# Finding Your Fit: How Haley Ellis Turned Process into a Superpower (and a COO Path)

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-blueprint-an-fpa-nexgen-podcast-6984229/finding-your-fit-how-haley-ellis-turned-process-into-a-superpower-and-a-coo-path
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-blueprint-an-fpa-nexgen-podcast-6984229/finding-your-fit-how-haley-ellis-turned-process-into-a-superpower-and-a-coo-path.md
Podcast: [The Blueprint: An FPA NexGen® Podcast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-blueprint-an-fpa-nexgen-podcast-6984229)
Published: 2025-10-13T21:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://podcast.show/3746755/episode/149177558/
Audio file: https://media.blubrry.com/3746755/content.blubrry.com/3746755/TBAFNP-2025-10-13-032.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-blueprint-an-fpa-nexgen-podcast-6984229/episodes/finding-your-fit-how-haley-ellis-turned-process-into-a-superpower-and-a-coo-path
Duration seconds: 1825

## Resource

In this Blueprint | FPA Nex Gen episode, Haley Ellis, CFP® and Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor, joins hosts Mike Zarrelli, CFP®, and Deshawn Peterson, CFP®, to share how she successfully transitioned from a client-facing financial planner to Director of Operations (and on track for COO) after her firm doubled in size. She unpacks building workflows from scratch, leading through a merger, advocating for your role, and why community—FPA chapters and mastermind groups—accelerates growth. You’ll learn: How to spot (and claim) an operations leadership opportunity in a small RIA The first processes to build when a firm scales or merges What makes a mastermind group actually stick (commitment + accountability) When a niche helps marketing—and when it doesn’t define your whole book Designations vs. real client reps: where to invest your early-career energy Quote to remember: “Growth happens at the edge of your comfort zone—but confidence comes from counting your small wins.” If this helped you, follow the show and leave a rating so more Next Gen planners can find it. Chapters 00:00 Intro & Haley’s move to NC 04:10 From planner to Director of Operations 09:45 Doubling the firm wins & challenges 14:20 Advocating for your role (without the imposter spiral) 19:30 FPA community & leadership reps 24:15 Mastermind groups that stick 29:10 Designations: CFP®, CPFA & what matters early 34:40 Niches (dentists, 401(k)s) — marketing vs. reality 40:05 Showing up in the “big room” with confidence 45:10 Third space, burnout, and recharging 48:30 Haley’s superpower & close If you’re new here Subscribe for candid, practice-building conversations for Next Gen financial planners. Drop a comment with your biggest takeaway—what process will you build first?

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## Transcript

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