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NAPFA Nation Podcast | December 2024
In Episode #24 of NAPFA Nation, host Marie Swift speaks with Bridget Venus Grimes, CFP®, President of WealthChoice and Co-Founder of Equita Financial Network. The conversation focuses on Grimes’s expertise and passion for empowering women through financial education. Grimes shares the story and motivation behind launching her RIA firm, WealthChoice, as well as Equita Financial Network, a network and platform built for women-led and independently owned fee-only firms, discussing how she manages the capacity and growth of those companies. She emphasizes the value of a good community for success and discusses her experience as a CFP board ambassador and NAPFA member. Learn why Grimes strongly believes in upholding the fiduciary standard and many more valuable insights in this episode. Listen to: Women and Wealth: Empowering Women, Community, and the Fiduciary Standard with Bridget Venus Grimes – Episode #24 of NAPFA Nation |
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Forbes | November 2024
Generative AI and technological advances are a driving force in the financial services industry today reshaping how financial advisors create content, understand data, engage with clients and market their services. Marie Swift of Impact Communications discusses how AI-generated content can save time and increase productivity, but using it as a collaborative tool is crucial rather than a substitute for human input. She believes that one of the most significant benefits of AI for financial services firms and allied communications firms like hers is content creation. AI tools can generate content quickly and at scale, ensuring a consistent online presence but should not replace human creativity and intuition. Read the article: A Transformative Approach for Financial Services Firms |
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Wealth Solutions Report | November 2024
Dealmakers and innovators in the wealth management and wealthtech spaces require the services of skilled storytellers, who know how to convey the proper messaging to both the media and industry decision-makers, in order to achieve maximum positive impact for the firms involved. This is the work of public relations and marketing firms, organizers of industry events, and increasingly even lead generators for financial advisors. Wealth Solutions Report honors the 2024 IMAGE 10: Top Wealth Management Storytellers, firms that are helping industry innovators achieve their maximum positive impact. Marie Swift, Founder and CEO of Impact Communications is listed as one of the winners of this year’s Image 10 Award. Read Chris Latham’s article: WSR Names 2024 Top Wealth Management Storytellers To IMAGE 10. |
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Forbes | November 2024
Members of the Forbes agency council share expert tips on how to highlight the best parts of one’s company culture for outside audiences, along with reasons why it’s such a smart idea to do so. Marie Swift of Impact Communications comments on taking a personal approach to show more of your company’s personal side. Read the article: 9 Expert Tips For Marketing A Company’s Internal Culture Externally. |
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NAPFA Nation Podcast | November 2024
In Episode #23 of NAPFA Nation, host Marie Swift speaks with Jennifer Dazols, CFP®, Founder and Lead Financial Planner, and Lisa Dazols, Head of Operations at Modern Family Finance. The conversation focuses on the Dazols' journey and motivation for creating Modern Family Finance. Their fee-only financial planning company focuses on typically underserved and underrepresented communities: women and LGBTQ+ individuals. Learn about their passion project, the documentary Out and Around, which showcases inspiring “Supergays” making impactful contributions across the globe, and their educational guides made in partnership with the It Gets Better Project. The Dazols also share their experience being members of NAPFA and Equita Financial Network. The discussion outlines the distinction between financial advisors who adhere to the fiduciary standard and why trust and transparency are central to Modern Family Finance. Listen to: Inclusivity in Finance: Empowering Women and LGBTQ+ Communities with Jennifer and Lisa Dazols – Episode #23 of NAPFA Nation |
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NAPFA Nation Podcast | October 2024
In Episode #22 of NAPFA Nation, host Marie Swift speaks with Luis Rosa, CFP®, EA, founder of Build a Better Financial Future. The discussion revolves around empowering first-generation wealth creators, particularly immigrants or children of immigrants, who often face challenges related to financial literacy and family obligations. Rosa highlights the significance of understanding client struggles and advocates for a hands-on, holistic financial planning approach that prioritizes clarity and simplicity. He outlines essential milestones in financial management, such as home purchasing and debt repayment, while emphasizing the benefits of a fee-only fiduciary service to eliminate conflicts of interest. The conversation also touches on the BLX internship program – a vital initiative he co-founded to enhance diversity within the financial planning field – and encourages advisors to actively engage in professional communities like NAPFA, XYPN, and FPA to foster growth and support. Listen to: First-Generation Wealth Creators: Build a Better Financial Future with Luis Rosa – Episode #22 of NAPFA Nation |
