The Blueprint: An FPA NexGen® Podcast

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, hosts Deshawn Peterson and Mike Zarrelli sit down with Alayna Woodall and Adam Taylor, two Virginia Tech seniors majoring in financial planning. They discuss their journey into the profession, their experiences with Virginia Tech’s Financial Planning program, and the mentorship and networking opportunities that helped shape their career paths. The conversation also dives into CFP exam prep, job hunting, internships, and the value of FPA Next Gen involvement. Ultimately, the episode takes an exciting turn where Alayna and Adam interview Mike and Deshawn with pressing questions from a student's perspective.

In this episode of The Blueprint: An FPA NexGen® Podcast, hosts Deshawn Peterson and Mike Zarrelli are joined by Julie Johnson and Jack Heintzelman, two financial professionals passionate about fostering the next generation of advisors. The conversation delves into the importance of advocating for oneself, cultivating next-gen talent, and bridging the gap between seasoned professionals and emerging advisors. Julie shares her experiences as a former advisor turned coach, emphasizing the value of curiosity and collaboration in leadership. Jack recounts his journey into financial planning, highlighting how mentorship, continuous learning, and relationship-building have been crucial in his career development. Together, they explore strategies for firms to support young talent and the critical role of trust in client relationships.Key themes include:The evolving landscape of financial advising.Building pathways for young professionals.The impact of mentorship and continuous professional growth.

In this episode of The Blueprint: An FPA NexGen® Podcast, hosts Deshawn Peterson and Mike Zarrelli sit down with Colin Overweg, founder and CEO of Advize Wealth Management, to explore his journey from insurance sales to establishing a successful independent advisory firm. Colin shares how his frustrations with outdated financial industry practices and clunky brokerage systems inspired him to launch a client-centric, technology-forward wealth management service.Colin offers a candid look at the challenges he faced, including cashing out his 401(k) and moving back in with his parents to reduce costs as he built his firm from the ground up. He dives into his innovative flat-fee model, designed for high-income young professionals, and reflects on the unique difficulties of balancing client relationships with business operations.Colin also discusses the power of content creation, sharing how platforms like TikTok have helped him connect with new clients and expand his reach. Looking forward, he's excited about the potential of online courses and other scalable services to make financial planning accessible to more people. Colin wraps up the episode with valuable advice for aspiring financial planners: follow your curiosity, stay authentic, and never stop learning.

In this episode of The Blueprint, Deshawn Peterson and Mike Zarrelli chat with Kimberly Mamaril of Los Olas Capital Advisors about her career journey and lessons learned along the way. Kim highlights the importance of betting on yourself, especially when you consider that others are betting on you as well. She discusses her vision to elevate the financial planning profession to the level of doctors and lawyers, pushing the industry upward. Kim also opens up about her personal story, including how she passed the CFP® exam only to be let go from her firm the next day, proving that career paths aren't always linear—but believing in yourself can pave the way for future success.

In this episode of The BluePrint: An FPA NexGen® Podcast, we’re excited to have Blake Pinyan, CFP®, EA, and 2024 President of FPA NexGen, as our guest. As a financial planner at Anchor Bay Capital and a dedicated leader in the NexGen community, Blake offers a unique blend of professional expertise and a passion for fostering growth in the financial planning profession.Blake shares his journey, insights into his leadership vision for FPA NexGen, and what it means to create meaningful change in the industry. He also encourages listeners to take bold steps, offering the key message of putting yourself out there. You don't have to have all the answers. Growth comes from stepping into opportunities, embracing challenges, and learning as you go.Whether you’re an emerging planner or a seasoned professional, this episode is full of actionable advice on leadership, growth, and making an impact in the financial planning space. Don’t miss it!

In this captivating episode of The Blueprint: An FPA NexGen® Podcast, we are excited to host Jolisa Gonzalez, a visionary Latina professional who is making significant strides in the financial industry.Jolisa talks about the importance of pro bono work and her relationship with SER - an organization that focuses on supporting, educating, and recharging individuals in the latino community through the power of financial planning.In addition to her research and professional contributions, Jolisa reveals her role in creating engaging video content for her firm. She explains how video has become a powerful tool for communicating complex financial concepts, connecting with clients, and enhancing the firm’s outreach efforts. Jolisa shares her experiences and strategies for producing high-quality, informative videos that resonate with a diverse audience.Throughout the episode, Jolisa also reflects on how her Latino heritage shapes her approach to both her professional work and content creation. She emphasizes the importance of diversity and representation in financial communications and the role of multimedia in making finance more accessible and engaging.Listeners will gain valuable insights into the intersection of finance, research, and digital media. Tune in to learn how Jolisa Gonzalez is leveraging her skills and background to drive innovation in financial services and reach a broader audience through compelling video content.

