This edition features a handful of Influential Leaders in Wealth Management across several sectors that are at the forefront of leading us into a digital future.
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The Most Influential Leaders in Wealth Management, 2023.pdf
1. Insider View
Vital Aspects of Financial
Management in Emerging
Organiza ons
www.insightssuccess.com
VOL-06 | ISSUE- 10 | 2023
Tech-Walk
How AI is Enhancing
Wealth Management
Func ons?
Andrew
Watkins
Watkins
AndrewAn Expert in Comprehensive
Financial Planning and Tax
Efficiency
The Most
Influential
Leaders in
Wealth
Wealth
Wealth
Management
2023
An Expert in Comprehensive
Financial Planning and Tax
Efficiency
Andrew Watkins
5. In the ever-evolving world of wealth management, certain
individuals have emerged as influential leaders who are
shaping the industry and driving significant change. These
individuals possess the knowledge, expertise, and vision to
navigate the complexities of wealth management while also
adapting to emerging trends and technologies.
These personalities in the wealth management possess a
deep understanding of financial markets, investment
strategies, and wealth preservation. They stay up to date
with the latest industry trends and regulations, enabling
them to provide sound financial advice and make informed
decisions for their clients.
They have the ability to think strategically and develop
long-term plans to help clients achieve their financial goals.
They analyze market conditions, assess risks, and create
investment strategies that align with clients' objectives,
considering factors such as asset allocation, diversification,
and risk tolerance.
Successful wealth management leaders prioritize their
clients' needs and interests. They take the time to
understand clients' financial goals, risk tolerance, and
personal circumstances to provide tailored advice and
solutions. A client-centric approach involves actively
listening, being responsive to client inquiries, and providing
ongoing support and guidance. The wealth management
industry is dynamic and constantly evolving.
Leaders in this field are adaptable and agile, able to
navigate changing market conditions, technological
advancements, and regulatory changes. They embrace
innovation and are open to adopting new strategies,
technologies, and approaches to deliver value to their
clients.
Embracing the journey of these personalities who are
driving significant transformations in the niche, Insights
Success sheds the spotlight on The Most Influential
Leaders in Wealth Management, 2023.
Flip through the pages and indulge in the attributes that are
enabling betterments in the dynamic industry.
Have a Delightful Read!
7. 16
Insider View
22
Vital Aspects of Financial Management in
Emerging Organizations
Tech-Walk
How AI is Enhancing Wealth
Management Functions?
A
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9. Brief
Company Name
As a Wealth Management Advisor and the founder of Triangle
Wealth Advisors, Andrew acts as a strategic partner to help
ensure the financial security of our clients.
Featured Person
Triangle Wealth Advisors
northwesternmutual.com
Andrew James
Watkins
Wealth Management
Advisor
Craig has thirty years' experience in delivering complex
solutions to many of the World's major companies.
Socius24 Limited
socius24.com
Craig Jones
Managing Partner
& Executive Director
Joe has significant experience in strategic planning, budgeting,
staff training and development, new business development,
marketing communications and contract development.
Terso Solutions
tersosolutions.com
Joe Pleshek
President and CEO
Phillip has progressive experience in health care operations and
management to include process improvement, implementation
and data analysis.
Landstar
landstar.com
Phillip Stringfield
CEO
Sheila Mikhail was recognized by BB&T for her exemplary
service on the bank’s Advisory Board.
Jurata Thin Film
juratatf.com
Sheila Ann Mikhail
Co-founder & CEO
The Most
Influential
Leaders in
Wealth
Management
2023
10. Andrew
Watkins
Watkins
Andrew
An Expert in Comprehensive
Financial Planning and Tax Efficiency
Our team takes pride in providing a
great client experience, and through
this, our clients have become our
biggest advocates.
12. Andrew Watkins is dedicated to being at the
forefront of his field. He understands that financial
planning requires continuous learning and staying
updated with the latest trends, regulations, and market
developments.
Andrew honed his skills at Emory University's Goizueta
Business School, where he delved into various finance
domains, equipping himself with a comprehensive
understanding of the subject. Andrew's passion lies in
investment management and its potential for wealth
accumulation. This drove him to graduate in 2007 and join
a Merrill Lynch team that served high net-worth clients. It
was during this time that Andrew faced his first significant
challenge—the financial crisis. With his proactive approach
and exceptional communication skills, he was able to
reassure his clients of the long-term stability of their long-
term financial plans, even amidst market volatility. In 2009,
Andrew decided to relocate to North Carolina and founded
Triangle Wealth Advisors.
Over the course of 15 years, Andrew and his team have
overcome numerous obstacles, always prioritizing the
interests of their clients. Through strong partnerships and a
deep commitment to their clients' financial well-being,
Andrew and his team consistently exceed expectations,
helping clients their and exceed financial goals beyond what
they previously thought possible.
