Decision Dialogues artwork

Decision Dialogues

44 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 2 years ago - ★★★★★ - 2 ratings

Are you paving the way for the life you want? Facing decisions that may affect you personally and financially? The Decision Dialogues Podcast, brought to you by Modera Wealth Management, presents personal stories covering pivotal moments and their impact on one’s overall financial goals.
In a world where money matters are often unspoken, you will hear candid, personal accounts from a wide spectrum of successful individuals. You will learn about the decisions they faced— and gain inspirational perspectives you can use when the time comes for you to make critical choices of your own. 
You have the power to write your own story. 
Connect with the guests and other listeners on our listeners' forum: LinkedIn.com/groups/14008820/ 
Modera is an SEC registered investment adviser which does not imply any level of skill or training. For additional information see our Form ADV available at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov which contains a full description of our business, operations and service offerings including fees. Statements made in the podcast are not to be construed as personalized investment or financial planning advice, may not be suitable for everyone and should not be considered a solicitation to engage in any particular investment or planning strategy. Statements made are subject to change without notice.

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Episodes

New Horizons for Decision Dialogues

June 20, 2022 18:30 - 2 minutes - 2.07 MB

On episode 33 of Decision Dialogues, Jennifer Faherty talks briefly about an exciting change for the podcast. Get the full show notes and more resources at https://www.moderawealth.com/decisiondialogues/ (ModeraWealth.com/DecisionDialogues)

Rolling with the Punches

May 09, 2022 08:15 - 26 minutes - 24.5 MB

On episode 32 of Decision Dialogues, Mark Willoughby and Mindy Neira talk to Belinda Aquine of Sovereign Bee Events. Belinda has had a fascinating career journey, from working for a Spanish-language radio station in New York, to a career as an executive assistant, before settling on her current full time entrepreneurship as a wedding and event planner. She stresses the importance of networking and putting out positive energy in order to attract opportunities. Get the full show notes and more...

If at First You Don't Succeed...

April 11, 2022 04:00 - 32 minutes - 30 MB

On episode 31 of Decision Dialogues, Mark Willoughby and Mindy Neira speak to Christian Meneses, owner of Blanc Noir Event Group. Christian founded Blanc Noir in 2011 as an extension of his skills in DJing, and he did so after two previous failed entertainment ventures. He discusses his willingness to fail, pick himself back up, and try again, and also his connection to the special needs community, as he also does work as a speech / language pathologist. Get the full show notes and more reso...

The Risks of Starting Up – and of Letting Go

March 14, 2022 04:01 - 37 minutes - 34.8 MB

Episode 30 of Decision Dialogues features Michael DeNitto, the founder and CEO of MarketSight, which was acquired by Reimagine in 2018. Michael talks to Mark Willoughby and Victoria Consoles about spinning MarketSight as a company and product off from Monitor, the company he worked for—and the risks and decisions associated with that path, from leading a team as an entrepreneur, to ensuring the finances would work out for him and his employees, and more. Get the full show notes and more reso...

Finding Your Calling

February 14, 2022 04:01 - 30 minutes - 27.9 MB

On episode 29 of Decision Dialogues, Mark Willoughby is joined by Michael Gibney to have a chat with Thomas Johnson, founder and CEO of GetUpNGetFit, a wellness concierge company. Thomas’ early life was tumultuous, as he was forced to escape the Liberian Civil War with the help of his family and their friends. His entrepreneurial spirit took over after earning his degree, when he decided to found GetUpNGetFit. He discusses the knowledge he gained up to and after its founding, the lessons he l...

2021's Key Takeaways and Reflections

January 17, 2022 06:30 - 33 minutes - 30.6 MB

On episode 28 of Decision Dialogues, Mark Willoughby and Jennifer Faherty come together to discuss the first year of the podcast and many of the key takeaways guests have provided through sharing their experiences and stories. They talk about when it comes to decisions, the importance of passion, a life cycle, and the difficulties inherent in mixing personal business finances. They then outline exciting changes for the podcast in 2022. Get the full show notes and more resources at https://ww...

