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The COO RoundtableAuthor: Coldstream Wealth Managment
Join host Matt Sonnen and a panel of COOs, as they share an open discussion about operational and technology best practices for the RIA industry, and shed a light on the tremendously important work COOs perform on a day-to-day basis. Language: en-us Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Episode 80: Linda Bready
Tuesday, 4 November, 2025
In this episode, Matt sits down with Linda Bready, a renowned operations consultant to RIAs and author of the new book, The Exit Equation – M&A Strategies, Tools, and Insights for Financial Advisors. What started as a guide for sellers preparing for mergers or acquisitions, Linda’s book reveals itself as a comprehensive blueprint for operational readiness. It’s packed with practical strategies that empower firms to run more profitably and efficiently, whether or not a sale is on the horizon. As Linda writes, “a well-run firm isn’t just easier to sell, it’s easier to grow, scale, and live with.” Linda’s expertise is extensive. She was a trailblazer in the field of RIA performance reporting during her 17 years running B-Ready Outsourcing Solutions, which she led until its acquisition by Envestnet in 2010. After serving in a leadership role at Envestnet for six years, Linda became Executive Vice President of Operations & Client Service at FolioDynamix―until, in a twist of fate, Envestnet acquired FolioDynamix in 2018. Today, Linda is back in the consulting sphere as the founder of CleverX Consulting, where she delivers fractional executive support and board-level insight to financial services firms and fintech innovators. During this far-reaching conversation, Matt and Linda discuss her new book and a wide range of RIA operations and technology topics, including: Why so many RIAs struggle with operational efficiencies The common pitfall: mistaking technology ownership with technology optimization Why now is the time for RIAs to focus on scalability and repeatability across their organizations The critical role of culture and why it’s so often overlooked in M&A transactions Strategies for effective change management Why not all AUM is created equal Overcoming the reluctance to document workflows and processes The power of client segmentation and why understanding the true cost to serve each client is more important than focusing solely on top-line revenue To learn more about how Linda works with advisors and operations professionals, please visit https://www.cleverxconsulting.com/ To purchase Linda’s amazing book, click here.
