Next Mile

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Next Mile is a podcast about bringing together the people and technology shaping the wealth management industry. Brought to you by Milemarker.

  1. 1d ago

    Navigating the Next Era of Advisor Technology with Michael Batnick

    Episode 158: This week, Kyle Van Pelt talks with Michael Batnick, Managing Partner at Ritholtz Wealth Management. Michael began his career in sales at a life insurance company. Today, he focuses on helping clients navigate the challenges of long-term investing and achieve their financial goals.  Michael talks with Kyle about how AI is disrupting the wealth management industry. He discusses the realities of rising technology spend, the limits of AI-driven efficiency in human relationships, and how firms can use AI to improve advisor training. Michael also shares the concept behind Exhibit A—Ritholtz's custom-branded visual storytelling and charting software platform—and the importance of building intuitive technology that genuinely makes people's lives easier.  In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (02:26) - Navigating AI hype vs. operational realities  (04:24) - Michael's thoughts on technology spending (07:01) - Why AI won't systematically double an advisor's client capacity (11:21) - How AI could transform training for young advisors  (15:57) - Private equity and the changing advisor landscape  (19:24) - The debate between cash flow and enterprise value  (23:09) - The concept behind Exhibit A (25:52) - Are RIAs becoming wirehouses in disguise?  (28:32) - Why large RIAs struggle to reach the public markets  (31:19) - Michael's outlook for the wealth management industry  (32:38) - The future of multi-custodial RIAs  (35:23) - Michael's Milemarker Minute Key Takeaways Don't confuse efficiency with capacity. AI can automate preparation, documentation, and follow-up, but human capacity for real, meaningful conversations has a ceiling regardless of how much prep work gets automated. Rethink how you train the next generation of advisors. Build a training engine, not just a productivity tool. If AI tools can simulate practice scenarios and give real-time coaching feedback, use them to compress the learning curve for junior talent instead of burning your best chances on people who might not be ready yet.  Question industry narratives before adopting them. Just because a structure worked for someone else doesn't mean it's automatically right for your business. Figure out what you actually need.  Make technology so intuitive that clients barely notice it. When software is genuinely easy to use, adoption grows, support needs drop, and businesses can scale more sustainably.  Quotes "There's never been more excitement and also more confusion about the future of where we're going." ~ Michael Batnick  "I think a lot of people are really excited about the promise of AI and what it's going to do to change our industry, our jobs, our margins, and the way that we communicate with clients. But I don't think we know what that looks like, which is fine, totally fine and normal." ~ Michael Batnick "Dealing with clients is exhausting, mentally and emotionally. It takes a lot out of you." ~ Michael Batnick Links  Michael Batnick on LinkedIn Ritholtz Wealth Management Future Proof Matt Cerminaro Exhibit A For Advice Ian Wenik Creative Planning Altruist Jason Wenk Powerhouse by James Miller Connect with our hosts Milemarker.co Kyle on LinkedIn Jud on LinkedIn Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Produce game-changing content with Turncast Turncast helps your company grow by producing top-quality content and fostering transformative conversations. We specialize in content generation, podcasting, digital strategy, and audience growth for fintech and financial services companies. Learn more at Turncast.com.

