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In this episode of In the Suite, host Tina Powell sits down with Marla Sofer, fintech founder and visionary behind Knomee, the AI-powered behavioral finance platform helping advisors uncover their clients’ financial identity.

With 25+ years across JP Morgan, BlackRock, and Lending Club, Marla shares how she turned industry experience into innovation — building technology that connects advisors and clients at the human level.

We explore:

• The birth of “financial identity” and what it means for personalization in wealth
• How AI enhances trust, empathy, and client connection
• The vulnerability gap in women’s wealth conversations
• How to build women’s networks inside financial firms
• The transformative power of imagining your “future self”

Resources Mentioned:

• Knomee Website
• Knowing Me Knowing You Podcast
• Knomee Wealth Leadership Roundtables
• Hidden Brain Podcast
  
  

⏱ Chapter Markers:
00:00 – Welcome + Why Marla’s story matters
01:08 – From JP Morgan & BlackRock to founding Knomee
04:29 – What Knomee is and who it’s for
09:00 – Behavioral finance and risk redefined
13:24 – The idea behind “financial identity”
17:35 – How often clients should re-engage with Knomee
21:43 – The role of AI in creating connection
26:26 – The vulnerability gap for women and wealth
33:03 – Building women’s networks inside firms
36:26 – How to start a women’s initiative that lasts
39:15 – Advice for women aiming for the C-suite
43:06 – Launching the “Knowing Me, Knowing You” podcast
46:45 – Nomi at Future Proof and Wealth Leadership Roundtables
48:47 – Best health + wellness tip: find your posse

🤩 Thanks for listening, we appreciate your support and 5-star reviews of our show!!!

❤️ Please follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/inthesuitepod/

📧 Want to get in touch? Email me at tina@growintentionally.com

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In this episode of In The Suite, I’m joined by Carina Diamond, CEO of GFP Private Wealth. Carina shares how she’s honoring the pioneering legacy of Sally Gries while boldly steering the firm into the future. From the power of rebranding to harnessing AI and building next-gen talent pipelines, Carina is a masterclass in leadership reinvention.

We talk about:

• Why rebranding matters more than most firms admit
• How to lead boldly without abandoning legacy
• Why Carina believes AI is “here now” (not “coming”)
• The importance of shaking things up—personally and professionally
• The underestimated power of awards, speaking, and visibility
  
  

Resources Mentioned

• GFP Private Wealth: https://gfpprivatewealth.com
• Broadridge AIF Program: https://www.broadridge.com/advisor/aif-designation-training
• Coursera Google AI Certification: Link
• Diversitas at The University of Akron: https://www.diversitasfp.org
  
  

⏱ Chapter Markers

• 00:00 – Welcome & why this conversation was years in the making
• 01:30 – The legacy of Sally Gries and GFP’s rebrand
• 07:00 – From Chief Growth Officer to CEO in five months
• 11:20 – Why AI isn’t the future—it’s the present
• 16:20 – Building young, innovative teams
• 22:00 – Confidence, certifications, and the power of visibility
• 26:30 – Founding Stella Segunda Partners & career reinvention
• 29:50 – Flourish Women & Wealth: pioneering women’s financial education
• 31:50 – The influence of Carina’s mother and her legacy
• 34:30 – Upcoming events & what’s next for GFP
• 37:40 – Health and wellness tip: the power of changing things up

👉 Ready to be inspired? Listen now and take notes. This conversation may just spark the change you’ve been putting off.

🤩 Thanks for listening, we appreciate your support and 5-star reviews of our show!!!

❤️ Please follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/inthesuitepod/

📧 Want to get in touch? Email me at tina@growintentionally.com

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Today, I’m thrilled to welcome a powerhouse in fintech and leadership In The Suite: Gene Farrell, President and CEO of Vanilla.

If you think estate planning is confusing, costly, or only for the ultra-wealthy—this episode is going to flip that belief on its head. Gene joins us to talk about how Vanilla is on a mission to reimagine and radically simplify estate planning, making it accessible, human, and empowering for advisors and families alike.

This conversation is especially meaningful to me. As someone navigating a personal health journey, I’ve come to understand just how vital it is to plan ahead—not just for ourselves, but for the people we love. It’s not just paperwork. It’s peace of mind. And Vanilla is making that possible.

Founded in 2019 by renowned entrepreneur and financial advisor Steve Lockshin, Vanilla was born out of a deep understanding of the wealth management space—and a bold vision to modernize how legacy planning gets done. Backed by leaders like Michael Jordan and Bill McNabb, Vanilla is transforming an industry that has long been overdue for innovation.

In today’s episode, Gene brings both personal passion and professional fire. We talk about everything—from the heartbreaking family experience that fuels his drive at Vanilla, to his journey through giants like Coca-Cola, Amazon, and Smartsheet. Yes, he’s the brains behind Coca-Cola Freestyle—you know, that magical machine that lets you mix over 100 drink combinations? Yeah, that was Gene.

But this episode goes deeper. We dive into how Vanilla is transforming the advisor-client relationship through intelligent estate planning tools—using AI, intuitive design, and real human connection. You’ll hear about the myth of "estate planning is only for the rich,” why 92% of clients want their advisor’s help—but only 23% get it—and what you can do about it.

Plus, we explore the power of legacy, leadership, and living with intention.

So whether you're a fintech founder, financial advisor, or someone navigating your own life planning journey—this episode is packed with wisdom, innovation, and inspiration.

Get ready for an unforgettable conversation with one of the most purpose-driven leaders in fintech—right here, In The Suite.

Books Referenced:

• First, Break All the Rules by Marcus Buckingham and the Gallup Organization
• Now, Discover Your Strengths by Marcus Buckingham
• Younger Next Year by Chris Crowley & Henry Lodge
• Toughness Training for Life by James E. Loehr
• Toughness Training for Sport by James E. Loehr

Websites & Tools:

• Vanilla
• Download the 2025 State of Estate Planning Report

🤩 Thanks for listening, we appreciate your support and 5-star reviews of our show!!!

❤️ Please follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/inthesuitepod/

📧 Want to get in touch? Email me at tina@growintentionally.com