In this episode, Shelby sits down with Jen Goldman of My Virtual COO to explore why scaling your advisory firm might depend on the power of a strong second-in-command. From operational strategy to leadership mindset, Jen shares how firms can grow smarter—not harder—by empowering the right COO. Packed with practical takeaways and Jen’s IDEO framework, this conversation is a must-listen for advisors ready to scale sustainably.

Could your next big business breakthrough come from well-being, not just your strategy? Stevyn Guinnip, founder of Grow Wellthy, joins us for a conversation that challenges the traditional advisor growth playbook. Reporting in from the opposite side of the globe—Shelby in Marrakesh and Stevyn in Madeira—they explore why the health of the advisor and the client might just be the most overlooked lever for sustainable success.

What happens when a succession plan falls apart? For Leighann Miko, it became the catalyst for something even bigger. In this episode of Kick It Open, Leighann shares her journey from an advisor left stranded by a failed succession to a trailblazer who not only built her own firm but went on to create Avise Financial Cooperative,  the first RIA co-op platform for other advisors to join as an independent advisor.

Julia Carlson built a thriving wealth management firm from the ground up—and now she’s on a mission to help women scale businesses to eight figures and beyond. In this episode, she shares her journey, key business lessons, and the mindset shifts needed to grow with confidence. We talk about delegation, avoiding burnout, and the power of receiving. If you're ready to level up, this one’s for you!

What happens when your strategy, marketing, and client experience align? Growth Strategist Kristin Harad joins Kick It Open to share how financial advisors can create a cohesive approach that drives growth. Learn how to refine your messaging, optimize the client journey, and leverage AI to work smarter—not harder.

Is an independent broker-dealer (IBD) really the best path to independence? Or is there a better way? In this episode of the Kick It Open Podcast, we sit down with Jason Barber, founder of Uptick Partners and Holistic Planning. After building a four-generation business at Edward Jones, Jason pivoted the family enterprise to an RIA.  He reveals how advisors can achieve true freedom and maximize enterprise value by choosing the right path from the start.

AI isn’t just the future—it’s the now, and in this episode of Kick It Open, we’re diving headfirst into how artificial intelligence is shaking up wealth management. Host Shelby Nicholl sits down with Jeannette Kuda, President and COO of TIFIN AG and TIFIN AMP, to unpack her journey from LPL Financial to leading AI-driven transformation at TIFIN.

What does it take to scale a firm from a small practice to a $7 billion RIA while ensuring its long-term success? Chris Kerckhoff, President and CEO of Plancorp, knows the answer.

What happens when the next generation takes the reins of a financial practice? For Stephanie “Stevie” Green, President of Spencer Financial, the transition wasn’t just about continuing her father’s legacy—it was about expanding and evolving it. Learn about her firm’s success with M&A - all built on personal relationships.

In this episode of Kick It Open, Kristin Burke shares a powerful framework for setting and achieving goals with clarity and confidence. We dive into overcoming limiting beliefs, creating an action plan, and staying consistent. Whether you're kicking off a new year or a new chapter, this episode will help you crush your biggest goals.

The next generation of financial advisors is stepping up—but too many are failing before they even get started. Why? In this episode, host Shelby Nicholl talks with Alanah Phillips and Lindsey Lewis, co-founders of the Advisor Launch Lab and Catalyst, about what’s broken in advisor training and how we can fix it. From smarter hiring to better mentorship, they’re sharing real solutions to build a stronger, more diverse pipeline of future advisors.

In this episode of Kick It Open, host Shelby Nicholl talks with Becca Hajjar of Commonwealth Financial Network about how advisors can evaluate firm culture, maximize efficiency, and find the best environment for long-term success. Iyana Harris, co-founder of Catalyst and a leading industry recruiter joins the conversation. Whether you’re making a move or just exploring your options, this episode delivers expert insights you won’t want to miss.

What happens when women stop playing small and step fully into their power within the wealth management industry? In this special episode, host Shelby Nichol and special co-host Iyana Harris sit down with the incredible Shannon Foreman to talk about wealth, confidence, and breaking barriers in finance. Get ready for a conversation that’s real, empowering, and long overdue.

AI isn’t just the future—it’s the now, and in this episode of Kick It Open, we’re diving headfirst into how artificial intelligence is shaking up wealth management. Host Shelby Nicholl sits down with Jeannette Kuda, President and COO of TIFIN AG and TIFIN AMP, to unpack her journey from LPL Financial to leading AI-driven transformation at TIFIN.

In this episode of Kick It Open, host Shelby Nicholl talks with Chuck Failla, CFP about his journey from cold-calling in the ’90s to launching Sovereign Financial Group, an independent RIA. They dive into the benefits of the RIA model, the resources available for advisors going independent, and why client demand for fiduciary services is reshaping the industry.

Advisors know their advice is valuable—but how should they charge for it? In this episode of Kick It Open, Julia Lilly, founder of Ryerson Financial, breaks down different fee models, the rise of advice-only planning, and how transparency empowers clients. Whether you’re rethinking your pricing or launching your own firm, this episode is packed with insights to help you charge with confidence.

Mental toughness isn’t just for sports—it’s the key to success in business and life. Dr. Ellen Reed shares how to train your brain for confidence, resilience, and high performance with the same tools used by elite athletes.

Leadership isn’t situational—it’s a mindset and presence you carry everywhere. In this episode, host Shelby Nicholl and leadership coach Sheila Bast explore what it means to be a leader rather than just act like one. From executive presence to mentorship, they break down the key traits that set real leaders apart.

What if women are actually the best negotiators—but just don’t realize it? In this episode, host Shelby Nicholl and negotiation expert Kathryn Valentine unpack why women already have the skills to negotiate like pros. From everyday wins to workplace strategies, this conversation will change the way you think about negotiation forever.

With the average age of widowhood at just 59, are we doing enough to support widows financially? In this episode, Shelby Nicholl and Megan Kopka, CFP®, CRPC® explore the emotional and economic realities of widowhood—and how financial advisors can step up to serve this growing population better.