    Navigating the Next Era of Advisor Technology with Michael Batnick

  2. Aug 11

    The Power of Radical Hospitality in Financial Advice with Libby Buckley

    Episode 157: This week, Kyle Van Pelt talks with Libby Buckley, Director of Wealth Administration & Marketing at Parable Wealth Partners. Libby leads the firm's client experience and team culture, bridges connections between clients, partner businesses, and non-profits, and creates experiences that help people rethink their wealth's potential to create change.  Libby talks with Kyle about how radical hospitality translates into the wealth management space. She discusses how firms can preserve high-touch, authentic human relationships as AI adoption accelerates, how to design thoughtful and memorable client experiences, and how organizations can scale without losing sight of their core purpose.  In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (00:57) - Libby's money moment (05:32) - Libby's definition of radical hospitality in wealth management (08:05) - Client events that create meaningful connections  (09:56) - Why AI makes authenticity even more valuable (11:52) - Practical advice for building soft skills and radical hospitality habits  (16:12) - How culture drives Parable's organic growth  (18:31) - Scaling without losing authenticity  (21:08) - Libby's outlook on the future of the financial services industry (24:08) - Libby's Milemarker Minute Key Takeaways Use efficiency to create better relationships. AI can save time, but its greatest value is giving leaders more opportunities to invest in conversations, trust, and meaningful client experiences. People remember how you made them feel. Exceptional service solves problems, but genuine hospitality creates lasting relationships by helping people feel seen, understood, and valued. Culture is something you protect. As organizations scale, intentional hiring, regular team development, and shared purpose become essential for maintaining the culture that fuels long-term success. Personalization goes beyond using someone's name. Understanding people's preferences, interests, and communication styles creates experiences that feel thoughtful instead of transactional. Quotes "We think of money as the invitation, not the destination. So, wealth is not something to accumulate, but something to activate." ~ Libby Buckley "If you don't know who you are, who you want to serve, and how you're going to do that uniquely, quit. Authenticity is going to matter so much more moving forward." ~ Libby Buckley "How do you show up, and how do you want to show up for clients and your team, I think is going to be one of the biggest contenders moving forward." ~ Libby Buckley Links  Libby Buckley on LinkedIn Parable Wealth Partners Unreasonable Hospitality Paterson Center The Ideal Team Player The Art of Gathering Chief Joy Officer Connect with our hosts Milemarker.co Kyle on LinkedIn Jud on LinkedIn Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Produce game-changing content with Turncast Turncast helps your company grow by producing top-quality content and fostering transformative conversations. We specialize in content generation, podcasting, digital strategy, and audience growth for fintech and financial services companies. Learn more at Turncast.com.

    The Power of Radical Hospitality in Financial Advice with Libby Buckley

  3. Aug 4

    What the Fastest-Growing RIAs Are Doing Differently with Ian Wenik

    Episode 156: This week, Kyle Van Pelt talks with Ian Wenik, Editor at Citywire. Ian covers the independent wealth management industry with a focus on RIAs, mergers and acquisitions, advisor technology, and the business forces reshaping financial advice. Through his reporting and conversations with industry leaders, he has developed a front-row view of the trends driving growth across the advisory landscape. Kyle and Ian explore what separates today's fastest-growing RIAs from the rest of the industry. They discuss why competition for acquisitions continues to intensify, how firms can balance scale with independence, and why organic growth remains the ultimate differentiator. They also examine Schwab's latest referral changes, AI's potential to level the playing field for mid-sized firms, emerging technology trends, and what Ian believes the future holds for advisors building the next generation of great firms. In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (03:25) - A preview of Citywire's fastest-growing RIAs report  (05:47) - Why the M&A market is becoming more competitive  (08:00) - Why large RIAs struggle to reach the public markets (11:02) - Are RIAs becoming the new wirehouses?  (13:21) - Deal structures that don't work (16:05) - Schwab's referral changes and what they mean for RIAs  (22:06) - What's driving organic growth today (25:21) - How AI can help mid-sized firms compete  (27:00) - Ian's advice for firms that want to stay independent (27:58) - Technology trends among the fastest-growing firms (29:16) - Ian's outlook on the future of the financial services industry (30:41) - Ian's Milemarker Minute Key Takeaways Deep expertise creates opportunities. Whether investing, acquiring businesses, or serving clients, deep subject-matter expertise allows firms to spot hidden value and underrated talent before the broader market takes notice.  Ownership drives commitment. If you want entrepreneurial people to stay engaged, give them meaningful opportunities to build equity rather than relying solely on compensation. Optimize organic growth strategies for modern discovery. Traditional search and referral channels are evolving. To maintain a strong pipeline, leaders must diversify their acquisition strategies—leveraging digital media, strategic partnerships, and AI-driven search visibility. Use AI to create more time for people, not less. Automating operational work improves efficiency, but relationships and trust remain the foundation of exceptional client service. Let AI handle the back office so you can spend more time on the conversations that actually grow the business. Quotes "For the public markets to open up to RIAs, you need a really strong, well-capitalized firm, a strong balance sheet, a clean operating and capital structure, strong cash flows, and high organic growth." ~ Ian Wenik "The reason that we've seen so many transactions fail is that the transactions are structured in a way where it's cash-heavy, short earn-out. It allows the founders to cash themselves out. They peace out after maybe a year, and you have a second generation that's actually managing the underlying client book of business that has no incentive to stick around." ~  Ian Wenik "Invest in what you do best. Remember why you got into this business. If you focus on that core business, as long as you maintain a baseline level of profitability, a lot of things will fall into place." ~ Ian Wenik Links  Ian Wenik on LinkedIn Citywire Edelman Financial Engines Focus Financial Partners Creative Planning Cerity Partners LPL Financial  Morgan Stanley  Future Proof Joshua Brown Goldman Sachs  Moneta Group Carson Group  Peter Mallouk Charles Schwab  Orion Advisor Solutions  Movement Connect with our hosts Milemarker.co Kyle on LinkedIn Jud on LinkedIn Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Produce game-changing content with Turncast Turncast helps your company grow by producing top-quality content and fostering transformative conversations. We specialize in content generation, podcasting, digital strategy, and audience growth for fintech and financial services companies. Learn more at Turncast.com.