Here are the highlights of the interview the interview in
which Andrew shared more about his background,
expertise, and philosophies, all of which have led to the
rapid growth of Triangle Wealth Advisors:
How do you ensure that your company's offerings are
diversified enough to meet the needs of a wide range of
clients? What strategies have you used to attract and
retain clients?
We have made the strategic decision to partner with
Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company. As a
top 5 independent broker-dealer in the US, Northwestern
Mutual offers our team industry-leading equity research and
financial planning software. Our offerings range from best-
in-class insurance products with multiple insurance carriers
to stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and private equity. Our
clients’ goals are the core focus of our team’s approach, and
we build customized strategic plans using these offerings.
Our biggest differentiator is our ability to listen to our
clients and help them develop a plan of action towards their
personal goals. We’ve found our team’s attention to detail
has led to organic growth through client referrals as well as
through a few select CPAs and attorneys. Our team takes
pride in providing a great client experience, and through
this, our clients have become our biggest advocates.
What qualities do you believe are essential for effective
leadership in the wealth management industry? What
leadership style do you personally prefer and why?
I think a great leader in the wealth management industry is
very similar to a great team leader or coach in athletics. A
leader in wealth management understands the end goals of
the clients and develops an effective game plan to achieve
the desired target. A great leader takes the extra step to
educate clients on how each piece fits into their tailored
plan and listens to their concerns and questions. Our team
wants our clients to understand their strategy so well that
they can articulate it to a friend/colleague at a dinner party.
My personal leadership style is best categorized as leading
by example. I’ve never asked a team member or client to do
something that I’ve not personally done. I think this is very
important in the wealth management industry, as it's
important to “put your money where your mouth is.”
A great leader takes the extra
step to educate clients on
how each piece fits into their
tailored plan and listens to
their concerns and questions.
13. How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected the wealth
management industry? What steps has your company
taken to adapt to the changing landscape and continue
providing value to clients?
The impact of COVID-19 has been enormous in the wealth
management industry, and there have been lots of opportu-
nities and challenges as a result. One improvement in
efficiency has been in virtual client communication. Nearly
all our clients are familiar with Zoom and e-signature
platforms. This has significantly increased the speed at
which client strategies can be implemented and eliminated
most geographic barriers. Clients have also appreciated the
reduction in their commute time between meetings as
review meetings can generally be coordinated in their
homes or offices via video conferencing. It's also allowed
for more frequent check-ins to ensure that important
planning opportunities aren’t missed. Some examples
would include the following: screen sharing over Zoom to
review beneficiary designations on active retirement
accounts at a client’s employer; discussing a cash strategy
for an unexpected bonus, retirement allocation adjustments
when employers change or change investment platforms.
The biggest challenge has been the abrupt nature of the
virtual transition. Our team needed to quickly adapt so each
member could work remotely, which included adjusting our
new client onboarding system and how we communicate as
a team. Overall, we’ve found that the pandemic has allowed
our team to enhance the client experience and work with
successful people all over the country. We’ve had our firm’s
three best growth years in a row following the pandemic,
and we credit our enhanced systems and client advocacy.
Who are the people that have influenced and impacted
you the most throughout your career? Are there any
books or life experiences that have shaped your perspec-
tive on wealth management?
My parents have had a significant impact on my career, as
they’ve been great examples of hard work and were
supportive during my difficult decision to move states and
start my own firm.
My first business coach, Jason Selk, also greatly influenced
my career, as he taught me to focus on process goals instead
of the end result. He coached me to execute consistently on
The Most Influential Leaders in Wealth Management, 2023
14. Also, there are many aspects of our
industry that are not strictly financial.
Being patient and a good listener are vital
to building good client relationships.
15. the things I could control and trust that the end results
would be achieved. This mindset has been very helpful with
coaching clients.
I’ve formed study groups with other CFPs across the
country over the years that have helped our team stay on the
cutting edge of planning strategies.
My team has changed over the years, but Kelsey Robertson
has been the rock of the team. She’s worked with me for
nearly 10 years and does so much for our clients and team.
She’s truly amazing!
How do you create and maintain a positive work culture
within your organization? What steps do you take to
ensure that your employees are engaged, motivated, and
feel valued?
At Triangle Wealth Advisors every team member has
contributed to our team’s vision, which is reviewed together
on a semi-annual basis, and each team member has a
professional development plan. Each team member is
integral to the team’s success and takes ownership of their
unique roles. We also have a monthly team get together
where one team member presents on a topic that other team
members would benefit from knowing more about. This has
included areas of operational efficiency, social security
claiming strategies, the SECURE 2.0 update, and proposed
tax legislation. One of our core team values is growth, and
it’s very important that every team member feels valued and
has a growth mentality. Our organization maintains a fast
pace as we continue to grow our impact exponentially.
