Episode 104: The Micro Family Office Strategy to Run Your Portfolio as a Business

Discover how to future-proof your finances, build generational impact, and take full control with our Free Master Class - The WealthOps Way!

🎧 If you’ve built $1M–$30M in tech wealth, you’ve outgrown traditional financial advice. In this critical episode, Christopher Nelson introduces the Micro Family Office model: a proven, scalable system to run your wealth like a business.

Learn how the ultra-wealthy structure their financial operations—and how you can adopt a similar model (even without $100M in assets). This is your blueprint to transition from scattered accounts and reactive investing to a focused, purpose-driven financial enterprise. If you're serious about scaling, protecting, and eventually passing on your wealth, this episode is your next step forward.

Join us for a deep dive into the Micro Family Office model and discover how you can be the CEO of your wealth—not just another passive investor.

Highlights:

• What a Family Office Actually Is (and why it’s not just for billionaires)
• The 3 Levels of Family Offices: Single, Multi, and Micro—and why most tech professionals fit the Micro model
• Why Wealth Managers Fail High Earners: The “Service Desert” no one tells you about
• The WealthOps Framework: How to systematize your financial operations for growth and freedom
• Owning the CEO Role: How to build your team, set your strategy, and manage your wealth intentionally

Actionable Insights:

• How to define your family's wealth mission and legacy
• The simple business model to manage $1M–$30M in assets without full-time staff
• Why Wealth Managers may not have your best interest at heart—and how to build your own team of specialists
• How to structure your investments, philanthropy, and legacy planning for maximum impact
• How to leverage technology to scale your family office operations efficiently

Episode Timeline:

• [00:00:00] Introduction: Why you need a Micro Family Office if you have $1M–$30M
• [00:01:22] The Origins of Family Offices—and why they still matter
• [00:04:00] Understanding Single, Multi, and Micro Family Offices
• [00:07:00] Why Wealth Managers Don’t Fit Tech Millionaires
• [00:10:54] What is a Micro Family Office—and why it bridges the gap
• [00:17:00] How to Run Your Wealth Like a Business
• [00:24:00] Core Functions of a Micro Family Office: Wealth Management, Business Ops, Governance, and Lifestyle Design
• [00:35:00] Is Building a Micro Family Office Right for You?
• [00:47:00] Final Thoughts: Take Control, Build Legacy, Unlock Freedom

Join me for this second episode in the Foundations Series—and take the first step toward building a financial enterprise that reflects your values, your mission, and your future legacy.

Episode 103: The 5 Money Mindset Secrets of the Ultra High Net Worth

Discover how to future-proof your finances, build generational impact, and take full control with our Free Master Class - The WealthOps Way!

🎧 Tech wealth is booming—but most new millionaires are stuck in survival mode. In this foundational episode, Christopher Nelson unveils the five money mindset shifts that separate the merely rich from the truly wealthy. This is your red pill moment to stop outsourcing and start operating like a Portfolio CEO.

Whether you’re a tech professional, founder, or executive, this episode will challenge how you think about money and give you a clear path to building lasting, generational wealth.

Join us for a deep dive into the exact mindset that ultra-high-net-worth families use to grow, protect, and scale their portfolios—so you can do the same.

Highlights:

• The Generational Wealth Mission: Why the ultra-wealthy structure their money to last 100 years—not just 30
• The CEO Mindset: How to take ownership of your portfolio and build a team that works for your goals
• Beyond the Stock Market: How the ultra-wealthy diversify with intention and strategy
• Specialized Teams for Specialized Growth: Why DIY wealth management can cost you more than you think
• Community = Acceleration: Why building wealth in isolation is a losing game—and how to plug into the right ecosystem

Actionable Insights:

• How to write your own Legacy Statement and set a mission for your wealth
• Questions to ask potential financial partners—and how to vet them like a hiring manager
• Where the ultra-wealthy are actually investing (hint: it’s not all public equities)
• How to scale your personal wealth with a “micro family office” approach
• Why joining a financial community can unlock strategies you’ll never find on Google

Episode Timeline:

• [00:00:10] The millionaire explosion—and the missing roadmap
• [00:01:13] Introducing the 5 secrets of the ultra-wealthy
• [00:04:00] Secret 1: Give your wealth a generational mission and structure
• [00:10:03] Secret 2: Become the CEO of your portfolio
• [00:18:27] Secret 3: Think beyond traditional stocks
• [00:23:38] Secret 4: Build a specialized team to scale
• [00:29:01] Secret 5: Adopt a proactive, business-focused mindset—inside a community
• [00:35:00] Final thoughts and next steps on your Portfolio CEO journey

Join me for this first episode in the Foundations Series—and prepare to lead your wealth with clarity, confidence, and intention. This is the mindset shift you didn’t know you needed.

