The Planning Perspectives Podcast

This special live episode of the Planning Perspectives Podcast, recorded at the Philadelphia Business Journal’s Healthcare Awards, features a series of short, high-energy conversations with six leading healthcare executives and innovators. Each guest offers a concise perspective on the most pressing challenges and opportunities shaping healthcare today, creating a dynamic snapshot of an industry undergoing significant transformation.

Across the discussions, common themes emerge around expanding access and advancing health equity, particularly for underserved populations. Leaders highlight the growing importance of integrating behavioral and physical healthcare, while health system executives emphasize balancing patient-centered care with operational and wo...

Estate planning is often seen as something for the wealthy or something to tackle later—but the reality is far more immediate. The decisions you make today can shape how your loved ones navigate difficult moments in the future.

In this episode of The Planning Perspectives Podcast, Jamie Hopkins and Kate Duffy are joined by Garrett Spangler, JD, LLM, Senior Wealth Strategist at Bryn Mawr Trust Advisors, to discuss why estate planning goes well beyond transferring assets. They explore the importance of family conversations, the roles of powers of attorney and living wills, and how tools like be...

Retirement plans have long been seen as expensive, complex, and difficult to manage—especially for small businesses. But that perception is changing.

In this episode of the Planning Perspectives Podcast, Jackie Reeves joins Jamie Hopkins and Kate Duffy to explore what’s different today, the opportunities many employers may be overlooking, and why taking a fresh look at your current plan could deliver meaningful value for both your business and your employees.

Key Takeaways:

Roth accounts can shape how and when taxes are paid, but the right choice depends on timing, income, and long-term goals.

How can savers use Roth planning to create more flexibility before and during retirement?

In this episode, Jamie Hopkins and Kate Duffy explain how Roth IRAs, Roth 401(k)s, conversions, and backdoor Roth contributions fit into a broader financial plan. They compare Roth and traditional accounts, explain income limits, cover required distributions, and share why high earners may still benefit from Roth strategies. The conversation also clears up common myths and highlights why tax...

Growth can look exciting from the outside—but behind every new location, partnership, or expansion are tough calls, people challenges, and the constant pressure to get it right.

So how do you scale a business without losing the culture that made it successful in the first place? And what does it really take to build a company people want to grow with?

In this episode, Jamie Hopkins and Kate Duffy sit down with Sydney Grims, Director of Business Development at Fearless Restaurants, to unpack what it takes to expand a hospitality brand while staying true to...

Banking is personal—money touches nearly every major life moment, from big milestones to unexpected challenges. When clients have a trusted advisor, financial planning, problem-solving, and growth feel more human and more connected.

In this episode of the Planning Perspectives Podcast, Jamie Hopkins and Kate Duffy speak with Shari Kruzinski, Executive Vice President and Chief Consumer Banking Officer at WSFS Bank, about her 37-year journey from floating teller to senior leadership. Shari shares how local banking builds trust through strong branch relationships, associate development, youth financial education, small business support, and a deep commitment to community through vo...

What does it take to think differently—and still win?

In this episode, Jamie Hopkins and Kate Duffy sit down with Jay Sugarman, Principal Owner of the Philadelphia Union and Chairman and CEO of Safehold, to explore how unconventional thinking has defined his career. Jay reflects on how frequent change early in life built resilience, sharpened pattern recognition, and shaped a disciplined, principles‑driven approach to decision‑making.

From real estate to professional sports, Jay shares how challenging consensus thinking can reveal opportunity. He explains how applying corporate finance logic to outdated real estate structures unlock...

Strong businesses are not just built on strategy; they are shaped by relationships, trust, and shared experiences.

What happens when leadership, family, and growth all intersect? And how do you balance speed, alignment, and long-term vision without losing what matters most?

In this episode, Jamie Hopkins and Kate Duffy interview Eric Faggioli, President of Delaware Valley Paving, about scaling a family-run business while maintaining strong personal relationships. He shares how alignment and trust drive decision-making, why early exposure to hard work shapes leadership, and how he navigated stepping into leadership after personal loss. 

T...

Giving is often seen as something reserved for the wealthy, but the truth is far more personal and accessible.

