The Advice Business Podcast

Hosted by Seeds

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Dec 2025

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About the show

Hosted by Zach Conway, CEO and Founder of Seeds, and Kelsey McKenna, Chief Operating Officer, The Advice Business Podcast invites you into candid conversations about what it really takes to build a thriving, independent advisory firm. This is where personal stories from the start-up world meet practical insights for financial advisors looking to grow with purpose. Each episode shares behind-the-scenes lessons, honest reflections, and powerful moments of clarity that come from building a business designed to make a difference. Zach and Kelsey are joined by industry guests, financial advisors, and the Seeds team to explore how the right mindset, tools, and vision can turn advisors into a force for good. Whether you're just starting out or scaling up, The Advice Business Podcast offers a fresh perspective, a few laughs, and the kind of support that makes you feel like you're not building alone. ------- This podcast and the resources shared are for informational and educational purposes only. They do not constitute investment advice, tax advice, or a solicitation to engage advisory services. For more information about our services and to view our Client Relationship Summary (Form CRS), visit useseeds.com and tinyurl.com/SeedsFormCRS25.

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52 recent

December 17, 2025Episode 2645 min

Is Your Firm Built For What 2026 Will Demand?

It’s been a busy year. Zach Conway and Kelsey McKenna sit down to look back on everything that happened inside Seeds and across the advisory space. They talk about what they learned while growing the team, what surprised them, and what changed as more firms started using the platform.They also look ahead to 2026. Not with predictions meant to sound bold, but with real questions they’re already hearing from advisors: hiring, team structure, client expectations, and how tech will shape the advisor-client relationship next year. It’s an honest conversation about what they’ve seen, what they’re still figuring out, and how Seeds plans to support advisors through all of it.If you’re thinking about scaling your firm, improving your process, or building a team that feels aligned with your vision, this episode gives you a clear, grounded look at where the industry is heading and how you can prepare.Here are the top three takeaways from the episode:We believe client experience is the competitive edge in 2026. Advisors need to step into their own client journey and see what it actually feels like. The firms that do this will deliver an experience clients remember and talk about.Operational excellence is no longer optional. One of the best ways to create consistent experiences is to fix the operational foundation. Rules-based frameworks will help advisors scale, reduce inconsistencies, and communicate more clearly with clients.AI is powerful, but intentional adoption matters more. 2025 was full of AI noise. Next year will reward firms that stay focused on clarity, humanity, and fast but thoughtful decision making. The right tools matter, but the strategy behind them matters even more.Episode Chapters:03:37 Reflecting on a Year of Growth and Change10:30 Rebranding and Its Impact on the Business17:33 Why the Future of Investing is Human24:37 How Seeds Streamlines Operations for Advisors27:15 Predictions for 2026: Experience Over Technology27:42 Operational Excellence in Advisory Firms31:06 The Chaos of Account-Level Management33:53 Next-Gen Investor Expectations36:07 The Competitive Landscape for Advisors39:34 The Role of Technology in Client Experience41:01 Strategic Decision-Making for 2026Connect with us:Zach Conway on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/zachary-conwayKelsey McKenna on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kelseymckenna3Seeds: www.useseeds.comOur Blog: https://useseeds.com/blog/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/seeds-investorDisclosures: https://useseeds.com/terms/Ready to scale the human side of advice with Seeds? Schedule your personalized demo today at www.useseeds.com/demoAsk Zach and Kelsey a question!

December 3, 2025Episode 2537 min

The Real Talent Challenge: Why Hiring NextGen Advisors Is More Nuanced Than We Think with Natalie Taylor