Episode 102: The Buffett Blueprint: 7 Rules to Invest Through a Crisis

🎧 Feeling anxious about the market drop? This episode is your guide to transforming panic into purpose with the mindset of a Portfolio CEO. Discover how to lead your portfolio like a business—even during turbulent times with our Free Master Class - The WealthOps Way!

In this solo episode, Christopher Nelson shares a step-by-step approach to staying focused and strategic while others spiral in uncertainty. He breaks down the difference between being a builder and a gambler, and how the wisdom of Warren Buffett can guide you through today’s market chaos.

Whether you're a tech professional managing growing assets or a seasoned investor facing a rough season, this episode will give you clarity, confidence, and calm.

Highlights:

• The Portfolio CEO Mindset: How to think like a CEO—not an amateur—when the market gets rough
• From Panic to Plan: Why emotional decisions can wreck your wealth and what to do instead
• Buffett’s 7 Rules for Down Markets: Timeless strategies to protect and grow your wealth
• The Power of the Pause: How Christopher turned the 2008 crash into a personal wealth breakthrough
• Creating a Financial Fortress: Practical tips to structure your portfolio for resilience

Actionable Insights:

• How to assess your portfolio risk with simple “low, medium, high” tags
• Why reviewing your concentration is critical—especially for tech professionals
• The importance of cash reserves—and how much you should really have
• How to separate market noise from real strategy using the “WealthOps Way”

Episode Timeline:

• [00:00:30] Market chaos and the Portfolio CEO mindset
• [00:03:00] Why strategy beats stress during downturns
• [00:08:00] Steps to create calm and clarity in your portfolio
• [00:11:00] Warren Buffett’s 7 Rules for downturns
• [00:24:50] The 2008 moment that reshaped Christopher’s investing approach
• [00:27:30] The WealthOps framework for building your financial fortress
• [00:35:00] Reflection questions to anchor your strategy and reduce stress

Join me in this episode as we redefine how to lead in uncertain times. You’ll walk away with a framework, mindset, and game plan to be calm in the storm—and come out stronger on the other side.

Episode 101: Raising Kids Who Aren’t Entitled: The Power of Wealth with Purpose

🎧 Ready to transform how you think about wealth and legacy? Tune in to this episode for powerful insights on raising grounded kids in a world of abundance with our Free Master Class - The WealthOps Way!

In this solo episode, Christopher Nelson addresses one of the biggest fears many wealth creators face: the potential for their kids to grow up entitled. While this is a common concern, it doesn’t have to be the outcome. In fact, your wealth can be a tool to teach empathy, build perspective, and connect to a deeper purpose.

Christopher dive into personal stories, practical strategies, and a 4-part framework to ensure your wealth builds a lasting legacy—not just for you, but for your children too. Whether you’re a parent concerned about entitlement or simply looking to use your resources with intention, this episode will help guide you on the journey.

Highlights:

• The Fear of Entitlement: Understanding the fear and turning it into a call for leadership
• A Family Service Trip That Changed Everything: How a trip to Uganda transformed your kids' understanding of wealth and empathy
• 4-Part Framework for Raising Grounded Kids: Key strategies to prevent entitlement and foster empathy
• Hidden Benefits of Service Trips: The unexpected rewards of family travel and giving back
• Reflection and Action Steps: Questions to help you build a legacy of empathy and purpose for your family

Actionable Insights:

• How to expose your kids to global perspectives beyond your zip code
• Why modeling philanthropy can be a game-changer for your family
• How problem-solving can teach your kids responsibility and resilience
• Why understanding the "why" behind your wealth keeps it grounded in purpose

Episode Timeline:

• [00:00:30] Introduction to the fear of entitlement and why it matters
• [00:05:00] Turning fear into fuel for intentional leadership
• [00:10:30] How a service trip to Uganda changed everything
• [00:18:00] The 4-part framework for raising grounded kids
• [00:30:00] Hidden benefits of service trips (tax-deductible and family unity)
• [00:36:30] Reflective questions for building a legacy of empathy
• [00:42:00] Closing thoughts: Wealth as a tool for legacy, not ego

Join me in this powerful episode where we explore how to use your wealth to build a future for your children that’s grounded in empathy, perspective, and purpose.