How do you decide where your money, time, and energy can truly make a difference? And how can you feel confident that your contributions are creating real impact?

In this episode, Jamie Hopkins and Kate Duffy are joined by Elizabeth Wagner, Senior Vice President and Director of Endowments, Foundations, and Charitable Giving at Bryn Mawr Trust, to explore how individuals at any income level can approach philanthropy with intention. They break down how to evaluate charities...

What does it take to build a brand that inspires lasting loyalty while navigating decades of growth and rapid change? In this episode, Jamie Hopkins and Kate Duffy sit down with Chris Gheysens, CEO and Chairman of Wawa Inc., to explore the leadership mindset, ownership structure, and long‑term strategy behind one of the nation’s most recognizable retail brands.

Chris shares how servant leadership, employee ownership through Wawa’s ESOP, and a disciplined focus on customer experience fuel the company’s performance. He also discusses Wawa’s pragmatic approach to technology and AI, the realities of national e...

College costs keep rising, but the financial side is only part of the story. How do you plan for education while balancing emotions, expectations, and long-term goals?

In this episode, Jamie Hopkins and Kate Duffy break down smarter, more flexible ways to fund education while navigating the emotions, expectations, and values that shape these decisions.

They unpack practical strategies around tax‑free growth, frontloading contributions, new Roth rollover rules, and talking with kids about money.

Whether you’re a parent, planner, or just thinking ahead, this conversation delivers insights most families overlook.

Ke...

What does life look like after selling the business you’ve poured decades into building? How do you prepare for one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make?

In this episode, Jamie Hopkins and Kate Duffy are joined by Mark Bradford, Director of Wealth Planning at Bryn Mawr Trust Advisors, to explore the critical process of exit planning for business owners. They discuss why understanding enterprise value matters more than cash flow, the importance of assembling the right advisory team, and the stark differences between internal and external transitions. The conversation also covers common pitfalls, emot...

Why does tax time feel so overwhelming, and what can be done throughout the year to avoid those stressful moments in April?

In this episode, Jamie Hopkins and Kate Duffy are joined by Michael W. Valenti, CPA, CFP®, CEPA®, MAcc, Tax Director at Bryn Mawr Trust Advisors, to break down why taxes feel emotional and how proactive planning can ease that burden. They explore common causes of under-withholding, challenges for high earners, small business owners, and retirees, and how simple adjustments can reduce surprises. 

The conversation also covers bonus income, equity compensation, crypto reporting, and whe...

Periods of rapid growth can be both exhilarating and overwhelming—especially when new opportunities arrive faster than the plans to support them. So how do family‑run businesses scale without losing their values, identity, or sanity?

In this episode, Jamie Hopkins and Kate Duffy talk with Katey Evans, Founder of The Frozen Farmer, about how she transformed upcycled fruit into a beloved national brand. Katey shares how intentional planning, family collaboration, and building the right advisory team helped her navigate retail expansion, direct‑to‑consumer pivots, and a high‑visibility moment on Shark Tank.

Key points:

Periods of rapid growth can be both exhilarating and overwhelming—especially when new opportunities arrive faster than the plans to support them. So how do family‑run businesses scale without losing their values, identity, or sanity?

In this episode, Jamie Hopkins and Kate Duffy talk with Katey Evans, Founder of The Frozen Farmer, about how she transformed upcycled fruit into a beloved national brand. Katey shares how intentional planning, family collaboration, and building the right advisory team helped her navigate retail expansion, direct‑to‑consumer pivots, and a high‑visibility moment on Shark Tank.

Key points:

For those who receive a year-end bonus, it can be tempting to splurge or treat yourself. But what if that extra money could help you check off a major financial goal??

 In this episode, Jamie Hopkins and Kate Duffy dive into the psychology behind bonuses and why timing, taxes, and emotions matter more than you think. They share practical strategies to turn windfalls into long-term wins, covering everything from tax withholding and automation to emergency funds, Roth accounts, and 401(k) contributions. Plus, they break down how to approach bonuses at different career stages so you can make t...

Periods of economic uncertainty often lead people to question their financial choices, yet most long-term outcomes are shaped by steady decisions rather than day-to-day noise.