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Wealth Solutions Report | September 2024
Young adults stand to inherit significant wealth when their boomer parents pass on and Gen Z actively seeks out new brands more than any other generation of consumers. Marie Swift, Founder and CEO, Impact Communications discusses how to engage with more Next Gen clients and prospects. She talks about how to reach them using creative videos and a mix of personal and professional posts to show them that you share their values. Read the article by Jeff Berman: Marcoms Roundtable: Strategies for Advisors to Reach Next Gen Prospects. |
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NAPFA Nation Podcast | September 2024
In Episode #21 of NAPFA Nation, host Marie Swift interviews Britta Koepf, CFP®, ChSNC®, founder of Tranquil Path Financial Planning. The discussion begins with Koepf’s background and motivations for establishing her financial advisory practice, is focused on the unique challenges faced by families planning for the financial futures of both aging parents and their differently abled children. They discuss the importance of legacy planning, the use of special needs trusts and ABLE accounts, and the financial advisor’s role as an intermediary between clients and legal professionals. Based on the training she received through the Alliance of Comprehensive Planners and adoption of the ACP methodology, Koepf says her tax-focused retainer-based approach creates a rich environment for meaningful support and more open conversations with clients and emphasizes the importance of holistic planning that incorporates tax strategies. Listen to: Planning for Two Retirements: Challenges and Solutions for Special Needs Families” with Britta Koepf - Episode #21 of NAPFA Nation |
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Financial Planning | August 2024
Marie Swift, president, and CEO of Impact Communications believes that the integration of AI into wealth management and financial services is not just a trend, but a transformative shift. Swift will be moderating the panel on AI and compliance — "What's Allowed, What's Not, and What's Next?" at Advise AI - Financial Planning's first conference solely dedicated to AI in wealth management. Read Rachel Witowski’s article: Learn data best practices for your firm at ADVISE AI. |
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Marquis Who’s Who | August 2024
Marie Swift has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process. The article describes Swift’s stellar background, accomplishments, and her devotion to helping people in the financial services industry. Read the article: Marquis Who’s Who Honors C. Marie Swift for Expertise in PR, Marketing Communications and Entrepreneurship. |
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citybiz | August 2024
Marie Swift of Impact Communications speaks with Meghan Holmes, Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder of Advyzon Investment Management (AIM), who has spent the last 17 years in the financial services industry focused on the registered independent advisor space. Holmes brings great insight to AIM due to having worked with Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) in sales and operational roles across all segments of advisor businesses, from newly emerging firms to the largest national and strategic acquirers in the industry. Watch the video: Marie Swift Interviews Meghan Holmes, COO and Co-Founder of Advyzon Investment Management |
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NAPFA Nation Podcast | August 2024
In Episode #20 of NAPFA Nation, Christine Simone, founder and CEO of healthcare software company Caribou, and host Marie Swift delve into the vital intersection of healthcare and financial planning. As they explore the significance of healthcare in financial strategies, especially during pivotal life events like retirement, divorce, and job changes, Simone emphasizes the need for advisors to be well-informed about health plan options and Medicare. With a focus on enhancing advisors' educational resources, the episode also teases a resource to help advisors with crucial information for navigating healthcare options: the upcoming Survival Guide for Open Enrollment, set to launch in November. Listen to: Bridging the Gap: The Vital Intersection of Healthcare and Financial Planning” with Christine Simone - Episode #20 of NAPFA Nation |
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RIABiz | August 2024
Marie Swift, President and CEO of Impact Communications comments on Fidelity’s move to adjust its messaging to be more engaging for the “next gen” demographic. She says that although they are ramping up their social media messaging in general that their LinkedIn posts still look about the same as in the past. Read the article by Lisa Shidler: Reddit and weep; Fidelity soars 68% in social media interactions, after embracing TikTok and other media, but sticks with the traditional output on Facebook and LinkedIn. |