Episode 100: Family Office Tactics for Small Portfolios with Ron Diamond

🎧 Ready to take control of your financial future? Start your journey today with our Free Master Class - The WealthOps Way!

Host: Christopher Nelson

Guest: Ron Diamond, Chairperson of Tiger 21 Chicago & Founder of Diamond Wealth

http://linkedin.com/in/ronalddiamond/

In this episode of Managing Tech Millions, Christopher sits down with Ron Diamond to uncover the secrets of family office investment strategies. Many believe these strategies are only for billionaires, but Ron breaks down how individuals with a net worth of $1 million to $30 million can also leverage these approaches to manage and grow their wealth.

Join us as we explore investment and succession planning, the power of collaboration among family offices, and the key priorities for chief investment officers. Whether you're a tech professional or an investor looking to optimize your portfolio, this episode is packed with invaluable insights.

Highlights:

• What is a Family Office? Understanding how high-net-worth individuals manage and grow wealth.
• Expanding Access to Family Office Strategies: How investors with $1M-$30M net worth can benefit.
• The Role of Succession Planning: Why every investor needs a long-term strategy.
• The Power of Collaboration: How family offices work together for better investment outcomes.
• Top Investment Priorities: What chief investment officers focus on to drive success.
• Actionable Investment Insights: How to apply family office principles to your own portfolio.

Investment Strategies Discussed:

• Diversification techniques used by family offices
• Long-term vs. short-term investment planning
• Risk management approaches for sustained growth
• The importance of alternative assets in wealth building

Episode Timeline:

• [00:00:30] Introduction to family office investing with Ron Diamond
• [00:07:15] Who can access family office strategies? Myth-busting the billionaire-only idea
• [00:14:20] Key investment strategies for wealth preservation and growth
• [00:22:45] The role of succession planning in family wealth management
• [00:30:10] Why collaboration among family offices leads to better outcomes
• [00:38:00] Actionable steps for investors looking to apply these principles

Episode 99: Master Industrial Real Estate Diversification with Ben Fraser

🎧 Ready to take control of your financial future? Start your journey today with our Free Master Class - The WealthOps Way!

Host: Christopher Nelson

Guest: Ben Fraser, Chief Investment Officer, Aspen Funds

https://www.linkedin.com/in/benwfraser/

In this episode of Managing Tech Millions, Christopher Nelson sits down with Ben Fraser of Aspen Funds to explore a new investment frontier—industrial real estate. While many investors focus on multifamily properties, industrial assets like warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and flex spaces offer unique opportunities for diversification and cash flow.

Join us as we break down the fundamentals of industrial real estate, key market trends, and how reshoring and supply chain shifts are reshaping this asset class. Whether you're a tech professional looking for alternative investments or a seasoned investor seeking portfolio diversification, this episode provides a deep dive into an often-overlooked sector.

Highlights:

• What Is Industrial Real Estate? Understanding warehouses, manufacturing, flex space, and cold storage.
• The Power of Macro-Driven Investing: How reshoring and de-globalization are driving demand.
• Market Trends & Growth Drivers: Why industrial real estate vacancy rates are at historic lows.
• Investment Strategies:
• Buying Class B & C Properties with Value-Add Potential – Maximizing returns with under-market rents.
• New Development vs. Existing Structures – Understanding risk and reward.
• Triple Net Leases (NNN) – Why industrial real estate is attractive for passive investors.
• Risk Factors & Red Flags: What to watch for when investing in industrial real estate.
• Christopher’s Personal Investment Journey: Why he’s researching industrial real estate as his next investment move.

Episode Timeline:

• [00:00:30] Why industrial real estate is more than just warehouses
• [00:06:00] Macro trends driving demand: Reshoring and supply chain shifts
• [00:12:15] Understanding different industrial asset classes
• [00:20:45] How industrial compares to multifamily investments
• [00:27:30] Triple net leases explained: A game-changer for investors
• [00:34:10] Risk factors and red flags to consider
• [00:40:00] Christopher’s next steps in exploring industrial real estate

Episode 98: Equity Compensation Tax Playbook with Greg O'Brien and John Malone

🎧 Ready to take control of your financial future?

