In the Suite

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

EP 96 Everything New at Edge: Inside Informa’s Top Wealth Management Event with Dan Rubinetti and Shannon Rosic

Send us a textToday, I’m thrilled to welcome two powerhouse leaders in financial services and events: Dan Rubinetti and Shannon Rosic of Informa. If you’ve spent any time in the wealth management industry, you know their names are synonymous with top-tier industry conferences, innovative programming, and—most importantly—community building.Dan Rubinetti, who helped launch Edge just four years ago, has been a driving force in transforming WealthManagement.com’s approach to advisor-centric events. He’s championed the creation of best-in-class experiences that focus on peer-to-peer learning, actionable content, and technology-driven solutions for RIAs and senior leaders. With a keen eye for what resonates in the industry, Dan has played a pivotal role in building Edge’s reputation as one of the can’t-miss events on the annual calendar—now moving to the breathtaking Boca Raton Resort in June!Alongside Dan is Shannon Rosic, a tech-savvy leader and respected industry voice, known for curating wildly successful educational tracks and superstar speaker lineups. Shannon’s ability to translate feedback from advisors and sponsors into real, tangible improvements is the secret sauce behind Edge’s “choose your own adventure” conference model. Whether you’re into investments, tech demos, or RIA practice management, Shannon ensures there’s something for everyone.But that’s just the beginning.In today’s episode, we dive behind the scenes of Edge’s evolution—how attendee-driven feedback, bold new partnerships, and a relentless focus on community have set a new standard for industry events. We talk about the future of advisor learning, the importance of next-gen mentorship, and the rise of women in wealth management. You’ll also hear about exciting new features: roundtables, allocate meetings with AI-powered connections, and keynote speakers who embody leadership and resilience—including former NFL quarterback Alex Smith.Plus, Dan and Shannon share candid tips on thriving in high-stress environments, the power of collaboration, and how Informa is opening doors for advisors of all backgrounds to find their tribe, invest in their growth, and shape the industry’s future.Get ready for a high-energy, insightful, and heartfelt conversation with two of wealth management’s most innovative event leaders—right here, In The Suite.🔗 Links & ResourcesDan Rubinetti LinkedIn  Shannon Rosic LinkedIn Wealth Management EDGE - June 10 - 12, 2025 in Boca Raton, FL🤩 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 95 Navigating Growth and Innovation in Wealth Tech with Vickie Lewin, Chief Growth Officer at Amplify

Send us a textToday, I’m thrilled to welcome Vickie Lewin, Chief Growth Officer at Amplify, a fast-growing wealthtech platform purpose-built to simplify operations and accelerate growth for wealth management firms. Amplify’s unified, all-in-one technology is helping RIAs and enterprises streamline their tech stacks, reduce inefficiencies, and scale smarter—all while focusing on what matters most: serving clients.Since joining Amplify, Vickie has been instrumental in driving the firm’s strategic direction, overseeing a high-performing team of sales and marketing professionals, and bringing Amplify’s value proposition to life across the industry. She’s a dynamic leader whose impact can be seen in every corner of the organization—from product development to market expansion.Before Amplify, Vickie served as Senior Vice President and Chief Success Officer at AssetMark, where she played a critical role in the company’s meteoric rise from a $1 billion TAMP to a $100+ billion industry giant. With more than 30 years of experience spanning financial services, fintech, and asset management, Vickie brings a unique blend of insight, innovation, and execution to everything she does​.But that’s just the beginning.In today’s episode, we explore Vickie’s journey from her early days in the industry to her current role helping firms future-proof their businesses through smart, scalable technology. We talk about the forces shaping the future of wealthtech, what advisors can do to stay competitive, and how to navigate growth during times of rapid change and consolidation. Vickie also shares powerful reflections on leadership, mentorship, and what it really takes to succeed in today’s evolving financial landscape—especially as a woman in the C-suite.Get ready for a thoughtful, empowering, and forward-looking conversation with one of fintech’s most respected voices—right here, In The Suite.🎧 In this episode, you’ll hear:The vision behind Amplify and how it’s redefining operations for wealth management firmsKey lessons from helping scale one of the largest TAMPs in the countryVickie’s insights on the future of wealthtech—from AI to advisor enablementAdvice for breakaway advisors navigating independence and fee compressionHer perspective on RIA consolidation and how technology can be a powerful differentiatorReal talk on advancing women in finance and the importance of mentorship and leadership🔗 Links & ResourcesVickie Lewin on LinkedInAmplify WebsiteAmplify on LinkedInIn The Suite on AppleIn The Suite on SpotifyHost Tina Powell on LinkedIn🤩 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