Advisors Off Script

Shelby Nicholl
  • 5.0 (4)
  • INVESTING
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Advisors Off Script is the podcast where financial advisors step away from the polished talking points and get real about what it takes to build, break away, and boldly grow. These are stories from the independent front lines. Every advisor has a choice: follow the script laid out by the industry—or write your own.  Formerly known as Kick It Open, the show is hosted by Shelby Nicholl, founder of Muriel Consulting and known as the “RIA Whisperer.” She brings candid conversations, insider insights, and practical strategies that help advisors move from uncertainty to clarity and from frustration to freedom. Because this isn’t just a podcast—it’s your playbook for building boldly and living off script. Get ready for amazing guests, including advisors who have tread the journey before, leaders from the firms serving independent advisors and partners who help advisors create thriving practices.  Here at Muriel Consulting, we're helping advisors kick the door open on their personal success by living a life off script.  About the Host Shelby Nicholl is the founder and lead consultant at Muriel Consulting, where she helps financial advisors break free from limits, align their businesses with their ambitions, and build thriving practices. With 25 years in leadership roles at firms like LPL Financial and Edward Jones, she combines deep industry experience with her passion for empowering advisors to take bold steps toward independence and success. She is also the founder of Muriel Network, a digital community for women in wealth management seeking connection, inspiration, and growth.  

  1. Considering an Exit? Max Your Value First with Scott DiGiammarino

    JAN 23

    Considering an Exit? Max Your Value First with Scott DiGiammarino

    Considering an exit isn’t about timing retirement—it’s about maximizing the value of what you’ve built before the window shifts. In this episode of Advisors Off Script, Shelby Nicholl talks with Scott DiGiammarino of JPTD Partners about what’s driving advisor valuations today, how private equity and PE-backed buyers evaluate firms, and what advisors can do now to command premium multiples. Scott explains why many sellers are exiting earlier than you might expect, how “sell-and-stay” deals work, and why growth—not age—is often the real trigger for an exit conversation. In this episode, we cover: What actually drives advisor valuations todayHow buyers evaluate growth, EBITDA, and recurring revenueWhy clean governance, compliance, and financials matter more than everHow platform choice (RIA vs BD) affects deal structureThe hidden risks that can derail or kill a deal entirelyWhy waiting can cost you millionsThis isn’t just about selling. It’s about leverage, optionality, and protecting the value of your firm before making your next move. Learn more at MurielConsulting.com  Hosted by Shelby Nicholl. Produced and edited by Aaron Sherman. Operations and Guest Coordination by Shelly Hadel.

    45 min
  2. The Client Mindset at Transition: It’s More Important than the Paperwork with Libby Greiwe

    JAN 9

    The Client Mindset at Transition: It’s More Important than the Paperwork with Libby Greiwe

    What are your clients really feeling during a transition—and how can advisors reduce stress while strengthening trust? In this episode of Advisors Off Script, Shelby Nicholl is joined by Libby Greiwe, founder of The Efficient Advisor, to explore the psychology clients experience during onboarding and firm transitions. Libby shares how building systems through the lens of client experience—not just efficiency—can dramatically improve retention, confidence, and long-term loyalty. You’ll learn why transitions often trigger client anxiety, how expectation-setting and communication lower friction, and how advisors can use re-onboarding, process design, and “remarkable moments” to deepen relationships. Libby also shares insights from Schwab IMPACT, practical ideas like paperwork parties and progress tracking, and how AI tools are helping advisors reclaim time without sacrificing personalization. This episode is a must-listen for financial advisors looking to scale their practice, improve client experience, and build a business—and life—off script. Learn more at MurielConsulting.com  Hosted by Shelby Nicholl. Produced and edited by Aaron Sherman. Operations and Guest Coordination by Shelly Hadel.

