Advertise on podcast: The Blueprint: An FPA NexGen® Podcast

In this special episode of The Blueprint | An FPA NexGen® Podcast, hosts Mike Zarrelli, CFP®, EA and Alison Miller, CFP® sit down with industry pioneer and thought leader Michael Kitces for a masterclass on building a successful career in financial planning. From the impact of AI on entry-level roles to the real path toward partnership, Kitces delivers practical, no-nonsense advice for early-career advisors navigating a rapidly evolving profession. Whether you're just starting out or positioning yourself for leadership, this episode is packed with insights you can act on immediately. At the core of it all? One simple truth: “there’s no substitute for getting the reps in.” What You’ll Learn How AI is reshaping—but not eliminating—entry-level advisor roles Why communication skills are your biggest long-term advantage The fastest way to accelerate your career early on What hiring managers actually look for in new planners How to position yourself for partnership and equity Why firm growth and alignment matter more than you think Key Takeaways AI is a tool for advisors—not a replacement for them Career growth comes from repetition and real client experience Passing the CFP® exam early significantly de-risks you as a candidate The best way to grow is to proactively seek opportunities—not wait for them Equity is earned by contributing to firm growth, not just service Alignment in vision, culture, and growth is critical for long-term success Episode Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction & Why This Episode Matters 02:15 – AI in Financial Planning: Threat or Opportunity? 07:40 – Why AI Enhances (Not Replaces) Associate Advisors 12:30 – The Importance of Communication & Client Trust 18:10 – “Get the Reps In”: Building Confidence Early 24:20 – How to Stand Out in a Competitive Hiring Market 31:45 – What Firms Actually Look for in New Advisors 38:10 – From Technical Skills to Client Leadership 43:20 – The Truth About Partnership & Equity Paths 49:10 – Choosing the Right Firm & Long-Term Fit 53:30 – Final Advice: Why This Career Is Worth It

n this episode of The Blueprint | FPA NexGen® Podcast, hosts Mike Zarrelli, CFP®, EA and Alison Miller, CFP® sit down with Patrick Marcinko, CFP® Lead Advisor at Bogert Wealth, to explore what it truly takes to grow into a confident, client-facing financial planner.  Patrick shares how early-career advisors can overcome imposter syndrome through preparation, repetition, and intentional learning. From shadowing experienced advisors to navigating real-life client complexities, this episode highlights the gap between technical knowledge and real-world application—and how to close it. If you're looking to accelerate your development, build credibility with clients, and step confidently into a lead advisor role, this episode delivers practical, experience-driven insights you can apply immediately. What You’ll Learn How to overcome imposter syndrome early in your career Why preparation is the ultimate confidence builder The importance of shadowing and real client exposure How to communicate value and handle client objections Why intentional learning accelerates advisor growth Key Takeaways Confidence is earned through repetition, not shortcuts Financial plans must adapt to real-life uncertainty Great advisors act as educators, not decision-makers Being busy isn’t the same as being effective Patience is a competitive advantage in your career Episode Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction & Patrick’s background 03:30 – Managing a $5M student investment fund 07:00 – Family experiences that shaped his career path 11:00 – When financial plans meet real life 15:00 – Lessons from lead advisors: patience & adaptability 19:30 – Building confidence through reps and preparation 23:00 – Overcoming imposter syndrome 26:45 – Transitioning into business development 30:30 – Handling objections and communicating value 33:45 – Intentional learning vs. “checking the box” 36:00 – Final thoughts on patience and long-term success

In this episode of The Blueprint | FPA NexGen® Podcast, hosts Mike Zarrelli, CFP® , EA and Alison Miller, CFP® sit down with Lillian Turner, CFP® , RLP® , CSLP® founder of Daring Greatly Wealth and 2026 Chair of the FPA NexGen committee. Lillian shares her path from financial scarcity and an unconventional start in the profession to launching her own firm, developing a life-planning-centered approach, and leading the next generation of financial planners.  This conversation explores what it really takes to build a career in financial planning when the path is not clear, how to identify alignment in your work, and why discomfort often becomes the catalyst for growth. Lillian also outlines her 2026 vision for FPA NexGen, including support for career changers, first-generation financial planners, and aspiring advisors seeking the right fit in the profession. Executive Producer: @Jadah Riley What You’ll Learn How Lillian Turner built her career in financial planning from the ground upWhy alignment matters when choosing a firm or career pathWhat early-career advisors can do to move past imposter syndromeHow entrepreneurship reshaped Lillian’s view of financial planningFPA NexGen’s 2026 priorities for career changers and aspiring planners Key Takeaways Growth often happens when you are pushed beyond your comfort zoneThe right firm fit can shape both confidence and career trajectoryAuthenticity and values can become a true competitive advantageCareer changers and first-generation planners need more visible pathways into the profession Chapters 00:00 Welcome + introducing Lillian Turner 02:05 Wedding planning, spending, and the client experience mindset 06:10 How Lillian found financial planning without a clear roadmap 12:20 Breaking into the industry and navigating early career challenges 19:05 Moving to Arizona, firm culture, and learning what was not aligned 25:10 Becoming a lead advisor unexpectedly and growing through discomfort 29:20 Launching Daring Greatly Wealth and building a life-planning practice 33:05 How Lillian defines alignment, authenticity, and career fit 35:10 Lillian’s 2026 goals as FPA NexGen Chair 37:00 The “ignite” question: what accelerated her career

