Episodios

  • Next Gen Success: A Masterclass in Building Trust and Credibility in a $7B Multi-Family Office

    Next Gen Success: A Masterclass in Building Trust and Credibility in a $7B Multi-Family Office
    Apr 16 2026
    With Wen Nottebohm—Managing Director, Wealth Advisor at Cresset Overview Wen Nottebohm of Cresset joins Mindy Diamond to share the next gen perspective: how advisors can design their own growth path, earn credibility among UHNW clients, the value of mentors, the influence of AI, and much more. Listen in… > Download a transcript of this episode… NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation. Watch… https://youtu.be/jmtqqBQ9C80 About this episode… There’s a fairly well-defined career path for most financial advisors. You spend the early years learning the business, supporting senior advisors, and gradually taking on more responsibility. When it comes to ultra-high net worth clients, that timeline tends to stretch even longer, given the complexity and expectations that come with those relationships. But the path isn’t always linear. And in some cases, it moves faster than people expect—especially when the focus shifts from simply accumulating experience to developing real expertise and “a seat at the table” early on. That’s part of what makes Wen Nottebohm’s perspective so compelling. Wen is part of the Berman Capital Advisors team at Cresset, a $230B+ multi-family office. The Berman team manages roughly $7B in assets, and Wen herself is advising on $1.6B for UHNW families and entrepreneurs. What stands out is not just the scale, but how early in her career Wen stepped into that level of responsibility—and what it actually required to make that work. In this conversation with Mindy Diamond, Wen offers a very real look at the next gen perspective, including: The wirehouse environment—and what made it a successful training ground.The value of a mentor—and how working with Justin Berman helped her move to the next level.Building a book to over $1B—and how she did so in a much shorter timeline than many of her peers.Earning credibility—and what it really takes to build a business and client trust with less of a track record.Working with a sophisticated client base—and how to manage expectations and identify what they really value.The benefit of a firm like Cresset—and how the more personalized culture and boutique feel creates a foundation for growth.The influence of AI—and how it’s both changing the dynamic and raising the level of the advisor-client conversation. This episode is a masterclass for next gen and seasoned advisors alike, identifying what it really takes to build a billion-dollar business in a rapidly changing environment and questioning whether the traditional timeline for building an advisory practice is being rewritten in real time. Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002. Related Resources Finding the Shortest Path to Excellence Can Be a Game Changer for AdvisorsDoing everything you can to deliver better service, drive growth, and achieve your goals faster can result in extraordinary benefits. The 4th Annual Advisor Transition ReportA data-driven look at where advisors are moving, why they’re making changes, and what it means for your business in 2026. Life After Goldman Sachs: A Story of Extraordinary SuccessEx-Goldman Sachs advisor Justin Berman shares how he found the courage to leave the Goldman imprimatur, brave Garden Leave, and build the $3B Berman Capital Advisors. Wen NottebohmManaging Director and Wealth Advisor Wen Nottebohm is a Managing Director, Wealth Advisor at Cresset. She works with clients to help protect and grow their legacy in order to have a bigger impact on what is most important to them. Wen was named to the 2024 Barron’s Top 100 Independent Advisors, 2025 Barron’s Top Independent Financial Advisors, 2025 Barron’s Top Financial Advisors By State, 2025 Barron’s Top Women Financial Advisors, 2025 Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-In-State, 2025 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors, 2025 Forbes Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors Best-In-State, and 2025 Forbes America’s Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors lists. Prior to Cresset, Wen worked as a Wealth Advisor for Berman Capital Advisors, and before that was with AQR Capital Management, where she was a Client Strategies and Portfolio Solutions Analyst. Wen started out her career in the Private Wealth Management division at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, where she specialized in risk and discretionary account management for the firm’s ultra-high-net-worth clients. Wen graduated from MIT with Bachelor of Science degrees in Economics and Management Science. She also holds an MBA from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. She obtained the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® designation in 2019. Wen and her husband live in Atlanta with their son and daughter. She serves on the ...
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    48 m
  • From the Ground Up: How to Create a $2.4B Content Growth Engine

