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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

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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.

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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!!!

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Today, I’m thrilled to welcome two powerhouse leaders in financial services and events: Dan Rubinetti and Shannon Rosic of Informa. If you’ve spent any time in the wealth management industry, you know their names are synonymous with top-tier industry conferences, innovative programming, and—most importantly—community building.

Dan Rubinetti, who helped launch Edge just four years ago, has been a driving force in transforming WealthManagement.com’s approach to advisor-centric events. He’s championed the creation of best-in-class experiences that focus on peer-to-peer learning, actionable content, and technology-driven solutions for RIAs and senior leaders. With a keen eye for what resonates in the industry, Dan has played a pivotal role in building Edge’s reputation as one of the can’t-miss events on the annual calendar—now moving to the breathtaking Boca Raton Resort in June!

Alongside Dan is Shannon Rosic, a tech-savvy leader and respected industry voice, known for curating wildly successful educational tracks and superstar speaker lineups. Shannon’s ability to translate feedback from advisors and sponsors into real, tangible improvements is the secret sauce behind Edge’s “choose your own adventure” conference model. Whether you’re into investments, tech demos, or RIA practice management, Shannon ensures there’s something for everyone.

But that’s just the beginning.

In today’s episode, we dive behind the scenes of Edge’s evolution—how attendee-driven feedback, bold new partnerships, and a relentless focus on community have set a new standard for industry events. We talk about the future of advisor learning, the importance of next-gen mentorship, and the rise of women in wealth management. You’ll also hear about exciting new features: roundtables, allocate meetings with AI-powered connections, and keynote speakers who embody leadership and resilience—including former NFL quarterback Alex Smith.

Plus, Dan and Shannon share candid tips on thriving in high-stress environments, the power of collaboration, and how Informa is opening doors for advisors of all backgrounds to find their tribe, invest in their growth, and shape the industry’s future.

Get ready for a high-energy, insightful, and heartfelt conversation with two of wealth management’s most innovative event leaders—right here, In The Suite.

🔗 Links & Resources
Dan Rubinetti LinkedIn
Shannon Rosic LinkedIn
Wealth Management EDGE - June 10 - 12, 2025 in Boca Raton, FL

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

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Today, I’m thrilled to welcome Vickie Lewin, Chief Growth Officer at Amplify, a fast-growing wealthtech platform purpose-built to simplify operations and accelerate growth for wealth management firms. Amplify’s unified, all-in-one technology is helping RIAs and enterprises streamline their tech stacks, reduce inefficiencies, and scale smarter—all while focusing on what matters most: serving clients.

Since joining Amplify, Vickie has been instrumental in driving the firm’s strategic direction, overseeing a high-performing team of sales and marketing professionals, and bringing Amplify’s value proposition to life across the industry. She’s a dynamic leader whose impact can be seen in every corner of the organization—from product development to market expansion.

Before Amplify, Vickie served as Senior Vice President and Chief Success Officer at AssetMark, where she played a critical role in the company’s meteoric rise from a $1 billion TAMP to a $100+ billion industry giant. With more than 30 years of experience spanning financial services, fintech, and asset management, Vickie brings a unique blend of insight, innovation, and execution to everything she does​.

But that’s just the beginning.

In today’s episode, we explore Vickie’s journey from her early days in the industry to her current role helping firms future-proof their businesses through smart, scalable technology. We talk about the forces shaping the future of wealthtech, what advisors can do to stay competitive, and how to navigate growth during times of rapid change and consolidation. Vickie also shares powerful reflections on leadership, mentorship, and what it really takes to succeed in today’s evolving financial landscape—especially as a woman in the C-suite.

Get ready for a thoughtful, empowering, and forward-looking conversation with one of fintech’s most respected voices—right here, In The Suite.

🎧 In this episode, you’ll hear:

• The vision behind Amplify and how it’s redefining operations for wealth management firms
• Key lessons from helping scale one of the largest TAMPs in the country
• Vickie’s insights on the future of wealthtech—from AI to advisor enablement
• Advice for breakaway advisors navigating independence and fee compression
• Her perspective on RIA consolidation and how technology can be a powerful differentiator
• Real talk on advancing women in finance and the importance of mentorship and leadership
  
  

🔗 Links & Resources

• Vickie Lewin on LinkedIn
• Amplify Website
• Amplify on LinkedIn
• In The Suite on Apple
• In The Suite on Spotify
• Host Tina Powell on LinkedIn

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

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

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In this debut episode of the Don’t Do That podcast, host Kelly Waltrich—CEO and Co-Founder of Intention.ly—sits down with her friend, partner, and colleague Tina Powell for a candid, behind-the-scenes conversation about building businesses, leading with heart, and the hard-won lessons that fuel long-term growth.

