The Diamond Podcast for Financial Advisors

With Adam Malamed—CEO, Sanctuary Wealth Hosted by Louis Diamond Overview Supportive independence has become one of the most dynamic segments of wealth management, offering advisors the freedom of independence with the scale and resources of a major firm. In this episode, the CEO of Sanctuary Wealth joins Louis Diamond to discuss Sanctuary 2.0: how the firm doubled in size, its vision for advisor autonomy, and the future of growth, technology, and partnership in the independent space. Watch… 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. About this episode… Advisors considering independence often wrestle with a key question: “Do I want to go it alone—or have the backing of a platform?” That question gave rise to the concept of supportive independence—one of the most dynamic corners of the wealth management ecosystem. It bridges the gap between the turnkey structure of the wirehouses and the full autonomy of running your own RIA. The model offers ownership and freedom while surrounding teams with the infrastructure, technology, and expertise to accelerate growth and achieve scale. And it comes with an added advantage: a community built on accessible leadership and shared talent. It’s in this space that Sanctuary Wealth has carved out its niche. Since its founding, Sanctuary has become a top destination for elite wirehouse teams seeking greater freedom and control—without giving up the benefits of scale. With CEO Adam Malamed at the helm, the firm has entered what he calls “Sanctuary 2.0”—a new era of growth, innovation, and partnership designed to help advisors not only transition successfully but thrive long after the move. Building on his experience scaling Ladenburg Thalmann into a multi-billion-dollar enterprise, Adam is now leading Sanctuary into its next chapter with a sharp focus on growth, technology, and long-term sustainability. In just two years, he has helped the firm nearly double in size, expanded its reach through the acquisition of Tru Independence, and solidified its standing as one of the industry’s most compelling platforms for elite advisors. In this episode, Louis Diamond and Adam discuss: How Sanctuary doubled in size—and why its growth strategy continues to resonate with elite advisors. The balance of autonomy and support—and what makes Sanctuary’s formula work. Advisors’ long-term goals—and how the firm continues adding value well beyond the transition. The future of wealth management—and how technology, data, and AI are reshaping the platform. Sanctuary’s long-term strategy—and how succession planning, equity monetization, and access to capital remain central components. It’s a candid look at where one of the fastest-growing firms is headed and the value it offers advisors seeking a path to independence. 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 Mindset Shift: Why Advisors are Forgoing a Recruiting Deal and Leaping Right to Independence 6 reasons why more advisors are choosing to bet on themselves before monetizing their businesses. Firms That Win in 2025: What Advisors Are Really Looking For With 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. Wealth Management Landscape at a Glance The 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. Alan Malamed  Chief Executive Officer Adam Malamed is the Chief Executive Officer of Sanctuary Wealth, where he leads the firm’s strategic vision, long-term growth initiatives, and commitment to innovation in the wealth management industry. Since assuming the role in 2023, Adam has focused on building the platform of the future investing in top talent, advanced technology, and scalable growth resources. His mission is to drive value for Sanctuary’s Partner Firms by helping them grow, operate more efficiently and build equity. Under Adam’s leadership, Sanctuary continues to solidify its position as the premier destination for sophisticated and elite financial advisors and wealth management firms. He oversees the firm’s long-term strategy with an emphasis on business expansion ensuring Sanctuary remains a leader in the Hybrid RIA space. With over 25 years of experience in financial services, Adam is a seasoned executive, entrepreneur, and board director. Prior to joining Sanctuary, he served as Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, and Board Director at publicly traded Ladenburg Thalmann Financial, where he was instrumental in growing the firm’s revenue from $35 million to $1.5 billion. Adam earned a B.A. in Business Management from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and completed the General Management Program at Harvard Business School. Also available on your favorite podcast app and other media sites