Why do we feel worried even when the data looks stable? How do rising prices, interest rates, and shifting job conditions influence real-life planning?

In this episode, Jamie Hopkins and Kate Duffy talk with Andrew Davis, CFA, Head of Macroeconomic Research at Bryn Mawr Trust, about inflation trends, labor market shifts, and what the past year reveals about consumer behavior. 

They walk through the Fed’s direction, the imp...

Many people talk about relationships in business, but few live it the way Sal Patti does.

His story shows how community, authenticity, and servant leadership can shape a career and the people around you.

From quiet beginnings to becoming Senior Vice President and Director of Commercial Banking at WSFS Bank, he reflects on the moments and mentors that shaped his success.

In this episode, Jamie Hopkins and Kate Duffy talk with Sal Patti about his journey from Philadelphia University to leading commercial banking teams, his connector bridge philosophy, and the role of trust...

Conversations about money, family, and purpose can be the hardest ones to have, yet they’re often the most important.

In this episode of The Planning Perspectives Podcast, hosts Jamie Hopkins and Kate Duffy sit down with Dr. George James, LMFT, MBA, licensed therapist, executive coach, and CEO of George Talks, to explore how communication, family roles, and personal narratives shape the way we live, lead, and love.

Dr. James opens up about his own experiences, the lessons behind his new book “I Give Myself Permission,” and how embracing open dialogue can transform relationships and redefi...

Retirement isn’t just about reaching a number or a specific age. It’s a significant life transition that requires preparation beyond financial planning.

How do you shift from a lifetime of saving to spending? How do you build new communities and find purpose when work becomes optional?

In this episode, Jamie Hopkins and Kate Duffy explore the concept of “practicing retirement” and how to prepare for this major life transition at every stage of life. They discuss the psychological challenges of spending down savings, the importance of aligning your values with your spending, and practica...

Leadership transitions often bring uncertainty, but with the right mindset, they can create opportunity and growth.

How do you step into bigger roles with confidence? How do mentorship, values, and community shape the journey of a leader?

In this episode of The Planning Perspectives Podcast, hosts Jamie Hopkins and Kate Duffy welcome Rodger Levenson, Chairman, President, and CEO of WSFS Financial Corporation. Rodger shares his career journey, the importance of mentorship, the challenges of saying no, and why community connection is central to WSFS’s culture.

Key takeaways:

In this episode, Jamie Hopkins and Kate Duffy sit down with Chris Buccini, Co-founder of the Buccini Pollin Group (BPG), to explore how a local dream grew into a $6 billion enterprise. 

Chris shares lessons from three decades in real estate, the power of teamwork, and how hospitality drives business success. His story blends family, community, and bold decisions that have helped shape the city of Wilmington, Delaware and beyond.

Key takeaways:

Retirement isn’t just about money; it’s about how you spend your time, maintain relationships, and create a meaningful life.

In this episode, Jamie Hopkins and Kate Duffy welcome Christine Benz, Morningstar’s Director of Personal Finance, to explore how retirement planning is shifting from purely financial to a more holistic approach.

Christine shares insights from her book How to Retire, highlighting why delaying retirement can be powerful, why relationships matter most, and how small lifestyle choices shape longevity.

Key takeaways:

Hosts Jamie Hopkins and Kate Duffy share their journeys, first money memories, and the life lessons behind financial planning.

From gravel shovels to fog machines, ballroom dancing to estate planning, they reveal how personal experiences shape the way we view money and life choices. Their candid reflections highlight the emotional and behavioral aspects of financial planning, underscoring why conversations about money are always deeply personal.

Key Points:

Welcome to The Planning Perspectives Podcast with Jamie Hopkins and Kate Duffy from Bryn Mawr Trust, a WSFS company. In this podcast, we bring you real, relatable conversations on being strategic with your money, thriving as a business leader, and powering through life’s transitions—all through the lens of intentional planning. With over a century of experience and insights from industry-leading guests, we go beyond day-to-day finances to explore the decisions that shape your life’s direction. Because when it comes to planning for the future, you don’t know what you don’t know—and that’s where we come