    What the Fastest-Growing RIAs Are Doing Differently with Ian Wenik

  4. Jul 28

    How Behavioral Data Creates Better Client Relationships with Julie Littlechild

    Episode 155: This week, Kyle Van Pelt talks with Julie Littlechild, Founder and CEO at Absolute Engagement. Julie is a recognized leader in client engagement, investor behavior, and referral growth. Through years of advisor and investor research, she has helped firms better understand the emotional drivers behind client decisions and build stronger, more personalized advisory relationships. Kyle and Julie explore why understanding how clients feel is just as important as understanding their financial goals. Julie explains how behavioral data—especially around confidence and concerns—helps advisors uncover more meaningful conversations, personalize communication, and strengthen trust over time. They also discuss why client experience is becoming a key competitive advantage, how AI should enhance rather than replace human connection, and practical ways firms of every size can create experiences that resonate with both today's clients and the next generation. In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (01:33) - Julie's money moment (04:52) - Understanding the confidence and concern indices (04:52) - Understanding the confidence and concern indices (06:52) - Using behavioral data to personalize the client experience (10:00) - Why CRM integrations make behavioral data more actionable (14:35) - The growing role of client experience leadership (17:04) - Why efficiency alone isn't a competitive advantage (19:18) - Practical ways smaller firms can elevate the client experience (22:06) - Making client appreciation events more meaningful (25:21) - Generational shifts and the "juggle generation" (27:54) - Julie's outlook on the future of financial services (29:23) - Julie's Milemarker Minute Key Takeaways Behavioral data creates better conversations, not just better reporting. Measuring client confidence and concerns gives advisors a practical starting point for uncovering what clients are truly thinking and feeling, leading to deeper, more meaningful relationships. Personalization starts with understanding what matters most. Advisors who know what clients are worried about can tailor conversations, communication, events, and resources in ways that feel genuinely relevant instead of generic. Technology should amplify human connection. AI and behavioral insights are most valuable when they create more time—and better context—for advisors to build trust, empathy, and lasting relationships. Client experience is becoming a true competitive advantage. Operational efficiency is increasingly expected. The firms that stand out will be the ones that consistently make clients feel understood, supported, and confident about the future. Quotes "Think about the experience not only as the conversations that advisors have with their clients, but the communications they share, the events that they run, and the offer that they have in place." ~ Julie Littlechild "We are at a point now where we can see the connection between data, technology, and human connection. I think we're starting to understand that, 'If I can capture this insight and have this data and do that effectively, comfortably, and consistently, I can create a more human experience.'" ~ Julie Littlechild "Efficiency does not set you apart. No one ever said, 'My life has been impacted by my advisor because they have some incredible workflows.'" ~ Julie Littlechild Links  Julie Littlechild on LinkedIn Absolute Engagement Good to Great Connect with our hosts Milemarker.co Kyle on LinkedIn Jud on LinkedIn Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Produce game-changing content with Turncast Turncast helps your company grow by producing top-quality content and fostering transformative conversations. We specialize in content generation, podcasting, digital strategy, and audience growth for fintech and financial services companies. Learn more at Turncast.com.

