Given the high stakes involved (and the desire to provide high-quality service) when working with clients, it can be tempting for financial advisors to lean into perfectionist tendencies. However, doing so can sometimes lead to overwork and potentially burnout, particularly as a firm grows over time.

Lisa Brown is the President of Greenwood Gearhart, an RIA based in Fayetteville, Arkansas, managing $1.8 billion in AUM for 1,070 households. In this episode, Lisa shares how her firm’s early culture of “urgent perfectionism” led to overwork amongst firm leaders and team members alike, and why she developed a new leadership mantra: “calm excellence.“ Listen in as we talk about how Greenwood Gearhart redesigned workflows to reduce team burnout, eliminated meetings and ensured those that remained focused on high-leverage activities, and created the conditions for sustainable growth—for clients, teams, and firm leaders alike.

For show notes and more visit: https://www.kitces.com/458

While many financial advisors begin with dollars and data, today's guest believes the path to long-term client relationships starts with one powerful question: What brings you joy? By focusing on leading with purpose and values, he has grown a $200M firm and attracted clients who align with his philosophy.

Larry Sprung is the founder of Mitlin Financial, an advisory firm based in Hauppauge, New York, and affiliated with Carson Group, that serves 200 client households. In this episode, he shares how he begins prospect meetings with open-ended “joy” questions to set a nonjudgmental tone and show prospects that his firm is focused on their well-being, not just their finances. Listen in to learn how Larry has built trust before prospects ever book a call, how his values-first mindset has led to a loyal client base, and how he’s now intentionally scaling after years of running a lifestyle practice.

For show notes and more visit: https://www.kitces.com/457

Scaling a solo advisory firm into a thriving team-based business takes more than strong systems—it takes a shared sense of purpose and values that guide every decision. This episode explores how one advisor used a living “Blueprint” to align her team, empower her staff, and create a consistent, values-driven client experience.

Hilary Hendershott is the founder of Hendershott Wealth Management, an RIA based in San Jose, California, overseeing $260 million in AUM for 150 client households. Listen in as she shares how her firm’s "Blueprint" (anchored by individual callings, an ultimate intent, and a firm-wide promise to create safety and openness) shapes internal culture and client communication alike. You'll learn how this document differs from a traditional mission statement, how it evolves with team input, and how it supports key business decisions.

For show notes and more visit: https://www.kitces.com/456