Category: Investing

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The AI Revolution and the Future of Wealth Management (Ep. 90)

The AI Revolution and the Future of Wealth Management (Ep. 90)

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The financial industry is transforming at breakneck speed—are you ready for what’s next?

Fresh from the Future Proof Conference in Huntington Beach, where over 4,500 professionals converged to discuss the future of finance and technology, in this episode of Smart. Money. Simplified, Brent Mekosh explores the most important insights shaping the industry. Discover how AI is revolutionizing financial services, creating new efficiencies, and changing the way advisors serve their clients. 

Brent explores the practical steps advisors can take to leverage AI for stronger client relationships, why organic growth still outshines acquisitions, and how to prepare for the Great Wealth Transfer that will redefine wealth management.

Key Highlights:

  • How AI is revolutionizing the financial services industry — and what it means for your business
  • Practical ways to use AI to enhance client relationships and maximize efficiency
  • Why organic growth still matters more than acquisitions in the financial industry
  • Preparing your firm for the Great Wealth Transfer and its ripple effect on financial services
  • The importance of balancing work and family while building a client-centered business
  • Actionable strategies to prepare your firm for the future of finance
  • And more!

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Leadership Lessons with Coach Matthew Mitchell (Ep. 89)

Leadership Lessons with Coach Matthew Mitchell (Ep. 89)

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Leadership isn’t just about giving orders. It’s about inspiring, guiding, and sometimes, learning from everyone around you. 

Are you ready to elevate your leadership game and drive your team to new heights? 

This week on Smart. Money. Simplified, Brent Mekosh welcomes Matthew Mitchell, the winningest coach in the history of the University of Kentucky Women’s Basketball Program. Matthew shares his incredible journey from high school coaching to becoming a top college coach, his principles of leadership, and how he applies these lessons to the corporate world today. 

Episode talking points include: 

  • His transition from high school to college coaching
  • What role did the ‘winning tools’ – honesty, hard work, and discipline – play in the team’s development and success
  • How was a bottom-ranked team transformed into champions through process-driven leadership
  • What challenges arose when transitioning from sports coaching to corporate leadership consulting
  • And more!

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About Our Guest:

Matthew Mitchell is a Wall Street Journal best-selling author, speaker, three-time SEC Coach of the Year, and the winningest head coach in the history of the University of Kentucky women’s basketball program. The foundation for his teams’ achievements is the Winning Tools principles – honesty, hard work, and discipline. Through Mitchell’s focus on the fundamentals, he led the program to new heights―seven 25-plus winning seasons and the UK’s first SEC Championship in 30 years. Mitchell now leads the Winning Tools leadership platform, sharing the proven value of these principles with executive teams across the country.

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Revolutionizing Finance: How AI is Shaping Investment Strategies with Ravi Koka (Ep. 88)

Revolutionizing Finance: How AI is Shaping Investment Strategies with Ravi Koka (Ep. 88)

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AI has exploded into our lives, moving from theoretical to practical applications in record time. 

Remember the days when Siri was clunky and unreliable? Now, AI tools like ChatGPT are seamlessly integrated into our workflows, offering unprecedented capabilities.

This week on Smart. Money. Simplified, Brent Mekosh dives into the world of artificial intelligence with serial entrepreneur Ravi Koka, founder and CEO of Stocksnips. Together, they explore the seismic shifts AI is causing in finance and beyond, including its role in revolutionizing investment strategies and market behaviors. 

Talking points include:

  • The history and resurgence of AI and the exponential growth in computing power
  • The practical applications of AI in natural language processing and investment strategies
  • The creation and success of the Stocksnips ETF and its reliance on AI-generated investor sentiment
  • The potential risks and ethical considerations surrounding AI technologies
  • And more!

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About Our Guest:

Over the last 20 years, Ravi Koka has focused his research on simplifying the building and maintenance of enterprise applications. During this time, he played a key role in leading the research and development of various tools and methods for the incremental transformation of legacy systems. More recently, Ravi has led research on implementing Service-Oriented Business Applications and collaborated with several large Fortune 1000 enterprises to implement applications at significantly lower costs than traditional methods. His current research areas include digital transformation, microservices design, and AI applications.

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Avoiding Regret: How to Plan Your Business Exit with Geoff Eliason (Ep. 87)

Avoiding Regret: How to Plan Your Business Exit with Geoff Eliason (Ep. 87)

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Did you know that over 70% of business succession efforts fail, and even successful entrepreneurs often regret their decisions a year later?

This week on Smart. Money. Simplified, Brent Mekosh sits down with Geoff Eliason from SDR Ventures to delve into the critical aspects of business succession planning, the importance of having a coordinated team, and how to prepare for a successful exit strategy. 

Geoff’s extensive experience in investment banking and understanding of the entrepreneurial landscape provide invaluable insights into preparing business owners for the most significant financial decisions of their lives.

