The Flourish Feed Podcast

Gillian Stovel Rivers

A series of curiosity driven deep dives into the nature of flourishing through wealth.

  1. #25 - The Resilience Episode: It’s a Team Sport

    3D AGO

    #25 - The Resilience Episode: It’s a Team Sport

    This episode explores the true nature of grit and resilience, emphasizing their trainability and importance in team dynamics, leadership, and personal growth with Mark Gasparotto, a Canadian Armed Forces veteran, resilience trainer, and founder of immersive field-based programs that help individuals and teams build capacity under pressure. Drawing on decades of military experience, expedition leadership, and entrepreneurial work, Mark specializes in teaching grit as a trainable skill - not a personality trait. Mark shares insights from military experience, practical programs like Outside the Wire, a 1,000km experiment in the Canadian wilderness, and the science behind overcoming adversity individually and in teams. Takeaways 🪖Resilience as a trainable skill, not innate 💪The importance of shared challenge and trust 🪖The role of friction and struggle in growth 💪Psychological safety and vulnerability in teams 🪖The 'Outside the Wire' program for experiential learning 💪The four pillars of resilience: body, mind, heart, and soul 🪖The cross-stressor adaptation hypothesis and its applications 💪The significance of recovery, sleep, and gratitude Quotes “There is no growth in comfort. There is only growth in struggle.” “Resilience is not an innate trait - it can be learned, practiced, and forged in adversity.” “The number one factor for resilience, longevity, and happiness is the quality of our relationships.” “Nothing builds trust like chewing the same dirt together.” “You can’t click your way to resilience - you have to do hard things.” “Recovery isn’t the reward for hard work - it’s what allows you to do hard things again.” “If you don’t train all parts of your humanity, stress will expose the weakest leg.” “Psychological safety is built through vulnerability, and trust is built on top of that.” “Discipline equals freedom - because systems take over when pressure hits.” Chapters 00:00 Understanding Grit and Resilience 04:13 The Military Perspective on Resilience 08:59 The Importance of Struggle for Growth 13:58 Navigating Psychological Safety Under Pressure 18:39 Building Trust Through Vulnerability 21:35 Chewing the Same Dirt: Shared Experiences 23:14 The Paddle for Resilience Experiment 26:02 Phases of Resilience: Preparation, Performance, and Recovery 32:41 The Importance of Community in Resilience 37:35 Outside the Wire: Stepping Out of Comfort Zones 43:25 Moments of Bliss and Daily Gratitude #flourish #wealth #wealthmanagement #investing #advisor #KnowThyWealthKnowThyself  Connect with Gillian:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/gillian-stovel-rivers-ma-cfp%C2%AE-cea-997094124/?originalSubdomain=ca    https://x.com/GillianStovelR  https://www.instagram.com/gillianstov...  https://flourishfamilywealth.com/ Send TFFP your thoughts!

    45 min
  2. #24 - The Art of Money Episode

    MAR 12

    #24 - The Art of Money Episode

    In this insightful interview, Gillian hosts Carl Richards, a world-renowned financial philosopher and sketch artist. They explore the emotional and narrative aspects of money, the power of visual storytelling, and how understanding these elements can transform financial decision-making. This is a truly powerful episode about how stories shape our relationship with money, the role of simplicity in complex financial concepts, and the potential of artificial intelligence to enhance human connection – and depth - in finance and in life. Enjoy more of Carl Richards' Sketches and Books by visiting https://behaviorgap.com/ and be sure to check out Your Money: Reimagining Wealth in 101 Simple Sketches here:   Takeaways 🎨Visual stories help bypass fear and shame around money. 💸Storytelling and sketches can externalize financial problems. 🎨Money is deeply tied to emotions and personal experiences. 💸Simplifying complex financial concepts through sketches is an iterative process. 🎨Stories shape financial markets and cultural perceptions. 💸AI and automation can enhance human conversations and creativity. 🎨Authenticity and depth are crucial in financial advice. Quotes “Money really is nothing but a collective story that we’ve all agreed to.” “You’re taught that money is math,  and then you’re surprised when two plus two equals envy or greed.” “This is not math here. This is feelings.” “I didn’t know the dollar symbol was a provocative symbol — that it actually provokes feeling.” “What I was after was clarity — the simplicity that lives on the other side of complexity.” “The market for feeling productive is orders of magnitude larger than the market for being productive.” “The specific investment decisions are downstream artifacts of getting clear about what you really want.” “When your circle of concern is bigger than your circle of influence, you become paralyzed.” “The art of money is about connection… and depth.” Chapters 00:00 The Power of Story in Finance 03:00 Emotions and Money: A Complex Relationship 05:54 The Impact of Personal Experiences on Financial Perception 08:36 The Art of Simplifying Complex Financial Concepts 11:52 Cultural Influences on Money Perception 14:40 The Role of Media in Financial Decision-Making 17:44 Crafting Meaningful Financial Conversations 20:29 The Future of Money: Self-Driving Finances 23:17 The Art of Money: Connection and Depth 26:29 Moments of Bliss and Personal Reflections #flourish #wealth #wealthmanagement #investing #advisor #KnowThyWealthKnowThyself  Connect with Gillian:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/gillian-stovel-rivers-ma-cfp%C2%AE-cea-997094124/?originalSubdomain=ca    https://x.com/GillianStovelR  https://www.instagram.com/gillianstov...  https://flourishfamilywealth.com/ Send TFFP your thoughts!