    From the Ground Up: How to Create a $2.4B Content Growth Engine
    Apr 9 2026
    With James Conole—Founder, Root Financial Overview James Conole built Root Financial from zero to ~$2.4B in just 8 years. Louis Diamond speaks with him about how he grew the firm through content and inbound demand rather than traditional business development, and how Root approaches culture, growth, and operating in a fully virtual environment. Listen in… > Download a transcript of this episode… NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation. Watch… https://youtu.be/qmBjVi82jDc About this episode… Wealth management firms typically develop in a similar manner. It generally begins with a book of business, grows through referrals and relationships, and over time expands by adding other like-minded advisors. It’s a model that works—one that has been reinforced for decades. However, James Conole took a different path, beginning from the ground up. He’s the founder of Root Financial, a firm that’s grown to about $2.4B in assets in just 8 years. And what makes that growth interesting isn’t just the number—it’s how it happened. James didn’t begin with a book, nor did he grow the business through traditional prospecting or by recruiting advisors with existing books of business. Instead, the firm grew out of something else: content, inbound demand, and a very intentional approach to building a team that could support it. That’s the focus of this conversation with Louis Diamond. They dive into James’ story, including: The traditional playbook—and why James felt he could build a firm in a new way.The real value of content—and what made their YouTube videos an effective client acquisition engine.Balancing growth between demand and capacity—and why it’s not a process left to a single metric.The virtual firm—and how to foster and maintain consistency and culture as it scales.Effective Zoom team meetings—and what key activity drives their success.The “one meeting close”—and how that process changed their efficacy in onboarding new clients. It’s a fresh look at building a business, managing growth, and creating a culture that’s rooted in the values and mission upon which the firm is built. Plenty to learn for advisors and business owners alike. Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002. Related Resources Custody Reimagined: How Jason Wenk and Altruist Are Disrupting the Status QuoA candid conversation on rethinking custody from the ground up—and why simplification, aligned economics, and integrated technology are becoming critical for advisors building modern, scalable firms. Firms That Win in 2025: What Advisors Are Really Looking ForWith advisor expectations evolving, not all “good firms” are winning the talent. Mindy and Louis Diamond share what today’s top advisors really value—and why some firms are standing out while others fall short. Intentional Growth: How Top Advisors Build Businesses That LastMarkets can be a tailwind, but building a durable business requires intention and a plan. Here are 5 core practices from the industry’s elite. The 10 Characteristics of the Most Successful TeamsThe most successful teams are led by strong leaders who guide cohesive groups with complementary skills, all working together towards a shared goal: success. We’ve put together a list of 10 key traits that top teams consistently excel in. James ConoleFounder Founder of Root Financial Partners, James is CFP® professional who practices financial planning for clients under a fiduciary oath. He received his MBA with a concentration in finance from Pepperdine University. He currently resides with his beautiful family in Cardiff, CA, and runs his financial planning firm out of Solana Beach. James enjoys helping people navigate the complexities of their financial lives so they can be free to enjoy what they love most. When he’s not working, James loves to surf, stay active, and spend time with his family. He’s also involved in his church and engages in several local organizations like the Rotary and San Diego Financial Literary Center.
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    51 m
  • Entrepreneur, Advisor, and Conductor: Orchestrating Success After Edward Jones

