Next Mile

Episode 159: This week, Kyle Van Pelt talks with Melissa Caro, Founder at My Retirement Network. For the past decade, Melissa has studied real advisor conversations to understand what communication behaviors build stronger client relationships. Today, she helps advisory firms close the client language gap through digital learning, live coaching, conversation analysis, and AI-powered insights that turn real client meetings into learning opportunities. Melissa talks with Kyle about why the best f

Episode 158: This week, Kyle Van Pelt talks with Michael Batnick, Managing Partner at Ritholtz Wealth Management. Michael began his career in sales at a life insurance company. Today, he focuses on helping clients navigate the challenges of long-term investing and achieve their financial goals. Michael talks with Kyle about how AI is disrupting the wealth management industry. He discusses the realities of rising technology spend, the limits of AI-driven efficiency in human relationships, and ho

Episode 157: This week, Kyle Van Pelt talks with Libby Buckley, Director of Wealth Administration & Marketing at Parable Wealth Partners. Libby leads the firm's client experience and team culture, bridges connections between clients, partner businesses, and non-profits, and creates experiences that help people rethink their wealth's potential to create change. Libby talks with Kyle about how radical hospitality translates into the wealth management space. She discusses how firms can preserve h

Episode 156: This week, Kyle Van Pelt talks with Ian Wenik, Editor at Citywire. Ian covers the independent wealth management industry with a focus on RIAs, mergers and acquisitions, advisor technology, and the business forces reshaping financial advice. Through his reporting and conversations with industry leaders, he has developed a front-row view of the trends driving growth across the advisory landscape. Kyle and Ian explore what separates today's fastest-growing RIAs from the rest of the in

Episode 155: This week, Kyle Van Pelt talks with Julie Littlechild, Founder and CEO at Absolute Engagement. Julie is a recognized leader in client engagement, investor behavior, and referral growth. Through years of advisor and investor research, she has helped firms better understand the emotional drivers behind client decisions and build stronger, more personalized advisory relationships. Kyle and Julie explore why understanding how clients feel is just as important as understanding their fin

Episode 154: This week, Kyle Van Pelt talks with Jason Borek, Chief Growth Officer at The Pinnacle Group. Jason has extensive experience in the financial services industry, with a focus on distribution and sales. At The Pinnacle Group, he is responsible for implementing the firm's enterprise-level business strategies. Jason talks with Kyle about why insurance remains dramatically underutilized in wealth management, why advisors struggle to implement it, and what needs to change for it to become