The Blueprint: An FPA NexGen® Podcast

FPA NexGen®
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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.

  1. How Chris Wise Is Reinventing Financial Planning with Health, Wealth & Purpose

    2d ago

    How Chris Wise Is Reinventing Financial Planning with Health, Wealth & Purpose

    In this inspiring episode of The Blueprint | FPA NexGen® Podcast, hosts Mike Zarrelli, CFP®, EA and Alison Miller, CFP® sit down with entrepreneur and financial planner Chris Wise CFP®, founder of Wise Capital Partners, to discuss building a modern financial planning firm that prioritizes both wealth and well-being. Chris shares his journey from growing up in a financial planning family to forging his own path, returning to transform the family business, and leading through extraordinary personal challenges. He offers candid insights on mentorship, entrepreneurship, leadership, delegation, and why the future of financial planning extends far beyond investment management. From creating a culture of emotional wellness inside his firm to reimagining financial planning through a "health and wealth" lens, Chris challenges advisors to think differently about the impact they can have on clients' lives. For early-career advisors, business owners, and aspiring firm leaders, this conversation delivers practical wisdom on building a fulfilling career while helping clients build fulfilling lives. Hosted by Mike Zarrelli, CFP®, EA and Alison Miller, CFP®. Executive Producer: @Jadah Riley What You'll Learn • Why mentorship accelerates growth more than trying to know everything yourself • How entrepreneurship changes the way advisors think about leadership • Why delegation is essential for scaling a successful advisory firm • How health and financial planning intersect to improve client outcomes • Lessons learned from taking over a family business during a crisis • Why early-career advisors should focus on learning before earning Key Takeaways • Strong relationships create better advisors and better businesses. • Financial planning is ultimately about helping people, not managing investments. • Building a team around your strengths creates greater long-term impact. • Health is one of the greatest forms of wealth clients can possess. • Mentorship provides experience that cannot be learned from textbooks. • Career success compounds over time through consistency and continuous learning. Episode Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction & Meet Chris Wise 02:45 – The Origin of "Wise Up" 07:15 – Growing Up Around Financial Planning 13:40 – Leaving and Returning to the Family Business 19:45 – Leadership Through Crisis During COVID 25:10 – Building a Personal Board of Mentors 30:45 – Entrepreneurship, Delegation & Wearing Multiple Hats 35:50 – Why Health Should Be Part of Financial Planning 40:15 – Creating Better Client Outcomes Through Emotional Wellness 42:15 – Advice for Early-Career Financial Planners 43:09 – Final Thoughts & Wise Up

    43 min
  2. Beyond Money: Breanna Rae Blaney on Wealth, Identity & Financial Planning

    May 27

    Beyond Money: Breanna Rae Blaney on Wealth, Identity & Financial Planning

    What if financial planning wasn’t just about accumulating wealth — but helping clients intentionally design their lives? In this episode of The Blueprint | FPA NexGen® Podcast, hosts Mike Zarrelli, CFP®, EA and Alison Miller, CFP® sit down with Breanna Rae Blaney, CEO and Founder of Anya Institute and creator of the Integrative Wealth Advisor Certification and host of the Human Evolution Podcast. Breanna shares why financial planners occupy one of the most influential seats in a client’s life — and why the future of financial advice extends far beyond investments and retirement projections. Together, they explore money psychology, identity, financial planner self-awareness, relational intelligence, and how advisors can become trusted guides helping clients align money with meaning. Whether you’re a student entering financial planning, an early-career advisor, or a seasoned professional looking to deepen client relationships, this episode delivers practical tools and thought-provoking insights to elevate your impact. Executive Producer: @Jadah Riley What You'll Learn • Why money is a tool—not the ultimate goal • How financial planners shape client decisions beyond financial plans • The importance of understanding your own money story and money scripts • Why relational intelligence matters in modern wealth management • Daily habits that improve clarity, confidence, and advisor effectiveness • How curiosity and self-awareness strengthen client relationships • Why younger planners bring unique value to the profession • The future of transformational financial advice Key Takeaways • Financial planning extends beyond numbers—it shapes lives • Why self-awareness helps advisors better serve clients • Understanding your own beliefs around money improves advice delivery • The future of financial advice is deeply human • How curiosity, consistency, and reflection strengthen leadership Episode Chapters 00:00 Welcome & Introduction 02:12 What money means and how perceptions evolve 06:15 Why wealth accumulation alone doesn’t create fulfillment 10:20 Becoming a guide instead of a problem solver 15:05 Identity, self-awareness, and advisor growth 19:42 Understanding money scripts and financial behaviors 23:55 Transformational client relationships vs transactional advice 28:11 Why younger advisors have an advantage 31:42 Meditation, routines, and building resilience 35:20 Morning habits for advisor performance 38:05 Final reflections on redefining wealth

