RIA Collective

Charlie Van Derven
  • 5.0 (3)
  • INVESTING

Are you a financial advisor stuck with a firm that no longer serves your needs, fits your ideals, or gives you the flexibility to serve your clients as a true fiduciary? That is a tricky place to be, but rest assured, you’re not alone. RIA Collective Podcast is created with you in mind. We interview leaders at Registered Investment Advisory firms to learn from their wisdom and experience. It is our goal to take the fear and mystery out of going independent.Most of the industry leaders we talk with were in the exact same place you find yourself today. They too saw themselves as entrepreneurs. They became an advisor to create flexibility in their lives and help many others create financial security and peace of mind. Like you, those professionals become stifled by their captive environment. Sales quotas, proprietary products and services, the firm’s agenda, compliance, and other factors can make it difficult to grow and to act as a true fiduciary to your clients. RIA Collective podcast is hosted by Charlie Van Derven, an industry veteran who has been serving the advisor community for almost 25 years. During his time working in Financial Services, Charlie has seen trends come and go. One trend that continues with no end in sight, is the migration of advisors from the captive wire-house space to independence.The move to independence can go smoothly, or it can be a battle. Tune in to RIA Collective podcast to learn from industry leaders how to set your practice up for a smooth transition. Learn important things to consider and actions to take 3, 6, 12, or 18 months ahead of your move. Learn how to solidify key client relationships so you can retain the assets you’ve built.If you are an advisor considering a change or an industry leader who is building their firm and has wisdom to share, we would love to talk to you.Visit RIAcollective.com for more information or reach out to Charlie directly on LinkedIn. Thanks for being here.If you'd like to be a guest or connect directly with Charlie, visit https://www.riacollective.com.

  1. RIA Collective: Jon Henderson | Building a One-Stop RIA for the Next Decade

    4D AGO

    RIA Collective: Jon Henderson | Building a One-Stop RIA for the Next Decade

    What does the next generation of advisory firms actually look like? In this episode of RIA Collective, host Charlie Van Derven sits down with Jon Henderson, Founder of Echo 45 Advisors, to explore how independent firms are evolving beyond traditional investment management into fully integrated advisory businesses. After spending 20 years at Merrill Lynch, Jon made the leap to independence and built a firm designed for where client expectations are heading - not where they’ve been. That includes adding tax and estate services, leveraging partnerships instead of doing everything in-house, and positioning his firm to thrive in a future shaped by automation and AI. Together, Charlie and Jon discuss: Why adding tax and estate services is a game-changer for advisory firmsHow AI will disrupt bookkeeping and compliance - and what advisors should focus on insteadWhy clients panic more about taxes than market volatilityThe rise of the “one-stop firm” and what clients actually want todayHow to create a family-office-like experience for the mass affluentWhy integration beats silos when it comes to long-term growthThis conversation is especially relevant for: ✔️ Independent advisors ✔️ RIAs thinking about adding tax or estate services ✔️ Firms planning for the next 5–10 years ✔️ Advisors who want to deepen client relationships without burning out 🎧 Listen now and subscribe to RIA Collective for conversations that elevate the independent advisor profession. Connect with Jon Henderson 🌐 Website: https://www.echo45advisors.com/ 💼 Firm: Echo 45 Tax & Estate Connect with Charlie Van Derven 🌐 Social Advisors: https://www.social-advisors.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlievanderven/

    22 min
  2. RIA Collective - Jon Randall: How Capacity Constraints Kill Advisor Growth

