Financial Behavior Thought Leaders

Dr. Mary Bell Carlson

What makes a keynote speaker truly unforgettable? What happens behind the scenes before they step onto the stage? And, as a financial professional or event planner, how do you know which speaker is the right fit for your audience? Welcome to Financial Behavior Thought Leaders–the podcast that gives you an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the most sought-after speakers in financial services. This show is hosted by Dr. Mary Bell Carlson, founder of Financial Behavior Keynote Group, where we represent the best financial thought leaders and speakers in the industry. Every day, financial advisors, event organizers, and industry professionals are searching for dynamic speakers to educate, inspire, and engage their audiences—but how do you find the perfect one? That’s where this podcast comes in. Every other week, I sit down with top financial speakers to uncover their journey, explore their most powerful keynotes, and give you a front-row seat to the stories that make their talks unforgettable. You’ll hear insider insights, a preview of their message, and even a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s really like to work with them. Listen every other week for conversations around: Financial Behavior & Psychology Money decisions aren’t just logical—they’re deeply emotional and psychological. We explore the behavioral biases, habits, and mindsets that shape financial choices, helping financial professionals better understand both their clients and themselves. From the latest research in behavioral finance to practical applications in advising, we uncover how psychology influences money and how to reshape financial behaviors for better outcomes. Financial Wellness True financial success goes beyond wealth—it’s about overall well-being. This podcast dives into holistic financial wellness, addressing not just numbers but stress, confidence, and long-term security. We discuss strategies to help clients achieve balance in their financial lives while ensuring advisors have the tools to promote sustainable financial health. Emotional Intelligence & Resiliency Financial professionals face unique pressures, from emotional client interactions to regulatory demands. We focus on resilience, stress management, and mental well-being, offering insights on how to thrive in a high-pressure industry while maintaining personal fulfillment and balance. Communication We dive into communication strategies that build trust, foster engagement, and help financial professionals navigate difficult money conversations. Whether it's coaching clients through emotional decisions or refining your storytelling skills, we explore ways to make financial discussions more impactful. Practice Management Running a successful financial practice requires more than technical expertise. We discuss best practices for growing and managing a financial advisory business, from operational efficiency to client experience. Whether you're looking to improve workflows, scale your firm, or enhance client relationships, we provide insights to help you build a thriving, sustainable practice. Marketing & Technology for Financial Advisors From digital branding and content marketing to fintech innovations and AI-driven client insights, we provide practical ways to modernize and grow your advisory practice. Whether you’re planning a client event, booking a major conference keynote, or just want to learn from some of the brightest minds in financial services, Financial Behavior Thought Leaders is your all-access pass to the best in the business. Subscribe now and join me as we go beyond the podium to meet the voices shaping the future of financial thought leadership.

  1. Jul 15

    Your Value Isn’t the Math. It’s the Meaning. With Tim Maurer

    [embed]https://youtu.be/2sXoeEpEtyo[/embed] What if your greatest value as a financial advisor isn't your technical expertise, but your ability to uncover the story your clients aren't telling you? Tim Maurer joins us to explore why financial advisor storytelling and meaningful client communication are becoming more valuable than ever as AI transforms financial advising, and what that means for the future of the profession. Tim Maurer is a Certified Financial Planner™, author, and Partner at SignatureFD whose work sits at the intersection of financial planning, behavioral finance, and human connection. In this episode, he explains why storytelling—not spreadsheets—is becoming an advisor's most defensible value as AI increasingly handles the technical side of financial planning. Here's the short version: technical expertise is no longer enough to set advisors apart. As AI makes financial planning tools faster and more accessible, the advisors who thrive will be the ones who can understand a client's values, ask better questions, and uncover the personal narratives that drive financial decisions. Tim shares why every client conversation is ultimately about more than numbers, and why advisors must first understand their own story before they can effectively help someone else navigate theirs. Rather than focusing solely on analysis, he explains how curiosity, empathy, and thoughtful conversations create the trust that technology can't replicate. A few highlights from our conversation include why advisors should stop treating meetings like math problems, how a client's story often reveals more than their balance sheet, and the practical questions advisors can ask to create more meaningful and impactful financial conversations. If you work in financial services—or you're interested in how AI is reshaping the future of financial advising—this episode offers a compelling perspective on why the most valuable skill you can develop may be your ability to listen for the story behind the numbers. KEY TOPICS COVERED Why storytelling is becoming a financial advisor's greatest competitive advantageHow AI is reshaping the future of financial advisingThe power of narrative in building stronger client relationshipsAsking better questions to uncover the stories behind financial decisionsWhy self-awareness helps advisors better serve their clientsPractical ways to create more meaningful financial conversationsWhy human connection remains irreplaceable in an AI-driven profession Resources & Links: More about Tim:https://financialbehaviorkeynote.com/tim-maurer/https://signaturefd.com/tim-maurer/ Connect with Tim: LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/timmaurer/