Building Confidence, One Kid at a Time

December 27, 2021 04:01 - 29 minutes - 27 MB

On Episode 27 of Decision Dialogues,https://www.moderawealth.com/mark-willoughby/ ( Mark Willoughby) andhttps://www.moderawealth.com/karl-h-graf/ ( Karl Graf) speak to Eric Meltzer, co-founder ofhttps://www.thegritninja.com/ ( The Grit Ninja), a series of gyms with a ninja warrior theme and a big focus on empowering children. Eric and his wife Allison started The Grit Ninja two years ago, and Eric discusses the decisions, financial and otherwise, he has made in order to have achieved such big...

A Whole New Kind of Agribusiness

December 13, 2021 04:01 - 24 minutes - 22.4 MB

On Episode 26 of Decision Dialogues, Mark Willoughby is joined by Mark Rioboli, who has a chat with Shelby Smith of https://www.gymneatcrickets.com/ (Gym-N-Eat Crickets), a small startup with the goal of making insect protein more accessible to health- and environment-conscious people. Shelby discusses her early career, which took her overseas into the investment banking world, and how and why she ended up making the decision to return Stateside to start such an unusual enterprise. Get the f...

You Don't Know What You Don't Know

November 29, 2021 11:01 - 33 minutes - 30.3 MB

On Episode 25 of Decision Dialogues, Mark Willoughby talks to Modera’s own John Ceparano about the importance of sound, expert advice. John discusses decisions he’s made throughout his own career as well as decisions he’s counseled his clients on. John’s overriding theme is that the more expertise you can muster, the better those decisions are likely to turn out. Get the full show notes and more resources at https://www.moderawealth.com/decisiondialogues/ (ModeraWealth.com/DecisionDialogues)

Entrepreneurial Inspiration from Unexpected Places

November 15, 2021 04:01 - 22 minutes - 20.3 MB

On Episode 24 of Decision Dialogues, Mark Willoughby and Mindy Neira are joined by Terry Lyons, founder and managing partner of Lyons & Associates, P.C., a firm specializing in divorce and family law. Terry talks about the shift that occurred in her life that caused her to leave the big firm where she worked previously and start her own firm, and how the inspiration from that shift came from a very unexpected place. She recalls important decisions with massive financial impact that she's made...

A Fighter at Heart: Strength and Resilience in the Face of Adversity

November 01, 2021 04:01 - 30 minutes - 28 MB

On Episode 23 of Decision Dialogues, Jennifer Faherty speaks with Dr. Kelly McNally Passarelli, dentist and owner of McNally Passarelli DDS. Kelly talks about how her passion for dentistry emerged at a young age after her experience with cleft lip and palate. She shares how she navigated the painful loss of her husband and, through resilience and a strong support system, learned to run the practice on her own. Get the full show notes and more resources at https://www.moderawealth.com/decisio...

Patients First: Success in Medical Practice

October 18, 2021 03:01 - 25 minutes - 23.5 MB

On Episode 22 of Decision Dialogues, Mark Willoughby and Tom Orecchio welcome Dr. Sameera Daud of Metropolitan Endocrinology in Edgewater, New Jersey, to talk about her experiences as a new small business owner. Having previously worked for another private practitioner for twelve years, Dr. Sameera talks about how now, running her own practice, she is able to make business decisions that ultimately benefit her patients, thereby increasing referrals through word-of-mouth thanks to her patient-...

Advocacy and Empowerment

October 04, 2021 03:01 - 32 minutes - 29.6 MB

On Episode 21 of Decision Dialogues, Mindy Neira joins Jennifer Faherty to speak with Maria McGinley, Managing Partner at Mayerson and Associates. Maria discusses how she decided on a major career shift from teaching to law, through which she represents the families of children with autism and other disabilities. She also offers advice to other women pursuing law, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and empowering, supportive networks.  Get the full show notes and more resources at http...

