What happens when a succession plan falls apart? For Leighann Miko, it became the catalyst for something even bigger. In this episode of Kick It Open, Leighann shares her journey from an advisor left stranded by a failed succession to a trailblazer who not only built her own firm but went on to create Avise Financial Cooperative,  the first RIA co-op platform for other advisors to join as an independent advisor.

We talk about:

• The hard lessons of succession plans gone wrong
• The leap from employee to independent firm owner
• Why she chose a cooperative model—and how it’s changing the game for advisors
• The future of advisor ownership and why traditional firm structures might be holding professionals back

If you’re an advisor contemplating your next move—or just love a story of resilience and reinvention—this one’s for you.

To learn more about Leighann Miko visit:

LinkedIn - Leighann Miko, CFP® | LinkedIn

Equalis - Equalis Financial | Los Angeles LGBTQ+ Financial Planner, CFP

Avise - Avise Financial — Genuine Financial Advice 

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