    Entrepreneur, Advisor, and Conductor: Orchestrating Success After Edward Jones
    Apr 2 2026
    With Ryan Guth, Founder, Goldfin Group Overview Jason Diamond speaks with Ryan Guth, Founder of Goldfin Group, on moving beyond Edward Jones to build a business defined by control, differentiation, and entrepreneurial alignment. It’s a thoughtful conversation about independence, and what it really means to build a business that fits your clients, your strengths, and your long-term vision. Listen in… > Download a transcript of this episode… NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation. Watch… https://youtu.be/SRQSjRbtRzY About this episode… Advisors usually don’t set out seeking change. In fact, the opposite is usually true. They build within a system, take advantage of the opportunities in front of them, and grow something meaningful over time. And for a while, that alignment works. But over time, priorities evolve. What once felt like the right environment can start to feel limiting: whether it’s how you serve clients, how you present yourself in the market, or how much control you really have over the direction of your business. And that’s where things begin to shift. In this episode, Ryan Guth, Founder of Goldfin Group, talks through that evolution in a very real and practical way. Ryan started his career at Edward Jones – an experience he still speaks very highly of – but ultimately decided to go independent to build a business that better reflected how he wanted to serve his entrepreneurial clients and express his entrepreneurial instincts. What makes Ryan’s perspective especially interesting is his background. Before wealth management, he was a musical conductor. And that lens carries through into how he thinks about the advisor’s role today—not as someone focused on products or portfolios, but as the person coordinating all the moving parts of a client’s financial life. Ryan unpacks it all with Jason Diamond, including: The decision to leave Edward Jones—and what he was looking to gain in independence.The importance of marketing—and how “differentiation” plays a major role in Goldfin’s success.The inside view of a transition—and what other advisors can learn both operationally and strategically.The alignment of his values and mindset with those of his clients—and how being an entrepreneur became more important over time.The impact of acquisitions—and Ryan’s firsthand perspective on the acquisition of his broker dealer, Atria. It’s a thoughtful conversation about independence, but more importantly, it’s about what it really means to build a business that fits your clients, your strengths, and your long-term vision. Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002. Related Resources Player or Coach? Why Every Advisor Eventually Has to Choose As advisory firms grow, founders often face a critical inflection point: double down on being a top producer or evolve into a leader who builds lasting enterprise value. The Annual Report on Recruiting, Deals, and Transitions A companion to our annual Advisor Transition Report, Jason Diamond and Louis Diamond unpack what’s driving advisor movement in 2025, and what the data reveals about control, growth, and where the industry is heading. IBD vs. RIA – Which Model Fits Your Future This guide offers a clear, side-by-side view of the two models—including distinctions between the DIY route of building an RIA from scratch and opting for a supportive independence platform to help align your business goals with greater options and opportunities. Diamond Consultants Edward Jones Advisor Transition Report 2025 This “firm-focused report” seeks to look under the hood at movement to and from Edward Jones from January to June of 2025. Have You Outgrown Your IBD or the Model Itself? Spending years inside the independent broker dealer framework can eventually spark a deeper reckoning. Advisors begin to look beyond the logo on the statement and ask a more fundamental question: does this structure still align with the future they’re building, or has their business outgrown its foundation? Ryan Guth Founder​ I lead Goldfin Group from Franklin, TN and Albuquerque, NM, where I combine strategic financial guidance with a deep understanding of entrepreneurs’ pivotal transitions. My leadership reflects a blend of professional insight and personal commitment, guiding clients toward aligning their financial strategies with their God-given purpose and gifts. I am a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional. ​I am married to my wife, Amanda, and am the father to three boys. I enjoy all things entrepreneurial and am always on the lookout for new and innovative ways to solve bigger problems for more people, so they can be a ...
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    44 m
  • The Annual Report on Recruiting, Deals, and Transitions

    The Annual Report on Recruiting, Deals, and Transitions
    Mar 26 2026
    With Jason Diamond and Louis Diamond Overview

    A companion to our annual Advisor Transition Report, Jason Diamond and Louis Diamond unpack what’s driving advisor movement in 2025, and what the data reveals about control, growth, and where the industry is heading.

    Listen in…

    > Download a transcript of this episode…

    NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation.

    Watch…

    https://youtu.be/JJGz4N0Y4UI

    About this episode…

    After thirty years of counseling financial advisors – including many of the most successful in the industry – we started to see patterns emerge.

    Sure, every advisor’s situation is unique. And firms evolve, markets change, and business models shift. But the underlying questions advisors wrestle with around control, growth, and enterprise value tend to repeat themselves.

    Increasingly, the answers to those questions are revealed in the data—that is, when you know where to look.

    This is exactly why we go through the yearly process of creating our Advisor Transition Report. And this year’s edition doesn’t disappoint. (If you haven’t downloaded your copy yet, get the latest edition here.)

    Just from raw numbers alone, here’s a spoiler alert: 11,172 experienced advisors changed firms in 2025 compared to 9,615 in 2024.

