Masters in Business Samara Cohen on Managing ETFs (Podcast)
Mar 25, 2022
In this discussion, Samara Cohen, Chief Investment Officer at BlackRock, shares insights from her impressive career overseeing over $3 trillion in ETF assets. She dives into the unique blend of finance and theater in her background, and how it enhances her decision-making. The conversation navigates the resilience of ETFs during market turbulence, especially the COVID-19 sell-off, and debates the evolving role of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices in investing. Finally, Cohen emphasizes the importance of diversity and mentorship in the finance industry.
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Theater and Finance
- Samara Cohen initially intended to major in theater but discovered a passion for finance during her time at the University of Pennsylvania.
- Her theater background, particularly her experience in production and directing, has influenced her leadership style in finance.
Trading Floor Experience
- Initially intimidated by trading floors, Samara Cohen was recruited to Goldman Sachs' trading floor as part of a diversity initiative.
- She found the fast-paced, collaborative environment reminiscent of theater, a field she had prior experience in.
Active Passive Management
- Samara Cohen's role as CIO involves overseeing investment performance in ETFs and index funds, which includes market quality and delivering index outcomes.
- This challenges the traditional view of passive investing as simply tracking a benchmark.
