RIA Collective: Thomas Clawson | The AI CRM Changing How Advisors Build Relationships

What happens when a CRM is built for advisors with AI at its core, instead of having AI bolted on later?

In this episode of RIA Collective, host Charlie Van Derven sits down with Thomas Clawson, Co-Founder of Slant, to explore how AI-native CRM technology is changing the way financial advisors manage relationships, automate workflows, and grow their businesses.

Thomas shares how Slant evolved from a marketing automation tool into a full CRM after advisors kept asking for more powerful ways to manage workflows, notes, reviews, and client communication. He also explains why building a CRM from scratch in the AI era creates a major advantage over legacy systems that are still trying to retrofit modern functionality.

Together, Charlie and Thomas discuss:

• Why traditional CRMs are struggling to keep up with AI
• The difference between AI point solutions and AI-native platforms
• How advisors can automate client reviews, reminders, and workflows
• Creative ways to deepen relationships at scale
• How Slant approaches compliance, data protection, and security
• Why the future of advice is still rooted in relationships

Thomas also shares some of the most interesting use cases inside Slant, including AI-generated client outreach, review tracking, family relationship mapping, and workflows that help advisors stay connected not just with clients, but with spouses and the next generation as well.

This episode is especially valuable for:
• Independent advisors and RIAs
• Firms evaluating CRM and AI tools
• Advisors looking to improve efficiency without losing the human touch
• Leaders thinking about the future of advisor tech

🎧 Watch now and subscribe to RIA Collective for conversations that help independent advisors grow, adapt, and lead the future of financial advice.

Connect with Thomas Clawson
🌐 Slant: https://slant.app
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasclawson/

Connect with Charlie Van Derven
🌐 Social Advisors: https://www.social-advisors.com
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlievanderven/

Chapters
00:00 – Why this episode is different
02:00 – Why build a CRM for advisors
05:00 – Compliance, security, and protecting client data
07:00 – Moving beyond note takers
10:00 – AI workflows inside CRM
14:00 – What’s coming next for Slant
18:30 – The future of advisor growth and relationships
20:00 – Why the next generation matters more than ever