    34 min
  3. #23 - The Venus Mars Money Episode

    MAR 5

    #23 - The Venus Mars Money Episode

    In this episode, Saijal Patel, a wealth coach and strategist with a background in journalism, joins us to explore how women can rewrite their relationship with money. Discover the mental shifts, practical tools, and community support that empower women to build financial confidence, autonomy, and impact. Learn more about Saijal and her incredible programs at https://saijelle.com  Takeaways 👩🏻How women’s money narratives are formed in childhood and how to uncover limiting scripts 📈The emotional nature of money and the importance of understanding feelings over math 👩🏻The journey from financial hesitation to confident stewardship: key stations and mindset shifts 📈The power of community and shared learning in transforming money beliefs 👩🏻The unique strengths women bring to money management: outward focus, risk awareness, and nurturing leadership 📈Overcoming cultural and generational biases around women’s ambition and earning potential 👩🏻The systemic challenges women face in balancing caregiving, career, and wealth-building 📈Practical strategies for couples to align their financial goals and communication 👩🏻The importance of financial literacy in advocacy, influence, and policy change 📈Saijal’s personal moment of bliss: daily gratitude and positive energy practices  Quotes “Confidence doesn’t come from the money. It comes from the person - and from the process.” “Women don’t wake up one day confident with money. Confidence is built through education, time, and practice.” “Our relationship with money is way more emotional than it is rational. It’s not math - it’s feelings.” “By the time we’re seven or eight years old, we already have a money script - and most of it is subconscious.” “Women aren’t risk-averse. They’re risk-aware - and that’s actually a strength.” “Not investing is often riskier than investing, but fear disappears once women understand the system.” “The biggest transformation isn’t knowledge - it’s realizing, ‘I can do this.’” “When women see the system, they stop self-selecting out of financial power.” “Money has no power on its own. You give it power by attaching your values to it.” Chapters 00:00 Transforming Women's Relationship with Money 05:25 The Emotional Side of Money 11:27 Building Financial Strategies 17:24 Barriers to Financial Confidence 23:22 Understanding Risk Awareness in Women 28:30 The Importance of Financial Empowerment for Women 34:13 The Role of Community in Financial Education 39:29 Harnessing Women's Strengths in Money Conversations #flourish #wealth #wealthmanagement #investing #advisor #KnowThyWealthKnowThyself  Connect with Gillian:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/gillian-stovel-rivers-ma-cfp%C2%AE-cea-997094124/?originalSubdomain=ca    https://x.com/GillianStovelR  https://www.instagram.com/gillianstov...  https://flourishfamilywealth.com/ Send TFFP your thoughts!

    44 min
  4. #22 - The Mortality Episode: A Powerful Multiplier that Buys Back Your Life

