<h3>With Todd Stankiewicz, President &#38; CIO, and Joe Castiglie, COO &#38; CIO – SYKON Capital</h3> <h3>Overview</h3> <p><em>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.</em></p> <h3>Listen in&#8230;</h3> <p><a href="https://hubs.ly/Q047jhY40" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&#62;</strong> Download a transcript of this episode…</a></p> <p><i data-stringify-type="italic">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. </i><i data-stringify-type="italic">Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation.</i></p> <h3>Watch&#8230;</h3> <p>https://youtu.be/EoWNsiS_-AA</p> <h3><b data-stringify-type="bold">About this episode&#8230;</b></h3> <p>For many advisors, success at a wirehouse is relatively easy to measure by assets, production, and growth.</p> <p>But what happens when those metrics don’t reflect what should come by way of success—that is, a sense of feeling fulfilled?</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>With Jason Diamond, Todd and Joe unpack their story, including:</p> <ul> <li>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.”</li> <li>Their definition of success—and how it evolved over time.</li> <li>Their introduction to the independent community—and why it changed their perspective.</li> <li>Their unique combination of institutional-caliber investment management and behavioral insight—and why they felt they could only achieve it in an independent model.</li> <li>The operational and leadership perspective—and what they found to be the biggest and most surprising challenges in launching an independent firm.</li> </ul> <p>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.</p> <p><strong><em>Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? </em></strong><a href="https://www.diamond-consultants.com/contact-us/"><strong><em>Click to contact</em></strong></a><strong><em> us or call 908-879-1002.</em></strong></p> <h3><b data-stringify-type="bold">Related Resources</b></h3> <p><strong><a href="https://www.diamond-consultants.com/tools-and-resources/merrill-advisor-transition-report-2025/">Diamond Consultants Merrill Advisor Transition Report 2025</a></strong><br /> This annual “firm-focused report” takes a closer look at advisor movement to and from Merrill during the first half of 2025.</p> <p><strong><a href="https://www.diamond-consultants.com/intentional-growth-how-top-advisors-build-businesses-that-last/">Intentional Growth: How Top Advisors Build Businesses That Last</a></strong><br /> 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.</p> <p><strong><a href="https://www.diamond-consultants.com/why-so-many-successful-advisors-feel-stuck/">Why So Many Successful Advisors Feel Stuck</a><br /> </strong>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.</p> <p><strong>Todd Stankiewicz</strong><br /> <strong>President, CIO</strong></p> <p>As President and Chief Investment Officer of <a href="https://www.sykoncapital.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">SYKON Capital</a>, 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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>Whether you&#8217;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.</p> <p>Because at SYKON, we don’t just manage portfolios. We help people live better, more intentional lives.</p> <p><strong>Joseph P. Castiglie III</strong><br /> <strong>CFA</strong></p> <p>As Chief Operating Officer and Chief Investment Officer of <a href="https://www.sykoncapital.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">SYKON Capital</a>, 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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <h3></h3>