RIA Collective

Hosted by Charlie Van Derven

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Aug 2026

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About the show

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.

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August 4, 2026Episode 7225 min

How Financial Advisors Can Use AI Without Losing Trust | Nate Hoskin, CFP®

Most financial advisors know they need to create content. The challenge is knowing what AI should do, what it shouldn't do, and how to create authentic content that actually builds trust. In this episode of RIA Collective , Charlie Van Derven sits down with Nate Hoskin, CFP® , Co-Founder of SageContent.ai , to discuss how advisors can leverage video, AI, and personal branding to grow their businesses without sacrificing authenticity. Nate shares lessons from building his own RIA through content before creating SageContent.ai to help other advisors do the same. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why video is one of the fastest ways to build trust with prospects • Where AI saves advisors time, and where it can actually hurt your marketing • The difference between production quality and expensive editing • Why people follow advisors, not logos • How to build a personal brand that generates opportunities • The biggest mistakes advisors make with content creation • Practical ways to use AI without sounding like AI One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation: Use AI to remove the work that gets in the way, not the authenticity that builds trust. Whether you're just starting with video or looking to improve your marketing strategy, this episode is packed with actionable ideas you can implement immediately. 📺 Subscribe for more conversations with leading independent advisors: Connect with Charlie Van Derven 🌐 Social Advisors: https://www.social-advisors.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlievanderven/ Connect with Nate Hoskin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nghoskin/ SageContent.ai: https://www.sagecontent.ai/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:40 Why Advisors Need to Build More Trust 04:30 AI vs Authentic Content 09:20 Creating Videos That People Actually Watch 14:30 Why Personal Branding Matters More Than Firm Branding 19:30 Growing an Advisory Business Through Content 23:00 How SageContent.ai Helps Advisors Scale 25:00 Closing Thoughts #FinancialAdvisors #AdvisorMarketing #RIACollective #AdvisorMarketing #FinancialPlanning #RegisteredInvestmentAdvisor #RIA #PersonalBranding #VideoMarketing #ContentMarketing #ArtificialIntelligence #AI #AdvisorGrowth #PracticeManagement #ThoughtLeadership #LeadGeneration #SocialMediaMarketing #DigitalMarketing #CFP #Trust #Fiduciary #IndependentAdvisor #WealthManagementMarketing #AdvisorSuccess

July 13, 2026Episode 7127 min

RIA Collective: Chris Price | Why Process Beats Talent in Building an Advisory Firm

What separates a successful advisory firm from one that struggles to scale? According to Chris Price, it comes down to process. In this episode of RIA Collective , host Charlie Van Derven sits down with Chris Price of Wealth Solutions Partners to discuss his journey from the insurance world into a more independent, hybrid advisory model and the lessons he's learned about building a scalable business. Chris shares how earning professional designations changed the way he viewed financial advice, why systems become more important as firms grow, and how AI is reshaping advisor efficiency without replacing relationships. Together, Charlie and Chris discuss: The transition from a large insurance firm to a hybrid independent model Why professional education changes the way advisors serve clients How documented processes create consistency and scalability The importance of hiring for personality, not just experience Why advisors need to think like business owners, not just practitioners How AI is making advisory firms more efficient while strengthening client relationships Lessons from building and leading a growing advisory team Chris also explains why every advisory firm should have a repeatable process that serves the vast majority of its clients, creating a better experience for both clients and team members. This episode is especially valuable for: Advisors considering independence Hybrid advisors looking to grow RIAs building their first team Firm owners focused on scaling through systems 🎧 Watch now and subscribe to RIA Collective for conversations that help independent advisors build stronger businesses and better client experiences. Connect with Chris Price 📧 Email: christopherprice@financialguide.com Connect with Charlie Van Derven 🌐 Social Advisors: https://www.social-advisors.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlievanderven/ Chapters 00:00 – Chris's path into financial services 03:45 – Why education changed his career 07:30 – The move to a hybrid model 11:15 – Building a business with processes 15:20 – Hiring the right people 19:00 – Leading a growing team 22:00 – How AI is changing advisory firms 25:00 – Final advice for advisors

