In this episode of Smart-ish: After the Name Tags Come Off, Tom, Chris, and Scott are joined by surprise guest Erin Zylka, founder of Kona Financial Planning and co-founder of WHealthy Empowerment Network (WHEN). What begins as a conversation about financial planning quickly evolves into a broader discussion about values, relationships, and what it truly means to build a wealthy life. Rather than focusing on investments or financial advice, Erin shares her perspective on the human side of money—why financial conversations are often emotional, how trust shapes financial decisions, and why aligning money with personal values can lead to greater confidence and fulfillment. The conversation explores entrepreneurship, independence, networking, and the challenges of building a business centered around meaningful client relationships. Erin also discusses the inspiration behind WHealthy Empowerment Network and how healthier businesses can create healthier outcomes for both professionals and the people they serve. As with most Smart-ish episodes, the discussion goes beyond business tactics and into the real conversations that happen after the meeting ends—covering trust, success, relationships, and what truly matters. This episode is a reminder that wealth is about more than numbers—it’s about creating a life that reflects your values and priorities. 👤 Guest Bio: Erin Zylka Erin Zylka has worked as a financial planner since 2009, combining technical expertise with a relationship-focused approach. She believes true wealth begins when your money aligns with your values. In 2021, she founded Kona Financial Planning, an independent firm dedicated to helping clients feel confident and empowered in their financial lives. In 2024, she co-founded WHealthy Empowerment Network (WHEN), an operations, technology, and coaching platform designed to support independent financial advisors and encourage a broader conversation around true wealth. Erin Zylka, CFP®, AIF®, MBA Owner, Kona Financial Planning Erin@konafp.com (419) 340-6462 https://konafinancialplanning.com/ 🔑 Episode Highlights: • Why true wealth goes beyond money and financial metrics • The role trust plays in financial and business relationships • How personal values influence financial decisions • The emotional side of money conversations • Building an independent business around relationships and service • Networking, referrals, and creating meaningful professional connections • Why success looks different for everyone • The mission behind WHealthy Empowerment Network (WHEN) • Common misconceptions about financial planners and wealth • How aligning your values and goals creates greater confidence 🎧 Listen, subscribe, and share with someone who could use a fresh perspective on success, relationships, and what wealth really means. Subscribe & Share: Catch new episodes of Smart-ish: After the Name Tags Come Off every month as we sit down with real ACA members to talk business, life, and the stories that don’t get told during the meeting. Follow, subscribe, and share with other ACA members. Know someone who should be a guest? Nominate them. Produced by: ACA Schaumburg Business Club Hosted by: Tom Gosche, Chris Prestegaard, and Scott Weinberg Recorded on Zoom. Lightly edited, never scripted.