Season 4 of The Blueprint | FPA NexGen® Podcast kicks off with a powerful theme: Ignite. Hosts Mike Zarrelli, CFP®, EA and Alison Miller, CFP® explore how early-career financial planners can ignite their professional growth by leaning into discomfort, developing their voice, and building community within the profession. In this episode, the team discusses the pivotal habits and mindset shifts that helped accelerate their own careers—from volunteering with the Financial Planning Association (FPA) to creating content, asking uncomfortable questions, and learning how to receive feedback. The conversation dives into the real skills that help financial planners grow faster in their first decade in the profession: confidence, curiosity, consistency, and the courage to put yourself in the room where growth happens. If you’re an emerging advisor navigating the early stages of your financial planning career, this episode provides practical insights you can apply immediately. What You’ll LearnWhy getting uncomfortable early can accelerate your career growthHow FPA involvement and networking can improve client communicationWhy asking questions—even when unsure—builds professional confidenceHow creating content can help advisors develop their unique voiceThe importance of receiving feedback without defensivenessHow discipline and consistency compound over time in advisory careersKey TakeawaysGetting uncomfortable early helps accelerate career growth.Professional community involvement strengthens advisor development.Asking questions builds confidence and deeper understanding.Creating content helps advisors develop their voice.Consistency and discipline compound over a career.Learning to accept feedback accelerates professional growth. Episode Chapters00:00 – Welcome to Season 4 of The Blueprint 02:10 – The theme for this season: Ignite 04:15 – Why listener feedback will shape the season 06:05 – What accelerates a financial planning career? 08:40 – Getting involved with the Financial Planning Association (FPA) 12:05 – How professional communities improve client conversations 16:10 – Asking uncomfortable questions early in your career 20:05 – Building confidence through small career wins 23:10 – Why creating content helps advisors find their voice 26:35 – Developing your own financial planning style 30:10 – The power of discipline and consistency in career growth 32:30 – Why receiving feedback is a critical professional skill

What does it really take to build a meaningful career in financial planning—and why does passion usually show up after the hard work? In this reflective Season 3 finale of The Blueprint | FPA NexGen® Podcast, hosts Mike Zarrelli, CFP®, EA and Deshawn Peterson, CFP® turn the mic inward. Deshawn shares lessons from two years as a podcast host, exploring how consistency, discipline, and intentional effort compound into professional growth, stronger relationships, and long-term fulfillment. This episode dives into the behind-the-scenes realities of podcasting, career pivots, networking, and the often-overlooked skills that separate good advisors from great ones—like deep listening, focus, and learning to trust the process even when outcomes aren’t guaranteed. Whether you’re an early-career financial planner, a career changer, or someone navigating uncertainty in your professional journey, this conversation delivers timeless insights for building a career with purpose. What You’ll Learn Why passion often follows consistency—not inspiration How discipline beats motivation over the long run The role of listening in leadership and client relationships Lessons for career changers entering financial planning How small, simple habits compound into career success Key Takeaways Passion in your career is often built after consistent effort—not before it Discipline and routine matter more than motivation for long-term success Deep listening is a critical leadership and relationship-building skill Simple, repeatable habits compound into meaningful professional growth Career setbacks and missed opportunities provide valuable feedback when reviewed honestly Early-career advisors benefit from narrowing focus sooner rather than trying to do everything Merging personal values with professional life can create greater clarity and sustainability Episode Chapters 00:00 Why passion is built—not discovered 06:30 The hidden work behind launching and sustaining a podcast 12:45 Developing elite listening skills as a leader 20:10 Building genuine professional relationships 28:40 Discipline, motivation, and finding your “why” 38:15 Career pivots, setbacks, and learning from failure 49:30 Advice for early-career and career-changing advisors 57:00 Final reflections and Season 3 wrap-up