    44 min
  3. Building With Purpose: Culture, Calling, and Family Office Planning in Middle America with Vaughn Scott

    12/05/2025

    Building With Purpose: Culture, Calling, and Family Office Planning in Middle America with Vaughn Scott

    💥 What if you could build a thriving culture—without tipping into cultish? 💥 What if family office-level planning wasn’t just for the ultra-wealthy—but for builders and business owners in your own community? In this episode of Advisors Off Script, host Shelby Nicholl sits down with Vaughan Scott, founder of Axiom, an independent RIA based in New Albany, Indiana. Vaughan’s journey spans every corner of the advice industry—from regional broker-dealers to banks, to independence—and now, he's building something different: a firm grounded in mission, structure, and deep service. Together, Shelby and Vaughan explore what it means to lead with intention and build a culture that empowers, not pressures. They reflect on purpose, legacy, and the moments that remind us why this work matters—including a personal story Shelby shares about her father-in-law’s end-of-life family meeting. In this episode: The evolution from wirehouse to independence—and what each chapter taught VaughnWhy culture matters more than growth-for-growth’s-sakeWhat it takes to bring true family office-level planning to Middle AmericaThe meaning of vocare—and how purpose shapes the firms we're buildingWhether you’re building, leading, or reimagining what your next chapter could look like, this episode is a call to lead with purpose. Learn more at MurielConsulting.com  Hosted by Shelby Nicholl. Produced and edited by Aaron Sherman. Operations and Guest Coordination by Shelly Hadel.

    37 min
  4. Build the Right ‘Whos,’ Scale the Right Way: Lessons from a $500 Million Advisor with Colleen Bowler

    11/22/2025

    Build the Right ‘Whos,’ Scale the Right Way: Lessons from a $500 Million Advisor with Colleen Bowler

    At one point, Colleen Bowler was doing it all — leading client relationships, growing her firm, and keeping every plate spinning. Then she found her "whos" and built the firm to over $500 million in AUM. Then she sold it. Now, she’s on a mission to help other advisors scale without sacrificing themselves in the process. In this episode of Advisors Off Script, Shelby Nicholl sits down with Colleen to trace her journey — from the early days of building a successful practice, to coaching inside The Strategic Coach, to developing tools now used by advisors across the country through her firm C & J Innovations. What emerges is a story about growth — not just in revenue, but in mindset. About choosing the right “Whos” over doing it all yourself. And about protecting your most valuable resources: your energy, your time, and your vision. In this episode: How Colleen built and exited a $500 million practiceThe mindset shift from do-er to builderWhat the best advisors are doing to scale without burnoutWhy saying “no” is a business strategyHow assessments can deepen client relationships and accelerate growthThis isn’t just advice. It’s a blueprint for building a firm — and a life — that lasts. Learn more at MurielConsulting.com  Hosted by Shelby Nicholl. Produced and edited by Aaron Sherman. Operations and Guest Coordination by Shelly Hadel.

    43 min
  5. From Edward Jones to $2 Billion: How Cedarwood is Proving What's Possible in Independence with Dylan Ripley and Todd Vincent

    11/07/2025

    From Edward Jones to $2 Billion: How Cedarwood is Proving What's Possible in Independence with Dylan Ripley and Todd Vincent

    You may have seen the headlines: the largest advisor group to ever exit Edward Jones — nine advisors, nearly $1 billion in AUM, and a bold move to independence. This group embodies something we see again and again: when advisors succeed in a captive environment, they often thrive — wildly — in independence. In this episode, host Shelby Nicholl sits down with Dylan Ripley and Todd Vincent, co-founders of Cedarwood Financial Partners, to talk about what happened after the breakaway.  They share how they built a fast-growing $2 billion firm, how they thinking about scale, culture, and long-term durability — and a few raw lessons from their group’s newsworthy exit.  In this episode: What it takes to build a 100-year firmThe cultural glue behind a thriving advisor teamLessons learned from rapid growthWhy the real story begins after the breakawayIf you’re building, leading, or even imagining what your next chapter could be, this conversation is a powerful look at what’s possible in independence. Learn more at MurielConsulting.com  Hosted by Shelby Nicholl. Produced and edited by Aaron Sherman. Operations and Guest Coordination by Shelly Hadel.

    35 min
  6. Brand First: The Marketing Playbook for Breakaway Advisors with Kevin Nichols

    10/24/2025

    Brand First: The Marketing Playbook for Breakaway Advisors with Kevin Nichols

    What separates a smooth breakaway from a chaotic one? Spoiler: it’s not just your custodian, tech stack, or timing — it’s your brand. In this episode of Advisors Off Script, host Shelby Nicholl sits down with Kevin Nichols, partner at Oechsli and a leading voice in advisor marketing, to unpack what really makes a successful launch. Kevin shares what the best-prepared advisors do before they leave, why brand clarity is more important than ever, and how storytelling drives client retention and long-term growth. If you’re thinking about going independent — or already in motion — this is the marketing blueprint you need. You’ll learn: Why branding is the foundation of every successful launchThe biggest marketing mistakes breakaway advisors makeHow to build a story that inspires clients to followWhat to invest in — and what to avoid — in your first year of independenceWhether you’re planning your leap or fine-tuning your new firm, this conversation is a must-listen. Learn more at MurielConsulting.com  Hosted by Shelby Nicholl. Produced and edited by Aaron Sherman. Operations and Guest Coordination by Shelly Hadel.