Bold, Innovative Entrepreneurship

September 20, 2021 08:01 - 21 minutes - 19.8 MB

On Episode 20 of Decision Dialogues, Jennifer Faherty and Victoria Consoles speak with Deepak Shrivastava, CFO of The Flex Company, co-founder of Porter & Sail, and former CEO of Hotel Credits. Deepak discusses the risks he navigated as he took the leap to start Porter & Sail. He shares insights on how he raised capital and incubated a startup within Porter & Sail, highlighting the value of betting on oneself.  Get the full show notes and more resources at http://ModeraWealth.com/DecisionDia...

Striking a Healthy Balance

September 06, 2021 03:01 - 26 minutes - 24.2 MB

On Episode 19 of Decision Dialogues, Victoria Consoles and Mark Willoughby are joined by Dr. Cathy Gurman, who co-runs Westwood Family Chiropractic with her husband, Dr. Jett Gurman. Cathy discusses her experience starting a practice directly out of chiropractic school, shares insights on how she balances her business, her patients, and her family life, and highlights the importance of knowing when and where to seek help.  Get the full show notes and more resources at http://moderawealth.com...

Sweet Success

August 23, 2021 03:01 - 25 minutes - 23.7 MB

On Episode 18 of Decision Dialogues, Jennifer Faherty and Tom Orrechio are joined by JJ Krachtus, president of Conrad's Confectionery in Westwood, New Jersey. Conrad's has been serving candy and ice cream in Bergen County since 1928. JJ talks about this multi-generational, family-owned business, the decisions he made which led to him “taking over” the enterprise, and the many difficult choices COVID-19 brought on him and the employees of Conrad's. Get the full show notes and more resources a...

Passion for What You Do - Ep 17

August 09, 2021 08:01 - 27 minutes - 25.6 MB

On Episode 17 of Decision Dialogues, Jennifer Faherty hosts a discussion between Victoria Consoles and Lisa Cross, owner and operator of Sweat Threadz, a custom athletic clothing shop. Lisa talks about her unconventional career trajectory, working as a pediatric ICU nurse, then a triathlon coach, to founding Sweat Threadz. She provides insight into her decision making process and explains some of her biggest successes and failures. Get the full show notes and more resources at ModeraWealth.co...

Passion for What You Do

August 09, 2021 04:01 - 27 minutes - 25.6 MB

On Episode 17 of Decision Dialogues, Jennifer Faherty hosts a discussion between Victoria Consoles and Lisa Cross, owner and operator of Sweat Threadz, a custom athletic clothing shop. Lisa talks about her unconventional career trajectory, working as a pediatric ICU nurse, then a triathlon coach, to founding Sweat Threadz. She provides insight into her decision making process and explains some of her biggest successes and failures. Get the full show notes and more resources at ModeraWealth....

Unstoppable Entrepreneurial Drive - Ep 16

July 26, 2021 08:01 - 28 minutes - 25.7 MB

On Episode 16 of Decision Dialogues, Karl Graf joins Jennifer Faherty to speak with Dr. Ruby Kim, who runs an independent medical practice, Premier Spine and Sports Medicine. Ruby discusses her decision to establish an independent practice and talks about how she weathered challenges while staying true to her vision for patient-centered care. She also shares insights on assuming risks and striking a healthy work-life balance. Get the full show notes and more resources at ModeraWealth.com/Deci...

Catalyzing Change - Ep 15

July 12, 2021 07:59 - 20 minutes - 18.8 MB

On Episode 15 of Decision Dialogues, Mark Willoughby and Mindy Neira speak with Cyndie Chang, Managing Partner of Duane Morris’s Los Angeles office. Cyndie talks about her trajectory in law and her creative approach to solving problems for businesses. She discusses her passion for diversity and inclusion work and shares insights about mentorship, decision making, and more. Get the full show notes and more resources at ModeraWealth.com/DecisionDialogues

Preparation for Defining Moments - Ep 14

June 28, 2021 07:59 - 34 minutes - 31.7 MB

In Episode 14 of Decision Dialogues, Karl Graf joins Mark Willoughby to speak with William Glenn, Executive Chairman of Crenshaw Associates. Bill's career spans several decades and includes stints as the CEO of American Express, President at PepsiCo, and more. He discusses the decision he made to leave Pepsi to leave Pepsi, run a smaller company, and then return to Pepsi, the B2B2C focus of his work, and more. Get the full show notes and more resources at ModeraWealth.com/DecisionDialogues