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Financial Planning | August 2024
Experts view prewritten communications as a best practice for any firm. Not unlike newspapers that pre-write obituaries for well-known people before they die, financial advisors who want to be able to quell client fears in the moments after an unexpected event can benefit from forethought. In her 30 years of experience counseling financial advisors on client communications, crisis control and public relations, Marie Swift, founder and CEO of Impact Communications, said she has consistently emphasized the value of proactive communication strategies, especially in volatile market conditions. "Prewritten content allows advisors to respond swiftly to market events," she said. "By having templates ready, advisors can quickly customize and disseminate messages that address current conditions, providing clients with timely and relevant information. Pre-approved messages ensure that all clients receive consistent and clear information. This helps maintain a unified voice and reduces the risk of miscommunication or misinformation during stressful times." Read the article: Proactive Comms Can Keep Jittery Clients from Blowing Up Inboxes During Market Turns. |
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NAPFA Nation Podcast | July 2024
In Episode #19 of NAPFA Nation, Amy Irvine of Rooted Planning Group, shares with podcast host Marie Swift her journey in financial planning. From rebranding her firm, empowering women in financial planning, attracting male clients, promoting pay equity and DEI within the firm, building client relationships, creating an ensemble of talented women professionals at Rooted Planning Group, and embracing NAPFA membership, Irvine has accomplished a lot in her financial services career. She believes in embracing DEI to strengthen client relationships by addressing unconscious biases and encourages all team members and NAPFA members to complete NAPFA's DEI training and to promote their involvement in NAPFA activities. Listen to: Lives Under Care: Using Dollars and Cents to Create a Rooted Plan” with Amy Irvine - Episode #19 of NAPFA Nation |
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Forbes Agency Council | June 2024
Tools powered by artificial intelligence have become popular among PR and marketing agencies for their ability to streamline operations, increase customer engagement and offer data-driven insights. While there is no shortage of available tools on the market, looking beyond typical mainstream options can give an agency an edge. 17 members of Forbes Agency Council - including Impact Communications’ founder and CEO, Marie Swift - share their favorite lesser-known AI-based tools that can be leveraged to stay ahead of the competition. Read the article: 17 Innovative AI Tools Agencies Can Leverage (And How). |
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Wealth Solutions Report | June 2024
Analysts, commentators, and Fed watchers often speculate over the possibility of a recession, but it's impossible to predict one with certainty. Regardless, recessions will inevitably occur, and when they do, advisors need to be prepared to adjust their strategies. In this Marcom Roundtable published by Wealth Solutions Report, Vice President and Director of Social/Digital Strategy Jonny Swift shares comments on strategic changes for advisors to implement in a recession from Impact Communications. Read the article: Advisor Strategy In A Recession. |
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NAPFA Nation Podcast | June 2024
In Episode #18 of NAPFA Nation, Jordan Dyson, Manager of Associate Development at Buckingham Wealth Partners, talks with podcast host Marie Swift about her involvement in DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives. Dyson’s background, including her education and career journey, can serve as an inspiration for all advisors, especially younger next-generation leaders from underrepresented populations. She advocates for greater inclusion and representation in the financial planning profession and stresses the importance of experiential learning, intellectual humility, and the link between employee development and inclusion initiatives. Listen to: See It, Be It: Advocating for Inclusion and Diversity” with Jordan Dyson - Episode #18 of NAPFA Nation |
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Retirement Tax Services Podcast | May 2024
In this podcast episode, Steven A. Jarvis, CPA is joined by Marie Swift and Jonny Swift from Impact Communications to discuss marketing, GenAI, the SEC testimonial rule, and more. Discover insights on navigating compliance, utilizing client testimonials, and creating authentic content. Tune in for valuable tips on reaching prospective clients effectively. Listen to the Steven Jarvis hosted podcast now. |
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NAPFA Nation Podcast | May 2024
