The Blueprint: An FPA NexGen® Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

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The Blueprint: An FPA NexGen® Podcast

FPA NexGen®

Business

Frequency: 1 episode/17d. Total Eps: 28

Dive into the world of financial planning with "The Blueprint: An FPA NexGen® Podcast," where hosts Deshawn Peterson, CFP® and Mike Zarrelli, CFP®, EA, navigate you through the lives of the next generation of financial planners. Join us as we uncover the personal journeys, triumphs, and challenges of emerging professionals in the industry. Whether you're just starting out, a career changer, or a seasoned planner, find inspiration and valuable insights in this podcast.

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From Fired at 28 to 50+ Staff: James Conole, CFP® on Self-Leadership & Scale

Episode 28

Tuesday, November 11, 2025 • Duration 44:20

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

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Grow Without Burning Out: Julie Penwell’s Path to Authentic Success

Episode 27

Monday, October 27, 2025 • Duration 35:15

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!

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Finding Your Fit: How Haley Ellis Turned Process into a Superpower (and a COO Path)

Episode 26

Monday, October 13, 2025 • Duration 30:25

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?

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Make the Handshakes: Voices, Mentors & Momentum at FPA NexGen 2025

Episode 25

Monday, September 29, 2025 • Duration 56:13

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:

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Season 3 Kickoff: New Voices, New Stories in Financial Planning

Season 3 · Episode 24

Monday, September 15, 2025 • Duration 32:08

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.

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Episode #23: Caleb Brown, CFP®

Monday, July 21, 2025 • Duration 42:12

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 once
Why the CFP® designation remains the gold standard
Common mistakes job seekers and firm owners make during hiring
What 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!

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Episode #22: Dominic Monk, CFP®, CPWA®, CIMA®

Monday, July 7, 2025 • Duration 42:55

In this episode of The Blueprint: An FPA NexGen® Podcast, we sit down with Dominic Monk, CFP®, CIMA®, and partner at The Hedley Hoeger Group at Baird.

Dominic shares his journey from growing up without financial stability to becoming a leader in wealth management—and why he always knew he wanted to be a financial advisor.

We dive into:

His early start in financial planning through Ohio University’s CFP® program
The power of mentorship and intentional career planning
His transition from client assistant to partner
How his team integrates advanced planning and life coaching to serve high-net-worth families
Why designations like the CFP®, CIMA®, and CPWA® have helped build confidence and credibility
The reality of partnership—beyond the title

If you're thinking about ownership, building multi-generational relationships, or bringing more meaning to your planning process, this one’s for you.

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Episode #21: Landon Warmund, CFP®, CSLP®

Monday, June 23, 2025 • Duration 43:44

In this episode, we’re joined by Landon Warmund, CFP®, CSLP® and 2025 FPA NexGen Chair.

Landon shares his journey from Kansas State student to building his own independent financial planning practice, with a focus on serving school district employees and navigating student loan planning. He discusses the early challenges of growing a book of business, including grassroots marketing, direct mail, and client education.

Landon also highlights his passion for developing student communities and broadening access to financial planning at schools without CFP® programs. He talks about the importance of being intentional with your time, leaning on your network, and creating space for balance through routines and personal interests like his local running club.

His commitment to thoughtful planning comes through clearly in this wide-ranging conversation.

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Episode #20: Colin Day, CFP®, EA

Monday, June 9, 2025 • Duration 46:39

On this episode of The Blueprint, hosts Deshawn Peterson and Mike Zarrelli sit down with Colin Day, CFP®, a Financial Planner at Mercer Advisors and active FPA leader. Colin opens up about his journey from working in banking to becoming a nationally recognized voice in the financial planning profession.

He shares his experiences navigating burnout, finding the courage to pivot, and discovering the power of vulnerability in both leadership and life.

Colin also discusses his role within FPA, his advocacy for mental health in the profession, and the importance of making room for authenticity in an industry that often favors polish over realness.

Whether you're a new planner figuring out your path or a veteran rethinking what success looks like, Colin’s story is a refreshing reminder that growth begins when you start showing up as yourself.

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Episode #19: Paul Gaudio, CFP®

Monday, May 26, 2025 • Duration 40:41

In this episode of The Blueprint, hosts Deshawn Peterson and Mike Zarrelli sit down with Paul Gaudio, CFP®, a client advisor at Crestwood Advisors and NexGen Chair of FPA New England.

Paul opens up about his early skepticism toward designations like the CFP®, how industry involvement shaped his career, and why taking out the trash at his first job helped him stand out. He shares reflections from FPA's Gathering, discusses the power of mentorship, and explores how staying “comfortably uncomfortable” fuels growth.

Plus, Paul talks about running marathons, prioritizing wellness, and building authentic connections in an industry that often defaults to networking over drinks.

Whether you're a student, a new planner, or someone looking to lead with purpose, Paul’s story is a reminder to stay curious, stay committed, and keep running toward the next big thing.

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The Blueprint: An FPA NexGen® Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

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The Blueprint: An FPA NexGen® Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

Similar podcasts and content

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Apple Podcasts

Spotify