What do you believe will be the biggest change in the
wealth management industry over the next five years?
How do you plan to prepare your company for these
changes?
That’s a tough question. I think the wealth management
industry has changed so much since I started 15 years ago
and is evolving every day. The industry has become more
regulated, and the fiduciary responsibilities of advisors are
likely to be enhanced. As a fiduciary advisor, I must ensure
my recommendations are in the client’s best interests and
that strategies are updated to reflect the changing needs of
our clients. The future will likely include further use of
artificial intelligence and continued remote capabilities.
Clients will have access to advisor teams all over the
country, so it’s very important for us to continue to be
leaders in the field. We must be nimble in our approach and
continue to coach clients well while offering best-in-class
solutions.
What advice would you give to leaders and entrepre-
neurs who are interested in entering the wealth manage-
ment industry? What skills and qualities do you believe
are necessary for success in this field?
The wealth management industry is a great industry to be
in. The field is constantly changing, and there is always
more to learn. No day is ever the same. That said, you must
be hungry to learn. Also, there are many aspects of our
industry that are not strictly financial. Being patient and a
good listener are vital to building good client relationships.
How do you plan to stay competitive and maintain your
company's position as one of the most influential players
in the wealth management industry? Where do you see
your company in the next five years?
Our team continues to grow its capacity through talent
acquisition and enhanced development plans. Each team
member either has their CFP (Certified Financial Planner)
designation or is actively working towards it. We regularly
attend trainings to enhance our product knowledge and
learn about upcoming opportunities. Over the next five
years, our team looks to continue to partner with successful
families all over the country and double our assets under
management. Our success will be measured not only by our
financial growth but also by the impact and referrals we
receive from our clients.
We must be nimble in our
approach and continue to
coach clients well while
offering best-in-class
solutions.
16.
17.
18. VitalAspects of
Financial Management
Financial Management
Financial Management
in Emerging
Organizations
Organizations
Organizations
onetary management plays a crucial role in the
Msuccess and sustainability of emerging
organizations. As these companies navigate
through their initial stages of growth, effective fiscal
management becomes even more critical to ensure sound
decision-making, optimize resource allocation, and achieve
long-term objectives. In this article, we will explore the
vital aspects of fiscal management that emerging
organizations should prioritize to thrive in a dynamic
business environment.
Budgeting and Planning
A well-defined budgeting and planning process is
fundamental for emerging organizations. It involves setting
financial goals, estimating revenues and expenses, and
allocating resources accordingly. A comprehensive
budgeting approach allows organizations to make informed
decisions, prioritize initiatives, and monitor performance
against targets. It also enables effective cash flow
management and ensures optimal utilization of available
resources.
June 2023 | 16 | www.insightssuccess.com
20. Cash Flow Management
Managing cash flow is vital for the survival and growth of
emerging organizations. Monitoring and projecting cash
inflows and outflows helps organizations identify potential
liquidity gaps and take proactive measures to address them.
By maintaining healthy cash reserves, organizations can
meet short-term obligations, invest in growth opportunities,
and weather unexpected financial challenges. Effective cash
flow management also involves optimizing receivables and
payables, implementing efficient billing and collection
processes, and exploring working capital optimization
strategies.
Financial Risk Management
Emerging organizations must actively manage financial
risks to safeguard their operations and financial stability.
This involves identifying and assessing various risks such
as market volatility, credit risks, interest rate fluctuations,
and operational uncertainties. Organizations can mitigate
these risks through appropriate risk management strategies
such as diversification, hedging, insurance coverage, and
contingency planning. By proactively addressing potential
risks, organizations can protect their financial health and
enhance their ability to respond to unforeseen
circumstances.
Capital Structure and Financing
Determining the optimal capital structure and securing
appropriate financing options are critical for emerging
organizations. Analyzing the capital requirements and
exploring funding alternatives help organizations strike a
balance between equity and debt financing. Effective
financial management entails evaluating the cost of capital,
negotiating favourable terms with lenders or investors, and
maintaining a sustainable debt-to-equity ratio. It also
involves considering alternative funding sources such as
venture capital, angel investors, crowdfunding, or
government grants.
Financial Reporting and Compliance
Accurate and timely financial reporting is crucial for
emerging organizations to gain credibility, attract investors,
and comply with regulatory requirements. Implementing
robust accounting systems and practices ensures that
financial statements are prepared in accordance with
relevant accounting standards. Organizations should also
establish internal controls to prevent fraud and
misappropriation of funds. Compliance with tax
regulations, reporting obligations, and industry-specific
regulations is essential to avoid legal penalties and maintain
the organization's reputation.
