Preparing for the Wealth Shift of the Century: Highlights from the UHNW Institute’s Inaugural Women’s Leadership Summit
With the largest intergenerational wealth transfer in history underway, the Ultra High Net Worth (UHNW) Institute gathered a powerhouse group of female leaders in wealth management to explore the shifting financial landscape—and the pivotal role women will play in shaping it.
Held April 30–May 1 in Palm Beach, the inaugural Women’s Leadership Summit brought together advisors, family office leaders, and industry experts for strategic conversations around leadership, succession, and the evolving needs of women as wealth creators and decision-makers.
Guided by the theme “Preparing the UHNW Industry for the Female Decision-Maker and the Coming ‘Wealth Shift of the Century,’” the event combined research-driven insights with candid discussions on professional growth, family dynamics, and financial empowerment.
The day’s sessions and panelists included:
- The Wealth Transfer of the Century: The New Face of Wealth
Presenters:
- Jill Zucker, Senior Partner and Co-Leader, Growth Transformation Service Line, McKinsey
- Meg Sreenivas, Associate Partner, Financial Services Practice, McKinsey
- The Family Fire Drill Methodology: Proactive Crisis Planning for Wealth Continuity
Panelists:
- Harmony Abney, Director of Governance + Education, AlTi Tiedemann Global
- Sharon Klein, Executive Vice President and President, Wilmington Trust
- Angelique LeDoux, Managing Editor, The UHNW Institute
- Rebecca Meyer, Partner, Relative Solutions
- Creating the Transition to Leadership Roadmap
Panelists:
- Stacy Allred, Managing Director and Head of Family Engagement & Governance, J.P. Morgan Wealth Management
- Amy Hart Clyne, Chief Knowledge and Learning Officer, Pitcairn
- Kathy Lintz, Partner and Managing Member, Matter Family Office
- Jennifer Murtie, Partner and Chief Wealth Advisory Officer, Ballentine Partners, LLC
- Breakout Session #1: Governance Gridlock—Challenges and Solutions Surrounding Leadership Transitions.
Facilitators:
- Kathy Lintz, Partner and Managing Member, Matter Family Office
- Linda Mack, Founder and President, Mack International, LLC
- Doris Meister, Former Chairman and CEO, Wilmington Trust; CEO, Cove Hollow Advisors, LLC
- Breakout Session #2: The Great Balancing Act—The Sandwich Generation and the Roles We Play.
Facilitators:
- Diana Clark, President, Intent Clinical Consulting
- Betsy Erickson, Managing Director and Head of Family and Individual Services, Arabella Advisors
- Dune Thorne, Partner and Chief Strategy Officer, Brown Advisory
- Rosa McCormick, President, Key Light Capital LLC
- Breakout Session #3: Fiscal Diversity—Redefining Power, Wealth, and Inclusion.
Facilitators:
- Angelique LeDoux, Managing Editor, The UHNW Institute
- Kristen Oliveri, Senior Family Office Advisor, The UHNW Institute
- Erika Shaw, Executive Director, J.P. Morgan Private Bank
- In Conversation: Q&A With Women Decision Makers
Panelists:
- Christie Houlihan, Executive Director, Senior Family Office Advisor, J.P. Morgan Private Bank
- Angelique LeDoux, Managing Editor, The UHNW Institute
- Rosa McCormick, President, Key Light Capital LLC
- Kristen Oliveri, Senior Family Office Advisor, The UHNW Institute
- Dune Thorne, Partner and Chief Strategy Officer, Brown Advisory
Key Insights and Takeaways:
- Women and Wealth: According to new McKinsey research, women are now projected to control $34 trillion by 2030—up from $30 trillion—with an estimated $9 trillion opportunity for firms that serve this market.
- Advisory Gaps: Many women still feel underserved or overlooked by traditional advisors. The data calls for early engagement, empathetic communication, and personalized, comprehensive planning.
- Investor Archetypes: A new framework introduced six behavioral profiles of women investors—reinforcing the need to tailor services rather than default to generalized solutions/ treating all female clients the same.
- Systemic Change: To lead in a changing landscape, firms must address outdated gender assumptions, diversify advisor teams, and invest in training around emotional intelligence and family dynamics.
The Summit kicked off with networking events both on land and at sea aboard I Love This Boat, followed by a full day of panels, breakout sessions, and peer discussions led by experts in wealth management, philanthropy, and behavioral finance.
Special thanks to our Educational Partners—Mack International, Matter Family Office, Strategic Philanthropy, and Wealth Matters Consulting. Their support helped make this vital conversation possible. We also extend our sincere thanks to the Burrow Family Foundation and I Love This Boat for an unforgettable yacht experience, which is available for rent or purchase.
Read the report here.