Episode talking points include: 

  • The importance of a holistic succession plan for business owners
  • Key reasons behind the regret and dissatisfaction post-business sale
  • The role of financial advisors in successful business transitions
  • How to assemble a supportive team for a seamless succession process
  • And more!

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About Our Guest:

Geoff Eliason joined the SDR Ventures team in 2021. In his role as Principal, Geoff brings 16 years of industry experience to the organization and its clients. His primary responsibilities are building and sustaining operational efficiencies across the firm and maximizing the client service model. Geoff is dedicated to providing strategic solutions specific to the complexities of the M&A process. Embracing SDR Ventures’ firm-wide commitment to serving its clients, Geoff channels his years of experience and strategic relationships towards enhancing business valuations and providing thought leadership to the entrepreneurial community. Geoff holds his Series 79, 24, and 63 securities licenses and serves as SDR Capital Markets Chief Compliance Officer. Geoff is passionate about teamwork, given his commitment to both education and athletics.

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From Seminary to Success: David Yep on Faith, Freedom, and Leading with Purpose (Ep. 86)

From Seminary to Success: David Yep on Faith, Freedom, and Leading with Purpose (Ep. 86)

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Are you part of the 70% of business owners who struggle with ensuring the long-term growth and sustainability of their company?

This week, Brent Mekosh and David Yap explore David’s transformative journey from almost becoming a Catholic priest to leading as the Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer at TRIUNE Health Group.  

Tune in as David shares his 13-year stint in the seminary, his thoughts on true freedom and spirituality, and how these experiences shape his approach to business and life.

Talking points include: 

  • The challenges and revelations of embracing celibacy and spirituality
  • The transition from religious life to thriving in the business world
  • Insights into fostering a strong company culture and effective leadership
  • The role of authentic living in achieving success and fulfillment
  • And more!

Resources:

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About Our Guest:

David Yep earned an associate’s degree in classical humanities in Salamanca, Spain, completing his bachelor’s degree in philosophy and liberal arts from Regina Apostolorum in Rome, Italy. Living in Europe for 10 years, he became fluent in Spanish, Italian, and German. He completed his education with a Master’s in Business Administration from the Acton School of Business in Austin, Texas. 

His determination to gain outside perspective from the family business and healthcare brought him to leadership roles in both the non-profit and manufacturing sectors, always tasked with and successfully executing company growth strategies. David rejoined TRIUNE with the task of continuing and accelerating their growth trajectory, assuming responsibility for all business development initiatives and the company’s financial success. In 2019, with his parents’ blessing, David led TRIUNE as Vice-President and Chief Revenue Officer.

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The Power of Stories in Shaping Economics and Society with Bill Tucker (Ep. 85)

The Power of Stories in Shaping Economics and Society with Bill Tucker (Ep. 85)

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Contrary to popular belief, the media isn’t just about news — it’s about shaping our entire worldview. 

Are you ready to uncover the evolving landscape of journalism in these tumultuous times?

Brent Mekosh sits down with award-winning journalist Bill Tucker to delve into the intricacies of contemporary media, its accountability, and the profound impact of economic stories on our lives. Bill shares his views on the media’s role in holding power to account and the stark interactions between economic policy and societal well-being.

Bill discusses:

  • The influence of media biases and the role of citizen journalism
  • The dynamic shifts in political landscapes with new presidential candidates
  • The shift from traditional media to digital platforms and its effect on news consumption
  • The role of journalism in maintaining democratic values during contentious political times
  • And more!

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About Our Guest:

Bill’s media journey began in a small FM Radio station in Texas and is now a podcast producer at ProudMouth.

His experience is vast in the world of media including, a television news producer, (George Foster Peabody winner),  a television news reporter (Emmy award winner and three-time nominee)

As a news executive, he co-led the team that built and launched television’s first digital network, CNNfn, blogged on energy for forbes.com, interviewed CEOs for the NASDAQ CEO Signature Series, and hosted radio shows on religion, faith, and business.

His experience does not end there. He has written for print media, served as executive producer and host for network shows, and created stories for social media posts that have garnered hundreds of thousands of views.

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Who Holds the Truth: Citizen Journalism vs. Mainstream Media with David Martin (Ep. 84)

Who Holds the Truth: Citizen Journalism vs. Mainstream Media with David Martin (Ep. 84)

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It’s ironic, but the place you go to for the latest news might be shaping reality more than you think. 

What is ‘citizen journalism?’ How does it compare to mainstream media?

This week on Smart. Money. Simplified, Brent Mekosh dives into the trust crisis between mainstream media and citizen journalism with guest David Martin. 

Tune in as they explore how the disparity between mainstream and citizen-driven media impacts our perception of reality and the role digital platforms like X (formerly Twitter) play in shaping the news landscape. 

