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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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.
Finding Your Fit: How Haley Ellis Turned Process into a Superpower (and a COO Path)
The Blueprint: An FPA NexGen® Podcast
30 minutes 25 seconds
3 weeks ago
Finding Your Fit: How Haley Ellis Turned Process into a Superpower (and a COO Path)
In this Blueprint | FPA Nex Gen episode, Haley Ellis, CFP® and Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor, joins hosts Mike Zarrelli, CFP®, and Deshawn Peterson, CFP®, to share how she successfully transitioned from a client-facing financial planner to Director of Operations (and on track for COO) after her firm doubled in size. She unpacks building workflows from scratch, leading through a merger, advocating for your role, and why community—FPA chapters and mastermind groups—accelerates growth. You’ll learn:* How to spot (and claim) an operations leadership opportunity in a small RIA* The first processes to build when a firm scales or merges* What makes a mastermind group actually stick (commitment + accountability)* When a niche helps marketing—and when it doesn’t define your whole book* Designations vs. real client reps: where to invest your early-career energyQuote to remember: “Growth happens at the edge of your comfort zone—but confidence comes from counting your small wins.”If this helped you, follow the show and leave a rating so more Next Gen planners can find it.Chapters 00:00 Intro & Haley’s move to NC 04:10 From planner to Director of Operations 09:45 Doubling the firm wins & challenges 14:20 Advocating for your role (without the imposter spiral) 19:30 FPA community & leadership reps 24:15 Mastermind groups that stick 29:10 Designations: CFP®, CPFA & what matters early 34:40 Niches (dentists, 401(k)s) — marketing vs. reality 40:05 Showing up in the “big room” with confidence 45:10 Third space, burnout, and recharging 48:30 Haley’s superpower & close If you’re new hereSubscribe for candid, practice-building conversations for Next Gen financial planners. Drop a comment with your biggest takeaway—what process will you build first?
The Blueprint: An FPA NexGen® Podcast
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.
