Category: Education
The Art of Building Bridges in Business with Sal Patti (Ep. 6)

The Art of Building Bridges in Business with Sal Patti (Ep. 6)

By |

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 in guiding clients through changing conditions.

Key Takeaways:

  • How Sal Patti’s early education and mentor support at Philadelphia University shaped his move from accounting into banking
  • His connector bridge approach and how relationship building is the key to long-term growth
  • Why leadership means listening, serving your team, and helping people flourish
  • How business owners who prepare, pivot, and innovate are finding stability in current market conditions
  • Why the human element still matters in a time of rising AI use and digital communication

Connect with Bryn Mawr Trust: 

Connect with Kate Duffy: 

Connect with Jamie Hopkins: 

Connect with Sal Patti: 

About our Guest: 

Salvatore Patti is Senior Vice President, Division Director of Commercial Banking in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and New Jersey region at WSFS Bank. Sal has more than 30 years’ experience in the Philadelphia market, delivering strong and consistent operating and financial results for the Commercial and Wealth divisions. He is an active member of the community, serving on the Executive Board of the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation, where he is Chairman of The Board. He is also a board member for Thomas Jefferson University – The Kanbar College of Design Engineering and Commerce, Rowan University Foundation and The Avenue of The Arts Board. Sal is a resident of Philadelphia and received his B.A. in Accounting and Finance from Philadelphia University.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More
The Power of Open Dialogue: Money, Trust, and Legacy Planning with Dr. George James (Ep. 5)

The Power of Open Dialogue: Money, Trust, and Legacy Planning with Dr. George James (Ep. 5)

By |

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 redefine what “enough” really means.

Key Takeaways:

  • How early money experiences and family narratives shape financial decision-making
  • Why conversations about money, trust, and values are essential for healthy relationships
  • The importance of understanding family roles in business and legacy planning
  • How scarcity and abundance mindsets influence both finances and fulfillment
  • Why giving yourself permission to rest, take risks, or grow is vital for balance and joy

Resources:

Connect with Bryn Mawr Trust: 

Connect with Kate Duffy: 

Connect with Jamie Hopkins: 

Connect with Dr. George James: 

About our Guest: 

George James, Psy.D., LMFT, MBA, is the CEO of George Talks, where he blends humor, insight, and years of experience to tackle the big issues we all face, whether it’s work-life balance, navigating relationships, or stepping up as a leader. With 20+ years in the field, George is a familiar face on shows like The TODAY Show, CNBC, and CNN, where he breaks down complex topics with clarity and a touch of wit. As the host of the LEAPCAST podcast, George sits down with leaders, athletes, and entertainers to get real about their personal and professional challenges. And as the co-host of Strike Out the Stigma with the Philadelphia Phillies, he’s bringing mental health to the forefront of the sports world.

George works with everyone from professional athletes and entertainers to executives and couples, helping them tackle everything from anxiety and leadership to parenting and communication. His consulting work with companies like Paramount, NBC Universal, and Google focuses on bridging mental health and relationships in the workplace. Known for his approachable style and no-nonsense advice, George helps people and organizations find balance, stay resilient, and thrive in their lives and careers.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More
How To Practice for Retirement (Ep. 4)

How To Practice for Retirement (Ep. 4)

By |

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 practical strategies like bucketing, visualization, and test-driving retirement lifestyle choices. 

  • Key takeaways:
  • The psychological and behavioral challenges of transitioning from saving to spending in retirement
  • The importance of retirement planning beyond finances, including identity shifts, community building, and lifestyle changes
  • How to use bucketing and visualization techniques throughout your life to align spending with your values and goals
  • Practical strategies for test-driving retirement
  • The counterintuitive benefit of stopping retirement savings 2-3 years before retiring to improve quality of life and potentially stay in the workforce longer

Resources:

Connect with Bryn Mawr Trust: 

Connect with Kate Duffy: 

Connect with Jamie Hopkins: 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More
Leading With Values and Vision with Rodger Levenson (Ep. 3)

Leading With Values and Vision with Rodger Levenson (Ep. 3)

By |

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:

  • How Rodger progressed from credit analyst to CEO, and the leadership lessons learned along the way
  • The importance of mentors and building meaningful peer relationships
  • Why learning to say “no” is essential for effective leadership
  • How business owners display resilience and adaptability in changing environments
  • Why connecting employees’ work to a greater purpose drives lasting impact in the community
  • And more!

Connect with Bryn Mawr Trust: 

Connect with Kate Duffy: 

Connect with Jamie Hopkins: 

Connect with Rodger Levenson: 

About Our Guest: 

Rodger Levenson is Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of WSFS Financial Corporation and its primary subsidiary, WSFS Bank.

Rodger has been a member of the WSFS Executive Management team since joining the Company in 2006. He has held several leadership roles at WSFS, including Executive Vice President (EVP) and Chief Operating Officer from July 2017 to December 2018, EVP and Chief Corporate Development Officer from June 2016 to July 2017, interim EVP and Chief Financial Officer from April 2015 to June 2016, and EVP and Chief Commercial Banking Officer from November 2006 to April 2015.

He began his banking career in 1986 in Philadelphia at CoreStates Financial (now part of Wells Fargo), where he led several business units over 17 years.

