When I sat down with Kaitlyn Laney on my podcast, Innovate & Overcome, I knew we’d get into money. But I didn’t expect such a real, practical conversation about fear, freedom, and how modern financial advisors must show up differently to lead today’s clients.
Kaitlyn is entering her second decade at Trek Wealth in Scottsdale. She’s built a multimillion-dollar practice, not because she followed the corporate path, but because she walked away from it.
Leaving Corporate America Wasn’t the Plan
Kaitlyn recalls her corporate exit clearly: “I left kicking and screaming.”
She had just bought a house and had just gotten married. Her job was stable, and she let it go.
“I didn’t know you could get fired for something you didn’t do.”
Instead of waiting until her 40s to start her dream practice, she did it in her 20s. She built it better her way.
I’ve heard similar stories from advisors who felt boxed in by big firms. Kaitlyn’s story hits home: sometimes entrepreneurship finds you.
Creating a Firm That Actually Helps People
I ask Kaitlyn what she does differently now. Her answer is clear.
“Clients used to ask tax questions and I had to say, ‘Talk to your CPA.’ Or legal questions and I had to say, ‘Talk to your attorney.’ Now, I can actually help.”
Owning her firm gave her the freedom to lead. To be human. To meet clients where they are.
I hear this constantly from advisors who want to offer real advice but feel boxed in by red tape. So many financial professionals want to be more than compliance parrots.
Facing Fear, Planning Anyway
Kaitlyn remembers sitting with her husband, saying, “If this doesn’t work, we might have to sell the house.”
He looked at her and said, “Then we’ll sell the house.”
That kind of support matters. And that level of honesty in financial planning? Even more.
I tell clients often: Planning should give people peace of mind, not just bigger returns.
Business Owners Avoid Their Numbers
“Most business owners don’t manage cash well,” Kaitlyn says. “They’re not ignoring it but just overwhelmed.”
She talks about entrepreneurs with $250,000 sitting in an account and no idea what to do next.
What struck me most was how she reframes shame. “Most aren’t ignoring the problem—they just haven’t made it a priority yet.”
I see this all the time. The best advisors help clients take the blinders off, without judgment.
The Transition From Operator to CEO
“I didn’t want to hire, but I delayed it too long,” Kaitlyn admits.
But once she hired her executive assistant, everything changed.
“She built systems, cleaned up the chaos, and freed me up to focus on clients.”
I nodded. Every advisor I know who breaks through seven figures says the same: stop doing everything.
Kaitlyn also emphasizes exit planning. “Eventually, you’ll sell, give it away, or die. Start planning now.”
That urgency is real. Most business owners I meet haven’t thought that far ahead.
AI, Brainstorms, and Unexpected Revenue
Kaitlyn is bullish on AI but not for gimmicks.
She shared a story of a client, a trial attorney, who needed new revenue streams. So Kaitlyn sat her down, opened Claude.ai, and built a subscription model in five minutes.
“Now she’s expecting $250,000 in new revenue this year.”
I’ve had similar conversations on Innovate & Overcome with Jen Gaudet. Jen shared how AI helped her rebuild her business after major setbacks. From creating an AI avatar that mimicked her voice to automating coaching sessions, her story showed how AI can become a key support system.
Together, we explored how AI optimization supports human insight by freeing up time and energy for more meaningful work. For Kaitlyn, just like Jen, AI became a tool for clarity, creativity, and growth.
It reminded me: When advisors use the right tools, they help clients take real steps forward.
Watch Your Client Concentration
In 2025, Kaitlyn warns of risk, especially for B2B firms relying on one big client.
“If 80% of your revenue comes from one source, your business is fragile.”
She encourages business owners to run a profit analysis, add revenue streams, and strengthen banking relationships.
That’s solid tactical advice. Many advisors talk strategy. Kaitlyn helps people implement.
Turn Weakness Into Your Strength
Kaitlyn shares something vulnerable: she’s dyslexic.
Early in her career, a manager told her, “If you keep misspelling emails, no one will trust you with their money.”
That stuck with her for years.
Now? She owns it.
“I see the whole client puzzle differently. I spot things others miss.”
Clients care more about what you catch than how you type. If you bring them clarity and trust, the rest takes care of itself.
This part of our conversation was deeply personal for me. I’ve seen clients carry shame about bankruptcy, past failures, or insecurity. Kaitlyn’s story is proof: your “flaw” might be your superpower.
What’s Next for Kaitlyn Laney
- Kaitlyn wants to equip other advisors with the tools and mindset to lead effectively.
- She’s focused on multiplying her impact by teaching what actually works in genuine client relationships.
- She’s launching an advisor accelerator based on real-world case studies from her Scottsdale office. If you’re stuck in compliance mode, she’ll show you how to lead.
About The Author
