Welcome back to Financial Behavior Thought Leaders! In this compelling episode, host Dr. Mary Bell Carlson sits down with Lazetta Rainey Braxton, renowned financial planner, keynote speaker, and one of the exclusive voices of the Financial Behavior Keynote Group. Lazetta is widely recognized for her leadership in advancing cultural competency, inclusion, and equity within the financial services industry. Together, Mary and Lazetta dig deep into the critical topic of “How to Stay Relevant in an Increasingly Diverse Environment,” examining why cultural awareness and inclusion are no longer just buzzwords, but essential skills for advisors, event planners, and all financial professionals.

Lazetta shares her personal journey from speaking in church as a child, to evolving into a leader and influential speaker in financial services. She opens up about how her lived experience as a Black woman in America, combined with her commitment to empowering others to use their voices, informs her work and perspective on diversity in finance. The conversation navigates the changing demographic landscape in the United States, the impact of identity on client relationships, and practical strategies for expanding cultural knowledge and fostering inclusion.

Whether you’re a financial advisor seeking to better serve a diverse client base, an event planner searching for dynamic speakers, or simply passionate about meaningful change in financial services, this episode offers both inspiration and actionable guidance. Listen in for a frank, heartfelt, and empowering discussion about relevance, representation, and resilience in the evolving world of finance.

Key Takeaways:

1. Cultural Competency Is Essential for Relevance
2. Lazetta emphasizes that as U.S. demographics continue to change—becoming a “racial mosaic” by 2050—advisors must actively grow their cultural competency to remain relevant and serve new generations of clients. Understanding the lived experiences, values, and identities of clients from underrepresented backgrounds allows for more authentic, effective engagement.
3. Self-Education and Vulnerability Are Critical Steps
4. Genuine inclusion isn’t just about good intentions—it requires intentional learning and vulnerability. Lazetta shares her own efforts to educate herself through books, movies, and diversity training (including resources targeted at different racial and social groups), underscoring the importance of continuous self-improvement in this area.
5. Inclusion Begins with Doing the Inner Work
6. To create inclusive environments, advisors and leaders must first address their own biases, emotional responses, and comfort zones. Lazetta advocates for personal reflection, therapy, and a willingness to sit with discomfort as precursors to truly inclusive, empathetic client relationships.
7. Authenticity and Clear Communication Matter
8. Rather than falsely advertising inclusivity, Lazetta encourages advisors to be honest about whom they serve best, while continually working to broaden their competence. She also highlights the necessity of creating space for clients and colleagues to express emotion and different perspectives—even those that may feel uncomfortable.
9. Forgiveness, Flexibility, and Ongoing Practice for Growth
10. Perfection is not expected—progress is. The episode explores the importance of practicing new behaviors, like correctly using pronouns, and being open to correction, feedback, and forgiveness. This flexibility not only builds trust but models the growth mindset needed to adapt in a rapidly diversifying field.

If you’re interested in deepening your understanding of cultural competency, building inclusive leadership, or booking Lazetta for your next event, download her speaker sheet at financialbehaviorthoughtleaders.com.

Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes insights from the thought leaders shaping the future of financial services on Financial Behavior Thought Leaders!