In Episode #17 of NAPFA Nation, Mike Walther, founder and President of Oak Wealth Advisors, talks with podcast host Marie Swift about working as a financial planning team focused on assisting families with differently abled loved ones. Oak Wealth Advisors is recognized for addressing special needs challenges with benefits like supplemental Social Security income and Medicaid, and puts an emphasis on education and advocacy and engages with organizations offering employment opportunities to empower individuals with disabilities, demonstrating commitment to DEIB principles. Listen to: Differently Abled: Challenging Stigmas by Recognizing Neurodiversity and Diverse Skill Sets” with Mike Walther - Episode #17 of NAPFA Nation |
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Financial Planning | May 2024
In Episode #17 of NAPFA Nation, Mike Walther, founder and President of Oak Wealth Advisors, talks with podcast host Marie Swift about working as a financial planning team focused on assisting families with differently abled loved ones. Oak Wealth Advisors is recognized for addressing special needs challenges with benefits like supplemental Social Security income and Medicaid, and puts an emphasis on education and advocacy and engages with organizations offering employment opportunities to empower individuals with disabilities, demonstrating commitment to DEIB principles. Listen to: Differently Abled: Challenging Stigmas by Recognizing Neurodiversity and Diverse Skill Sets” with Mike Walther - Episode #17 of NAPFA Nation |
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Forbes Agency Council | April 2024
To help clients enhance their industry influence and distinguish their brands from competitors, agencies often focus on helping leaders at client companies share valuable and informative content to establish their expertise and build trust with consumers. The same dynamic holds true for agency leaders as well—a leader in marketing, advertising or public relations can showcase their agency’s authority and expertise by sharing their own expert knowledge and insights into pain points and solutions potential clients are seeking.18 members of Forbes Agency Council - including Impact Communications’ founder and CEO, Marie Swift - weigh in. "Take a stand as a subject matter expert and challenge the status quo," Swift says. "People started calling me a “'thought leader' as they saw me writing and speaking about challenges and opportunities in the financial services industry in a way that challenged the status quo and advanced common practices and ways of thinking. Speaking regularly and being in the press as a subject matter expert helped, but it was taking a stand and advancing norms that made the difference." Read the article: How To Become A Thought Leader: 18 Steps Agency Leaders Take. |
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Action! Magazine | April 2024
Rebranding is a major commitment of time, money and resources. Still, many advisory firms and financial service companies believe it’s worth the effort. What's entailed and is it worth the effort? When should you embrace or forgo a rebrand? This article written, by Charles Paikert for Action magazine, provides the answers. Impact Communications' founder and CEO Marie Swift weighs in. Read: Rebranding Your Financial Firm now. |
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RIABiz | April 2024
Alleged sexual assault and corresponding lawsuits can be damaging for any company — and it's particularly tragic in the financial services industry, a space that is trying to evolve from being male-dominated. “I am always sad when any type of misconduct is alleged -- especially when the possible misconduct may have occurred at a high-profile conference,” said Impact Communications’ CEO Marie Swift. Swift has been a champion for women and underdogs in general for her entire career. Having risen through the ranks as a female executive within a top producer group in her early years to now leading a highly-successful PR and marketing company that exclusively serves independent advisors and allied companies, and being dubbed a thought leader and senior stateswoman in financial planning and investment advisory circles, she has seen many transgressions and missteps over the years and always taken an stand to do what is right. “It is disheartening for women in the wealth management world, especially for those who may be thinking of entering the profession or joining in an advisory support role.” Swift adds: “If you are at an industry conference and need a friend, come find me and my team.” Read more about the thorny issues related to a lawsuit filed against Carson Group via RIABiz. |
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Financial Planning | April 2024
In Episode #16 of NAPFA Nation, Jeff Jones of Longview Financial Advisors, Abby Hasling of The Mather Group, and Stephen Fletcher of EVOadvisers, talk with podcast host Marie Swift about the many reasons they have volunteered their time and energy for NAPFA leadership roles over the years. The episode highlights the benefits of volunteerism and how it enhances leadership skills, facilitates networking and connections, and improves personal, professional, and firm outcomes. They discuss their journeys, committee involvement, personal growth, networking opportunities and how their volunteering has positively impacted their lives. Listen to: Honing Skills: How Volunteering within NAPFA’s Professional Community Can Lead to Career Growth” with Jeff Jones, Abby Hasling, and Stephen Fletcher - Episode #16 of NAPFA Nation |
