Day in a Canoe Podcast: Financial Planning, Wealth Management, RIA

We’re joined by Chris Stakich, Chief Community Officer at CEO Coaching International. Chris shares how his global career and deep-rooted family values shape his outlook on leadership, contribution, and fulfillment. He explores the shift from individual achievement to mentorship, the lessons learned from parenting and coaching, and the moments that define true wealth. From ski chairlift conversations with his sons to coaching youth football, Chris reflects on fully embracing life and giving back in meaningful, energizing ways.

Key Takeaways:

(02:12) Gaining perspective while studying abroad in Australia.
(05:41) The cost of over-optimization in American culture.
(07:36) Life stages shift us from doers to mentors.
(09:28) Family connection grows through intentional questions and shared time.
(11:45) Sacred family dinners build stronger future adults.
(14:54) Valuing time as the highest form of giving.
(15:50) Coaching boys to be strong, kind young men.
(17:43) Teaching kids life’s foundational skills.

Resources Mentioned:

Chris Stakich
https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisstakich/

CEO Coaching International | LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/company/ceo-coaching-international/

CEO Coaching International | Website
https://ceocoachinginternational.com/

“From Strength to Strength” by Arthur Brooks 
https://arthurbrooks.com/from-strength-to-strength

Thanks for joining us for the latest episode of “Day in a Canoe.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss any of our insightful conversations.

If you’d like us to help you define what true wealth means to you, go to www.planningalt.com and take our assessment.

Planning Alternatives is an investment advisory firm registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any opinions expressed may not reflect those of Planning Alternatives.

#LeadershipDevelopment #PersonalGrowth #FamilyWealthManagement
#Work-LifeBalance #ExecutiveCoaching

Steph Corker believes true wealth isn’t just about money — it’s about joy, connection, and living with purpose. As chief growth officer, and founder and former CEO of The Corker Collective, acquired by ViRTUS in 2024, Steph helps leaders build meaningful careers while staying aligned with their values. In this conversation, she shares insights on bravery, leadership, and why the smallest moments — like offering a gummy bear — can spark the biggest transformations.

Key Takeaways:

(01:53) The unexpected canoe test — how a five-minute interview with Seth Godin shaped Steph’s perspective.

(04:49) The power of brave conversations and why Steph believes in packing curiosity (and gummy bears) for tough discussions.

(06:56) How a simple gummy bear can create openness and shift the tone of challenging conversations.

(11:24) Gardening as a leadership lesson — what Steph learned from turning her front lawn into a community garden.

(13:20) The concept of "missing greatness" — why some leaders struggle to recognize meaningful success.

(15:50) Finding fulfillment beyond titles and resumes — how Steph defines personal greatness.

(19:52) Looking ahead — Steph’s vision for her future self and how she’s shaping her life today to align with that vision.

(21:39) Why true wealth is about more than money — it’s about joy, relationships, and living with purpose.

Resources Mentioned:

Steph Corker
https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephcorker/

ViRTUS
https://www.linkedin.com/company/virtusinc/

The Corker Collective | LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/company/thecorkerco/

The Corker Collective (acquired by ViRTUS)
https://www.thecorkercollective.com/

Intelligent Change Journals
https://www.intelligentchange.com/

Thanks for joining us for the latest episode of “Day in a Canoe.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss any of our insightful conversations.

If you’d like us to help you define what true wealth means to you, go to www.planningalt.com and take our assessment.

Planning Alternatives is an investment advisory firm registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any opinions expressed may not reflect those of Planning Alternatives.

#LeadershipDevelopment #PersonalGrowth #WorkLifeBalance #BusinessStrategy #EntrepreneurshipInsights

We’re joined by Doug Nordberg, Furniture Designer at Nordberg Furniture, on this episode. Doug started crafting furniture at age 12 and has become a celebrated designer in Cody, Wyoming. He reflects on the challenges of balancing art and business, the lessons learned from slow times, and the importance of financial planning in building a sustainable creative career. From embracing strong emotional reactions to his work to creating opportunities for innovation, Doug offers advice on living a fulfilling life as an artist.

Key Takeaways:

(01:37) Doug’s journey into furniture design began at age 12.

(02:23) The annual antler shedding cycle and its role in Doug’s work.

