In this episode of the 9Innings Podcast, Kevin Thompson sits down with Andy Panko of Tenon Financial to reflect on their experiences at the Future Proof Festival — an innovative outdoor conference designed for the next generation of financial advisors. They dive into: The event’s unique format and open-air networking vibe The collaborative, rising-tide culture of the RIA community The power of specializing in client niches and knowing your lane Real-world strategies for adopting technology without getting overwhelmed The impact of mentorship, mastermind groups, and shared knowledge Why authenticity, intentional growth, and intentionality matter more than “hustle culture” Conference Participation & Value (00:02:17) Collaboration in the RIA Industry (00:04:09) Niching Strategies in Advisory Firms (00:06:39) Debate on the value of niching, how niches develop naturally, and different approaches to specialization. Technology in Advisory Practices (00:08:39) Tech Choices and Compliance (00:11:04) Mentorship and Community Support (00:16:15) Knowing Your Why & Defining Success (00:18:30) Cyclical Nature of Advisory Business (00:23:41) Intentionality and Running Your Own Race (00:29:10) NEWSLETTER (WHAT NOW): https://substack.com/@9icapital?r=2eig6s&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page Follow Us: youtube: / @9icap Linkedin: / kevin-thompson-ricp%c2%ae-cfp%c2%ae-74964428 facebook: / mlb2cfp Buy MLB2CFP Here: https://www.amazon.com/MLB-CFP%C2%AE-90-Feet-Counting-ebook/dp/B0BLJPYNS4 Website: http://www.9icapitalgroup.com Hit the subscribe button to get new content notifications. Corrections: Editing by http://SwoleNerdProductions.com Disclosure: https://sites.google.com/view/9idisclosure/disclosure