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Yahoo! Finance | March 2024
Impact Communications is pleased to announce that we are working with best-selling book author and financial advisor coach Derrick Kinney. Kicking off 2024 with a new coaching program for financial advisors with both private sessions and full-day workshops for teams, Kinney helps financial advisory firms break through AUM ceilings, stand out from the competition, and better leverage sponsorship and marketing opportunities. Advisors can learn how to stand out in every social setting and be more confident communicators to better serve their clients. Firms looking to conduct mergers and acquisitions are utilizing Kinney’s program to stand out as the "Advisor of Choice" when it comes time to compete for the best in the industry. Read the full announcement: Impact Communications Signs Derrick Kinney here. |
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goRIA Fueled by InvestmentNews | March 2024
Thinking about going independent? Start your journey right by creating the perfect narrative! In this video bonus episode, podcast host Chuck Failla talks with PR & Marketing Pro, Marie Swift, who will show you how. Watch this video bonus episode on: Branding and Marketing Success for RIAs. |
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goRIA Fueled by InvestmentNews | March 2024
Podcast host Chuck Failla talks with PR and Marketing pro, Marie Swift (Founder & CEO of Impact Communications) about all things related to crafting your Breakaway narrative. Swift has extensive experience helping breakaway advisors and she shared a ton of actionable information about PR, marketing and much, much more! Listen to the full episode: Creating the perfect narrative for your Breakaway announcement. |
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Financial Planning | March 2024
In Episode #15 of NAPFA Nation, Steve Doster, a senior wealth advisor at Rowling & Associates in San Diego, and Michelle Wilson, an independent fiduciary advisor with Athens Impact Socially Responsible Investments in rural Ohio, talk with podcast host Marie Swift about the formation of NAPFA Pride, an affinity group for LGBTQ+ members. Each shares their involvement and goals for the group and why they embrace socially responsible investing, diversity, nontraditional families and community work. These two NAPFA Members also discuss what makes them “tick” outside of their financial planning work with clients and financial education efforts within their communities. Wilson believes you should live how you live, love who you love, and live out loud so others will know they are not alone – that that our lives can be a form of activism. Doster’s personal goal is to spread the word that everyone can get conflict-free financial advice without being sold expensive products. Listen to: Ethical and Inclusive: Taking Pride in Community Service, ESG and LGBTQ+ Initiatives” with Steve Doster and Michelle Wilson - Episode #15 of NAPFA Nation |
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Wealth Solutions Report | March 2024
Discussions about the potential of AI – both good and bad – have been a focal point in many financial services circles. Today, we are still in the early stages of understanding best practices; still, many companies, including Impact Communications, are utilizing AI to streamline content creation and the wealth management service process. Check out these comments from Impact Communications founder and CEO Marie Swift in this Marcom Roundtable published by Wealth Solutions Report. Read the article: How AI Will Change Marcoms. |
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Financial Planning | March 2024
Don’t let AI — or any other digital shortcut — give you an excuse to cop out of essential marketing efforts. Marie Swift of Impact Communications says she’s seen too many financial advisors hide behind omni-channel digital campaigns and Zoom calls as if the pandemic never ended. Divorced from in-person interactions, digital marketing blasts run the risk of undermining the trust and familiarity that are key to winning new clients and deepening existing relationships. Check out Swift’s marketing tips for advisors who recognize the importance of the personal touch. Read the article: Voices You don't need AI to win clients: 5 personal-touch marketing tips. |
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Forbes Agency Council | March 2024
To stay competitive in their respective industries, all businesses must equip their organizations to thrive no matter what the future of work may bring. In this article, Marie Swift shares a piece of her leadership expertise alongside 18 other Forbes Agency Council members. Learn how Swift maintains and grows her team of dedicated, discerning, and driven individuals who reflect her company's culture. Read the article: 19 Important Tips For Leaders Building Agency Workforces Of The Future. |
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Financial Planning | February 2024