(05:07) Using early financial advice to shape an entrepreneurial path.

(07:16) Balancing artistry and business as both a designer and gallery owner.

(08:13) The importance of embracing strong reactions, even rejection, in art.

(10:55) Viewing slow business periods as opportunities for creativity and growth.

(13:59) The challenges of balancing passion with practicality.

(15:30) Advice for young artists: focus on passion and develop strong business skills.

(17:27) Defining true wealth as the freedom to focus on what truly matters.

Resources Mentioned:


Doug Nordberg -
https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-nordberg-8221a474/

Nordberg Gallery | Website -
https://nordberggallery.com/

Western Design Conference -
https://www.westerndesignconference.com

Thanks for joining us for the latest episode of “Day in a Canoe.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss any of our insightful conversations.

If you’d like us to help you define what true wealth means to you, go to www.planningalt.com and take our assessment.

Planning Alternatives is an investment advisory firm registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any opinions expressed may not reflect those of Planning Alternatives.

#FinancialPlanning #PersonalGrowth #EntrepreneurshipInsights #WorkLifeBalance #InvestmentStrategies

Joining us on this episode is photographer, writer, and filmmaker Audrey Hall, owner of Audrey Hall Photography. Audrey shares her journey from architecture to photography and her insights on balancing creative passion with financial success. She explores the interplay between art and business, emphasizing the value of both solitude and collaboration in her creative process.

Key Takeaways:

(01:29) Artists face misconceptions about valuing and monetizing their creative work.

(02:20) Pivoting from architecture to photography because of a desire for creative immediacy.

(05:28) The cost of photography reflects both the artist’s self-worth and market perception.

(07:06) A photographer’s insight on capturing the layered personalities of subjects.

(08:31) Valuing the interplay of collaboration and introspection in the creative process.

(09:54) Blending film and digital aesthetics in photography.

(11:53) Drawing inspiration from what it means to be a woman today.

(16:46) Defining wealth as having the freedom to care for oneself and one’s family.

Resources Mentioned:

Audrey Hall -
https://www.linkedin.com/in/audreyhallphotography/

Audrey Hall Photography -
https://www.audreyhall.com/

"Bison: Portrait of an Icon" by Chase Reynolds Ewald (Author) and Audrey Hall (Photographer) -
https://a.co/d/9OyHpt9

Western Design Conference -
https://westerndesignconference.com/

Thanks for joining us for the latest episode of “Day in a Canoe.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss any of our insightful conversations.

If you’d like us to help you define what true wealth means to you, go to www.planningalt.com and take our assessment.

Planning Alternatives is an investment advisory firm registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any opinions expressed may not reflect those of Planning Alternatives.

#FinancialPlanning #PersonalGrowth #EntrepreneurshipInsights #WorkLifeBalance #BusinessStrategy

Chrissy Glenn, Metal Sculptress, shares her journey from gallery curator to becoming a full-time artist working with metal. Inspired by nature and her apprenticeship with Val Bertoia, Chrissy explains how she found her passion for handmade metalwork and transformed it into wearable art.

Key Takeaways:

(01:40) Artistic ideas are sparked by immersion in natural environments.

(03:34) Designing functional yet aesthetic connectors posed a significant challenge to Chrissy.

(06:48) Exposure to oxyacetylene torches encouraged exploration of metal sculpting.

(08:31) Meeting other artists can fuel creativity and deepen art appreciation.

(11:44) The West’s unique culture encouraged Chrissy’s exploration of wearable metal art.

(14:25) Taking small steps toward your passion can open doors.

Resources Mentioned:

Chrissy Glenn - 
https://www.chrissyglenn.com/

Metal Sculptress | Instagram -
https://www.instagram.com/chrissyglennsculptress/

Western Design Conference -
https://westerndesignconference.com/

Kutztown University -
https://www.kutztown.edu/

Val Bertoia Studio -
https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/168085056602541/val-bertoia-studio/

Thanks for joining us for the latest episode of “Day in a Canoe.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss any of our insightful conversations.

If you’d like us to help you define what true wealth means to you, go to www.planningalt.com and take our assessment.

Planning Alternatives is an investment advisory firm registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any opinions expressed may not reflect those of Planning Alternatives.

#Personal Growth #Entrepreneurship Insights #Business Strategy