June 17, 2026Episode 7022 min

RIA Collective: Andrew Winig | Why Most Financial Advisors Sound the Same

What makes a financial advisor different? According to Andrew Winig, most advisors struggle to answer that question clearly. In this episode of RIA Collective , host Charlie Van Derven sits down with Andrew Winig , founder of Your Elevator Pitch Coach , to discuss one of the biggest challenges advisors face: explaining what they do in a way that people actually remember. Andrew has worked with hundreds of financial advisors and discovered something surprising: Most advisors are different. They just sound exactly the same. Together, Charlie and Andrew discuss: Why "great service" isn't a real differentiator How advisors can create memorable elevator pitches The biggest mistakes advisors make at networking events Why specificity attracts more referrals than broad messaging How to answer common questions like "What do you do?" Turning small talk into meaningful business conversations Why most advisors should stop leading with "I'm a financial advisor" Andrew also walks through real-world examples of how advisors can identify their niche, communicate their value more effectively, and become easier to refer. This episode is especially valuable for: ✔️ Financial advisors looking for more referrals ✔️ RIAs building a niche market ✔️ Advisors who network regularly ✔️ Professionals who want a more compelling personal brand 🎧 Watch now and subscribe to RIA Collective for conversations that help independent advisors grow, differentiate, and attract the right clients. Connect with Andrew Winig 🌐 Website: https://improvandy.com 🎯 Free Pitch Check: https://freepitchcheck.com 💼 LinkedIn: Andrew Winig Connect with Charlie Van Derven 🌐 Social Advisors: https://www.social-advisors.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlievanderven/ Chapters 00:00 – Why advisors struggle to differentiate 02:30 – The problem with generic elevator pitches 05:00 – Finding your true niche 08:00 – A live elevator pitch example 12:00 – How specificity drives referrals 15:00 – Answering common networking questions 18:00 – Turning small talk into opportunity 20:00 – Free resources for advisors

May 30, 2026Episode 6927 min

RIA Collective: Damian Lo Basso | Why RIAs Need a CFO Before They Think They Do

Most RIAs don’t think they need a CFO… until they realize they do. In this episode of RIA Collective, host Charlie Van Derven sits down with Damian Lo Basso , Founder of My RIA CFO , to discuss the financial blind spots that hold advisory firms back during transition, growth, and scaling. Damian brings a rare level of experience to the RIA space. After working in investment banking and M&A, he helped build Dynasty Financial Partners’ OCFO program, launched one of the industry’s first outsourced CFO firms, and later served as CFO for multi-billion-dollar RIAs before launching My RIA CFO. Together, Charlie and Damian discuss: Why many RIAs wait too long to professionalize financial operations The hidden risks advisors overlook during transition Why bookkeeping alone is not enough for growing firms How RIAs should think about forecasting, hiring, and scaling Why fractional leadership is reshaping the independent advisor space How advisors can access institutional-level support without institutional-level overhead The growing ecosystem helping RIAs thrive after leaving wirehouses Damian also explains why many firms mistakenly believe “money in the bank” means the business is healthy, while missing the larger strategic picture hidden inside the numbers. This episode is especially valuable for: ✔️ Advisors considering independence ✔️ RIAs preparing to scale ✔️ Firms evaluating outsourced leadership support ✔️ Advisors navigating M&A or transition decisions In addition to this conversation, Charlie and Damian recently joined forces with other industry leaders for a webinar focused on how RIAs can leverage fractional leadership to grow more efficiently without adding massive overhead. The webinar covers: Fractional CFO, CMO, COO, and CIO support How outsourced leadership creates leverage for RIAs The economics of scaling smarter Common mistakes advisors make during growth and transition 🎥 Watch the webinar replay here https://youtu.be/khHHwwMrvHs 🎧 Watch now and subscribe to RIA Collective for conversations that help independent advisors grow, adapt, and build stronger businesses. 🔗 Connect with Damian Lo Basso 🌐 Website: https://www.myriacfo.com 📧 Email: dlobasso@myriacfo.com 🔗 Connect with Charlie Van Derven 🌐 Social Advisors: https://www.social-advisors.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlievanderven/ ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – Why RIAs are evolving 02:00 – Damian’s background in M&A and CFO work 05:00 – Why RIAs underestimate financial operations 08:00 – The future of independent advisory firms 11:00 – Why outsourcing leadership roles works 14:00 – Transition mistakes advisors make 18:00 – What the SEC is looking for during audits 21:00 – Why bookkeeping is not enough 24:00 – Scaling an RIA the right way

May 18, 2026Episode 6817 min

RIA Collective: Andree Mohr | Why Advisor Independence Starts With Your “Why”

