In the Suite

Ep 100: The Original Power Move — My Mom’s Story of Reinvention & Strength with Joanne Sutera

Send a textFor the 100th episode of In The Suite, I’m sitting down with the woman who made the very first power move in my life — my mother, Joanne Sutera.Long before there were downloads in over 133 countries, before sponsors, before a microphone ever turned on, there was one listener. Her. She believed in this work before there was proof it mattered.Joanne’s life is a masterclass in reinvention. She grew up the oldest of nine children in a chaotic household and went on welfare as a teenager. At 18, she left home. At 19, she boarded a bus to New York with $30 in her pocket and no clear roadmap. She became a single mother and sole provider, put herself through nursing school, and later returned to earn her bachelor’s degree as an adult student determined to see the world through an educated lens.Over the decades, she built careers in healthcare, entrepreneurship, and international business. She worked inside small, privately held companies, ran operations in a high-end salon, handled international sales, and later taught computer classes aboard an international cruise line. Retirement didn’t slow her down. It marked another reinvention — this time as a published poet and longtime docent at Grounds For Sculpture.This conversation is about education as an exit strategy, reinvention at every stage of life, and the courage to leave situations that no longer serve you. It’s about resilience as a daily practice, not a personality trait. And it’s also about walking through one of the hardest chapters of our lives together as I navigate lung cancer, choosing to stay engaged, creative, and present in the middle of uncertainty.If you are navigating change, considering a bold move, or wondering whether it’s too late to start again, this episode is for you.Thank you for being here for 100 episodes.🤩 Thanks for listening, we appreciate your support and 5-star reviews of our show!!!❤️ Please follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/inthesuitepod/📧 Want to get in touch? Email me at tina@growintentionally.com

EP 101 What Tech Professionals Get Wrong About Equity Compensation & Wealth with Jackie Lewis and Ryan Goldenhar, Wealth With Options

Send us a textI’m joined by Ryan Goldenhar and Jackie Lewis, the powerhouse duo behind Wealth with Options, a San Diego–based firm helping tech professionals make sense of equity compensation, major liquidity events, and the emotional decisions that come with sudden or complex wealth.Ryan and Jackie bring a rare combination of technical rigor and humanity to financial planning—meeting clients not just where the numbers are, but where their values, fears, ambitions, and life transitions live.Together, we unpack what equity compensation really means, why money decisions are never “just spreadsheets,” and how true wealth is ultimately about freedom, clarity, and choice.This conversation is especially relevant for tech executives navigating RSUs, ISOs, IPOs, job transitions, or the question many silently ask: “What is all this money actually for?”Important Disclosures:Jackie Lewis and Ryan Goldenhar offer investment advisory services through Mariner Platform Solutions, LLC (“MPS”), an SEC-registered investment adviser. Wealth With Options and MPS are separate, unaffiliated entities. For additional information about MPS, including fees and services, please refer to Form ADV Part 2A, which is available on the Investment Adviser Public Disclosure website (www.adviserinfo.sec.gov). Registration of an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training.This podcast episode includes statements by Tina Powell of Intention.ly. Intention.ly is a marketing firm that is compensated by Wealth With Options to provide marketing and related services. This compensation creates a conflict of interest, as Intention.ly has a financial incentive to promote Wealth With Options and its services. Statements made by Intention.ly should not be construed as independent or unbiased. This endorsement is not a guarantee of future results or client experience.Discussion of careers in technology companies and equity-based compensation, including stock options, is provided for general informational purposes only. Stock options and other forms of equity compensation do not guarantee wealth creation. Outcomes vary significantly based on company performance, market conditions, vesting terms, concentration risk, tax considerations, and individual circumstances.Any examples or scenarios discussed are illustrative only and should not be interpreted as indicative of typical or expected results. Nothing discussed should be construed as individualized investment, tax, legal, or employment advice, or as a recommendation to pursue any particular employment or compensation structure. Any opinions expressed herein are subject to change without notice.There is no assurance that any investment, plan, or strategy will be successful. Investing involves risk🤩 Thanks for listening, we appreciate your support and 5-star reviews of our show!!!❤️ Please follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/inthesuitepod/📧 Want to get in touch? Email me at tina@growintentionally.com

EP 99 Reinventing Wealth with AI, Empathy & Financial Identity with Marla Sofer, Founder & CEO of Knomee

Send us a textIn this episode of In the Suite, host Tina Powell sits down with Marla Sofer, fintech founder and visionary behind Knomee, the AI-powered behavioral finance platform helping advisors uncover their clients’ financial identity.With 25+ years across JP Morgan, BlackRock, and Lending Club, Marla shares how she turned industry experience into innovation — building technology that connects advisors and clients at the human level.We explore:The birth of “financial identity” and what it means for personalization in wealthHow AI enhances trust, empathy, and client connectionThe vulnerability gap in women’s wealth conversationsHow to build women’s networks inside financial firmsThe transformative power of imagining your “future self”Resources Mentioned:Knomee WebsiteKnowing Me Knowing You Podcast Knomee Wealth Leadership Roundtables Hidden Brain Podcast ⏱ Chapter Markers: 00:00 – Welcome + Why Marla’s story matters 01:08 – From JP Morgan & BlackRock to founding Knomee 04:29 – What Knomee is and who it’s for 09:00 – Behavioral finance and risk redefined 13:24 – The idea behind “financial identity” 17:35 – How often clients should re-engage with Knomee 21:43 – The role of AI in creating connection 26:26 – The vulnerability gap for women and wealth 33:03 – Building women’s networks inside firms 36:26 – How to start a women’s initiative that lasts 39:15 – Advice for women aiming for the C-suite 43:06 – Launching the “Knowing Me, Knowing You” podcast 46:45 – Nomi at Future Proof and Wealth Leadership Roundtables 48:47 – Best health + wellness tip: find your posse🤩 Thanks for listening, we appreciate your support and 5-star reviews of our show!!!❤️ Please follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/inthesuitepod/📧 Want to get in touch? Email me at tina@growintentionally.com

