Ep. 31

Today’s conversation feels especially meaningful to me, because I get to introduce someone I had the privilege of working alongside during my time at the University of Utah. Beth is currently the Associate Director of the Financial Wellness Center—but titles don’t quite capture what she actually does. She’s one of those rare professionals who doesn’t just step into a role… she expands it. Constantly. You know the type—always paying attention, always noticing what’s missing, and then doing something about it. Beth is the person tabling at events that didn’t exist before, piloting ideas that haven’t been tested yet, and building initiatives not because they’re easy—but because they matter. Her work in financial wellness isn’t theoretical—it’s deeply human. It’s about access, dignity, and making sure people have the tools to make informed decisions about their lives. Whether that’s leading IRS-certified volunteer programs that hold themselves to the highest standards of service—even when it means asking someone to come back with the right documents—or expanding counseling access so that every member of a campus community feels seen and supported. One of the things I’ve always respected most about Beth is that she doesn’t wait for permission to care at scale. She helped bring to life initiatives like personalized, one-on-one financial counseling for university employees—making financial guidance more accessible, more practical, and more integrated into everyday life. And alongside all of that, she continues to invest in her own growth—recently earning her CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification, which speaks not just to her expertise, but to her commitment to doing this work at the highest level. But beyond the credentials and the programs, what stands out most is her belief in the impact of this work—and her ability to bring other people along with her. You see it in the volunteers she mentors, the teams she builds, and the pride she takes in collective success. Beth doesn’t just talk about financial well-being—she builds systems that make it possible. I’m really grateful to have her here today. Beth, welcome to Real Talk.