The importance of Recruitment, Retention and Advancement in Financial Planning with Chris Woods

Diversity in Action™

Welcome to the ninth episode of the Diversity in Action™ podcast Season 2!

In today's episode, we speak with Chris Woods, CFP®, Certified Kingdom Advisor™, and Certified Exit Planning Advisor™. Originally from St. Charles, Missouri, a suburb of St. Louis, Chris graduated from Vanderbilt University where he majored in Economics, minored in Business Administration, and managed to squeeze in four years of basketball between his studies. Chris has an extensive career in the industry. From working at American Express Advisors, to serving as a wholesaler, and now as the owner of his own firm, Silvis Financial, Chris sees money as a tool that should be used to facilitate what we’ve been called to do in the different roles of our lives.

He is also very passionate about DEI and has served with the Financial Planning Association via involvement in the African American Knowledge Circle and as the FPA DEI Committee Chair.

Chris background in financial planning and a career was marked by his experiences as a black advisor in a predominantly white industry. From a position in wholesaling, he shifted to starting his own business, serving clients without asset minimums and offering specialized services. With the aid of his certificates, he can help business owners with their exit strategies and incorporate religious ideas into financial planning. Chris oversees the African American Knowledge Circle and is actively involved in the Financial Planning Association's (FPA) efforts to promote diversity and inclusion. His professional life serves as a testament to both the value of networking in the field and the difficulties faced by those who are underrepresented in the field of financial planning.

Join us as Chris discusses the value of networking and the challenges faced by underrepresented individuals in financial planning. Tune in for a wealth of insights and inspiration on diversifying your career in the financial industry.

Episode Highlights:

>> Chris Woods background

>> About Chris challenges in his career

>> His transition into the profession and starting his own firm

>> Different models of financial planning and exit planning

>> Chris's work with diverse communities

>> Importance of recruitment, retention, and advancement

>> Knowledge Circles and their purpose

>> Advancement opportunities and helping others succeed

Episode Sponsor:

This episode is provided by Trust and Will. Trust and Will is the leading digital estate planning and settlement platform. They provide an easy and secure way to create estate plans and settle estates online. They currently partner with over 10,000 financial advisors, helping you add more value-add services to your firm. Visit trustandwill.com/advisors.

Connect with Chris:

>> Website: silvisfinancial.com

>> LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-woods-

Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

>> FPA DEI Committee Chair

>> Certified Kingdom Advisor

>> Certified Exit Planning Advisor

>> The E-Myth Revisited

>> FPA African American Knowledge Circle

Diversity in Action™ is all about showcasing real stories of individuals who are making an impact in the financial planning industry. You will learn how they got started in the industry, how they built their foundation, where they are headed in their careers, and their passion for making the financial industry more diverse.

It’s time to be inspired by those working to make a positive difference in the financial planning industry. It’s time to be part of this radical change!

Diversity in Action™ is a project of BLX Internship - a program for aspiring Black and Latinx financial planners. Visit our website at blxinternship.org