We are excited to announce that our 2026 seminar will be led by Sara Konrath, PhD, social scientist and Director of the Interdisciplinary Program on Empathy and Altruism Research (iPEAR) at Indiana University’s Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. Dr. Konrath will present Beyond Numbers: Transforming How Advisors Win and Retain Clients, a research-based exploration of empathy’s role in cultivating stronger, more trusting client relationships and enhancing professional practice. Beyond Numbers: Transforming How Advisors Win and Retain Clients Strong advisor-client relationships are about more than numbers—they are built on understanding, communication, and insight into client motivations. This keynote will draw on decades of research to explore strategies for connecting meaningfully with clients, inspiring engagement, and helping families navigate complex financial and philanthropic decisions. Attendees will learn practical ways to enhance trust, improve client retention, and foster relationships that last across generations. The session will also highlight approaches for advisors working with ultra-high-net-worth individuals, including techniques for understanding values, priorities, and goals beyond financial considerations. Practical Tools for Advisors Dr. Konrath will share actionable strategies that advisors can implement immediately, including approaches for active listening, thoughtful communication, and aligning client guidance with their broader life purpose. She will also discuss research on giving behaviors and what motivates clients to take action, offering insights into how advisors can help clients overcome barriers to meaningful philanthropy. Community Foundations as a Bridge The session will include a look at community foundations as trusted partners that connect donors with impactful, local giving opportunities. Working with these organizations can help advisors guide clients toward giving that reflects both financial and personal values, creating a deeper sense of purpose in their planning. Continuing Education There are no prerequisites required for this seminar. We have registered with the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy as a CPE sponsor. This registration does not constitute an endorsement by the Board as to the quality of our CPE Program. The Seminar has been approved for 2 CE credits for the Texas Board of Public Accountancy (CPE), Certified Financial Planners (CFP), Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP), State Bar of Texas (MCLE), Texas Board of Legal Specialization (TBLS), and the American Bankers Association (ABA). About Sara Konrath, PhD

Sara Konrath is a social scientist and Director of the Interdisciplinary Program on Empathy and Altruism Research (iPEAR) at Indiana University’s Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. Her research investigates the development, benefits, and promotion of emotional intelligence, altruism, and prosocial behavior. She is widely known for documenting generational trends in giving and showing how understanding human behavior can improve both personal and professional outcomes.

Dr. Konrath has designed innovative tools to enhance giving and engagement, partnering with educators, physicians, museums, foundations, and other organizations to develop and evaluate interventions. She has published over 100 scientific papers and given more than 300 presentations, including South by Southwest and the Aspen Ideas Institute. She co-organizes the annual Science of Philanthropy Initiative conference and has served as an editor for top journals in psychology and nonprofit studies. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Time, The Atlantic, NPR, BBC, and CBC.

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