What does advisor independence actually mean? In this episode of RIA Collective , host Charlie Van Derven sits down with Andree Mohr , President of Integrated Partners , to explore why the move to independence is about much more than business structure. Andree shares her unique journey from starting as a PR intern at 17 years old to becoming president of one of the largest independent firms in the country. Along the way, she explains why the best advisors are not just building businesses, they’re building lives and practices aligned with their values. Together, Charlie and Andree discuss: Why independence is really about serving clients without conflicting priorities The biggest misconceptions wirehouse advisors have about independence Why advisors need to understand their “why” before making a move How independence changes the role from advisor to business owner The importance of planning-first advice versus product-first advice How Integrated Partners helps entrepreneurial advisors thrive Andree also explains why the word “fiduciary” has become overused in the industry and why true independence may be the better way to think about client-first advice. This episode is especially valuable for: ✔️ Wirehouse advisors considering independence ✔️ RIAs looking to scale intentionally ✔️ Advisors exploring different business models ✔️ Anyone wanting to build a more fulfilling advisory career 🎧 Watch now and subscribe to RIA Collective for conversations that elevate the independent advisor profession. 🔗 Connect with Andree Mohr 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andree-peterson/ 🌐 Integrated Partners: https://integrated-partners.com/ 🔗 Connect with Charlie Van Derven 🌐 Social Advisors: https://www.social-advisors.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlievanderven/ ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – From PR intern to president 03:00 – Why financial services matters 05:00 – Independence vs fiduciary language 08:00 – Misconceptions about independence 10:00 – Becoming a true business owner 13:00 – Why advisors need clarity before transitioning 15:00 – Building a fulfilling career in wealth management

April 28, 2026Episode 6720 min

RIA Collective: Tyson Ray | What Advisors Don’t Know About Succession (And It Costs Them)

What if you don’t actually own your book of business? In this episode of RIA Collective , host Charlie Van Derven sits down with Tyson Ray of FORM Wealth Advisors to break down one of the most misunderstood topics in financial services: succession. Tyson shares the eye-opening realization that many advisors, especially in W2 or hybrid models, may not truly own the goodwill of their clients. That has massive implications when it comes time to sell, transition, or exit your business. He also introduces his S.P.A.C.E. framework , a practical way for advisors to think through succession beyond just retirement planning. Together, Charlie and Tyson discuss: Why many advisors don’t actually own their client relationships The difference between W2, 1099, and RIA ownership structures Why succession planning is about more than retirement The biggest mistakes advisors make when planning an exit How to think about succession if something happens tomorrow The emotional and lifestyle side of stepping away from your firm This episode is especially valuable for: Advisors at wirehouses or broker-dealers RIAs thinking about long-term exit strategies Advisors nearing retirement Anyone who wants more control over their business and future Tyson also shares insights from his book “ Total Succession ”, designed to help advisors understand their options and make better decisions without bias. 🎧 Watch now and subscribe to RIA Collective for conversations that help independent advisors grow, adapt, and plan for the future. 🔗 Connect with Tyson Ray 📘 Book: https://totalsuccession.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tysonray/ 🔗 Connect with Charlie Van Derven 🌐 Social Advisors: https://www.social-advisors.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlievanderven/ ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – Why succession matters now more than ever 02:00 – Do you actually own your book? 05:30 – W2 vs 1099 vs RIA explained 09:00 – The S.P.A.C.E. framework 13:00 – Common succession mistakes 17:00 – Planning for the unexpected 19:30 – Lifestyle, legacy, and exit decisions

April 28, 2026Episode 6623 min

RIA Collective: Thomas Clawson | The AI CRM Changing How Advisors Build Relationships

What happens when a CRM is built for advisors with AI at its core, instead of having AI bolted on later? In this episode of RIA Collective , host Charlie Van Derven sits down with Thomas Clawson , Co-Founder of Slant , to explore how AI-native CRM technology is changing the way financial advisors manage relationships, automate workflows, and grow their businesses. Thomas shares how Slant evolved from a marketing automation tool into a full CRM after advisors kept asking for more powerful ways to manage workflows, notes, reviews, and client communication. He also explains why building a CRM from scratch in the AI era creates a major advantage over legacy systems that are still trying to retrofit modern functionality. Together, Charlie and Thomas discuss: Why traditional CRMs are struggling to keep up with AI The difference between AI point solutions and AI-native platforms How advisors can automate client reviews, reminders, and workflows Creative ways to deepen relationships at scale How Slant approaches compliance, data protection, and security Why the future of advice is still rooted in relationships Thomas also shares some of the most interesting use cases inside Slant, including AI-generated client outreach, review tracking, family relationship mapping, and workflows that help advisors stay connected not just with clients, but with spouses and the next generation as well. This episode is especially valuable for: Independent advisors and RIAs Firms evaluating CRM and AI tools Advisors looking to improve efficiency without losing the human touch Leaders thinking about the future of advisor tech 🎧 Watch now and subscribe to RIA Collective for conversations that help independent advisors grow, adapt, and lead the future of financial advice. Connect with Thomas Clawson 🌐 Slant: https://slant.app 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasclawson/ Connect with Charlie Van Derven 🌐 Social Advisors: https://www.social-advisors.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlievanderven/ Chapters 00:00 – Why this episode is different 02:00 – Why build a CRM for advisors 05:00 – Compliance, security, and protecting client data 07:00 – Moving beyond note takers 10:00 – AI workflows inside CRM 14:00 – What’s coming next for Slant 18:30 – The future of advisor growth and relationships 20:00 – Why the next generation matters more than ever

