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. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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

  6. 04/02/2024

    Driving Success with Judd Allen

    In this insightful episode of RIA Collective, host Charlie Van Derven engages in a captivating conversation with Judd Allen of Judd Allen Financial and the ICG Group. They delve into Judd's strategic transition from a broad financial advisory role to mastering a niche within the automotive sector. Reflecting on his initial uncertainties and the transformative journey to becoming a specialist, Judd shares how his passion for cars and understanding of automotive professionals' unique financial needs fueled his success. The discussion explores the profound satisfaction Judd finds in building long-term relationships and witnessing his clients achieve their retirement dreams, highlighting that some rewards far surpass monetary compensation. They also touch on the importance of adapting to industry changes, leveraging technology, and the impact of specialized knowledge in fostering client trust and business growth. Tune in for an inspiring look at how dedication to a niche, combined with genuine passion, can drive a fulfilling and successful career in financial advisory.

    35 min

  7. 03/27/2024

    Blueprint for Independence with Justin Stevens

    In this compelling episode of RA Collective, host Charlie Van Derven welcomes Justin Stevens, co-founder of O'Keefe Stevens Advisory, based in Rochester, New York. Justin shares his unconventional journey into the financial services sector, starting from a pivotal internship that steered him away from pre-med to finance, inspired by a family friend's recommendation. Their conversation dives deep into Justin's early career experiences, working in a nurturing family-run business, and the invaluable mentorship that shaped his professional philosophy. Justin details the deliberate and thoughtful process behind founding O'Keefe Stevens Advisory with his partner Peter, highlighting the importance of philosophical alignment, integrity, and client-first values in their move towards independence. Their discussion uncovers the strategic planning, challenges, and teamwork involved in transitioning to an independent firm, growing their assets under management from 135 million to 350 million, and the vision driving their future growth towards a billion in AUM. Tune in for an inspiring exploration of building a successful financial advisory firm from scratch, the power of supportive partnerships, and the relentless pursuit of growth aligned with core values. Justin's story is a testament to the transformative power of strategic planning, dedication, and the right team dynamics in the journey towards independence in the financial advisory world.

    29 min

  8. 03/27/2024

    From Marketing to Finance with Sara Stanich

    In this episode of RIA Collective, Charlie van der Ven welcomes Sara Stanich of Cultivating Wealth, based in Montauk, New York. Transitioning from a vibrant marketing career to founding her own RIA, Sara shares her journey through the early days of internet advertising, the .com crash, and eventually, the financial sector. Their conversation sheds light on the unique challenges and insights gained from transitioning to an independent financial advisor role, with a special focus on empowering women and navigating the divorce financial planning niche. Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on leveraging diverse backgrounds for success in financial planning and the strategic moves that propelled Cultivating Wealth. Sarah's story is an inspiring example of how adaptability and passion can pave the way for a fulfilling career in finance.

    29 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 - 2025
  • Episodes
    59
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 RIA Collective
  • Show Website
    RIA Collective