In this episode of The Blueprint | FPA NexGen® Podcast, hosts Mike Zarrelli, CFP, EA and Deshawn Peterson, CFP sit down with Ian Mueller, a senior at the University of Missouri (Mizzou), to explore what early-career financial planners can learn from real-world experience—long before passing the CFP® exam. Ian shares how getting involved in FPA leadership as a student helped him build a national network, land multiple internships, and compete at the highest level in the FPA Financial Planning Challenge. From creating a comprehensive financial plan to presenting it under pressure in front of industry professionals, Ian breaks down what the competition taught him about client communication, values-based planning, and the “art” of financial planning. The conversation also covers why Ian chose a dual major in economics and financial planning, how a psychology minor complements advisory work, and why asking better questions—not knowing all the answers—is the fastest way to grow in this profession. What You’ll Learn How FPA involvement accelerates early-career growth What judges look for in the Financial Planning Challenge Why client values matter more than optimization How to get the most out of internships Tips for students attending their first industry conference Key Takeaways Early real-world experience matters – Hands-on planning experience helps bridge the gap between coursework and client-facing work before earning the CFP® designation. FPA involvement accelerates careers – Student leadership and engagement create meaningful networking opportunities and open doors to internships and jobs. The Financial Planning Challenge mirrors real client meetings – Success requires clear communication, preparation, and a client-first mindset—not just technical accuracy. Client values matter more than optimization – The most mathematically “correct” solution isn’t always the best recommendation for the client. Strong communication separates great planners – Simplifying complex financial concepts builds trust and improves client understanding. Curiosity maximizes internship value – Asking thoughtful questions and learning directly from advisors leads to faster professional growth. Conferences build confidence and clarity – Industry events help students understand career paths, expand networks, and gain perspective early. Episode Chapters 00:00 – Introduction & Ian’s background 04:45 – Dual majors, psychology, and accelerated education 09:30 – What the FPA Financial Planning Challenge really tests 18:40 – Communicating complex advice to real clients 28:10 – Getting involved in FPA and restarting a student chapter 37:00 – How networking led to internships 46:15 – Why the “optimal” answer isn’t always the right one 55:00 – Conference advice for students & early-career advisors

In this episode of The Blueprint | FPA NexGen® Podcast, hosts Mike Zarrelli, CFP, EA and Deshawn Peterson, CFP sit down with Matt Goren, PhD, CFP®, Chief Strategy Officer at Danko Education and a leading voice in CFP® exam education. Matt shares how his background in social psychology and financial education has reshaped how future advisors should prepare for the CFP® exam — and why traditional, lecture-heavy study methods are failing today’s younger candidates. With the average age of CFP® candidates dropping rapidly, the way advisors learn, retain information, and manage test anxiety must evolve. This conversation goes far beyond exam tactics. Matt breaks down how to study smarter (not longer), why “mastering 80%” beats chasing perfection, and how early-career planners can navigate burnout, anxiety, and identity shifts while building long-term careers in financial planning. What You’ll Learn Why engagement is the prerequisite to learning How to study for the CFP® exam without burnout The “80% rule” that leads to higher pass rates How to manage test anxiety using psychology-backed techniques Why CFP® exam success doesn’t automatically equal real-world readiness How early-career advisors can thrive in a rapidly changing industry Episode Chapters 00:00 – Why engagement comes before learning 05:10 – Matt’s journey into financial education 12:45 – The changing CFP® candidate 19:30 – How teaching methods must change 27:40 – Pass the exam vs. learn everything 36:00 – Test anxiety & psychology-based strategies 47:20 – Ethics: the most underestimated CFP® topic 56:30 – Work-life balance during exam season 1:05:15 – CFP® knowledge vs. real-world advising 1:15:40 – The future of financial planning & AI 1:24:10 – Career adversity and long-term success