Striking out on Your Own - Ep 13

June 14, 2021 11:00 - 18 minutes - 16.6 MB

On Episode 13, Mark Willoughby and Tom Orecchio speak to Chris Hliboki of Hliboki Law. Chris discusses his decision to strike out on his own as a solo legal practitioner after working as an associate for another firm in the early part of his career. He talks about the challenges he's faced, the rewards that decision and others have resulted in, and his decisionmaking processes in his work today. Get the full show notes and more resources at ModeraWealth.com/DecisionDialogues

Philanthropy as an Occupation - Ep 12

May 31, 2021 11:00 - 28 minutes - 25.9 MB

On Episode 12, Mark Willoughby and Victoria Consoles are joined by Deb Shames of Personal Best College Coaching to talk about the decisions she's made in her line of work. From finding a balance between helping as many students as possible and making a living, to how best to serve her families, decision making is at the heart of what Deb does. Get the full show notes and more resources at ModeraWealth.com/DecisionDialogues

Entrepreneurial Spirit - Ep 11

May 17, 2021 11:00 - 27 minutes - 25.3 MB

On Episode 11 of Decision Dialogues, Mark Willoughby of Modera talks to Steve Ryder, the founder of True North Networks, a provider of managed hosting technology, cybersecurity, and IT services. Steve talks about his decision to strike out on his own and found True North, and identifies what his biggest mistake was—which almost prevented True North from ever reaching its full potential. Get the full show notes and more resources at ModeraWealth.com/DecisionDialogues

The Big Need for a Plan - Ep 10

May 03, 2021 11:00 - 25 minutes - 23.3 MB

On Episode 10 of Decision Dialogues, Modera CEO Tom Orecchio and COO Mark Willoughby speak to estate planning attorney Mary Browning of Cole Schotz, P.C. In addition to sharing some useful career insights, Mary talks about one of the most important decisions anyone can make, but one that is so often avoided—how one's affairs will be handled in the event of their death.  Get the full show notes and more resources at ModeraWealth.com/DecisionDialogues

The Big Need for a Plan

May 03, 2021 07:00 - 25 minutes - 23.2 MB

On Episode 10 of Decision Dialogues, Modera CEO Tom Orecchio and COO Mark Willoughby speak to estate planning attorney Mary Browning of Cole Schotz, P.C. In addition to sharing some useful career insights, Mary talks about one of the most important decisions anyone can make, but one that is so often avoided—how one's affairs will be handled in the event of their death.  Get the full show notes and more resources at ModeraWealth.com/DecisionDialogues

Willing to Take a Risk - Ep 09

April 19, 2021 11:00 - 28 minutes - 26.1 MB

On Episode 9 of Decision Dialogues, Jennifer Faherty and Mark Willoughby have a conversation with Ruthanne Roth, Founder and Managing Partner of Aster Talent Partners. Ruthanne cites her willingness to take on risk in the pursuit of success, but also how she has moderated her gut instincts with data and advice, as primary drivers of that success. Get the full show notes and more resources at ModeraWealth.com/DecisionDialogues

Integrity, Passion, and Trust - Ep 08

April 05, 2021 11:00 - 36 minutes - 33.5 MB

On Episode 8 of Decision Dialogues, Mark Willoughby speaks to Dr. Barry Kaplan of the Modera Atlanta office about his unlikely career path. Though a dentist by training, Barry always had a passion for business and as he describes it, was always “a much better businessman than dentist.” He talks about his commitment to making a difference for his clients through integrity and looking out for their best interests, and much more. Get the full show notes and more resources at ModeraWealth.com/Dec...

Integrity, Passion, and Trust

April 05, 2021 07:00 - 36 minutes - 50.2 MB

On Episode 8 of Decision Dialogues, Mark Willoughby speaks to Dr. Barry Kaplan of the Modera Atlanta office about his unlikely career path. Though a dentist by training, Barry always had a passion for business and as he describes it, was always “a much better businessman than dentist.” He talks about his commitment to making a difference for his clients through integrity and looking out for their best interests, and much more. Get the full show notes and more resources at ModeraWealth.com/...