    How Behavioral Data Creates Better Client Relationships with Julie Littlechild

  5. Jul 21

    Why Insurance Is the Most Overlooked Growth Strategy in Wealth Management with Jason Borek

    Episode 154: This week, Kyle Van Pelt talks with Jason Borek, Chief Growth Officer at The Pinnacle Group. Jason has extensive experience in the financial services industry, with a focus on distribution and sales. At The Pinnacle Group, he is responsible for implementing the firm's enterprise-level business strategies.  Jason talks with Kyle about why insurance remains dramatically underutilized in wealth management, why advisors struggle to implement it, and what needs to change for it to become a meaningful part of holistic planning. He also shares how Pinnacle closes the gap between insurance manufacturers and financial advisors, where AI and technology fit into the future of distribution, and why emotional intelligence will define the next generation of great advisors.  In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (01:17) - Jason's money moment (04:38) - Inside The Pinnacle Group's core businesses  (06:35) - Why only 2% of wealth management firms use insurance  (09:59) - How and when should insurance be used in client portfolios (15:21) - How AI and data impact the future of advisor workflows  (21:17) - Will technology replace distribution in asset management or enhance it?  (23:52) - Jason's thoughts on emotional intelligence—innate or taught (27:32) - Jason's outlook on the future of wealth management (30:55) - What it takes to run a multicustodial firm  (33:51) - Jason's Milemarker Minute Key Takeaways Lead with culture and language, not product. The industry's biggest mistake has been pushing solutions before understanding the people they're meant for. Breaking into new markets isn't about forcing a pre-existing product. It's about learning how your audience thinks, operates, and communicates. Real traction comes from building bridges, not delivering pitches.   Don't confuse education with implementation. Education alone doesn't move people to action. Pair any new strategy or message with real people who can sit in the room and walk clients or stakeholders through the hard follow-up questions. Materials build awareness. People build trust. Treat clean data as your foundation, not an afterthought. You cannot begin to solve a client's problem or identify new opportunities without clean, accurate data. Clean data is the modern business currency. Without it, organizations cannot deliver true, personalized value. Don't mistake efficiency for engagement. Technology creates capacity. But its value only shows up if you reinvest that time into deeper relationships. Otherwise, you're not more effective, you're just more efficiently absent.  Quotes "About 2% of revenues come from the sale of insurance products within the wealth management space. And part of the reason why is that our industry is terrible at listening. The insurance industry has forever been a hammer looking for a nail." ~ Jason Borek "If we're going to move into a marketplace where 97% of the people who do business with us do not sell insurance as their primary means of revenue, we'd better take some time to understand how they communicate." ~ Jason Borek "Without the technology creating more client engagement, all you've then become is more efficiently absent." — Jason Borek Links  Jason Borek on LinkedIn The Pinnacle Group New York Life Insurance Holland & Knight Marshall & Stevens  Angeles Investments Cameron Rogers Altruist Jason Wenk Nimesh Patel The Explicit Gospel Connect with our hosts Milemarker.co Kyle on LinkedIn Jud on LinkedIn Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Produce game-changing content with Turncast Turncast helps your company grow by producing top-quality content and fostering transformative conversations. We specialize in content generation, podcasting, digital strategy, and audience growth for fintech and financial services companies. Learn more at Turncast.com.