A Special Industry Update, With Jason Diamond and Mindy Diamond Overview From due diligence to culture fit, client communication to deal evaluation, there’s far more to moving than meets the eye. In this special Industry Update, Jason and Mindy unpack the real playbook behind advisor transitions – the triggers, misconceptions, and timelines – plus lessons from the recent $129B Merrill breakaway that prove why no advisor is “too big” for change. 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. About this episode… Everything about a transition can seem incredibly overwhelming. From understanding “the why’s” of a move, then conducting due diligence, and on to aligning the right models, and selecting the best firms, it might seem like a fairly linear process. And for some it can be. But for others, the layers of minutiae can be daunting. Essentially, it comes down to the adage, “You don’t know what you don’t know.” In this episode, Jason Diamond is joined by Mindy, to fill in some of those blanks and share some inside baseball on how to get from here to there, including: The main triggers that drive an advisor to consider a move—and why it’s typically not about frustration. The biggest misconceptions about change—and what most advisors say after they’ve transitioned. Conducting due diligence—and what key pieces of information you need to gather in the process. Assessing culture—and how to really get a sense of what a firm stands for. Transition deals—and how to identify if they are indeed a gift or a trap. The timeline of a move—and how long it really takes from exploration to transition. Communicating with teams and clients—and what you can or can’t do, and when. Plus, they add context to their advice by drawing from experience gained in the recent $129B Merrill breakaway move. Essentially, it’s a download of “everything you need to know when considering a move.” 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 $129B Blockbuster Move: Shirl Penney on Why This Transition Marks a New Era for the Industry The $129B OpenArc breakaway marks a watershed moment for wealth management. In this Rapid Reaction episode, Louis Diamond and Shirl Penney unpack what it means for the RIA model, advisors, and the future of industry competition. The Missing Narrative of the $129B Merrill Breakaway Story The largest (and quite possibly most significant) advisor breakaway in industry history made news this week. Yet instead of leading with the scale or significance of the move, headlines centered on Merrill’s lawsuit alleging corporate raiding. Transition Announcement: $129B Merrill Team Launches OpenArc Corporate Advisory with Support from Dynasty, Schwab, and Diamond Consultants We’re proud to share that one of the industry’s largest and most decorated advisor teams has launched OpenArc Corporate Advisory, a new national firm based in Atlanta, GA. It’s a hallmark transition from Merrill, with more than a decade of consulting and guidance from Diamond Consultants. Also available on your favorite podcast app and other media sites

With Shirl Penney—President and CEO, Dynasty Financial Partners, Hosted by Louis Diamond Overview The $129B OpenArc breakaway marks a watershed moment for wealth management. In this Rapid Reaction episode, Louis Diamond and Shirl Penney unpack what it means for the RIA model, advisors, and the future of industry competition. 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. About this episode… When the news broke that a team managing $129B in client assets left Merrill to launch OpenArc Corporate Advisory, the headlines focused on the sheer scale of the move—and the ensuing legal firestorm. However, this transition represents even more: a defining moment for the independent wealth management movement and a demonstration of the industry’s evolving landscape. For years, independence has been steadily chipping away at wirehouse dominance. Yet OpenArc is proof that even the most elite and institutionally focused advisor teams see greater opportunity in starting their own firm. That’s where Dynasty Financial Partners comes in. Under Shirl Penney’s leadership, Dynasty has become synonymous with enabling large, complex teams to make the leap to independence, providing the scale, capital, and infrastructure needed to compete at the very top of the industry. And with OpenArc, Dynasty has helped one of the biggest breakaways launch a new enterprise built for the future. Yet getting the team to this moment was a decade in the making, with Mindy Diamond and Louis Diamond guiding the growing team through an educational journey on an ever-changing landcsape of possibilities. In this special Rapid Reaction episode, Louis and Shirl offer their perspectives on: Why the OpenArc deal is such a watershed moment. What it signals about the evolution of the RIA model and the industry at large. How it may influence other large teams contemplating their own futures. They also highlight key learnings for advisors watching this transition closely—and what it reveals about the next chapter of industry competition. It’s a rare inside look at a landmark deal in wealth management—and the insights it offers for advisors and firms across the industry. 