On this episode of  the Get Ready Before Life Happens Podcast, I spoke with Michael Ervolini, author and active management thought leader, about how behavior and emotions shape financial decision-making and why having a simple, intentional process matters more than chasing perfect outcomes.

We explore how the unconscious mind influences choices, why emotions are not the enemy of good decisions, and how slowing down helps align actions with long-term intentions.

Key Takeaways:

🔹 Slowing down creates space to understand why you want to take action

🔹 Emotions play a central role in every financial decision, they cannot be separated from logic

🔹 The unconscious mind strongly influences choices, often before we realize it

🔹 Awareness helps identify when emotions are supporting or undermining good decisions

🔹 A simple, repeatable process helps counter behavioral tendencies

🔹 Clear processes create consistency and a platform for learning and improvement

🔹 Not every money decision needs to maximize wealth to align with your intentions

 🎥 Watch this episode below: 

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🎧 Listen to the podcast below or on your favorite podcast app.

Connect with Michael Ervolini: 

• Website (here)
• LinkedIn (here)

Books: 

• Managing Equity Portfolios: A Behavioral Approach to Improving Skills and Investment Processes (Amazon)
• Skill Versus Luck: Taking the Guessing Out of Equity Fund Selection (Amazon)

Bio:

Michael Ervolini is a seasoned professional who now spends his time as a writer and thought leader on the topics of active fund management, behavioral finance, and decision making. Mike founded and was CEO of two fintech companies supporting institutional investors. His latest company, Cabot Investment Technology, Inc.,  was purchased by Factset Information Systems. His previous company, Charter Research LLC, was purchased by Standard And Poor’s/McGraw Hill, Inc.     

Early in his career he held the positions of financial analyst, portfolio manager, and chief information officer (AEW Capital Management, L.P. and Latimer & Buck, Inc. (now a part of Franklin Templeton).

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If these conversations help you think differently about money or prepare for life’s what-ifs, your support helps expand financial readiness education and keep this work accessible.

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