Beyond the Numbers

Chris Everett

Beyond the Numbers is where growth-minded professionals come to talk strategy, legacy, and the financial decisions that shape their future. Hosted by a fiduciary financial planner, the podcast reveals how people align business growth and personal purpose through intentional wealth-building. It’s a clear-eyed look at what it takes to build a financial life that actually works.Guests include entrepreneurs, advisors, and industry experts who share how they protect assets, create income streams, and design wealth that lasts. If you’re ready to go beyond profit and build something that matters, this show is for you.

  1. Navigating Love, Faith & Family Later in Life with Susanna Mlot | EP 123

    3d ago

    Navigating Love, Faith & Family Later in Life with Susanna Mlot | EP 123

    Susanna Mlot is an experienced business transformation executive, an aspiring author, and a longtime client of host Chris Everett's fiduciary practice. In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, she joins Chris for an unusually candid conversation about navigating a meaningful relationship later in life — including a partner whose adult children are still struggling to accept it — while building a financial plan that supports the life she actually wants to live. Susanna's story weaves together a decades-long scarcity mindset she's still working to release, a creative renaissance through writing, and the deeply personal, often unromantic conversations that come with blending two lives — homes, inheritance, and what happens when one partner passes first. What You'll Learn: Why scarcity mindset doesn't disappear with wealth — and how Susanna is working through hersThe unexpected challenge of later-in-life relationships: adult children who can't accept a parent's new partnerWhy a stepchild's grief often runs far deeper than it appears — and isn't really about the new partner at allHow couples counseling, prayer, and persistence carried Susanna and her partner through their hardest seasonThe practical financial conversations every blended-family couple needs to have, long before the romance fades into the backgroundWhy Susanna let go of a beloved lake house that no longer served her, even though it was a sound investmentSusanna's biggest takeaway: you have to ask for what you need — nobody in your life is a mind readerResources: Everett Wealth Solutions: https://everettwealthsolutions.com/ Free resource + Pre-Discover Session (30 min, no cost): https://calendly.com/ews407/30min?back=1&month=2026-06 Subscribe to Beyond the Numbers for conversations where money meets meaning and purpose. Everett Wealth Solutions is a Registered Investment Adviser in the State of Illinois providing fiduciary financial planning and asset management across the nation.

    40 min
  2. Jul 1

    The One Financial Risk That Can Wipe Out 30 Years of Savings | Chris Everett | EP 122

    The Long-Term Care Decision Most People in Their 50s & 60s Are Ignoring Most people in their fifties and sixties know long-term care exists. They just don't plan for it — because thinking about it is uncomfortable. So they put it off. And putting it off is itself a decision. Just not the one they'd make if they were thinking clearly. In this solo episode of Beyond the Numbers, fiduciary financial planner Chris Everett breaks down why long-term care is the financial risk with the highest probability of wiping out everything a couple spent 30 years building — and what a real strategy to protect against it actually looks like. What You'll Learn: Why long-term care is the most avoided and most consequential financial decision most pre-retirees never makeThe reframe that changes everything: this isn't planning for sickness — it's protecting the retirement you builtWhy the average private nursing facility costs over $90,000 a year — and why Medicare won't save youHow one long-term care event can erase 30 years of savings with no bad investment decisions involvedWhy waiting doesn't give you more time — it gives you fewer options at a higher costThe unique risk business owners face when this is missing from their planWhere to start building a real strategy before the window closesResources: Everett Wealth Solutions: https://chris-everett.knowledgevaultpress.com/long-term-care Free resource + Pre-Discover Session (30 min, no cost): https://calendly.com/ews407/30min?back=1&month=2026-06 Subscribe to Beyond the Numbers for conversations where money meets meaning and purpose. Everett Wealth Solutions is a Registered Investment Adviser in the State of Illinois providing fiduciary financial planning and asset management across the nation.

    4 min
  3. Privacy Law, Data Breaches & Protecting Your Business | Donata Stroink-Skillrud | Ep 121

    Jun 29

    Privacy Law, Data Breaches & Protecting Your Business | Donata Stroink-Skillrud | Ep 121