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 Transition Announcement: $129B Merrill Team Launches OpenArc Corporate Advisory with Support from Dynasty, Schwab, and Diamond Consultants It’s a hallmark transition from Merrill, with more than a decade of consulting and guidance from Diamond Consultants. Transition Announcement: $5.5B UBS Mega-Team Leaves for RBC One of the top teams in the industry, led by the largest female advisor at UBS, Leslie Lauer, moves to RBC Wealth Management. Shirl Penney  President and CEO Shirl Penney is the founder, CEO, and member of the Board of Directors of Dynasty Financial Partners, one of the leading advocates and platforms for independent wealth advisor firms. Since its launch in 2010, Dynasty has grown to nearly $115B assets under management. Shirl is recognized throughout the industry for his thought leadership and insight on key trends and issues impacting the rapidly evolving wealth management landscape. Investment News named him to its 2015 list of ‘40 Most Influential People in Wealth Management Under 40,’ as well as to its inaugural list of ‘Icons and Innovators in Wealth Management’ the following year. In 2019, Dynasty relocated from New York, NY, to St. Petersburg, Florida, and Shirl quickly became a leading voice in the city’s business community, embracing local causes and giving back to organizations serving the area where Dynasty employees live and work. In 2023, he was named ‘Florida Entrepreneur of the Year,’ and in 2024 the Tampa Bay Business Journal selected him for its ‘Power 100 List’ of the area’s most influential business leaders. Prior to Dynasty, Shirl worked at Citi Smith Barney in various leadership roles including director of private wealth management and head of executive financial services. Shirl is from Eastport, Maine, and graduated from Bates College. He and his family live in St. Petersburg where they are active in numerous charitable causes focused on education, poverty, ALS, and veteran services. He is a Fellow of the inaugural class of the Finance Leaders Fellowship, a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network, and a member of the Young President’s Organization of Florida. Also available on your favorite podcast app and other media sites

With John Krambeer, Founder and CEO, Validus Capital Overview Few advisors build a multi-billion-dollar RIA. John Krambeer has done it twice. In this candid conversation, the Validus Capital CEO reflects on his journey, how independence has evolved, and the hard-won lessons that guide him now. Watch… 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. About this episode… Some advisors break away once in their careers. John Krambeer has done it twice, each time building a multi-billion-dollar RIA. That kind of repeated success is rare in any industry—and in wealth management, it’s almost unheard of. Yet John’s journey provides a front-row seat to the evolution of the independent space, from its early pioneering days to the sophisticated and bespoke multi-family office models we see today. Long before “going independent” became popular, John left Merrill’s Private Banking & Investment Group (PBIG) in 2004 to launch Camden Capital. He was early to the RIA movement, betting on transparency, better reporting, and access to private investments when few advisors dared to break away and forge their own path. In 2022, John made the difficult decision to leave Camden and do it all over again—this time building Validus Capital, now a $2.5B multi-family office designed with hard-earned lessons in mind. In this conversation with Louis Diamond, John shares a candid look at: What it was like to break away in the early 2000s—and how platforms and support for independents have evolved since. Why he walked away from the first firm he built—and what drove him to take on the challenge a second time. The choices behind building Validus Capital today—and the firm’s approach to private markets and family office services. The hard lessons of growth—and what he wishes he had done differently the first time around. John runs back the game films to provide candid insights for prospective and current independent business owners. It’s a rare opportunity to learn from someone who not only helped shape the independent space but has proven that with clarity, conviction, and the right people, you can build lasting success more than once. 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 Best of the Best: 10 Ways Top Advisors Are Growing Their Businesses— A Special Industry Update A “Top 10” list of firm-level innovations and grassroots methodologies from some of the most successful advisors, teams, and firm in the business. Listen in to spark ideas designed to drive greater growth. 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. Wealth Management Landscape at a Glance The 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. John M. Krambeer CEO & Founder John Krambeer is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Validus Capital and has served as a financial advisor to wealthy families and institutional investors for over three decades. Mr. Krambeer has extensive experience providing wealthy families with strategic investment advice, structuring portfolios to meet long-term objectives, and creating private investment vehicles across the alternatives landscape. Mr. Krambeer has spent his career working with both traditional and alternative investment managers, evaluating asset allocation strategies, managing long-term equity portfolios, and implementing options strategies for concentrated stock positions. Mr. Krambeer has been recognized by Barron’s as a Top 100 Independent Wealth Advisor four times and as one of America’s Top Financial Advisors seven times. Prior to founding Validus Capital, Mr. Krambeer founded Camden Capital in 