Serious Coin Alternative Thinking: What Women Investors Want with Barbara Stewart
In today’s episode of Serious Coin, I’m talking women and wealth—because women globally control about $34 trillion in assets, yet are often sidelined when it comes to investing in “alts” (alternative assets).
My guest is someone who wants to rewrite that story: Barbara Stewart, former portfolio manager, global researcher, and founder of Rich Thinking. Her latest report, Women & Alts: A Global Perspective, reveals a striking gender gap: men allocate roughly twice as much to alternative assets (private equity, real estate, private credit, hedge funds, etc.) as women. In our conversation, Barbara and I dig into why that gap exists, what holds women back, and how she’s working to shift the narrative. Along the way, she shares a family moment from 2009 that lit the fire behind her mission.
Watch/listen to the insights Barbara shares and see how investing like the women in her research can reveal new strategies for smarter, more resilient wealth.
Key Highlights:
-Why “risk aware,” not “risk averse,” is a more accurate—and powerful—frame
-How survey design, marketing, and access widen the gender gap
-Why women’s thorough due diligence is a superpower, not a flaw
-Which alternative sectors piqued women’s interest (health, femtech, defence)
-The role of networks, deal flow, and invitation into alternative deals.
Links and Resources:
Barbara’s Women & Alts: A Global Perspective — full research report (commissioned by Kensington Capital) — available via her Rich Thinking site: barbarastewart.ca
About Serious Coin & Kelly Willis Green
Serious Coin is where I explore the stories behind wealth—not just the numbers, but the meaning, intention, and creativity that drive how we live. I’m Kelly Willis Green, your host and wealth coach, and I believe growth comes from exploring both our outer and inner worlds.
If this episode inspires you, would you leave a five-star review or share it with someone who’d enjoy this journey? Got ideas for future episodes? Email me at seriouscoinpodcast@gmail.com.
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