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 & Protection, to unpack what every independent advisor needs to know about protecting sensitive client data, staying compliant, and maintaining client trust.

Carm breaks down cybersecurity into three key areas - People, Processes, and Technology - and shares how most advisors are investing in the wrong one. He also explains why compliance doesn’t equal security, and what steps RIAs must take to close that dangerous gap.

In this episode:
00:00 – Why trust in financial services depends on data security
03:15 – The #1 cybersecurity mistake independent advisors make
06:42 – How hackers target RIAs and their clients

09:30 – Why “adequate compliance” isn’t the same as “protection”
13:10 – The 50/30/20 rule for cybersecurity investment
17:45 – Practical steps to protect your firm and your clients

Whether you’re a new RIA, breaking away from a wirehouse, or running a mature independent firm, this conversation will help you understand the human, operational, and tech layers of cybersecurity that protect both your clients and your reputation.

🎧 Listen now and subscribe to RIA Collective for more conversations that help independent advisors grow, protect, and scale their businesses.

Connect with Carm Cicalese:
💼 linkedin.com/in/carmcicalese
🌐 https://cybercic.com/

Connect with Charlie Van Dervenn:
🌐 https://www.social-advisors.com/
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlievanderven/

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 meant leaving behind big-name firms, scripts that didn’t sound like her, and a system that prioritized products over people.

💥 Topics Covered:

• Why Jen left a major national firm to launch her own brand
• The power of building a business around your values
• How she made the transition seamless for clients
• Why “Unapologetically Jen” isn’t just a brand - it’s a mission
• The book and podcast she’s launching to pull back the curtain on financial services

If you're an advisor who's felt out of place in a system that doesn't align with your values - this episode will hit home.

📣 Resources Mentioned:
Jen’s Website: https://www.unapologetically-jen.com
Connect with Jen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jen-staben-weinberg-crpc%C2%AE-6947b710b/
Connect with Charlie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlievanderven/

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share this episode with an advisor who needs to hear it.

#RIACollective #FinancialAdvisor #IndependentAdvisor #WomenInFinance #AdvisorBranding #AuthenticAdvising #Core4 #UnapologeticallyJen #SocialAdvisors

In this engaging 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 RIA.

The conversation dives into the lessons Greg has learned along the way—why simplicity and operational excellence are critical to client success, how a focus on planning over products builds lasting trust, and why clear processes and systems are the backbone of a thriving practice. Greg reflects on early challenges, the importance of owning mistakes and making clients whole, and the power of delivering financial advice that clients can truly understand and act on.

Listeners will gain insights into cash flow–based planning, the use of homegrown tools like Excel alongside specialized software, and Greg’s philosophy that true value lies not in predicting markets but in guiding clients confidently through them.

Tune in for a thoughtful discussion on the intersection of simplicity, transparency, and genuine client care, and how these principles can shape both a successful advisory practice and deeply rewarding client relationships.

In this insightful episode of RIA Collective, host Charlie Van Derven engages in a captivating conversation with Judd Allen of Judd Allen Financial and the ICG Group. They delve into Judd's strategic transition from a broad financial advisory role to mastering a niche within the automotive sector. Reflecting on his initial uncertainties and the transformative journey to becoming a specialist, Judd shares how his passion for cars and understanding of automotive professionals' unique financial needs fueled his success.

The discussion explores the profound satisfaction Judd finds in building long-term relationships and witnessing his clients achieve their retirement dreams, highlighting that some rewards far surpass monetary compensation. They also touch on the importance of adapting to industry changes, leveraging technology, and the impact of specialized knowledge in fostering client trust and business growth.

Tune in for an inspiring look at how dedication to a niche, combined with genuine passion, can drive a fulfilling and successful career in financial advisory.

In this compelling episode of RA Collective, host Charlie Van Derven welcomes Justin Stevens, co-founder of O'Keefe Stevens Advisory, based in Rochester, New York. Justin shares his unconventional journey into the financial services sector, starting from a pivotal internship that steered him away from pre-med to finance, inspired by a family friend's recommendation. Their conversation dives deep into Justin's early career experiences, working in a nurturing family-run business, and the invaluable mentorship that shaped his professional philosophy.

Justin details the deliberate and thoughtful process behind founding O'Keefe Stevens Advisory with his partner Peter, highlighting the importance of philosophical alignment, integrity, and client-first values in their move towards independence. Their discussion uncovers the strategic planning, challenges, and teamwork involved in transitioning to an independent firm, growing their assets under management from 135 million to 350 million, and the vision driving their future growth towards a billion in AUM.

Tune in for an inspiring exploration of building a successful financial advisory firm from scratch, the power of supportive partnerships, and the relentless pursuit of growth aligned with core values. Justin's story is a testament to the transformative power of strategic planning, dedication, and the right team dynamics in the journey towards independence in the financial advisory world.

In this episode of RIA Collective, Charlie van der Ven welcomes Sara Stanich of Cultivating Wealth, based in Montauk, New York. Transitioning from a vibrant marketing career to founding her own RIA, Sara shares her journey through the early days of internet advertising, the .com crash, and eventually, the financial sector. Their conversation sheds light on the unique challenges and insights gained from transitioning to an independent financial advisor role, with a special focus on empowering women and navigating the divorce financial planning niche.

Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on leveraging diverse backgrounds for success in financial planning and the strategic moves that propelled Cultivating Wealth. Sarah's story is an inspiring example of how adaptability and passion can pave the way for a fulfilling career in finance.

In this insightful episode of RIA Collective, host Charlie Van Derven engages in a thought-provoking conversation with guest Tyson Ray, the founding partner of Form Wealth Advisors. Urging a transition from a riches-focused mindset to a wealth-centered perspective, Tyson underscores the importance of nurturing total client relationships based on wealth, not just riches. Through anecdotes and experiences, Tyson details his journey in the finance industry, his transition towards total relationship investing, and the concept of 'funded contentment.' This episode unveils Tyson's passion for guiding clients toward their financial goals, breaking traditional molds, and employing technology to enhance client experiences. Listen in to understand his unconventional approach to wealth management and how he considers clients' lifetime goals central to wealth management. This conversation offers valuable insights for young advisors, independent advisors, and anyone seeking to redefine their perspective on wealth and client relationships.

Securities through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA / SIPC. Investment advisory services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. FORM Wealth Advisors is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Raymond James and its advisors do not provide tax advice. Podcast guest is Tyson Ray, CEO, Founding Partner, Senior Wealth Advisor at FORM Wealth Advisors. FORM Wealth Advisors is located at 431 Geneva National Ave S, Lake Geneva, WI, 53147; 262-686-3005.

In this episode of RIA Collective, host Charlie Van Derven invites Michael Rasmussen of United Atlantic Legal Services to share his expertise in aiding financial advisors in their transition to independent practices. Michael, with a background as a chief compliance officer and general counsel for various investment advisors, as well as experience as a regulator with FINRA, provides valuable insights into the complexities of starting an independent RIA.

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