    JAN 21

    RIA Collective - Jon Randall: How Capacity Constraints Kill Advisor Growth

    Most advisors don’t hit a growth ceiling because they lack effort - they hit it because their capacity is broken. In this episode of RIA Collective, host Charlie Van Derven sits down with Dr. Jon Randall, founder of Extraordinary Financial Advisors (XFA), to unpack what truly holds financial advisors back from sustainable growth - and how to break through it. With more than 20 years of experience coaching hundreds of top advisory firms (including many in the Barron’s Top 100), Jon brings a rare perspective that blends practice management, psychology, and real-world execution. Together, Charlie and Jon discuss: Why the “more clients, more assets” script works early - then sabotages growth laterHow capacity constraints quietly kill referrals and momentumWhy most advisors have too many of the wrong clientsThe psychology behind why it’s so hard to let go - even when you know you shouldHow narrowing your ideal client profile simplifies marketing, referrals, and scaleJon explains why demand for financial advice is increasing, while the number of advisors providing it is declining - creating massive opportunity for firms that fix their fundamentals instead of chasing shiny tactics. This conversation is essential listening for:  ✔️ Independent advisors  ✔️ RIAs feeling stretched thin  ✔️ Firms stuck at a growth plateau  ✔️ Advisors who want to scale without burnout 🎧 Watch now and subscribe to RIA Collective for more conversations that help independent advisors grow with clarity, confidence, and purpose. Connect with Dr. Jon Randall 🌐 Website: https://www.xfa.coach/ 📘 Book & Podcast: The Extraordinary Financial Advisor Connect with Charlie Van Derven 🌐 Social Advisors: https://www.social-advisors.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlievanderven/ Chapters 00:00 – Why advisors hit growth ceilings 02:30 – The “more clients” script and why it breaks 06:45 – Capacity constraints and referral breakdowns 11:20 – Right-sizing your book (and why it’s hard) 16:10 – Ideal client clarity and smarter growth 21:00 – Why fundamentals beat tactics every time #RIACollective #FinancialAdvisors #AdvisorGrowth #PracticeManagement #RIA #WealthManagement #AdvisorCapacity #IndependentAdvisor #AdvisorPsychology #ClientExperience

    24 min
  3. RIA Collective: Peter Krull | Building an Independent RIA That Aligns With Your Values

    JAN 5

    RIA Collective: Peter Krull | Building an Independent RIA That Aligns With Your Values

    What does it really take to build an advisory firm that aligns with your values - and lasts for decades? In this episode of RIA Collective, host Charlie Van Derven sits down with Peter Krull, Founder of Earth Equity Advisors, to explore the long game of independence, entrepreneurship, and purpose-driven investing. Peter shares his journey from Merrill Lynch to launching an independent RIA focused on ESG and sustainable investing - long before it became mainstream. Along the way, he breaks down what advisors don’t see coming when they leave large firms, and why building something meaningful almost always takes twice as long as you expect. Together, Charlie and Peter discuss: Why independence is often a values-driven decision, not just a business oneWhat wirehouse advisors underestimate when making the leapWhy most “overnight successes” actually take 10+ yearsHow advisor marketing has fundamentally changed - and what no longer worksThe role ESG and sustainable investing play in a fiduciary frameworkWhy clarity, patience, and alignment matter more than tacticsThis conversation is especially relevant for advisors who feel constrained by their current firm, are considering independence, or want to build a practice that reflects what they truly believe - not just what sells. 🎧 Watch now and subscribe to RIA Collective for conversations that elevate the independent advisor profession. Connect with Peter Krull 🌐 Website: https://earthequity.com 📘 Book: The Sustainable Investor – https://sustainableinvestorbook.com 🎙 Podcast: Dollars & Change Connect with Charlie Van Derven 🌐 Social Advisors: https://www.social-advisors.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlievanderven/ Chapters 00:00 – From wirehouse to independence 03:30 – Why building a firm takes longer than you think 07:45 – The “10-year overnight success” reality 11:20 – ESG, sustainability, and fiduciary responsibility 15:40 – Why old-school advisor marketing no longer works 19:30 – Lessons for advisors considering the leap #RIACollective #FinancialAdvisors #RIA #IndependentAdvisor #AdvisorGrowth #AdvisorMarketing #ESGInvesting #SustainableInvesting #WealthManagement #PracticeManagement #Entrepreneurship #PeterKrull

    21 min
  4. The Deeper Purpose of Financial Advisors | Darren Hinshaw on RIA Collective

