Retirement Inside Out with Tom Lamendola

This episode, Ken Schmidt [https://kenspeaks.com/]- former Director of Communications at Harley-Davidson and the brand architect behind its iconic resurgence- joins Nicholas Ross to talk about what it really takes to stand out in a crowded, noisy market. Ken played a key role in Harley’s turnaround from financial ruin and he shares what the company got wrong, what they did to fix it, and why many businesses fail to differentiate meaningfully. What does any of this have to do with financial services? Everything. Ken breaks down how financial advisors (especially those running smaller, independent firms) can rise above the noise not by focusing on what they do, but by getting clear on who they are and how they make people feel. From creating meaningful client experiences to building a reputation people talk about, his message is clear: if you want to stand out, don’t just sell a service. Create a story worth sharing. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 💡 Why “what you do” isn’t a differentiator 🧠 The power of human connection in branding 🧍‍♂️ How to make your service memorable, not just functional 📢 Why your clients should be telling stories about you 🏍️ What financial advisors can learn from Harley-Davidson's turnaround Resources for this episode: Learn more about Ken: https://kenspeaks.com/ [https://kenspeaks.com/] VSA Partners: https://www.vsapartners.com/ [https://www.vsapartners.com/] Learn About FIG: https://www.figmarketing.com [https://www.figmarketing.com/]  800-527-1155

Theresa Payton isn’t just a leading expert in cybersecurity and AI; she was the first female CIO at the White House and is now CEO of Fortalice Solutions. [https://www.fortalicesolutions.com/] In this episode, she joins Tom for a conversation about digital manipulation, cybersecurity threats, ethical tech, and the second edition of her book, Manipulated. [https://www.amazon.com/Manipulated-Inside-Cyberwar-Elections-Distort/dp/1538188651] From deepfakes to credential stuffing, Theresa explains how fraudsters are getting smarter, faster, and more global, and why small businesses are squarely in the crosshairs. She also walks through why clients today (and especially the next generation) care deeply about privacy, data ethics, and digital transparency. For advisors focused on generational wealth and future-proofing their practice, Theresa makes a compelling case that cybersecurity is no longer optional; it’s a key pillar of trust. Plus, hear what she says about AI “washing,” how businesses can protect themselves without spending a dime, and why now is the time to demand more accountability from Big Tech.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 💻 How algorithms manipulate behavior 🌍 The evolving global cybercrime landscape and what it means for small businesses 📱 Why ethics, transparency, and data protection are top priorities for today’s and future clients 📣 How financial advisors can demand greater accountability and ethical practices from tech platforms 🔐 2 simple actions that block 90% of cyberattacks   Resources for this episode: Learn more about Theresa Payton: https://www.theresapayton.com/about [https://www.theresapayton.com/about]   Learn About FIG: https://www.figmarketing.com [https://www.figmarketing.com/]  800-527-1155

In this episode, Tom is joined by Jaime Cowper, CLTC, NSSA®, founder and CEO of Unity Financial Advisors. [https://www.unityfinancialadvisors.net/] She shares how she went from a career in banking to building a successful, holistic financial planning firm- and the key moments and strategies that made it possible. We dive into her client-first approach, how she scaled her team, and why referrals have played a strong role in her business’ success. Jaime also discusses the challenges women face in the traditionally male-dominated financial industry and how mentorship has been a vital part of her journey. Now, she’s paying it forward through customized coaching, offering guidance to next-gen advisors and female professionals navigating this field of work. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow your business with purpose, you’ll want to tune into this conversation with Jaime! Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 💼 How Jaime got into the financial industry + what pushed her to start her own firm 📈 The most successful marketing funnels for Jaime when creating her new business 🧩Jaime’s playbook for hiring, training, and scaling a team 🤝 Jaime’s mission to mentor advisors- especially women- and help them thrive in the industry   Resources for this episode: Learn more about Unity Financial Advisors: https://www.unityfinancialadvisors.net/ [https://www.unityfinancialadvisors.net/]   Learn About FIG: https://www.figmarketing.com [https://www.figmarketing.com/]  800-527-1155

What happens when women in finance stop waiting for permission and start telling their stories? In this episode, Leslie Lipscomb, Senior Vice President at FIG, sits down with Jessica Schloemp, Director of Operations at FIG, to share the heart behind  Financial Trendsetters 2, [https://www.amazon.com/Financial-Trendsetters-Redefining-Success-Finance-ebook/dp/B0F84JH4Y7] a collaborative book written by 12 women who are redefining what it means to lead in financial services. They’ll give us a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of this book, all while discussing imposter syndrome, accountability tribes, and why women’s stories must be heard, especially in male-dominated industries. This conversation is about more than a book release- it’s about vulnerability, courage, connection, and lifting others as you rise. Plus, all proceeds from the book support an awesome cause that you’ll want to hear more about! Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 📚 Behind the scenes of Financial Trendsetters 2 🧠 Combating imposter syndrome 🤝 What it really means to be a “trendsetter” 🎯 The power of accountability circles 🎓 Fueling the future with scholarships for women in finance   Resources for this episode: Get your copy of Financial Trendsetters 2: https://shorturl.at/1qEyu [https://shorturl.at/1qEyu] Learn About FIG: https://www.figmarketing.com [https://www.figmarketing.com/]  800-527-1155

As the financial world evolves at lightning speed, staying ahead means embracing smarter tools- not just for efficiency, but for better outcomes. In this episode, guest host Shawn Sigler sits down with Keith Burger, Executive Vice President and Head of Institutional Channel Sales at FIG, to unpack the power of Lifecycle Manager- FIG’s proprietary, advisor-focused technology that’s transforming how annuity and insurance portfolios are managed. Keith shares how this tool consolidates complex carrier data into a single, actionable platform, making it easier for advisors to evaluate legacy contracts, uncover new opportunities, and elevate the client experience. We’ll also explore some real-life examples of how this technology can drive superior outcomes for clients. If you're an advisor looking for ways to elevate service, stay competitive, and turn disruption into opportunity, this conversation is a must! Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 💻 What Lifecycle Manager is and why it matters 🤝 How tech enhances, rather than replaces, human relationships 🔄 Why “refinancing retirement” matters more now than ever 📊 What’s next: AI, life insurance integration & improved UI   Learn About FIG: https://www.figmarketing.com [https://www.figmarketing.com/]  800-527-1155