Nourishing the Soul - Ep 07

March 22, 2021 11:00 - 25 minutes - 23.8 MB

Episode 7 of Decision Dialogues brings Mike Merida, chef and owner of Rockin’ Roots, to the show. Mike is a Michelin star chef with training in accounting. He discusses his journey from restaurants around the world, from Japan, to England, to Spain and others, to appearing on the Beat Bobby Flay show, to using his expertise to consult with new restauranteurs around the New York City area, to opening the plant-based Rockin' Roots. Get the full show notes and more resources at ModeraWealth.com/...

Nourishing the Soul

March 22, 2021 07:00 - 25 minutes - 35.6 MB

Episode 7 of Decision Dialogues brings Mike Merida, chef and owner of Rockin’ Roots, to the show. Mike is a Michelin star chef with training in accounting. He discusses his journey from restaurants around the world, from Japan, to England, to Spain and others, to appearing on the Beat Bobby Flay show, to using his expertise to consult with new restauranteurs around the New York City area, to opening the plant-based Rockin' Roots. Get the full show notes and more resources at ModeraWealth.c...

Ferociously Independent-Minded - Ep 06

March 08, 2021 12:00 - 29 minutes - 26.6 MB

On episode 6 of Decision Dialogues, Mark Willoughby speaks to Karen Keatley. Karen talks about her experiences in the asset management world, and how she found that Wall Street was both male-dominated and outwardly hostile to women trying to establish a career. Karen eventually transitioned to starting her own firm. Her decisions led to outstanding growth and her firm's eventual merger with Modera in 2019. Get the full show notes and more resources at ModeraWealth.com/DecisionDialogues.

Ferociously Independent-Minded

March 08, 2021 08:00 - 29 minutes - 39.9 MB

On episode 6 of Decision Dialogues, Mark Willoughby speaks to Karen Keatley. Karen talks about her experiences in the asset management world, and how she found that Wall Street was both male-dominated and outwardly hostile to women trying to establish a career. Karen eventually transitioned to starting her own firm. Her decisions led to outstanding growth and her firm's eventual merger with Modera in 2019. Get the full show notes and more resources at ModeraWealth.com/DecisionDialogues.

Maxing Out Savings Decisions - Ep 05

February 22, 2021 12:00 - 33 minutes - 31 MB

On episode 5 of Decision Dialogues, Mark Willoughby and Jennifer Faherty talk to Gary Zimmerman, who founded MaxMyInterest.com, an intelligent cash management solution. They discuss Gary's decision to leave his career as an investment advisor to found Max My Interest—from noticing the problem, to “de-risking” his business plan, figuring out the technological and security challenges, and the support he had from his wife. Get the full show notes and more resources at ModeraWealth.com/DecisionDi...

Maxing Out Savings Decisions

February 22, 2021 08:00 - 33 minutes - 31 MB

On episode 5 of Decision Dialogues, Mark Willoughby and Jennifer Faherty talk to Gary Zimmerman, who founded MaxMyInterest.com, an intelligent cash management solution. They discuss Gary's decision to leave his career as an investment advisor to found Max My Interest—from noticing the problem, to “de-risking” his business plan, figuring out the technological and security challenges, and the support he had from his wife. Get the full show notes and more resources at ModeraWealth.com/Decisio...

The Importance of Flexibility - Ep 04

February 08, 2021 12:00 - 35 minutes - 32.5 MB

For episode 4 of Decision Dialogues, Mark Willoughby and Laurie Kane Burkhardt speak with Tracey Spruce, founding member of Spruce Law, LLC. Tracey’s decision to start her own law practice, in the midst of her second pregnancy, was a rousing success thanks to a great deal of flexibility. Tracey has stuck to that philosophy ever since, and says she has “no regrets” about any of the decisions she’s made with that in mind. Get the full show notes and more resources at ModeraWealth.com/DecisionDi...

