Vista Visionaries Chris Williams

Laura K. Sawyier, the founder and CEO of LKS Styling and Consulting, joins host Chris Williams in this episode. With an impressive background in marketing and event design, Laura shares her journey of self-discovery and growth. She emphasizes the significant role that fashion and style play in enhancing individual performance, mood, and relationships. Through her personal narrative, Laura reveals how overcoming challenges and embracing her unique perspective has led to the creation of a niche, nationally recognized consulting business.
Laura delves into the psychology of fashion to discuss how strategic style choices can profoundly impact an individual's confidence and presence, both personally and professionally. Her approach goes beyond aesthetics; it empowers individuals to express their identity and harness their full potential.
The conversation also highlights the importance of listening to feedback, the value of continuous learning, the benefits of trusting your gut, and the power of taking risks in the pursuit of entrepreneurial success. Laura expands on the role of mentors and cheerleaders in her entrepreneurial journey and offers advice on cultivating relationships.
Laura recounts how she navigated her path from West Point, NY, racing down slaloms in competitive ski racing, through family relationships, finding lifelong connections that led her to St. Louis, and building up her career. Laura has been recognized professionally with the “Most Influential Business Women” honor by the St. Louis Business Journal.
As Laura expands her services, she remains committed to her mission of helping people feel their best and make confident choices in their style. This episode is a testament to the transformative power of aligning personal passion with professional pursuits, and will resonate with anyone eager to explore the intersection of style, confidence, and growth.
To continue exploring the synergy between personal style and professional success, and to learn more about Laura Sawyier's innovative approach to styling and consulting, visit her at lauraksawyier.com and sign up for her newsletter.
We founded Vista in 2021 to creatively challenge the status quo of wealth management. At our core, we’re rooted in trust, loyalty, and collaboration with our clients and with each other. Life is busy, and we can become fixated on what’s right in front of us, losing sight of the bigger picture. Together, we’re creating a world where talking about “the dream” is encouraged. We thrive on the challenge of bringing that dream into focus, and then into reality. To continue exploring how you can optimize your financial future, we invite you to visit our website at www.myvista.us.

In this engaging episode, Chris Williams sits down with Kevin Lemp, the founder of 4 Hands Brewing Co., a community-centric brewery based in St. Louis. Kevin shares his journey from a love for beer to creation of a brand that resonates with the locals and gives back.
 
This episode is a blend of business insights, community service, and personal reflection that make for an inspiring listen. Kevin sheds light on the importance of passion and work ethic in forging his own path, how growth mindset in previous roles prepared him to venture out on his own, the key ingredients for a business culture that thrives, and how he inspires his children to chase their dreams – 4 Hands in, Go Team!
 
The conversation dives into the City Wide initiative, which donates a portion of sales to four nonprofits annually, showcasing 4 Hands' commitment to the community.
 
As the discussion unfolds, Kevin reveals the strategic expansion of 4 Hands into new Midwestern markets and the alignment with strategic wholesalers to foster brand growth. Chris and Kevin cover product diversification. Kevin talks about venturing into spirits with 1220 Spirits and launching Withered Oak, emphasizing the importance of introducing new revenue streams without competing with existing products.
 
The dialogue gets lively as Kevin discusses family-friendly atmospheres, not just in their locations but also in the broader community, for a unique combination of connection, fun, food and of course, great beer.
 
Whether you're a beer enthusiast, want to learn more about structuring philanthropy, or you’re driven to forge your own path to success without a ceiling, this episode has something for everyone.
 
To learn more about 4 Hands Brewing Co., stop by www.4handsbrewery.com for locations to visit and sample, or to find out where to buy.
 
We founded Vista in 2021 to creatively challenge the status quo of wealth management. At our core, we’re rooted in trust, loyalty, and collaboration with our clients and with each other. Life is busy, and we can become fixated on what’s right in front of us, losing sight of the bigger picture. Together, we’re creating a world where talking about “the dream” is encouraged. We thrive on the challenge of bringing that dream into focus, and then into reality. To continue exploring how you can optimize your financial future, we invite you to visit our website at www.myvista.us.
 
 

In today’s episode, Nancy Davis tells Vista’s Chris Williams about her professional journey in the finance sector. Nancy shares her experience of establishing Quadratic Capital Management in 2013, and why she created her own enterprise in the high-risk finance industry.
 
Listen as Nancy and Chris talk about the element of luck in embarking on your own venture, what it’s like being a rockstar in finance as a woman, and gratitude for pursuing a career that you love.
 
Nancy led the derivatives and credit group at Goldman Sachs for nearly a decade. She furthered her career at Alliance Bernstein and Highbridge Capital Management. She tells us about the intricacies of her work, which encompasses complex derivatives, the bond market, and interest rates. Nancy makes frequent appearances on Bloomberg and CNBC, where she demystifies the complexities of the contemporary financial landscape.
 
