The Diamond Podcast for Financial Advisors

Succession and monetization are hot topics for advisors in every model. LPL Financial’s Liquidity and Succession program representatives discuss what advisors, independent business owners, and next gens need to consider as they grow their businesses and explore long-term and short-term options, plus best practices to prepare for a transition and maximize business value.

A special episode designed for firms with their sights set on enhancing recruiting efforts and advisors looking to attract new team members, offering the steps to craft an effective Employer Value Proposition (EVP), with examples on usage and potential impact on hiring success and retention.

Scott Pinkerton of FourThought Private Wealth offers a perspective on outgrowing the independent broker dealer model, transitioning to an independent RIA, and the extraordinary growth realized as a result of the change. Scott unpacks the difference between the models, shares why he opted to sell equity to Focus Financial, and more.

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 fina...

A special mid-year update with Jason and Louis Diamond on deals, transitions, and recruiting trends shaping 2025—and what advisors can expect in the months ahead.

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.

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 & ESG investing, why he sold to IMA Financial Group, and more.

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.

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.

Brian Pultman discusses why he chose independence over taking a wirehouse transition deal. However, as he candidly shares, building your own RIA is not always a smooth process, yet it resulted in aligning his values while building $1B+ Correct Capital Wealth Management.

Joel Guth shares how stepping out from under the Hightower umbrella to become a fully independent RIA opened up a new world of opportunity for his firm Gryphon Financial Partners. He shares how that transition allows them to create a $3B firm designed around turning client problems into opportunities.

Tony Parr shares the journey of Parr McKnight Wealth Management Group, a team that built their practice at Wells Fargo Private Client Group and leveraged the firm’s independent channels to achieve a “frictionless” launch of their RIA.

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 co-founder of F2 Strategy, Doug Fritz, offers a mini-masterclass on how the best advisory businesses utilize technology to create efficiencies and deliver a better client experience. Discover how strategic choices in building a tech stack, incorporating AI, and other key elements can future-proof your business and serve as a distinct differentiator.

What drives valuations—and what mistakes kill deals? M&A advisor Ted Jenkin joins Louis Diamond to share practical insights on maximizing value, understanding multiples, avoiding seller pitfalls, and the critical prep work every advisor should be doing now.

Brett Oley and Ryan Kinser demonstrate how the power of friendship and a shared focus on the client contributed to their early success in making the leap from UBS to Raymond James, building a growing business under the independent broker dealer umbrella.

The ultimate survival guide for employee advisors, offering essential advice on navigating the realities of control. Learn actionable points to consider should you find yourself dealing with the impact of mergers and acquisitions, new mandates, heightened vulnerability, and more.

John Thiel offers a unique perspective on the evolution of the wealth management industry and his former leadership role at Merrill. Plus, he shares how his new independent firm, Indivisible Partners, is carving a new path for those seeking a firm with a greater focus on the advisor.

In an episode that serves as a free coaching session on the key techniques that the most successful advisors use to build and grow their practices, Dave shares proven strategies honed from his tenure at Merrill, his three bestselling books, and his advisor coaching practice.

Trent Leyda and Kay Campione offer a unique perspective on their time at Morgan Stanley, how it had come to diverge from their vision of building a family office they would entrust with their own families’ wealth, and how they are better equipped to realize that vision as an independent firm.