    Your Value Isn’t the Math. It’s the Meaning. With Tim Maurer

  2. Jul 1

    When Life Changes, So Does Your Money: Navigating Transitions Without Losing Yourself with Dr. Meghaan Lurtz

    [embed]https://youtu.be/UKZikbCaQAM?si=24vJLYlqOTyJZ5Jq[/embed] What if the hardest part of a financial transition isn't the money at all, but figuring out who you are on the other side of it? Dr. Meghaan Lurtz joins us to unpack why retirement, divorce, career changes, and other major life shifts hit so much harder than the numbers suggest, and what that means for anyone guiding someone through one. Dr. Meghaan Lurtz is a financial psychology researcher, educator, and practitioner who studies the deep connection between money and identity. In this episode, she breaks down why financial transitions are never just about dollars and cents. They are about navigating the life changes that reshape who we are and how we make decisions about money. Here is the short version: major life events rarely touch only your finances. Retirement, career shifts, marriage, divorce, or any other significant transition tend to reshape your sense of identity too, which is exactly why the financial decisions tied to those moments feel so much more emotional and complicated than they look on paper. Meg explains why understanding the human side of these transitions is becoming a core skill for advisors, and for anyone supporting someone through a major decision. Instead of leading with strategy, she shows how the right kind of conversation can help people move through uncertainty with more confidence, clarity, and purpose. A few highlights from our conversation: why your relationship with money shifts alongside life's biggest milestones, how advisors can show up better for clients in the middle of change, and the small conversational moves that build trust when someone is unsure of what comes next. If you work in financial services, or you are in the middle of a major life transition yourself, this episode is a thoughtful look at why understanding identity may matter just as much as understanding finances. KEY TOPICS COVERED Why financial transitions are also identity transitionsHow life changes reshape our relationship with moneyThe role of financial psychology in client conversationsHelping clients navigate uncertainty with confidenceBuilding trust during emotionally significant financial decisionsPractical ways to approach financial transitions more intentionallyWhy understanding people is just as important as understanding financial plans Resources & Links: (Less) Lonely Money- read more about Meg and her workMeg's speaker page— learn more about her background and areas of expertiseMeg's keynote topics— explore the talks she brings to audiences Connect with Meg: LinkedIn

    When Life Changes, So Does Your Money: Navigating Transitions Without Losing Yourself with Dr. Meghaan Lurtz

  3. Jun 17

    The Invisible Close: Influence Techniques That Turn Prospects Into Clients with Evan T. Beach

    [embed]https://youtu.be/mZv6AJbaNkE[/embed] What if the reason prospects choose one advisor over another has less to do with credentials and more to do with how they feel in the first five minutes of a conversation? Evan T. Beach, CFP, EA, AWMA, is a nationally recognized financial advisor, CNBC and Bloomberg contributor, and founder of Exit 59 Advisory, where he has spent years helping advisors grow through trust-based influence and behavioral client strategies. In this episode of Financial Behavior Thought Leaders, Evan draws on the work of psychologist Robert Cialdini to unpack three principles of influence that are already shaping how prospects make decisions, whether advisors realize it or not: reciprocity, scarcity, and social proof. He explains how these behavioral dynamics play out in real advisor-prospect conversations and how financial professionals can apply them ethically to build stronger relationships and improve conversion rates. The result is a conversation that is both grounded in behavioral science and immediately practical. Evan walks through how small shifts in the way advisors structure first meetings, intake experiences, and follow-up can significantly change how prospects perceive and respond to them. One insight that stands out: prospects are often making up their minds before the credentials ever come up. Knowing that changes everything about how you prepare for and run a client conversation. If you are a financial advisor, wealth management professional, event planner, or anyone who wants to understand the psychology behind how financial decisions get made, this episode is for you. Evan T. Beach is a speaker with Financial Behavior Keynote Group. To learn more or bring him to your next event, visit https://financialbehaviorkeynote.com/evan-beach Resources & Links: Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert CialdiniMore about Evan T. Beach's Speaking Connect with Evan T. Beach: LinkedIn