2004 and served as its Chief Executive Officer and Partner. He led the firm’s investing activities and established its private fund platform. Before forming Camden Capital, Mr. Krambeer spent 16 years at Merrill Lynch, where he helped build the Private Banking and Investment Group. Mr. Krambeer is a member of the Advisory Board of FrontRange Capital Partners, Saybrook Fund Advisors, NewRoad Capital Partners, and Rosemawr Management. He is active in the community, supporting various philanthropic organizations, including serving as the Founder and President of the Southern California Rodeo Boosters, an organization devoted to helping junior high and high school students competing in the sport of Rodeo with scholarship support as they transition to college. Mr. Krambeer was an inaugural member of the Schwab Institutional Advisory Council for Advisors Turning Independent (ATI) – a sounding board for firms transitioning to independence in the evolving wealth management industry. Mr. Krambeer received a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Woodbury University. Recognition Barron’s Top Wealth Managers 2014 – 2020, 2024-2025 Forbes/Shook Best in State Wealth Advisor 2025 Forbes/Shook America’s Top RIA Firms 2024 LA Times Visionaries 2021 LA Business Journal Leaders of Influence 2020 – 2021 Also available on your favorite podcast app and other media sites

With Mike Durbin, CEO of Cetera Financial Group Overview The CEO of Cetera Financial Group shares insights on independence, private equity, and balancing scale with service, plus what the future holds for advisors and firms. Watch… 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. About this episode… The wealth management industry is at an inflection point—where scale, service, and strategy all collide. Drawing on 35 years of industry experience and leadership roles at Morgan Stanley, Fidelity, and now Cetera, Mike Durbin offers a unique perspective on the forces shaping the world as we know it. Since joining Cetera in 2023, Mike’s led the firm through rapid expansion—balancing the resources of a $600B+ national platform with a boutique-level advisor experience. From multi-channel affiliation models to tech and AI integration, his strategy centers on one thing: helping advisors grow faster, smarter, and more sustainably. In this episode, Jason Diamond and Mike discuss: The future of independent wealth management—and how it stacks up against the wirehouse model. Cetera’s differentiators in today’s competitive recruiting environment—and why its “big feel, small approach” matters. The role of technology and AI—and how they’re driving efficiency, personalization, and advisor capacity. Private equity’s influence on the industry landscape—and what it means for long-term strategy. Lessons from leadership roles at Morgan Stanley and Fidelity—and how those experiences shape his vision at Cetera. Where the biggest opportunities lie ahead for advisors—and what excites him most about the next decade. Whether you’re an advisor evaluating your options or a leader navigating change, Mike’s candid perspective provides clarity on what it takes to thrive in today’s environment. 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 IBD vs. RIA Revisited: Two Independent Pathways for Advisors to Consider When it comes to freedom and control, there are key differences amongst the independent broker dealer (IBD) and registered investment advisor (RIA) spaces that every advisor should be aware of. RIA, IBD or somewhere in between: Which version of independence is right for you? As the independent space continues to expand, prospective breakaway advisors often have a hard time deciding between different individual models and options. These 5 questions can help point you in the right direction. Disclaimer: This material is for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice, a recommendation, or an offer to buy or sell any security. Opinions may change without notice. Forward-looking statements, including projections or estimates, are not guarantees. Past performance is not indicative of future results, and all investing involves risk, including loss of principal. “Cetera Financial Group” refers to the network of independent retail firms encompassing, among others, Cetera Advisors LLC, Cetera Wealth Services LLC (f/k/a Cetera Advisor Networks), Cetera Investment Services LLC (marketed as Cetera Financial Institutions or Cetera Investors), and Cetera Financial Specialists LLC. All firms are members Member FINRA/SIPC. Mike Durbin Chief Executive Officer Mike Durbin is chief executive officer of Cetera Financial Group and a member of Cetera’s board of directors. In his role as CEO, he oversees Cetera’s growth initiatives, from expansion into new and adjacent markets to evolving Cetera’s existing capabilities for the financial professionals and financial institutions it serves. Most recently, Mike was head of Fidelity Institutional, a division of Fidelity Investments offering clearing, custody, investment products, brokerage, and trading services to a wide range of wealth management firms and institutions. In this role, Mike was responsible for supporting the growth of clients’ businesses, enhancing their operational efficiency while delivering