What does it really take to grow through every stage of a financial planning career—from intern to advisor, from small firm to large firm, and back again? In this episode, Brooke Jackson, an advisor at Painted Porch Advisors, shares her 11-year journey in the profession and the lessons learned through every transition.

Brooke walks through how she discovered financial planning at Texas Tech, what drew her into the profession, and how early mentorship shaped her foundation. She also shares what it was like transitioning between very different firm environments, how her responsibilities evolved from analyst work to advising clients directly, and what ultimately led her to her current role. This episode is a practical and honest look at career growth, adaptability, and finding the right environment to thrive in financial planning.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://tinyurl.com/3kacc7x7

What really happens in your first year as a financial planner when you move from the classroom into real client meetings? In this episode, Krystal LaFollette, Financial Planning Associate at Schulz Wealth in Mansfield, TX, shares her journey into the profession and what it was really like transitioning from student to practicing advisor. From early nerves and imposter syndrome to finding her footing inside a small, hands-on firm, Krystal reflects on the highs, lows, and unexpected lessons of her first year.

Listeners will learn how new planners can build confidence in client meetings, why real-world experience accelerates professional growth, and how mentorship shapes early career development in financial planning. Krystal also breaks down her day-to-day responsibilities—from meeting preparation and client follow-ups to estate planning work and early exposure to trading—and highlights practical strategies for becoming more confident, present, and effective in advisory conversations.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://tinyurl.com/28zxwun7

What if your first job in financial planning didn't just lead to experience but to a partnership in under three years? In this episode, Hanna Molta, Partner at Seven Hills Financial, shares her unusual and fast-tracked journey into the financial planning profession, starting with zero financial literacy and a chance conversation at a restaurant.

Listen in as Hanna walks through how mentorship, initiative, and a willingness to start with administrative work helped her move from student to advisor to partner in a remarkably short time. You'll learn how she built trust early, transitioned from apprenticeship to client-facing work, and developed her own book of business while still being supported by a collaborative firm.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://tinyurl.com/436yrypc