    12/01/2025

    The Deeper Purpose of Financial Advisors | Darren Hinshaw on RIA Collective

    In this episode of RIA Collective, host Charlie Van Derven sits down with Darren Hinshaw, Managing Director at NBC Securities, to discuss the often-overlooked impact financial advisors have on the stability and wellbeing of society. Darren shares why he believes financial services rank among the most important professions - alongside doctors and spiritual advisors. From helping clients navigate volatile markets to guiding them through life’s biggest transitions, advisors provide the steady hand that keeps families financially grounded. Drawing on decades of experience at firms like Merrill Lynch, Darren reflects on how the industry has evolved, the trust it must uphold, and the deeper purpose behind every advisor-client relationship. In this episode: 00:00 – Why financial services are vital to global wellbeing 03:10 – The role of advisors in providing stability through uncertainty 07:45 – Lessons from working at Merrill Lynch and other major firms 12:30 – How NBC Securities helps clients stay consistent in volatile times 18:20 – Why the advisory profession matters more than ever This episode is a reminder that what advisors do isn’t just about money - it’s about meaning, discipline, and the ripple effect of helping people live with confidence and clarity. 🎧 Watch, learn, and subscribe to RIA Collective for more conversations that elevate the independent advisor profession. Connect with Darren Hinshaw: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darren-hinshaw-cfa-34413323/ Connect with Charlie Van Dervenn: 🌐 Social Advisors: https://www.social-advisors.com/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlievanderven/ #RIACOLLECTIVE #FinancialAdvisors #WealthManagement #FinancialPlanning #RIA #AdvisorGrowth #ClientTrust #NBCSecurities #AdvisorLife #IndependentAdvisors #PurposeDrivenAdvisors

    17 min
  5. What Independent Advisors Are Getting Wrong About Cybersecurity - With Carm Cicalese

    11/03/2025

    What Independent Advisors Are Getting Wrong About Cybersecurity - With Carm Cicalese

    Independent advisors often think cybersecurity is something “the big firms” need to worry about. But the truth? RIAs are often at greater risk. In this episode of RIA Collective, host Charlie Van Derven sits down with Carmine “Carm” Cicalese, founder of CYBER CIC (“CHICK”) and partner at Digital Privacy & Protection, to unpack what every independent advisor needs to know about protecting sensitive client data, staying compliant, and maintaining client trust. Carm breaks down cybersecurity into three key areas - People, Processes, and Technology - and shares how most advisors are investing in the wrong one. He also explains why compliance doesn’t equal security, and what steps RIAs must take to close that dangerous gap. In this episode: 00:00 – Why trust in financial services depends on data security 03:15 – The #1 cybersecurity mistake independent advisors make 06:42 – How hackers target RIAs and their clients 09:30 – Why “adequate compliance” isn’t the same as “protection” 13:10 – The 50/30/20 rule for cybersecurity investment 17:45 – Practical steps to protect your firm and your clients Whether you’re a new RIA, breaking away from a wirehouse, or running a mature independent firm, this conversation will help you understand the human, operational, and tech layers of cybersecurity that protect both your clients and your reputation. 🎧 Listen now and subscribe to RIA Collective for more conversations that help independent advisors grow, protect, and scale their businesses. Connect with Carm Cicalese: 💼 linkedin.com/in/carmcicalese 🌐 https://cybercic.com/ Connect with Charlie Van Dervenn: 🌐 https://www.social-advisors.com/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlievanderven/

    18 min
  6. From Pro Sports to Fiduciary Finance: Shawn Zell on True Client Alignment

    10/20/2025

    From Pro Sports to Fiduciary Finance: Shawn Zell on True Client Alignment

    Former NFL & NBA performance-nutrition lead Shawn Zell (Fruition Financial, St. Louis) shares how he pivoted from the Rams and Bucks to fiercely independent financial planning—plus what “true client alignment” really looks like. We cover rapid licensing (SIE, 7, 66, 24), rebuilding a modern RIA tech stack, navigating broker-dealer consolidation, fee transparency, and why the best client relationships are relationship-first, not sales-first. Perfect for advisors considering the leap to independence or refining their service model. What you’ll learn Why Shawn left pro sports for wealth management—and how COVID clarified his “why”Independence vs. platform handcuffs: choosing partners without giving up controlReplacing legacy tools (e.g., PortfolioCenter) and standardizing planning, risk, and PM workflowsCustody choices (Schwab), transparent fees, and avoiding “nickels & dimes” hidden in productsPractical advice to newer advisors: slow down in meetings, optimize processes, and nurture (don’t pitch)Connect with Shawn on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawn-zell-cfp®-37b48a43/ Connect with Charlie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlievanderven/

