The Perfect RIA
Matthew Jarvis, CFP® & Micah Shilanski, CFP®
Welcome to The Perfect RIA podcast, the ultimate resource for advisors who want to master time management, optimize advisor-client interactions, achieve unparalleled profitability, and maximize value in their practice. Hosted by industry experts Matthew Jarvis, CFP®, and Micah Shilanski, CFP®, this podcast is your blueprint for success.
Matthew and Micah don't talk theory; they share what has worked for them in the real world. They cut through the noise to deliver practical advice that you can implement immediately so you can make the most of your time—allowing you to spend more of it outside the office.
Whether you're a seasoned advisor or just starting out, The Perfect RIA podcast equips you with the tools and knowledge you need to excel. Tune in and transform your advisory practice into a powerhouse of success.
Matthew and Micah don't talk theory; they share what has worked for them in the real world. They cut through the noise to deliver practical advice that you can implement immediately so you can make the most of your time—allowing you to spend more of it outside the office.
Whether you're a seasoned advisor or just starting out, The Perfect RIA podcast equips you with the tools and knowledge you need to excel. Tune in and transform your advisory practice into a powerhouse of success.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 28, 2025 • 38min
Encore Episode: What Are We Paying Employees?
In a deep dive into hiring for financial advisory firms, Jamie Shilanski challenges cookie-cutter recruitment methods. She emphasizes the importance of transparency in salary discussions to build trust and retain talent. Old-school outreach tactics, like direct calls, are highlighted over job boards. Jamie shares lessons from hiring mistakes and outlines clear compensation ranges for various roles, advocating for merit-based raises and tailored training programs. This fresh perspective could revolutionize how firms attract and keep top talent.
Nov 24, 2025 • 34min
Culture and Communication With Jacqueline Benjamin Hatherley [Episode 336]
Jacqueline Benjamin Hatherley, a seasoned operations and people-management expert with over 25 years in wealth management, joins the discussion to delve into enhancing team culture and communication in small businesses. She emphasizes allowing employees space to thrive and the power of effective one-on-one meetings. The duo explores the importance of understanding different communication styles, using assessments to foster collaboration, and addressing team conflicts to improve retention and productivity. Their insights provide actionable strategies for cultivating a strong workplace culture.
Nov 21, 2025 • 40min
Encore Episode: You May Be The Problem
Jamie emphasizes the value of practice in personal and professional growth. She discusses raising young leaders through teaching foundational values and responsibilities. Navigating social media and curating relationships are highlighted as essential for youth development. Jamie also proposes setting five-year goals and maintaining discipline in parenting. The podcast stresses the importance of guiding young adults until age 25, combining rigor with flexibility for balanced growth.
Nov 17, 2025 • 27min
Discipline Equals… Money? [Episode 335]
Discover how discipline is the secret sauce for success in finance, transforming small victories into a winning mindset. Learn practical daily habits that boost productivity, like setting routines and eliminating decision fatigue. The hosts delve into the importance of deliberate practice, highlighting what distinguishes top advisors from the rest. Explore actionable tips for measuring progress, reclaiming your evening for productive activities, and starting every morning with a win to accelerate your journey toward your goals.
Nov 14, 2025 • 21min
Encore Episode: Team Building For Financial Advisors With Guest Christine Timms
Christine Timms, a former financial advisor who grew her client book to $400 million, now helps others build successful teams. In this engaging conversation, she shares her journey from rookie to pro, emphasizing the importance of delegation for improving advisor life and client outcomes. Christine discusses early mistakes in team structure, the value of having associates as primary contacts, and strategies for scaling capacity. She also introduces practical tools like her business models checklist, designed to help advisors clarify services and enhance efficiency.
Nov 10, 2025 • 33min
Hiring an Executive Assistant With Karen Stewart [Episode 334]
Join Karen Stewart, an Executive Assistant expert and former Belay client success consultant, as she shares her insights on hiring and managing executive assistants. Discover the key traits to look for in an EA, like proactivity and accountability. Karen outlines a rigorous vetting process with a mere 3% hire rate. Learn about effective onboarding strategies, feedback cycles, and maintaining open communication to build trust. Plus, tips on handling turnover and crucial documentation ensure that transitions remain smooth. It's a masterclass in maximizing productivity!
11 snips
Nov 7, 2025 • 29min
Encore Episode: Measure What Really Matters?
Dive into the world of advisor effectiveness as hosts peel back common misconceptions about metrics. They expose how traditional indicators like AUM can mislead, revealing the importance of tracking revenue per hour instead. Hear why office hours and household counts are merely trophies rather than true measures of success. Gain insights on how precise record-keeping uncovers inefficiencies and how accountability can accelerate improvement. Embrace continuous learning to drive your practice forward and prioritize what really matters.
7 snips
Nov 3, 2025 • 27min
Unlocking the Secrets of Practice Valuation With Scott DiGiammarino [Episode 333]
In this engaging conversation, Scott DiGiammarino, an M&A advisor at JPTD Partners, shares his wealth of knowledge on practice valuation for financial advisors. He dives into current market trends and emphasizes the importance of structured sales processes. Scott details how to match sellers with the right buyers and the crucial steps in due diligence. He candidly discusses the emotional challenges faced by sellers and the potential pitfalls of self-representation, highlighting why having a broker can safeguard value during negotiations.
Oct 31, 2025 • 28min
Encore Episode: Leveraging Technology With Guest Ben Goss
Ben Goss, CEO and founder of Dynamic Planner, shares insights on leveraging technology to enhance financial advising. He discusses the importance of balancing technology with human empathy to improve client engagement. Ben highlights how their software boosts productivity, allowing advisors to serve more clients without extra effort. He emphasizes measuring tech effectiveness by time saved and how smart scaling can significantly impact revenue. Lastly, he encourages ongoing professional development as a vital aspect of success in the financial sector.
10 snips
Oct 27, 2025 • 29min
Revolutionizing Financial Advisory with AI With Liam Hanlon [Episode 332]
Liam Hanlon, Head of Insights at Jump AI and former management consultant at EY, joins the discussion on transforming financial advisory through technology. They delve into the psychological barriers that hinder advisors from adopting new tools and the surprising insights drawn from advisor-client interactions. Hanlon shares how AI note-taking can significantly enhance client focus and boost prospect conversion rates. They also emphasize the rapid rise of AI adoption among advisors, urging firms to leverage these innovative tools for better outcomes.
