs Retirement podcast.

Dan joins us to flip the script on what life after work really looks like. We explore why retirement is more of a human challenge than a math problem, and why nailing down your numbers is only the beginning. Dan shares insightful stories, the journey behind his book, and how his simple yet powerful sketches help clients and advisors alike navigate the unpredictable side of retirement. We’ll also uncover the moments that catch retirees off guard—like those quiet Tuesday mornings—and why focusing on purpose, identity, and well-being is just as essential as financial planning.

Whether you’re a financial advisor, event planner, or someone approaching retirement, this episode is packed with practical wisdom, a bit of humor, and hard truths to help you or your clients thrive beyond the spreadsheets. Get ready to be inspired, and don’t forget to share this conversation with anyone looking to make the most of life after work.

1. Retirement is More Human Than Mathematical: Dan underscores that, while financial planning is crucial, true fulfillment in retirement comes from addressing human needs—purpose, identity, and connection. Without engaging these deeper issues, even the best financial plan will fall short.

2. Mastering Transitions Requires Preparation Beyond the Numbers: Many retirees are blindsided by the emotional and psychological adjustments that come after leaving work. Dan’s keynote and book reveal that the “retirement you didn’t see coming” is often the one in which there is no plan for life’s structure and meaning after the initial honeymoon period fades.

3. The Power of Visual Storytelling: Dan’s use of hand-drawn sketches, inspired by Carl Richards, helps demystify complex retirement transitions and puts clients at ease. Visuals become a bridge to difficult conversations and allow clients to see their situations from new, accessible perspectives.

4. Advisors Hold Unmatched Privilege and Responsibility: Financial professionals are in a unique position to shape the retirement experience. Dan believes that by asking powerful questions, allowing for silence, and embracing deeper conversations about values and aspirations, advisors can make a far greater impact than simply optimizing spreadsheets.

5. Freedom Without Structure Can Be Overwhelming: Dan points out that while the concept of freedom appeals to many, unstructured time in retirement can lead to paralysis rather than happiness. The best retirements belong to those who proactively design a life filled with purpose, connection, and meaningful activities—not just financial security.

Don’t forget to check out Dan’s book, The Retirement You Didn’t See Coming, and learn more about his keynote at FinancialBehaviorThoughtLeaders.com. And for more candid discussions on retirement, tune in to Dan’s Humans vs Retirement podcast.

In this episode of Financial Behavior Thought Leaders, host Dr. Mary Bell Carlson welcomes Erika Wasserman, certified financial therapist, keynote speaker, and now the author of the soon-to-be-released "Conversations with Your Financial Therapist." Erika’s reputation for turning taboo money topics into empowering, approachable conversations takes center stage in this candid interview. Together, Mary and Erika dig into the emotional landscape of money, the journey that brought Erika from sipping rosé abroad to gracing stages around the globe, and how her unique tools are rewiring how leaders, advisors, and everyday people talk about money.

She and Mary discuss her speaking journey–starting with chance meetings and pandemic pivots–and the wild ride that’s led Erika to present for clients like Warner Music and Discovery Channel and rub elbows (backstage!) with Barbara Corcoran. Erika shares behind-the-scenes wisdom on her keynote talks, including her crowd-favorite "Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is," and discusses the transformative potential of her new book and conversation cards for making real money talk accessible to everyone.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Power of Invitation and Saying Yes: Erika’s career trajectory is a testament to openness and responding to invitations both personal and professional. Opportunities like writing her book and speaking on global stages didn’t come from ambitious self-promotion but from embracing invitations as signals she was “ready.” This mindset has fueled her dynamic, authentic approach to growth and opportunity, encouraging listeners to be receptive and present to what comes their way.
2. Making Money Conversations Comfortable: A core theme in Erika’s message is that the setting and tone matter deeply when talking about finances. Whether at home or in a financial advisor’s office, making these conversations comfortable and choosing the right time and place can set the stage for honest, productive dialogue. Erika’s "Money Mindset Method," with actionable steps starting from "Make the Conversation Comfortable," helps demystify how to initiate tough talks and break persistent taboos around money.
3. Why Mindset and Language Matter in Finance: Erika’s keynote ("Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is") explores how our words and underlying beliefs shape financial outcomes. Our attitudes about money, often inherited from family, culture, or past experience, direct our financial actions. Becoming more aware of the stories we tell ourselves and others (and learning to reframe them) empowers financial professionals and clients alike to unlock greater confidence and possibility.
4. Practical, Actionable Tools for Advisors and Clients: From her five-step framework to her innovative conversation card decks, Erika focuses on practical, repeatable tools that make tough topics easier to navigate. Financial advisors, in particular, can use these tools to gain deeper insight into their clients’ mindsets, foster trust, and create more meaningful engagement whether that’s through storytelling cards or shifting everyday language about finances.
5. The Importance of Authenticity and Simplicity: Erika’s success, both as a speaker and author, stems from keeping things simple, authentic, and actionable resources designed not for abstract theory but for people’s real lives. Her insights are deeply informed by her lived experience as a single mom and entrepreneur, declaring that if advice isn’t simple and practical, she won’t use it. This philosophy shapes both her book and her approach to client work, ensuring everything she shares is genuinely useful.

Whether you’re a financial advisor seeking better client conversations, an event planner in search of an engaging keynote, or just eager to improve your own relationship with money, this episode is packed with...