Summer’s spaciousness has officially left the building. Q4 brings board books, family dynamics, next-gen breakthroughs, and a little time chasing my favorite band around the world.

Over time, something happens that can’t happen in a one-off project: context accumulates. I know what happened eight months ago. I remember why we made that decision. I understand the relationships in the room, the questions that have been lingering beneath the surface, and the history behind the choices a family is making today. That’s what makes long-term philanthropic advising so valuable to me. I’m not just helping a family navigate the decision in front of them. I’m helping them navigate the bigger arc of their philanthropy.

This summer, I had something I don’t often have: space. With fewer deadlines and networking meetings on my calendar, I found myself more open to the unexpected conversations and connections around me—and more tuned in to my own intuition. It reminded me that creating space isn’t just something I value personally; it’s a big part of how I think about my work as a philanthropic advisor.

After 351 networking meetings, I learned that expertise alone rarely makes someone memorable. Personality, communication style, and genuine connection are often what turn a good advisor into a great one - and inspired my new video series, Behind the Advisor in 100 Seconds.

In theory, “fewer, larger grants” sounds straightforward. In practice, it often means revisiting long-standing relationships, traditions and personal attachments.

Philanthropy sounds simple from the outside. In reality it sits at the intersection of money, family, and purpose, which means there’s always more happening beneath the surface.

Long before I worked in philanthropy, I experienced it from the other side. Years later, through a combination of extremely hard work and some luck, giving back to the community became something much more personal.

If you work with families long enough, you start to notice a pattern: philanthropy is often where unresolved family dynamics show up most clearly.

When families haven’t aligned on why different generations are involved, how decisions are actually made and what kinds of authority accompanies responsibility, philanthropic strategy struggles to land - no matter how thoughtful it is.

This month marks one year of advising families as they shape the future of their philanthropy — and I’m grateful for what this first chapter held.

Help your charitably-inclined clients make a meaningful impact—without adding hours to your workload. Learn how partnering with a philanthropy advisor can streamline the process and elevate your service.

Don’t miss the chance to talk to HNW clients about giving their money away. Everyone wishes they could do more with their money - and for these clients, they actually can.