
Insight is Capital™ Podcast
The official podcast of AdvisorAnalyst.com, publisher of actionable market and investment insight, commentary, analysis and practice management for investment professionals and investors.
Latest episodes

Mar 18, 2025 • 1h
Paisley Nardini: Outlook—Time for Tail Risk Protection?
🔹 Is your portfolio riding the edge of chaos? Discover why diversification is back—and how to future-proof your investments before it’s too late.
The investment world is shifting, and your portfolio needs to keep up. In this must-watch episode of The Insight is Capital Podcast, Pierre Daillie sits down with Paisley Nardini, portfolio manager and multi-asset strategist at Simplify Asset Management, to break down the rise of alternative investments, the return of diversification, and how to navigate today's unpredictable markets. They tackle the evolving role of derivatives, flow-driven investing, and the institutional strategies now accessible to advisors. Paisley shares her insights on market cycles, interest rates, geopolitical risks, and how to hedge against uncertainty without making high-conviction bets that could wreck your returns.
If you’re an advisor looking for smarter ways to manage risk and capture new opportunities, this episode is packed with insights you can’t afford to miss.
📌 Chapters & Timestamps:
0:00 - What is Flow-Driven Investing? Unlocking institutional alpha for advisors
1:37 - Introduction
2:16 - Meet Paisley Nardini—From equity analytics to multi-asset strategy
5:06 - Why Fixed Income Isn’t “Boring” The real driver behind macro trends
10:47 - The ETF Revolution How rule changes reshaped portfolio diversification
11:58 - The Noise Problem Separating innovative investing from speculation
15:49 - Hedging for Tail Risk Using derivatives for capital-efficient protection
20:13 - The FOMO Dilemma Why one group of investors is missing the big picture
26:21 - Where Are Rates Headed? The advisor divide on higher-for-longer vs. duration bets
30:38 - Riding the Edge of Chaos The thin ice we’re skating on in today's markets
33:53 - Market Outlook for 2025 Why the game has changed for growth & earnings
36:05 - Correction or Collapse? What’s really happening under the market’s surface
38:15 - Hard Assets & Inflation Commodities, gold, and the hidden drivers of price action
42:28 - True Diversification The difference between academic & structural returns
47:32 - Breaking the 60/40 Model How advisors should adapt their portfolios now
50:24 - Avoiding Costly Mistakes Why gradual changes beat high-conviction bets
55:26 - How to Implement Change The ETF solutions making diversification seamless
58:49 - Final Takeaways The key to building resilient, forward-looking portfolios
#Investing #FinancialAdvisors #PortfolioManagement #ETFs #AlternativeInvestments #Derivatives #MarketOutlook #InterestRates #StockMarket #InvestmentStrategy #TailRiskHedging #WealthManagement #Diversification #HedgeFunds #FinancialMarkets

Mar 11, 2025 • 52min
Som Seif: Debunking Private Markets - Opportunities and Myths
In this episode Som Seif, CEO of Purpose Investments, joins us to challenge common misconceptions about private markets. First, we discuss the current state of markets. Seif explains why private assets—private equity, private credit, and private real estate—are becoming essential components of modern investment portfolios. He discusses how institutional-grade private investments have become accessible to retail investors, debunks myths about risk and illiquidity, and outlines how these assets can enhance diversification, generate uncorrelated returns, and offer a more stable investment experience. Finally, we delve into how private sub-advisor managers like Apollo, Pantheon, and BlueRock are taking a significant role in democratizing access to these private market opportunities.
01:22 – Introduction: Debunking Private Markets
01:39 – Opening Disclaimer
01:58 – The State of Markets in 2025: Uncertainty & Opportunity
04:50 – Emotions vs. Rational Investing: Avoiding Reactionary Mistakes
09:17 – Why Private Markets Matter Now More Than Ever
10:04 – The Rise of Private Investments for Retail Investors
14:56 – Breaking the Myth: Institutional vs. Retail Access
16:58 – How Private Market Investments Are Being Democratized
21:03 – The Role of Private Assets in Portfolio Construction
23:34 – Private Equity: The Strategic Edge Beyond Public Markets
29:26 – Private Credit: A Rising Opportunity Amid Bank Retrenchment
33:55 – The Convergence of Private Equity & Private Credit
37:41 – Addressing Liquidity Concerns in Private Market Investing
45:27 – Purpose Investments’ Approach to Private Market Accessibility
47:48 – What Advisors Need to Know About Private Markets
49:79 – Final Takeaways: A Call to Reevaluate Private Investments
#PrivateMarkets #AlternativeInvestments #PrivateEquity #PrivateCredit #RealEstate #PortfolioManagement #WealthManagement #InstitutionalInvesting #InvestmentStrategy #FinancialMarkets

