Don't Do That: Don’t Skip the Sounding Board with Matt Ackermann, Integrated Partners (Ep.36)
Summary:
In this candid, hilarious, and deeply insightful episode of Don’t Do That, Kelly Waltrich turns the microphone on longtime friend and industry creative force Matt Ackermann. Known for asking the questions, Matt opens up about his unconventional career path – from financial journalism and multimedia storytelling to shaping brand, culture, and content inside one of the fastest-growing RIAs in the industry.
Together, Kelly and Matt unpack what it really means to love your job, why creativity is a responsibility (not a risk), and how trusting relationships, strong culture, and a few well-timed gut checks can turn wild ideas into career-defining moments. From houseboats in Utah and flyboarding mishaps to expense reports gone wrong, this episode is a masterclass in why the best work happens when you’re willing to look a little silly and smart enough to surround yourself with people who’ll stop you when you’re about to cross the line.
At its core, this conversation is about ownership: owning your enthusiasm, owning your growth, and owning the need for people who can protect you from yourself. If you’re in financial services – or any industry craving more creativity, humanity, and joy – this one’s for you.
00:00 – Opening reflections: risk-taking, curiosity, loving what you do, and the show’s no-fluff philosophy
00:01:43 – Matt Ackermann: career origin story, journalism, InvestmentNews, Practice Makeover, and the pivot to RIAs
00:04:18 – Career inflection points: impact, culture, trust, leadership, and finding the right home
00:08:09 – Creativity at work: the “10% rule,” bold ideas, annual meeting experiences, and financial literacy for kids
00:11:28 – Storytelling in financial services: trade media fatigue, Secret Life of Advisors, authentic advisor stories
00:16:03 – Behind-the-scenes chaos: houseboats, flyboarding, job satisfaction, and bringing the right energy
00:19:56 – People and connections: redefining value, seeking joy, favorite interviews, trust, and authenticity
00:24:05 – Helping advisors shine: concierge-level creativity, compliance collaboration, and creative momentum
00:29:31 – Creativity vs. corporate policy: expense reports, protecting yourself from yourself, and unchecked excitement
00:36:32 – Planning and reflections: rallying for creativity in 2026, balancing ideas with outcomes, and closing thoughts
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About Our Guest:
Matt supports the firm’s growth by creating content that enlightens, informs, and entertains. He is passionate about shining a spotlight on the incredible advisors and thought leaders at Integrated Partners and enjoys leveraging blogs, podcasts, and multimedia to showcase the firm’s talent. He has always believed he has a fun job wherever he goes, spending his career coloring inside – and at times outside – the lines to create compelling content. Through strong storytelling, Matt helps show and tell the impactful work advisors are doing from coast to coast.
He has spent the past 20 years working for leading wealth management media outlets, producing content that stands apart. Before joining Integrated Partners in 2020, he served as Director of Multimedia at InvestmentNews, where he earned 15 ASPBE awards for digital content creation. His work included Practice Makeover, a reality series focused on helping financial advisors jumpstart their businesses, and a documentary on impact investing that debuted at the United Nations in 2019. Earlier in his career, Matt worked at Financial Planning, American Banker, and the New Jersey Law Journal, where he was honored with the New Jersey Press Association’s “Rookie of the Year” Award in 1997.