RIA Collective: Sam Sova | AI Coworkers Are Changing Advisory Firms

RIA Collective: Damian Lo Basso | Why RIAs Need a CFO Before They Think They Do

Most RIAs don’t think they need a CFO… until they realize they do. In this episode of RIA Collective, host Charlie Van Derven sits down with Damian Lo Basso, Founder of My RIA CFO, to discuss the financial blind spots that hold advisory firms back during transition, growth, and scaling. Damian brings a rare level of experience to the RIA space. After working in investment banking and M&A, he helped build Dynasty Financial Partners’ OCFO program, launched one of the industry’s first outsourced CFO firms, and later served as CFO for multi-billion-dollar RIAs before launching My RIA CFO. Together, Charlie and Damian discuss: * Why many RIAs wait too long to professionalize financial operations * The hidden risks advisors overlook during transition * Why bookkeeping alone is not enough for growing firms * How RIAs should think about forecasting, hiring, and scaling * Why fractional leadership is reshaping the independent advisor space * How advisors can access institutional-level support without institutional-level overhead * The growing ecosystem helping RIAs thrive after leaving wirehouses Damian also explains why many firms mistakenly believe “money in the bank” means the business is healthy, while missing the larger strategic picture hidden inside the numbers. This episode is especially valuable for:  ✔️ Advisors considering independence  ✔️ RIAs preparing to scale  ✔️ Firms evaluating outsourced leadership support  ✔️ Advisors navigating M&A or transition decisions In addition to this conversation, Charlie and Damian recently joined forces with other industry leaders for a webinar focused on how RIAs can leverage fractional leadership to grow more efficiently without adding massive overhead. The webinar covers: * Fractional CFO, CMO, COO, and CIO support * How outsourced leadership creates leverage for RIAs * The economics of scaling smarter * Common mistakes advisors make during growth and transition 🎥 Watch the webinar replay here https://youtu.be/khHHwwMrvHs 🎧 Watch now and subscribe to RIA Collective for conversations that help independent advisors grow, adapt, and build stronger businesses. 🔗 Connect with Damian Lo Basso 🌐 Website: https://www.myriacfo.com [https://www.myriacfo.com] 📧 Email: dlobasso@myriacfo.com 🔗 Connect with Charlie Van Derven 🌐 Social Advisors: https://www.social-advisors.com [https://www.social-advisors.com] 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlievanderven/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlievanderven/] ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – Why RIAs are evolving  02:00 – Damian’s background in M&A and CFO work  05:00 – Why RIAs underestimate financial operations  08:00 – The future of independent advisory firms  11:00 – Why outsourcing leadership roles works  14:00 – Transition mistakes advisors make  18:00 – What the SEC is looking for during audits  21:00 – Why bookkeeping is not enough  24:00 – Scaling an RIA the right way

RIA Collective: Andree Mohr | Why Advisor Independence Starts With Your “Why”

What does advisor independence actually mean? In this episode of RIA Collective, host Charlie Van Derven sits down with Andree Mohr, President of Integrated Partners, to explore why the move to independence is about much more than business structure. Andree shares her unique journey from starting as a PR intern at 17 years old to becoming president of one of the largest independent firms in the country. Along the way, she explains why the best advisors are not just building businesses, they’re building lives and practices aligned with their values. Together, Charlie and Andree discuss: * Why independence is really about serving clients without conflicting priorities * The biggest misconceptions wirehouse advisors have about independence * Why advisors need to understand their “why” before making a move * How independence changes the role from advisor to business owner * The importance of planning-first advice versus product-first advice * How Integrated Partners helps entrepreneurial advisors thrive Andree also explains why the word “fiduciary” has become overused in the industry and why true independence may be the better way to think about client-first advice. This episode is especially valuable for:  ✔️ Wirehouse advisors considering independence  ✔️ RIAs looking to scale intentionally  ✔️ Advisors exploring different business models  ✔️ Anyone wanting to build a more fulfilling advisory career 🎧 Watch now and subscribe to RIA Collective for conversations that elevate the independent advisor profession. 🔗 Connect with Andree Mohr 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andree-peterson/  🌐 Integrated Partners: https://integrated-partners.com/ [https://integrated-partners.com/] 🔗 Connect with Charlie Van Derven 🌐 Social Advisors: https://www.social-advisors.com [https://www.social-advisors.com] 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlievanderven/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlievanderven/] ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – From PR intern to president 03:00 – Why financial services matters 05:00 – Independence vs fiduciary language 08:00 – Misconceptions about independence 10:00 – Becoming a true business owner 13:00 – Why advisors need clarity before transitioning 15:00 – Building a fulfilling career in wealth management

RIA Collective: Tyson Ray | What Advisors Don’t Know About Succession (And It Costs Them)

