Episode 303: Erik Hirsch of Hamilton Lane: Self-awareness at a firm and personal level as a key to driving meaningful change in private markets

Erik Hirsch is Co-Chief Executive Officer of Hamilton Lane, where he is responsible for the firm’s strategic direction and operations. The firm currently has over $900 billion in assets under management and supervision and is committed to driving meaningful change in private markets for the institutions and other clients that it serves. 

We start with discussing Erik's unconventional path into finance, starting from a government and philosophy background.  We hear about his journey that led him to this senior role at Hamilton Lane,  and the firms evolution from a consulting company into the diversified financials firm it is today. We also get fairly deep into our discussion of private markets and Erik emphasizes the importance of data in this new, more mature, phase of the private markets. Returning to the culture at Hamilton Lane, we discuss the importance of culture, collaboration, and data in decision-making as well as establishing cognitive diversity within the teams at the firm. 

In a discussion of governance and the various board roles that Erik has held and holds, he highlights the need for boards to understand their decision-making environment and have a clear North Star, believing in simplicity, getting people aligned and understanding of the goal.  These are, he believes, central to building a better organization.

We cover the significance of self-awareness and mentorship in leadership. before rounding up the conversation on Hamilton Lane's culture, and how it is reflected in its humorous videos, showcasing a team-oriented, non-serious approach to finance.

Thank you Eagle Point Credit and Benefit Street Partners for supporting this series! 

With over $12 billion of AUM, Eagle Point Credit Management is a premier investment firm focused on generating strong returns for its clients through sourcing, evaluating and executing investments in CLOs, Portfolio Debt Securities and other credit investments that it believes shave the potential to outperform their respective markets generally. 

Benefit Street Partners is a leading global alternative credit asset manager offering clients investment solutions across a broad range of complementary credit strategies, including direct lending, special situations, structured credit, high yield bonds, leveraged loans and commercial real estate debt and equity. As of December 31, 2024, BSP-Alcentra had $77 billion of assets under management.