In Episode #14 of NAPFA Nation, David Flores Wilson, Managing Partner of fee-only wealth management and financial planning firm Sincerus Advisory, talks with podcast host Marie Swift about his experience representing his country Guam in the 200-meter run at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia, and his involvement with the Lower East Side Girls Club and other non-profit organizations. To prepare for the Olympics, he took a gap year after high school, and split time between training in Australia and back in Guam with Coach Carl Cruz. He says he would not be where he is today without his family’s support, a great education, hard work, and a bit of luck/timing. He has a deep appreciation for the land and people that make the Chamorro culture so unique. Given his background, it’s no surprise that he enjoys traveling, reading, Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, yoga and snowboarding in his free time. Listen to: Pursuing Purpose: From the Olympics to Philanthropic Wealth” with David Flores Wilson – Episode #14 of NAPFA Nation |
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Indigo Marketing Agency | February 2024
Indigo Marketing Agency made a list of the top 35 top influencers to watch in 2024, listing Jonny Swift, Vice President of Impact Communications as a top influencer for financial advisors to follow this year - especially for those needing help with PR, credibility marketing, and online presence. See the list: Top 35 Influencers For Financial Advisors In 2024. |
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Citybiz | January 2024
Impact Communications Founder and CEO Marie Swift speaks with Patric Glassell, Head of Sales at Kwanti, in this Citybiz video interview. They discuss Glassell's experiences at Kwanti, a portfolio analytics solution aiding financial advisors and investment managers with prospect conversion, client acquisition and retention, model management, and much more. Read the article: Marie Swift Interviews Patric Glassell, Head of Sales at Kwanti. |
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WealthManagement.com | January 2024
In the rapid and ever-changing world of financial services and fintech, being prepared for both media opportunities and crises is crucial. In this article from WealthManagement.com's 2024 Market Outlook issue, Marie Swift, CEO and Founder of Impact Communications, shares her tips for responding to media inquiries and managing potential crises as an organization in the financial services sector. Read the article: Navigating Media Opportunities and Crisis Control in the Financial Services Sector. |
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Citybiz | January 2024
Impact Communications Founder and CEO Marie Swift speaks with Stewart Koesten, the Chairman, Founder, and Senior Wealth Advisor at Aspyre Wealth Partners, in this Citybiz video interview about his passion for serving clients who work or retire abroad. This interview delves into Koesten’s background, the ideals of Aspyre Wealth Partners, and the many factors of considering retiring abroad. Read the article: Marie Swift Interviews Stewart Koesten, Founder and Chairman at Aspyre Wealth Partners. |
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NAPFA Nation Podcast | January 2024
In Episode #13 of NAPFA Nation, Matt Iverson-Comelo Executive Director of the 501(c)(3) non-profit organization Advisers Give Back (AGB), and Lisa Niera, CFP®, a fee-only wealth advisor with Corient, talk with podcast host Marie Swift about giving back through pro bono financial planning. Launched in 2020, AGB’s scalable online platform matches pro bono clients with pro bono Certified Financial Planning (CFP®) professionals for ongoing, one-on-one advice that helps clients build wealth and achieve their financial goals. The program was developed with noted behavioral economist Dan Ariely. They discuss pro bono financial planning, and the benefits of giving back professionally. Niera shares experiences that she has had working with pro bono clients through the AGB platform. Impact metrics are provided. Listen to: “Advisors Giving Back: Benefits of Pro Bono Financial Planning” with Matt Iverson-Comelo and Lisa Niera - Episode #13 of NAPFA Nation. |
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Citybiz | January 2024
Impact Communications has signed on to do PR for and promote award-winning fintech platform Advyzon’s inaugural conference for independent financial advisors. Impact executives Marie Swift and Jonny Swift will also be presenting at the Advyzon conference being held in Phoenix February 20-22, 2024. Impact has also re-signed – for the 18th year of service – with longtime client Joel Bruckenstein, producer of the T3 Technology Tools for Today conference and the informational platform T3TechnologyHub.com. As the official PR and marketing firm for T3, Impact is leading the charge as T3’s big advisor technology conference, happening January 22-25, 2024 in Las Vegas, celebrates it 20th Anniversary. Read the article: Impact Communications Tapped to Speak at and Promote Advyzon’s Inaugural Conference for Financial Advisors. |
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Forbes Agency Council | January 2024
As a member of the Forbes Agency Council, Marie Swift has her own member page featuring articles to which she has contributed her expert insights. Find all articles featuring her input on the Marie Swift Forbes Agency Council page. View Forbes Councils Profiles page. |