Start your journey today with our Free Master Class - The WealthOps Way!

Host: Christopher Nelson

Guests: Greg O'Brien & John Malone, Anomaly CPA

In this episode of Managing Tech Millions, Christopher Nelson is joined by certified tax planners Greg O'Brien and John Malone to break down essential tax strategies for managing tech equity. If you're a technology professional with stock options, RSUs, or other forms of equity compensation, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you minimize taxes and maximize your wealth.

Discover how proactive tax planning can save you hundreds of thousands of dollars, why waiting until tax season is too late, and how to partner with the right professionals to optimize your financial future.

Highlights:

• Why Most People Overpay Taxes on Tech Equity: Common mistakes and how to avoid them.
• Proactive vs. Reactive Tax Planning: The key difference between tax strategists and traditional CPAs.

Top 4 Fundamental Tax Strategies:

• Gradual Selling & Tax-Efficient Share Selection – Avoiding lump-sum tax shocks.
• Donating Appreciated Stock Instead of Cash – How to get a double tax benefit.
• Offsetting Gains with Tax Loss Harvesting – Leveraging losses to minimize tax exposure.
• Using Venture Capital & Capital Losses – Turning failed investments into tax-saving opportunities.

Advanced Strategies for High-Net-Worth Individuals:

• Opportunity Zone Investing – Deferring and eliminating capital gains tax.
• Oil & Gas Investments – Leveraging tax incentives for high-income earners.
• Real Estate Tax Benefits – How short-term rentals and real estate professional status can offset income.
• Christopher’s Personal Journey: Lessons learned from tech IPO wealth and navigating tax pitfalls.

Episode Timeline:

• [00:00:30] The biggest tax mistakes tech employees make
• [00:05:45] Why CPAs aren’t enough – the value of a tax strategist
• [00:12:20] How tax planning can save millions over time
• [00:17:30] The power of gradual selling & tax-efficient share selection
• [00:26:15] Donating appreciated stock: A game-changer for charitable giving
• [00:32:40] Capital losses: How to turn failed investments into tax wins
• [00:40:20] Opportunity zone investing: What you need to know
• [00:47:15] Oil & gas tax incentives – a hidden gem for high earners
• [00:52:30] Real estate & depreciation strategies for tax savings
• [00:58:00] The long-term game: Why tax planning is a multi-year strategy

Episode 97: Avoid These Common Investing Mistakes When Architecting Your Wealth

🎧 Ready to take control of your financial future? Start your journey today at http://www.managingtechmillions.com/!

In this episode of Managing Tech Millions, Christopher Nelson takes a deep dive into the common mistakes investors make when managing their portfolios. Now that you understand how to architect your portfolio as a business, it’s time to refine your strategy, avoid pitfalls, and ensure long-term success.

Building on the foundational work from Episode 95 (with Marco Quevedo) and Episode 96 (on executing the architect phase), this episode focuses on the discipline required to stay on track. Learn how to prevent reactive investing, set realistic financial goals, manage risk effectively, and remove emotion from your investment decisions.

Connect with Christopher:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophercnelson/

Highlights:

• The Power of Discipline: Why even experienced investors struggle with consistency.
• The 4 Biggest Portfolio Mistakes:

1. Skipping the legacy statement – The importance of defining your “why.”
2. Setting vague or unrealistic goals – How to create clear, achievable financial targets.
3. Ignoring risk management – Understanding asset allocation and downside protection.
4. Failing to document your investment thesis – The key to removing emotion from decision-making.

• Christopher’s Personal Story: Lessons learned from transitioning into full-time wealth management.
• Time & Money Efficiency: How this structured approach saves years of trial and error.

Episode Timeline:

• [00:00:30] Why discipline is critical to long-term wealth management
• [00:05:45] Recap of the investment thesis framework from Episode 96
• [00:11:20] Mistake #1: Skipping the legacy statement and losing motivation
• [00:17:15] Mistake #2: Setting vague or unrealistic financial goals
• [00:23:40] Mistake #3: Ignoring risk management and making over-leveraged bets
• [00:30:25] Mistake #4: Not documenting an investment thesis – how to avoid emotional investing
• [00:37:55] How this structured approach saves time, money, and effort
• [00:45:10] Reflection exercises: Defining your financial purpose and daily priorities
• [00:50:30] Next steps: Join the community and start crafting your legacy statement