    The Invisible Close: Influence Techniques That Turn Prospects Into Clients with Evan T. Beach

  4. Jun 3

    Nudge 2.0: How AI Shapes Financial Behavior with Dr. Michael Thomas

    [embed]https://youtu.be/VAQi5Az6XMA?si=VoItpJKluAO8jbTf[/embed] Dr. Michael G. Thomas Jr. studies the emotional and behavioral side of money, but in this episode, he focuses on something increasingly difficult to ignore: the way AI, algorithms, and personalized digital marketing are quietly shaping financial decisions before people even realize it. This conversation is centered on a reality many consumers and many advisors still underestimate. Financial influence is no longer broad or generic. It is personalized, data-driven, and constantly adapting based on the digital footprints people leave behind every day. Michael explains how these systems are designed to nudge behavior in subtle but powerful ways, often influencing spending, saving, and financial decision-making beneath the level of conscious awareness. What makes this episode especially valuable is that it does not stay theoretical. Michael connects these larger technological shifts directly back to real conversations advisors are already having with clients — especially clients who feel frustrated, overwhelmed, or unable to explain why their financial habits seem harder to control than they used to. Throughout the episode, he breaks down how algorithmic nudging works, why emotional awareness matters more than ever in financial conversations, and what advisors can do to help clients recognize the forces shaping their behavior without creating shame or defensiveness. A few standout moments from the conversation include the idea that consumers are now being influenced by systems trained on their own data, why awareness is the first line of defense against manipulative digital environments, and how even small shifts in conversation can help clients regain a sense of agency over their financial choices. If you work in financial services or simply want to better understand the invisible forces influencing modern financial behavior, this is a conversation worth paying attention to.

    Nudge 2.0: How AI Shapes Financial Behavior with Dr. Michael Thomas

  5. May 21

    The Irreplaceable Advisor with Ashley Quamme

    [embed]https://youtu.be/pMiNkdNrAsU[/embed] Ashley Quamme is a licensed therapist and behavioral finance expert, and she is one of the few people working at the intersection of mental health and financial advising in a genuinely practical way. In this episode, she lays out seven relational competencies that separate the advisors who will thrive in an AI-driven industry from those who will struggle to explain why clients should still choose a human. The short version: AI and technical knowledge are now table stakes. They are what gets you in the room, not what keeps clients there. What keeps clients there is something AI cannot replicate—the ability to recognize behavioral patterns, navigate emotionally charged conversations, and make people feel genuinely understood. Ashley walks through each of the seven skills with the kind of specificity that makes this episode immediately usable. This is not a general case for soft skills. It is a concrete, practitioner-level conversation about what these competencies look like in real client interactions, how to develop them deliberately, and what you risk if you keep treating relationship-building as an afterthought. A few things worth pulling out from the conversation: the distinction between sympathy and the kind of empathy that actually moves a client relationship forward, how small targeted shifts in how you show up in a conversation can change the entire dynamic, and why these skills matter just as much in your personal relationships as they do in your practice. If you are a financial advisor who is paying attention to where the industry is heading, this episode is one you will want to come back to. Key Topics Covered: Why relational skills are now the primary differentiator in financial advisingHow to recognize and work with behavioral patterns in your clientsNavigating sensitive and emotionally charged conversationsBuilding trust through collaborative decision-makingHow to practice and integrate these skills intentionallyThe cost of staying in a purely technical approachWhy ongoing education in financial psychology is no longer optional Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to the future of financial conversations 01:20 - Ashley shares how relational skills became a differentiator 03:19 - Clients’ desire for emotional support, not just financial advice 06:31 - The risk and cost of ignoring relational skills 10:38 - The origins of the Beyond the Plan framework 16:22 - The importance of collaborative decision-making 19:46 - Practice as a contact sport: applying skills across all relationships Resources & Links: Beyond the Plan - Ashley QuammeMore about Ashley Quamme's SpeakingMastering the Seven Skills that AI Cannot Replace Connect with Ashley Quamme: LinkedIn

    The Irreplaceable Advisor with Ashley Quamme

  6. May 6 ·  Bonus

    The Speaker Success Toolkit: Turning Speaking Into Visibility with Allie Zendrian

