Making an Impact: Reflections from the Ascend Conference Advocacy in Action Session | Pacific Wealth Planning
This past month, I had the privilege of taking the main stage at the Annual Ascend Conference for the Advocacy in Action session—a highlight of the event held on Thursday, February 6. Joined by fellow panelists Dale Brown, President and CEO of FSI and Gary Baker (upcoming FSI Board Member), and expertly moderated by Kestra Financials’ CCO Mike Pedlow, we dove into a powerful 25-minute discussion that left attendees inspired and equipped to drive change in our industry.
The session was all about shining a spotlight on advocacy—why it matters, how it works, and what advisors like you can do to make a difference. Here’s a recap of the key takeaways and why this conversation resonated so deeply.
Real Stories That Inspire
We kicked things off by sharing real advocacy stories that hit home. From participating in Capitol Hill Day to championing FSI initiatives, Dale, Gary, and I each brought personal experiences to the table—moments where our voices as advisors helped shape policies and secure a brighter future for our clients and our profession. These weren’t just anecdotes; they were proof that when advisors speak up, lawmakers listen. Whether it’s influencing legislation or amplifying the needs of our industry, these stories showed the tangible impact of getting involved.
FSI: Your Partner in Advocacy
A big part of our discussion centered on the Financial Services Institute (FSI) and its pivotal role in empowering advisors. FSI isn’t just a resource—it’s a leader in advocacy, providing the tools, support, and platform we need to navigate complex issues and effect real change. We explored how FSI bridges the gap between advisors and policymakers, offering everything from educational resources to hands-on opportunities like Capitol Hill Day. It’s a partnership that turns our collective voice into a force for progress.
Your Next Steps: Turning Inspiration into Action
The session wasn’t just about celebrating wins—it was about equipping advisors with practical ways to get started. We shared actionable steps, like joining an FSI initiative, staying informed on key issues, or simply reaching out to your local representatives. Advocacy doesn’t have to feel daunting; it’s about leveraging your influence as an advisor to protect and advance the profession you’ve built. We encouraged everyone to see it not as an obligation, but as an opportunity—a chance to shape the future of your practice and our industry as a whole.
Why It Matters
What made this session so special was its energy. Hearing Dale and Gary’s passion, paired with Mike’s sharp moderation, brought the power of advocacy to life. It was a reminder that we’re not just advisors—we’re advocates with the ability to influence the policies that impact our clients, our businesses, and our livelihoods.
A huge thank you to Ascend for hosting us and to FSI for continuing to lead the charge in advocacy. If you weren’t able to join us on February 6, I hope this inspires you to take a closer look at how you can get involved. Together, we can keep pushing the needle forward—one story, one action, one voice at a time.
Ready to make your mark? Let’s connect and talk about how you can step into advocacy with confidence.
