The 20 Percent Podcast

From Big Firm to Independence: Reinventing Your Career at 51 with Susan Jones

Host Cathy Curtis sits down with Susan Jones, co-founder of Sorelle Wealth Partners, to talk about what it really looks like to reinvent your career mid-life. After 25 years in the industry, Susan made the bold decision at age 51 to leave a large firm and launch a new boutique wealth firm with two partners. In this conversation, she shares how they built a women-focused brand from the ground up, designed a client experience rooted in behavioral finance, and navigated the fears that come with taking a big professional risk later in your career. Susan also offers candid advice for women advisors who may be wondering whether it’s time to step away from the big-firm model and build something of their own. [03:46] Why Join a Larger RIA [07:29] Designing a Brand for Women Clients [08:53] Incorporating Behavioral Finance Tools [12:28] Taking the Leap at 51 [14:46] Advice for Big Firm Advisors [18:28] Be Afraid Do It Anyway

Serving Women Well: Stephanie McCullough on Messaging, Mission, and Meaningful Impact

Host Cathy Curtis sits down with Stephanie McCullough, founder of Sofia Financial, to talk about building a women-focused, holistic, human-first planning firm. Stephanie shares how she intentionally attracts women clients through clear, values-driven messaging, why she starts every relationship with a paid planning engagement, and what she’s learned about marketing and social media after years of refining her approach. [01:44] Messaging to Women Clients [04:24] Pricing Her Engagements [05:51] Building a Mission Team [07:26] Marketing and Social Media Approach [11:39] Defining Success and Impact [14:04] Why Women Advisors Need to Speak Up