Advisor Freedom
From Secretary to Founder: Lori Jones’ Path into Finance
“Within a month I was like, oh my gosh, this was what I was put on the earth to do.” (02:21) “I didn't know that this whole industry even existed and I didn't know that girls could do it.” (02:51) “It took me probably 12 years to finally say…‘I’m a financial advisor.’” (04:43) “My calling is helping women specifically take control of their financial future… They should have the driver's seat in their financial future.” (05:42) “My main motto in life is there should be more women in finance.” (18:53–19:17) Lori Jones left a history degree and years of full-time parenting for a secretary job at a small financial firm. Within a month realized, she’d found her calling. Over more than a decade she earned licenses, a CFP and an MBA, handled operations and client work, and only after 12 years claimed the title “financial advisor.” Feeling underrepresented, she founded Fearless Financial Advisors to help high‑performing women (breadwinners, executives) take the driver’s seat in their finances. Lori chose an RIA/fee‑only path and partners with Tandem for back‑office and investment support so she can focus on planning and client relationships. She also hosts the Fearless Females podcast to showcase women’s career stories and to recruit and mentor more women into finance. Her approach: meet clients where they are, give clear, respectful guidance, build trust without cold outreach, and scale by bringing other female advisors into a supportive team. ------------------ Advisor Freedom is the podcast for financial advisors who want to learn what it really takes to build a thriving advisory career & what wealthy clients are actually doing with their money. Hosted by Conner Young , who launched his own independent RIA firm in 2021, the show shares real stories from advisors who’ve broken away, built their books from scratch, and refined their client service models through experience. Each episode dives into how advisors got started, how they attracted their first clients, the systems they use today, and the best practices that help them grow. We also open the doors to the other side of the table: interviewing high-net-worth investors, family offices, and entrepreneurs about the investments they love, the strategies they use, and the legacy they’re trying to build. Whether you're just launching your RIA, growing your practice, or exploring new ways to create generational impact, Advisor Freedom is your behind-the-scenes guide to building a business and a life of lasting value.