Nancy gives us details about Quadratic's two ETFs, BNDD and IVOL, which bring a different perspective to the fixed income arena. She offers her analysis on the current economic climate, the peculiar condition of the yield curve and the consequences of a forceful Federal Reserve policy.
 
Nancy is a mother and a pioneer. From finding the best location for her family within arm’s reach of NYC, to challenging herself to create tools that express her passion for finance, Nancy’s story is about building the American Dream.
 
Learn more about Quadratic Capital Management at https://quadraticllc.com/. Their ETFs can be found at https://www.ivoletf.com/ and https://www.bnddetf.com/.
 
We founded Vista in 2021 to creatively challenge the status quo of wealth management. At our core, we’re rooted in trust, loyalty, and collaboration with our clients and with each other. Life is busy, and we can become fixated on what’s right in front of us, losing sight of the bigger picture. Together, we’re creating a world where talking about “the dream” is encouraged. We thrive on the challenge of bringing that dream into focus, and then into reality. To continue exploring how you can optimize your financial future, we invite you to visit our website at www.myvista.us.

This inaugural episode of Vista Visionaries unpacks a story that started with following tradition and evolved into forging a new path. Host Chris Williams engages with long-time business associate, friend, and co-founder Brian Landzaat to discuss his professional journey in the financial services sector.
The duo's professional paths crossed in 2012, and they have been collaborating ever since, providing services to high-net-worth clients and business proprietors.
Vista Finance is dedicated to providing guidance to closely held business owners and their families, helping them leverage their wealth to fulfill their personal aspirations. 
The conversation delves into the drivers and for launching a small business, challenges faced, the significance of venturing beyond one's comfort zone, and the crucial role of forging robust relationships with clients. They also discuss hiring for success and culture, and opportunities for small business in America today.
Brian's background includes experiences at U.S. Bank and later at Private Bank, which eventually transitioned into CIBC. His expertise lies in estate planning and tax strategies, and he is well-versed in a variety of areas that small business owners often grapple with, including compliance, HR, and technology. In 2021, Brian embarked on a new venture, founding Vista Finance with a select group of partners.
Away from his professional life, Brian is a devoted family man, sharing his life with his wife Nicole and their children, Felix and Margot. He's a talented musician, problem solver and is inspired by connection.
We founded Vista in 2021 to creatively challenge the status quo of wealth management. At our core, we’re rooted in trust, loyalty, and collaboration with our clients and with each other. Life is busy, and we can become fixated on what’s right in front of us, losing sight of the bigger picture. Together, we’re creating a world where talking about “the dream” is encouraged. We thrive on the challenge of bringing that dream into focus, and then into reality. To continue exploring how you can optimize your financial future, we invite you to visit our website at www.myvista.us.

 
 
 
 
 

Whitney Kenter’s decision to leave the security of larger institutions and start her own business was a calling that she couldn't ignore. In this episode, Vista's Chris Williams speaks with Whitney, the founder of Glowe Connective. Glowe's approach to working with businesses involves unpacking the leader's psyche, purpose, and culture. By understanding who leaders are at their core and leveraging their strengths, Glowe helps businesses thrive.
Whitney's journey began in accounting and financial services, but she’s always had a strong interest in the human side of business. She has had an illustrious career in the financial services world. Whitney worked at global and national companies like KPMG, Bank of America, and Merrill Lynch before starting her own business, based in St. Louis, MO.
Whitney was looking to rediscover herself. In the process, she realized that her experience uniquely equipped her to help businesses rediscover the core of what makes them great. She turned that realization into Glowe Connective - a model that guides business leaders through investigation, alignment and  transformation to create a culture that shines.
 
Despite facing challenges and moments of self-doubt, Whitney has had faith in the purpose of Glowe and her ability to make a positive impact. She overcame her lack of confidence and insecurity by surrounding herself with supportive mentors and incredible teammates, who remind her of her past successes and contribute to new ventures.
Whitney's personal transformation has also influenced her approach as a mother and friend. Through her journey of self-discovery, she's realized the importance of aligning personal and professional lives.
Today on her son’s 18th birthday, Whitney talks about raising a family, staying vulnerable, leveraging personal insecurities, and listening to her inner voice to grow a small business. The conversation highlights the importance of purpose, personal growth, and the human side of business in achieving success and fulfillment.
If you're ready to lead a major shift at your company, Glowe can help. Find out more at www.gloweconnective.com.
 
We founded Vista in 2021 to creatively challenge the status quo of wealth management. At our core, we’re rooted in trust, loyalty, and collaboration with our clients and with each other. Life is busy, and we can become fixated on what’s right in front of us, losing sight of the bigger picture. Together, we’re creating a world where talking about “the dream” is encouraged. We thrive on the challenge of bringing that dream into focus, and then into reality. To continue exploring how you can optimize your financial future, we invite you to visit our website at www.myvista.us.