    48 min
  7. From Burnout to Breakaway: Rebuilding to $200MM in Under 18 Months with Lauren Williams

    10/20/2025

    From Burnout to Breakaway: Rebuilding to $200MM in Under 18 Months with Lauren Williams

    Sometimes, you don’t get to casually consider change. Sometimes, you hit a wall and realize...it’s just not working anymore. That’s what happened to Lauren Williams, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Prosper Plan Wealth, based in Sacramento. After a decade at a major firm managing a $300 million book, everything shifted—the culture, the leadership, and ultimately, Lauren herself. Burnout set in, and staying was no longer an option. But instead of leaping on instinct, she built a detailed forecast of what might follow her and what she’d need to rebuild. It worked. Lauren co-founded a thriving, award-winning firm, reignited her purpose, and brought her true client community with her—all while partnering with New Edge Advisors, an RIA platform built for independent financial advisors. In this episode of Advisors Off Script: Stories from the Independent Front Lines, host Shelby Nicholl of Muriel Consulting talks with Lauren about her journey of resilience, rebuilding to $200 Million in under 18 months, and reclaiming her freedom to serve clients her way. If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to walk away from corporate comfort and build something entirely your own—this conversation is your blueprint for going off script. Learn more at MurielConsulting.com  Hosted by Shelby Nicholl. Produced and edited by Aaron Sherman. Operations and Guest Coordination by Shelly Hadel.

    44 min

  8. SEASON 3 TRAILER

    Introducing Advisors Off Script

    After 30 episodes, Kick It Open is evolving. 🎙️ Introducing Advisors Off-Script — Stories from the Independent Frontlines. When our podcast launched and we named it Kick It Open, it was podcast about opportunity — about pushing open doors and saying yes to what’s next. But over the past couple of years, something deeper has unfolded. As we built Muriel Consulting, we experienced the incredible freedom (and responsibility) that comes with full ownership. There’s something powerful about waking up each day knowing you get to design the vision, make the calls, and create something that’s fully yours. And it’s been just as rewarding to watch the financial advisors we work with experience that same transformation — to see them take agency over their businesses, build thriving firms, and rediscover the joy that drew them into this profession in the first place. Because in this next chapter, we’re not just talking about opening doors. We’re talking about what happens after you walk through them. These are the real stories of advisors who’ve built boldly, led with purpose, and found freedom in entrepreneurship. BTW - Advisors Off Script isn’t just a podcast. It’s your playbook for building boldly and living Off-Script. Hosted by Shelby Nicholl. Produced and edited by Aaron Sherman. Operations and Guest Coordination by Shelly Hadel.

    1 min
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Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Advisors Off Script is the podcast where financial advisors step away from the polished talking points and get real about what it takes to build, break away, and boldly grow. These are stories from the independent front lines. Every advisor has a choice: follow the script laid out by the industry—or write your own.  Formerly known as Kick It Open, the show is hosted by Shelby Nicholl, founder of Muriel Consulting and known as the “RIA Whisperer.” She brings candid conversations, insider insights, and practical strategies that help advisors move from uncertainty to clarity and from frustration to freedom. Because this isn’t just a podcast—it’s your playbook for building boldly and living off script. Get ready for amazing guests, including advisors who have tread the journey before, leaders from the firms serving independent advisors and partners who help advisors create thriving practices.  Here at Muriel Consulting, we're helping advisors kick the door open on their personal success by living a life off script.  About the Host Shelby Nicholl is the founder and lead consultant at Muriel Consulting, where she helps financial advisors break free from limits, align their businesses with their ambitions, and build thriving practices. With 25 years in leadership roles at firms like LPL Financial and Edward Jones, she combines deep industry experience with her passion for empowering advisors to take bold steps toward independence and success. She is also the founder of Muriel Network, a digital community for women in wealth management seeking connection, inspiration, and growth.  

Information

  • Creator
    Shelby Nicholl
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    38
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Advisors Off Script
  • Show Website
    Advisors Off Script

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