March 30, 2026Episode 6515 min

RIA Collective: Dennis Huergo | What Advisors Get Wrong About Growth and Independence

What does it really take to grow as a financial advisor? In this episode of RIA Collective, host Charlie Van Derven sits down with Dennis Huergo of Wealth Enhancement Group to explore the mindset, career decisions, and experiences that shape successful advisors over time. Dennis shares his journey from military service into financial services, starting in insurance and sales, and eventually transitioning toward true financial planning and independence. Along the way, he reflects on the lessons that accelerated his growth and the mistakes that slowed him down. Together, Charlie and Dennis discuss: Why what you consume shapes the direction of your career How being the least experienced person in the room can accelerate growth The difference between sales-driven roles and true financial planning What advisors often get wrong early in their careers The tradeoff between short-term income and long-term development How mindset, discomfort, and environment impact success Dennis also shares how his upbringing as the child of Cuban immigrants shaped his perspective on responsibility, growth, and making the most of opportunities. This episode is especially valuable for: Advisors early in their career Professionals considering independence Advisors feeling stuck in sales-focused roles Anyone looking to grow faster by learning from others 🎧 Watch now and subscribe to RIA Collective for conversations that elevate the independent advisor profession. Connect with Dennis Huergo 🌐 Website: https://www.wealthenhancement.com 📧 Email: dhuergo@wealthenhancement.com Connect with Charlie Van Derven 🌐 Social Advisors: https://www.social-advisors.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlievanderven/ Chapters 00:00 – From military to financial services 03:30 – The impact of upbringing on financial mindset 07:10 – What you consume shapes your career 11:00 – Growth through uncomfortable environments 15:20 – Sales vs financial planning 19:00 – Lessons Dennis would do differently 22:30 – Advice for advisors considering independence

February 23, 2026Episode 6422 min

RIA Collective: Sam Sova | AI Coworkers Are Changing Advisory Firms

AI is everywhere in financial services, but most advisors are only scratching the surface. In this episode of RIA Collective , host Charlie Van Derven sits down with Sam Sova , Co-Founder of Subatomic AI , to explore how artificial intelligence is moving beyond basic tools and becoming a true collaborative partner inside advisory firms. Sam shares how RIAs can use AI to unify data across CRMs, custodians, portfolio platforms, email, and communication tools. The result is fewer manual tasks, more efficiency, and the ability to break through growth ceilings without adding headcount. Together, Charlie and Sam discuss: Why AI is at a “1995 moment,” similar to the early internet How advisors are losing more than 40% of their time to tasks AI can now handle Why meeting preparation is one of the biggest hidden time drains in advisory firms How AI coworkers can automatically generate agendas, insights, and recommendations The future of personalized client journeys and proactive touchpoints How Subatomic approaches security, compliance, and transparency for RIAs Why AI is not about replacing people, but about doing more with the same team Sam also explains how Subatomic helps firms save hundreds, and in some cases thousands, of hours per year. That time can be reinvested where it matters most: relationships, trust, and growth. This episode is especially valuable for: Independent advisors and RIAs Firms hitting a growth ceiling Advisors curious about AI beyond note-taking tools Leaders planning for the next decade of advice 🎧 Watch now and subscribe to RIA Collective for conversations that help independent advisors grow, adapt, and lead the future of financial advice. Connect with Sam Sova 🌐 Subatomic AI: https://subatomic.ai Connect with Charlie Van Derven 🌐 Social Advisors: https://www.social-advisors.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlievanderven/ Chapters 00:00 – Why this episode is different 03:00 – AI’s “1995 moment” 07:45 – Where advisors lose the most time 11:00 – AI-powered meeting preparation explained 15:30 – Unifying data across advisor technology stacks 19:00 – Security, compliance, and transparency 22:30 – The future of AI coworkers in RIAs

February 9, 2026Episode 6322 min

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 Echo45 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 firms How AI will disrupt bookkeeping and compliance - and what advisors should focus on instead Why clients panic more about taxes than market volatility The rise of the “one-stop firm” and what clients actually want today How to create a family-office-like experience for the mass affluent Why integration beats silos when it comes to long-term growth This 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: Echo45 Advisors 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Echo45Advisors 🔗 LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/echo45advisors/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Echo45_Advisors/ ▶️ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@UCkhMC5FRtPHf4_vnYp0tEIg 🐦 X (Twitter): https://x.com/echo45advisors 👤 LinkedIn (Jon Henderson): https://www.linkedin.com/in/jhendersonecho45/ Connect with Charlie Van Derven 🌐 Social Advisors: https://www.social-advisors.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlievanderven/