Advisors Off Script: Stories of the Independent Frontlines with Shelby Nicholl
Advisors Off Script is the podcast where financial advisors step away from the polished talking points and get real about what it takes to build, break away, and boldly grow. Every advisor has a choice: follow the script laid out by the industry—or write your own.
Formerly known as Kick It Open, the show is hosted by Shelby Nicholl, founder of Muriel Consulting and known as the “RIA Whisperer.” She brings candid conversations, insider insights, and practical strategies that help advisors move from uncertainty to clarity and from frustration to freedom. Because this isn’t just a podcast—it’s your playbook for building boldly and living off script.
Get ready for amazing guests, including advisors who have tread the journey before, leaders from the firms serving independent advisors and partners who help advisors create thriving practices.
Here at Muriel Consulting, we're helping advisors kick the door open on their personal success by living a life off script.
About the Host
Shelby Nicholl is the founder and lead consultant at Muriel Consulting, where she helps financial advisors break free from limits, align their businesses with their ambitions, and build thriving practices. With 25 years in leadership roles at firms like LPL Financial and Edward Jones, she combines deep industry experience with her passion for empowering advisors to take bold steps toward independence and success.
She is also the founder of Muriel Network, a digital community for women in wealth management seeking connection, inspiration, and growth.
Advisors Off Script: Stories of the Independent Frontlines with Shelby Nicholl
Do You Have the Courage to be CEO?
At just 21, Lauren Oschman started her career as a financial advisor. Years later, she made an even bolder move—launching her own firm and stepping into the CEO role. But leadership isn’t just about titles. It takes vision, resilience, and the courage to own your success.
In this episode of Kick It Open, host Shelby Nicholl sits down with Lauren, now CEO of Vestia Wealth Advisors, to talk about what it really takes to step up, own your expertise, and lead with confidence. She shares her journey from advisor to CEO, how she built a niche serving physician clients, and the mindset shifts that helped her break barriers in a male-dominated industry.
💡 If you've ever questioned whether you have what it takes to lead, this episode will challenge and inspire you.
🔹 Episode Highlights:
🔥 00:00 The Courage to Become CEO
🚀 02:15 Starting in Wealth Management at 21
💡 03:43 Launching a Firm & Carving a Niche
💎 06:11 Breaking Through Industry Challenges
🎯 07:30 Why Niching Down Leads to Growth
🤝 13:18 Building Trust & Deep Client Relationships
📈 25:29 Stepping into the CEO Role with Confidence
⚖️ 35:10 The Reality of Balancing Leadership & Life
🎭 43:36 Glass Balls vs. Rubber Balls: What Really Matters
✨ This conversation will challenge you to think bigger, lead boldly, and step into the role you were meant for.
Schedule a discovery call with Shelby Nicholl: Zoom Scheduler
Produced by Shelby Nicholl.
Edited by Aaron Sherman.
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/ra/let-good-times-roll License code: EV5ON7Y3CSESDSEU
