The Future of Financial Services: Training, Talent, & Personal Development with Lindsey Lewis

Amber Stitt
6 days ago
3 min read

Pathways Forward: Reinventing Financial Services, Leadership, and Succession with Lindsey Lewis

In an age where nearly everything is undergoing rapid transformation, the financial services industry—a keystone for economic growth and client security—is facing a talent and leadership crossroads. In this special edition of Pathways with Amber Stitt, recorded live at the NAIFA e3 Conference, host Amber Stitt sits down with Lindsey Lewis, Managing Director of the Center for Women at The American College, to tackle some of the most pressing challenges and opportunities in the profession today.

Facing a Generational Retirement Wave

One statistic raised by Lindsey Lewis stops listeners in their tracks: “There are 100,000 financial professionals who plan to retire in the next 10 years. That’s 30% to 40% of the entire workforce.” Imagine a third of all doctors retiring in a single decade—the impact would be seismic. The financial services industry stands on the brink of a similar hiring crisis, with a need to hire half a million to a million professionals in the near future.

But as Amber Stitt notes, this issue isn’t isolated to the industry alone. The ripple effects touch all demographics and businesses that rely on financial guidance. The challenge is clear: replace a wave of retiring talent, while improving on the weak retention rates that already exist.

The American College: Building the Bridge for Future Talent

[The American College]—where Lindsey Lewis leads strategic representation work—has rolled up its sleeves to prepare for this pivotal moment. The College is developing curriculum designed to better orient new entrants, demystify the financial landscape, and fast-track success for the next generation.

The new coursework aims to break down the financial services ecosystem, from wirehouses and RIAs to fintech firms, making it possible for both newcomers and career changers to pinpoint where their ambitions fit. As Lindsey Lewis shares, former doctors, like “Carolyn,” have successfully transitioned to financial planning by leveraging the College’s robust educational launchpad.

Beyond this, accelerator programs are in development to empower those already in the business—helping them thrive faster and retain their passion for the profession.

Filling the Gaps: Advisor Launch Lab and Gen Z Insights

Recognizing persistent gaps, Lindsey Lewis co-founded Advisor Launch Lab to help independent teams recruit and nurture next-gen talent. Why? Gen Z professionals routinely report that their firm’s training is ineffective; one in four feel this way, which leads to high turnover rates and increased propensity to hop between firms.

This generational perspective is vital: the standard “grit for five years” tenure is shrinking. With technology and knowledge at their fingertips, younger professionals expect meaningful development—quickly. If they don’t receive it, they leave.

Innovative Offerings: More Than Just CE

There’s a silver lining—innovative platforms like the Knowledge Hub+ provide a one-stop shop for continuing education on topics as diverse as crypto, special needs planning, and supporting clients through crises. New certificates, such as the Trust Certificate and upcoming leadership modules, help practitioners address core skills in organizational behavior and authentic leadership.

Amber Stitt highlights the necessity for firm owners and advisors—often skilled at planning for others—to reinvest in their own development and embrace succession planning early. These resources not only boost individual and client outcomes, but also reinforce organizational resilience for whatever comes next.

Financial Advice for All: Take Action Today

The conversation closes with actionable wisdom for listeners: if you don’t have a financial advisor, get one—and if you do, make sure you’re auditing their approach. “Your financial house influences relationships, career, and your quality of life,” says Lindsey Lewis. As practitioners and clients alike, we must practice what we preach.

The Pathway Forward

Whether you’re a seasoned advisor, career changer, or business owner, the time to rethink your pathway is now. Lean into ongoing education, prioritize leadership, and embrace proactive succession planning. The future of financial services—and the prosperity of those it serves—depends on it.

Missed the conversation, or want to dig deeper? Find more about Lindsey Lewis and her work down below, and remember, your pathway is what you make it—so take action today!