Discover the world of agriculture through the lens of finance with Dr. Craig Lemoine, who joins us to talk shop about the specialized needs of farmers and ranchers. We get into the essential economic contributions of agriculture, and the mission of the Agriculture-Focused Financial Planner (AFFP) program at the University of Illinois, shedding light on the complexities of advising within the farming sector, which is intertwined with illiquid assets, unique tax considerations, and a tradition of generational wealth.

Our conversation with Dr. Craig isn't just about nuts and bolts; it's about the heart of financial planning—building relationships that can weather the seasons of life. We get candid about the importance of trust and longevity in advising agricultural communities, as well as provide a peek into the creation of a curriculum that helps financial advisors navigate the intricate landscape of agricultural economics, emphasizing the necessity of tailoring services to this pivotal industry.

Connect with Us!

• Craig Lemoine on LinkedIn
• Jamie Hopkins on LinkedIn
• FinServ Foundation

For more information about the AFFP designation at the University of Illinois, visit the website: Agriculture Focused Financial Planning

If you want more information on the FinServ Foundation, be sure to check out our website by clicking on the link below.

>>FinServ Foundation Website

How did a middle-class kid go from watching superhero cartoons to scaling the heights of Wall Street? Cliff Asness, the quantitative virtuoso behind AQR, pulls back the curtain on his journey from comic book fan to financier.

In this episode of the FinServ Podcast, Dr. David and Cliff take us along on their journeys through underachieving adolescence and how tough lessons fostered discipline, resolve and ambition. From academic dilemmas and professional pivots, Dr. David and Cliff highlight the profound impact of mentors, chance, and the decisions we make in the heat of the moment. Whether it's choosing a career path under parental expectations or embracing complex subjects that once seemed insurmountable, this episode is a testament to the unpredictable yet rewarding journey towards career satisfaction.

Embracing the 'tight aggressive' poker strategy, we discuss the importance of conviction coupled with humility, two qualities essential for navigating the twists and turns of both a high-stakes game and the unpredictability of the markets. From the fear of failure to the truth about backtesting, this episode offers hard-earned advice for anyone looking to play their cards right in life and investments.

Connect with Us!

• Cliff Asness on LinkedIn
• Dr. David Rhoiney on LinkedIn
• Jamie Hopkins on LinkedIn
• FinServ Foundation

If you want more information on the FinServ Foundation, be sure to check out our website by clicking on the link below.

>>FinServ Foundation Website

The journey of growth can be nerve-wracking. “Can I do this?” and “Will this work out?” are often asked along the way. But this week, Dr. David Rhoiney is joined by FinServ mentee, Gracelynn Wiest, and her mentor Jess Bost, CFP®, RICP®, AIF®, from Alpha Architect, to discuss drawing support and resources from the community around you, regardless of whether you’re a mentor or mentee.

From battling imposter syndrome to creating organic growth, Episode 13 of the FinServ Podcast highlights the transformative power of community, especially for financial advisors. Through the lens of Jess and Gracelynn, we delve into the mentor-mentee dynamic that transcends mere industry know-how, encompassing personal triumphs and the kind of growth that textbooks simply can't teach.

Connect with Us!

• Jess Bost on LinkedIn
• Gracelynn Wiest on LinkedIn
• Dr. David Rhoiney on LinkedIn
• Jamie Hopkins on LinkedIn
• FinServ Foundation

If you want more information on the FinServ Foundation, be sure to check out our website by clicking on the link below.

>>FinServ Foundation Website

Join Jamie Hopkins as we navigate the impact of mentorship within the professional realm. Kellan Brown from FinServ, a virtuoso in sales leadership, joins us alongside Meg Roberts, a University of Colorado senior, to discuss the indelible marks mentorship has left on their lives. Kellan's journey from mentee to mentor reveals a wealth of insights into nurturing talent and building career foundations. Meanwhile, Meg, with her academic background in accounting, finance, and Chinese, shares how her mentorship with Kellan has sculpted her decision-making prowess and spurred her personal evolution.