    27 min
  7. Unapologetically Jen: Building a Client-First Practice on Her Own Terms

    10/06/2025

    Unapologetically Jen: Building a Client-First Practice on Her Own Terms

    Welcome to a high-energy, no-BS conversation with Jen Staben, Financial Advisor at Prime Capital and unapologetic force of nature in financial services. In this episode of the RIA Collective, Jen sits down with host Charlie Van Derven to share how she built a client-first practice her way - and why that meant leaving behind big-name firms, scripts that didn’t sound like her, and a system that prioritized products over people. 💥 Topics Covered: Why Jen left a major national firm to launch her own brandThe power of building a business around your valuesHow she made the transition seamless for clientsWhy “Unapologetically Jen” isn’t just a brand - it’s a missionThe book and podcast she’s launching to pull back the curtain on financial servicesIf you're an advisor who's felt out of place in a system that doesn't align with your values - this episode will hit home. 📣 Resources Mentioned: Jen’s Website: https://www.unapologetically-jen.com Connect with Jen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jen-staben-weinberg-crpc%C2%AE-6947b710b/ Connect with Charlie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlievanderven/ 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share this episode with an advisor who needs to hear it. #RIACollective #FinancialAdvisor #IndependentAdvisor #WomenInFinance #AdvisorBranding #AuthenticAdvising #Core4 #UnapologeticallyJen #SocialAdvisors

    29 min
  8. Building Pillars of Independence with Greg Curry

    09/18/2025

    Building Pillars of Independence with Greg Curry

    In this engaging episode of RIA Collective, host Charlie Van Derven sits down with Greg Curry, founder of Pillar Financial in Louisville, Kentucky. With nearly three decades of experience spanning accounting, insurance, and independent advisory, Greg shares his unique journey from CPA and institutional product management to building a successful fee-only RIA. The conversation dives into the lessons Greg has learned along the way—why simplicity and operational excellence are critical to client success, how a focus on planning over products builds lasting trust, and why clear processes and systems are the backbone of a thriving practice. Greg reflects on early challenges, the importance of owning mistakes and making clients whole, and the power of delivering financial advice that clients can truly understand and act on. Listeners will gain insights into cash flow–based planning, the use of homegrown tools like Excel alongside specialized software, and Greg’s philosophy that true value lies not in predicting markets but in guiding clients confidently through them. Tune in for a thoughtful discussion on the intersection of simplicity, transparency, and genuine client care, and how these principles can shape both a successful advisory practice and deeply rewarding client relationships.

    26 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Are you a financial advisor stuck with a firm that no longer serves your needs, fits your ideals, or gives you the flexibility to serve your clients as a true fiduciary? That is a tricky place to be, but rest assured, you’re not alone. RIA Collective Podcast is created with you in mind. We interview leaders at Registered Investment Advisory firms to learn from their wisdom and experience. It is our goal to take the fear and mystery out of going independent.Most of the industry leaders we talk with were in the exact same place you find yourself today. They too saw themselves as entrepreneurs. They became an advisor to create flexibility in their lives and help many others create financial security and peace of mind. Like you, those professionals become stifled by their captive environment. Sales quotas, proprietary products and services, the firm’s agenda, compliance, and other factors can make it difficult to grow and to act as a true fiduciary to your clients. RIA Collective podcast is hosted by Charlie Van Derven, an industry veteran who has been serving the advisor community for almost 25 years. During his time working in Financial Services, Charlie has seen trends come and go. One trend that continues with no end in sight, is the migration of advisors from the captive wire-house space to independence.The move to independence can go smoothly, or it can be a battle. Tune in to RIA Collective podcast to learn from industry leaders how to set your practice up for a smooth transition. Learn important things to consider and actions to take 3, 6, 12, or 18 months ahead of your move. Learn how to solidify key client relationships so you can retain the assets you’ve built.If you are an advisor considering a change or an industry leader who is building their firm and has wisdom to share, we would love to talk to you.Visit RIAcollective.com for more information or reach out to Charlie directly on LinkedIn. Thanks for being here.If you'd like to be a guest or connect directly with Charlie, visit https://www.riacollective.com.

Information

  • Creator
    Charlie Van Derven
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    62
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 RIA Collective
  • Show Website
    RIA Collective