Welcome to the tenth episode of the Diversity in Action™ podcast Season 2!

In today's episode, we are joined by Guy Lawrence, a Senior Operations Manager of Advisor Business Solutions, Inc based in Long Beach, CA. The firm specializes

in wealth management consulting solutions since 2001 providing HR and staffing solutions, practice management (coaching advisors on how to grow their practice, make it more efficient, improve marketing) and succession planning (advisors needing a partner or finding a new firm to sell their business) for RIAs and independent financial services firms managing $200 mil - $60 bil AUM throughout the US. His role with the company includes onboarding financial services clients, managing contracts, and firm compliance. He is the lead client liaison with hiring managers needing our staffing services for a range of positions from support staff to wealth advisors, portfolio managers and analysts. He provides recommendations on hiring expectations then leads the search process for candidates, including C-Suite executives, licensed or certified staff while often building a diverse team.

Guy shared his career background with us and introduced Advisor Business Solutions, a company specializing in wealth management consulting, HR, staffing solutions, practice management, and succession planning services. He also explained the inner workings of their internship program, including the process of screening interns and matching them with suitable firms based on their interests and career goals. Some interns are curious about the financial planning industry, while others are already enrolled in related programs or seeking job opportunities. He emphasized that many firms use the internship program as an opportunity to test potential hires before making long-term commitments.

Tune in to our episode featuring Guy Lawrence from Advisor Business Solutions. Gain insights into these key areas and how their internship program can kickstart your career. Don't miss it!

Episode Highlights:

>> About Guy Lawrence

>> About Advisor Business Solutions and what he does for other companies

>> Behind the scenes of BLX internship

>> Their interview preparation and coaching

>> Starting of matchmaking process and sending interns to firms

>> Webinars offered for career development

>> Educational components and opportunities

>> Outreach program to reach more universities and organizations

>> Expansion of the program beyond fee-only firms

Episode Sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by Advisor Business Solutions, specializing in providing HR recruitment and succession planning solutions for independent financial services firms throughout the US. Their team focuses on guiding financial practices, primarily looking to hire C suite executives, licensed support staff and interns while building a diverse team, ABS is passionate about advising financial practice on shifting cultural hiring dynamics with retention in mind and coaching women in career transition and people of color seeking opportunities to access next level industry jobs. For more information and to connect with the team at Advisor Business Solutions, please visit advisorbusinesssolutions.com,

Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

>> Advisor Business Solutions

>> Externship with Hannah Moore

Diversity in Action™ is all about showcasing real stories of individuals who are making an impact...

Welcome to the ninth episode of the Diversity in Action™ podcast Season 2!

In today's episode, we speak with Chris Woods, CFP®, Certified Kingdom Advisor™, and Certified Exit Planning Advisor™. Originally from St. Charles, Missouri, a suburb of St. Louis, Chris graduated from Vanderbilt University where he majored in Economics, minored in Business Administration, and managed to squeeze in four years of basketball between his studies. Chris has an extensive career in the industry. From working at American Express Advisors, to serving as a wholesaler, and now as the owner of his own firm, Silvis Financial, Chris sees money as a tool that should be used to facilitate what we’ve been called to do in the different roles of our lives.

He is also very passionate about DEI and has served with the Financial Planning Association via involvement in the African American Knowledge Circle and as the FPA DEI Committee Chair.

Chris background in financial planning and a career was marked by his experiences as a black advisor in a predominantly white industry. From a position in wholesaling, he shifted to starting his own business, serving clients without asset minimums and offering specialized services. With the aid of his certificates, he can help business owners with their exit strategies and incorporate religious ideas into financial planning. Chris oversees the African American Knowledge Circle and is actively involved in the Financial Planning Association's (FPA) efforts to promote diversity and inclusion. His professional life serves as a testament to both the value of networking in the field and the difficulties faced by those who are underrepresented in the field of financial planning.

Join us as Chris discusses the value of networking and the challenges faced by underrepresented individuals in financial planning. Tune in for a wealth of insights and inspiration on diversifying your career in the financial industry.

Episode Highlights:

>> Chris Woods background

>> About Chris challenges in his career

>> His transition into the profession and starting his own firm

>> Different models of financial planning and exit planning

>> Chris's work with diverse communities

>> Importance of recruitment, retention, and advancement

>> Knowledge Circles and their purpose

>> Advancement opportunities and helping others succeed

Episode Sponsor:

This episode is provided by Trust and Will. Trust and Will is the leading digital estate planning and settlement platform. They provide an easy and secure way to create estate plans and settle estates online. They currently partner with over 10,000 financial advisors, helping you add more value-add services to your firm. Visit trustandwill.com/advisors.

Connect with Chris:

>> Website: silvisfinancial.com

>> LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-woods-

Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

>> FPA DEI Committee Chair

>> Certified Kingdom Advisor

>> Certified Exit Planning Advisor

>>

Welcome to the eighth episode of the Diversity in Action™ podcast Season 2!

In this episode we introduce our guests, Leslie Tabor, Director of Business Consulting and Education for Schwab Advisor Services & Craig Jones, Managing Director and Chief Diversity Officer for the Colony Group and Co-President of the Colony Sports & Entertainment practice

We discuss diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within the financial industry. This episode covers topics including the Net Positive Pledge, DEI Advocacy Board, $10,000 scholarships for future financial planners, and Leslie's DEI consulting program. The conversation emphasizes the early stages of DEI efforts in many firms and the importance of focused leadership engagement. We highlight the need for structured guidance in DEI initiatives, linking DEI to firm values and culture.

The discussion also addresses support for RIA firms and efforts to cultivate diverse talent. Craig shares insights as a trailblazer in the industry, emphasizing the importance of retaining earnings and paying oneself first for financial success.

Learn about the ongoing DEI endeavors in the financial sector and it’s emphasis on strategic, inclusive practices and support for underrepresented individuals in the field. Tune in now!

Episode Highlights:

>> Craig’s career and highlights

>> The RIA Talent Advantage Scholarship Program through Schwab Advisor Services

>> BLX Internship Program

>> The DEI Consulting Program and Advocacy Board

>> Challenges firms face in implementing DEI initiatives and building an Inclusive culture

>> The connection between DEI and Schwab's broader mission

>> Leslie's Experiences and industry diversity

Episode Sponsor:

This episode is brought to you by Schwab Advisor Services, in partnership with the Charles Schwab Foundation, which has been supporting firms for over 30 years. They focus on a client-first mentality and offer a perfect blend of personalization and technology. Through their University Grant Program, they have provided over $19 million in funding to universities and institutions since 2007. The goal is to support universities and organizations that can benefit from Schwab's involvement while developing high-quality talent for independent advisors to hire. For more information, visit schwab.com.

Connect with Leslie Tabor & Craig Jones:

• LinkedIn | Leslie Y. Tabor
• LinkedIn | Craig Jones

Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

>> DEI Diversity Equity and Inclusion Award Winners 2023

>> Colony Group

>> Net Positive Pledge

>> Reginald Lewis - Why Should White Guys Have All the Fun?

>> Millionaire Next Door

Diversity in Action™ is all about showcasing real stories of individuals who are making an impact in the financial planning...