Advisors Off Script

Julia Carlson is a powerhouse in wealth management—leading a team of 20, serving over 1,600 families and business owners, and authoring the book Money Loves You: Transform Your Relationship with Money and Grow Your Wealth. In this episode, Julia shares her remarkable journey, from hitting a glass ceiling at 23 to launching her own firm, Financial Freedom Wealth Management.

We dive into the mindset shifts required to scale a business, the art of delegation, and how women entrepreneurs can step into their full potential. Julia also gets real about navigating burnout, the power of receiving, and why she’s on a mission to help women build eight-figure businesses and give back in massive ways.

Whether you’re an advisor, a business owner, or someone striving for more in your career, this episode is packed with insights, inspiration, and actionable strategies to help you take the next bold step.

Learn more about Julia: https://www.thejuliacarlson.com/

Learn more about Juia’s firm: https://www.financialfreedomwmg.com/team-member/julia-m-carlson 

Hosted by Shelby Nicholl. Produced and edited by Aaron Sherman. Operations and Guest Coordination by Shelly Hadel.

What happens when your strategy, marketing, and client experience align? In this episode of Kick It Open, host Shelby Nicholl sits down with business development coach Kristin Harad of Full Advisor Coaching to uncover the power of alignment in building a thriving advisory practice.

With experience in financial services, entrepreneurship, and coaching top-tier advisors, Kristin shares strategies for:

• Creating a unified brand message that attracts ideal clients.
• Designing a structured client journey that builds trust and boosts conversions.
• Leveraging leadership vision to unify and energize advisory teams.
• Using AI to streamline marketing, content creation, and client communication.

If you’re looking to scale your firm, strengthen client relationships, and create a seamless growth strategy, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Plus, hear how Kristin is kicking open doors in her own business by working with advisory teams to fuel long-term success.

Hosted by Shelby Nicholl. Produced and edited by Aaron Sherman. Operations and Guest Coordination by Shelly Hadel.

For many advisors, independence starts with an independent broker-dealer (IBD)—but is that really the best way to go independent? Or is there a better way to achieve the freedom, flexibility, and control you actually want?

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.  We discuss:

✅ Why many advisors move twice—and how to avoid that costly mistake
✅ How you can transition to an RIA, even when you have annuities, A-shares, etc.
✅ How expanding your investment offerings, tax services, and estate planning can supercharge your growth
✅ Why clients—not just advisors—are choosing RIAs over broker-dealers
✅ How to build a business with higher enterprise value and long-term sustainability

Jason also talks about innovative strategies to make a move smoother and more successful. Hello Facebook ads! 

If you’re an advisor considering a move, don’t make it twice—listen to this episode and get it right the first time.

To find out more about Jason Barber and Uptick Partners and Holistic Planning, go to, https://holisticplanning.com/

Holistic Planning is provides investment advisory services under Uptick Partners, a registered investment advisor. The information discussed in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, tax, or legal advice. Uptick Partners, Holistic Planning, and its affiliated entities are Registered Investment Advisers (RIAs) with the appropriate regulatory bodies. However, registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training.

Past performance is not indicative of future results. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Alternative investments, structured notes, and private equity investments may carry additional risks, such as liquidity constraints, volatility, and regulatory changes. Investors should conduct their own due diligence and consult with a qualified financial, tax, or legal professional before making any investment decisions.

Holistic Planning is a licensed brand utilized by independent financial advisors. The use of this brand does not imply direct supervision, control, or endorsement of specific financial strategies by Uptick Partners or any regulatory authority. Each advisor operates independently and clients should review individual advisor credentials and disclosures before engaging in services.

Tax and estate planning discussions are based on current laws and regulations, which are subject to change. Any tax strategies mentioned should not be relied upon as legal tax advice. Clients are encouraged to consult a certified tax professional or legal advisor regarding their specific circumstances.

Testimonials, endorsements, and success stories shared in this podcast are individual experiences and may not represent the outcomes of all clients. Compensation may be provided for testimonials or endorsements, and listeners should not assume such statements are unbiased.

Hosted by Shelby Nicholl. Produced and edited by Aaron Sherman. Operations and Guest Coordination by Shelly Hadel.

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.

Jeannette shares how supervised and generative AI are fueling organic growth, personalizing client strategies, and helping advisors scale like never before. We break down the real-world impact of AI, from overcoming data quality challenges to the game-changing pilot program with Cetera, and even how AI is revolutionizing traditional banking.

Advisors, if you’re wondering how to harness AI without getting lost in the tech jargon, this is the episode for you. Plus, we’re linking to TIFIN’s AI Adoption Playbook so you can start implementing these insights today.

And as always, we wrap up with a little inspiration: What’s one door Jeannette is kicking open right now? Tune in and get ready to push past the limits of what’s possible in wealth management.

🔗 https://tifinag.com/growth-studio/ai-adoption-playbook/

Hosted by Shelby Nicholl. Produced and edited by Aaron Sherman. Operations and Guest Coordination by Shelly Hadel.

Scaling a wealth management firm is one thing—ensuring it thrives for generations is another. Chris Kerckhoff, President and CEO of Plancorp, knows exactly what it takes. During his tenure and leadership, Plancorp has grown from a small advisory firm to a $7 billion powerhouse while successfully transitioning its ownership from its founding generation to the next while also creating durability in the ownership approach.

In this episode of Kick It Open, Chris breaks down the key pillars of future-proofing a firm’s legacy. He shares how Plancorp built a durable succession plan, developed strong governance structures, and invested in leadership training to ensure long-term success. We also explore how technology plays a role in maintaining efficiency at scale and why a client-first approach remains the foundation of any thriving RIA.

