Max Klein is the Co-Founder and CEO of LEA, a company that automates client data workflows for wealth management firms using AI and APIs. He previously spent seven years at Amazon working on products like Alexa, Kindle, and Prime. Earlier in his career, Max lived in China for eight years, working in international business and public policy. He is also fluent in Mandarin and has founded prior ventures in education and global placement.

Wealth management firms often struggle to efficiently organize and manage client data. From PDFs and statements to client conversations, data arrives in countless formats, making it both time-consuming and error-prone to manage. If advisors are overwhelmed with manual data handling, how can they scale their businesses while still delivering exceptional client experiences?

Max Klein, an expert in AI workflow automation with years of experience at Amazon, sheds light on how firms can overcome this challenge. He emphasizes the importance of automating data recognition and classification, turning unstructured documents into usable information that drives business processes. Max highlights the role of embedding AI into existing platforms rather than creating new systems, meeting firms where they already work. He also shares lessons from his career, including Amazon’s customer-centric approach and the value of written communication and active listening.

In this episode of The Customer Wins, Richard Walker interviews Max Klein, Co-Founder and CEO of LEA, about leveraging AI to solve data challenges in wealth management. Max explains how firms can eliminate repetitive manual work with smarter automation. He also discusses embedding technology into existing platforms, centralizing operations in systems like Salesforce, and the importance of customer listening and feedback loops.

Michael Jeanfreau is the Director of Advisor Enablement at Mariner Wealth Advisors, a firm that provides wealth planning, investment management, tax, and estate-planning services to individuals and businesses. He leads strategies and tools to make financial advisors more effective and client-centric. Michael holds Series 63 and 65 licenses and has over 25 years of experience in financial services, spanning roles in wealth management and product development. He joined Mariner in 2021 and works to strengthen the advisor experience and support firmwide growth.

Many financial advisors are hindered by inefficiencies — from last-minute paperwork and disconnected tech tools to corporate-centered processes. These obstacles waste valuable time and limit the ability to deliver personalized service. How can firms better equip advisors with the tools and processes they need to thrive?

Michael Jeanfreau, an expert in advisor enablement, demystifies how streamlining workflows and adopting practical technology boost efficiency. He emphasizes that freeing advisors from manual tasks, such as filling forms or gathering scattered client data, is essential. He urges firms to implement AI-powered tools, such as digital agents and note-taking companions, and to establish stronger feedback loops between advisors and operational teams. For Michael, success means giving advisors more time to strengthen relationships and serve clients.

In this episode of The Customer Wins, Richard Walker interviews Michael Jeanfreau, Director of Advisor Enablement at Mariner Wealth Advisors, about creating better advisor and client experiences. Michael explains how AI and digital tools can reduce inefficiencies, why empowering advisors with time drives growth, and how fostering communication between the field and the home office leads to better outcomes.

Brian Edelman is the CEO of FCI, a firm that provides NIST-based endpoint and network cybersecurity and compliance solutions for heavily regulated industries. He founded the company in 1995 and has grown it into a managed security service provider specializing in cyber-regulated organizations. Brian is widely recognized as a cybersecurity expert and frequently speaks at industry conferences on topics like regulatory compliance and incident response. He holds a certificate in cybersecurity risk management from Harvard and serves as a Cybersecurity Technology Expert on the Forbes NY Council.

Cybercriminals are evolving, and the threats facing financial services have never been more severe. From stolen data sold on the dark web to AI-driven email scams that can drain accounts in days, the risks are escalating. How can firms protect sensitive client information while meeting strict regulatory requirements?

Brian Edelman, a cybersecurity expert in the financial services industry, explains how firms can strengthen their defenses. He emphasizes the importance of building trust with clients, adopting a zero-trust security model, and preparing with incident response drills. Brian highlights automation as a means to protect endpoints without overwhelming advisors, while warning that AI is making cyberattacks both faster and more sophisticated. His insights provide practical steps for organizations to safeguard data, finances, and reputation.

In this episode of The Customer Wins Podcast, Richard Walker interviews Brian Edelman, CEO of FCI, to discuss cybersecurity in financial services. Brian shares how automation simplifies compliance, why zero trust matters for firms, and how AI is reshaping cybercrime. He explores incident response preparedness, the role of regulators, and the growing responsibility of financial advisors to educate their clients about cyber risks.