Significance of Wealth with Tom Ruggie

Speed Is a Leadership Decision: How Destiny Intelligence Is Positioning for the AI Era

What does it look like when a wealth management firm stops waiting and starts building? In this episode, Tom Ruggie sits down with Sean Beierly, Head of AI Product and Platform at Destiny Intelligence — the newly formed AI-focused entity within the Destiny family of companies. Sean spent more than two decades in Silicon Valley and at Amazon leading AI innovation teams before joining Destiny as employee number one. Tom and Sean discuss why Tom moved early to create Destiny Intelligence, what they’re actually building (including a digital twin of Tom, AI tools for the advisor team, and a modernized planning framework), and why the firm’s proprietary frameworks matter more in an AI era, not less. They also dig into Destiny Access, the firm’s private investment platform, why the next 18 to 24 months may represent a once-in-a-generation window in private markets, and what any entrepreneur or business owner should do right now if they feel like they’re already behind on AI. Learn more about Destiny Intelligence: destinyfamilyoffice.com/destinyintelligence  Subscribe to the Significance of Wealth Podcast on Apple Podcasts & Spotify Follow Tom Ruggie on LinkedIn Follow Destiny Family Office on LinkedIn The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and/or guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of Destiny Family Office, LLC or its affiliates. Nothing discussed should be construed as investment advice, an offer, solicitation, or recommendation to buy or sell any security, investment product, or strategy. Investment advisory services are offered through Destiny Family Office, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration with the SEC does not imply any level of skill, training, or favorable outcome. This podcast and any related materials are provided for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended as a substitute for personalized investment, legal, tax, or accounting advice. Destiny Family Office is neither a law firm nor an accounting firm, and no portion of this content should be construed as legal or accounting advice. Listeners should consult their own advisors regarding their specific financial circumstances before making any investment decisions.  Discussions may include references to private, alternative, or illiquid investments. Such investments are speculative, involve a high degree of risk, may involve limited liquidity, and are not suitable for all investors. Alternative investments are intended only for investors who meet applicable eligibility requirements, such as Accredited Investor or Qualified Purchaser standards. Past performance is not indicative of future results, and no assurance can be given that any investment strategy will be successful or achieve its objectives. Any references to specific investments, strategies, or market outcomes are for illustrative purposes only and should not be assumed to be profitable or suitable for any individual or portfolio. No guarantees are made that any client or investor will experience similar results. Destiny Family Office and its affiliates make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of the information discussed and are not responsible for any human or mechanical errors or omissions. The podcast content is the sole property of Destiny Family Office and may not be reproduced or redistributed in any form without the express written consent of Destiny Family Office. Copies of Destiny Wealth Partners’ current Form ADV Part 2A (Disclosure Brochure) and Form CRS, which provide additional information about advisory services and fees, are available upon request or at www.destinyfamilyoffice.com/disclosures.

Why a Savvy Investor Paid $16.5M for a Pokémon Card

What does a $16.5 million Pokémon card have to do with serious capital allocation? In this episode of Significance of Wealth, Tom Ruggie sits down with AJ Scaramucci — Founder and Managing Partner of Solari Capital [https://www.solaricap.com/] and Co-Chairman of SALT — who recently made international headlines by winning a 42-day global auction for the ultra-rare Pikachu Illustrator card, setting the record for the most expensive trading card ever sold. AJ unpacks the investment thesis behind that purchase, why collectibles represent one of the most overlooked asset classes available to sophisticated investors today, and how global capital is beginning to flow into rare, culturally significant objects. He also shares the story behind Treasure Trove [https://www.treasuretrove.com/], his new venture aimed at acquiring the world's rarest assets at institutional scale. Topics covered include: * Why Pokémon is the highest-grossing franchise of all time and what that means for collectors * The power law dynamic that made the Pikachu Illustrator card uniquely valuable * What the "debasement trade" has to do with rare collectibles * How AI and post-scarcity economics could drive massive value into collecting Watch the full episode on our YouTube Channel @SignificanceOfWealth [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKI_stShu4H5r3job-TjNMg] Subscribe to Significance of Wealth for conversations that go beyond conventional investing — exploring wealth strategy, private markets, alternative investments, and the rare, passion-driven assets that are reshaping how the world's most sophisticated investors think about value, legacy, and impact.   The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and/or guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of Destiny Family Office, LLC or its affiliates. Nothing discussed should be construed as investment advice, an offer, solicitation, or recommendation to buy or sell any security, investment product, or strategy. Investment advisory services are offered through Destiny Family Office, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration with the SEC does not imply any level of skill, training, or favorable outcome. This podcast and any related materials are provided for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended as a substitute for personalized investment, legal, tax, or accounting advice. Destiny Family Office is neither a law firm nor an accounting firm, and no portion of this content should be construed as legal or accounting advice. Listeners should consult their own advisors regarding their specific financial circumstances before making any investment decisions.  Discussions may include references to private, alternative, or illiquid investments. Such investments are speculative, involve a high degree of risk, may involve limited liquidity, and are not suitable for all investors. Alternative investments are intended only for investors who meet applicable eligibility requirements, such as Accredited Investor or Qualified Purchaser standards. Past performance is not indicative of future results, and no assurance can be given that any investment strategy will be successful or achieve its objectives. Any references to specific investments, strategies, or market outcomes are for illustrative purposes only and should not be assumed to be profitable or suitable for any individual or portfolio. No guarantees are made that any client or investor will experience similar results. Destiny Family Office and its affiliates make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of the information discussed and are not responsible for any human or mechanical errors or omissions. The podcast content is the sole property of Destiny Family Office and may not be reproduced or redistributed in any form without the express written consent of Destiny Family Office. Copies of Destiny Wealth Partners’ current Form ADV Part 2A (Disclosure Brochure) and Form CRS, which provide additional information about advisory services and fees, are available upon request or at www.destinyfamilyoffice.com/disclosures.