    Donata Stroink-Skillrud is a licensed attorney, certified information privacy professional, and the president and co-founder of Termageddon — a privacy policy platform covering 120+ laws that has helped thousands of businesses from solo entrepreneurs to Fortune 500 companies stay compliant as privacy regulations continue to multiply. In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, she joins host Chris Everett for a wide-ranging conversation about what data privacy really means for business owners, what the regulatory landscape looks like right now, and how to protect your business without drowning in legal fees. Donata's story starts with a Target data breach notice, a first date that turned into a business plan, and a career-long mission to democratize privacy compliance for the businesses that need it most but can least afford the lawyers to get there. What You'll Learn: Why most businesses assume they're too small for privacy laws to apply — and why that assumption is dangerousThe first step every business owner needs to take to understand their compliance obligationsWhy your privacy policy must match your actual practices — and the legal exposure when it doesn'tThe growing state-by-state privacy patchwork in the US and what it means for your business in the next 3-5 yearsThe shocking license plate reader story — and what it reveals about how personal data is being shared without consentWhy compliance always has to come from the top of the organization to actually stickHow Termageddon is expanding globally — and what different countries' privacy laws reveal about their culture🔗 Links & Resources: Termageddon: https://termageddon.com/ Follow Donata on LinkedIn:   / donata-stroink-skillrud   Subscribe to Beyond the Numbers for conversations where money meets meaning and purpose — bringing together voices from business, finance, law, and leadership to talk about the moments that shape us and the strategies that sustain us. Everett Wealth Solutions is a Registered Investment Adviser in the State of Illinois providing fiduciary financial planning and asset management across the nation.

    44 min
  4. Jun 18

    Stop Waiting: The Financial Decision You Can't Afford to Delay | Chris Everett | EP 120

    Most people don't lose money from bad decisions. They lose money from no decision — waiting for clarity that never quite comes while the window quietly closes. In this solo episode of Beyond the Numbers, fiduciary financial planner Chris Everett walks through the three financial decisions that carry the highest cost of delay and why if you're between 58 and 67, right now is the most important financial window of your life. Markets don't pause. Tax laws don't wait. And the cost of inaction compounds just as fast as a bad move. What You'll Learn: Why waiting for clarity is itself a financial decision — and often an expensive oneThe 3 decisions with the highest cost of delay: Social Security timing, retirement plan rollovers, and early retirement income structureWhy the difference between claiming Social Security at 62 vs. 70 can exceed $100,000 in lifetime incomeWhat the "decision decade" (ages 58–67) really means for your retirement outcomeWhy treating your 401k as set-it-and-forget-it is not a strategy — it's hopeWhat an honest fiduciary conversation actually looks like — and why it consistently leads to better outcomes Resources: Everett Wealth Solutions: https://chris-everett.knowledgevaultpress.com/long-term-care Free resource + Pre-Discover Session (30 min, no cost): https://calendly.com/ews407/30min?back=1&month=2026-06 Everett Wealth Solutions is a Registered Investment Adviser in the State of Illinois providing fiduciary financial planning and asset management across the nation. Subscribe to Beyond the Numbers for conversations where money meets meaning and purpose.

    4 min
  5. Jun 10

    Why AI Won’t Replace Human Leadership | Rishad Tobaccowala | EP 119

    In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, host Chris Everett sits down with renowned business strategist, author, and thought leader Rashad Tabakawala for a powerful conversation about leadership, technology, and what it means to stay human in an increasingly data-driven world.   After spending nearly four decades at the forefront of digital transformation, advising global organizations such as Google, Meta, IBM, Walmart, and JPMorgan Chase, Rashad shares why he believes the greatest challenge facing modern leaders isn't technology—it's preserving humanity, creativity, and purpose amid rapid change.   Together, Chris and Rashad explore the ideas behind Rashad's acclaimed books Restoring the Soul of Business and Rethinking Work, discussing the balance between data and intuition, the future of work in the age of AI, the rise of fractional careers, and why the most successful organizations combine digital innovation with authentic human connection.   Listeners will hear practical insights on leadership, vulnerability, organizational culture, lifelong learning, and navigating uncertainty in a world where the future no longer fits the containers of the past. Whether you're a business leader, entrepreneur, advisor, or someone rethinking your own career path, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on building a life and business that align success with meaning and purpose.   Topics include: • Staying human in the age of AI • Leadership with honesty, empathy, and vulnerability • The future of work and career transformation • Balancing data, technology, and human connection • Creating cultures of trust and innovation • Learning, adaptability, and long-term relevance   Join us for an inspiring discussion on where money meets meaning—and why the soul of business matters now more than ever.   About the Guest: Rashad Tabakawala is a globally recognized business strategist, bestselling author, speaker, and former Chief Strategist and Chief Growth Officer of Publicis Groupe, where he spent 37 years helping lead one of the world's largest organizations through the digital revolution while advising companies such as Google, Meta, IBM, Walmart, and JPMorgan Chase. He is the author of Restoring the Soul of Business and Rethinking Work, co-founder of the Athena Project, founder of the Tabakawala Foundation, and a trusted advisor to leaders worldwide on the future of work, leadership, and staying human in the age of AI.   About the show Beyond the Numbers is where growth-minded professionals talk strategy, legacy, and the financial decisions that shape their future. Hosted by fiduciary financial planner Chris Everett, the podcast explores how people align business growth with personal purpose through intentional wealth-building. Chris is also President of Everett Wealth Solutions, Inc. is a Registered Investment Adviser in the State of Illinois for fiduciary financial planning and asset management across the nation.

