by NAIFA
This is NAIFA’s Advisor Today Podcast Series where we focus on how financial advisors work, live, and give to their local communities and our greater financial services industry.
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
8/1/2022
Email Addresses
1 available
Phone Numbers
0 available
April 28, 2025
<p>Lindsey Lewis is a Chartered Financial Consultant and a Certified Financial Planner who champions the advancement of women in the financial industry through research, education, and advocacy. She leads various initiatives, encompassing podcasts, social media, and events fostering community and professional growth for women advisors. Recognized for her contributions, Lindsey has been honored with accolades, including InvestmentNews’ 40 Under 40 and the 2024 Female Trailblazer of the Year award. She volunteers at nonprofits and holds degrees in personal financial planning and an MBA from Utah Valley University.</p> <h3>In this episode…</h3> <p>As the financial services industry prepares for a significant generational transfer of wealth and the impending retirement of many advisors, a critical challenge emerges — there are not enough diverse and qualified professionals to meet the growing demand. Despite women increasingly becoming primary financial decision-makers, they remain underrepresented in advisory roles. So, what will it take to create a more inclusive, future-ready financial workforce?</p> <p>Lindsey Lewis, an expert in financial education and advocacy, addresses this gap by spotlighting the opportunities and systemic challenges facing women in finance. She shares actionable strategies to attract and retain female advisors, such as providing access to education, mentorship, and professional designations that enhance confidence and long-term success. Lindsey emphasizes the need for firms to modernize outdated business models while encouraging financial professionals to create personalized, inclusive client experiences grounded in trust and empathy.</p> <p>In this episode of the Advisor Today podcast, co-hosts Chris Gandy and Bianca Alonso Weiss sit down with Lindsey Lewis, a Chartered Financial Consultant and Certified Financial Planner, to discuss empowering women in finance and reshaping the industry. Lindsey discusses how education drives advisor success, why diversity boosts profitability, and how to support underrepresented groups in financial careers.</p>
April 24, 2025
<p>Erica McQuade is a government relations expert specializing in federal lobbying and advocacy. With a strong background in political advocacy, she actively engages in legislative initiatives that impact the financial services industry. Erica is a featured speaker at events like the NAIFA Women’s Financial Security Fly-In, where she empowers women financial professionals to advocate for their clients and communities. Her dedication to public affairs underscores her commitment to advancing financial security and industry representation.</p> <h3>In this episode…</h3> <p>Many financial professionals struggle to make their voices heard in the policy decisions that shape their industry. While they’re busy building client relationships and managing portfolios, crucial legislative changes can pass by with little advisor input — potentially harming their businesses and clients. How can advisors break through the noise and make a lasting impact in advocacy without sacrificing their core responsibilities?</p> <p>Erica McQuade, a seasoned government relations specialist, shares how advisors can influence lawmakers effectively through grassroots efforts and personal storytelling. She emphasizes the unmatched value of showing up in person, whether in Washington, DC or at local district offices, to share client stories and humanize the financial services profession. She encourages professionals to get involved through trade associations, attend fly-ins, and leverage virtual meetings when in-person attendance isn’t possible. Her insights also reveal how advocacy isn’t just a civic duty but a business development opportunity that builds credibility and trust with clients.</p> <p>In this episode of the Advisor Today Podcast, co-hosts Chris Gandy and Bianca Alonso Weiss sit down with Erica McQuade, a government relations expert, to discuss the importance of financial advisor advocacy. Erica discusses the role of in-person storytelling, how the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act affects the industry, and why virtual lobbying still plays a crucial role. She also shares her career journey, the evolution of trade association engagement, and tips for advisors to amplify their voices.</p>
March 17, 2025
<p>Bianca Alonso Weiss is the State Government Relations Director at NAIFA, overseeing advocacy efforts across all 50 state chapters. She specializes in bill tracking, analysis, and legislative outreach, ensuring that NAIFA members remain informed and engaged in shaping financial policies. Bianca also represents NAIFA at the National Council of Insurance Legislators, facilitating connections between lawmakers and industry experts to drive meaningful policy discussions. Her dedication to grassroots advocacy empowers financial professionals to actively participate in shaping the future of the insurance and financial services industry.</p> <h3>In this episode…</h3> <p>Many financial professionals recognize the importance of legislative advocacy but feel uncertain about how to engage with lawmakers effectively. With constantly changing regulations and policies, staying informed and making an impact can seem overwhelming. So, how can financial professionals use their voices to influence policies that directly affect their industry and clients?</p> <p>Bianca Alonso Weiss, an experienced strategic professional, emphasizes that financial advisors have more influence than they realize. She explains that meeting with lawmakers, attending state legislative days, and sharing real-life client stories are powerful tools for advocacy. Bianca highlights the importance of networking and community building, particularly for younger professionals, and encourages them to participate in NAIFA’s grassroots efforts. She also stresses that financial professionals should leverage their expertise by engaging with policymakers through direct meetings, written correspondence, and ongoing relationship-building.</p> <p>In this episode of the Advisor Today podcast, Chris Gandy and Zack Huels interview Bianca Alonso Weiss, State Government Relations Director at NAIFA, about the power of grassroots advocacy and how financial advisors can take action. Bianca discusses the significance of advocacy at state and federal levels, the importance of connecting with legislators, the role of younger generations in shaping the industry, networking, professional development, and strategies for engaging millennials in financial advocacy.</p>
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