Unlocking Growth: Andrea Schlapia’s EOS Blueprint for Advisory Firms

Sep 2, 2025

Andrea Schlapia, a certified EOS Implementer and founder of Ironstone Business Coaching, discusses how the Entrepreneurial Operating System can revolutionize advisory firms. She dives into the six key components of EOS—Vision, People, Data, Issues, Process, and Traction. Andrea shares real-world success stories of firms that have embraced EOS, highlighting its role in managing complexity and fostering organizational health. Plus, she emphasizes the power of structured vision-building sessions outside the office to align leadership and drive growth.

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ANECDOTE

From Advisor To Coach

Andrea started as a financial advisor and moved into coaching after mentor opportunities shifted her career focus.
She launched Ironstone Business Coaching in 2008 and later adopted EOS after initially ignoring Traction for two years.

INSIGHT

Vision And Organizational Health

EOS helps get vision out of the founder's head and aligns the team around execution and accountability.
Organizational health and a healthy leadership team drive the rest of the company to perform better.

ADVICE

Who Should Use EOS

Read the book and apply EOS tools even as a solo practitioner; you'll take away useful tools.
But the sweet spot for full EOS implementation is advisory firms roughly $500M AUM and up due to complexity.

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In this episode of the Model FA Podcast, host David DeCelle welcomes Andrea Schlapia, a certified EOS Implementer and founder of Ironstone Business Coaching. Andrea shares her extensive experience in the financial industry and her journey from advisor to coach, ultimately embracing the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to help advisory firms achieve clarity, accountability, and growth. Key Topics Covered:

Andrea’s background and the evolution of Ironstone Business Coaching
What EOS is and why it matters for advisory firms of all sizes
The six key components of EOS: Vision, People, Data, Issues, Process, and Traction
How EOS helps firms manage complexity, avoid “idea overload,” and create organizational health
The importance of getting leadership teams aligned and communicating the vision throughout the company
Practical steps for implementing EOS, including the 90-minute overview, Focus Day, and quarterly/annual sessions
Real-world case studies of firms that have transformed using EOS
The value of structure and discipline in creating freedom and work-life balance
Recommended resources: “Traction” and “What the Heck is EOS?” by Gino Wickman

Connect with Andrea Schlapia:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aschlapia/
Email: andrea@ironstonehq.com
Ironstone Business Coaching: ironstonehq.com

About the Model FA Podcast

The Model FA podcast is a show for fiduciary financial advisors. In each episode, our host David DeCelle sits down with industry experts, strategic thinkers, and advisors to explore what it takes to build a successful practice — and have an abundant life in the process. We believe in continuous learning, tactical advice, and strategies that work — no “gotchas” or BS. Join us to hear stories from successful financial advisors, get actionable ideas from experts, and re-discover your drive to build the practice of your dreams.

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