CFA DFW Charterholder Chatter

Episode 68: AI & VC with Micah Pellerin 18.06.2026 37min

We speak with Micah Pellerin about what it takes to be a successful start-up founder, how to identify businesses that succeed, and the AI revolution. Micah Pellerin is Senior Development Manager with Microsoft, leading their efforts to build partnerships with high-tech platforms, late-stage start-ups, and independent software vendors. A former NFL athlete, Micah received his MBA from Indiana University's Kelley School of Business. What Micah is Reading Right Now: Poems & Prayers by Matthew McConaughey Micah's Music Recommendation: Pell, and the Voodoo album by D'Angelo ___ Join Us At The Private Wealth Leadership Forum: October 1-2, 2026 | Westin, Las Colinas CFA Institute and CFA Society Dallas/Fort Worth will convene CIOs, portfolio managers, advisors, and family office leaders for a 1.5-day event exploring how investment strategies are evolving. Attendees will gain practical insights into integrating private markets and alternatives into portfolios, managing liquidity and risk, improving tax efficiency, adapting advisory models amid consolidation and technological change, and guiding clients through liquidity events and generational wealth transitions. Click Here To Register Member exclusive discount: CFA Society Dallas/Fort Worth members, you can use one of your $40 discounts to this event! Email us at info@cfadfw.org for more information. ___ Get updated when new episodes release by joining our list: https://bit.ly/4dwwTgD Connect with CFA Society Dallas/Fort Worth: LinkedIn | Instagram| www.cfasociety.org/dallasfortworth

Episode 67: The Dirtiest Word in Finance 21.05.2026 37min

We speak with David Blanchette about his career, both in research and in investment management for individual investors. We talk about his public tiff with finfluencer Dave Ramsey, common investment mistakes, some surprising results from his research, and, of course, the only dirty word in finance. David is Head of Retirement Research with Prudential Financial, and a Portfolio Manager for PGIM. He is a CFA charterholder, holds a BBA from the University of Kentucky, MSFS in Financial Services from The American College of Financial Services, an MBA in Analytic Finance from Chicago Booth, and a Ph.D. In Personal Financial Planning from Texas Tech University. What David is Reading Right Now: Your Future Self: How to Make Tomorrow Better Today by Hal Hershfield David's Music Recommendation: "Self Destructor" by Chevelle ___ Join Us At The Private Wealth Leadership Forum: October 1-2, 2026 | Westin, Las Colinas CFA Institute and CFA Society Dallas/Fort Worth will convene CIOs, portfolio managers, advisors, and family office leaders for a 1.5-day event exploring how investment strategies are evolving. Attendees will gain practical insights into integrating private markets and alternatives into portfolios, managing liquidity and risk, improving tax efficiency, adapting advisory models amid consolidation and technological change, and guiding clients through liquidity events and generational wealth transitions. Click Here To Register Member exclusive discount: CFA Society Dallas/Fort Worth members, you can use one of your $40 discounts to this event! Email us at info@cfadfw.org for more information. ___ Get updated when new episodes release by joining our list: https://bit.ly/4dwwTgD Connect with CFA Society Dallas/Fort Worth: LinkedIn | Instagram| www.cfasociety.org/dallasfortworth

Episode 66: You Couldn't Do That Two Years Ago with Mark Adams and Joe Sando 02.12.2025 35min

We speak with Mark Adams and Joe Sando of Fortuna Funds about their latest project, a hedged bitcoin ETF. We discuss the nature of options, the value of hedging, and their story from idea to ETF launch. Mark is a Co-Founder and CIO of Fortuna Funds, an ETF manager specializing in alternative strategies for traditional asset classes. Previously, Mark spent 23 years with Warrington Asset Management as a portfolio manager. He holds an MBA from SMU's Cox School of Business and a BSBA from Washington University in St. Louis. What Mark is Reading Right Now: Surely You Can't Be Serious: The True Story of Airplane! By David Zucker, Jim Abrahams, and Jerry Zucker. Mark's Music Recommendation: Foo Fighters, Clipse's "Let God Sort 'Em Out" Read More from Fortuna: Fortuna Funds Website, Mark's LinkedIn, Joe's LinkedIn ___ Get updated when new episodes release by joining our list: https://bit.ly/4dwwTgD Connect with CFA Society Dallas/Fort Worth: LinkedIn | Instagram| www.cfasociety.org/dallasfortworth