Early in your career, choosing (or staying with) the wrong firm can be the biggest source of hidden risk. In this conversation, Mike Zarrelli, CFP, EA and Deshawn Peterson, CFP talk with Alanah Phillips, MBA—entrepreneur, career-change success story, advisor advocate, recruiter, coach, podcast host, and “industry troublemaker”—about how Next Gen advisors can build careers that are both profitable and aligned. Alanah unpacks the true landscape of the industry—banks, wires, IBDs, RIAs, and “pseudo-independent” models—through her “efficient frontier” lens of risk and reward. She also walks through how advisors can break up with their broker-dealer, decode contracts, and negotiate compensation with more clarity and confidence. If you’re an early-career or G2 advisor wondering whether you’re in the right place, this episode is your playbook. What You'll Learn: How to think about your career like a portfolio: risk vs. reward The difference between captive, independent, and “pseudo-independent” firms How to recognize when you’re misaligned with your firm or team Practical steps for breakaways, lift-outs, and career pivots How to prepare for compensation conversations (beyond just asking for a raise) Creative ways to structure your role, benefits, and growth path Key Takeaways: Why Next Gen financial advisors need to understand the full industry landscape (banks, wirehouses, independent broker-dealers, RIAs, and “pseudo-independent” firms) before making a career move. How to think about your financial planning career path using an “efficient frontier” framework—balancing career risk and reward instead of just chasing a big-name firm. What it really means to be “misaligned” with your firm, and how G2 and associate advisors can recognize red flags around culture, control, and unclear succession or partnership paths. Practical guidance on breaking up with your broker-dealer or captive firm: understanding non-competes, non-solicits, non-accepts, and why clients often still choose to follow their advisor. How early-career advisors can prepare for compensation negotiations—using market data, benchmarking, and creative asks (PTO, remote work, licenses, conferences, mentorship) to grow income and opportunity. Why thinking of yourself as the “sports agent of your own career” helps you make smarter moves as a Next Gen wealth management professional, not just accept the first or easiest path. How hosts Mike Zarrelli, CFP, EA and Deshawn Peterson, CFP and guest Alanah Phillips, MBA frame advisor success as making more money, having more fun, and building a career in financial planning that’s truly aligned. Chapters: 00:00 The “efficient frontier” of your advisor career 03:14 Meet Alanah Phillips, MBA & her “industry troublemaker” mindset 07:32 Acting as a “sports agent” for financial advisors 12:45 Mapping the industry landscape: banks, wires, IBDs & RIAs 18:50 Alanah’s career change: from Starbucks to advisor advocate 24:30 What alignment really looks like for a financial advisor 30:40 Contracts, non-competes, non-solicits & non-accepts explained 38:55 How much risk do you really need to take to go independent? 44:10 Preparing for compensation and promotion conversations 51:05 Creative negotiation: beyond base salary and payout grids 56:20 Final advice for Next Gen advisors feeling “stuck”

In this Blueprint | FPA NexGen episode hosts Mike Zarelli, EA, CFP® and Deshawn Peterson, CFP® bring you inside FPA Annual 2025 in Las Vegas to capture the voices shaping a profession that’s still young — and being built in real time. From students and career changers to firm owners, AI innovators, legacy-planning founders, and CFP Board leadership, this episode reveals what the next generation is learning, questioning, and creating as financial planning evolves. What You’ll Learn Why financial planning’s youth as a profession creates massive opportunity for NexGen advisors How students are choosing personal financial planning for its human impact Why career changers succeed — and how transferable skills translate into planning How the CFP® certification has become a client expectation What legacy planning truly includes beyond wills, trusts, and insurance How AI tools give advisors back 8–12 hours/week Why marketing platforms like Snappy Kraken accelerate early-career growth What firm owners are really hiring for (core values > résumé) How conferences compound your career through community and repeated exposure Why FPA’s new CEO says NexGen’s work is directly shaping the profession’s future Takeaways Financial planning is still young — which means NexGen has influence now, not later. Students and early-career advisors should lean into community as their accelerant. Career changers succeed when they align values, curiosity, and empathy with planning. The CFP® remains the gold standard: clients ask for it by name. Legacy planning requires organization, communication, and preparation — not just documents. AI is here to augment advisors, not replace them — especially when human connection stays central. Marketing is a business investment: growth, visibility, and valuation all depend on it. Firms hire for character: ambition, humility, and service mindset stand out. Conferences create the highest ROI for NexGen: connections, mentorship, and clarity. Chapters 00:00 — Welcome to FPA Annual 2025 02:12 — Annual vs. FPA NexGen Gathering: deeper content & broader ecosystem 05:40 — How Mike & Deshawn approach the conference as learners + leaders 03:13 — Interview: Noelle Lancaster — choosing planning & building student experience 05:04 — Interview: Zocks AI (Annie Ganousis) — AI myths, CRM integrations & time savings 08:18 — Interview: Snappy Kraken (Mary Rose Eagan) — marketing as a growth catalyst 22:30 — Interview: Michael Pumphrey, MS, CFP®, AFC® , EA — confidence, community & first-time conference tips 13:30 — Interview: Jump AI (Dallin Burningham) — using data, trends, and human connection 15:25 — Interview: James Serrano, CFP — content creation & finding your authentic voice 17:41 — Interview: Soma (Farah) — legacy planning beyond documents 21:09 — Interview: Josh Pierce, CFP®, CEPA® — building an RIA, getting fired, values-based hiring 25:06 — Interview: Eddie Bruegger (CSUF) — choosing planning & learning through conferences 28:11 — Interview: Leo Ortega — discovering career paths & the power of networking 31:09 — Interview: Dr. Jolly Jian (CFP Board) — the rising importance of the CFP® 33:47 — Interview: Akron Students (Gavin & Isaac) — advanced sessions & early insights 36:48 — Interview: FPA CEO Dennis Moore — community, NexGen, and shaping the future 39:41 — Hosts’ recap: biggest lessons, favorite sessions & one-word summaries 40:15 — Closing thoughts & why NexGen drives tomorrow’s profession

