What really happens when advisory firms merge—and the tech doesn’t play nice?
In this episode of The WealthTech Podcast, Mark Wickersham sits down with Linda Bready for a candid conversation about the real-world challenges advisors face during M&A activity and post-deal integration. With decades of experience navigating complex tech ecosystems, Linda shares her frontline perspective on why so many integrations fail—and what advisors need to know to avoid the common pitfalls.
The discussion dives into the cost of poor data, the disconnect between executive vision and operational reality, and the overlooked human element in tech transitions. Linda highlights practical lessons for advisors who are evaluating new platforms, merging firms, or onboarding clients from acquired books of business.
About Linda Bready
Linda Bready is the president of CleverCX and founder of CleverX Consulting. A longtime innovator in financial services, she has helped shape the evolution of advisor technology and operations for more than two decades. She founded B-Ready Outsourcing, which was acquired by Envestnet in 2010, served in executive roles at FolioDynamix and Envestnet, and has consulted with industry leaders including Fidelity and eMoney. Today, she works with RIAs to improve operations, prepare for growth or acquisition, and lead successful post-sale transitions.
Company Overview
CleverX Consulting helps RIAs improve operations, strengthen teams, and prepare for M&A or growth—with a hands-on, practical approach that drives results.
CleverCX is transforming financial advice by seamlessly connecting investment products with simple financial planning, wrapped in an intuitive client experience.
About The WealthTech Podcast:
The WealthTech Podcast is a bi-monthly interview series hosted by Mark Wickersham. Each month we present conversations with various industry leaders that focuses on the challenges family wealth firms face with technology, people and process. The podcast is produced by Brad Oliver.
The WealthTech Podcast is brought to you by the generous support of Risclarity. Risclarity fills the technology gaps family wealth firms face when serving the complex needs of ultra-high net worth families.
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