    55 min
  6. Designing with Empathy: Scott Summit's Journey Beyond Prosthetics | Scott Summit | Beyond The Numbers | EP 118

    May 27

    Designing with Empathy: Scott Summit's Journey Beyond Prosthetics | Scott Summit | Beyond The Numbers | EP 118

    What if prosthetic limbs could become a source of confidence instead of something people try to hide? In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Chris Everett sits down with renowned industrial designer and entrepreneur Scott Summit — founder of Bespoke Innovations and Ethereal Matter — for a powerful conversation about empathy-driven design, entrepreneurship, and building technology that restores dignity. After designing products for Apple, Nike, Sony, and Palm, Scott left a successful career behind to reinvent prosthetics using 3D scanning and 3D printing technology. His custom prosthetic fairings helped amputees reclaim confidence, identity, and self-expression while dramatically reducing costs compared to traditional custom prosthetics. Scott also shares: • The story behind founding Bespoke Innovations • Why redefining “function” changed everything • The emotional impact of personalized prosthetics • Lessons from selling Bespoke to 3D Systems • The future of 3D printing in medicine, architecture, space, and manufacturing • His latest venture, Ethereal Matter, and the MEK VR fitness platform • Why solving meaningful human problems matters more than chasing trends • How money, meaning, and purpose intersect in entrepreneurship This episode is about far more than technology. It’s about using innovation to improve human lives. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 — Show Introduction 00:35 — Meet Scott Summitt 04:04 — The 2008 Leap 05:31 — Redefining Function in Prosthetics 07:28 — How Fairings Changed Lives 09:30 — Scaling the Vision & Funding Challenges 11:54 — Life After the Acquisition 12:51 — The Future of 3D Printing 14:44 — The Mission Behind Ethereal Matter 16:08 — Inside the MEK VR Platform 21:28 — Where the Technology Will Launch 23:24 — Money, Meaning & Purpose 27:14 — Legacy & Open Innovation 28:49 — The “Skunkworks” Philosophy 32:27 — Advice for Designers & Entrepreneurs 34:34 — Closing Thoughts & Where to Connect About the Guest: Scott Summit is an industrial designer, inventor, educator, and entrepreneur with more than 40 patents and work featured in the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum. He is the founder of Bespoke Innovations and Ethereal Matter and has taught at Stanford University, Carnegie Mellon, and Singularity University. About the show Beyond the Numbers is where growth-minded professionals talk strategy, legacy, and the financial decisions that shape their future. Hosted by fiduciary financial planner Chris Everett, the podcast explores how people align business growth with personal purpose through intentional wealth-building. Chris is also President of Everett Wealth Solutions, Inc. is a Registered Investment Adviser in the State of Illinois for fiduciary financial planning and asset management across the nation.   #ScottSummit #3DPrinting #IndustrialDesign #Prosthetics #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #VR #EtherealMatter #BespokeInnovations #DesignThinking #ChrisEverett #BeyondTheNumbers

    37 min
  7. Sound Investments: The Intersection of Hearing and Financial Wellbeing | Adam Dell | Beyond The Numbers | EP 117

    May 13

    Sound Investments: The Intersection of Hearing and Financial Wellbeing | Adam Dell | Beyond The Numbers | EP 117

