Tag: Artificial Intelligence
2026 Mid-Year Economic Outlook: Inflation, AI & Consumer Resilience with Andrew Davis, CFA (Ep. 22)

2026 Mid-Year Economic Outlook: Inflation, AI & Consumer Resilience with Andrew Davis, CFA (Ep. 22)

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Is the economy slowing down, or is it simply returning to a more normal pace? With headlines pulling attention in different directions, it can be difficult to separate short-term noise from the longer-term trends that may shape financial decisions and investment outcomes.

In this episode of the Planning Perspectives Podcast, Jamie Hopkins and Kate Duffy welcome back Andrew Davis, CFA, Head of Investment Strategy at Bryn Mawr Trust, to discuss the 2026 Mid-Year Economic Outlook. Together, they examine why consumers and businesses have remained resilient despite persistent uncertainty, how inflation and interest rates continue to influence markets, what AI-driven productivity gains could mean for future economic growth, and why investors may be better served by focusing on long-term fundamentals rather than reacting to daily market headlines.

Key takeaways:

  • Why consumer and business resilience has continued despite inflation, higher interest rates, and economic uncertainty
  • How the Federal Reserve is navigating inflation, interest rates, and labor market dynamics
  • What artificial intelligence and productivity gains could mean for growth, earnings, and investment opportunities over the coming decade
  • Why today’s interest-rate environment may reflect economic normalization—and why long-term investors should stay focused on fundamentals rather than short-term market noise

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About our Guest: 

Andrew Davis, CFA, is the Head of Investment Strategy at Bryn Mawr Trust Advisors, where he helps shape the firm’s investment outlook, asset allocation decisions, portfolio positioning, and advisor guidance. He specializes in translating complex developments across the economy, financial markets, and public policy into clear, actionable insights for investors.

Throughout his career, Andrew has worked at the intersection of economics, investment strategy, and portfolio management. Before joining Bryn Mawr Trust, he held investment strategy and economist roles at SEI, Moody’s Analytics, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Today, he leads the firm’s market and economic research efforts, supporting advisors, clients, and investment decision-making across the organization. He regularly shares his perspectives through market commentary, client presentations, media appearances, and his weekly video series, Two the Point, which helps investors navigate an increasingly complex investment landscape.

Andrew is also a frequent media contributor, appearing on outlets including CNBC and SiriusXM to discuss economic trends, market risks, portfolio strategy, and the outlook for investors. His investment philosophy is grounded in disciplined asset allocation, thoughtful risk management, and a long-term perspective, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a consistent investment process through changing market environments.

He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation, an MBA from The Wharton School, and a Master’s degree in Applied Economics from Johns Hopkins University.

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Leading Wawa’s Legacy of Growth with Chris Gheysens (Ep. 13)

Leading Wawa’s Legacy of Growth with Chris Gheysens (Ep. 13)

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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 expansion, and why protecting human connection remains central to the brand’s competitive edge.

Chris discusses:

  • His 33‑year Wawa journey—from Deloitte accountant to longtime CEO and Chairman
  • How Wawa’s ESOP makes over half of its 51,000 associates true employee‑owners
  • The impact of servant leadership and a people‑first culture on loyalty and retention
  • Wawa’s pragmatic approach to AI and its national expansion toward 1,700 stores

Connect with Bryn Mawr Trust: 

Connect with Kate Duffy: 

Connect with Jamie Hopkins: 

Connect with Chris Gheysens: 

About our Guest: 
Chris Gheysens is the CEO and Chairman of Wawa, one of the country’s most recognized and beloved convenience retail brands. With over 33 years at the company, Chris began his career at Deloitte, where Wawa became one of his clients, before joining the organization in 1997. He has held roles across accounting, operations, IT, and human resources, and served as CFO before stepping into the CEO role 14 years ago. Under his leadership, Wawa has grown to more than 1,200 stores and 51,000 associates across 14 states, with plans to reach nearly 1,700 locations by the end of the decade. Chris is a strong advocate for servant leadership and employee ownership, overseeing one of the largest Employee Stock Ownership Plans in the country, where associates share the same stock rights as the founding family. A Villanova University graduate, Chris is deeply committed to building a culture that is both highly caring and results-driven, and believes that putting people first, both employees and customers, is the foundation of long-term business strength.

**note: This guest is a non‑paid member of the WSFS Financial Corporation Board of Directors**

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