The Modern Advisor Podcast

How Cambridge Uses AI to Serve More Clients

Cambridge Investment Research has been one of the early pioneers bringing AI into financial advising. In this episode, Chris Arnold and Mark Gilbert talk with Erica Molina, VP of Product Management at Cambridge, about how her team turned AI strategy into action—from giving advisors back their time to completely rethinking how firms operate at scale. Erica breaks down Cambridge’s “AI-first” vision, what it takes to introduce AI safely in a highly regulated environment, and how the firm’s new agentic AI workflow is reshaping everything from account opening to client engagement. Erica MolinaVP of Product Management, Cambridge Investment Research [https://www.joincambridge.com/]🔗 LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-molina-cfp-r-a7887922/] Mark GilbertCo-Founder & CEO, Zocks [https://www.zocks.io/] – AI Assistant for Financial Advisors🔗 LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/markgil/] Chris ArnoldHost of The Modern Advisor Podcast | Founder & Lead Advisor, Refresh Wealth [https://refreshwealth.com/] | Brand Ambassador, Zocks🔗 LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisarnold20/]

From Startup Wealth-tech to Holistic Planning

In this episode, host Chris Arnold is joined by Mark Cecchini, Partner at Quadrant Capital, to discuss how technology and AI are transforming the role of the modern financial advisor.Mark brings a unique perspective — having worked at startup wealth-tech companies before joining an independent RIA managing nearly $2 billion in assets. He shares how his practice leverages tools like eMoney, Addepar, and Holistaplan to serve high-net-worth tech founders and employees across the U.S., often remotely and asynchronously.They dive into:• How Quadrant Capital balances tech tools with human touch• The startup vs. traditional RIA mindset when it comes to building vs. buying software• How AI is already helping with meeting follow-ups, insights, and advisor efficiency• Why security and compliance still limit some AI use cases• The future of personal branding and digital client acquisitionWhether you're a solo advisor or part of a growing team, this conversation offers real-world insights on where the industry is heading — and how to stay ahead of the curveMark Cecchini• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markcecchini/ [https://linkedin.com/in/mcecchini]• Twitter/X: @markcecchini [https://twitter.com/markcecchini]• Company: https://quadcapco.com/ [https://quadcapco.com/] Chris Arnold• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisarnold20/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisarnold20/]• Company: refreshwealth.com [https://refreshwealth.com/]

Tech-Driven Ops: Transform Your Advisory Practice

In this episode of The Modern Advisor Podcast, host Chris Arnold sits down with Charesse Spiller, founder of LevelBest and creator of FinOps Co-op, to dive into how financial advisors can harness technology to drive operational excellence and scale their practices effectively. Charesse shares her expert insights on:• Essential technology audits advisors must perform regularly.• Leveraging AI tools beyond basic note-taking, from client onboarding to ongoing service management.• The importance of balancing automation and personalization for impactful client experiences.• Actionable strategies for advisors launching new practices to establish strong foundational technology and operational workflows. Whether you're a solo advisor or leading a multi-advisor firm, this episode offers valuable perspectives on using technology strategically to enhance client satisfaction, empower your team, and facilitate sustainable growth. Social Media Handles:• Host (Chris Arnold): ◦ LinkedIn: Chris Arnold [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisarnoldrefreshwealth] ◦ Company: Refresh Wealth [https://refreshwealth.com/]• Guest (Charesse Spiller): ◦ LinkedIn: Charesse Spiller [https://www.linkedin.com/in/charessespiller] ◦ Company: LevelBest [https://getlevelbest.com/]

Scaling Team Operations and AI Integration

Host Chris Arnold talks with Chelsea Ransom-Cooper, Chief Financial Planning Officer at Zenith Wealth Partners, about building scalable processes while serving 300+ families and nonprofits with a team of nine. Chelsea shares her journey from meeting co-founder Jason through a LinkedIn connection to building a comprehensive wealth management firm during the pandemic. Now specializing in equity compensation and serving first-generation wealth builders, she discusses how technology enables their rapid growth. Key topics: * Building comprehensive workflows using Hubli for team coordination * Implementing Zox AI meeting assistant across a multi-advisor team * Creating seamless onboarding with Altruist integration * The "AI wishlist" including automated financial plan creation and lead nurturing * Using modular client processes for tax planning and insurance reviews * Vision for client success dashboards and "Spotify wrapped" for finances Chelsea discusses their mission to create a billion dollars of wealth for clients and how technology helps demonstrate tangible progress while reducing operational overhead for their growing team. Perfect for advisors interested in team-based operations, equity compensation planning, and leveraging AI for client success tracking and business development. Connect with Chelsea: - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsea-ransom-cooper-cfp-6b198346/ - Zenith Wealth Partners: https://zenithwealth.partners/ Connect with Chris: - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisarnold20/ - Website: https://refreshwealth.com/ - Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/65YiwfF2XMqLh2Xz2SiOxA?si=vtGBejiOSc6_u-Dl4Heumw This Episode is presented by Zocks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markgil/ Website: https://www.zocks.io/

What Financial Advisors Want from Tech

Host Chris Arnold sits down with Samuel Deane, founder of Rora Wealth, to explore how technology enables advisors to build scalable lifestyle practices while implementing values-based investment strategies. Samuel shares his entrepreneurial journey, starting his firm at age 26 with just $10-15K - made possible by modern SaaS tools. He recently rebranded to Aurora Wealth, honoring his Guyanese heritage by naming the firm after Mount Roraima from his parents' homeland. Key topics: * How modern technology democratized wealth management entrepreneurship * Using Seeds platform for values-based investing aligned with ESG factors * Nudge for frictionless task management (no client logins required) * Strategic tech evaluation framework: workflow needs first, team input, client aesthetics * AI optimism: envisioning smaller teams managing larger practices * Content strategy evolution from written to video-first approach Samuel discusses his philosophy of building a lifestyle practice that serves more clients through technology rather than traditional headcount scaling, and his bullish perspective on AI's potential to dramatically improve advisor productivity. This episode offers practical insights for advisors interested in values-based investing, efficient tech stacks, or scaling practices through technology rather than headcount. Connect with Samuel: - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuelsdeane/ - Rora Wealth: https://rorawealth.com/ Connect with Chris: - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisarnold20/ - Website: https://refreshwealth.com/ - Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/65YiwfF2XMqLh2Xz2SiOxA?si=vtGBejiOSc6_u-Dl4Heumw This Episode is presented by Zocks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markgil/ Website: https://www.zocks.io/