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Today, I'm thrilled to introduce Topaz Morrison, Chief Growth and Chief Operations Officer at Independent Advisor Alliance, a leading hybrid firm strategically focused on empowering financial advisors to succeed as independent business owners by providing services that align with each advisor's unique needs and challenges.

Since joining IAA in August 2023, Topaz has been at the forefront of shaping growth strategies, overseeing sales and consulting teams, and driving advisor adoption of innovative programs and services. I first sat down with Topaz in 2023 at the annual Schwab IMPACT Conference and included some highlights of our first conversation on this podcast.

With an impressive career spanning leadership roles at Northwestern Mutual, LPL Financial, Allianz Life, and Ameriprise Financial, Topaz brings a wealth of experience and vision to the table. He's a proud graduate of Augsburg University with a BA in Business Managerial Economics and holds an MBA from the University of Minnesota's Carlson School of Management.

But that’s just the beginning.

In today's episode, we dive into Topaz’s fresh perspective as Chief Operations Officer at IAA, exploring how he’s building on the strong foundation laid by founder and CEO Robert Russo. Despite joining the team recently in 2023, Topaz has quickly embraced IAA’s mission and vision, contributing to its impressive growth trajectory—from just 7 advisors a decade ago to nearly 240 by the end of 2024. Together with Robert and team, he’s driving the firm’s commitment to the "supported independence model," empowering advisors to focus on their strengths while planning for their futures.

Get ready for an energizing conversation with a rising leader and visionary thinker—right here, In The Suite.

🔗 Links

• Topaz Morrison on LinkedIn
• Independent Advisor Alliance Website
• Schwab IMPACT
• Future Proof Festival
• MarketCounsel Summit
• Newsweek America’s Top Financial Advisory Firms 2025
• Robert Russo on Advisor Advocates Podcast

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📧 Want to get in touch? Email me at tina@growintentionally.com

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I’m absolutely thrilled and honored to welcome the incredible Christine Benz In the Suite. Christine, director of personal finance and retirement planning for Morningstar and senior columnist for Morningstar.com. is an absolute trailblazer in personal finance and a trusted voice in retirement planning, portfolio management, and financial literacy.

For over three decades strong, Christine doesn’t just explain personal finance—she redefines it.

As co-host of Morningstar’s podcast The Long View, soon to be topping over 300 episodes, Christine is on the forefront of finance, talking to today’s most influential leaders in investing, advice, and personal finance about a wide-range of topics, such as asset allocation and balancing risk and return.

Christine has earned numerous accolades, including being named one of Barron’s 100 most influential women in finance and a 2021 honoree as one of the 10 most influential women in wealth management. You know her as a frequent public speaker and widely quoted in the media, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Barron’s, and even PBS, and she serves as president of the board for the John C. Bogle Center for Financial Literacy, making her a beacon in financial education.

But that’s not all.

She’s a triple threat in the book world? Her latest bestseller, How to Retire: 20 Lessons for a Happy, Successful, and Wealthy Retirement, is packed with wisdom from 20 top experts and names you’ll recognize. Her earlier books, 30-Minute Money Solutions and The Morningstar Guide to Mutual Funds, prove she’s on a mission to make personal finance less intimidating—and a whole lot more doable.

In today’s episode, we dive deep into the insights and inspiration behind Christine Benz’s latest book, How to Retire: 20 Lessons for a Happy, Successful, and Wealthy Retirement. Christine takes us on a journey through the book’s creation to insights into women’s unique financial challenges, from Jean Chatsky, Mary Beth Franklin, and Laura Carstensen. We’ll also explore Christine’s own philosophy on balancing finances with life’s intangible joys and her passion for fostering financial literacy among underserved communities.

Christine’s journey is a blueprint for turning knowledge into impact and passion into purpose. Don’t miss this episode as we uncover her mission to educate, inspire, and elevate investors—right here, In the Suite.

🔗 Links
How to Retire on Amazon
Christine Benz on LinkedIn
Christine Benz on X
The Long View Podcast with Christine Benz
Morningstar Website

📚 Referenced Books
The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel
The Geometry of Wealth by Brian Portnoy
Tell Me Everything Elizabeth Strout
Be Ready When the Luck Happens: A Memoir - Ina Garten

🤩 Thanks for listening, we appreciate your support and 5-star reviews of our show!!!

❤️ Please follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/inthesuitepod/

📧 Want to get in touch? Email me at tina@growintentionally.com

Send us a text

Today, we’re thrilled to welcome the incredible Carolyn Armitage In the Suite. Carolyn is a force in wealth management—a true pioneer with a career that’s redefined advisory, consulting, and executive leadership.

As the Founder and CEO of RIA Circle, she’s not just building a network; she’s igniting a movement.

Within RIA Circle, Carolyn is shaping a vibrant, purpose-driven community where advisors gather to connect, grow, and empower each other, one meaningful connection at a time.

In this episode, Carolyn takes us through her journey—from her early days as a fearless young advisor to founding RIA Circle, an innovative community that empowers advisors through connection and learning. We’ll also explore her unwavering commitment to giving back and how she sustains a balance between career and service.

Since beginning her career as an advisor, Carolyn rapidly ascended the ranks of leadership roles across prominent wealth management firms, including HD Vest (now Avantax), ING Advisors Network (now Voya), and Thrivent Advisor Network. Her experience leading LPL Financial’s Large Enterprise Consulting Team and consulting with ECHELON Partners has given her unmatched expertise across the wealth management value chain.

Formerly holding numerous FINRA and insurance licenses, she holds the CFP®, CIMA®, CLU®, and the ChFC® designations and has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Minnesota and a master’s in management from The American College.

But that’s not all, Carolyn’s impact goes even further. Inspired during the financial crisis, she launched True Circle, a personal mission turned powerful nonprofit, creating care packages for those in need. As a devoted wife and mother of four, Carolyn instills the values of empathy and service in her children, who actively contribute to the organization.

Carolyn’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of community, resilience, and service. Join us as we dive into her insights on building meaningful connections, her passion for creating positive change, and her inspiring vision for a more inclusive industry—right here, In the Suite.

🔗 Links

Carolyn Armitage on LinkedIn
RIA Circle Website
Carolyn Armitage Consulting
True Circle Non-Profit
Hivebrite
Book Recommendation You Weren't Supposed to See That by Josh Brown + The Soul of Wealth by Daniel Crosby
U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social

🤩 Thanks for listening, we appreciate your support and 5-star reviews of our show!!!

❤️ Please follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/inthesuitepod/

📧 Want to get in touch? Email me at tina@growintentionally.com