Financial Advisor Success
Michael Kitces
The Financial Advisor Success podcast brings you real success stories and insights from the most successful financial advisors, and leading industry consultants, about how to take your advisory business to the next level. Get a glimpse of what it's like behind the scenes building a successful advisory business, and how entrepreneurial advisors navigate the inevitable highs, and lows, of growing a firm. Whether you're a new financial advisor trying to get started on the right foot, or an experienced advisor who's hit a wall, we're here to give you the insights and inspiration you need to break through and reach the level of success you want to achieve. Subscribe to the show, and get even more at the leading industry blog Nerd's Eye View at www.Kitces.com.
Episodes
Mentioned books
7 snips
Nov 4, 2025 • 1h 27min
Ep 462: Making The Tough Decision To Change Firms To Find The Path To Equity Ownership You're Seeking with Maggie Rapplean
Maggie Rapplean, a Partner at Moneta Group with $250 million in AUM, shares her transformative journey from a wirehouse to finding equity ownership in an RIA. She discusses the courage needed to change firms, the importance of having a clear path to partnership, and how redoing financial plans enhanced client retention. Maggie explains her successful acquisition of a retiring advisor's book and the warm handoff process that built trust. She also reflects on work-life balance, the freedom ownership brings, and strategic growth plans for her advisory team.
11 snips
Oct 28, 2025 • 1h 30min
Ep 461: Helping Clients Live Intentionally And Generously With Charitable Giving Events (That Also Drive New Growth) with Zac Larson
Zac Larson, co-founder of IntentGen Financial Partners, is an advocate for integrating charitable giving into financial planning. He shares how focusing on clients' 'net impact' strengthens relationships and attracts value-driven clients. Zac highlights the importance of community fundraising events, personal engagement, and tracking donations to build trust. He discusses how intentional generosity has shaped his firm's culture and engaged partnerships, ultimately driving growth while creating lasting impact for both clients and the community.
16 snips
Oct 21, 2025 • 1h 30min
Ep 460: Establishing The Operational Systems It Takes To Truly Serve Ultra-HNW Clients Effectively with Stephanie Hughes
Stephanie Hughes, CEO of Wiss Family Office, shares insights on serving ultra-high-net-worth clients. She discusses how her firm integrates wealth, tax, and legal services, enhancing client trust through their accounting firm's reputation. Stephanie highlights the importance of operational systems to manage high-value transactions securely and efficiently. She also touches on using AI for document automation and the significance of strict fraud monitoring measures. Ultimately, she emphasizes the need for seamless communication and team collaboration to serve complex client needs effectively.
26 snips
Oct 14, 2025 • 1h 30min
Ep 459: Working More Collaboratively With Clients' CPAs For Better Tax Planning (And Cross-Referral) Outcomes with Steven Jarvis
In this conversation with Steven Jarvis, CPA and CEO of Retirement Tax Services, listeners discover the secrets to enhancing collaboration between financial advisors and CPAs. Steven emphasizes the importance of proactive communication, sharing essential details like Roth conversion amounts and creating year-end summaries to avoid confusion. He also discusses the power of aligning with CPAs as partners for better tax planning and cross-referrals, the significance of timing discussions, and how technology can facilitate smoother interactions.
17 snips
Oct 7, 2025 • 1h 30min
Ep 458: Overcoming Perfectionism Burnout While Still Serving Clients Well With A Standard Of "Calm Excellence" with Lisa Brown
Lisa Brown, President of Greenwood Gearhart, shares her insights on combating burnout in the financial advisory landscape. She reveals how her firm transitioned from a culture of "urgent perfectionism" to one of "calm excellence," prioritizing sustainable client relationships. Lisa discusses eliminating unnecessary meetings and instituting daily huddles to keep the team focused. Her innovative approach, including the Kudos program for team recognition and a scoring tool for client needs, led to reduced stress and enhanced service. She also encourages women in finance to embrace authenticity amidst challenges.
23 snips
Sep 30, 2025 • 1h 30min
Ep 457: Making Financial Planning Less Scary For New Clients By Focusing First On What Brings Them Joy with Larry Sprung
Larry Sprung, founder of Mitlin Financial, champions a joy-centered approach to financial planning. He begins client meetings by posing thought-provoking questions about joy, fostering trust and empathy. Larry's method moves past traditional metrics, creating meaningful connections with clients, making them feel valued. He discusses his firm's growth to $200M in assets while scaling intentionally. Additionally, he reflects on pivotal career moments, advocating for new advisors to consider the RIA model for greater alignment and success in their practices.
52 snips
Sep 23, 2025 • 1h 30min
Ep 456: Expanding From $75M Solo To $260M Multi-Advisor Team By Creating A Company Blueprint Of How Clients Will Be Served with Hilary Hendershott
Hilary Hendershott, founder of Hendershott Wealth Management, oversees $260M AUM in San Jose. She shares her journey of transforming a solo advisory practice into a multi-advisor firm through a living 'Blueprint' that emphasizes values and purpose. Hilary discusses the importance of cultural fit in hiring and lessons from past mistakes. The Blueprint shapes client communications and business decisions, evolving with team input. She also addresses onboarding practices and fostering a client-centered mindset, ensuring a consistent experience across her growing team.
11 snips
Sep 16, 2025 • 1h 30min
Ep 455: Adding Hard-Dollar Value For HNW Executives By Guiding Them In Negotiating For More (Equity) Compensation with Emily Shacklett
Emily Shacklett, Managing Director at Fairport Wealth, specializes in guiding high-net-worth executives through the intricacies of their compensation packages. She emphasizes that many leave money on the table if they're not savvy negotiators. Emily shares insights on how to maximize salary, bonuses, and equity, while highlighting the importance of collaboration with legal advisors. She also discusses the value of educational initiatives and personal relationships in navigating these complex negotiations, ultimately helping executives secure what they're truly worth.
21 snips
Sep 9, 2025 • 1h 30min
Ep 454: Turning Abstract Behavioral Finance Research Into Practical Tools To Better Client Outcomes with Dr. Daniel Crosby
Dr. Daniel Crosby, Chief Behavioral Officer at Orion Advisor Solutions, discusses how behavioral finance can transform client relationships. He introduces innovative tools like the 'money personality' framework and goals assessment to enhance decision-making. The conversation dives into understanding clients' money attitudes, the importance of nonjudgmental listening, and the challenges advisors face with their own financial beliefs. Daniel emphasizes the need for empathy and a holistic approach to improve financial outcomes and client satisfaction.
57 snips
Sep 2, 2025 • 1h 30min
Ep 453: Improving Efficiency By Turning Client Meetings Into Working Sessions So There Is Less Follow-Up To Manage with Becky Walsh
Becky Walsh, founder of Oak Maple Finance, is revolutionizing financial planning with her innovative 'working session' model. She shares how her efficient approach reduces prep time while enhancing client relationships. By structuring onboarding into a six-month sprint with real-time sessions, Becky caters to 'Earners Wanting Advice Now' without losing the personal touch. She also discusses utilizing software tools for financial assessments and the importance of ongoing client engagement through tailored service tiers and supportive peer study groups.
