'We always say, if you don't sweat in the gym, you’ll bleed in the ring' adds Diana Oddi of Mandeville Private Client
At the Women in Wealth Management Summit, Diana Oddi of Mandeville Private Client highlighted the firm’s enduring approach to branding, grounded in its philosophy of wealth creation. She also pointed out that Mandeville's approach to branding has not evolved.
“We remain deeply rooted in our core philosophy and investment frameworks which serve as the foundation for our branding strategy. Our wealth-creation framework is grounded in key principles modeled after the strategies of the world’s wealthiest individuals and how they achieved their success. This approach involves investing in a select number of high-growth businesses that we deeply understand, the prudent use of leverage, and a commitment to holding quality investments for the long term.“
By consistently communicating this framework in a clear and simple manner, our advisors not only strengthen their personal brand but also empower clients to become ambassadors of their brand. When clients truly understand an advisor’s value and approach, they can confidently share that story with others, deepening trust and broadening the advisor’s reach.
For Mandeville, branding isn’t a fleeting tactic but a core part of the firm’s identity, deeply linked to its founder Michael Lee-Chin's vision, whose wealth framework emulates the strategies of the wealthiest individuals globally.
$700 billion to the next generation by 2026
“They all predicted where the world, sector, or industry was going,” she noted. They planned for their predictions and persevered through obstacles. "These key principles,” Oddi emphasized, “form the foundation of our investment framework, and it’s what we coin as the Mandeville Difference.”
Moving into the digital age, Mandeville saw early on how technology could serve advisors and enhance client engagement. Oddi explained that a significant wealth transfer, estimated at $700 billion to the next generation by 2026, has intensified the demand for tech-savvy tools.
“Statistically, it shows that 88% of these beneficiaries will not continue with their parents’ advisors,” she noted. This generation’s familiarity with digital tools creates both opportunities and challenges for advisors, who risk losing clients if they don’t keep pace with technological advancements. As a response, Mandeville has introduced a range of digital tools, including Advisor Stream, which allows advisors to tailor campaigns, share updates, and send newsletters that reflect Mandeville’s investment framework.
With client expectations evolving, Mandeville's focus is on balancing technology with the personal touch. Mandeville Vault, a secure collaboration platform, allows for storage, sharing, and management of essential documents.
“This tool really enhances the advisor-client experience by facilitating seamless communication and access anytime,” Oddi said, adding that these features empower advisors to be seen as “tech-savvy and really focused on being client-centric.”
‘We always say quality in, quality out’
Maintaining a compliant approach while allowing advisors to express their unique brand identity is another balancing act. Oddi addressed how Mandeville guides advisors on social media use, video content creation, and client interactions while staying within compliance regulations.
“We provide our advisors with ongoing sales communication training,” she said, noting that hands-on support helps advisors streamline their branding efforts through a combination of compliance and creativity. The process, she explained, is a way to expedite approvals, reducing delays that might otherwise hinder advisors from sharing time-sensitive information.
“We always say quality in, quality out,” she added, reinforcing the importance of getting each detail right before sharing it publicly.
Furthering Mandeville’s commitment to advisor development, the Core Skill Advisor Training Program provides a structured curriculum covering Mandeville’s investment framework, compliance, and technical skills. Oddi leads the framework portion, offering one-on-one coaching to help advisors communicate the “Mandeville Difference” effectively.
“We emphasize the art of storytelling and presentation skills,” she said. By refining these messages, advisors gain confidence and clarity, which Oddi believes strengthens the advisor-client connection.
“Once the advisors complete the program, they internalize their framework and translate it into actions and behaviors,” she said, making the framework part of their personal brand.
The training also incorporates role-playing, simulating various client scenarios to help advisors adapt their messaging on the fly.
“We always say, if you don’t sweat in the gym, you’ll bleed in the ring,” Oddi explained.