Kelly shares how her unconventional path—from selling to her grandmother as a kid to running marketing at two of fintech’s fastest-growing firms—shaped her vision for Intention.ly. She opens up about why she launched this podcast, what it means to be a founder, and how she's challenging the traditional agency model by delivering strategy-first, results-driven marketing solutions that actually move the needle.

Together, Kelly and Tina explore the evolving role of CMOs, the power of team culture, and what it takes to grow in an industry that’s always changing. From the launch of Advisor Brand Builder to her personal “Do Not” list that’s guided every career move, Kelly gets real about what it takes to build something meaningful—and what to walk away from when it no longer serves you.

🎧 Tune in for an honest, high-impact conversation about growth, grit, and what we’re not doing in 2025.

💡 Key Topics Covered:

✔️ Why the best marketing starts with strategy and ends with revenue
✔️ The story behind Intention.ly and how it’s redefining what agencies can be
✔️ The launch of Advisor Brand Builder and the gap it fills in the RIA space
✔️ The importance of team culture, leadership, and hiring people you’d grab drinks with
✔️ Kelly’s “Do Not” list and how boundaries have shaped her personal and professional path
✔️ Why real stories—and real vulnerability—are the heart of Don’t Do That

🔗 Connect with Us:
📌 Follow Tina Powell on LinkedIn
📌 Follow Kelly Waltrich on LinkedIn
📌 Learn more about Intention.ly
📌 Discover Advisor Brand Builder
📌 Subscribe to Don’t Do That wherever you get your podcasts

🤩 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 WealthTech on Deck, host Jack Sharry sits down with marketing powerhouse Tina Powell, Partner and Chief of Community at Intention.ly. Tina is not only a trailblazer in the digital marketing and fintech space but also a fierce advocate for cancer awareness, bringing resilience and purpose to everything she does.

Together, Jack and Tina dive into the intersection of WealthTech, marketing, and community building, exploring how Intention.ly is shaping the future of fintech and financial services growth. Tina shares her deeply personal journey with lung cancer, how it has fueled her passion for advocacy, and the surprising parallels between navigating health challenges and driving intentional business growth.

From leveraging strategic partnerships to challenging the status quo in financial services marketing, this conversation is full of inspiration, insights, and actionable takeaways for anyone looking to lead with purpose and scale with intention.

🎧 Tune in for an unfiltered discussion on leadership, resilience, and the future of fintech marketing.

💡 Key Topics Covered:
✔️ The role of digital marketing in the fintech and RIA space
✔️ How strategic partnerships fuel scalable growth
✔️ Tina’s advocacy work in cancer awareness and its impact on leadership
✔️ The evolution of marketing in financial services
✔️ The power of LinkedIn and community in modern WealthTech

Connect with Us:
📌 Follow Tina Powell on LinkedIn
📌 Learn more about Intention.ly
📌 Follow Jack Sharry on LinkedIn
📌 Subscribe to WealthTech on Deck for more industry insights!

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

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Today, I'm thrilled to introduce Topaz Morrison, Chief Growth and Chief Operations Officer at Independent Advisor Alliance, a leading hybrid firm strategically focused on empowering financial advisors to succeed as independent business owners by providing services that align with each advisor's unique needs and challenges.

Since joining IAA in August 2023, Topaz has been at the forefront of shaping growth strategies, overseeing sales and consulting teams, and driving advisor adoption of innovative programs and services. I first sat down with Topaz in 2023 at the annual Schwab IMPACT Conference and included some highlights of our first conversation on this podcast.

With an impressive career spanning leadership roles at Northwestern Mutual, LPL Financial, Allianz Life, and Ameriprise Financial, Topaz brings a wealth of experience and vision to the table. He's a proud graduate of Augsburg University with a BA in Business Managerial Economics and holds an MBA from the University of Minnesota's Carlson School of Management.

But that’s just the beginning.

In today's episode, we dive into Topaz’s fresh perspective as Chief Operations Officer at IAA, exploring how he’s building on the strong foundation laid by founder and CEO Robert Russo. Despite joining the team recently in 2023, Topaz has quickly embraced IAA’s mission and vision, contributing to its impressive growth trajectory—from just 7 advisors a decade ago to nearly 240 by the end of 2024. Together with Robert and team, he’s driving the firm’s commitment to the "supported independence model," empowering advisors to focus on their strengths while planning for their futures.

Get ready for an energizing conversation with a rising leader and visionary thinker—right here, In The Suite.

🔗 Links

• Topaz Morrison on LinkedIn
• Independent Advisor Alliance Website
• Schwab IMPACT
• Future Proof Festival
• MarketCounsel Summit
• Newsweek America’s Top Financial Advisory Firms 2025
• Robert Russo on Advisor Advocates Podcast

🤩 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