Episode 65: Building Tomorrow's Advisor with Martin Tarlie 24.10.2025 35min

Episode 65: Building Tomorrow's Advisor with Martin Tarlie We speak with Martin Tarlie about his research and work building Nebo, an award-winning fintech for goals-based investing that aligns financial plans with investment management. We discuss the uniqueness and challenges of goals-based investing, interesting things in the goals-based research, and the future of investing for individuals. Martin is a CFA charterholder and the Nebo product lead. He spent many years as a quantitative analyst across various firms, including GMO's asset allocation team. He earned his bachelor's degree in physics from the University of Michigan, his PhD in theoretical condensed matter physics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and his MBA from the University of Chicago. What Martin is Reading Right Now: The Bible Martin's Music Recommendation: Classic Rock: Rolling Stones, The Who, Pink Floyd, Southern Rock Read More from Martin: GMO's Website, Martin's LinkedIn, Martin's SSRN ___ Get updated when new episodes release by joining our list: https://bit.ly/4dwwTgD Connect with CFA Society Dallas/Fort Worth: LinkedIn | Instagram| www.cfasociety.org/dallasfortworth

Episode 64: Hacking Good Luck with Christian Busch 11.07.2025 35min

Episode 64: Hacking Good Luck with Christian Busch We speak with Christian Busch about his work in the science of serendipity and how we can cultivate good luck in our own lives. We talk about his journey as a boy in Germany to his current role as an internationally best-selling author and professor at USC Marshall School of Business. Christian is author of the bestselling book, The Serendipity Mindset: The Art and Science of Creating Good Luck which has been translated into a dozen languages. He holds a Ph.D. from the London School of Economics, was former Director of NYU's Global Economy Program, and is a member of the WEF's Expert Forum. What Christian is Reading Right Now: Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl Christian's Music Recommendation: "Beautiful Day" by U2. Read More from Christian: LinkedIn, Serendipity Mindset Website ___ Get updated when new episodes release by joining our list: https://bit.ly/4dwwTgD Connect with CFA Society Dallas/Fort Worth: LinkedIn | Instagram | www.cfasociety.org/dallasfortworth

Episode 63: The Rising Role of Women in Family Offices with Sasha Lund 04.04.2025 34min

We speak with Sasha Lund about her book, The Rising Role of Women in Family Offices and Family Businesses. We discuss the advantage of speaking multiple languages (she speaks 11!), what pulled her into the family office world, the challenges women face in business families, common misconceptions about family offices, and the importance of values in family businesses. Sasha Lund is a Schulze-award winning researcher, author, and founder of Core Values Consulting, a consultancy designed to guide business families through multi-generational continuity and longevity. She is a global NEXUS member, a senator for the World Business Angel's Forum, and was former managing director for One Million Children, an NGO dedicated to the empowerment and education of refugee children. Shasha has been published in Forbes Italia, Robb Report, Diplomatic World, International Family Office Journal, and many others. She holds a degree from King's College London in Modern Foreign Languages with Education and Film. What Sasha is Reading Right Now: A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles Sasha's Music Recommendation: "Run to the Hills" by Iron Maiden Read More from Sasha: Sasha's Website, Core Values Consulting Website, LinkedIn ___ Get updated when new episodes release by joining our list: https://bit.ly/4dwwTgD Connect with CFA Society Dallas/Fort Worth: LinkedIn | Instagram| www.cfasociety.org/dallasfortworth

Episode 62: Investing in Women with Michaela Berglund 28.02.2025 33min

We speak with Michaela Berglund about her journey as a young girl from Uppsala, Sweden to her role founding FemInvest, a female-oriented ecosystem including a Venture Capital fund, a membership network with over 50,000 members, and a magazine. She also hosts the FemInvest podcast – all places where she encourages women entrepreneurs across the Nordics. Michaela has a background in marketing, television, and board membership, and she holds degrees in French from Halmstead University, Marketing and Management from Uppsala University, and she studied law at Stockholm University. Some Links Discussed in the Show: The Exit Gap Investors Preferred Pitches Presented by Male Entrepreneurs VC Sterotypes About Men and Women Aren't Supported by Performance Data What Michaela is Reading Right Now: Patriot by Alexei Navalny Michaela's Music Recommendation: "Kite" by Benjamin Ingrosso Read More from Michaela: FemInvest Podcast; FemInvest Sweden; Michaela's LinkedIn ___ Get updated when new episodes release by joining our list: https://bit.ly/4dwwTgD Connect with CFA Society Dallas/Fort Worth: LinkedIn | Instagram| www.cfasociety.org/dallasfortworth