An active member of the Greater Philadelphia and Delaware communities, Rodger lends his experience and expertise to several local not-for-profits while continuing to champion economic growth throughout the region. His community and civic service includes memberships on the U.S. Federal Reserve Board’s Federal Advisory Council (FAC), Delaware Prosperity Partnership Board of Directors, as well as the Board of Directors, Executive Committee, and CEO Council for Growth of The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia. He also serves as a member of the Delaware Business Roundtable, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) Corporate Council, and on the Executive Committee of the Satell Institute for Corporate Social Responsibility. Rodger previously served as Chairman of the Delaware Bankers Association as well as the United Way of Delaware Board of Directors.

In 2021, Rodger was the recipient of the American Jewish Committee (AJC) Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey’s Community Leadership Award. In 2022, Rodger was named Drexel University Business Leader of the Year.

A native of Broomall, Pa., Rodger earned a Master of Business Administration from Drexel University and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Temple University. He reinforced his leadership experiences with certifications from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, the Center for Creative Leadership, and Harvard Business School.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More
Hospitality, Family, and Vision: Inside BPG with Chris Buccini (Ep. 2)

Hospitality, Family, and Vision: Inside BPG with Chris Buccini (Ep. 2)

By |

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:

  • The importance of preparing for downturns and building strong fundamentals in business
  • How hospitality principles influence real estate and client experiences
  • The role of leadership and team culture in scaling BPG to nearly 4,000 employees
  • The challenges and rewards of working with family and building respect in partnerships
  • The origin and impact of BPG Sports and its role in Delaware’s economy
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Bryn Mawr Trust: 

Connect with Kate Duffy: 

Connect with Jamie Hopkins: 

Connect with Chris Buccini: 

About Our Guest: 

Chris Buccini is Founder of Buccini Pollin Group, Inc. (“BPG”), a privately-held, real estate investment, development, and management company.  BPG develops and acquires hotel, office, residential, retail, and parking properties, and sports and entertainment venues throughout the United States. Chris leads the firm’s investment management platform, Corten Capital, and its commercial management affiliate, BPG Real Estate Services, LLC, and is a director of PM Hotel Group, Inc., a hotel management company with over 3,500 rooms under management. In addition, Chris is co-founder and co-owner of Major League Soccer’s Philadelphia Union.

Chris is the Chairman of the YPO Intercontinental Chapter, a member of the Board of Trustees of Wilmington Friends School, a member of the University of Delaware President’s Leadership Council, the Delaware Business Roundtable, and Hagley Museum and Library Council of Advisors.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More
Redefining Retirement with Christine Benz (Ep. 1)

Redefining Retirement with Christine Benz (Ep. 1)

By |

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:

  • Why phasing into retirement often works better than stopping suddenly
  • The value of enjoying experiences like family trips, even while still working
  • How relationships form the core of happiness in retirement
  • Why men, in particular, should proactively plan for social interactions after work
  • The role of physical activity and everyday interactions in staying well longer 

Resources:

Connect with Bryn Mawr Trust: 

Connect with Kate Duffy: 

Connect with Jamie Hopkins: 

Connect with Christine Benz: 

About Our Guest: 

Christine Benz is director of personal finance and retirement planning for Morningstar and senior columnist for Morningstar.com. In that role, she focuses on retirement and portfolio planning for individual investors. 

Benz is the author of How to Retire: 20 Lessons for a Happy, Successful, and Wealthy Retirement (Harriman House, September 2024). She also wrote 30-Minute Money Solutions: A Step-by-Step Guide to Managing Your Finances (Wiley, 2010) and Morningstar® Guide to Mutual Funds: 5-Star Strategies for Success, published in 2005. 

She also co-hosts a podcast for Morningstar, The Long View, which features in-depth interviews with thought leaders in investing and personal finance. She is a frequent public speaker and is widely quoted in the media, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Barron’s, CNBC, and PBS. In 2020, Barron’s named her to its inaugural list of the 100 most influential women in finance; she appeared on the 2021 list as well. In 2021, Barron’s named her as one of the 10 most influential women in wealth management. 

Before assuming her current role in 2008, she served as Morningstar’s director of mutual fund analysis and was editor of Morningstar Mutual Funds and Morningstar FundInvestor.

Benz holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and Russian from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She is president of the board for the John C. Bogle Center for Financial Literacy. Benz is also a member of The Alpha Group, a group of thought leaders from the wealth management industry from across the country. In her free time, she works with underprivileged women to improve their understanding of personal finance concepts.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More
Welcome to The Planning Perspectives Podcast: The Human Side of Planning with Jamie Hopkins & Kate Duffy

Welcome to The Planning Perspectives Podcast: The Human Side of Planning with Jamie Hopkins & Kate Duffy

By |

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:

  • Jamie and Kate’s backstory of meeting and how they came together at Bryn Mawr Trust
  • First money memories and how early experiences shape money attitudes
  • Emotional and psychological factors in financial planning, from independence to fear of loss
  • Their biggest “aha” moments around money and the importance of planning before a crisis
  • Personal recharge activities like ballroom dancing, cooking, movies, and how balance ties into intentional planning

Connect with Bryn Mawr Trust: 

Connect with Kate Duffy: 

Connect with Jamie Hopkins: 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More