This episode is full of candid anecdotes and reflections, in between banter about spirit animals and credit cards. They wade into the transformative world of mentorship, dissecting its evolution, structure, and lasting impact beyond any formal program's conclusion. The dialogue culminates in celebrating Meg's foray into the world of speaking and podcasting, and Kellan's dedication to fostering the next generation of trailblazers. Whether you're seeking to leave a mark as a mentor or absorb wisdom as a mentee, this episode promises inspiration and practical guidance for your professional and personal journeys.

Connect with Us!

• Jamie Hopkins on LinkedIn
• FinServ Foundation
• Kellan Brown
• Meg Roberts

>>FinServ Foundation Website

When talking about relationships, we often focus on the bond created between the client and the professional. However, establishing a strong mentor-mentee relationship in your career is essential for personal and professional growth. This week on “FinServ”, Kate Healy, founder of AdvoKate IQ, LLC, and her mentee, graduate student Valentyna Voloshyna, share their experiences with FinServ’s mentorship program and bridging the gap between experience and ambition.

Their story underscores the FinServ mentorship program’s value, highlighting its role in guiding career paths and enriching lives. This week’s candid discussions reveal the adaptability, commitment, and friendship that mentorship nurtures, offering a beacon for current and future generations in financial services.

Connect with Us!

• Kate Kealy on LinkedIn
• Valentyna Voloshyna on LinkedIn
• Jamie Hopkins on LinkedIn
• FinServ Foundation

>>FinServ Foundation Website

Innovation begins when leaders become unwilling to accept the status quo. Pushing the envelope, both professionally and personally, can open previously locked doors. This week, Dr. David Rhoiney and Jamie Hopkins discuss the ideal conditions to foster innovation and the different ways that businesses are differentiating themselves from their competitors.

While innovation typically is associated with products, we highlight the importance of process innovation. Mastering your methods can lead to significant efficiency gains and better outcomes. In the next decade, industries like financial planning are waiting to be disrupted. It’s just a matter of who is willing to take the lead. Our conversation is more than just business talk; it's about how innovation can transform every aspect of our lives.

If you want more information on the FinServ Foundation, be sure to check out our website by clicking on the link below.
>>FinServ Foundation Website

Today, we sit down with Heather Fortner, the trailblazing CEO of SignatureFD. In an episode that aims to reshape your approach to leadership, Heather shares her invaluable insights into what it takes to lead with excellence. Drawing on the wisdom of icons like Laura Bush and the unexpected lessons from our own children, she reminds us that nurturing a culture of learning is vital in both our personal and professional lives. We discuss the power of coaches as pivotal accountability partners, the finesse of handling "sharp edges" in leadership, and how to steer a rapidly growing team without losing your personal touch.

Prepare to elevate your emotional intelligence as we navigate the complex relationship between professional counseling, financial advising, and leadership in this insightful conversation. Heather provides practical strategies for incorporating structured change management into making life transitions as smooth as possible for clients. Furthermore, we dissect the art of delegation, the importance of setting healthy boundaries, and fostering opportunities for team development.

• Heather Fortner on LinkedIn
• SignatureFD website

If you want more information on the FinServ Foundation, be sure to check out our website by clicking on the link below.
>>FinServ Foundation Website

Have you ever felt the pressure of a ticking clock while facing a complex problem? That's where the finesse of critical thinking comes into play, a skill that Dr. David Rhoiney and Jamie Hopkins dig into during our conversation.

We reveal how preparedness and the ability to pivot are crucial in high-stakes situations. This episode is for those looking to sharpen their strategic acumen, whether extinguishing literal fires or navigating the fiery challenges of the corporate world.

If you want more information on the FinServ Foundation, be sure to check out our website by clicking on the link below.
>>FinServ Foundation Website