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

In this episode of the BISA Portfolio Podcast guest host LeAnn Rummel, president and CEO at Cetera Investment Services, talks with Lisa D’Ambrosio of MIT AgeLab and Alex Samoila of MassMutual Strategic Distributors about MassMutual Strategic Distributors' research on how language shapes retirement planning.

Listen in for insights on:

• Why the words people use to describe “life after career” reveal hopes, fears, and priorities beyond financial projections.
• How generational and gender differences in retirement vocabulary can help advisors tailor conversations.
• Why understanding emotional drivers like family, freedom, and security is key to building trust.
• Practical ways advisors can use this research to deepen client relationships and prepare for longevity.

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, BISA President John Olerio, vice president of weatlh management at Lighthouse Wealth Advisors, talks with Gene Goldman, chief investment officer at Cetera, who draws a surprising parallel between today’s financial markets and the hit TV show "The White Lotus" — where surface-level calm conceals deeper chaos.

Listen in here or on your favorite podcast platform for insights from Goldman on:

• Why the S&P 500’s 28% recovery may be masking rising risks, including tariffs, high yield spreads and bankruptcies.
• How President Trump’s trade imbalance goals face significant economic headwinds.
• The parallels between White Lotus characters and financial figures — including Jay Powell and Armand — and what they reveal about market behavior.
• Why active money management is more important than ever, and how economic data, tariff revenues, and untapped cash reserves point to near-term stock opportunities.

This episode is sponsored by Cetera.

Lighthouse Wealth Advisors is a marketing name of Cetera Investment Services. Securities and Insurance offered through Cetera Investment Services, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Cetera Investment Advisers LLC. Cetera firms are under separate ownership from any other named entity.

100 LIGHTHOUSE DR DOVER, NH 03820

Investments: • Are not FDIC/NCUSIF insured • May lose value • Are not financial institution guaranteed • Are not a deposit • Are not insured by any federal government agency

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, John Olerio, BISA president and vice president of wealth management at Lighthouse Wealth Advisors, talks with Gene Goldman, chief investment officer at Cetera, about his top three investment themes for 2025 — the "Great Moderation," the evolving role of the Federal Reserve and the renewed importance of diversification — and how they remain relevant in the last part of the year.

Listen in here or on your favorite podcast app for insights from Goldman:

• Why the economy is showing signs of a slowdown and why the Fed may hold off on rate cuts amid persistent inflation concerns.
• How tariffs — once deflationary — are now expected to drive inflation higher, with 41% of CFOs planning price increases in response.
• Despite market headwinds, Goldman remains optimistic, viewing pullbacks as buying opportunities. He emphasizes the critical role of clear communication and data-driven analysis in navigating market corrections.

This episode is sponsored by Cetera.

Lighthouse Wealth Advisors is a marketing name of Cetera Investment Services. Securities and Insurance offered through Cetera Investment Services, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Cetera Investment Advisers LLC. Cetera firms are under separate ownership from any other named entity.

100 LIGHTHOUSE DR DOVER, NH 03820

Investments: • Are not FDIC/NCUSIF insured • May lose value • Are not financial institution guaranteed • Are not a deposit • Are not insured by any federal government agency

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, Jay McAnelly (Ameriprise Financial Institutions) and Lee Bennett (F&G Life) of the BISA Content Advisory Committee interview a diverse group of industry professionals and students on hot topics recorded live at the BISA Annual Conference.

The conversation features industry veterans Jane-ellen Porter (Wilmington Advisors at M&T), Tim Coleman (Centier Bank), Frank Rehhaut (Kinecta Wealth Management) and Kendra Cain (Arvest) as well as first-time attendee Kim Heisey (First Bank Texas) and college students Imani Washington and Jasmine Pierce, attending the conference alongside Financial Alliance for Representation and Empowerment (FARE) Executive Director Nicole Ridley.

Discussions cover emerging trends gleaned from the conference, like AI implementation, regulatory changes and strategies for aligning with Gen Z in the financial services 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, Kevin Mummau and Kevin McCarthy from the BISA Research Committee talk with Scott Smith of Cerulli about how to effectively use BISA's Insights & Analytics Advantage monthly reports for success.

The conversation highlights the growing willingness of investors to pay for financial advice and emphasizes the importance of data-driven decision-making in areas like risk management, compliance, and understanding customer preferences. Listeners will gain actionable strategies for incorporating these monthly reports into their business practices to enhance their competitive edge in our industry.

Access BISA's Insights & Analytics Advantage Reports today.

About Kevin Mummau
Mummau is the managing director at CUSO Financial Services, L.P. (CFS) and Sorrento Pacific Financial, LLC (SPF), members FINRA and registered investment adviser. CFS provides investment and financial planning services to credit union members. As a senior executive at CFS/SPF, Mummau has over 35 years of broad experience in the brokerage industry. His diverse background covers many facets of the securities industry including, trading, supervision, operations, compliance, retail and branch management. Most notably, five years as the corporate OSJ and regional manager for a major independent broker dealer, responsible for supervising the production of 80 – 100 branch offices.

About Kevin McCarthy
McCarthy leads Geogia, South Carolina and the Premier Investment Group for Synovus Securities. Prior to that role, he was senior vice president and head of business development for SunTrust Private Wealth Management and SunTrust Investments. In that capacity, McCarthy led the growth, practice management and partnership initiatives within the broad wealth organization. McCarthy has decades of experience, having served in various leadership roles at prior firms including Wells Fargo and Merrill Lynch.

About Scott Smith
With more than 25 years of financial services industry experience, Smith leads Cerulli’s research efforts focused on investor behavior and advisory relationships. In his time at Cerulli, he has authored more than 30 in-depth reports on topics ranging from wholesale distribution to digital advice platforms. His research helps Cerulli’s clients understand how to optimize their platforms given the evolving demand for financial advice.

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