Intentional Thinking, Real-World Impact

New Ditch the Suits Episodes - with Hannah Burchell, Senior Wealth Manager

Clarity Over Headlines in the Age of AI- CJ Gettelfinger, Investment Planner

Ripple Effect of a Book Report- Tonya Laughing, Client Services Associate

In this two-part conversation on Ditch the Suits, Travis Maus is joined by Hannah Burchell, Senior Wealth Manager at S.E.E.D. Planning Group, to explore the deeper realities behind financial stress and decision-making. Together, they unpack how money anxiety is often rooted in life experiences, family dynamics, communication challenges, and fear driven by headlines or outside influence, rather than the numbers themselves. Through real client stories, they discuss the importance of open, honest conversations, aligning financial decisions with personal values, and building flexible plans that account for change, uncertainty, and emotion. The episodes offer practical insight on navigating market volatility, family expectations, and major life transitions, while emphasizing that thoughtful planning, clarity, and communication can help people feel more confident, prepared, and at peace with their financial lives.  

CJ Gettelfinger, Investment Planner

In recent months, conversations with clients have increasingly circled around one topic: the possibility of an AI market bubble. With headlines moving faster than the technology itself, it’s natural to feel both excited and uneasy. When I sit down with clients during our review meeting, I help explain to them that markets are built on cycles of optimism and skepticism, and our job is not to chase every surge or fear every dip. Instead, we focus on building portfolios that can weather uncertainty without missing meaningful opportunities. I remind them that while AI is a powerful force shaping today’s economy, we’ve intentionally kept our exposure to the technology balanced, not so little that we miss out on innovation, but not so much that we risk overconcentration. 

At the same time, I emphasize that participating in growth is essential to reaching their long-term goals. Completely avoiding technology can be just as risky as overinvesting in it. Together, we review how their portfolios already incorporate measured positions in companies benefiting from AI trends, alongside diverse holdings in sectors that tend to stay resilient regardless of market exuberance. I’m transparent about the fact that I can’t predict exactly where AI will lead us, as no one can. But what we can control is our preparation. We’ve built their plans on discipline, diversification, and a long-term perspective, not on emotional reactions to short-term noise. 

I want all of our clients to leave our meetings feeling grounded. Rather than trying to outguess the future or overreact to headlines, we stay focused on the strategies that have historically guided investors through both booms and corrections. Our approach positions them to benefit from innovation while remaining protected if enthusiasm cools. In a market that may feel full of uncertainty, our greatest tool remains our steady, thoughtful planning we put in place from the very beginning. 

Tonya Laughing, Client Services Associate

At S.E.E.D. Planning Group, every new employee begins their first year with a shared focus on growth through monthly new-hire meetings. These sessions go far beyond orientation. They are open, thoughtful conversations designed to build curiosity, confidence, creativity, and leadership. One of the most meaningful assignments during this time is the book report. Completed either individually or in small groups, these reports ask employees to explore a book’s impact on three levels: personal growth, office culture, and the broader community. 

During my first year, our assigned book was Surrounded by Idiots by Thomas Erikson. The title may raise a few eyebrows, but the message is surprisingly powerful. People who seem difficult are not “idiots.” They simply have different personality styles. Erikson’s framework, based on the DISC model, organizes behavior into four colors: Red, Yellow, Green, and Blue. Learning to recognize these differences helps us communicate more effectively, collaborate with intention, and build stronger relationships by adapting to how others think and work. 

The book made a lasting impression on me. I have reread it several times, not just to reinforce the lessons, but to reflect on my own growth within the company. Those insights have extended well beyond my professional life into my volunteer work with my local fire department. While I am not on the front lines fighting fires, I support the leadership team by helping improve standards, internal training, and community programs. 

Recently, one of the department leaders shared concerns about growing tension within the firehouse. In an environment where teamwork under pressure can be a matter of life and death, that kind of discord cannot be ignored. I suggested Surrounded by Idiots as a team read and encouraged everyone to present on its impact personally, professionally, and within the community. The idea was met with enthusiasm. 

The results were remarkable. Within weeks, communication improved, teamwork strengthened, and morale noticeably increased. Leadership took notice of the shift, and other firehouses in the region have since adopted the same approach. What began as a simple book report turned into a ripple effect that continues to spread. 

But ripples do not start on their own. They need something to set them in motion. I am grateful that S.E.E.D. Planning Group chose to be that force, challenging us to grow not just for the company, but for ourselves and the communities we serve. 

Be the ripple. Pass it on.