Happy Thursday,

AI isn’t slowing down—and neither should we. This newsletter is your shortcut to practical ideas and smarter strategies to grow, lead, and adapt as tech reshapes our industry.

To take it one step further, I’ve launched a new YouTube series. Each month, I’m sharing quick, tactical videos showing how advisors can use tools like ChatGPT to save time, think better, and scale more efficiently—starting with the work you're already doing.

Watch my latest episode here

The AI Edge

Helping advisors scale from 1 person to many people.

AI Application:

HeyGen

Overview:

HeyGen creates AI-generated video avatars that look and sound remarkably like you, enabling personalized video creation at unprecedented scale. The platform works by analyzing a short video recording of yourself to create a digital twin that can deliver any script with your voice and mannerisms. What makes HeyGen particularly powerful is its integration capabilities—you can connect authentic voice clones from platforms like ElevenLabs to ensure the audio matches your natural speech patterns. The result is professional-quality video content that maintains personal connection while removing the time constraints of traditional video production. Think of it as having an on-demand version of yourself that can deliver personalized messages, educational content, or client communications 24/7 without stepping in front of a camera each time.

How to apply HeyGen to the business today:

• Create personalized client check-in videos addressing specific portfolio performance or market conditions

• Generate educational content series on financial concepts without repeated filming sessions

• Develop welcome videos for new clients that include their names and specific onboarding information

• Scale video responses to common client questions while maintaining personal touch

Advanced:

• Build comprehensive client education libraries with your avatar explaining complex financial strategies

• Create seasonal market commentary videos that can be quickly updated with current data

• Develop emergency communication protocols using pre-scripted avatar videos for market volatility

• Generate prospect nurturing sequences with personalized messaging at scale

• Implement client anniversary and milestone videos that reference specific relationship history

What could this application mean for the future of our business?

HeyGen represents a fundamental shift in how we think about personal scalability in wealth management. The advisor-client relationship has always been built on personal connection, but traditional video communication required choosing between scale and personalization. This technology dissolves that trade-off, enabling truly personalized communication at institutional scale.

The deeper implication touches on client expectations and competitive differentiation. As clients become accustomed to receiving personalized video messages that address their specific situations, firms that rely solely on generic communications will appear increasingly impersonal by comparison. More importantly, this technology democratizes sophisticated client communication—solo advisors can now deliver the kind of personalized touch that previously required large support teams.

Looking ahead, the advisors who master these tools early will establish new service standards that reshape client expectations across the industry. When creating authentic, personalized video content becomes this accessible, the bar for client engagement rises dramatically, and those who adapt quickly will have a significant advantage in both client retention and new business development.

See HeyGen in action:

In this week's video, I walk through the complete process of creating a digital avatar from a simple 2.5-minute recording to a finished, professional video. Watch as I upload a casual video of myself speaking, then witness the platform analyze my facial expressions, speech patterns, and mannerisms to create a digital twin. The most striking moment comes when I integrate my voice clone from ElevenLabs—suddenly the avatar isn't just moving lips to generic speech, but delivering content with my authentic vocal patterns and inflections. I demonstrate how a blog post transforms into a video script through AI assistance, then becomes a polished two-minute video featuring my avatar explaining complex topics. What impresses me most isn't just the technical achievement, but the practical applications: imagine sending personalized portfolio updates to 200 clients without scheduling 200 separate recording sessions, or creating educational content in multiple languages while maintaining your personal touch. The impact extends beyond what we imagine in our industry today.

The best is ahead!

-Matt