In this episode of the Dakota Live! Podcast, host Robert Morier welcomes Sean Poe, Director of Investment Manager Research at Key Private Bank, for an insightful conversation about investment philosophy, rethinking career paths, and the art of selecting managers across public and private markets.
With a dynamic background that spans equity research, private investing, and operating roles at firms like Wayfair and Lowe’s, Sean brings a unique perspective to portfolio construction and manager evaluation. Listen in to explore how Sean’s unconventional path has shaped his views on risk, alignment, and long-term partnerships—and how he's applying those lessons at Key Private Bank, where he oversees manager research and multi-strategy portfolios within a $60 billion platform.
Listeners will gain insight into:
• Key’s seven P’s framework for manager research—from people to partnership
• How "Poe's Alpha" measures real-world investment friction
• Building trust and alignment in manager relationships
• Why operational experience makes for sharper allocators
• The evolving role of fund structures, from SMAs to evergreen private equity
• Lessons in networking, career pivots, and transparent storytelling
Whether you’re an asset manager seeking to stand out or an allocator curious about evaluating skill vs. luck in today’s markets, this episode offers practical wisdom and fresh perspective from a seasoned decision-maker who's been on both sides of the table.
Key Private Bank is the marketing name through which KeyBank National Association (KeyBank) provides a range of financial products and solutions.
This material is presented for informational purposes only, and is not intended to be an offer, recommendation, or solicitation to purchase or sell any security or product or to employ a specific investment strategy. KeyBank does not, nor do its subsidiaries or affiliates, represent, warrant, or guarantee that this material is accurate, complete or suitable for any purpose, situation, or any investor and it should not be used as a basis for investment decisions. It is not to be construed as individual tax or financial advice, nor relied upon or used in substitution for the exercise of independent judgment.
Any opinions, projections, or recommendations contained herein are subject to change without notice, are those of the individual author(s), and may not necessarily represent the views of KeyBank or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates.
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