Beyond Returns: Wealth Firms Embrace Storytelling and Philanthropy

NEW YORK, NY – January 20, 2026 – Wealthspire, a national independent wealth management firm, today launched the fourth season of its award-winning podcast, “Great Aspirations,” signaling a deepening commitment to a narrative that is reshaping the financial advisory landscape. The new season, titled “The Power of Giving,” moves beyond market analysis and investment strategies to explore stories of generosity and purpose-driven action, reflecting a significant industry-wide pivot toward holistic, values-based wealth management.

The season premiere features PGA Tour golfer Harris English, who discusses how his foundation is expanding access to golf for younger generations. His story is the first of eight episodes that will showcase philanthropists, community leaders, and athletes who are redefining what it means to create a lasting impact. The launch is more than just a new season of content; it serves as a case study in how financial firms are using the power of narrative to connect with clients on a more profound level, where legacy is measured not just in dollars, but in deeds.

A Strategic Shift to Values-Based Engagement

The financial services industry is undergoing a fundamental transformation. For decades, the primary measure of success was return on investment. Today, a growing chorus of clients, particularly next-generation investors poised to inherit unprecedented wealth during the “Great Wealth Transfer,” are demanding more. They seek advisors who understand their values and can help them align their financial resources with their personal mission, whether that involves environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles or strategic philanthropy.

Wealthspire’s podcast is a direct response to this evolution. By focusing an entire season on philanthropy, the firm is tapping into a powerful current where storytelling becomes a tool for building trust and demonstrating a shared value system. This approach differentiates the firm in a crowded marketplace by shifting the conversation from a transactional one about assets to a relational one about aspirations. Previous seasons of “Great Aspirations” have explored topics like female leaders in finance and industry innovation, but this latest theme of giving aligns most directly with the growing client demand for purpose-driven financial planning.

“Each of these stories reflects what it means to live with purpose and share one’s success with others,” said Mike LaMena, chief executive officer of Wealthspire, in the announcement. “At Wealthspire, we believe that true wealth is measured by the positive impact we create, and this season of Great Aspirations captures that beautifully.”

The Human Stories Behind the Giving

The strength of the podcast's theme lies in the deeply personal and often moving stories of its guests. These narratives illustrate that generosity is not a monolithic concept but a diverse tapestry woven from individual experiences of gratitude, grief, and a desire for change.

Lisa Wolff, for example, will share her journey of carrying on the philanthropic work of her late husband, John Wolff, a longtime Wealthspire advisor. Through the John Wolff Legacy Fund, she transforms personal loss into a continued force for good, offering a powerful reflection on intentional giving. Her story is particularly resonant as the firm itself honors her husband's memory with the annual John Wolff Award, celebrating an employee's outstanding community service.

Similarly, David and Grace Gallagher, co-founders of Dominion Payroll, will discuss how they channeled the tragic loss of their daughter into a mission-driven advocacy for teen mental health. Their work transforms personal grief into a nationwide support system for families, demonstrating how business leaders can leverage their platforms for profound social impact. Other guests, like Lt. Col. Rob Grunewald, will reflect on how pivotal life events, such as his experience during the September 11th attacks on the Pentagon, forged a lifelong commitment to service and community leadership.

These stories, ranging from an athlete’s grassroots foundation to a family’s public advocacy, underscore the season's central message: meaningful impact can be created through many different channels, including mentorship, resilience, and empathy.

From Podcast Theme to Corporate Practice

To be authentic, a message about the power of giving must be reflected in a company’s own actions. Wealthspire has embedded this ethos into its corporate structure through a formalized philanthropic platform called “ASPIRE by Wealthspire Advisors,” launched in 2025. The initiative organizes the firm's charitable efforts around four pillars: education, advocacy, partnership, and sponsorship.

This commitment is backed by tangible results. In the year preceding the ASPIRE launch, the firm contributed to over 40 charities, raising nearly $500,000. Key partnerships include raising over $25,000 for Advisers Give Back, which provides pro bono financial planning to low-income families, and a campaign that generated almost $50,000 for Feeding America. Furthermore, Wealthspire has committed $100,000 through 2026 to a diversity scholarship program for aspiring Certified Financial Planner™ professionals from underrepresented communities. These initiatives demonstrate that the podcast’s theme is not merely a marketing angle but an extension of a core company value.

A Collaborative Vision for an Evolving Industry

The focus on purpose and impact is not happening in a vacuum. It represents a collective movement within the wealth management sector. One of the podcast’s featured guests, Suzanne Siracuse, founder and CEO of Suzanne Siracuse Consulting, LLC, is a key facilitator of this movement through her work with the Net Positive Consortium in Wealth Management.

Wealthspire is a founding partner of this consortium, a coalition of wealth management firms united by a commitment to creating a positive impact on clients, communities, the industry, and the planet. The group encourages members to demonstrate progress in areas like community involvement, environmental responsibility, and client financial literacy. Siracuse's appearance on the podcast highlights a broader trend toward industry collaboration, where competing firms are joining forces to elevate standards and drive meaningful, systemic change. This collaborative spirit suggests that the future of wealth management may be defined less by individual competition and more by a shared responsibility to contribute positively to society.