    In this companion podcast episode, Jason and Louis take a deeper dive into the data and provide additional color on:

    • What’s actually driving that level of movement?
    • Where are advisors going and why?
    • Which firms are the winners? And who’s losing the recruiting game?
    • What models have become most attractive to advisors and why?
    • What’s the impact of AI on the role of the advisor and movement—and how will it shape the industry at large?
    • How is the balance of power between advisors and firms evolving?

    Plus, they dive into some real-world transition case studies to further illustrate what’s driving change.

    It’s an episode that provides an inside perspective on the trends behind advisor movement and recruiting, and the potential impact on advisors and business owners alike.

    Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002.

    Related Resources

    The 4th Annual Advisor Transition Report
    A data-driven look at where advisors are moving, why they’re making changes, and what it means for your business in 2026.
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    48 m
  • When Success Isn’t Enough: Merrill Breakaways Make the Case for Independence

    When Success Isn’t Enough: Merrill Breakaways Make the Case for Independence
    Mar 19 2026
    With Todd Stankiewicz, President & CIO, and Joe Castiglie, COO & CIO – SYKON Capital Overview Todd Stankiewicz and Joe Castiglie of SYKON Capital join Jason Diamond to discuss redefining success after Merrill, launching their own RIA, and how independence allowed them to combine institutional-caliber investing with behavioral insights to deliver peace of mind to clients. Listen in… > Download a transcript of this episode… NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation. Watch… https://youtu.be/EoWNsiS_-AA About this episode… For many advisors, success at a wirehouse is relatively easy to measure by assets, production, and growth. But what happens when those metrics don’t reflect what should come by way of success—that is, a sense of feeling fulfilled? This episode dives into the moment when two successful Merrill advisors realized that growth alone wasn’t the true measure of their success: it was delivering on their vision of providing real peace of mind to their clients. And that required a broader toolkit than the traditional model allowed. So, Todd Stankiewicz and Joe Castiglie decided to launch their own RIA, SYKON Capital, and build a firm grounded in full control from investment philosophy to client experience to culture. With Jason Diamond, Todd and Joe unpack their story, including: The turning point in their conversations—and when it shifted from “We’re building something successful here,” to “We might want to build something of our own.”Their definition of success—and how it evolved over time.Their introduction to the independent community—and why it changed their perspective.Their unique combination of institutional-caliber investment management and behavioral insight—and why they felt they could only achieve it in an independent model.The operational and leadership perspective—and what they found to be the biggest and most surprising challenges in launching an independent firm. For advisors who are successful where they are — but quietly wondering if there’s more on the other side — this conversation will challenge how you define control, growth, and impact. Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002. Related Resources Diamond Consultants Merrill Advisor Transition Report 2025 This annual “firm-focused report” takes a closer look at advisor movement to and from Merrill during the first half of 2025. Intentional Growth: How Top Advisors Build Businesses That Last Markets can be a tailwind, but building a durable business requires intention and a plan. Here are 5 core practices from the industry’s elite. Why So Many Successful Advisors Feel Stuck They’ve built thriving businesses. Strong production. Loyal clients. Growing teams. So why do so many successful advisors quietly wonder, “Why doesn’t this feel as good as I expected?” This episode tackles the psychology of success and what comes after it. Todd Stankiewicz President, CIO As President and Chief Investment Officer of SYKON Capital, I lead a firm built around one simple idea: it’s not just about the money, it’s about what your money enables you to do. We combine values-based financial planning with institutional-grade investment management, all grounded in behavioral insights. That means fewer cookie-cutter strategies and more tailored, actionable guidance that meets you where you are, and helps you get where you want to go. Whether you’re navigating a major life transition, looking to scale your wealth, or simply want more clarity and control, we’re here to simplify the complex and deliver advice that actually feels personal. Because at SYKON, we don’t just manage portfolios. We help people live better, more intentional lives. Joseph P. Castiglie III CFA As Chief Operating Officer and Chief Investment Officer of SYKON Capital, I am responsible for leading the firm’s investment strategy and overseeing day-to-day operational excellence — all with a singular focus: helping clients achieve meaningful, lasting financial outcomes. At SYKON, we work to ensure every element of the client experience is intentional, streamlined, and aligned with each individual’s goals and stage of life. From portfolio design to strategic planning and firm-wide processes, my approach reflects SYKON’s mission to meet clients where they are and guide them with clarity and care. By combining disciplined investment oversight with practical, real-world insight, I help deliver personalized financial strategies that support confident decision-making and long-term success.
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    49 m
  • Edward Jones to Independence: A $1.7B Post-Litigation Comeback Story