If you’ve ever felt stuck trying to hire the right people or frustrated by how hard it is to bring more women and diverse talent into your firm, this episode gives you the roadmap you’ve been missing.Natalie Taylor, founder and CEO of The Goodland Group and a 20-year industry veteran, joins Zach and Kelsey in the latest episode of The Advice Business Podcast to break down what is actually holding advisory firms back from building a healthier, more diverse talent pipeline.Spoiler alert: it may not be a lack of candidates. It is oft en the structures, habits, and cultural blind spots that unintentionally push great people away.In this conversation, Natalie reveals:Why the industry has a pipeline problem (and why lack of leadership representation problem could be to blame)How to write job descriptions that genuinely attract diverse candidates and avoid unintentional tokenismSimple cultural shifts that immediately make your firm a safer, more supportive place for young and underrepresented advisorsThe foundational elements firms must offer to retain talent, such as transparent compensation, clear career paths, and learning-first developmentWhy moving away from sales-first roles can help position new entrants for success, especially womenHow diversity directly enhances client experience and relationship qualityA tactical, step-by-step hiring process you can implement tomorrow, from job boards to screening to candidate evaluationIf you are building a firm for the future, this episode gives you the practical tools and the mindset shift to hire better, support people better, and grow a team that reflects the clients you serve.Episode Chapters:06:16: The “pipeline problem” & lack of women leadership in the wealth management industry07:44: Inclusive hiring: avoid tokenization10:00: Embedding diversity into firm culture14:08: Career paths & compensation transparency16:00: Reducing sales pressure for new advisors17:46: Women in leadership visibility19:50: Diverse advisors serving diverse clients21:35: Women’s strengths in planning & relationships30:30: Hiring steps: niche job boards & Loom screening32:06: Interview process: case studies & feedback skills34:28: Finding diverse talent without lowering standardsRelevant Resources:[Article] What Does “Good” Investment Management Look Like?https://useseeds.com/investment-management-standards/[Article] How to Start Asking Advisors Deeper Questionshttps://useseeds.com/asking-deeper-questions/[Podcast] The Foundation of Advisor Value = Humanity + Expertisehttps://useseeds.com/podcast/where-humanity-expertise-meet-the-true-foundation-of-advisor-value/[Podcast] Advisors: Are You Confident in Your 1% Fee?https://useseeds.com/podcast/are-you-confident-in-your-1-percent-fee/Connect with us:Zach Conway on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/zachary-conwayKelsey McKenna on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kelseymckenna3Website: www.useseeds.comOur Blog: https://useseeds.com/blog/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/seeds-investorDisclosures: https://useseeds.com/terms/Ready to scale the human side of advice with Seeds? Schedule your personalizeddemo today at www.useseeds.com/demoAsk Zach and Kelsey a question!

November 19, 2025Episode 2433 min

When’s the Last Time You Audited Your Portfolio Construction Process?

Most advisors think they’re personalizing portfolios. But what does that actually look like in practice?In this episode, Kelsey McKenna and Zach Conway talk about how to turn investment expertise into a repeatable process that still feels personal. They walk through what true personalization looks like, how to communicate trade-offs clearly, and why efficient systems actually make client relationships stronger.If you’ve ever struggled to scale your approach without losing the human touch, this conversation will help you create consistency, clarity, and trust across every client relationship.Key Takeaways:Personalization isn’t binary — it’s a spectrum.Scalable personalization = consistency, not conformity.True tailoring starts with understanding client preferences and having meaningful trade-off discussions.Transparency and clarity are the fastest paths to trust.Efficiency doesn’t kill personalization — it enables it.Advisors who define their framework can delegate with confidence and focus on growth.The future of advisory work belongs to firms that are flexible, curious, and client-centered.Episode Chapters:3:55: You've reached an inflection point in your practice growth, so what's next?6:35: What is "personalization" in investment management?12:35: The future standard of strong investing experiences14:00: Clarity is underrated in the wealth management industry18:09: Why tradeoffs are under-discussed in client conversations20:04: Real-world example: how to connect portfolios to client stories27:54: How advisors will have to adapt to remain relevant in the futureRelevant Resources:[Article] What Does “Good” Investment Management Look Like?https://useseeds.com/investment-management-standards/[Article] How to Start Asking Advisors Deeper Questionshttps://useseeds.com/asking-deeper-questions/[Podcast] The Foundation of Advisor Value = Humanity + Expertisehttps://useseeds.com/podcast/where-humanity-expertise-meet-the-true-foundation-of-advisor-value/[Podcast] Advisors: Are You Confident in Your 1% Fee?https://useseeds.com/podcast/are-you-confident-in-your-1-percent-fee/Connect with us:Zach Conway on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/zachary-conwayKelsey McKenna on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kelseymckenna3Website: www.useseeds.comOur Blog: https://useseeds.com/blog/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/seeds-investorDisclosures: https://useseeds.com/terms/Ready to scale the human side of advice with Seeds? Schedule your personalizeddemo today at www.useseeds.com/demoAsk Zach and Kelsey a question!

November 5, 2025Episode 2348 min

Do Your Clients Think You're As Empathetic As You Think You Are?