The Importance of Flexibility

February 08, 2021 08:00 - 35 minutes - 32.4 MB

For episode 4 of Decision Dialogues, Mark Willoughby and Laurie Kane Burkhardt speak with Tracey Spruce, founding member of Spruce Law, LLC. Tracey’s decision to start her own law practice, in the midst of her second pregnancy, was a rousing success thanks to a great deal of flexibility. Tracey has stuck to that philosophy ever since, and says she has “no regrets” about any of the decisions she’s made with that in mind. Get the full show notes and more resources at ModeraWealth.com/Decisio...

Agile Adaptation - Ep 03

January 26, 2021 16:44 - 35 minutes - 32.1 MB

On episode 3 of Decision Dialogues, Brian Shoemaker, Founder and Principal Consultant at ShoeBar Associates, talks with Mark Willoughby and Laurie Kane Burkhart about feeling unfulfilled and yearning for more, which drove him to start his own consultancy. Brian discusses the decisions he faced, the importance of having a supportive partner and the role of Agile Methodology in his work and decision making. Get the full show notes and more resources at ModeraWealth.com/DecisionDialogues.

Agile Adaptation

January 26, 2021 12:44 - 35 minutes - 24.1 MB

On episode 3 of Decision Dialogues, Brian Shoemaker, Founder and Principal Consultant at ShoeBar Associates, talks with Mark Willoughby and Laurie Kane Burkhart about feeling unfulfilled and yearning for more, which drove him to start his own consultancy. Brian discusses the decisions he faced, the importance of having a supportive partner and the role of Agile Methodology in his work and decision making. Get the full show notes and more resources at ModeraWealth.com/DecisionDialogues.

Keeping Ahead of Changing Trends - Ep 02

January 11, 2021 12:00 - 33 minutes - 30.6 MB

On episode 2 of Decision Dialogues, Mark Willoughby and Jennifer Faherty of Modera are joined by Chieh Huang, Co-Founder and CEO of online bulk grocery supplier Boxed.com. Chieh talks about how dissatisfaction with his life as he saw it unfolding at a big law firm, coupled with an enterpreneurial spirit and his group of “a bunch of tech geeks,” led him to start looking at the cutting edge of retail trends in the modern world. Get the full show notes and more resources at ModeraWealth.com/Deci...

Hard Work and Personal Responsibility - Ep 01

January 11, 2021 12:00 - 36 minutes - 33.1 MB

On the inaugural episode of Decision Dialogues, Mark Willoughby and Jennifer Faherty of Modera are joined by Monique de Maio, CEO of ondemand CMO. Monique talks about her family's “immigrant-itis” and its effect on the decisions she made as she started to mold her career path from a young age, and then the inflection point she faced in corporate America which led to her decision to start her own full service marketing firm. Get the full show notes and more resources at ModeraWealth.com/Decisi...

Keeping Ahead of Changing Trends

January 11, 2021 08:00 - 33 minutes - 30.5 MB

On episode 2 of Decision Dialogues, Mark Willoughby and Jennifer Faherty of Modera are joined by Chieh Huang, Co-Founder and CEO of online bulk grocery supplier Boxed.com. Chieh talks about how dissatisfaction with his life as he saw it unfolding at a big law firm, coupled with an enterpreneurial spirit and his group of “a bunch of tech geeks,” led him to start looking at the cutting edge of retail trends in the modern world. Get the full show notes and more resources at ModeraWealth.com/D...

Hard Work and Personal Responsibility

January 11, 2021 08:00 - 36 minutes - 33 MB

On the inaugural episode of Decision Dialogues, Mark Willoughby and Jennifer Faherty of Modera are joined by Monique de Maio, CEO of ondemand CMO. Monique talks about her family's “immigrant-itis” and its effect on the decisions she made as she started to mold her career path from a young age, and then the inflection point she faced in corporate America which led to her decision to start her own full service marketing firm. Get the full show notes and more resources at ModeraWealth.com/Dec...

Decision Dialogues Trailer

November 12, 2020 14:38 - 48 seconds - 1.63 MB

Coming soon, Decision Dialogues brought to you by Modera Wealth Management.