From Pet Rocks to Private Jets

Kyle Bell turned childhood hustle — selling candy, pet rocks, and autographs — into Bell Sports Marketing, a multi-division enterprise spanning authenticated memorabilia, large-scale charity auctions, and custom framing. In this episode of Significance of Wealth, Kyle shares how relationship capital, disciplined risk-taking, and long-term thinking helped transform a passion for sports into a scalable business. Host Tom Ruggie and Kyle explore the evolution of sports memorabilia from hobby to recognized alternative asset category, including the difference between established “blue-chip” legacy pieces and more speculative current-player opportunities. They also discuss how the collectibles market shifted during COVID, the importance of authentication and provenance, and why collectibles can carry both emotional and financial value. In addition, Kyle reflects on building enterprise value, scaling through uncertainty, and raising nearly $24 million for charitable causes through memorabilia-driven fundraising. This conversation offers perspective on entrepreneurship, alternative assets, and what meaningful wealth looks like beyond traditional balance sheets. Watch the episode on our YouTube channel and subscribe for more content: @SignificanceofWealthPodcast  [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKI_stShu4H5r3job-TjNMg/videos] Learn more about Destiny Family Office at www.DestinyFamilyOffice.com  [https://destinyfamilyoffice.com/] Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, iHeartRadio, and YouTube. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and/or guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of Destiny Family Office, LLC or its affiliates. Nothing discussed should be construed as investment advice, an offer, solicitation, or recommendation to buy or sell any security, investment product, or strategy. Investment advisory services are offered through Destiny Family Office, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration with the SEC does not imply any level of skill, training, or favorable outcome. This podcast and any related materials are provided for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended as a substitute for personalized investment, legal, tax, or accounting advice. Destiny Family Office is neither a law firm nor an accounting firm, and no portion of this content should be construed as legal or accounting advice. Listeners should consult their own advisors regarding their specific financial circumstances before making any investment decisions.  Discussions may include references to private, alternative, or illiquid investments. Such investments are speculative, involve a high degree of risk, may involve limited liquidity, and are not suitable for all investors. Alternative investments are intended only for investors who meet applicable eligibility requirements, such as Accredited Investor or Qualified Purchaser standards. Past performance is not indicative of future results, and no assurance can be given that any investment strategy will be successful or achieve its objectives. Any references to specific investments, strategies, or market outcomes are for illustrative purposes only and should not be assumed to be profitable or suitable for any individual or portfolio. No guarantees are made that any client or investor will experience similar results. Destiny Family Office and its affiliates make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of the information discussed and are not responsible for any human or mechanical errors or omissions. The podcast content is the sole property of Destiny Family Office and may not be reproduced or redistributed in any form without the express written consent of Destiny Family Office. Copies of Destiny Wealth Partners’ current Form ADV Part 2A (Disclosure Brochure) and Form CRS, which provide additional information about advisory services and fees, are available upon request or at www.destinyfamilyoffice.com/disclosures.

Dot-Com Bubble Déjà Vu? What Market History Tells Us About AI and Private Markets

