Big ideas that educate, elevate, and motivate: insights to enhance your business
At Global Atlantic, we understand that growing your business is one of your top priorities. The Consulting Group is a Global Atlantic team dedicated to your growth as a financial professional through innovative practice management workshops, advanced markets insights, and multicultural markets expertise.
We’re constantly monitoring market trends, understanding the “why” behind industry shifts, and delivering actionable solutions to support you, your clients, and your business goals.
Head of the Consulting Group
Jeannie Underwood-Kotner
Jeannie is the dynamic and energetic head of The Consulting Group. Backed by over 25 years in the financial services industry, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience into the practice management content she develops. Content that, when delivered by someone as magnetic and passionate as Jeannie, becomes transformative to her audiences.
Practice Management Consulting
To help you address the industry’s unique challenges and opportunities, our Practice Management consultants create and deliver engaging programs online and in person. Our programs are based on customized research and uncommon intellectual capital for you, your clients, and your prospects.
Julie Schneider
Practice Management Consultant
Julie has been a steadfast figure in the financial services industry for more than three decades. Throughout that time, she’s held roles in sales, operations, distribution, and recruiting, making her incredibly well-versed in many facets of the business. On top of this impressive foundation, Julie adds remarkable passion and poise that, together, make her truly captivating on stage.
Kirk Bowman
Practice Management Consultant
A gifted presenter, leader, and motivator, Kirk’s larger than life personality makes him a natural on stage. His ability to connect with audiences of all kinds comes from a storied career that began in coaching and broadcasting. From there, Kirk went on to sales and sales leadership before eventually taking the leap into the financial services industry, where he’s been for the last 10 years.
Patrick Scanlon
Practice Management Consultant
As one of the longest-tenured members of the Global Atlantic Practice Management Consulting team, Pat is a well-known and highly sought-after speaker. Whether on stage or across the conference table, he’s as knowledgeable as he is committed to helping financial professionals build their businesses. Through his insights into client psychology, customer engagement techniques, and message simplification exercises, Pat’s goal is to be a true partner and champion for the financial professional’s success.
Pei Yin (Joey) Ng
Practice Management Consultant
A Certified Financial Planner, Joey brings a wealth of insight to her workshop presentations and also helps financial professionals and institutions identify and capitalize on emerging market opportunities. As a Malaysian-Chinese professional, and fluent in Mandarin, Joey is incredibly passionate about serving the Asian-American community as well.
Javier Peña
Practice Management Consultant
Originally from Colombia, Javier is fluent in both English and Spanish and got his start in the financial services industry more than 20 years ago as a Retirement Specialist on the Bilingual team at Principal Financial Group. Javier is a highly-sought presenter and continues to serve the Hispanic community by bridging the language and culture gaps in the financial services industry.
View more insights from the Practice Management Consulting team
Advanced Markets Consulting
When you need help supporting clients with complex retirement planning issues, our Advanced Markets Consulting team is ready to help. They can provide expert guidance and support, case design, and creative annuity strategies to help clients achieve their financial goals.
Thea Marasa-Scafidi
Head of Advanced Markets
Thea brings more than a decade of financial industry experience to Global Atlantic, having held roles at Bank of America and Lincoln Financial Distributors, where she worked in annuities with a focus on wholesaling, wholesaler partnerships, and advanced sales. Thea focuses on providing unique and strategic solutions for financial professionals and their clients.
Phil Moat
Advanced Markets Consultant
With over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, Phil is a seasoned professional with expertise in investment strategies, client relationships, and product analysis. Currently an AVP at Global Atlantic Financial Group, Phil collaborates with internal and external teams to drive sales, develop educational content, and stay ahead of industry trends. He’s particularly skilled in financial analysis and research, giving him the ability to develop tailored solutions and personalized service at the highest level. Phil holds several industry certifications, including ChFC, CFS, and FINRA licenses. In addition, Phil is a devoted husband, a father of three, and proud Philadelphia sports fan!
View more insights from the Advanced Markets Consulting team
Creative Storytelling Consulting
Creative Storytelling works closely with Practice Management and Advanced Markets to create research-informed workshops, materials, and tools to help financial professionals attract and retain clients and prospects. We turn complex insights into financial professional- and consumer-facing narratives that support business growth.
Bill Sweeney
Head of Creative Storytelling Consulting
Part storyteller, researcher, strategist, writer and designer, Bill develops industry-leading content to help financial professionals increase their revenue and grow their business. Deeply rooted within the financial services industry, Bill’s career spans more than 25 years, working for MassMutual, The Hartford, and Prudential, before joining Global Atlantic in 2016. This depth of experience, paired with his tireless imagination, have propelled his career and make him a creative force behind the Consulting Group.
Lorrie Macy
Creative Storytelling Consultant
Lorrie is a creative powerhouse with strong writing, design and strategic skills. Well known for being a collaborative design partner and team player, she has more than 10 years of experience within the financial services industry, working for MassMutual and Empower both as a marketer and a designer. Lorrie loves to connect the dots to tell the right story in the most compelling way.
Need help?
Find all the contact information to submit and service your business.