    [embed]https://youtu.be/Aq7gaykLsdU[/embed] In this episode of The Speaker’s Success Toolkit, Dr. Mary Bell Carlson is joined by PR strategist Allie Zendrian to explore how speakers can extend their impact beyond the stage through strategic visibility. As the founder of A to Z Communications and a former journalist, Allie brings a unique perspective on how thought leaders can turn their expertise into credibility, helping them get featured, quoted, and invited into larger opportunities. The conversation unpacks what public relations actually is, how it differs from marketing, and why it plays such a critical role in building a sustainable speaking career. Together, they emphasize that a great talk is only the starting point; what matters is how that message continues to live on. The discussion offers a behind-the-scenes look at how PR works in practice, from leveraging conferences as full ecosystems of opportunity to understanding why many talented speakers remain “best kept secrets.” Mary and Allie dive into the mindset shift required to move from waiting to be recognized to proactively creating visibility. Allie shares how speakers can repurpose their existing content into articles, media pitches, and thought leadership, while also highlighting the importance of aligning expertise with timely, relevant topics. The episode also addresses common misconceptions, including the belief that PR delivers instant results, instead framing it as a long-term strategy built on relationships and consistency. The conversation closes with practical advice for speakers at any stage, encouraging them to rethink how they use their content and consider how even one presentation can open the door to far-reaching influence.

    The Speaker Success Toolkit: Turning Speaking Into Visibility with Allie Zendrian

  7. Apr 22 ·  Bonus

    The Speaker’s Success Toolkit: Mastering the Art of Presentation with Justin Hunsaker

    [embed]https://youtu.be/14YnHs3dQBE?si=9g5rRwRceYc26gDe[/embed] In this episode of The Speaker’s Success Toolkit, host Dr. Mary Bell Carlson is joined by presentation coach Justin Hunsaker to explore how visual design can elevate, or undermine, a speaker’s message. Building on the foundation of a clear, compelling talk, the conversation focuses on how slides act as a multiplier, reinforcing key ideas and strengthening audience engagement when used effectively. Justin shares his unconventional journey from software engineering to communication expert, highlighting how his experience at Capital One shaped his approach to teaching presentation design and storytelling. The discussion dives into common pitfalls speakers face, including overloading slides with text and repurposing mismatched content, which can dilute clarity and impact. Justin introduces the concept of storyboarding as a critical first step, before slides or scripts, allowing speakers to map their message, visuals, and delivery in a flexible, low-pressure way. He emphasizes the importance of aligning visuals, body language, and storytelling, explaining that audiences retain information best when all elements work together cohesively. Listeners will gain practical insights into using big, bold visuals, simple “so what” slide titles, and frameworks to make ideas more memorable. The episode also explores how humor, images, and storytelling can create emotional range, while data should be used sparingly to support credibility rather than drive the message. Justin closes with actionable tips for improving slides immediately, making this episode a valuable guide for speakers looking to enhance both their visuals and overall delivery. 5 Key Takeaways   Slides should support the speaker without saying what the speaker says verbatim.The purpose of slides isn’t to duplicate what the speaker says. Instead, they should reinforce the message and help the audience understand and remember key ideas.Visual storytelling improves how audiences absorb information.Effective presentations use visuals to clarify concepts, highlight important points, and guide the audience through the narrative rather than overwhelming them with text.Text-heavy slides are one of the most common presentation mistakes.Many professionals, especially in data-driven fields like financial services, pack slides with information, which can distract audiences and dilute the speaker’s message. The less words the better!Aligning visuals with the story can transform a presentation.When slides are redesigned to match the flow of the speaker’s message, presentations become clearer, audiences engage more deeply, and speakers often feel more confident.Small changes to slides can make an immediate impact.Speakers can start improving their presentations by simplifying slides, reducing unnecessary content, and asking whether each visual truly supports the message they want the audience to remember.

    The Speaker’s Success Toolkit: Mastering the Art of Presentation with Justin Hunsaker

