Santiago in 2027
When I decided to evolve my business from the traditional financial planning of my first twenty years in the profession to life planning and integrative wealth, I knew I was early to the type of work I’d be doing. Being early means it takes the world a while to begin to see and understand what you’re doing, and that often means growth comes slowly. And that was perfectly fine because I have a great group of clients to continue serving while I wait for the world to catch up.
I’m still early, but the world is beginning to catch up.
And since I’m already early with life planning and integrated wealth, I thought, why not keep pushing the boundaries and try something new that aligns with something I believe in very strongly?
I’ve held this belief for the last few years, and I’m not the first to think it or say it, but I believe people are seeking human connection more than ever. Whether that's through community or events with like-minded people, I believe there is a tremendous opportunity to amplify impact by creating experiences for people and providing more opportunities to be in community.
The experiences that will amplify impact most will be in person.
Again, I'm not the first person to say this, but I wholeheartedly believe it, and I’ve realized it’s time to stop talking about it and start taking action.
Which brings me to the new (and slightly scary) change in how I begin relationships with new clients coming to Santiago in 2027:
New client relationships will begin with a short in-person retreat.
Whether you are starting with AlignedLife (life planning and integrated wealth, which continues with ongoing financial collaboration), AlignedLife+ (same as AlignedLife but continues with life coaching), or a project-based life and integrated wealth plan, the relationship will start with a retreat with 3-4 other people.
The goal is to create an amazing experience with others to kick off the relationship and complete some of the deeper and heavier exercises that I like to use with clients so when we begin meeting individually, we’ve already done a lot of important work, I’ve gotten to know you on a deeper level, and you have a great sense of the version of your Self you are pursuing. And hopefully, you have a few new friends embarking on the same, yet authentically their own, Pursuit.
The first retreat will be held in May in Fishers, IN—my hometown.
I chose May because spring weather is more likely, which will let us do some activities in nature instead of being indoors the entire time. In addition, May in Indiana is pretty special, with the activities and energy of the Indianapolis 500 and, hopefully, the Pacers in the NBA playoffs. This will also allow me to ensure the majority of my beginning-of-the-year reviews are completed for existing clients, creating space for the retreat and follow-up integration.
While I’m excited about this change, I’m also a little nervous—this is one of the situations where I know the nerves are telling me to keep pursuing.
Will anyone want to start with a retreat? (It’s not the normal way to start a relationship with my profession).
Will people be willing to wait to get started? (I’ve solved this with work and reading to complete leading up to the retreat).
Will people pay the extra cost to come to Fishers?
Can I create the container for the experience I envision? (I actually know the answer is yes—this is just a little imposter syndrome that I quickly silence).
Can I eventually shift from Fishers to Sedona for the retreat? (Yes.)
None of these concerns will keep me from doing this, and I know that after the first couple of retreats, there will be no problem getting people to buy into the process.
I’ve created a form on the Santiago website for those serious about learning more or making sure they are in the 3-5—it’s time to start attracting the right people to walk alongside as they bring their Authentic Selves and Lives to the world.
If you are interested in kicking off an AlignedLife relationship in 2027 or want to see which option is best for you, fill out the quick form, and I’ll be in touch ASAP.
Looking forward to seeing some of you in the spring!
Keep pursuing,
JC