What if you don’t actually own your book of business? In this episode of RIA Collective, host Charlie Van Derven sits down with Tyson Ray of FORM Wealth Advisors to break down one of the most misunderstood topics in financial services: succession. Tyson shares the eye-opening realization that many advisors, especially in W2 or hybrid models, may not truly own the goodwill of their clients. That has massive implications when it comes time to sell, transition, or exit your business. He also introduces his S.P.A.C.E. framework, a practical way for advisors to think through succession beyond just retirement planning. Together, Charlie and Tyson discuss: * Why many advisors don’t actually own their client relationships * The difference between W2, 1099, and RIA ownership structures * Why succession planning is about more than retirement * The biggest mistakes advisors make when planning an exit * How to think about succession if something happens tomorrow * The emotional and lifestyle side of stepping away from your firm This episode is especially valuable for: * Advisors at wirehouses or broker-dealers * RIAs thinking about long-term exit strategies * Advisors nearing retirement * Anyone who wants more control over their business and future Tyson also shares insights from his book “Total Succession”, designed to help advisors understand their options and make better decisions without bias. 🎧 Watch now and subscribe to RIA Collective for conversations that help independent advisors grow, adapt, and plan for the future. 🔗 Connect with Tyson Ray 📘 Book: https://totalsuccession.com [https://totalsuccession.com]💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tysonray/ 🔗 Connect with Charlie Van Derven 🌐 Social Advisors: https://www.social-advisors.com [https://www.social-advisors.com]💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlievanderven/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlievanderven/] ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – Why succession matters now more than ever 02:00 – Do you actually own your book? 05:30 – W2 vs 1099 vs RIA explained 09:00 – The S.P.A.C.E. framework 13:00 – Common succession mistakes 17:00 – Planning for the unexpected 19:30 – Lifestyle, legacy, and exit decisions

RIA Collective: Thomas Clawson | The AI CRM Changing How Advisors Build Relationships

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 advisors manage relationships, automate workflows, and grow their businesses. Thomas shares how Slant evolved from a marketing automation tool into a full CRM after advisors kept asking for more powerful ways to manage workflows, notes, reviews, and client communication. He also explains why building a CRM from scratch in the AI era creates a major advantage over legacy systems that are still trying to retrofit modern functionality. Together, Charlie and Thomas discuss: * Why traditional CRMs are struggling to keep up with AI * The difference between AI point solutions and AI-native platforms * How advisors can automate client reviews, reminders, and workflows * Creative ways to deepen relationships at scale * How Slant approaches compliance, data protection, and security * Why the future of advice is still rooted in relationships Thomas also shares some of the most interesting use cases inside Slant, including AI-generated client outreach, review tracking, family relationship mapping, and workflows that help advisors stay connected not just with clients, but with spouses and the next generation as well. This episode is especially valuable for: * Independent advisors and RIAs * Firms evaluating CRM and AI tools * Advisors looking to improve efficiency without losing the human touch * Leaders thinking about the future of advisor tech 🎧 Watch now and subscribe to RIA Collective for conversations that help independent advisors grow, adapt, and lead the future of financial advice. Connect with Thomas Clawson 🌐 Slant: https://slant.app [https://slant.app]💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasclawson/ Connect with Charlie Van Derven 🌐 Social Advisors: https://www.social-advisors.com [https://www.social-advisors.com]💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlievanderven/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlievanderven/] Chapters 00:00 – Why this episode is different 02:00 – Why build a CRM for advisors 05:00 – Compliance, security, and protecting client data 07:00 – Moving beyond note takers 10:00 – AI workflows inside CRM 14:00 – What’s coming next for Slant 18:30 – The future of advisor growth and relationships 20:00 – Why the next generation matters more than ever

RIA Collective: Dennis Huergo | What Advisors Get Wrong About Growth and Independence

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 service into financial services, starting in insurance and sales, and eventually transitioning toward true financial planning and independence. Along the way, he reflects on the lessons that accelerated his growth and the mistakes that slowed him down. Together, Charlie and Dennis discuss: * Why what you consume shapes the direction of your career * How being the least experienced person in the room can accelerate growth * The difference between sales-driven roles and true financial planning * What advisors often get wrong early in their careers * The tradeoff between short-term income and long-term development * How mindset, discomfort, and environment impact success Dennis also shares how his upbringing as the child of Cuban immigrants shaped his perspective on responsibility, growth, and making the most of opportunities. This episode is especially valuable for: * Advisors early in their career * Professionals considering independence * Advisors feeling stuck in sales-focused roles * Anyone looking to grow faster by learning from others 🎧 Watch now and subscribe to RIA Collective for conversations that elevate the independent advisor profession. Connect with Dennis Huergo 🌐 Website: https://www.wealthenhancement.com [https://www.wealthenhancement.com]📧 Email: dhuergo@wealthenhancement.com Connect with Charlie Van Derven 🌐 Social Advisors: https://www.social-advisors.com [https://www.social-advisors.com]💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlievanderven/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlievanderven/] Chapters 00:00 – From military to financial services 03:30 – The impact of upbringing on financial mindset 07:10 – What you consume shapes your career 11:00 – Growth through uncomfortable environments 15:20 – Sales vs financial planning 19:00 – Lessons Dennis would do differently 22:30 – Advice for advisors considering independence