Shantell Wright is a seasoned professional with 14 years of experience in the financial services industry. He is also the visionary behind a financial services company that offers solutions to build and grow wealth. Having overcome personal challenges, Shantell uses his experience to empower clients from all socio-economic backgrounds. With a commitment to adding value, making connections, and creating an impact, he partners with marketing expert John Lewis to reimagine financial services through technology. Shantell is also a NAIFA member and a graduate of the Life in Leadership Institute.

John Lewis is a marketing expert, host of a community-focused podcast, and a dedicated social strategist providing financial information to underserved communities. His disadvantaged upbringing empowers him to educate and enrich his community with life-enhancing financial strategies. Alongside his professional pursuit, Lewis embodies a passion for creating meaningful connections and a genuine commitment to social service.

Those in low-income, urban communities often lack the financial knowledge and resources to plan for retirement and other life goals. How can financial advisors expand their practices to reach customers in these communities?

Financial services veteran Shantell Wright and marketing expert John Lewis educate and empower individuals across diverse communities, providing them with the tools and knowledge to secure their financial futures. As business partners, John and Shantell maintain that professional relationships provide additional resources and expertise to expand into untapped markets and communities. They leverage technology in their joint practice to expand service offerings and increase engagement with their communities.

In this episode of Advisor Today, Chris Gandy and Suzanne Carawan sit down with Shantell Wright and John Lewis to talk about revitalizing financial services through innovation and technological integration. They share their journeys, insights, and strategies to creating inclusive, comprehensive, and proactive approaches to financial education, emphasizing the transformative power of CRM automation and the profound impact of building genuine relationships to foster trust, loyalty, and community resilience.

Panos Leledakis, a dynamic financial advisor and tech enthusiast, has revolutionized client engagement with cutting-edge digital strategies. With an impressive 25-year career spanning multiple countries, he has become a thought leader in utilizing AI and other technologies in the financial services industry. As a NAIFA member and a keynote speaker, Panos is committed to helping advisors implement technology into their practices to enhance productivity and service. He invented two software platforms for insurance needs analysis, which received innovation awards from organizations like MIT and the Chamber of Industrialists in Cyprus.

When the fast-paced world of technology intersects with the stability of traditional finance, what does it take to keep up with the industry? Outdated methods may be holding you back from providing personalized services in today’s digital landscape. How can financial advisors leverage innovative tools to transform the status quo?

As a visionary harnessing technology to redefine his financial advising practice, Panos Leledakis maintains that embracing change can lead to exponential growth. Financial advisors can experiment with AI and other emerging tech tools to enhance client meetings and manage portfolios. By refining AI prompts consistently and exploring new avenues for efficiency, you can ensure ongoing relevance and relentless innovation in the financial services industry.

In this episode of Advisor Today, Chris Gandy and Suzanne Carawan sit down with Panos Leledakis to talk about using technology to transform your financial advisory practice. Panos explains how AI and NFC can streamline client communications, the importance of mindset and strategy when adopting technology in your practice, and why being a part of professional associations like NAIFA is crucial for advisors.

Carson Porter is an experienced financial advisor providing specialized life insurance, annuities, and financial services across the United States. His journey from owning auto repair shops to excelling in the financial industry is marked by a passion for education, innovation, and business development. Carson founded a mastermind group dedicated to empowering insurance agents and advisors through unbiased education, collaboration, and accountability. With a decade of industry experience, he has built and sold multiple brokerage businesses and shares his insights at live events, including NAIFA's APEX conference.

As an advisor, do you feel like you're working tirelessly without seeing the growth you desire? While success is a continuous endeavor, you can elevate your business and personal satisfaction. How can embracing openness and learning from diverse thought leaders catalyze transformation?

Experienced financial services professional Carson Porter pivoted from the automotive industry to financial services, creating multiple income streams and a mastermind group to boost his and other agents’ success. He emphasizes the power of mastermind groups and other organizations to offer education and accountability. These valuable associations foster professional development and expand your network, allowing you to build trust with clients, cultivate industry relationships, and build a sustainable business and career path.

In this episode of Advisor Today, Chris Gandy and Suzanne Carawan chat with Carson Porter, an experienced financial advisor, about mastering the craft of financial advising. Carson dispels common industry myths, encourages joining supportive organizations like NAIFA, and proposes innovative perspectives on building sustainable business models in the financial services industry.