Episode 61: Risks? What Risks? With Michael A. Gayed 12.02.2025 42min

We speak with Michael A Gayed, CFA about his journey in the business from watching his father trade, to his market research, to launching products of his own. We discuss the nature of risks, the market today, and the biggest mistakes professional investors make. Michael A. Gayed is publisher of the The Lead-Lag Report, He also runs the Lead Lag report podcast where he interviews the top names in investing and economics. Michael is a 5x winner of the Dow and NAAIM Founder's award for his research, including "Leverage for the Long Run: A Systematic Approach to Managing Risk and Magnifying Returns in Stocks" and "Lumber, Worth Its Weight in Gold: Offense and Defense in Active Portfolio Management". He has a BS with a double major in Finance & Management from NYU Stern School of Business, and he is a CFA Charterholder. What Michael is Reading Right Now: The Illustrated Man by Ray Bradbury Read More from Michael: Seeking Alpha, Lead-Lag Media, on X and LinkedIn ___ Get updated when new episodes release by joining our list: https://bit.ly/4dwwTgD Connect with CFA Society Dallas/Fort Worth: LinkedIn | Instagram| www.cfasociety.org/dallasfortworth

Episode 60: At the Center of Change with Dr. Gregg Robins 20.12.2024 45min

We speak with Dr Gregg Robins about his journey from a young musician living in the Bronx to finding himself at the center of major geopolitical events, including the fall of the Soviet Union and the formation of the Euro. We discuss his time at Oxford, his years in Moscow, and his thinking on the family office world. Gregg Robins runs Robins Advising, a family-office consulting firm based in Geneva, Switzerland. Prior to Robins Advising, he ran the UBS in Moscow and opened the first UBP office in Moscow. Gregg has taught and lectured at leading business schools, including the Executive MBA programs with the NYU Stern school of business, and the New Economic School in Moscow. He was elected Teacher of the Year by his MBA students at NYU Stern in 2006. Gregg holds a BA in Economics from Rice University. He was awarded a Marshall Scholarship to attend Oxford University, where he received a Masters and Doctorate, with specialty in Finance and Russian and Eastern European Studies. He is a Dean's Fellow with Said Business School at Oxford. What Gregg is Reading Right Now: Supremacy: AI, ChatGPT, and the Race that will Change the World by Parmy Olson Gregg's Music Recommendation: "A Bar Song" by Shaboozy Read More from Gregg: Robins Advising Website; on LinkedIn ___ Get updated when new episodes release by joining our list: https://bit.ly/4dwwTgD Connect with CFA Society Dallas/Fort Worth: LinkedIn | Instagram| www.cfasociety.org/dallasfortworth

Episode 59: A Smart Way to Start with Dr. Mara Harvey 21.11.2024 34min

We speak with Dr Mara Harvey about her journey from a young girl in England to her role as CEO of a Swiss bank. We discuss her passion for teaching children about money and looking into ourselves for the unconscious money lessons we have been taught. Mara was Swiss CEO of VP Bank Region Europe where she pioneered a dedicated female finance network. She won the TechFace Hidden Figures Diversity Ally award for her work in advancing female finance and early childhood financial literacy. Prior to VP Bank, she was Head of Client Services, Global Wealth Management with UBS where she won Bridge Berlin's 2017 Financial Justice Champion Award for the pioneering work in gender finance. Her latest project, A Smart Way to Start, is focused on teaching children valuable money lessons through a rhymed book series, which has been republished by the United Nations to support awareness and education for The World's Agenda of 2030. She holds a Ph.D. in Political Economy from Fribourg University, graduating summa cum laude. What Mara is Reading Right Now: Lead Like a Girl by Dalia Feldheim; A Travel Guide to the Middle Ages by Anthony Bale Mara's Music Recommendation: "Apnea" by Emma Read More from Mara: Mara's Website; A Smart Way to Start; LinkedIn ___ Get updated when new episodes release by joining our list: https://bit.ly/4dwwTgD Connect with CFA Society Dallas/Fort Worth: LinkedIn | Instagram| www.cfasociety.org/dallasfortworth