Performance Measurement and Analysis
Monitoring and analyzing financial performance is essential
to assess the effectiveness of strategies and initiatives
undertaken by emerging organizations. Key performance
indicators (KPIs) such as profitability ratios, return on
investment, and liquidity ratios help measure financial
performance against predetermined goals. Regular financial
analysis provides valuable insights into areas of
improvement, highlights inefficiencies, and supports
decision-making processes. By identifying trends and
patterns, organizations can adjust their strategies and
optimize financial outcomes.
Effective fiscal management is indispensable for the success
of emerging organizations. By prioritizing aspects such as
budgeting and planning, cash flow management, financial
risk management, capital structure and financing, financial
reporting and compliance, and performance measurement
and analysis, these organizations can navigate through the
complexities of their early growth stages and lay a solid
foundation for long-term success.
With careful attention to these vital aspects, emerging
organizations can optimize resource allocation, make
informed decisions, and achieve sustainable financial
growth.
June 2023 | 18 | www.insightssuccess.com
25. Tech-Walk
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a
transformative force in various industries, and
wealth management is no exception. The
integration of AI technologies into wealth management
functions has revolutionized the way financial institutions
and advisors operate, enabling them to provide more
personalized and efficient services to clients. In this article,
we will explore how AI is enhancing wealth management
functions and reshaping the landscape of the financial
industry.
Intelligent Robo-Advisory
One of the most prominent applications of AI in wealth
management is the development of intelligent robo-
advisory platforms. These platforms leverage AI algorithms
to provide automated investment advice and portfolio
management services. By analyzing vast amounts of
financial data, market trends, and client preferences, robo-
advisors can create tailored investment portfolios and
rebalance them automatically. AI-powered robo-advisors
enable investors to access low-cost, diversified investment
solutions while benefiting from continuous portfolio
monitoring and optimization.
Data Analysis and Insights
AI algorithms excel at analyzing large volumes of data and
extracting meaningful insights. In wealth management, AI-
powered data analysis tools can process vast amounts of
financial and market data, news articles, social media
sentiment, and economic indicators. By identifying patterns
and trends, these tools can provide wealth managers with
valuable insights to make informed investment decisions.
AI-driven data analysis also enhances risk management
capabilities by identifying potential risks and predicting
market fluctuations.
Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Chatbots
AI-powered chatbots equipped with natural language
processing capabilities are transforming client interactions
in wealth management. Chatbots can provide personalized
support, answer client queries, and offer real-time financial
advice. They can understand natural language inputs,
interpret complex financial queries, and provide accurate
responses. AI-powered chatbots enhance the client
experience by offering immediate assistance, 24/7
availability, and quick access to portfolio information.
Risk Assessment and Fraud Detection
AI algorithms have proven to be highly effective in risk
assessment and fraud detection within wealth management.
These algorithms analyze historical transaction data, client
behavior, and market trends to identify suspicious activities
and potential fraud attempts. AI systems can promptly flag
irregularities, enabling wealth managers to take proactive
measures to mitigate risks and protect clients' assets. The
use of AI in risk assessment also enhances compliance with
regulatory frameworks and helps detect and prevent money
laundering and other financial crimes.
Personalized Financial Planning
AI technologies enable wealth managers to provide
personalized financial planning services tailored to
individual client needs. By analyzing client financial data,
goals, risk tolerance, and preferences, AI algorithms can
generate customized financial plans. These plans take into
account various factors such as retirement planning, tax
optimization, estate planning, and investment strategies. AI-
powered tools also facilitate scenario analysis, allowing
clients to understand the potential outcomes of different
financial decisions and adjust their plans accordingly.
Behavioral Finance and Sentiment Analysis
AI algorithms can analyze client behavior, sentiment, and
emotions to gain insights into their investment decisions.
By incorporating behavioral finance principles, wealth
managers can better understand clients' biases, risk
tolerance, and decision-making patterns. Sentiment analysis
of social media and news articles also helps gauge market
sentiment and identify potential investment opportunities or
risks. AI-powered sentiment analysis tools provide a more
holistic view of market dynamics and enable wealth
managers to make data-driven investment
recommendations.
AI is revolutionizing the wealth management industry by
enhancing various functions and delivering more
personalized, efficient, and insightful services. From
intelligent robo-advisory platforms to advanced data
analysis, natural language processing chatbots, risk
assessment, and personalized financial planning, AI
technologies are reshaping the way wealth management is
conducted. By leveraging AI capabilities, wealth managers
can provide tailored investment advice, mitigate risks,
detect fraud, and deliver superior client experiences. As AI
continues to advance, it will further augment wealth
management functions, enabling financial institutions and
advisors to better meet the evolving needs of their clients in
an increasingly complex financial landscape.
June 2023 | 23 | www.insightssuccess.com