Ep 98 Changing It Up: Secrets to Leadership, Health & Longevity with Carina Diamond, Chief Executive Officer, GFP Private Wealth

Send us a textIn this episode of In The Suite, I’m joined by Carina Diamond, CEO of GFP Private Wealth. Carina shares how she’s honoring the pioneering legacy of Sally Gries while boldly steering the firm into the future. From the power of rebranding to harnessing AI and building next-gen talent pipelines, Carina is a masterclass in leadership reinvention.We talk about:Why rebranding matters more than most firms admitHow to lead boldly without abandoning legacyWhy Carina believes AI is “here now” (not “coming”)The importance of shaking things up—personally and professionallyThe underestimated power of awards, speaking, and visibilityResources MentionedGFP Private Wealth: https://gfpprivatewealth.comBroadridge AIF Program: https://www.broadridge.com/advisor/aif-designation-trainingCoursera Google AI Certification: LinkDiversitas at The University of Akron: https://www.diversitasfp.org⏱ Chapter Markers00:00 – Welcome & why this conversation was years in the making01:30 – The legacy of Sally Gries and GFP’s rebrand07:00 – From Chief Growth Officer to CEO in five months 11:20 – Why AI isn’t the future—it’s the present16:20 – Building young, innovative teams22:00 – Confidence, certifications, and the power of visibility26:30 – Founding Stella Segunda Partners & career reinvention29:50 – Flourish Women & Wealth: pioneering women’s financial education31:50 – The influence of Carina’s mother and her legacy34:30 – Upcoming events & what’s next for GFP37:40 – Health and wellness tip: the power of changing things up👉 Ready to be inspired? Listen now and take notes. This conversation may just spark the change you’ve been putting off.🤩 Thanks for listening, we appreciate your support and 5-star reviews of our show!!!❤️ Please follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/inthesuitepod/📧 Want to get in touch? Email me at tina@growintentionally.com

EP 97 Plain Vanilla: Reinventing Estate Planning with Gene Farrell, President & Chief Executive Officer, Vanilla

Send us a textToday, I’m thrilled to welcome a powerhouse in fintech and leadership In The Suite: Gene Farrell, President and CEO of Vanilla.If you think estate planning is confusing, costly, or only for the ultra-wealthy—this episode is going to flip that belief on its head. Gene joins us to talk about how Vanilla is on a mission to reimagine and radically simplify estate planning, making it accessible, human, and empowering for advisors and families alike.This conversation is especially meaningful to me. As someone navigating a personal health journey, I’ve come to understand just how vital it is to plan ahead—not just for ourselves, but for the people we love. It’s not just paperwork. It’s peace of mind. And Vanilla is making that possible.Founded in 2019 by renowned entrepreneur and financial advisor Steve Lockshin, Vanilla was born out of a deep understanding of the wealth management space—and a bold vision to modernize how legacy planning gets done. Backed by leaders like Michael Jordan and Bill McNabb, Vanilla is transforming an industry that has long been overdue for innovation.In today’s episode, Gene brings both personal passion and professional fire. We talk about everything—from the heartbreaking family experience that fuels his drive at Vanilla, to his journey through giants like Coca-Cola, Amazon, and Smartsheet. Yes, he’s the brains behind Coca-Cola Freestyle—you know, that magical machine that lets you mix over 100 drink combinations? Yeah, that was Gene.But this episode goes deeper. We dive into how Vanilla is transforming the advisor-client relationship through intelligent estate planning tools—using AI, intuitive design, and real human connection. You’ll hear about the myth of "estate planning is only for the rich,” why 92% of clients want their advisor’s help—but only 23% get it—and what you can do about it.Plus, we explore the power of legacy, leadership, and living with intention.So whether you're a fintech founder, financial advisor, or someone navigating your own life planning journey—this episode is packed with wisdom, innovation, and inspiration.Get ready for an unforgettable conversation with one of the most purpose-driven leaders in fintech—right here, In The Suite.Books Referenced:First, Break All the Rules by Marcus Buckingham and the Gallup OrganizationNow, Discover Your Strengths by Marcus BuckinghamYounger Next Year by Chris Crowley & Henry LodgeToughness Training for Life by James E. LoehrToughness Training for Sport by James E. LoehrWebsites & Tools:Vanilla Download the 2025 State of Estate Planning Report🤩 Thanks for listening, we appreciate your support and 5-star reviews of our show!!!❤️ Please follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/inthesuitepod/📧 Want to get in touch? Email me at tina@growintentionally.com