As the 2025 InvestmentNews Rising Star, Danielle stands out for her commitment to supporting advisors in launching, growing, and scaling their businesses by removing operational barriers and fostering innovation. Her recognition highlights the firm’s unique approach—offering end-to-end support from compliance and HR to technology and marketing—allowing advisors to focus on what matters most: their clients.
Discover how Danielle’s vision and Myriad’s full-lifecycle model are shaping the future of independent advisory firms.
Watch the full interview to learn more.
[00:00:09] Andy Burt:
Welcome to our special Rising Stars 2025 feature from Investment News, where we recognize emerging leaders who are reshaping the future of financial services. My name is Andy Burt, and today we're proud to spotlight Danielle White, CEO of Myriad Advisor Solutions, a driving force behind the success of thousands of independent financial advisors across the country. Since joining Myriad in 2009, Danielle has been a champion for helping advisors focus on what matters most—their clients. Under her leadership, Myriad takes care of the operational challenges, from compliance in HR to tech and marketing, so advisors can launch, grow, and scale with confidence. Danielle, congratulations on this well-deserved honor and thank you so much for joining us today.
[00:01:02] Danielle White:
Thank you, Andy.
[00:01:05] Andy Burt:
First question for you. Let's start with the award. What does being named a 2025 Rising Star by Investment News mean to you as a leader in this space?
[00:01:15] Danielle White:
Yeah, you know, it's honestly an incredible honor, not just personally, but really for our entire team at Myriad. To me, you know, this recognition highlights the impact we're making behind the scenes to help independent advisors build and grow stronger businesses. It's also a validation that operational excellence and innovation matter just as much as client service and shaping the future of our industry. I really do see it as a recognition of our collective effort, though, and the entrepreneurial spirit that drives us here.
[00:01:51] Andy Burt:
Thank you. You've been with Myriad for over 15 years and you now serve as CEO. What have been some of the most pivotal moments in your journey with Myriad?
[00:02:02] Danielle White:
Yeah, you know, there have been several defining moments in my time with Myriad. One of the most pivotal was when I took over for my mom, who is now our CTO, but she was leading the company at the time. And that transition was a big shift, both personally and professionally. It allowed me to evolve the business with a more strategic, growth-oriented focus while still honoring the foundation that she had set. But another major milestone was expanding our services beyond that startup support to a full lifecycle model and really helping firms not just launching the business and grow, but plan for succession or successfully exit their business. So that's been pretty transformational for us. And then lastly, you know, moving into our new headquarters about five years ago in the midst of COVID was another proud moment. We started with three people about 16 years ago. And that move really, you know, represented how far we've come and what we've been able to build here together.
[00:03:18] Andy Burt:
Thank you for taking us through some of those milestones. To dig in a little bit more about Myriad, you help advisors with everything from HR to marketing. How does that operational support translate into real impact for advisory firms?
[00:03:35] Danielle White:
Yeah, you know, when I think of advisors, I think advisors go independent for freedom. But that freedom can quickly turn into, you know, a flood of operational challenges. And what we do at Myriad is give that freedom structure. We take on the complexity of the HR, compliance, technology, marketing, all the things you need to do to run a business. So our clients can focus on their clients. Our tagline is do what you do best, let us do the rest. So the real impact is in the peace of mind and scalability. When advisors don't have to worry about the business running, they can grow faster. They can retain talent. And overall, you know, they can deliver a better client experience.
[00:04:23] Andy Burt:
Thank you. In addition to your leadership responsibilities, you're also active in groups such as the Association of Accredited Small Business Consultants, as well as EO Iowa. How do these communities influence your approach to leadership and innovation?
[00:04:42] Danielle White:
Yeah, you know, both of those communities are huge resources for me. They're sources of inspiration and accountability. They've made big impacts on my life. EO, for example, has taught me the value of vulnerability and peer learning, which isn't always easy to admit the vulnerability side. But, hearing from other leaders about what's working and what's not, that's just something you can always continue to evolve from. And the association brings a broader small business perspective that helps me think beyond financial services. And so those experiences constantly are challenging me to innovate and refine our processes, and they really help shape how I lead and how Myriad continues to evolve and grow.
[00:05:33] Andy Burt:
Thank you. Let's look to the future. What excites you the most about the future for independent advisors and Myriad's role in supporting them?
[00:05:43] Danielle White:
You know, that's a good question. Really, I think this is a very exciting time for independent advisors. More professionals are realizing they can build firms that reflect their values and culture. So I think the next chapter is going to be all about integration, blending technology with human connection, as well as, you know, maintaining that focus of operational excellence. And so for Myriad, that means continuing to be the partner behind the scenes that makes independent sustainable, not just from launching the business, but for the long haul. So really becoming that partner with them. So I would say I'm most excited about helping advisors build firms that truly thrive and stand the test of time with their vision. So that's probably the thing I'm most excited for.
[00:06:40] Andy Burt:
That is very exciting. Danielle, thank you so much for sharing your journey and insights. And again, congratulations on being recognized as one of Investment News Rising Stars of 2025.
[00:06:52] Danielle White:
No, thank you, Andy. I really appreciate it.
[00:06:55] Andy Burt:
Your work is clearly making a lasting impact on independent advisors and the broader financial industry. And to learn more about Myriad Advisor Solutions and their work with independent firms, visit their website, myriadas.com. My name is Andy Burt. Thank you for watching and stay tuned as we continue to spotlight the changemakers of tomorrow.
