What happens when a former financial journalist brings deep curiosity and compassion into the world of financial planning? In this episode, Rob Brown sits down with Ryan Derousseau, a CFP® who made the leap from writing for Money, Fortune, and Forbes to serving therapists, career changers, and the self-employed. Ryan shares how his path has been shaped by listening more, asking better questions, and putting purpose before products. His work reveals a powerful truth: trust, emotion, and vulnerability are just as vital to planning as any spreadsheet. We’re reminded of how powerful it is when advisors focus on people… not just portfolios.

Key Takeaways:

• Lessons from Journalism (20:09) – Discover how Ryan’s past as a journalist sharpened his ability to ask deeper questions and truly hear what clients are saying.
• The Strategic Pause (24:28) – Silence isn’t awkward, it’s powerful. Ryan shows how waiting just a little longer often uncovers the most honest, meaningful client insights.
• Trust the Journey (26:09) – For new advisors, Ryan offers hard-won wisdom: growth takes time, and the best results come from consistent, purpose-driven effort.
• Niche with Intention (09:46) – Ryan reveals how focusing on therapists helped him refine his message, connect more deeply, and serve self-employed professionals with greater impact.

Ryan Derousseau: "When advisors lead with curiosity and just sit in the discomfort a little longer, that’s where the real trust is built and that’s when the real work begins."

Rob Brown: "It’s not just about the numbers you uncover, it’s about the life you help your clients live because of the planning you guide them through."

About Ryan Derousseau: Ryan Derousseau, CFP®, enables employees, the self-employed, therapists, and career changers to thrive financially so they can focus on what matters most. A former financial writer for Fortune, Money, and Forbes, Ryan blends deep industry insight with a practical, goal-first approach. He helps clients align their business and finances with their values, building stronger practices, better balance, and long-term wealth.

Connect with Ryan Derousseau:

Website: http://www.thinkingcapfinancial.com/ & http://www.unitedfpg.com/

Email: ryan@unitedfpg.com & ryan.derousseau@gmail.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanderousseau/

Episode References:

• The Purpose-Focused Advisor Weekly Newdletter
• The Purposed-Focused Advisor Mastermind
• Executive Coaching with Rob Brown

Connect with Rob Brown:

Website: http://truestfan.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/truestfan/

If you’re growing a successful practice but feel disconnected, frustrated, or unsure what’s next… this episode is for you.

This week, Rob Brown shares the story of an advisor with 25+ years of experience who avoided coaching—and even distanced himself from his business partner—because he believed he had nothing left to learn. But one honest conversation about purpose and partnership changed everything. It reignited his passion and gave him a fresh vision for the work he once loved.

Too many advisors feel stuck, not because they’ve run out of skill, but because they’ve stopped asking why they do what they do. They isolate, overthink, and overprotect what they’ve built… while missing the multipliers that are right in front of them.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why years of experience can quietly lead to resistance and isolation
• How fear of being “coached” often masks a deeper desire for clarity
• The mindset shift that reignited one advisor’s energy and vision
• Why partnership isn’t a threat to your independence—it’s a multiplier
• How purpose-driven conversations open the door to new growth at any stage

Closing Thought:

"Your next breakthrough isn’t about doing more, it’s about remembering why you started, and being open enough to grow again."

Mentioned in this episode:

• The Purpose-Focused Advisor Mastermind — A high-level experience for Christian men ready to lead with clarity, faith, and conviction
• Truest Fan: Live, Love, and Lead with Purpose and Impact — Rob’s book on discovering the purpose behind your leadership
• The Purpose-Focused Advisor Newsletter — Weekly encouragement and insights for advisors who want more than just business success
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Connect with Rob Brown:

🌐 Website: truestfan.com

💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/truestfan

📅 Schedule a Call: robbrown.as.me/quick-call

If your calendar is full but your business and life feel scattered… this episode is your reset.

This week, Rob Brown continues his powerful solo series with a message every advisor needs to hear: it’s not about doing more—it’s about doing what matters most. If you've ever felt like your goals are out of sync with your calling, or that your daily grind is pulling you away from the life God is calling you to live, you're not alone—and you're not stuck.

In this episode, Rob unpacks Lesson #2 from his book Truest Fan—Put First Things First. He shares practical strategies and real advisor stories that show how purpose-aligned planning can transform your business, your team, and your life.

You’ll also get a sneak peek at his new faith-focused mastermind and a simple 4-step tool to bring clarity to your to-do list this week.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why too many “good” priorities can still leave you off-purpose
• How to connect long-term dreams to short-term actions
• Rob’s 4D Routine—a simple method to clean up your calendar and inbox
• How one advisor reshaped his entire team by getting clear on the next 90 days
• Why putting God first helps everything else fall into place

Closing Thought: “When you put first things first, clarity replaces confusion—and your purpose finally has room to breathe.”

Mentioned in this episode:

• The Purpose-Focused Advisor Newsletter — Weekly encouragement for purpose-driven advisors
• Truest Fan: Live, Love, and Lead with Purpose and Impact — Rob’s book on living a life of intentional faith and leadership
• The Purpose-Focused Advisor Mastermind — A high-level experience for Christian men ready to lead with purpose

Connect with Rob Brown:

Website: http://truestfan.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/truestfan/