    FEB 26

    #22 - The Mortality Episode: A Powerful Multiplier that Buys Back Your Life

    In this conversation, Gillian Stovel Rivers and Greg Barnsdale explore the critical importance of mortality planning, discussing the universal challenges surrounding death and incapacity. They highlight the alarming statistic that only 15% of Canadians have an estate plan, emphasizing the need for open conversations about end-of-life wishes to reduce stress and strengthen family relationships. The discussion delves into the financial implications of poor planning, the role of communication in legacy planning, and the potential of online will creation. Cultural perspectives on death planning are examined, along with the necessity of executor education to ensure effective estate management. Ultimately, the conversation underscores that handling mortality planning well is a profound act of love for one's family. Gain incredible tools and insights from Greg’s book which you can learn about at Do Not Ignore Your Mortality Takeaways 💌Death and incapacity are universal issues, not just Canadian problems. 🪦Only 15% of Canadians have an estate plan, leaving 85% vulnerable. 💌Planning for death reduces stress and strengthens relationships. 🪦Estate planning alleviates the stress of aging and increases resilience. 💌Conversations about end-of-life wishes are crucial for families. 🪦The financial implications of poor planning can be significant. 💌Effective planning involves open communication with loved ones. 🪦Online will creation can be a viable option for many, but caution is needed. 💌Cultural attitudes towards death can influence planning behaviors. 🪦Executor education is essential for effective estate management. Some notable online estate planning platifforms: - Willful Canada - Legal Wills Canada - Epilogue Wills - Ontario.ca - LegalZoom (USA) Quotes "Death and incapacity are universal issues." "Only 15% of Canadians have an estate plan." “Having our final affairs in order gives valuable direction to those that we love most.” “The tax planning opportunities basically disappear when someone dies.” “Settling an estate is like a bureaucratic ultra marathon.” “If an estate is not structured properly, it can lead to complicated grief.” “End of life planning should not be done Send TFFP your thoughts!

    36 min
  5. #21 - The Attention Episode: Brain Capital You Can't Afford to Waste

    FEB 19

    #21 - The Attention Episode: Brain Capital You Can't Afford to Waste

    In this conversation, Gillian and Dr. Jennifer Churchill explore the multifaceted impact of AI on leadership, productivity, and personal identity. They discuss the psychological challenges leaders face as they integrate AI into their work, the concept of cognitive debt, and the importance of maintaining human skills in an increasingly automated world. The dialogue emphasizes the need for leaders to protect their cognitive reserve and foster psychological safety within their teams. Additionally, they touch on the gendered aspects of brain health and the significance of rituals in enhancing cognitive resilience. The conversation concludes with insights into the emerging concept of brain capital and its potential economic implications. Subscribe to join Dr. Jennifer Churchill’s AI Without Anxiety private podcast here! Guests of The Flourish Feed can use the promo code FLOURISH for a reduced entry fee.  And here is the link to McKinsey Health Institute’s “The human advantage: Stronger brains in the age of AI” Takeaways 🧠 AI is reshaping how we think, lead, and live. 🫆 Leaders are experiencing a decline in productivity despite using AI. 🧠 Cognitive debt arises from outsourcing cognitive tasks to AI. 🫆 Maintaining human skills is crucial in the age of AI. 🧠 Personal identity should not be solely tied to professional roles. 🫆 Cognitive reserve must be protected to prevent memory loss. 🧠 AI can create blind spots in our thinking. 🫆 Psychological safety is essential for effective team dynamics. 🧠 Rituals can help restore cognitive resilience. 🫆 Brain capital is a significant factor in future economic growth. Quotes “AI is not just a productivity tool - it’s a psychological environment.” “Attention is under siege, even as intelligence becomes more abundant.” “When we outsource our thinking, we create cognitive debt.” “Cognitive reserve has to be exercised, or it weakens.” “Beliefs don’t fail first under pressure - attention does.” “Women need to protect their cognitive reserve like it’s a lifeline.” “We are more than what we do - and AI can’t take away our story.” “Human skills - not technical ones - will matter most in the years ahead.” Chapters 00:00 The Psychological Impact of AI on Leadership 08:45 Cognitive Debt and Its Implications 17:56 Gendered Perspectives on Brain Health and AI 26:52 Navigating Identity in the Age of AI 27:56 Exploring Meaning and Purpose 30:42 The Human Connection in a Tech-Driven World 34:32 Rituals for Balancing AI and Humanity 40:09 The Importance of Brain Capital 43:28 Introducing the Private Podcast Series 49:20 The Moment of Bliss and Daily Joy #flourish #wealth #wealthmanagement #investing #advisor #KnowThyWealthKnowThyself Connect with Gillian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gillian-stovel-rivers-ma-cfp%C2%AE-cea-997094124/?originalSubdomain=ca   https://x.com/GillianStovelR  https://www.instagram.com/gillianstov...  https://flourishfamilywealth.com/   Send TFFP your thoughts!