Episode 58: Wealth Refocused with Jennifer Wines 07.11.2024 33min

We talk with Jennifer Wines about her journey, from moving 10 times by the age of 20 to her career in private wealth management with Goldman Sachs, Fidelity, and JPMorgan. We discuss her book, Invisible Wealth, the current and future state of the wealth management industry, and how changing demographics are shifting the industry. Jennifer is the founder of Invisible Wealth Consulting, partnering with individuals and institutions to implement the principles of wealth detailed in her best-selling book Invisible Wealth. She has been widely quoted in outlets such as The New York Times, The Financial Times, and Forbes. She carries the Certified Private Wealth Advisor designation from Booth Business School in Chicago, she holds a JD from Suffolk University Law School. What Jennifer is Reading Right Now: Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill Jennifer's Music Recommendation: "Disco" by Surf Curse Read More from Jennifer: Jennifer's Website, LinkedIn, Instagram: @Jennifer_Wines ____ Get updated when new episodes release by joining our list: https://bit.ly/4dwwTgD Connect with CFA Society Dallas/Fort Worth: LinkedIn | Instagram| www.cfasociety.org/dallasfortworth

Episode 57: Investments in Life with Gautam Dhingra 25.10.2024 43min

We talk with Gautam Dhingra about his journey from a young boy in New Delhi, to managing over $1 billion as the founder of High Pointe Capital, to his diagnosis with terminal cancer. We discuss how he thinks about investment valuation, his decision to become an entrepreneur, and his thinking on life. Gautam is the founder of High Pointe Capital. He has served as the President of Chicago's CFA Society, and was honored by the CFA Society of Chicago with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Gautam holds a Ph.D. in Finance and Econometrics, has been a lecturer with Northwestern University's School of Management, and holds his CFA charter. What Gautam is Reading Right Now: Becoming by Michelle Obama Gautam's Music Recommendation: "Satnam Sri Wahe Guru" by Jagjit Singh Read More from Gautam: Gautam's Website, LinkedIn ____ Get updated when new episodes release by joining our list: https://bit.ly/4dwwTgD Connect with CFA Society Dallas/Fort Worth: LinkedIn | Instagram| www.cfasociety.org/dallasfortworth

Episode 56: How A Professional Thinks About Cryptocurrency Investing, with Rob Price 11.10.2024 43min

We talk with Rob Price about how he thinks about cryptocurrency investing. We cover what it is, how he thinks about valuation and investment in the space, crypto regulation, and the role it might play in the future. Rob is the founder and CIO at Sound Money Capital, an actively-managed cryptocurrency fund. Prior to Sound Money, Rob was head of asset allocation for South Africa's largest pension fund and Mercer's African partner, Alexander Forbes Investments. He holds a Master's of Finance in Economics from the University of Cape Town, and is a CFA charter-holder. What Rob is Reading Right Now: Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand Rob's Music Recommendation: "Water No Get Enemy" by Fela Kuti Connect with Rob: LinkedIn; Sound Money Capital Website; Twitter Read More from Rob: Enterprising Investor ____ Get updated when new episodes release by joining our list: https://bit.ly/4dwwTgD Connect with CFA Society Dallas/Fort Worth: LinkedIn | Instagram| www.cfasociety.org/dallasfortworth

Episode 55: All things AI with Wojtek Buczynski 03.10.2024 43min

We talk with Wojtek Buczynski about whether AI will live up to its hype, AI regulation around the world, the use cases of AI in financial services, and whether general artificial intelligence is possible. Wojtek is a consultant, speaker, and AI researcher specializing in AI regulations and use cases. He was an early advocate of AI at Fidelity International, and ran a team at EY specializing in AI adoption in financial services. He is a Ph.D. candidate with Cambridge University, a CFA charter-holder, and the carries the FRM designation. What Wojtek is Reading Right Now: Scarcity: Why Having Too Little Means So Much by Eldar Shafir Wojtek's Music Recommendation: anything with rhythm, rhyme, female vocals, and profanity Connect with Wojtek: LinkedIn Read More from Wojtek: on Enterprising Investor and LinkedIn ____ Get updated when new episodes release by joining our list: https://bit.ly/4dwwTgD Connect with CFA Society Dallas/Fort Worth: LinkedIn | Instagram| www.cfasociety.org/dallasfortworth

