Host Lauren Sekerke, CFA®, sits down with Carli Smith, CFP®, founder of Signal Wealth Advisors, to share the story behind her firm’s impressive early growth. Carli talks candidly about the steps that helped her launch strong, including her decision to begin as an IAR, the systems and organization she relied on, and the support networks that kept her grounded through a demanding first year. 

[03:10] Key Decisions and Strategies for Success

[05:07] Operational Choices: IAR vs. RIA

[09:15] Growth and Client Acquisition

[11:37] Building a Lifestyle Practice vs. an Enterprise Firm

[15:59] Carli Smith’s Challenges and Support Systems

[19:54] Empowering Women in Financial Advisory

Cathy Curtis, CFP®, sits down with Danika Waddell, CFP®, founder of Xena Financial Planning, for a heart-forward conversation about courage, community, and building a career that feels truly meaningful. Together, they explore Danika’s bold approach to speaking up in hard moments, the intentional 50/50 merger that reshaped her firm, and the inclusive, woman-centered culture she’s cultivated along the way. Danika also opens up about the power of masterminds and study groups, the importance of supporting and retaining women in the profession, and her newest passion project, Xena Rising — a retreat and community designed to help women elevate the industry.

[02:39] Danika's Advocacy for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

[08:42] Building an Inclusive Firm Culture

[11:39] Attracting a Diverse Client Base

[15:22] The Power of Mastermind Groups

[19:58] Merging Firms: The Journey to Partnership

[32:46] Family Dynamics and Career Impact

[37:24] Danika Waddell on Mentoring and Giving Back

[40:16] Public Speaking and Personal Growth

[45:53] Introducing Xena Rising

[48:55] Changing the Industry for Women

Cathy Curtis, CFP®, sits down with Cary Carbonaro, CFP®, author of Women and Wealth: A Playbook to Empower Clients and Unlock Their Fortune, CFP Board Ambassador, and the first woman appointed to the Nasdaq Advisor Council. Together, they explore why progress in wealth management remains slow, why simply adding more women to the industry isn’t enough, and how empathy, education, and communication can transform the way financial advice is delivered. Cary also opens up about what it really means to “own” client relationships, shares practical marketing ideas for women advisors, and offers hard-won lessons on building a thriving, purpose-driven financial advisory firm.

[04:25] Challenges and Progress in the Financial Industry

[10:29] Cary's Role in NASDAQ Advisor Council

[14:58] Navigating Professional Challenges and Personal Values

[23:04] Understanding the Roles: Finder vs. Minder

[26:49] Finding Your Niche in Financial Advisory

[30:18] Organic Growth and Client Acquisition

[34:58] Navigating Firm Affiliations and Client Ownership

[39:58] Cary's Vision for Women in Wealth Management

Cathy Curtis, CFP®, sits down with Melissa Joy, CFP®, founder of Pearl Planning, to talk about grit, growth, and the path to independence. After two decades in corporate finance, Melissa turned a career low point into the launch of her own firm—and a thriving philosophy: “No grit, no pearl.” She opens up about scaling her business with smart tech, modern marketing, and a clear vision for the next generation of clients. From leadership and team building to the power of women’s voices in finance and her latest project, The Messy Money Middle, this episode is a must-listen for advisors redefining success on their own terms.

[04:59] The Tipping Point to Independence

[11:42] The Importance of Technology

[17:34] Hiring and Managing Challenges

[19:54] Implementing EOS for Success

[25:39] Investment Philosophy and Strategy

[35:02] Client Demographics and Niche Marketing

[49:00] Balancing Work and Personal Life

[53:04] Challenges for Women in Wealth Management 

In our very first episode of The 20 Percent Podcast, we’re kicking off a movement. Created by The 20 Percent Collective, this show is designed for women financial advisors who are ready to build businesses on their own terms. Join us as we share the mission behind the podcast: amplifying women’s voices and redefining what success looks like in the financial industry.