Creating a Standout Culture with Darci Smith

In today’s competitive financial services landscape, culture is the ultimate differentiator. In this episode, Darci Smith of Roklyn Consult joins Jay Coulter to share a powerful framework for building a winning culture—one that attracts top talent, empowers teams, and sets your firm apart.

Darci draws insights from her chapter in the new collaborative book “Beyond the Broker: Navigating Financial Independence in Wealth Management.” Whether you're a solo advisor or leading a multi-billion-dollar RIA, this conversation delivers practical strategies for building a culture that endures.

Grab the book: Beyond the Broker on Amazon

0:00 Introduction to the Resilient Advisor Show and Darci Smith

1:05 Darci Smith's Background and Journey

3:38 The Importance of Hiring Former Athletes

4:35 Why They Wrote "Beyond the Broker"

5:38 Why Culture is Critical for Wealth Management Firms

7:38 How to Define and Start Building Company Culture

10:06 Memorializing Culture and Showing it Publicly

11:40 Embedding Culture and Using Outside Consultants

13:52 Realizing the Passion for Culture and Career Coaching

15:02 Should Financial Advisors Leverage TikTok for Professional Use?

19:25 Leveraging Community to Drive Culture

20:25 Putting People First in an Organization

21:05 Key Takeaway from the Book Chapter on Culture (One Step at a Time) 22:12 Onboarding Questionnaire Checklist

23:00 Where to Find Darci Smith (Website, Book)

23:54 Challenges in Recruiting Financial Advisors

25:50 How RAAs Can Approach Recruiters for Partnerships

26:08 Advisor Movement During a Recession/Bear Market

About Roklyn Consulting

Roklyn is a Fractional Talent Acquisition Partner for California-based wealth management firms. They help advisory firms grow by sourcing and placing Financial Advisors, Planners, and Support Staff aligned with your culture and vision. They also provide confidential transition and succession planning support for advisors looking to make a move or exit the business.