This is what AI in advisory firms should actually look like. In this clip, Thomas Clawson shares a creative example of using AI to personalize client outreach, from identifying where clients went to school to generating March Madness brackets and emails in seconds. It’s not about automation for the sake…
Most CRMs are trying to bolt AI onto outdated systems. In this clip, Thomas Clawson explains why being AI-native from day one creates a massive advantage for advisory firms, from faster innovation to better user outcomes. This isn’t just an upgrade. It’s a completely different foundation. 🎧 Watch the full…
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…
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…
Featuring Charlie Van Derven (Founder, Social Advisors | Fractional CMO for Independent Advisors & RIAs) and Tanner Westmoreland (Founder, FinVidi) Most advisors know video “works.” The problem is turning video into real business growth without overcomplicating the process, buying a studio, or getting stuck in perfectionism. In this conversational session,…
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…
Cyber threats are evolving faster than compliance standards. For RIAs and independent advisors, that gap creates serious risk and a powerful opportunity. Join Carm Cicalese, Founder of Cyber CIC, LLC, and Charlie Van Derven, Founder of Social Advisors and Fractional Chief Growth Officer, for a straight-talking conversation about what cybersecurity…
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 Echo 45 Advisors, to explore how independent firms are evolving beyond traditional investment management into fully integrated advisory businesses. After spending 20…
What are independent advisors focused on heading into 2026? We asked, and now we’re breaking down the results. Join Charlie Van Derven, Founder of Social Advisors and Fractional Chief Growth Officer to RIA firms, and Zoë Meggert, Founder and CEO of Perfectly Planned Content, for a webinar exploring the biggest…
Most advisors don’t hit a growth ceiling because they lack effort - they hit it because their capacity is broken. In this episode of RIA Collective, host Charlie Van Derven sits down with Dr. Jon Randall, founder of Extraordinary Financial Advisors (XFA), to unpack what truly holds financial advisors back…
What does it really take to build an advisory firm that aligns with your values - and lasts for decades? In this episode of RIA Collective, host Charlie Van Derven sits down with Peter Krull, Founder of Earth Equity Advisors, to explore the long game of independence, entrepreneurship, and purpose-driven…
In this episode of RIA Collective, host Charlie Van Derven sits down with Darren Hinshaw, Managing Director at NBC Securities, to discuss the often-overlooked impact financial advisors have on the stability and wellbeing of society. Darren shares why he believes financial services rank among the most important professions - alongside…
Build the foundation now to thrive in 2026. Join two of the industry's leading fractional executives Charlie Van Derven (CMO, Social Advisors) and Jennifer Goldman (COO, My Virtual COO) for an interactive session designed to align your marketing strategy and operational execution for scalable, measurable growth. Whether you’re looking to…
Most advisors focus on the next client, the next meeting, the next quarter. But what if the key to long-term success is starting with the end in mind? In this episode of RIA Collective, host Charlie Van Derven sits down with Sam Renken, Financial Advisor at Consolidated Planning, whose unique…
Independent advisors often think cybersecurity is something “the big firms” need to worry about. But the truth? RIAs are often at greater risk. In this episode of RIA Collective, host Charlie Van Derven sits down with Carmine “Carm” Cicalese, founder of CYBER CIC (“CHICK”) and partner at Digital Privacy &…
Former NFL & NBA performance-nutrition lead Shawn Zell (Fruition Financial, St. Louis) shares how he pivoted from the Rams and Bucks to fiercely independent financial planning - plus what “true client alignment” really looks like. We cover rapid licensing (SIE, 7, 66, 24), rebuilding a modern RIA tech stack, navigating…
Welcome to a high-energy, no-BS conversation with Jen Staben, Financial Advisor at Prime Capital and unapologetic force of nature in financial services. In this episode of the RIA Collective, Jen sits down with host Charlie Van Derven to share how she built a client-first practice her way and why that…
When your prospects ask AI to recommend a financial advisor, what happens? Some advisors already know. They've positioned themselves strategically, and they're seeing results. This Thursday, Charlie Van Derven, founder at Social Advisors, and I show you exactly what they're doing: - The two-step process you can implement this week…
In this episode of RIA Collective, host Charlie Van Derven sits down with Greg Curry, founder of Pillar Financial in Louisville, Kentucky. With nearly three decades of experience spanning accounting, insurance, and independent advisory, Greg shares his unique journey from CPA and institutional product management to building a successful fee-only…
Financial advisors: here’s the hard truth about your social media following—you don’t own it. LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook… you’ve built a strong network, but the platform controls the reach. When algorithms shift, so does your visibility. If you're serious about growing your practice, you need to build something you own—your…
What separates thriving financial advisors from those who struggle to gain traction with marketing? It’s not luck—it’s strategy, consistency, and clarity of message. Join industry thought leader Charlie Van Derven for a power-packed conversation with two of the most dynamic voices in advisor marketing: Laura Garfield, Co-Founder of Idea Decanter,…
If I were an advisor hell-bent on building a pipeline and growing AUM, I’d start with one thing: building the right email list. In this video, I break down the three most effective tactics financial advisors can use to grow an email list full of ideal prospects—people who actually want…
In this masterclass-style conversation, Charlie Van Derven of Social Advisors brings together industry voices Abby Sheridan (Greenrose PR), Matt Halloran (Proudmouth), and advisor Peter Kroll to answer one powerful question: How do financial advisors cut through the noise and create real influence? Here’s what we unpack: Why the right niche…
🎥 Master Content Creation for Financial Advisors in 2025 🚀 In this live session, Charlie Van Derven, marketing expert and founder of Social Advisors, shares actionable tools and strategies to help financial advisors master content creation, streamline their processes, and elevate their marketing going into 2025. From identifying your Ideal…
