In this episode of the BISA Portfolio Podcast, guest host Jim Nickens of Swan Financial Group sits down with a group of BISA members to explore how real, often nontraditional, career journeys are shaping the future of financial services. Recorded live at the BISA Annual Conference in Tampa, the conversation features Ron Major (TruStage), Kylie Murray (Sammons Institutional Group), Vanessa Wilson (BMO), Heather Hepburn (Webster Investments), and Brett Carmichael (Nationwide) as they share the turning points that brought them into the industry and the lessons they want the next generation to hear.

Their stories highlight why embracing unexpected opportunities, investing in mentorship and widening the industry’s talent pipeline are critical for individual careers as well as for the long‑term health, diversity and resilience of institutions themselves. There is no single “right” way into financial services, only the willingness to learn and say yes when doors open.

Tune in to learn:

• How unconventional paths — like starting in broadcast journalism or aspiring to be a librarian — can lead to impactful careers in financial services when paired with curiosity and courage to try something new.
• Why mentorship and sponsorship were pivotal, and how leaders taking a chance on emerging talent can change the entire trajectory of a career.
• How representation and visibility influence who sees themselves in this business, and why fixing the “pipeline problem” starts with diverse leaders at senior and C‑suite levels.
• The soft skills that will define tomorrow’s top performers, especially emotional intelligence, adaptability, lifelong learning and integrity — and how young professionals can be intentional about building them.
• Practical advice from all five guests for students and early‑career professionals on networking with purpose, asking for opportunities and confidently articulating their goals inside their firms.

BISA is the leading financial services industry association dedicated to serving those responsible for the marketing, sales and distribution of securities, insurance and other financial products and advisory services through the bank channel.

• Visit the Portfolio content hub
• Become a BISA member

In this episode of the BISA Portfolio Podcast, guest host Heather Broderick of LPL sits down with new BISA President Jane‑ellen Porter of Wilmington Advisors at M&T to discuss building the next generation of advisor talent — and why solving the talent gap is business‑critical for institutions today. Recorded live at the BISA Annual Conference in Tampa, their conversation explores how intentional development, mentorship,and inclusion can secure both client outcomes and firm growth for years to come.

Tune in to learn:

• Why the aging advisor population and the coming great wealth transfer make a proactive talent strategy essential to retaining clients and assets.
• The core qualities Jane‑ellen looks for in advisor candidates — beyond credentials — including passion for helping people, work ethic and the ability to pass key licensing exams.
• How a structured 18-24 month development pathway, with sales managers as managers and seasoned advisors as mentors, can successfully grow juniors into high‑producing financial advisors.
• How BISA’s Rising Stars program and the work of the Impact and Vision Committee are helping attract women and underrepresented professionals into advisory, operations and compliance roles — and why investing in younger talent now creates “lifers” who will shape the future of the industry.

BISA is the leading financial services industry association dedicated to serving those responsible for the marketing, sales and distribution of securities, insurance and other financial products and advisory services through the bank channel.

• Visit the Portfolio content hub
• Become a BISA member

In this episode of the BISA Portfolio Podcast, LeAnn Rummel returns with Lisa D’Ambrosio of MIT AgeLab and Alex Samoila of MassMutual Strategic Distributors to explore why women are becoming the “Chief Consumer Officers” of their households — and what that means for financial professionals.

Tune in to learn:

• Why 70% of widows change financial professionals — and how empathy and inclusion can prevent attrition.
• How women’s growing financial influence and caregiving roles are reshaping retirement planning.
• The implications of the $84 trillion wealth transfer and why engaging women now is critical.
• Actionable strategies for advisors to build authentic relationships with female clients and future-proof their business.

BISA is the leading financial services industry association dedicated to serving those responsible for the marketing, sales and distribution of securities, insurance and other financial products and advisory services through the bank channel.

• Visit the Portfolio content hub
• Become a BISA member