Episode Details

In this inspiring episode of The Blueprint | FPA NexGen® Podcast, hosts Mike Zarrelli, CFP®, EA and Alison Miller, CFP® sit down with entrepreneur and financial planner Chris Wise CFP®, founder of Wise Capital Partners, to discuss building a modern financial planning firm that prioritizes both wealth and well-being. Chris shares his journey from growing up in a financial planning family to forging his own path, returning to transform the family business, and leading through extraordinary personal challenges. He offers candid insights on mentorship, entrepreneurship, leadership, delegation, and why the future of financial planning extends far beyond investment management. From creating a culture of emotional wellness inside his firm to reimagining financial planning through a "health and wealth" lens, Chris challenges advisors to think differently about the impact they can have on clients' lives. For early-career advisors, business owners, and aspiring firm leaders, this conversation delivers practical wisdom on building a fulfilling career while helping clients build fulfilling lives. Hosted by Mike Zarrelli, CFP®, EA and Alison Miller, CFP®. Executive Producer: @Jadah Riley What You'll Learn • Why mentorship accelerates growth more than trying to know everything yourself • How entrepreneurship changes the way advisors think about leadership • Why delegation is essential for scaling a successful advisory firm • How health and financial planning intersect to improve client outcomes • Lessons learned from taking over a family business during a crisis • Why early-career advisors should focus on learning before earning Key Takeaways • Strong relationships create better advisors and better businesses. • Financial planning is ultimately about helping people, not managing investments. • Building a team around your strengths creates greater long-term impact. • Health is one of the greatest forms of wealth clients can possess. • Mentorship provides experience that cannot be learned from textbooks. • Career success compounds over time through consistency and continuous learning. Episode Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction & Meet Chris Wise 02:45 – The Origin of "Wise Up" 07:15 – Growing Up Around Financial Planning 13:40 – Leaving and Returning to the Family Business 19:45 – Leadership Through Crisis During COVID 25:10 – Building a Personal Board of Mentors 30:45 – Entrepreneurship, Delegation & Wearing Multiple Hats 35:50 – Why Health Should Be Part of Financial Planning 40:15 – Creating Better Client Outcomes Through Emotional Wellness 42:15 – Advice for Early-Career Financial Planners 43:09 – Final Thoughts & Wise Up