Mar 6, 2025 • 51min
Private Markets: Opportunities and Risks in a Transitional Financial Landscape
Private markets are undergoing a seismic shift, with assets poised to surge from $13 trillion to $23 trillion in just five years. As interest rates fluctuate and the new U.S. administration reshapes the financial landscape, where should investors look for opportunities, and what risks lie ahead?In this episode, we are joined by Ash Lawrence, Head of AGF Capital Partners, to unpack the evolving world of private equity, private debt, and absolute return strategies. We discuss:The impact of rising and falling interest rates on alternative strategiesThe growth of private credit as banks tighten lendingThe role of continuation vehicles in private equityHow alternative investments can enhance returns and mitigate riskWhat the Trump administration’s policies mean for marketsThe increasing institutional and retail adoption of alternativesAs markets face volatility and uncertainty, alternative investments offer new ways to build resilient, high-performing portfolios. Don't miss this deep dive into the future of alternatives with insights from one of the industry's top experts.Subscribe for more exclusive insights on markets, investments, and strategies that shape the financial world.#PrivateEquity #PrivateDebt #HedgeFunds #Investing #AlternativeInvestments #Finance #WealthManagement #Markets #AGF #PrivateMarkets #EconomicTrends #FamilyOffices #FixedIncome #MultiStrategy #InvestmentTrends

Feb 12, 2025 • 42min
The Power of Raising Literacy in Canada with Mélanie Valcin
📖 Did you know that nearly 1 in 5 Canadian adults struggles to read a simple sentence?In this eye-opening episode of the Insight is Capital Podcast, host Pierre Daillie sits down with Mélanie Valcin, President & CEO of United for Literacy, to discuss the life-changing impact of literacy on individuals, families, and the Canadian economy.We explore:✅ The hidden literacy crisis in Canada and how it affects employment, health, and civic engagement✅ The $50+ billion GDP boost that raising literacy levels by just 1% could create✅ How United for Literacy is helping individuals overcome barriers and unlock new opportunities✅ The vital role of financial literacy in economic empowerment✅ Ways YOU can help make a difference🎲 Join us for "Game Night for Literacy" on March 5, 2025!📍 Arcadian Loft, TorontoThis fun-filled fundraising event will bring together leaders from the financial industry to support literacy programs across Canada. Play Scrabble, Trivia, Taboo, and more—while making a meaningful impact.🔗 Get your tickets now! 👉 gamenightforliteracy.ca👥 Want to get involved?Volunteer, donate, or learn more at unitedforliteracy.ca🔔 Subscribe for more insightful conversations with thought leaders shaping the future of finance and society.#UnitedForLiteracy #GameNightForLiteracy #FinancialLiteracy #EducationMatters #RaiseTheBar #InsightIsCapital #AdvisorAnalyst #Podcast #LiteracyMatters #Impact #GameOnForLiteracy