insights that help to drive confidence, clarity, and results. Previously, Mike served as head of Fidelity Institutional Investment and Technology Solutions where he focused on the end-to-end delivery of wealth management products and technology solutions for Fidelity clearing and custody clients. Prior to that role, he served as president of Fidelity Wealth Technologies, where he oversaw Fidelity’s acquisition of eMoney Advisor. He joined Fidelity in February 2009 as president of Fidelity Institutional Wealth Services where he was responsible for the oversight and growth of the business by providing clients access to a flexible, open-technology environment, extensive practice management resources and wealth management investments, and related execution and custody services. Prior to joining Fidelity, Mike acted as chief operating officer of the National Sales Division for Morgan Stanley’s Global Wealth Management. During his 18-year tenure with Morgan Stanley, he held various leadership positions, including head of Capital Markets, head of International Private Wealth Management and chief strategic and risk officer for the Global Individual Investor Group. Mike joined the firm in 1990, then titled Dean Witter Reynolds, Inc., in the investment banking field. In his initial roles, he was involved with the origination, structuring, and marketing of packaged investments for private client distribution. Education Leonard N. Stern School of Business at New York University, MBA University of Notre Dame, BBA, Finance and Economics Also available on your favorite podcast app and other media sites

Dive into the competitive landscape shaping the financial advisory industry in 2025. Discover how headline-making transitions and evolving deal structures are impacting recruitment strategies. Explore the financial benefits of independence for advisory teams and the dominance of leading firms in the independent space. Uncover future trends like retire-in deals and the role of private equity in recruitment dynamics. Stay ahead of the curve with insights on advisor movement and the shifts happening at major firms!

With Julia Healey, CEO of United Charitable Overview Julia Healey, CEO of United Charitable, shares insights on DAFs, their value to clients, and the potential positive impact they can have on an advisor’s business. 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. About this episode… This episode serves as both an educational session and a business development strategy around Donor Advised Funds, or DAFs. You’ve likely heard of them, maybe even worked with one—but chances are, you’re not maximizing their potential. Because DAFs aren’t just for high net worth and ultra-high net worth clients. And while they offer a philanthropic path for clients’ wealth, the value goes well beyond. When used correctly, DAFs can help strengthen client relationships, attract new assets, and create a genuine sense of impact and purpose for clients at all wealth levels. Julia Healey knows this space inside and out. As the CEO of United Charitable, she works with financial advisors and clients every day to unlock the full value of DAFs—not just from a tax and estate planning perspective, but from a relationship and growth perspective, too. In this episode, we cover: How DAFs actually work—and what makes them so accessible. The biggest misconceptions—and why they’re not just for the mega-wealthy. How advisors are using them to differentiate—and build trust. The value of working with a firm like United Charitable—and how they help financial advisors make a greater impact with their clients. And what it looks like when you give clients a real path to be a philanthropist. Whether you’re new to the concept or looking to refine how you present DAFs, this episode offers a practical, insightful take on an often-overlooked tool. 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 Innovative Ways the Best Independent Firms Fuel Growth: A Special Industry Update Independence allows advisors to create an unlimited menu of innovative value-add services for their clients. And as the industry landscape expands, employee advisors are finding ways to get in on the action. Learn specific examples of the various services offered by some of the industry’s leading independent firms. The Best of the Best: 10 Ways Top Advisors Are Growing Their Businesses A “Top 10” list of firm-level innovations and grassroots methodologies from some of the most successful advisors, teams, and firm in the business. Listen in to spark ideas designed to drive greater growth. The Power of the Midyear Gut Check: A Playbook for Clarity and Momentum It’s the perfect time for advisors to set up the second half of the year for success. Julia Healey CEO Julia Healey is the Chief Executive Officer of United Charitable, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting philanthropic efforts through donor-advised funds and fiscally sponsored programs. With a background in finance and accounting, she earned a B.S. in Business Administration, an MBA in Finance, and a Nonprofit Management Executive Certificate from Georgetown University. Though she began her career path in finance, Julia’s direction shifted after witnessing firsthand the inequities in access to education and resources. Inspired to make a difference, she combined her financial expertise with a deep commitment to social impact—ultimately leading her into the nonprofit world. Also available on your favorite podcast app and other media sites