Chris also opens up about his own leadership evolution, the role of external coaching, and the lessons he’s learned from navigating complex ownership transitions. If you’re an advisor thinking about succession planning, firm growth, or how to build a lasting legacy, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

Hosted by Shelby Nicholl. Produced and edited by Aaron Sherman. Operations and Guest Coordination by Shelly Hadel.

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.

In this episode of Kick It Open, Stevie shares how she and her husband acquired her father’s practice in 2020, growing it from a small, family-run office to a thriving firm with a team of 17. She opens up about the challenges of taking over amid her father’s battle with pancreatic cancer, the lessons she’s learned from navigating advisor transitions, and how she’s strategically used acquisitions to fuel growth.

We dive into what it takes to successfully integrate new advisors, maintain strong client relationships, and build a business that thrives while also raising a family. Stevie also shares her approach to hiring, why complimentary financial planning has been a game-changer, and the power of client referrals in driving organic growth.

If you’re an advisor looking for inspiration on scaling a business, balancing family and leadership, or making M&A work for you, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

Hosted by Shelby Nicholl. Produced and edited by Aaron Sherman. Operations and Guest Coordination by Shelly Hadel.

Big goals require more than good intentions—they need a strategy. In this episode of Kick It Open, host Shelby Nicholl sits down with Kristin Burke, goal achievement coach and host of the Elite Achievement podcast, to break down exactly how to set yourself up for success in 2025.

Kristin shares the two key questions that shape goal setting: “What do you want more of?” and “What do you want less of?” She also dives into her 4 Cs framework—clarity, confidence, courage, and consistency—and how each plays a role in turning ambitious goals into reality.

From overcoming fear and limiting beliefs to creating an actionable plan with built-in accountability, this conversation is packed with practical insights to help you set and stick to your biggest goals.

🎯 Exclusive Offer: Get 50% off Kristin’s Goal Setting Course at KristinBurke.com with promo code PODCAST50

Kirstin Burke is also host of the Elite Achievement podcast which can be found wherever you stream podcasts. 
www.kristinburke.com/podcast

Hosted by Shelby Nicholl. Produced and edited by Aaron Sherman. Operations and Guest Coordination by Shelly Hadel.

The future of wealth management depends on the next generation—but are we setting them up for success?

In this episode of Kick It Open, host Shelby Nicholl sits down with Alanah Phillips and Lindsey Lewis, co-founders of the Advisor Launch Lab, to explore what it really takes to attract, train, and retain top next-gen talent.

They break down the flaws in traditional hiring, why diversity in teams matters, and how mentorship, emotional intelligence, and continual learning are game-changers for building strong advisory teams. Plus, they tackle one of the industry's biggest challenges: reducing the high fallout rate among new advisors through better support and fresh thinking.

If you’re serious about the future of financial advising, this is an episode you can’t afford to miss.

Hosted by Shelby Nicholl. Produced and edited by Aaron Sherman. Operations and Guest Coordination by Shelly Hadel.

In this episode of the Kick It Open Podcast, hosts Shelby Nicholl and Iyanna Harris engage in an insightful discussion with Becca Hajjar, Managing Principal and Chief Business Development Officer of Commonwealth Financial Network. 

With a wealth of experience and a commitment to driving diversity in wealth management, Becca sheds light on her journey, Commonwealth’s growth, and how advisors can evaluate a firm’s “fit factor.”

Episode Highlights:

💼 Finding Your Fit: Becca offers insights on evaluating firm culture and how advisors can assess alignment beyond business needs, looking at a firm’s “personality” to see if it truly matches their values.

⏳ Becoming “Time Merchants”: Commonwealth champions time-saving strategies that empower advisors to focus on what matters most. Becca shares how outsourcing options like PPS Select can lead to better client experiences and help advisors scale efficiently.

👩🏽‍🤝‍👨🏻 Championing Diversity: Becca’s passion for growing opportunities for women and diverse advisors shines through. Commonwealth’s initiatives, from flexible licensing paths to mentorship programs, empower new advisors to step into lead roles with confidence.

To learn more about Commonwealth: Reach out to Shelby or Iyana and check out Our Leadership Team | A Passion for Serving Our Advisors.

Articles about Commonwealth:
Commonwealth Announces Highest Recruiting Results in Its 43-Year History, with New Assets Nearly Doubling from 2021 - AdvisorHub

Women-Owned Independent RIA Moves Its Business to Commonwealth | Business Wire

We also invite you to learn more about Muriel Network and Catalyst.

Hosted by Shelby Nicholl. Produced and edited by Aaron Sherman. Operations and Guest Coordination by Shelly Hadel.

Kick It Open is all about bold conversations that challenge the status quo in wealth management. In this special episode, host Shelby Nichol is joined by special co-host Iyana Harris for an inspiring discussion with Shannon Foreman, a powerhouse in financial planning and entrepreneurship.

With women projected to control the majority of wealth by 2030, the industry is on the cusp of a major transformation. Together, Shelby, Iyana, and Shannon explore financial empowerment, personal growth, and the evolution of mentorship—highlighting how authenticity and vulnerability are reshaping success.

They dig into building confidence, overcoming industry barriers, and fostering truly inclusive financial planning while emphasizing the need for safe spaces where women can navigate wealth without shame.

Join us for an episode that’s as real as it is empowering—because the future of finance is female, and the time for change is now.

Hosted by Shelby Nicholl. Produced and edited by Aaron Sherman. Operations and Guest Coordination by Shelly Hadel.