    Edward Jones to Independence: A $1.7B Post-Litigation Comeback Story
    Mar 12 2026
    With Dylan Ripley & Todd Vincent – Managing Partners and Financial Planners, Cedarwood Financial Partners Overview Todd Vincent and Dylan Ripley join Mindy Diamond to share the reality of leaving Edward Jones, defending a two-year lawsuit, and still nearly doubling their business. A candid look at resilience, and what really happens when the firm pushes back. Listen in… > Download a transcript of this episode… NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation. Watch… https://youtu.be/G5-oAHz5kWQ About this episode… For many advisors considering change, the concern about legal retaliation from their firm often lingers in the background. But what if you move and that fear comes to fruition? What will it do to your business? And what if – instead of derailing you – it ultimately becomes a catalyst for growth? Every transition comes with some risk and uncertainty—even when you dot every “i” and cross every “t.” And a non-Protocol move adds an extra layer of complexity. This episode’s guests, Todd Vincent and Dylan Ripley, learned all that firsthand. Todd spent nearly 30 years at Edward Jones, and Dylan built his career there over more than a decade, eventually partnering with Todd in a multi-office practice overseeing close to $1B in assets. Over time, they realized they could do more for their clients – and grow the business faster – if they stepped outside the traditional firm model. In exploration, they liked the idea of having a support partner rather than building their own RIA and ultimately opted for Commonwealth Financial Network to launch Cedarwood Financial Partners. The transition itself went smoothly—that is, until they found themselves navigating a lawsuit from Edward Jones that lasted nearly two years. In one of our most candid episodes yet, Todd and Dylan walk through that experience with Mindy Diamond, sharing: The choice to leave Edward Jones—and what specifically motivated them to consider change.The initial transition—and when they learned they had “poked the bear.”The reality of defending a lawsuit—and how they worked through it.The value of messaging—and how partnering with a marketing firm was a gamechanger.Nearly doubling their assets under management, despite the lawsuit—and what key traits drove their success. It’s an episode that answers the question on every advisor’s mind, “What happens if the firm sues me?” and does so with candor and grace. Listen in to learn how resilience drives what comes next: how advisors can steady themselves, rebuild momentum, and grow on the other side of a challenge. Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002. Related Resources Top Tips for Setting Your Business Up for Success Years Before a MoveWhether you’re just exploring what’s out there or actively conducting due diligence, these insights will help you position your business and team for success, whenever the time is right. How to Avoid the Dreaded TRO: Legal Strategies for Advisors in TransitionAs TROs and lawsuits make headlines, two top attorneys who represented Merrill breakaways OpenArc, share how advisors can minimize risk, protect client relationships, and make a clean move with confidence. Dylan RipleyCEO / Financial Planner After serving his clients at Edward Jones for almost ten years, Dylan Ripley co-founded Cedarwood Financial Partners in 2022 following a tabletop discussion on how he and his partner could better serve their clients, scratching out their vision on a napkin. From that initial napkin chat, he began diligently working to make this vision a reality through extensive research and sweat equity. Dylan holds a Bachelor of Business Management from the Carlos Alvarez School of Business at The University of Texas–San Antonio. After joining Edward Jones, he earned the Accredited Asset Management Specialist certification through the College of Financial Planning. He has a passion to serve others and does so through his service to clients and his community involvement. He is a current member of the Rotary Club of Temple, serving on the board for two years. He’s also a small group leader at his church and active in local Chamber of Commerce events. Most recently he was asked to serve on the advisory board for the Salvation Army of Bell County. Dylan and his wife, Cayleigh, have three children. When he’s not serving his clients or community, he can be found experiencing the world with his family, chasing kiddos around a ball field, golfing, or attending any live concert he can. Todd VincentChairman / Financial Planner Todd Vincent co-founded Cedarwood Financial Partners after serving his clients at Edward Jones for twenty-six ...
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    55 m
  • Private Equity, Scale, and Strategy: Inside Kestra with Its CEO, President, and Private Equity Partner