What happens when the host becomes the guest? In Episode 23 of Significance of Wealth, Martie Salt sits down with Tom Ruggie - Founder and CEO of Destiny Family Office and the show’s regular host - for a wide-ranging conversation on alternative investing, private markets, and the accelerating AI cycle. Fresh off being named InvestmentNews’ 2025 Advisor of the Year for Alternative Investments, Tom shares insights from his recent presentation to his TIGER21 peer group, where he argued that today’s AI revolution closely parallels the internet boom of the 1990s—compressed into a much shorter time frame. Together, Martie and Tom explore: * Why Tom believes the AI bubble has not yet burst—and what signals he’s watching * How Destiny Family Office accesses late-stage, pre-IPO companies through institutional relationships * The difference between primary market valuations and secondary market markups * Key risks of direct investing, including illiquidity, valuation opacity, and concentration risk * How a long-standing bucketing strategy helps determine appropriate allocations to alternatives * Where private equity, private credit, hedge funds, and direct investments fit within a broader portfolio While some opportunities discussed may only be available to qualified purchasers, this episode offers valuable perspective for any investor seeking to understand how experienced advisors and ultra-high-net-worth investors are thinking about private markets, innovation cycles, and long-term portfolio strategy. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and/or guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of Destiny Family Office, LLC or its affiliates. Nothing discussed should be construed as investment advice, an offer, solicitation, or recommendation to buy or sell any security, investment product, or strategy. Investment advisory services are offered through Destiny Family Office, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration with the SEC does not imply any level of skill, training, or favorable outcome. This podcast and any related materials are provided for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended as a substitute for personalized investment, legal, tax, or accounting advice. Destiny Family Office is neither a law firm nor an accounting firm, and no portion of this content should be construed as legal or accounting advice. Listeners should consult their own advisors regarding their specific financial circumstances before making any investment decisions.  Discussions may include references to private, alternative, or illiquid investments. Such investments are speculative, involve a high degree of risk, may involve limited liquidity, and are not suitable for all investors. Alternative investments are intended only for investors who meet applicable eligibility requirements, such as Accredited Investor or Qualified Purchaser standards. Past performance is not indicative of future results, and no assurance can be given that any investment strategy will be successful or achieve its objectives. Any references to specific investments, strategies, or market outcomes are for illustrative purposes only and should not be assumed to be profitable or suitable for any individual or portfolio. No guarantees are made that any client or investor will experience similar results. Destiny Family Office and its affiliates make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of the information discussed and are not responsible for any human or mechanical errors or omissions. The podcast content is the sole property of Destiny Family Office and may not be reproduced or redistributed in any form without the express written consent of Destiny Family Office. Copies of Destiny Wealth Partners’ current Form ADV Part 2A (Disclosure Brochure) and Form CRS, which provide additional information about advisory services and fees, are available upon request or at www.destinyfamilyoffice.com/disclosures.

Late-Stage Private Investing and Pre-IPO Markets: A Family Office Perspective

In this episode of Significance of Wealth, host Tom Ruggie is joined by Michael Grayson, Portfolio Manager at First Trust Capital Management LP, for a thoughtful discussion on late-stage private investing within a changing capital market landscape.  Their conversation examines how institutional family offices assess private growth opportunities, with an emphasis on underwriting discipline, access, alignment of interests, and risk awareness. Tom and Michael also explore how liquidity considerations, secondary market dynamics, and potential exit paths, including IPOs, inform decision-making as companies mature toward the public markets. Explore related private market commentary and articles written by Tom Ruggie: - The Calm Investor’s Guide To Allocating Alternative Investments [https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesfinancecouncil/2025/11/05/the-calm-investors-guide-to-allocating-alternative-investments/] - The Role Of Direct Investment Opportunities In The AI Revolution [https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesfinancecouncil/2025/09/16/the-role-of-direct-investment-opportunities-in-the-ai-revolution/] - Why Alternatives Belong in a Well-Built Portfolio [https://www.investmentnews.com/news/expert-advice/why-alternatives-belong-in-a-well-built-portfolio/263478] :: Connect with Destiny Family Office :: Website: www.destinyfamilyoffice.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/destiny-family-office/ YouTube: @SignificanceOfWealthPodcast The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and/or guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of Destiny Family Office, LLC or its affiliates. Nothing discussed should be construed as investment advice, an offer, solicitation, or recommendation to buy or sell any security, investment product, or strategy. Investment advisory services are offered through Destiny Family Office, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration with the SEC does not imply any level of skill, training, or favorable outcome. This podcast and any related materials are provided for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended as a substitute for personalized investment, legal, tax, or accounting advice. Destiny Family Office is neither a law firm nor an accounting firm, and no portion of this content should be construed as legal or accounting advice. Listeners should consult their own advisors regarding their specific financial circumstances before making any investment decisions.  Discussions may include references to private, alternative, or illiquid investments. Such investments are speculative, involve a high degree of risk, may involve limited liquidity, and are not suitable for all investors. Alternative investments are intended only for investors who meet applicable eligibility requirements, such as Accredited Investor or Qualified Purchaser standards. Past performance is not indicative of future results, and no assurance can be given that any investment strategy will be successful or achieve its objectives. Any references to specific investments, strategies, or market outcomes are for illustrative purposes only and should not be assumed to be profitable or suitable for any individual or portfolio. No guarantees are made that any client or investor will experience similar results. Destiny Family Office and its affiliates make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of the information discussed and are not responsible for any human or mechanical errors or omissions. The podcast content is the sole property of Destiny Family Office and may not be reproduced or redistributed in any form without the express written consent of Destiny Family Office. Copies of Destiny Wealth Partners’ current Form ADV Part 2A (Disclosure Brochure) and Form CRS, which provide additional information about advisory services and fees, are available upon request or at www.destinyfamilyoffice.com/disclosures.