James Conole, CFP®, founder & CEO of Root Financial Partners and host of the Root Ready podcast, joins hosts Mike Zarelli, CFP®, EA and Deshawn Peterson, CFP® to unpack the habits and frameworks behind his leap from being fired at 28 to leading a team of nearly 60. We dig into time-blocking, OKRs, and the “hungry, humble, human” hiring filter—plus how content and empathy compound faster than cold calls. What You’ll Learn How to design your week with time blocking that actually holds A simple OKR + “Top 3” stack to avoid reactive days The 3 H’s hiring lens and how to embody them Why platform building (YouTube, podcast, classes) beats random prospecting The four domains every advisor must master: technical, investments, financial psychology, self-leadership Takeaways Replace multitasking with dedicated “content, team, and strategy” days. Use annual → quarterly → weekly “Top 3” priorities to stay out of the “combat zone.” Build a platform (YouTube, podcast, classes) that attracts ideal clients. Hire and be hungry, humble, human. Master four domains: technical, investments, financial psychology, self-leadership. Chapters 00:00 Intro & why self-leadership is your ceiling 02:01 YouTube routine: “Content Wednesdays” in ~3–4 hrs/week 05:12 Time blocking: team vs. content vs. strategy days 08:45 In the business vs. on the business; client transition 12:40 OKRs & the Weekly “Top 3” 17:10 Fired at 28 → launching Root in 2017 21:18 Lifestyle practice vs. building a team 25:02 First clients: platform + SmartVestor leads 29:30 If starting in 2025: pick a platform that fits you 33:05 Hiring filter: Hungry, Humble, Human 36:18 AI’s role: augment, don’t replace advisors 40:22 Standing out: the 4 domains of mastery 45:10 Practical goal setting that actually sticks 49:00 Closing & where to find Root Ready

Early-career advisors often ask: How do I grow faster without burning out? In this episode of The Blueprint | FPA NexGen® Podcast, hosts Mike Zarelli, CFP® and Deshawn Peterson, CFP® sit down with Julie Penwell, CFP®, Financial Advisor at Wealthspire Advisors, to unpack how she’s navigated growth, adaptability, and brand-building in the modern advisory profession. Julie shares how leaning into community, embracing M&A transitions, and showing up authentically on social media helped her accelerate her career—all while staying true to her “why” as an advisor. What You’ll Hear How Future Proof and FPA NexGen create space for real advisor connection Julie’s “LinkedIn playbook” for authentic networking How Instagram became her financial education hub The lessons she learned from M&A Why your niche should evolve as you do Takeaways Community compounds: conferences + local involvement = new mentors. Educational, authentic content builds credibility faster than polish. M&A can expand career opportunities if you stay flexible and curious. Define your niche through purpose Chapters 00:00 Intro & host welcome (Mike Zarelli & Deshawn Peterson, CFP®) 02:10 Future Proof’s energy and community focus 07:30 Julie’s journey: from intern to Wealthspire advisor 12:40 LinkedIn networking tips that actually build relationships 18:55 Financial education on Instagram: creating value without burnout 25:40 Social media ROI and realistic expectations 31:10 Thriving through M&A and evolving firm cultures 39:20 Advisor niches: from athletes to women in transition 45:15 Finding your niche without the early-career pressure 52:00 Building your personal brand within a larger RIA 58:30 Industry awards, mentorship, and inspiration 1:04:10 Top conferences for Nex Gen advisors 1:10:00 Life outside advising: nature, sports, and staying grounded 1:14:20 Hosts’ reflections & close If you’re new here Subscribe for more candid, career-building conversations for NexGen financial planners. Drop a comment with your biggest takeaway!