  8. Apr 8 ·  Bonus

    The Speaker Success Toolkit: Writing the Talk That Gets Remembered

    [embed]https://youtu.be/8s7toj0-rmU?si=O5v8HCAmPJyG1rBb[/embed] In this episode of The Speaker’s Success Toolkit, host Dr. Mary Bell Carlson is joined by speaker coach and storytelling expert Deirdre Van Nest to explore what truly makes a talk memorable and impactful. Kicking off the series, the conversation centers on a foundational truth: great speaking doesn’t start on stage; it starts with how a talk is written, structured, and designed to connect. Deirdre shares her personal journey into speaking, highlighting how coaching helped her overcome fear and ultimately shaped her approach to helping others develop powerful, memorable talks. The discussion emphasizes that strong content alone isn’t enough; structure is the missing link that transforms information into an engaging, persuasive experience. Through examples and client stories, Deirdre explains how speakers can take the same core content and dramatically improve results by restructuring it to better capture attention, create emotional connection, and inspire action. She introduces the idea that a signature talk should feel like an experience rather than a lecture, blending stories, analogies, audience interaction, and intentional design to keep energy high and audiences engaged. Listeners will gain practical tools, including Deirdre’s CETA framework, which focuses on being conversational, creating engaging experiences, prompting audience thinking, and providing clear application. The episode also reinforces the value of coaching, showing how an outside perspective can elevate speakers from good to great. Overall, this conversation sets the foundation for building a talk that not only resonates in the moment but leads to lasting impact, referrals, and opportunities. 5 Key Takeaways A strong talk is built around transformation, not just information.A memorable talk clearly communicates how the audience will think, feel, or act differently afterward, not just what they will learn.Many speakers try to pitch before their talk is fully developed.Without a clear, compelling message, even strong delivery won’t lead to referrals or repeat bookings.Clarity is more powerful than complexity.Overcomplicating a talk dilutes its impact. The most effective speakers simplify their message so it’s easy to understand and remember.Coaching provides an outside perspective that speakers can’t access on their own.Working with a coach helps identify gaps, refine structure, and elevate how a message lands with an audience.A signature talk is the foundation of a successful speaking business.Before marketing, video reels, or promotion, speakers need a talk that is clear, compelling, and repeatable.

    The Speaker Success Toolkit: Writing the Talk That Gets Remembered
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About

What makes a keynote speaker truly unforgettable? What happens behind the scenes before they step onto the stage? And, as a financial professional or event planner, how do you know which speaker is the right fit for your audience? Welcome to Financial Behavior Thought Leaders–the podcast that gives you an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the most sought-after speakers in financial services. This show is hosted by Dr. Mary Bell Carlson, founder of Financial Behavior Keynote Group, where we represent the best financial thought leaders and speakers in the industry. Every day, financial advisors, event organizers, and industry professionals are searching for dynamic speakers to educate, inspire, and engage their audiences—but how do you find the perfect one? That’s where this podcast comes in. Every other week, I sit down with top financial speakers to uncover their journey, explore their most powerful keynotes, and give you a front-row seat to the stories that make their talks unforgettable. You’ll hear insider insights, a preview of their message, and even a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s really like to work with them. Listen every other week for conversations around: Financial Behavior & Psychology Money decisions aren’t just logical—they’re deeply emotional and psychological. We explore the behavioral biases, habits, and mindsets that shape financial choices, helping financial professionals better understand both their clients and themselves. From the latest research in behavioral finance to practical applications in advising, we uncover how psychology influences money and how to reshape financial behaviors for better outcomes. Financial Wellness True financial success goes beyond wealth—it’s about overall well-being. This podcast dives into holistic financial wellness, addressing not just numbers but stress, confidence, and long-term security. We discuss strategies to help clients achieve balance in their financial lives while ensuring advisors have the tools to promote sustainable financial health. Emotional Intelligence & Resiliency Financial professionals face unique pressures, from emotional client interactions to regulatory demands. We focus on resilience, stress management, and mental well-being, offering insights on how to thrive in a high-pressure industry while maintaining personal fulfillment and balance. Communication We dive into communication strategies that build trust, foster engagement, and help financial professionals navigate difficult money conversations. Whether it's coaching clients through emotional decisions or refining your storytelling skills, we explore ways to make financial discussions more impactful. Practice Management Running a successful financial practice requires more than technical expertise. We discuss best practices for growing and managing a financial advisory business, from operational efficiency to client experience. Whether you're looking to improve workflows, scale your firm, or enhance client relationships, we provide insights to help you build a thriving, sustainable practice. Marketing & Technology for Financial Advisors From digital branding and content marketing to fintech innovations and AI-driven client insights, we provide practical ways to modernize and grow your advisory practice. Whether you’re planning a client event, booking a major conference keynote, or just want to learn from some of the brightest minds in financial services, Financial Behavior Thought Leaders is your all-access pass to the best in the business. Subscribe now and join me as we go beyond the podium to meet the voices shaping the future of financial thought leadership.

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