In our final installment of the "FPA NexGen® Gathering" series, check out Nichole Graham, our 2024 NexGen Gathering Co-Chair, as she ask questions from the audience for Michael Kitces.

Join us for the third installment of the "FPA NexGen Gathering" series, as Riley Saunders steps from behind the booth to interview attendees of Gathering, specifically those that are 2nd generation financial planners. Riley is a second generation CFP® and wants to uncover how other 2nd generation financial planners navigate having family in the business. At the top of the video, Riley speaks with Deshawn Peterson about lessons learned from both his father and figures outside of the financial planning industry.Later, Chris Wise discusses the impact on his life when it came to passive family financial socialization, the ripple effect of keeping finances one-sided in a partnership, and the importance of having grit in the world of personal finance.Eliana Carrier shares her holistic approach to financial planning, balancing personal authenticity with professional customs, and the unique experience of attending conferences with her father.Jason Kane offers career guidance for those with relatives in the industry, highlighting the benefits of broadening one's professional perspective by gaining experience with different companies, rather than just following in a relative's footsteps.Amanda Diaz speaks on the need to set boundaries at work with her Mom, the importance of making financial planning accessible to a younger clientele, and embracing authenticity at your practice.Allyson Flournoy reflects on her Mom's resilience while studying for the CFP®, her own "full circle" moment, and how her friends' successes are a source of inspiration in her life.

Join Mike and Deshawn as they sit down with students who are studying financial planning at their respective universities. In today's episode, you will find our second issue of the "FPA NexGen® Gathering" series. Deshawn and Mike were lucky enough to meet students who were willing to share their unique perspectives that come from being new to the field of financial planning. Whether it's the importance of finding a mentor in your career, why they chose to be in the field of financial planning, or the lessons obtained by attending FPA's NexGen® Gathering conference, you won't want to miss this episode. These students truly are the next generation!

In today's episode of The Blueprint: An FPA NexGen® podcast, we get to hear first hand from attendees of FPA's NexGen® Gathering conference. Deshawn and Mike sit down with several financial planners from all over the country and ask a few questions on why they decided to go to Gathering, what shaped their views towards finance, and why community or "finding your tribe" is critical towards forward progress in your career. Further reflections from attendees dove into the lessons they have already retained while at NexGen® Gathering and what they plan to carry over to their respective firms.We are dividing all our interviews from the conference into four parts, to be gradually released every day this week, as part of the "FPA NexGen® Gathering" series.

In this engaging episode of The Blueprint: An FPA NexGen® Podcast, we sit down with Lizbeth G. Menjivar-Muñoz, an Investment Consultant at Fidelity. Lizbeth masterfully juggles the demanding world of finance with the joys and challenges of motherhood.Lizbeth opens up about her journey into the financial sector, sharing how she carved out her path in a competitive industry and what motivates her to excel at her role.Lizbeth shares heartfelt anecdotes about the balancing act of managing her career while being a devoted mother. Lizbeth discusses the strategies she employs to maintain a healthy work-life balance, how she navigates the complexities of working in a high-stakes field while ensuring quality time with her family, and the personal growth she’s experienced through these dual roles.Listeners will find inspiration in Lizbeth’s ability to merge career success with personal fulfillment. Her practical advice and candid reflections provide a valuable perspective for anyone striving to harmonize professional ambitions with family life.Tune in for an episode full of insights, personal stories, and practical tips on managing the delicate balance between a demanding career and a fulfilling home life.

Welcome to "The Blueprint: An FPA NexGen® Podcast," where hosts Deshawn Peterson, CFP® and Mike Zarrelli, CFP®, EA, invite you into the dynamic world of financial planning.In the intro episode, they share their vision for the podcast: a platform to explore the journeys and experiences of the next generation of financial planners.Mike and Deshawn dive into their own personal stories, emphasize the podcast's mission to inspire, and educate listeners through candid conversations.Mike and Deshawn also speak with Riley Saunders, CFP®, the podcast's producer. They highlight his role in creating content and fostering meaningful discussions that resonate with both aspiring and established financial planners. 

In this trailer episode, listen as our co-host, Mike Zarrelli, CFP®, EA, details what he hopes to achieve by starting a new podcast with FPA NexGen®. 

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?