    40 min
  3. Brett Danko on Passing the CFP Exam and Building a Meaningful Career

    May 14

    Brett Danko on Passing the CFP Exam and Building a Meaningful Career

    What does it take to build a successful career in financial planning while staying grounded in purpose, relationships, and service? In this episode of The Blueprint | FPA NexGen® Podcast, hosts Mike Zarrelli, CFP®, EA and Alison Miller, CFP welcome legendary CFP exam educator and financial advisor Brett Danko, CFP® for a powerful conversation on entrepreneurship, resilience, mentorship, and the evolving future of financial planning. Brett opens up about his journey from launching his own RIA and CFP® education business to helping thousands of professionals pursue CFP® certification. He shares lessons on leadership, delegation, mindset, emotional intelligence, and how life experiences reshaped his perspective on success, family, and work-life balance. The discussion also dives into CFP® exam preparation strategies, the psychology behind testing success, why empathy matters more than technical expertise, and how AI may reshape—but not replace—the advisor-client relationship. This episode is packed with practical insight, career guidance, and meaningful perspective for early-career advisors and experienced wealth management professionals alike. Executive Producer: @Jadah Riley What You’ll Learn Why mindset is critical for CFP® exam success How Brett Danko built a nationally recognized CFP® education business The role empathy plays in becoming a successful advisor Why delegation and leadership matter in scaling a firm How advisors can prepare for the future impact of AI Why relationships and reputation compound over time in this profession How life experiences can reshape your approach to career and balance Key Takeaways Why mindset and confidence are critical components of CFP® exam success The importance of storytelling and practical application when learning financial planning concepts How delegation and hiring the right people can strengthen both an RIA and an education business Why empathy and communication matter more than investment selection alone Lessons Brett Danko learned from entrepreneurship, leadership, and personal adversity How long-term relationships and personal reputation compound throughout a financial planning career Why younger advisors should embrace curiosity, adaptability, and continuous learning The evolving role of AI in financial planning—and why human connection still matters How advisors can create deeper client trust through goal-based financial planning Why finding alignment between career, purpose, and personal life is essential for long-term success Episode Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to Brett Danko,CFP® 03:12 – Building Danko Education and Early Career Lessons 08:45 – Delegation, Leadership, and Scaling a Business 15:18 – Family, Perspective, and Work-Life Balance 22:40 – Why Brett Became Passionate About Financial Planning 30:05 – CFP Exam Strategy and Mental Preparation 39:12 – The Psychology Behind Exam Success 46:08 – Becoming a Better Advisor Beyond Technical Knowledge 53:15 – AI, the Future of Financial Planning, and Industry Opportunities 57:48 – Final Advice for Next Generation Advisors

    58 min
  4. Career Pivot Playbook: Breaking Into Financial Planning from Any Industry

    Apr 29

    Career Pivot Playbook: Breaking Into Financial Planning from Any Industry

    In this special Career Changers edition of The Blueprint | FPA NexGen® Podcast, hosts Mike Zarrelli, CFP®, EA and Alison Miller, CFP® sit down with Emily Green and Wilson Lou to unpack what it really takes to transition into financial planning from entirely different industries.  From engineering burnout to healthcare and entrepreneurship pivots, Emily and Wilson share honest insights into navigating uncertainty, overcoming imposter syndrome, and building a meaningful career in financial planning. Whether you're exploring a career shift or already making the leap, this episode offers practical guidance and inspiration for your journey. Executive Producer: @Jadah Riley What You’ll Learn How to successfully pivot into financial planning from any career The emotional and financial realities of starting over Why soft skills are a major advantage for career changers Strategies to land your first role in the industry How FPA NexGen supports career changers Key Takeaways Career changers bring valuable real-world perspective and client empathy Expect a temporary step back in title, pay, or confidence Networking and informational interviews are critical to breaking in The CFP® path builds credibility and confidence Immersion and consistency accelerate career growth Episode Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction & Career Changer Theme 02:10 – Emily & Wilson’s Unique Career Journeys 06:45 – First Steps Into Financial Planning 12:30 – The Psychological Shift of Starting Over 18:05 – Overcoming Imposter Syndrome 23:40 – Transferable Skills That Drive Success 28:15 – Technical vs. People Skills in Planning 31:50 – Breaking Into the Industry & Job Search Tips 35:20 – FPA NexGen Career Changer Resources

    38 min
  5. Michael Kitces on AI, Career Growth & Winning as a NextGen Advisor

    Apr 15

    Michael Kitces on AI, Career Growth & Winning as a NextGen Advisor

    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

    55 min
  6. Why Most Advisors Feel Unprepared—and How to Fix It

    Apr 2

    Why Most Advisors Feel Unprepared—and How to Fix 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

    39 min

  7. Mar 18

    Lillian Turner on Launching a Firm and Leading FPA NexGen in 2026

    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

    38 min
  8. Ignite Your Financial Planning Career: Confidence, Content & Community

    Mar 11

    Ignite Your Financial Planning Career: Confidence, Content & Community

    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

    36 min
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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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