Is your communication building trust, or just checking boxes?In the newest episode, Zach Conway and Kelsey McKenna explore a skill that separates good advisors from great ones: understanding the balance between expertise and empathy.It’s not enough to know your stuff. Clients need to feel your value. From the first conversation to ongoing reviews, every touchpoint shapes how clients experience trust, confidence, and connection. Zach and Kelsey break down what it takes to communicate with impact, showing that the best advisors don’t just talk about value, they help clients feel it in every interaction.They also share how scalable systems can help you deliver personalized,human-first service at every stage of your client journey, without burning out or losing authenticity.Here are 5 key highlights from the episode:- How to align expertise and empathy to strengthen long-term clientrelationships.- Why communication should focus on how clients feel, not just what yousay.- Simple ways to show value through actions and presence instead ofexplanation.-The power of curiosity, active listening, and emotional awareness inevery client meeting.- How systematizing routine tasks frees you to focus on “magic moments that matter most.If you’re ready to elevate your client experience by connecting on a deeperlevel, this episode will help you rethink the way you communicate, lead, and grow your firm.Thanks for listening!Connect with us: Zach Conway on LinkedIn Kelsey McKenna on LinkedIn Want to learn more about how Seeds Investor can assess investors’ true investing preferences, personalize portfolios, and present engaging insights–all in one digital solution? Then be sure to click on the links below!Seeds Investor WebsiteOur BlogThis podcast and the resources shared are for informational and educational purposes only. They do not constitute investment advice, tax advice, or a solicitation to engage advisory services. For more information about our services and to view our Client Relationship Summary (Form CRS), visit: https://useseeds.com/terms/ and https://tinyurl.com/SeedsFormCRS25Ask Zach and Kelsey a question!

October 22, 2025Episode 2242 min

Advisors: Are You Actually Confident In Your 1% Fee?

Are you selling alpha...or underselling yourself? Most advisors still lead with investment returns. But clients aren’t just buying “performance.” They’re buying you. So why do so many think advisors “just manage money?”In this episode of The Advice Business Podcast, Zach Conway and Kelsey McKenna confront one of the industry’s most frustrating realities: advisors deliver significant value, but struggle to show it in a way clients actually understand. The episode opens with a story: a prospective client who proudly claimed he could “DIY” his investments. Sound familiar? That one moment reveals the perception gap plaguing even the best firms. Zach and Kelsey unpack why this mindset persists, how it sabotages pricing and positioning, and how leading advisors are working to close the gap.You’ll hear how top firms are ditching the “financial plan” as a one-time deliverable and instead building ongoing experiences anchored in clarity, transparency, and measurable progress that clients can actually feel. Inspired by both fintech and elite practices, this episode shows you how to sharpen your message, productize your value, and make your story unforgettable.5 Powerful Takeaways:1️⃣ The real reason clients don’t “get” advisor value — and how to change their mindset.2️⃣ Turning services into tangible outcomes clients can see, feel, and repeat to others.3️⃣ Why testing your messaging with actual clients is a key advantage.4️⃣ How elite firms proactively communicate value (before anyone asks “what am I paying for?”).5️⃣ How Seeds helps advisors quantify human value beyond investment returns and finally demonstrate it.Thanks for listening!Connect with us:Zach Conway: www.linkedin.com/in/zachary-conwayKelsey McKenna: www.linkedin.com/in/kelseymckenna3Ready to grow your business with Seeds? Schedule your personalized demo today.Website: www.useseeds.comOur Blog: https://useseeds.com/blog/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/seeds-investorThis podcast and the resources shared are for informational and educational purposes only. They do not constitute investment advice, tax advice, or a solicitation to engage advisory services. For more information about our services and to view our Client Relationship Summary (Form CRS), visit: https://useseeds.com/terms/ and https://tinyurl.com/SeedsFormCRS25Keywords related to this topic:investment management, financial advisor value, AUM fee, advisor tech, holistic financial planning, value proposition, client perception, pain points, advisor differentiation, customer centricity, messaging strategy, pricing models, comprehensive financial planning, fiduciary duty, wealth management misconceptions, articulating value, behavioral management, asset allocation, tax planning, tax loss harvesting, rebalancing, investment complexity, transparency in services, client trust, ongoing advisor services, niche marketing, growth tactics, authenticity, industry reputation, financial planning outcomes, client onboardingAsk Zach and Kelsey a question!

