Episode 6 - Holly Donaldson

In this inspiring episode of the Advice Only podcast, host Sarah Sprague Gerber sits down with Holly Donaldson, founder of Holly Donaldson Financial Planning and a true pioneer in the Advice-Only movement.Holly shares her remarkable journey from corporate banking to launching her own independent practice in 2006 - before "Advice-Only" was even a recognized term in the industry. After years in private banking serving ultra-high net worth families, a pivotal conversation with her sister gave her the push she needed to break free from the product-pushing culture and create something different.Holly offers practical wisdom for advisors considering the Advice-Only model, including her refreshing take on finding a business model that fits your personality rather than forcing yourself to adapt. She also shares her passion for mentoring the next generation, particularly young women entering the field, noting that women still represent only 25% of CFPs.Whether you're an advisor exploring different service models, a consumer seeking to understand your options, or someone considering a career in financial planning, Holly's nearly 20 years of experience offer valuable lessons about staying true to your values while building a sustainable practice.Listen for Holly's powerful closing question: "When you think you can't do that thing that you really want to do, have you taken a fresh look at what's holding you back?"