Authenticity Over Automation: Why Being Human Still Matters in Financial Advice

In today’s tech-driven world, artificial intelligence is quickly transforming the way financial advice is delivered. From automating tax strategies to optimizing investment plans, AI is making many tasks faster and more efficient. But according to Thomas Manetta, founder of Manetta Wealth Management and host of Behind The Curtain Finance, there's one thing AI can’t replicate—being human.

Redefining the Role of an Advisor

In the latest episode, Thomas opens up about how launching his own firm fundamentally changed him, not just as a professional, but as a person. No longer bound by the expectations of large institutions or driven by sales metrics, he began to lead with authenticity. The result? Deeper relationships, honest conversations, and clients who truly feel understood.

This shift toward alignment between advisor, client, and custodian has become the heartbeat of his business. And it’s not just a feel-good strategy. It’s effective. Thomas shares how showing up as his authentic self has led clients to open up in ways they never did before, creating trust-based relationships that can’t be manufactured.

AI Can’t Replace Empathy

Thomas doesn’t shy away from the truth: yes, automation is coming. In fact, it’s already here. AI is capable of managing much of the technical work behind financial planning. But what it can’t do is show up for someone during the most vulnerable seasons of life.

When a client came to him with a recently redrafted trust, Thomas noticed something was off. Through deep care and persistence, he helped uncover flaws in her estate plan that could’ve caused major issues. That kind of intuition and personal investment doesn’t come from an algorithm—it comes from someone who genuinely cares.

From Scarcity to Abundance

Before launching his firm, Thomas admits his mindset was driven by numbers. He was always thinking about revenue targets and pipeline metrics. But the past 13 months have shifted everything. Now, he focuses on how many people he can truly help, not how many he can simply onboard.

That sense of purpose has sparked a kind of professional abundance. Thomas no longer worries about where the next client will come from. Instead, he worries about having enough time to help everyone who needs it.

A Movement Toward Human-Centric Advice

Thomas isn’t alone in this thinking. He’s noticing a shift within the advisor community, more and more professionals are leaning into what it means to be human first. Authenticity, intention, and emotional intelligence are becoming just as valued as technical expertise.

Even the way clients search for advisors is changing. With platforms like ChatGPT providing non-paid, unbiased responses, value-aligned advisors are rising to the top. That means being real, transparent, and human-first isn’t just good ethics—it’s good strategy.

Final Thoughts

The role of the financial advisor is evolving. And while technology will continue to enhance efficiency, it’s empathy, alignment, and authenticity that will define the future of this profession.

For Thomas Manetta, being human isn’t a soft skill—it’s the foundation of everything he does. And based on the stories and transformations shared in this episode, it might just be the most powerful asset any advisor can have.