Episode Details

In this episode of The Blueprint | FPA NexGen® Podcast, hosts Mike Zarrelli, CFP® , EA and Alison Miller, CFP® sit down with Lillian Turner, CFP® , RLP® , CSLP® founder of Daring Greatly Wealth and 2026 Chair of the FPA NexGen committee. Lillian shares her path from financial scarcity and an unconventional start in the profession to launching her own firm, developing a life-planning-centered approach, and leading the next generation of financial planners.



This conversation explores what it really takes to build a career in financial planning when the path is not clear, how to identify alignment in your work, and why discomfort often becomes the catalyst for growth. Lillian also outlines her 2026 vision for FPA NexGen, including support for career changers, first-generation financial planners, and aspiring advisors seeking the right fit in the profession.

Executive Producer: @Jadah Riley

What You’ll Learn

• How Lillian Turner built her career in financial planning from the ground up
• Why alignment matters when choosing a firm or career path
• What early-career advisors can do to move past imposter syndrome
• How entrepreneurship reshaped Lillian’s view of financial planning
• FPA NexGen’s 2026 priorities for career changers and aspiring planners

Key Takeaways

• Growth often happens when you are pushed beyond your comfort zone
• The right firm fit can shape both confidence and career trajectory
• Authenticity and values can become a true competitive advantage
• Career changers and first-generation planners need more visible pathways into the profession

Chapters

00:00 Welcome + introducing Lillian Turner

02:05 Wedding planning, spending, and the client experience mindset

06:10 How Lillian found financial planning without a clear roadmap

12:20 Breaking into the industry and navigating early career challenges

19:05 Moving to Arizona, firm culture, and learning what was not aligned

25:10 Becoming a lead advisor unexpectedly and growing through discomfort

29:20 Launching Daring Greatly Wealth and building a life-planning practice

33:05 How Lillian defines alignment, authenticity, and career fit

35:10 Lillian’s 2026 goals as FPA NexGen Chair

37:00 The “ignite” question: what accelerated her career