  6. Jul 14

    How to Build a Thriving Independent Wealth Management Firm with Brett Bernstein

    Episode 153: This week, Kyle Van Pelt talks with Brett Bernstein, CEO & Co-founder at XML Financial Group. Brett is an active financial advisor assisting clients with his holistic approach to goal-setting and problem-solving. Before co-founding XML in 2004, he was a Vice President and Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch. He is also a serial entrepreneur, actively investing in many startups, and has led his firm through three acquisitions. Brett talks with Kyle about why advisors are going independent. He discusses why independence continues to attract both advisors and clients, what it takes to build trust and brand recognition as an independent advisory firm, and how firms can balance scale with personalization. Brett also addresses the realities of scaling a modern advisory firm, including aligning operations across multiple teams, attracting the next generation of investors, investing in cybersecurity, and thoughtfully adopting AI without compromising compliance.  In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (02:03) - Brett's money moment (05:34) - How to build brand credibility and trust as an independent firm (07:52) - How Brett defines independence (11:36) - Unifying operations and compliance while preserving advisor autonomy  (13:15) - XML's social media and content strategy  (18:15) - Referrals, seminars, and community-driven growth strategies (20:04) - How to build a successful business from the ground up (22:08) - Cybersecurity as a non-negotiable investment (25:02) - How XML adapts to technology and AI (27:17) - Leading with compliance: XML's approach to using AI (29:16) - What Brett thinks about data and AI  (31:24) - What the future holds for XML Financial Group (33:53) - Brett's Milemarker Minute Key Takeaways Don't chase growth. Build for it. Sustainable growth starts from the ground up. Focus on your real costs, your people, and your clients’ needs first. Then let those realities define your growth targets. Reach the next generation before you need to. If your client base is aging, the clock is ticking. The children and grandchildren of your current clients are the next relationship to build. Connect and meet them where they're at.  Invest in expertise where it matters most. Cybersecurity, compliance, and technology aren't DIY functions. The cost of not investing is far greater than the cost of doing it right. Technology is a multiplier, not a replacement. AI and automation should enhance your ability to serve clients, not replace human relationships. Human connection, trust, and community engagement will always be core to advisory businesses, no matter how advanced technology becomes.  Quotes "More money has been going to independent platforms. More people are starting their own firms. They're realizing that independence is a lot of times better for the client." ~ Brett Bernstein "I want the people to continue doing what made them great and what the clients love." ~ Brett Bernstein "AI needs to be your partner. Don't look at it as a replacement. And if you can lean into it as your partner, you're going to be better as a firm and better for your client." ~ Brett Bernstein Links  Brett Bernstein on LinkedIn XML Financial Group Merrill Lynch So What Else  Focus Financial Partners Connect with our hosts Milemarker.co Kyle on LinkedIn Jud on LinkedIn Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Produce game-changing content with Turncast Turncast helps your company grow by producing top-quality content and fostering transformative conversations. We specialize in content generation, podcasting, digital strategy, and audience growth for fintech and financial services companies. Learn more at Turncast.com.

    How to Build a Thriving Independent Wealth Management Firm with Brett Bernstein

  7. Jul 7

    The Human Side of Scaling Great Advisory Firms

    Episode 152: In this special compilation episode, Kyle Van Pelt and Jessica Perez revisit four conversations centered on one of the biggest challenges facing advisory firms today: scaling while maintaining exceptional client service. Anne McPhail shares why intentional leadership and culture create lasting organizations. Michael Vedders explains how thoughtful planning and advisor development lead to stronger firms. Tim Gavin explores the operational mindset required to build sustainable growth. And Sarah Simmer reveals how world-class client experience can be delivered consistently, even as firms expand. Together, these conversations highlight that sustainable growth isn’t driven by technology alone—it’s built on people, process, and purpose. In this episode: (00:00) – Intro (00:51) – Anne McPhail on building a culture that scales with the firm (04:33) – Michael Vedders on developing advisors for long-term growth (07:22) – Tim Gavin on creating operational excellence that supports scale (10:34) – Sarah Simmer on delivering white-glove client experiences at scale Links  Anne McPhail on LinkedIn Novare Capital Management Michael Vedders on LinkedIn NorthRock Partners Tim Gavin on LinkedIn MCF Advisors Sarah Simmer on LinkedIn Heritage Wealth Advisors Connect with our hosts Milemarker.co Kyle on LinkedIn Jud on LinkedIn Jessica on LinkedIn Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Produce game-changing content with Turncast Turncast helps your company grow by producing top-quality content and fostering transformative conversations. We specialize in content generation, podcasting, digital strategy, and audience growth for fintech and financial services companies. Learn more at Turncast.com.