    Sound Investments: The Intersection of Hearing and Financial Wellbeing | Beyond the Numbers Podcast What if one of the biggest risks to your financial future… had nothing to do with the stock market? In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, host Chris Everett sits down with hearing care expert Adam Dell to explore the powerful—and often overlooked—connection between hearing health and financial wellbeing. From relationships and career performance to cognitive decline and long-term healthcare costs, untreated hearing loss carries consequences far beyond what most people expect. Adam shares insights from over 17 years in the field, breaking down how modern hearing care works, why hearing aids are a true investment (not just a device), and what people should know before making a decision. If you’re thinking about retirement planning, supporting aging parents, or protecting your long-term quality of life—this conversation will change how you think about health and money. 🎯 What You’ll Learn: • The hidden financial costs of untreated hearing loss • How hearing impacts relationships, career performance, and income potential • The connection between hearing loss and cognitive decline / dementia risk • Why hearing aids cost what they do—and what you’re really paying for • The truth about insurance, Medicare gaps, and financing options • Why early treatment leads to better long-term outcomes • How to choose the right hearing care provider 👤 About the Guest – Adam Dell Adam Dell is a Board-Certified Hearing Aid Specialist with Audibel, serving patients in the Chicago area. With over 17 years of experience, Adam has built a reputation for combining clinical expertise with a deeply personalized, service-driven approach to hearing care. He specializes in helping patients understand high-frequency hearing loss, improving speech clarity, and guiding individuals through the full journey—from testing and fitting to long-term care and support. His work focuses not just on hearing better, but on helping people reconnect with their lives, relationships, and confidence. ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to the Show 00:38 Meet Adam Dell 01:18 How He Got Started 02:35 Service and Patient Impact 05:08 Risks of Untreated Loss 07:02 Relationships and Work 09:17 Why Hearing Aids Cost More 13:08 Insurance and Financing Options 14:46 Don’t Wait to Treat 16:38 Advice for Patients and Families 18:08 Life Lessons and Purpose 21:21 How to Contact Audibel 23:03 Final Thoughts and Wrap Up 24:55 Subscribe and Take Action 📌 Connect with Adam Dell: 📍 Audibel Hearing Center (Chicago Area) 📞 630-968-4327 📈 About the Podcast Beyond the Numbers is where growth-minded professionals talk strategy, legacy, and the financial decisions that shape their future. Hosted by fiduciary financial planner Chris Everett, the podcast explores how people align business growth with personal purpose through intentional wealth-building. Chris is also President of Everett Wealth Solutions, Inc. is a Registered Investment Adviser in the State of Illinois for fiduciary financial planning and asset management across the nation.

    26 min
  8. The Entrepreneurial Spirit and the Future of Sales | Paul Pacun | Beyond The Numbers | EP 116

    Apr 29

    The Entrepreneurial Spirit and the Future of Sales | Paul Pacun | Beyond The Numbers | EP 116

    What happens when you combine entrepreneurial instinct, emerging tech, and a deep understanding of how sales actually works? In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, host Chris Everett sits down with Paul Pacun, CEO and Founder of vablet, to explore how modern sales teams can operate smarter, stay compliant, and build real trust with clients. Paul shares the story behind the “light bulb moment” sparked by the iPad—and how that idea evolved into a powerful sales enablement platform used by global enterprises. From managing complex content to enabling offline access and ensuring compliance in highly regulated industries, vablet is redefining how sales teams show up in the field. But this conversation goes deeper than tools. It’s about how the best salespeople don’t sell harder—they sell smarter, using technology to remove friction and focus on what actually matters: relationships. What You’ll Learn: • How Paul turned an early tech insight into a scalable business • Why video-first selling is changing the game for modern sales teams • The importance of compliance, security, and content control in enterprise sales • How great tools eliminate friction and enable authentic client relationships • Leadership lessons on building teams—and knowing when to make tough calls • The intersection of money, purpose, and long-term impact Key Moments: 00:00 Introduction 01:54 Meet Paul Pacun 02:30 Entrepreneurial Origins 04:25 The iPad “Light Bulb” Moment 06:12 Building vablet 08:54 Compliance & Security 10:52 Remote Training Workflows 13:07 Sales & Relationship Building 16:06 Leadership Lessons 17:46 Health & Balance 20:19 Money Meets Purpose 21:57 Legacy & Impact 23:35 Inspiring the Next Generation 26:52 Where to Find vablet 27:32 Closing About the Guest: Paul Pacun is the CEO and Founder of vablet, a leading sales enablement platform designed to help teams deliver the right content—anytime, anywhere, even offline. Trusted by global organizations across healthcare, finance, and manufacturing, vablet empowers sales teams to stay organized, compliant, and effective in every client interaction. About the show Beyond the Numbers is where growth-minded professionals talk strategy, legacy, and the financial decisions that shape their future. Hosted by fiduciary financial planner Chris Everett, the podcast explores how people align business growth with personal purpose through intentional wealth-building. Chris is also President of Everett Wealth Solutions, Inc. is a Registered Investment Adviser in the State of Illinois for fiduciary financial planning and asset management across the nation.

    29 min

Ratings & Reviews

About

Beyond the Numbers is where growth-minded professionals come to talk strategy, legacy, and the financial decisions that shape their future. Hosted by a fiduciary financial planner, the podcast reveals how people align business growth and personal purpose through intentional wealth-building. It’s a clear-eyed look at what it takes to build a financial life that actually works.Guests include entrepreneurs, advisors, and industry experts who share how they protect assets, create income streams, and design wealth that lasts. If you’re ready to go beyond profit and build something that matters, this show is for you.