David discusses:

  • The role of mainstream media versus citizen journalism in reporting major events
  • Ways CNN and Fox approach digital media strategies
  • Security failures during Trump’s assassination attempt
  • Ways media bias impact the rise of alternative news sources
  • And more!

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About Our Guest:

David Martin, an Irish entrepreneur from Coolock, Dublin, founded Fantasy Interactive, a renowned human-based design agency. Fantasy is known for helping clients “think beyond the ordinary” by combining digital strategy and user experience design. The company boasts an impressive client list, including Facebook, HP, USA Today, and Twitter. In 2008, Fantasy was named one of Imagine Publishing’s 21 Most Inspiring Companies, alongside Apple, Virgin, and Pixar. Despite early academic and employment challenges, David’s innovation and leadership have impacted over 2 billion users worldwide. Based on the US West Coast, he enjoys substantial success and has formed notable friendships, including with Elon Musk.

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Understanding the Value of Precious Metals with Pete Thomas (Ep. 83)

Understanding the Value of Precious Metals with Pete Thomas (Ep. 83)

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Despite what many financial advisors overlook, recent market trends show that precious metals like gold and silver are far from being relics of the past. 

Are precious metals the key to securing your financial future?

This week on Smart. Money. Simplified, Brent Mekosh dives deep into the often-overlooked world of precious metals with gold expert Pete Thomas. Together, they explore the historical significance and current relevance of gold and silver, especially in light of recent global economic trends. 

Pete discusses:

  • The historical role of gold and silver during major geopolitical events
  • Recent trends and breakouts in the precious metals market
  • The renewed status of gold as a tier-one reserve asset
  • Central banks’ increasing appetite for gold and silver investments
  • And more!

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About Our Guest:

Pete Thomas stands at the helm of Pete’s Picks, a curated selection of precious metal products recommended for their potential performance and safety. With a keen eye for market trends and a deep understanding of investment dynamics, Pete handpicks items that resonate with both the novice investor and the seasoned collector. His selections are not just products but a portfolio of opportunities, each reflecting his 50-year legacy of market expertise and a commitment to quality.

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Here’s What Rising Mortgage Rates Mean For Homebuyers with Kim Harris (Ep. 82)

Here’s What Rising Mortgage Rates Mean For Homebuyers with Kim Harris (Ep. 82)

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What do rising mortgage rates and low housing inventory mean for your largest investment? 

How are rising mortgage rates reshaping the housing market today?

This week on Smart. Money. Simplified, Brent Mekosh sits down with Kim Harris, Real Estate Lending Manager at Colorado Credit Union, to discuss the current state of the mortgage market. From rising interest rates to housing affordability, Kim brings over two decades of experience to shed light on these critical issues. 

So, listen in as Brent and Kim explore the differences between now and the 2008 financial crisis while navigating the federal and state policies impacting real estate and examining the role of credit unions in today’s lending environment.

Episode talking points include: 

  • Today’s market conditions compared to the 2008 financial crisis
  • Insights on the current lending restrictions and mortgage rates
  • Ways institutional investors impact housing affordability
  • When might mortgage rates decrease, and its impact on housing prices
  • And more!

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Optimizing Life: Blake Jones on Health, Fitness, and Wellness (Ep. 81)

Optimizing Life: Blake Jones on Health, Fitness, and Wellness (Ep. 81)

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Are you ready to transform your health and optimize your performance in all aspects of life?

Brent Mekosh sits down with Blake Jones, a former nurse turned personal trainer, to discuss the importance of prioritizing health and wellness, even amidst life’s hectic schedules and stress. 

Tune in as Blake unveils his personal journey from dealing with pre-diabetes at 10, battling the COVID-19 crisis in the ICU, to helping professionals and entrepreneurs achieve holistic health through personalized plans. 

Talking points include: 

  • Blake’s journey from a pre-diabetic childhood to becoming a health advocate
  • Challenges faced by healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic
  • The transition from nursing to personal training and holistic health coaching
  • Practical advice on nutrition, exercise, and sustainable health practices
  • And more!

Connect with Blake Jones:

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About Our Guest:

As a registered nurse with a passion for promoting health and wellness, Blake Jones embarked on a unique journey that encompasses a diverse range of roles and responsibilities. Blake began a career in nursing while simultaneously pursuing personal training, combining a love for healthcare and fitness.

When the pandemic emerged, Blake answered the call to serve on the front lines and transitioned into the intensive care unit (ICU). This experience allowed Blake to directly impact the lives of critically ill patients, employing skills to provide exceptional care during challenging times.

However, Blake’s unwavering passion for health coaching and community outreach eventually guided Blake back to where the heart truly lies. Recognizing the importance of preventative care, education, and empowerment in promoting overall well-being, Blake refocused efforts on health coaching and community outreach initiatives, working diligently to empower individuals and communities to lead healthier lifestyles.

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