Build the Right ‘Whos,’ Scale the Right Way: Lessons from a $500 Million Advisor
At one point, Colleen Bowler was doing it all — leading client relationships, growing her firm, and keeping every plate spinning. Then she found her "whos" and built the firm to over $500 million in AUM. Then she sold it.
Now, she’s on a mission to help other advisors scale without sacrificing themselves in the process.
In this episode of Advisors Off Script, Shelby Nicholl sits down with Colleen to trace her journey — from the early days of building a successful practice, to coaching inside The Strategic Coach, to developing tools now used by advisors across the country through her firm C & J Innovations.
What emerges is a story about growth — not just in revenue, but in mindset. About choosing the right “Whos” over doing it all yourself. And about protecting your most valuable resources: your energy, your time, and your vision.
In this episode:
How Colleen built and exited a $500 million practice
The mindset shift from do-er to builder
What the best advisors are doing to scale without burnout
Why saying “no” is a business strategy
How assessments can deepen client relationships and accelerate growth
This isn’t just advice. It’s a blueprint for building a firm — and a life — that lasts.
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