In this Blueprint | FPA Nex Gen episode, Haley Ellis, CFP® and Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor, joins hosts Mike Zarrelli, CFP®, and Deshawn Peterson, CFP®, to share how she successfully transitioned from a client-facing financial planner to Director of Operations (and on track for COO) after her firm doubled in size. She unpacks building workflows from scratch, leading through a merger, advocating for your role, and why community—FPA chapters and mastermind groups—accelerates growth. You’ll learn: How to spot (and claim) an operations leadership opportunity in a small RIA The first processes to build when a firm scales or merges What makes a mastermind group actually stick (commitment + accountability) When a niche helps marketing—and when it doesn’t define your whole book Designations vs. real client reps: where to invest your early-career energy Quote to remember: “Growth happens at the edge of your comfort zone—but confidence comes from counting your small wins.” If this helped you, follow the show and leave a rating so more Next Gen planners can find it. Chapters 00:00 Intro & Haley’s move to NC 04:10 From planner to Director of Operations 09:45 Doubling the firm wins & challenges 14:20 Advocating for your role (without the imposter spiral) 19:30 FPA community & leadership reps 24:15 Mastermind groups that stick 29:10 Designations: CFP®, CPFA & what matters early 34:40 Niches (dentists, 401(k)s) — marketing vs. reality 40:05 Showing up in the “big room” with confidence 45:10 Third space, burnout, and recharging 48:30 Haley’s superpower & close If you’re new here Subscribe for candid, practice-building conversations for Next Gen financial planners. Drop a comment with your biggest takeaway—what process will you build first?

From Orlando’s FPA NextGen Gathering 2025, CFP® professionals Deshawn Peterson, Alison Miller, and Mike Zarrelli capture the stories, lessons, and energy of this year’s event. This milestone year marks the 25th anniversary of FPA, and the energy at Gathering has never been stronger. In this special episode of The Blueprint: An FPA NextGen Podcast, we bring you conversations with attendees ranging from first-timers to industry veterans who’ve built multi-decade careers. From stories of career changers breaking into financial planning, to seasoned leaders reflecting on mentorship and succession, this episode captures what makes Gathering unique: community, connection, and the in-between conversations that spark lifelong friendships and professional growth. What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

Season 3 of The Blueprint & FPA NexGen® Podcast launches with fresh energy, new voices, and a stronger focus on the next generation of financial planners. Hosts Deshawn Peterson and Mike Zarrelli are joined by new co-hosts Alison Miller, CFP®, and executive producer Jadah Riley, expanding the conversation and perspectives shaping the future of our profession. Alison, a Wealth Advisor and second-generation planner, shares her unique career path—how she went from considering dentistry to finding her calling in financial planning. She discusses the mentors and FPA community support that guided her decision to pursue the CFP® designation. Jadah, a floating Associate Wealth Advisor and career-changer, opens up about navigating imposter syndrome, the discomfort of starting over, and how leaning into mentorship and the NexGen community helped her build confidence and direction in the field. This episode is a must-listen for early-career financial advisors and career changers looking for real stories of resilience, mentorship, and growth. The discussion covers: • Why mentorship and community are essential in the first five years of your career • How to embrace discomfort and imposter syndrome as signs of growth • The role of emotional intelligence in building client trust and long-term success • Why there’s no single “right” path to becoming a successful financial planner With new voices behind the mic, Season 3 will spotlight diverse journeys, personal growth, and the skills that define successful next-gen advisors.

In this episode of The Blueprint: An FPA NexGen® Podcast, we sit down with Caleb Brown, CFP®, CEO of New Planner Recruiting, practicing financial advisor, and adjunct faculty at the University of Georgia. Caleb shares his unique journey from struggling new grad to becoming a leader in placing next-generation talent at fee-only RIAs. We cover: How Caleb balances three careers at onceWhy the CFP® designation remains the gold standardCommon mistakes job seekers and firm owners make during hiringWhat candidates should really look for in a first job (hint: it’s not just salary!)The evolving career paths in financial planning and why the RIA channel continues to grow Whether you’re a student, career changer, or firm owner, this episode is packed with insights on career growth, practice management, and building a meaningful career in financial planning. Connect with Caleb: New Planner Recruiting | New Planner Podcast Listen in and get practical takeaways for your career in financial planning!