What role do mistakes play in effective advising—and how can they become a catalyst for deeper learning and better outcomes? In this episode of the Purposeful Planning Podcast, Kathy Wiseman and Natalie McVeigh explore how missteps in systems work, client referrals, and family meetings can serve as powerful opportunities for growth. Kathy shares her personal journey of reframing mistakes, emphasizing transparency, clarity, and the importance of helping clients build their own problem-solving capacity rather than over-functioning as advisors. Together, they discuss creative approaches to engaging families—from experiential exercises to rethinking meeting dynamics—and offer a fresh perspective on what defines success: not perfection, but the creation of curiosity, openness, and possibility within complex family systems.

Philanthropic advising is evolving from an informal add-on to a distinct and emerging profession. In this episode of the Purposeful Planning Podcast, host Joseph Brooks sits down with Dien Yuen, CEO of Daylight, and Marguerite Griffin of Northern Trust to explore the growing field of philanthropic advising. Together, they discuss what modern philanthropic advisors actually do, the core competencies required for excellence, and the work underway to professionalize the field through research, credentialing, and community-building. From values-centered planning and family dynamics to AI, risk management, and the future of impact, this conversation offers a thoughtful look at how advisors can unlock philanthropic capital and help families translate purpose into meaningful, sustainable social impact.

In this episode of the Purposeful Planning Podcast, the husband-and-wife team of Sean and Jill Maher share how their interdisciplinary approach transforms outcomes for families and business owners. The goal of this conversation is to provide insights to fellow advisors, attorneys, and family office professionals about how imbedding relational connection into the financial planning process leads to more meaningful results.
Sean Maher is a financial planner, and Jill Maher is a clinical mental health counselor. Through real client stories, practical tools, and candid reflections, Sean and Jill provide perspectives on why financial planning must include both technical precision and emotional clarity.

In this episode, guest host Natalie McVeigh of Oikonomia and a member of the PPI Education Development Committee is joined by Kathy Wiseman of Working Systems, Inc, The Family Portfolio and faculty at The Bowen Center for the Study of the Family, for a reflective conversation on family systems theory in practice. Together, they explore what it means to view families and organizations through a systems lens, how this perspective shapes both personal and professional journeys, and why it is so valuable when working with complex family dynamics. Drawing on Kathy’s deep experience in systems thinking, the conversation highlights practical insights for advisors seeking to better understand patterns, relationships, and long-term impact across generations.

For many people, talking about money is seen as taboo. While open communication about money and wealth is touted as a best practice in preparing the rising generation and maintain harmony, many families don’t know where to begin and when and how much to share. Often, they feel pulled toward two opposing choices: disclose everything or disclose nothing. In this sense, disclosure feels like an on/off switch. At the Merrill Center for Family Wealth®, we have developed a progressive approach that makes wealth conversations efficient and productive for families. Thus, rather than viewing wealth disclosure communications as an on/off switch, we suggest viewing it as a dimmer switch.

As families and advisors prepare for year-end giving, Stephanie Ellis-Smith, Dean of Philanthropy at the Purpose Planning Institute speaks with Nick Tedesco, President and CEO of the National Center for Family Philanthropy about what effective family philanthropy looks like today—beyond metrics and mission statements. Together they explore how clarity of purpose, equity, and family alignment can make giving both more joyful and more purposeful. Tune in for a grounded, hopeful discussion about how generosity can meet this moment with intention and impact.

When the going gets tough...what then? Advisors can best support clients when they know through experience what makes a real difference during tough times. Our own experience can give us so much to draw on if we've learnt how to handle ourselves better. In Part 1 Ian gave us three approaches that really make a difference. Now in Part 2 he gives us three new tools - how to cultivate flexibility, how to change perspective and how to keep going - with lots of practical examples.

Stephanie Ellis Smith sits down with Courtney Joyner Gage to explore her work in sustainability and impact investing through Aligned Impact and PPI. Courtney unpacks the spectrum between traditional investing and philanthropy, clarifies common misconceptions, and highlights the importance of aligning investments with personal values.