Private Market Talks: Conversations and insights on the private markets with private capital’s leading figures. Navigating Policy, Private Markets and AI with Barings’ David Mihalick
Jul 17, 2025
David Mihalick, Co-Head of Global Investments at Barings, shares his insights from leading one of the world's top investment firms. He discusses strategies navigating today's complex economy, focusing on the adaptability of middle-market companies to financial challenges like inflation. The conversation dives into the impact of tariffs and U.S. policies, while also exploring the transformative role of AI in private markets and how it reshapes human capital dynamics. Mihalick's unique background in military leadership adds depth to his perspectives on strategic thinking.
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Military Leadership Shaped Career
- David Mihalick shared how early leadership lessons from the Air Force shaped his professional approach.
- He emphasized maturity, adaptability, and teamwork as key takeaways influencing his investment career.
Long-Term Investing Philosophy
- Barings' investment philosophy focuses on long-term thinking aligned with their parent, MassMutual.
- This alignment ensures client interests match Barings’ own investments, avoiding short-term earnings pressures.
Private Credit Mirrors Public Risk
- Barings parallels public and private fixed income by risk profile, leveraging illiquidity premiums in private markets.
- They match private placements and direct lending to similar risk public bond and loan products.