Episode 54: Turning the Tables with Paul Olschwanger 27.06.2024 28min

After my book was published, I spent many hours on podcasts with all sorts of hosts. None, however, were nearly as warm, engaged, and thoughtful as Paul Olschwanger – his questions were informed and incisive, demonstrating understanding, but also warm and human. I could tell immediately that Paul is a man who cares deeply about others, which might help explain his success on this very podcast. Paul is founder of Wendell Rhoads Consulting which helps investment professionals, and their organizations improve levels of trust, engagement, collaboration, team dynamics, and performance. Paul has served on the board of the CFA DFW society for 20 years, and has hosted Charterholder Chatter for 3 seasons. Join us as we turn the tables and ask Paul the questions! We discuss how investment professionals should think about their career, how organizations and employers can think about diversity, equity, and inclusion, and what to expect from season 4 of this very podcast.

Episode 53: "Pushing Against the Boxes Imposed by Others"…the Amazing and Inspiring Journey of Tina Byles Williams 13.06.2024 28min

Our next to final episode of season 3 represents the best of the best in terms of relevant topics and the voice you will primarily hear throughout the conversation. Rare to find such a high level of intelligence, courage, leadership, and willingness to give back, all in one person. One such individual is Tina Byles Williams, who is the Founder, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), and Chief Investment Officer (CIO) of Xponance, a $16.5 billion multi-strategy investment manager, one of the largest diverse and woman-owned investment firms in the U.S. She founded FIS Group, the predecessor firm to Xponance, in 1996, after serving as the CIO for the City of Philadelphia's Board of Pensions and Retirement, and Investment Officer for Philadelphia Gas Works. Tina is the Lead Portfolio Manager for the firm's active multi-manager global equity strategies and a member of the investment committee for the firm's private market strategies. She is widely regarded as a trailblazer in the field of identifying and investing with alpha producing, entrepreneurial investment management firms, many of which are diverse, and women owned. In addition, she is the chairperson and driving force behind Xponance's philanthropic entity, A Good Measure Foundation, which provides financial literacy education to inner city youth, supports programs designed to empower impoverished or marginalized women and children, and works to alleviate food insecurities in the firm's local communities." She completed her undergraduate work at New York University where she graduated Magna Cum Laude and earned her master's degree in public policy with an emphasis in Finance from Harvard University. On today's podcast, Tina shares more about her personal and professional journey, inspiration along the way, starting a business in an industry dominated by people not looking like her, and biggest challenges to emerging and diverse managers.

Episode 52: Unlocking How the World Works with Leader Extraordinaire Rob Kaplan 30.05.2024 27min

Our podcast started a few years ago with the aspirations of having local CFA charterholders share their unique journey. After a few episodes, we realized the high level of interest and impact with hearing about the challenges, proudest moments, and inspirations along the way. No longer am are we searching for the hot topic of conversation, rather the individual who teaches and motivates you to carve out your own path of greatness. Today, we are grateful to spend time with the one and only Rob Kaplan, who just rejoined Goldman Sachs as a Parter and Vice Chairman after previously serving as the president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas from 2015 to 2021. He represented the Eleventh Federal Reserve District on the Federal Open Market Committee in the formulation of US monetary policy and oversaw its 1,300 employees. Rob was previously the Martin Marshall Professor of Management Practice and a Senior Associate Dean at Harvard Business School. Prior to joining Harvard, he was Vice Chairman of the Goldman Sachs Group with global responsibility for the firm's investment banking and investment management divisions. He serves as Chairman of Project A.L.S. and Co-Chairman of the Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation, is a board member of Harvard Medical School, St. Mark's School of Texas and is a member of the Advisory Council of the George W. Bush Institute. Previously he served as Chairman of the Investment Advisory Committee at Google and a trustee of the Ford Foundation. Proudly born and raised in Prairie Village, Kansas, Rob received a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Kansas and a master's degree in business administration from Harvard Business School. He has authored three books, including one our host, Paul Olschwanger recently finished, titled What You Really Need to Lead: The Power of Thinking and Acting Like an Owner. On today's episode, you would think we am going to ask Rob for his views on the economy or fed policy. Not so much, you can easily google Rob Kaplan and these topics. You are, however, in for a treat as we are going to talk more about his professional journey, life leading the Fed, proudest moments, and potential topics for his next book.