With Ben Valore-Caplan, Founder of Syntrinsic Overview Ben Valore-Caplan, founder of Syntrinsic, shares how he built a $2.9B mission-driven RIA to serve foundations, endowments, and values-driven institutions, the evolution of impact and ESG investing, why he sold to IMA Financial Group, and 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. About this episode… This episode serves as a powerful reminder that the best businesses are built not just on scale, but on intention and alignment with values. In a landscape where most RIAs are designed to serve wealthy individuals, Ben Valore-Caplan took a different path—one rooted in advising non-profits with a focus on mission and purpose. After a decade as an educator and nonprofit entrepreneur, Ben entered the wealth management world at UBS’s predecessor Paine Webber. As an institutional consultant, Ben saw an opportunity to become a bridge between the finance and nonprofit sectors. Yet, as he looked more closely at the conflicts embedded in the wirehouse model, he saw a greater opportunity to build something better: an RIA fully aligned with institutional clients’ missions. So, in 2008, Ben left the wirehouse world to launch Syntrinsic Investment Counsel—an RIA built to serve foundations, endowments, and values-driven institutions. What started as a niche business has since grown into a $2.9B firm, known for its conflict-free model and deep alignment with client missions. In this conversation with Louis Diamond, Ben shares the story of Syntrinsic’s growth – from launch to sale – including: Leaving UBS to launch an RIA—and how that allowed him to serve institutional clients in a differentiated way. Mission-aligned investing—and how it has evolved beyond environmental, social, and governance (ESG). Philanthropy and nonprofit investments—and what strategies are applicable to all advisors. Mastering scale—and how to do so without compromising purpose or culture. The decision to sell the firm to IMA Financial Group in 2023—and what made that cultural fit work. Whether you’re focused on growth, purpose, or both, Ben’s story is a valuable reminder that building a great firm isn’t just about scale: It’s about clarity, intention, and doing the work that matters. 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 Best of the Best: 10 Ways Top Advisors Are Growing Their Businesses— A Special Industry Update A “Top 10” list of firm-level innovations and grassroots methodologies from some of the most successful advisors, teams, and firm in the business. Listen in to spark ideas designed to drive greater growth. Top Tips for Setting Your Business Up for Success Years Before a Move Whether 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. 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. Ben Valore-Caplan Founder and Co-President Throughout his career, Ben has built bridges between seemingly disparate groups. Since 2000, he has connected the nonprofit and finance sectors as an investment advisor and strategic partner to foundations, endowments, nonprofit organizations, and the people affiliated with them. Ben founded Syntrinsic Investment Counsel in 2008 after serving as Senior Vice President of Investments at UBS where he led the BVC Institutional Consulting Group. In 2023, Syntrinsic joined IMA Financial Group to gain efficiency and deepen impact across the country. At Syntrinsic, Ben serves as Co-President where he runs point on several client relationships and co-leads the firm’s long-term strategy. Syntrinsic advises on $2.9 billion in assets across approximately 60 foundations and endowments and a handful of private client households. Ben also builds bridges through community engagement. In his first career, he was an educator and social entrepreneur. He founded and directed Denver Summerbridge, an academically rigorous educational opportunity program for first generation college bound students that continues to thrive over 30 years later as Breakthrough Kent Denver. Ben served as an independent trustee, investment committee member, and Vice Chair for Colorado’s $50+ billion Public Employee’s Retirement Association (PERA). He served for several years on the Advisory Committee to the City of Denver’s $5 billion fund. He is on the board and chairs the finance committee of Challenge Foundation and serves on the board and finance committee of Denver Zoo and Conservation Alliance. Ben is a proud member of the Colorado Forum, a nonpartisan organization of community leaders committed to advancing creative, long-term solutions to challenging civic issues. He was selected as the Conscious Business Leader of 2019 by Conscious Company. Ben earned his BA from Brown University and MBA from the University of Denver. He and his wife, Amie, have four children. Also available on your favorite podcast app and other media sites

