

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 25, 2024 • 22min
Bitcoin [Episode 284]
Discover the art of financial advising as experts delve into the importance of understanding clients' motivations. They share insights on building trust and navigating the complexities of investment decisions, especially with high-risk assets like cryptocurrencies. Learn how effective communication can guide clients through market volatility while maintaining their financial goals. Explore the dynamic between AI and crypto investments, and understand the significance of fostering solid relationships to navigate today's financial landscape.

Nov 22, 2024 • 7min
Leveling Up Leadership and Letting Go of Limits
Discover the art of delegation as experts share insights on streamlining tasks to focus on high-level goals. Learn how overcoming mental barriers can lead to empowerment in the workplace. Explore the crucial impact of your social circle on personal growth, emphasizing the need to let go of toxic relationships. Hear advice on giving team members the tools to handle difficult conversations, showcasing how discomfort can drive true growth and freedom in your career journey.

Nov 21, 2024 • 49min
Whose Table Do You Want a Seat At?
Explore the importance of building meaningful relationships and the challenge of balancing work with family life. Discover how personal accountability can help overcome feelings of victimhood. Learn about fostering a culture of open dialogue and feedback within teams. Embrace discomfort as a tool for growth and resilience, while navigating professional relationships. The conversation also highlights the significance of surrounding yourself with driven individuals to inspire greatness.

Nov 18, 2024 • 30min
Mastering the Art of Delegation with BELAY's Lisa Seal [Episdoe 283]
In this episode of the Perfect RIA Podcast, Matthew Jarvis and Lisa Seal from BELAY discuss the critical role of delegation in enhancing productivity and efficiency. The discussion explores the unique needs of financial advisors when hiring virtual assistants, offering practical tips for effective delegation and the importance of empowering team members. Lisa encourages viewing delegation as an opportunity for growth and emphasizes the significance of understanding the value of one's time. The conversation also addresses the challenges in delegation, managing turnover, and the crucial importance of documenting processes to ensure seamless transitions, highlighting that mistakes are inevitable, but how we handle them truly matters. Mastering the Art of Delegation with BELAY's Lisa Seal [Episdoe 283] Resources in today's episode: - Matt Jarvis: Website | LinkedIn - Lisa Seal: Website | LinkedIn -Text RIA to 55123 to get a copy of BELAY's guide to delegation

Nov 15, 2024 • 6min
Building Your Dream RIA and Debunking the Perfect Balance Myth
In this recap episode, Amber shares highlights about the world of independent advisors and the oh-so-elusive work-life balance (spoiler alert: it might not exist!). On Monday, Ryan Morrissey joined Matt and kicked off our week by sharing his journey from advisor to independent RIA owner, proving that sometimes the scariest leaps lead to the best rewards. His secret for success? A combination of educational marketing through classes (with a dash of direct mail that actually works) and implementing key strategies from The Perfect RIA, like Surge meetings. Thursday's episode brought Jamie's honest take on what she calls the "work-life balance myth." She shared how being an advisor means accepting that you can't give 100% to everything all the time. Think of it as a lever - when you're pushing hard at work, especially during Surge seasons, something's got to give on the home front. Her solution? Transparent conversations with family and a strict "no drama" policy at the office. Resources in today's episode: - Episode Website - Education, Independence, and Growth with Guest Ryan Morrissey [Episode 282] - Drama, Drama, Drama

Nov 14, 2024 • 32min
Drama, Drama, Drama
Think "work-life balance" is achievable? Jamie Shilanski has news for you—it's time to ditch that myth along with the office drama. Jamie spills the tea on building a financial planning practice that actually works, minus the theatrics. She breaks down how surge periods can transform client engagement from a constant juggling act into a well-oiled machine. And while everyone's entitled to a bad day (we're human, after all), bad behavior gets no free passes. By fostering emotional intelligence and creating a culture where accountability meets support, she shows how letting go of drama-prone team members isn't just acceptable—it's often the secret sauce to leveling up your practice. Drama, Drama, Drama

Nov 11, 2024 • 25min
Education, Independence, and Growth with Guest Ryan Morrissey [Episode 282]
From cubicle to cornerstone: Ryan Morrissey shares how he transformed his practice into a success story on this episode of The Perfect RIA. Joining Matthew Jarvis, Ryan opens up about weathering the 2008 financial storm and making the calculated leap to launch his own RIA. Who says you need a traditional marketing playbook? Ryan reveals how teaching classes and seminars became his secret weapon for client acquisition. He breaks down the productivity-boosting power of Surge meetings, shares his approach to streamlining investment management, and explains how retirement guardrails help clients navigate their spending without losing sleep. Ryan also walks through the realities of going independent and demonstrates how modern marketing tools like podcasting and YouTube can elevate your practice from standard to standout. Education, Independence, and Growth with Guest Ryan Morrissey [Episode 282] Resources in today's episode: - Matt Jarvis: Website | LinkedIn - Ryan Morrissey: Website | LinkedIn

Nov 8, 2024 • 8min
Power Moves: Smart Business Planning and Savvy Hiring
Discover key strategies for enhancing a financial advisory practice, including the importance of dedicated business planning. Emphasis is placed on analyzing performance and aligning goals with a vision for life. Gain insights on effective hiring in a competitive job market, focusing on processes that seek passionate candidates. Learn about salary structures and career advancement opportunities, highlighting how professional growth can significantly increase an employee's value within the organization.

Nov 7, 2024 • 38min
What Are We Paying Employees?
In this episode, Jamie Shilanski pulls back the curtain on hiring in financial advisory firms. Diving headfirst into the talent pool, Jamie reveals why cookie-cutter recruiting doesn't cut it anymore. She challenges listeners to flip the script on traditional hiring methods, advocating for out-of-the-box strategies that can unearth hidden gems in unexpected places. But it's not just about getting top talent through the door - it's about keeping them from walking out. Transparency takes center stage as Jamie makes a compelling case for open compensation talks. She argues that laying all the cards on the table isn't just fair play; it's a great plan for building unshakeable trust with your team. What Are We Paying Employees? Resources in today's episode: - Janine Driver - Ritz Carlton Training - Udemy - Dale Carnegie Training

12 snips
Nov 4, 2024 • 29min
A Failure to Plan is a Plan to Fail [Episode 281]
Successful financial advisors share a crucial secret: effective business planning. The hosts challenge listeners to assess their current trajectory and align professional goals with personal dreams. They highlight the importance of measuring progress with actionable metrics and transforming ambitious plans into tangible results. Proactive planning boosts productivity, reduces stress, and enhances communication. Listeners are urged to prioritize business planning and continuous professional development for long-term success in the fast-paced financial advisory world.