Episode 51: The Value of Knowledge and Connections…Preparing the Next Generation of Leaders with Marilyn Wiley 16.05.2024 22min

When our podcast was established a few years ago, the initial focus was on local investment legends such as Luther King, Susan Byrne, Jim Hille, and Dan Meader. Finally, as we wind down Season 3, it is time to have another true legend who has dedicated her career to education, leadership, and impacting our investment community. Since 2015, Dr. Marilyn Wiley has served as the Dean of the G. Brint Ryan College of Business at the University of North Texas or UNT. Previously, she was Senior Associate Dean. Before coming to UNT, she spent three years in the same role at Florida Atlantic University. Marilyn earned a Ph.D. in Finance from Texas A&M University, is a Chartered Financial Analyst and previously served as President of the Dallas-Ft. Worth CFA Society. She also consults for the CFA Institute on curriculum issues, recently served as member of the Board of Directors of the Ft. Worth chapter of Financial Executives International and her research has been published in several academic journals including the Journal of Futures Markets and the Journal of Finance. On this podcast, Marilyn shares her personal and professional journey, what she is most excited about for future generations of leaders in finance, and key takeaways to graduating seniors.

Episode 50: It All Started at Oxford…an Inspiring Conversation with the Face and Voice of DEI in Asset Management – Sarah Maynard 02.05.2024 24min

Within and outside the investment management industry, there are many well-intentioned initiatives established to make a significant contribution and difference. Not as difficult to find people who have an opinion as it is to find true leaders willing to climb up and through walls. One such exceptional leader is our guest today. Sarah Maynard is Global Senior Head, Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) at CFA Institute. Based in London, Sarah leads a global, industry-recognized portfolio of DEI programs for CFA Institute stakeholders who include CFA Program candidates, charterholders, Societies, and investment institutions, to champion the cause of greater diversity, equity, and inclusion in the investment management industry. Sarah is also responsible for internal DEI at CFA Institute, reporting to CEO & President, Marg Franklin. Previously, Sarah was Head of Stewardship and Client Communication at Majedie Asset Management, Director of Career Development at CFA Society of the UK, and a founder of the society's Women's Network, which she transformed into the Inclusion & Diversity Network, and which now has a membership of over 1,200 investment professionals. Sarah was also a fund manager and analyst at both an asset manager and an asset owner, for which she managed an equities portfolio of US $3.3bn. She has an MA in English Literature and Language from Trinity College, Oxford, holds the ASIP (the credential for Associates of the Society of Investment Professionals), and is an Associate member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development. She currently serves on the Advisory Boards of Girls Who Invest, the National Association of Securities Professionals (NASP), Collaborative WIM, and on the CEO Advisory Council of Diversity Project North America. On today's episode, Sarah shares more about her journey, commitment to DE&I, her advice to young women entering our industry, and proudest moments.

Episode 49: The Amazing Journey of John Hagensen, former Pilot, current Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, and Financial Advisor 18.04.2024 23min

Some people think, others say, and rarely do you find someone who thinks, says, and does. Our special guest today is that rare individual and he is super-fast at all three. He is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, financial advisor, podcast host, and proud father and husband. John Hagensen serves as a Managing Director and Partner at Creative Planning, overseeing offices in Arizona and North Dakota, and works directly with his clients to create and maintain a customized financial plan addressing all aspects of a healthy financial life, including tax planning, retirement, employee benefits and estate planning. He also hosts "Rethink Your Money," a weekly radio show and podcast, and has authored two books, including his most recent, "The Retirement Flight Plan." John brings to his clients more than 13 years of professional experience. Prior to joining Creative, he was the founder and Managing Partner of a national registered independent advisory firm. An airline pilot prior to entering the financial industry, John applies the precision, detail, and quality judgment he used as an aviator to his wealth management approach. He earned a Bachelor of Science in biblical studies from Corban University, has a Master of Science in financial services from the Institute of Business & Finance and obtained a professional certification in Strategic Decision and Risk Management from Stanford University. John has a lot of letters or credentials after his name, just know he is CERTIFIED as an expert in FINANCIAL PLANNING™, FUNDS™, ESTATE AND TRUST, TAX, and INCOME ™. On today's podcast, John shares more about his unique and successful journey, making the transition from being a business owner, best practices for wealth creation, and aligning purpose and money.