October 8, 2025Episode 2144 min

Where Humanity Meets Expertise: The True Foundation of Advisor Value

What does it really take to be a great financial advisor today?Zach Conway and Kelsey McKenna mark nearly two years behind the mic by tackling this question every advisor should be asking themselves.In a time dominated by conversations of DIY investing and AI, empathy and presence matter just as much as advisor expertise in client conversations.The kicker? Empathy can’t happen without presence, and true presence can’t happen without expertise fueling advisor confidence. In this episode, Zach and Kelsey make the case that confidence comes from structure having reliable systems for investment management.Here are 5 key highlights from the episode:1️⃣ Why the modern advisor must master both technical precision and emotional intelligence.2️⃣ How a “rules-based” portfolio process creates room for deeper client relationships.3️⃣ The hidden cost of chasing control instead of building systems that scale.4️⃣ Why presence not product is now the true differentiator for financial advisors.5️⃣ How to combine structure and empathy to stand out in an increasingly automated world.It’s an honest, energizing reflection on what it really means to evolve as an advisor and beyond.Thanks for listening!Connect with us:Zach Conway: www.linkedin.com/in/zachary-conwayKelsey McKenna: www.linkedin.com/in/kelseymckenna3Ready to grow your business with Seeds? Schedule your personalized demo today.Website: www.useseeds.comOur Blog: https://useseeds.com/blog/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/seeds-investorThis podcast and the resources shared are for informational and educational purposes only. They do not constitute investment advice, tax advice, or a solicitation to engage advisory services. For more information about our services and to view our Client Relationship Summary (Form CRS), visit: https://useseeds.com/terms/ and https://tinyurl.com/SeedsFormCRS25Keywords related to this topic:financial advisors, investment management, human-centered advising, International Podcast Day, financial planning, client experience, advisor expertise, relationship building, presence, personalization, value proposition, systematization, tax loss harvesting, rebalancing, compliance, asset allocation, model portfolios, planning discovery, legacy holdings, values-based investing, thematic investing, robo-advisors, confidence, automation, control, client trust, outsourcing, back office operations, technology in advising, advisor-client relationship#AdvisorBusinessPodcast #FinancialAdvisors #WealthManagement #ClientExperience #AdvisorGrowth #Leadership #PracticeManagement #HumanFirstAdvice #SeedsAdvisorAsk Zach and Kelsey a question!

September 24, 2025Episode 2041 min

Are Financial Advisors Really Ready for AI?

At this year’s Future Proof Festival, one theme stole the spotlight: AI.Everywhere you turned, someone was pitching an AI-driven solution. But what is all this efficiency really serving? Because no matter how powerful the tech, it can’t replace the fundamentals of delivering clarity, confidence, and genuine value to clients.In this episode, we take you inside the buzz of the Future Proof, unpacking trends and insights we took away from packed panel discussions and one-on-one conversations with advisors facing real challenges. Whether you were part of the action or catching up on what you missed, this conversation is worth hearing.Here are 4 key highlights from the conversation:▶️ Why AI is dominating wealth management, but adoption without purpose is a risky move.▶️ The disconnect between what advisors believe is valuable and what clients actually experience as valuable.▶️ How many firms get stuck over-investing in operational efficiency without considering client experience. ▶️ Why the future belongs to advisors who combine technical excellence with deep human connection.It’s a conversation about slowing down, reflecting, and doubling down on the one thing no algorithm can replicate: authentic, personalized client experiences.Thanks for listening!Connect with us:Zach Conway: www.linkedin.com/in/zachary-conwayKelsey McKenna: www.linkedin.com/in/kelseymckenna3Ready to grow your business with Seeds? Schedule your personalized demo today.Website: www.useseeds.comOur Blog: https://useseeds.com/blog/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/seeds-investorThis podcast and the resources shared are for informational and educational purposes only. They do not constitute investment advice, tax advice, or a solicitation to engage advisory services. For more information about our services and to view our Client Relationship Summary (Form CRS), visit: https://useseeds.com/terms/ and https://tinyurl.com/SeedsFormCRS25Ask Zach and Kelsey a question!

September 10, 2025Episode 1942 min

The Work You’re Avoiding Is Costing You Growth with Adam Koós, CFP®

From aspiring surgeon to founder of a thriving client-first advisory firm, Adam Koós has always approached challenges with a “financial surgeon’s” precision.In this episode of The Advice Business Podcast, hosts Zach Conway and Kelsey McKenna sit down with Adam to explore his journey to wealth management and the lessons he’s learned about building a client-first advisory practice.Adam shares the real story behind building and scaling an advisory practice and it wasn’t about closing sales. He opens up about the common pitfalls that hold advisors back, like overengineering processes, constantly tweaking business models, or overthinking tactics, instead of focusing on what truly drives growth: consistent outreach, qualified prospecting, and persistence.Key takeaways from Adam’s playbook:❌ Sales isn’t hard → ✅ Lead generation is hard❌ Time stuck in operations isn’t value → ✅ Client engagement is value❌ Overengineering processes → ✅ Building repeatable processes❌ Over-nuancing tactics → ✅ Nailing the basics❌ Overthinking → ✅ Taking actionFor growth-minded advisors, this episode is packed with candid insights and actionable takeaways you can apply to your own practice today.Thanks for listening!Connect with us: Zach Conway on LinkedIn Kelsey McKenna on LinkedIn Adam D. Koós on LinkedInLibertas Wealth Management GroupADRENALINEWant to learn more about how Seeds Investor can assess investors’ true investing preferences, personalize portfolios, and present engaging insights–all in one digital solution? Then be sure to click on the links below!Seeds Investor WebsiteOur BlogOur LinkedInDisclosuresThis podcast and the resources shared are for informational and educational purposes only. They do not constitute investment advice, tax advice, or a solicitation to engage advisory services. For more information about our services and to view our Client Relationship Summary (Form CRS), visit: https://useseeds.com/terms/ and https://tinyurl.com/SeedsFormCRS25#AdvisorBusinessPodcast #FinancialAdvisors #WealthManagement #ClientAcquisition #AdvisorGrowth #LeadGeneration #Entrepreneurship #PracticeManagement #AdamKoos #AdrenalineAdvisorAsk Zach and Kelsey a question!

