Forward by: Laura Hanichak Gregg 
Director of Practice Management and Advisor Research 
FlexShares Exchange Traded Funds

This is the fourth in a series of Special Guest posts designed to share ideas from industry consultants and financial advisors. The insights from these industry leaders, we believe, may be helpful as you consider next steps to managing through this crisis and coming out stronger on the other side. 

By: Laura Hanichak Gregg
Director of Practice Management and Advisor Research

Prior waves of corporate efforts toward diversity were infamous for how they mainly targeted language--or rather, what not to say. Today, in response to changing demographics and market forces, there is also increased scrutiny on pay equity, the full gamut of hiring practices, and even company marketing practices. And there is now more comprehensive accountability for communication issues.

By: Laura Hanichak Gregg
Director of Practice Management and Advisor Research

The number of high net worth investors among women, people of color, LGTBQ people and other historically marginalized identities is growing, along with the economic power of these groups to shape the landscape of financial advising.  

By: Laura Hanichak Gregg
Director of Practice Management and Advisor Research

How can financial advisors help clients manage their emotional response to recent market volatility without damaging their long-term plans? We posed that key question to Dr. Sarah Newcomb, director of behavioral science at Morningstar, in a recent episode of The Flexible Advisor podcast. Now more than ever, understanding the emotions that are driving your clients’ investment preferences is critical.

David Partain, Head of FlexShares Marketing and Co-host of The Flexible Advisor Podcast

Laura Hanichak Gregg, Director of Practice Management and Advisor Research and Co-host of The Flexible Advisor Podcast

New research confirms diversity is essential to advisors’ future success.

As our country continues to navigate momentous issues, from racial justice to LGBTQ rights, it’s time for business leaders to consider their role in driving change. In our latest episode of the Flexible Advisor Podcast, we were thrilled to welcome Shundrawn Thomas, President of Northern Trust Asset Management, to discuss his advice on how leaders can advance diversity, equity & inclusion (DE&I) in the workplace. Throughout his 16+ years at Northern Trust, Shundrawn has been an inspiration as an authentic leader fully committed to racial and gender equality through both his actions and his words.

By: Laura Hanichak Gregg
Director of Practice Management and Advisor Research

To say progress on industry diversity continues to be slow might be an understatement, even when it comes to gender, one of the most popular areas targeted by diversity programs.