What happens when a former financial journalist brings deep curiosity and compassion into the world of financial planning? In this episode, Rob Brown sits down with Ryan Derousseau, a CFP® who made the leap from writing for Money, Fortune, and Forbes to serving therapists, career changers, and the self-employed. Ryan shares how his path has been shaped by listening more, asking better questions, and putting purpose before products. His work reveals a powerful truth: trust, emotion, and vulnerability are just as vital to planning as any spreadsheet. We’re reminded of how powerful it is when advisors focus on people…not just portfolios.

Key Takeaways: 

• Lessons from Journalism (20:09) – Discover how Ryan’s past as a journalist sharpened his ability to ask deeper questions and truly hear what clients are saying.
• The Strategic Pause (24:28) – Silence isn’t awkward, it’s powerful. Ryan shows how waiting just a little longer often uncovers the most honest, meaningful client insights.
• Trust the Journey (26:09) – For new advisors, Ryan offers hard-won wisdom: growth takes time, and the best results come from consistent, purpose-driven effort.
• Niche with Intention (09:46) – Ryan reveals how focusing on therapists helped him refine his message, connect more deeply, and serve self-employed professionals with greater impact.

Ryan Derousseau: "When advisors lead with curiosity and just sit in the discomfort a little longer, that’s where the real trust is built and that’s when the real work begins."

Rob Brown: "It’s not just about the numbers you uncover, it’s about the life you help your clients live because of the planning you guide them through."

About Ryan Derousseau: Ryan Derousseau, CFP®, enables employees, the self-employed, therapists, and career changers to thrive financially so they can focus on what matters most. A former financial writer for Fortune, Money, and Forbes, Ryan blends deep industry insight with a practical, goal-first approach. He helps clients align their business and finances with their values, building stronger practices, better balance, and long-term wealth.

Connect with Ryan Derousseau: 

Website: http://www.thinkingcapfinancial.com/ & http://www.unitedfpg.com/

Email: [email protected] & [email protected] 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanderousseau/

Episode References:

• The Purpose-Focused Advisor Weekly Newdletter
• The Purposed-Focused Advisor Mastermind
• Executive Coaching with Rob Brown

Connect with Rob Brown:

Website: http://truestfan.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/truestfan/