    Private Equity, Scale, and Strategy: Inside Kestra with Its CEO, President, and Private Equity Partner
    Mar 5 2026
    With James Poer, CEO Kestra Holdings, John Amore, President Kestra Financial and Fayez Muhtadie, Co-Head of Private Equity at Stone Point Capital Overview Louis Diamond sits down with James Poer (Kestra Holdings), John Amore (Kestra Financial), and Fayez Muhtadie (Stone Point Capital), who share unique vantage points of how scale, private equity, and alignment shape enterprise value in today’s wealth management landscape. Listen in… > Download a transcript of this episode… NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation. Watch… https://youtu.be/jqE5vfTRewc About this episode… As advisory practices grow larger and more sophisticated, the definition of success is shifting. For many advisors, it’s no longer just about income or payout. It’s about ownership, alignment, and building something that carries real enterprise value. That shift raises important questions, such as: What does scale actually enable?How should advisors think about capital?And what does alignment really look like between firm leadership, capital providers, and the advisors they serve? To explore that, we invited three guests who see this from unique vantage points. James Poer, who leads Kestra Holdings, John Amore, who oversees the strategy and execution behind Kestra Financial’s growth, and Fayez Muhtadie, who represents Stone Point Capital, Kestra’s private equity partner. Kestra today operates one of the larger independent wealth management ecosystems in the country, supporting roughly 1,450 advisors and overseeing more than $160B in assets across its broker dealer and RIA platforms. Stone Point, for its part, is a financial services-focused private equity firm with decades of experience investing in banks, asset managers, insurers, and wealth platforms. Together, they represent a scaled, privately backed model that has become increasingly common in our industry. In this episode with Louis Diamond, they unpack what they describe as “multiple ways to win” actually means inside a platform of this size, including: The Kestra ecosystem—and how the firm has evolved from its founding to spin-off from NPF.The value of private equity ownership—and how common misconceptions impact the positive potential.The importance of cultural alignment—and how it can be preserved as firms grow.Growth and scale—and why James believes this business is not an income game, but a wealth game.Plus, the questions advisors should be asking when assessing their current firm or platform. If you’re evaluating scale, ownership, or long-term enterprise value in your business, this is a conversation worth hearing. Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002. Related Resources Is Scale a Necessary Evil in Wealth Management?Scale can provide a competitive advantage. Yet there might be scenarios in which bigger isn’t always better. Wealth Management Landscape at a GlanceThe wealth management industry offers more options than ever, making it challenging to identify and compare the various models. We created this “at a glance” continuum infographic—to help you navigate the different models and understand how their features stack up. How to Set Up Your Business to Maximize Enterprise ValueJason and Louis Diamond explore strategies for maximizing enterprise value, whether or not an advisor plans to move. Learn actionable insights, key business practices, short-term vs. long-term tactics, and real-world examples. James PoerChief Executive Officer of Kestra Holdings James Poer is Chief Executive Officer of Kestra Holdings, an ecosystem of companies empowering high-performing financial advisors to achieve lasting independence. Together, Kestra’s businesses deliver a full end-to-end suite of wealth management solutions for success driven and entrepreneurial-focused financial professionals, including investment solutions, technology services, succession and monetization, insurance and planning services, trust services, and back-office support. James most recently chaired the Financial Services Institute (FSI) Board of Directors after serving for several years on the board. He currently sits on the Board of Advisors for the Langston Wealth Management Center at The University of Texas at Austin’s McComb’s School of Business, serves as Chair of Arden Trust Company’s Board of Directors, and is a member of the Board of Kestra Holdings. A true native Texan and alum of Texas Christian University, James currently resides in Austin, Texas. John AmorePresident of Kestra Financial As the President of industry-leading wealth management company Kestra Financial, John is committed to building out capabilities that empower the success of Kestra’s ...
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    55 m
  • The Elevation of Independence: Jim Dickson on Building Real Enterprise Value

