Growing up in a small Pennsylvania town, Max Kulyk knew from an early age that the identity others saw didn’t fully match how he understood himself. Over the course of several decades, he built a career in financial services, raised a family, pursued theology and founded Chicory Wealth, all while continuing to explore questions of purpose, identity and authenticity.
After years of reflection and personal growth, Max made the decision to begin his gender transition at the age of 64. That experience deepened his understanding of what it means to feel truly seen, while also reinforcing his commitment to creating a workplace where employees, clients and advisors are supported.
In this episode of The Healthy Advisor, host Diana Britton speaks with Max Kulyk, CEO and founder of Chicory Wealth, about his personal journey, his path into financial advice, and how his experiences shaped the culture and values of his firm. They discuss building an advisory business rooted in meaningful conversations, creating healthier workplaces, and the impact of authenticity on leadership, well-being and client relationships.
Max and his granddaughter before transitioning.
Max discusses:
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How growing up as a member of the LGBTQ+ community influenced his personal and professional journey
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Why his relationship with money led him from theology into a career in financial planning
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How Chicory Wealth was built around advisor wellbeing, family support and a people-first culture
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What inspired his decision to transition and how the experience changed his perspective
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Why helping people feel understood has become a guiding principle for both leadership and client relationships
Max after transitioning.
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About Our Guest:
Max Kulyk is the CEO and founder of Chicory Wealth, a fee-only financial life planning and sustainable wealth management firm. Since entering the financial services industry in 2002, Max has focused on helping people build healthier relationships with money by connecting financial decisions to their personal values, goals, and overall well-being.
Before Max began his career in financial planning, he studied political philosophy and theology, earning a bachelor’s degree from West Chester University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Divinity from Candler School of Theology at Emory University. He is the author of Integrating Money and Meaning: Practices for a Heart-Centered Life.
Outside of work, Max enjoys spending time with his wife, Dr. Wendy Farley, their four children, grandchild, family dog Teddy, and visiting Orcas Island in Washington. His interests also include pickleball, good beer, and time with family and friends.