August 27, 2025Episode 1841 min

From Shiny Objects to Smart Tech: Maximizing Advisor Tech ROI with Laura Holt, CFP®

Is your tech making your client experience better or just busier?In this episode of The Advice Business Podcast, Zach Conway and Kelsey McKenna sit down with Laura Holt, CFP®, founder & CEO of WealthTech Matchmaker, to tackle one of wealth management’s toughest challenges: scaling a personalized, human-first client experience with the right technology.Laura shares her journey from advisor to WealthTech strategist and explains why intentional tech choices matter more than chasing the next shiny tool.You’ll hear how to:Cut the busywork with AI and automation (billing, documents, account prep)Free up more time for proactive planning and deeper client relationshipsAvoid the “silver bullet” trap of chasing every new app or featureAlign your tech spend with firm goals, not vendor promisesCreate efficiency without losing the human touch that drives loyaltyPacked with practical strategies, this episode will help you turn your tech stack into a true growth engine, not a distraction.🎧 Listen now and learn how to make every tech dollar count while deepening your client connectionsThanks for listening!Connect with us: Zach Conway on LinkedIn Kelsey McKenna on LinkedIn Want to learn more about how Seeds Investor can assess investors’ true investing preferences, personalize portfolios, and present engaging insights–all in one digital solution? Then be sure to click on the links below!Seeds Investor WebsiteOur BlogDisclosuresThis podcast and the resources shared are for informational and educational purposes only. They do not constitute investment advice, tax advice, or a solicitation to engage advisory services. For more information about our services and to view our Client Relationship Summary (Form CRS), visit: https://useseeds.com/terms/ and https://tinyurl.com/SeedsFormCRS25#AdvisorBusinessPodcast #WealthManagement #FinancialAdvisors #ClientExperience #WealthTech #Fintech #AdvisorGrowth #PracticeManagement #LauraHoltz #WealthTechMatchmakerAsk Zach and Kelsey a question!

August 13, 2025Episode 1749 min

Top Strategies for Delegating & Scaling in Wealth Management Practices with Charesse Spiller

Feeling stuck in the weeds of your advisory firm’s operations? You’re not alone.In this episode, Zach Conway and Kelsey McKenna sit down with Charesse Spiller, founder of Level Best and the FinOps Co-Op, to unpack why most firms think they have an operations problem—when really, they have a leadership and structure problem.Charesse shares what she’s learned from helping RIAs scale without burning out their teams or burying themselves in tech they don’t fully use. She breaks down the real drivers of operational success: people, processes, and technology—in that order. And she dives into why so many founders are stuck wearing too many hats, slowing down growth and blurring accountability across the business.If you’ve ever defaulted to hiring another ops person or buying another tool without fixing the foundation, this conversation is your wake-up call. Charesse shares simple but powerful ways to shift from running around inside your business to actually leading it forward—with clarity, structure, and a team that’s fully empowered to operate.Thanks for listening!Connect with us: Zach Conway on LinkedIn Kelsey McKenna on LinkedIn Want to learn more about how Seeds Investor can assess investors’ true investing preferences, personalize portfolios, and present engaging insights–all in one digital solution? Then be sure to click on the links below!Seeds Investor WebsiteOur BlogDisclosuresThis podcast and the resources shared are for informational and educational purposes only. They do not constitute investment advice, tax advice, or a solicitation to engage advisory services. For more information about our services and to view our Client Relationship Summary (Form CRS), visit: https://useseeds.com/terms/ and https://tinyurl.com/SeedsFormCRS25#AdvisorBusinessPodcast #RIAOperations #FinancialAdvisors #BusinessLeadership #Fintech #ScalingSmart #AdvisoryFirms #PracticeManagement #CharesseSpiller #LevelBest #FinOpsCoOpAsk Zach and Kelsey a question!