    49 min
  6. #20 - The Future Episode: Investing Ahead of the Curve

    FEB 12

    #20 - The Future Episode: Investing Ahead of the Curve

    In this episode of the Flourish Feed podcast, host Gillian Stovel Rivers engages with Nick Griffin, founder and CIO of Munro Partners, to explore the transformative investing themes shaping the future. Griffin emphasizes that the future is not something to wait for; rather, it is already forming based on observable signals.  He discusses the importance of thematic investing, which focuses on identifying long-term structural trends rather than traditional economic indicators. With over two decades of experience, Griffin shares insights on how companies can thrive amidst these changes, particularly in the realms of artificial intelligence, technological acceleration, and evolving business models. Griffin elaborates on the significance of understanding “the S-curve of adoption” in various industries, highlighting how major companies like Amazon and Facebook emerged from structural shifts in consumer behavior. He also addresses the moral implications of investing in technologies that can have both positive and negative impacts on society.  The conversation delves into the future of AI, decarbonization, and security, with Griffin providing a forward-looking perspective on how these themes will influence investment strategies and societal changes in the coming years. Ultimately, the episode serves as a guide for investors and business owners to navigate a rapidly changing world by focusing on growth-oriented opportunities. Takeaways 🔮The future is already forming based on observable signals. 💰Thematic investing focuses on long-term structural trends rather than traditional economic indicators. 🔮Understanding the S-curve of adoption is crucial for identifying growth opportunities. 💰AI is the fourth major shift in computing, creating new applications and industries. 🔮Investing in decarbonization and security will be key themes for the future. Quotes "AI is the fourth big change in computing." “The future isn’t something we wait for - it’s something we can already see forming.”  “The equity market is not the economy - it’s a handful of big winners and a lot of mediocrity.”  “Only 4% of companies have created all the wealth in the stock market over the last 80 years.”  “Great companies don’t just win markets - they’re created by structural change.”  “You don’t need a crystal ball. You just need to notice how the world is changing.”  “If you use a technology yourself and see the utility, it’s probably not a bubble.”  “AI doesn’t eliminate work - it gives us more time to do what actually matters.”  “Knowledge will be commoditized. Human connection, culture, and leadership will not.” Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Thematic Investing 01:53 Understanding Thematic Investing 04:21 Identifying Signals for Investment 06:18 The Moral Implications of Investing 09:50 The Shift to Thematic Investing 12:17 Key Investing Themes: AI, Decarbonization, and Security 15:11 The Future of AI and Its Applications 20:20 Physical AI and Its Impact 24:27 The Human Element in a Tech-Driven World 27:54 The Future of Work and Purpose 30:50 The Role of Human Interaction in a Tech World 35:35 Moments of Bliss and Personal Reflections #flourish #wealth #wealthmanagement #investing #advisor #KnowThyWealthKnowThyself  Connect with Gillian:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/gillian-stovel-rivers-ma-cfp%C2%AE-cea-997094124/?originalSubdomain=ca    https://x.com/GillianStovelR  https://www.instagram.com/gillianstov...  https://flourishfamilywealth.com/ Send TFFP your thoughts!

    38 min
  7. #19 - The Productivity Episode: Unlocking Growth While Increasing Connection