Feb 5, 2025 • 56min
Pressing Investment Questions for 2025 with Ilan Kolet
Market uncertainty, rate cuts, U.S. exceptionalism, and a potential Canadian dollar shock—are we prepared for 2025? In this must-watch episode, Pierre Daillie sits down with Ilan Kolet, Institutional Portfolio Manager at Fidelity’s Global Asset Allocation Team, to dissect the most pressing questions investors and advisors are facing right now.What happens if a 25% tariff is imposed on Canadian exports?Is the Canadian dollar heading for a collapse?Why are U.S. equities still the best game in town?Have investors misunderstood the bond market?Should portfolios brace for a new investment paradigm?"A 25% tariff on Canadian exports could trigger as much as a 6% GDP shock, a 3% surge in inflation, and send the Canadian dollar plummeting to 52 cents." — Ilan KoletEpisode Highlights & Timestamps00:00:00 Intro & Welcome – Kicking off 2025 with uncertainty00:02:00 A Market on Fire – Why a balanced portfolio returned 20% in 202400:03:00 The Elephant in the Room: Political Instability & Tariffs00:07:00 Canada’s Hidden Economic Weakness & The BoC's Dire Post-Tariff Simulation00:13:00 Inflation or Deflation? What a Shock Would Mean for Investors00:18:00 Are Investors Front-Running Inflation?00:22:00 Positioning for Uncertainty: How to Build Resilience into Portfolios00:27:00 The Bond Market Paradox: Higher for Longer?00:30:00 Why U.S. Equities Are Still the Best Bet in 202500:36:00 Rate Cuts: Canada Has to Cut, The Fed Wants to Cut00:42:00 Will the Canadian Dollar Go On Sale?00:49:00 The Rise of Alternatives & Why They’re Critical in This Market00:54:00 The ‘Magic’ of Portfolio Construction in Volatile Markets00:55:00 Closing Thoughts – An Elegant Solution for Complex Markets*****Get Fidelity's latest whitepaper: 11 Questions into 2025*****Listen to the full episode and get ahead of 2025’s biggest investment challenges!#Markets #Investing #Finance #Economy #InterestRates #PortfolioManagement #WealthManagement #Stocks #Bonds #Canada #USMarkets #Alternatives #Fidelity #Tariffs #MacroEconomics

Jan 28, 2025 • 51min
The 2025 Marketing Guide for Financial Advisors with Samantha Russell
In this episode, host Pierre Daillie dives into the essentials of marketing success with Samantha Russell, Chief Evangelist at FMG Suite. Samantha shares her expert insights on how financial advisors can thrive in a digital-first world, where competition is nationwide, and the rules of client acquisition are constantly evolving.🔥 Key Topics Discussed:The Changing Face of Marketing for Advisors Why a digital presence is non-negotiable in the era of $30 trillion in millennial-controlled assets. The importance of niche marketing and standing out in a crowded marketplace.Strategies to Build a High-Converting Website The 5-second rule: how to grab visitor attention and convert leads fast. Creating engaging, hyper-targeted content that speaks directly to your ideal client.The Role of AI and Social Search in Advisor Marketing How tools like ChatGPT and TikTok are transforming how clients find advisors. Practical tips for staying ahead in the AI-driven search era.Leveraging LinkedIn for Business Growth Proven techniques for building meaningful professional relationships. Why comments are the secret sauce to LinkedIn success.Events That Drive Engagement Memorable online and in-person event ideas that keep prospects talking. Tips to host impactful webinars and fun client gatherings. The Power of Video Marketing How short, authentic videos can build trust and expand your reach. Creative ideas for content that resonates with clients and prospects.📘 Resource Spotlight:👉 FMG 2025 Marketing Guide for Financial AdvisorsDiscover 31 pages of actionable marketing strategies tailored for advisors.📥 Download it here: 2025 Marketing Guide for Financial Advisors✨ Key Takeaways:Always be specific: Your marketing should attract the right clients while repelling the wrong ones.Consistency is key: From your social media handles to your messaging, keep it unified.Build relationships, not just sales: Always be opening new conversations, not just closing deals.Embrace video: Show your face, share your voice, and let clients see the real you.🎙️ About Samantha Russell:Samantha Russell is a marketing trailblazer with a passion for empowering advisors to excel in a competitive digital landscape. As Chief Evangelist at FMG Suite, Samantha has transformed how advisors approach growth through modern tools, strategies, and expertise.📍 Connect with Samantha: LinkedIn: Samantha Russell FMG Suite: fmgsuite.com

15 snips
Jan 17, 2025 • 1h 45min
Are Markets overestimating 2025 Investment Opportunities with Aahan Menon
In this engaging discussion, Aahan Menon, Founder and CEO of Prometheus Research, shares his unique insights into the 2025 investment landscape. He emphasizes the importance of a systematic framework to manage risk amidst uncertainty. Aahan breaks down macro trends such as inflation and interest rates that will shape investment strategies. Listeners learn about the crucial disconnect between popular sentiment and economic data, and explore actionable takeaways for a model ETF portfolio. Get ready to rethink what investing means today!