    The Human Side of Scaling Great Advisory Firms

  8. Jun 30

    How Independent Advisors Can Thrive in A World of Mega Firms with Eric Amar

    Episode 151: This week, Kyle Van Pelt talks with Eric Amar, Founder & CEO of Accelerated Wealth Partners, about the shifting dynamics between massive corporate firms and independent boutique RIAs. He discusses the balance between scale and personalization, the rise of mega RIAs, and the trade-offs advisors face when choosing independence. From his front-row seat at Focus Financial Partners during its explosive growth to launching his own firm, Eric shares his unfiltered perspective on what's really driving industry consolidation, why EQ beats IQ in this business, and where the real opportunity lies for entrepreneurial advisors. In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (01:00) - Eric's money moment (04:44) - The EQ vs. IQ debate: Why emotional intelligence matters  (06:45) - Why Eric founded Accelerated Wealth Partners  (12:25) - The client's dilemma: Choosing between independent RIAs vs. big brands  (16:23) - Are RIAs becoming the new wirehouses?  (23:09) - The "breakaway of the breakaways" trend: Why advisors are leaving  (26:49) - What sets Accelerated Wealth Partners apart from other firms (33:24) - Eric's outlook on the future of the wealth management industry (38:20) - Eric's Milemarker Minute Key Takeaways Don't underestimate the power of EQ in business. Technical expertise might get you in the room, but emotional intelligence is what builds trust, influences decisions, and drives long-term success.   People don't choose advisors based on credentials. They choose based on trust. Even with access to top-tier platforms and resources, clients often make decisions based on personal connection and confidence in the advisor.  Technology is leveling the playing field. Smaller independents today can access capabilities that once required the resources of a major institution. The infrastructure gap is closing fast, and the firms that move quickly will compete at a level that wasn't possible before.   Know what you're building before you build it. Growth requires intentional design. At every stage, leaders must decide what they're building, who they serve, and how they want to operate.  Quotes "Advisors have to understand their clients' motivations and really get them to agree and to get on board with the program. You can give the best advice. But if they don't listen to you, it doesn't matter." ~  Eric Amar "RIAs never won on size. They never won by being bigger, by having more resources. They won by saying, 'I'm like you, I'm here, I'm in your community, I'm in your industry, or I know how you think.'" ~ Eric Amar "The beauty of the independent space for smaller firms right now is that the technology is going to get them there much faster. The ability to leverage these tools gives you a lot more resources today as a smaller independent than you ever had before." ~ Eric Amar Links  Eric Amar on LinkedIn Accelerated Wealth Partners Focus Financial Partners Morgan Stanley  Future Proof Joshua Brown Connect with our hosts Milemarker.co Kyle on LinkedIn Jud on LinkedIn Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Produce game-changing content with Turncast Turncast helps your company grow by producing top-quality content and fostering transformative conversations. We specialize in content generation, podcasting, digital strategy, and audience growth for fintech and financial services companies. Learn more at Turncast.com.

    How Independent Advisors Can Thrive in A World of Mega Firms with Eric Amar
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About

Next Mile is a podcast about bringing together the people and technology shaping the wealth management industry. Brought to you by Milemarker.

Information

  • Creator
    Milemarker
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    159
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    Copyright © Milemarker Inc.
  • Show Website
    Next Mile

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