    The Elevation of Independence: Jim Dickson on Building Real Enterprise Value
    Feb 26 2026
    With Jim Dickson — Founding Partner and CEO, Elevation Point Overview Louis Diamond speaks with the founder and CEO of Elevation Point about building a next-generation independent platform focused on ownership, minority capital, data strategy, and scalable, durable advisory firms. Listen in… > Download a transcript of this episode… NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation. Watch… https://youtu.be/D0-y8Q-DYvg About this episode… For decades, advisors operated under the assumption that there was a single path to success—a defined route dominated by the largest and most prominent firms. Over time, the landscape of options expanded, and the independent space matured. With it came a new set of challenges: how to turn the pursuit of freedom and control into something durable, scalable, and ultimately into a true enterprise. Jim Dickson has been thinking through that challenge for most of his career. After two decades at Merrill, Jim went on to found Sanctuary Wealth (a story we shared earlier in this series), where he played a central role in shaping what supportive independence could look like for growing advisory teams. Today, his own journey has entered a new chapter with Elevation Point—a next-generation independent platform focused on helping advisors take business ownership to a new level, with alignment, scalability, and long-term value at the core. In this episode, Jim and Louis Diamond talk about what led Jim to this new chapter, including: Elevation Point’s unique value proposition—and how it fills a gap in the landscape.The value of capital—and how Elevation Point adds value along the way.Increasing enterprise value—and what advisors can do to grow without sacrificing control.Ownership and alignment—and why “how much of the pie you actually own” becomes more important as firms grow.Growth and partnership—and what it really means to build a firm intentionally over time.AI, data, and technology—and how each can support better decision-making. This is a story about yet another evolution in the landscape of options available to advisors—and why the future of independence is less about exits and more about elevation. Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002. Related Resources The Right Way to Build a TeamThree strategies to create a foundation designed to foster long-term alignment and growth—and, ultimately, a legacy. MaxCeV™: How to Maximize Your Career Enterprise ValueThis tool breaks down four key factors that contribute to career enterprise value, offering a framework for advisors to conceptualize and achieve their full potential. An Advisor’s Guide to 2026: What 2025 Set in Motion and What Comes NextAs 2026 comes into focus, advisors face a new set of strategic questions. This Industry Update explores the forces reshaping growth, deal structures, and enterprise value—and what those shifts may signal for the new year and beyond. JIM DICKSON FOUNDING PARTNER AND CEO Jim Dickson is a seasoned executive, entrepreneur, private investor, and innovator in wealth management with over four decades of experience in the financial services industry. Renowned for his advocacy for independent financial advisors, Jim is a visionary leader with experience in designing and implementing high-growth strategies for advisory firms. Jim’s deep understanding of the industry landscape positions him as a driving force behind transformative change, empowering advisors and firms to thrive in an ever-evolving marketplace. His growth mindset for RIAs and independence-seeking advisors prioritizes an “advisor-first” approach, tailored to an advisor’s values and long-term vision. Jim co-founded Elevation Point with Mark Penske in 2024 to serve as a value-aligned growth partner to independence-focused advisors and RIAs. Jim previously founded and built nationally recognized wealth management firm Sanctuary Wealth, which he launched in 2018. He was the visionary behind Sanctuary Wealth’s Partnered IndependenceSM platform, providing elite advisors with all of the tools, services, and resources needed to fully and effectively serve their clients. Under Jim’s leadership, it grew rapidly into one of the industry’s top RIA firms, with more than $25 billion in assets and 76 partner firms in 28 states by 2023, when he left the firm. Prior to Sanctuary Wealth, Jim spent 20 years as a senior divisional executive building and leading strategy for Merrill Lynch in Indianapolis and Chicago. He began his career as an accountant at Ernst & Young in Indianapolis. Jim received his bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance from Butler University, where he later served ...
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    48 m