With Cary Carbonaro, Managing Wealth Advisor and Women & Wealth Ambassador at Ashton Thomas Overview Cary Carbonaro learned from her own experience that there was both a gap and an opportunity in attracting and retaining women clients and advisors. In this episode, Cary shares specific advice on what firms are doing wrong and how they can get it right. 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. About this episode… In our world, most firms are focused on growth. However, they often overlook one of the biggest and most significant opportunities: women. That includes women as clients, who are expected to control two-thirds of all wealth over the next decade. It also includes women as advisors, who remain significantly underrepresented in the industry. Cary Carbonaro has made it her mission to positively impact the world of women when it comes to advice and representation in the wealth management world. Cary’s extensive career includes leadership roles at ACM Wealth, Goldman Sachs, where she served as Vice President and Head of Office, and United Capital, where she founded and led the Women’s Leadership division. Today, with a client base that’s more than 75% women, Cary has built a $300mm advisory business at Ashton Thomas, focusing on empathy, education, and empowerment. She has also been an outspoken advocate as the Women and Wealth Ambassador for the firm and in the media, advising on how to support women in wealth and how to move from recruiting slogans to real change. In this episode, Cary and Mindy Diamond discuss: Cary’s personal journey from the wirehouse world to independence—and how her experience influences her work. The opportunity in serving women clients—and what firms should be doing differently to win in this market. The gap in attracting and retaining women advisors—and how to build a practice that excels with top talent. What advisors often get wrong about “selling” to women—and how to fix it. And how authenticity and advocacy can drive both purpose and growth Cary’s success story is one that resonates with advisors on many levels, and her mission is one we can all get behind—and learn from. 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 Advisors Doing everything you can to deliver better service, drive growth, and achieve your goals faster can result in extraordinary benefits. Firms That Win in 2025: What Advisors Are Really Looking For With 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. Wealth Management Landscape at a Glance This “at-a-glance” continuum infographic—to help you navigate the different models and understand how their features stack up. Cary Carbonaro Managing Wealth Advisor and Women and Wealth Ambassador Cary Carbonaro is an award-winning Certified Financial Planner™ professional with over 25 years of experience, and currently serves as Managing Wealth Advisor and Women and Wealth Ambassador for Ashton Thomas. She leads a multimillion-dollar financial planning practice, specializing in empowering women to overcome financial challenges and increase their financial literacy. Cary’s extensive career includes leadership roles at ACM Wealth, Goldman Sachs where she was Vice President and Head of Office, and United Capital where she founded and led the Women’s Leadership division. At United Capital, she earned titles such as Diamond Office Winner, Managing Director, Partner, Voice of Women, FinLife Coach, and MVP. Cary is the author of the bestselling book The Money Queen’s Guide: For Women Who Want to Build Wealth and Banish Fear,  Morgan James, Oct 2015. Cary’s second book. Women and Wealth: A Playbook To Empower Clients and Unlock Their Fortune,  published by Wiley April 29, 2025.  It was #1 New Release in Wealth Management, Economics and Business Finance. She serves as a CFP® Board Ambassador, representing the financial industry in the media, and has been honored six times on Investopedia’s Top 100 Financial Advisors list. In 2016, she was awarded the prestigious Investment News Women to Watch recognition. In 2024, Cary was appointed as the first female member of the Nasdaq Advisor Council. She has also endowed a scholarship at the State University of New York at Cortland for Women in Business, where she was the founding president of Sigma Delta Tau sorority. Cary is the founding president of the Women’s Giving Alliance, a giving circle in the South Lake Community Foundation, and a member of the Benefactors Circle at the Center for Financial Planning, where she advocates for advancing women in the financial industry. Cary’s knowledge and expertise are highly sought after, and she frequently appears as a commentator on local and national television news channels. She has spoken around the world on financial literacy, with a focus on advocating for women and guiding them to financial empowerment. Also available on your favorite podcast app and other media sites

Discover the shifting landscape of financial advisory firms as top advisors redefine their expectations. Key insights reveal why clarity, consistency, and flexibility are crucial for attracting elite talent. The discussion highlights the importance of firm culture and how evolving paradigms focus more on long-term value rather than short-term gains. Additionally, the role of technology and individual preferences in firm suitability are examined, showcasing how unique attributes can set successful firms apart in a competitive market.