    FEB 5

    #19 - The Productivity Episode: Unlocking Growth While Increasing Connection

    In this episode of the Flourish Feed podcast, Gillian Stovel Rivers interviews Kristin Parise, a pelvic health physiotherapist who has integrated AI into her business strategy. They discuss how AI can enhance human connection, reclaim time, and protect energy for women entrepreneurs.  Kristin shares her journey of using AI tools to streamline operations, improve client interactions, and produce conferences more efficiently. The conversation emphasizes the importance of maintaining authenticity while leveraging technology and highlights the transformative power of AI in business. Follow Kristen on LinkedIn, Blueberry Pelvic Health on Instagram, and register now for The Pleasure Principle Women’s Health Conference taking place May 8th, 2026.  Takeaways 🦾AI can enhance human connection in business. 🌷Integrating AI can help reclaim time and energy. 🦾AI serves as a co-pilot, not a replacement. 🌷Effective use of AI requires clear prompts and instructions. 🦾AI can streamline repetitive tasks and improve efficiency. 🌷Custom AI tools can enhance team collaboration and training. 🦾AI can transform the way conferences are produced. 🌷Using AI allows for more strategic thinking and planning. 🦾AI can help maintain authenticity in communication. 🌷Engaging with AI can lead to personal and professional growth. Quotes “AI isn’t replacing my clinical judgment - it’s protecting it.” “I didn’t need to work harder. I needed better systems.” “If women’s health is going to scale, it can’t rely on sacrifice anymore.” “AI became my co-pilot so I could stay present with my patients.” “Burnout isn’t a badge of care - it’s a systems failure.” “When the system changes, growth stops feeling so hard.” “This isn’t about productivity. It’s about capacity.” “Technology didn’t make my work less human - it made it more sustainable.” Chapters 00:00 AI and Human Connection in Business 02:37 Kristin Parisi: A Journey into AI 05:44 Integrating AI: The Initial Experience 11:52 AI as a Thought Partner 17:26 Organizing AI for Efficiency 20:13 The Power of Automation with AI 25:21 Transforming Conference Production with AI 30:10 Reclaiming Time and Energy 35:25 Enhancing Attention and Client Experience 39:08 Moments of Bliss: Finding Joy in Connection #flourish #wealth #wealthmanagement #investing #advisor #KnowThyWealthKnowThyself  Connect with Gillian:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/gillian-stovel-rivers-ma-cfp%C2%AE-cea-997094124/?originalSubdomain=ca    https://x.com/GillianStovelR  https://www.instagram.com/gillianstov...  https://flourishfamilywealth.com/ Send TFFP your thoughts!

    41 min
  8. #18 - The Physics of Investing: Solve For The Right Things

    JAN 29

    #18 - The Physics of Investing: Solve For The Right Things

    In this episode of the Flourish Feed podcast, host Gillian Stovel Rivers engages with Marc-André Lewis, PhD, President and CIO of CI Global Asset Management, to discuss how investors can navigate the complexities of today's financial landscape.  They explore the importance of a disciplined, scientifically informed investment process that prioritizes clarity over the noise of headlines about inflation, AI disruption, and market volatility. Marc-André shares insights from his background in theoretical physics, emphasizing the need for models, the ability to break down complex problems, and the importance of focusing on key drivers in investment decisions. The conversation delves into the dangers of treating investing like gambling, especially among younger generations who may be swayed by the fast-paced flow of information. Marc-André advocates for a structured approach to investing, highlighting the significance of understanding one's objectives and maintaining a long-term perspective. He discusses the importance of metrics like growth and productivity, the role of rebalancing in portfolio management, and the need for investors to remain patient and disciplined amidst market fluctuations.  Ultimately, the episode underscores that while macroeconomic forces are important, a solid investment process is paramount for achieving financial goals. Takeaways 💰Investing is about a process, not just returns. 🔬Focus on what you're solving for in your investments. 💰Understanding models is crucial for informed decision-making. 🔬Chunking complex problems into smaller parts makes them manageable. 💰Robustness in a portfolio is essential for long-term success. Quotes “Investing is first and foremost about a process — and you need to solve for something.” “Nobody should be gambling on their retirement. It is a project of a lifetime.” “A well-built portfolio isn’t designed to forecast the future — it’s built to withstand it.” “News flow confuses people into reacting. Process frees them to think long-term.” “If you don’t know whether a result came from skill or luck, it’s not repeatable.” “Diversification is not a race against your neighbour’s portfolio or what you hear at the water cooler. It’s insurance on your life goals.” “Politics are not the economy - and the economy is not the markets.” Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Investment Clarity 02:18 The Intersection of Science and Markets 04:51 Decision-Making Frameworks in Investing 06:47 The Dangers of Emotional Trading 09:56 Understanding Signal vs Noise 12:43 The Role of Professional Money Management 16:02 Planning for Uncertainty in Investments 19:20 Key Metrics for Long-Term Investors 22:23 Designing Resilient Portfolios 29:51 The Importance of Diversification 32:29 Guiding Principles for the Next Decade #flourish #wealth #wealthmanagement #investing #advisor #KnowThyWealthKnowThyself  Connect with Gillian:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/gillian-stovel-rivers-ma-cfp%C2%AE-cea-997094124/?originalSubdomain=ca    https://x.com/GillianStovelR  https://www.instagram.com/gillianstov...  https://flourishfamilywealth.com/ Send TFFP your thoughts!

    37 min

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A series of curiosity driven deep dives into the nature of flourishing through wealth.

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