Dec 10, 2024 • 59min
Rethinking Wealth: Unlocking the Power of Private Markets
In this episode of Insight is Capital, we’re joined by Tony Davidow, Senior Alternatives Investment Strategist at Franklin Templeton Institute and author of the soon-to-be-released Private Markets: Building Better Portfolios with Private Equity. Tony shares his expert insights on the revolution in private market investing and why it’s reshaping wealth management.We explore how private equity, private credit, and private real estate are transforming portfolio construction, offering uncorrelated returns, greater diversification, and resilience during market downturns. Tony demystifies the illiquidity premium, highlights the growing role of secondaries, and explains why advisors must embrace alternatives to meet client expectations in today’s financial ecosystem.Key Topics• Rethinking the 60/40 Portfolio: Why traditional strategies are no longer enough in today’s volatile markets.• Private Markets for All: The innovations democratizing access to private investments.• Illiquidity as a Feature: Why patience is key to unlocking higher returns.• The Secondary Market Boom: Shorter J-curves and better diversification for private equity investors.• Enhancing Advisor Value: How mastering alternatives strengthens client relationships and retention.Chapters0:00 - Welcome & Introduction2:00 - The End of Easy Money: 2022’s Portfolio Wake-Up Call6:30 - Tony’s Career & The Power of Private Assets11:45 - Demystifying Private Market Accessibility16:00 - Structuring Portfolios: Growth, Income, and Diversification21:00 - Overcoming Client Hesitations Around Alternatives26:00 - The Hidden Opportunities in Private Markets34:00 - Illiquidity: A Feature, Not a Bug42:00 - The Growing Role of Secondaries in Private Equity47:00 - Trends Shaping Private Markets Over the Next Decade55:00 - Closing Thoughts & Where to Find TonyLinks & Resources• Tony Davidow on LinkedIn: Link• Franklin Templeton Alternatives - Canada: Link• Franklin Templeton Institute’s Alts Knowledge Hub: Link• Tony’s Book: Private Markets: Building Better Portfolios with Private Equity (Coming February 2024).#PrivateMarkets #AlternativeInvestments #PortfolioConstruction #WealthManagement #PrivateEquity #PrivateCredit #RealEstateInvesting #InvestmentStrategies #FinancialAdvisors #TonyDavidowCopyright © AdvisorAnalyst

Nov 27, 2024 • 31min
Women and Alts: A Global Perspective with Barbara Stewart, CFA
In this episode of Insight is Capital, Pierre Daillie welcomes Barbara Stewart, CFA, a renowned global researcher, author, and former portfolio manager, to discuss her latest white paper, 'Women and Alts: A Global Perspective.' Commissioned by Kensington Capital Partners, the in-depth 83-page research paper explores the alt gender gap and the barriers preventing women from investing in alternative assets. Barbara shares insights from her extensive interviews with 52 global finance leaders, highlighting the need for improved information, network access, and inclusive marketing strategies. She emphasizes the importance of tailored marketing approaches and encourages women to begin investing, stressing the significance of understanding risks and making informed decisions. You can download the entire enlightening research report (and guide), full of detailed and universally practical tips and insights into the blossoming market for alternative investments, below.Chapters00:00 Introduction00:19 Welcoming Barbara Stewart01:22 Barbara's Career Journey03:37 Inspiration Behind the White Paper06:05 Key Findings and Barriers15:08 Strategies to Attract Women (and Men) to Alts20:17 Future Trends and AI Impact27:31 Advice for Women Interested in Alts28:33 Conclusion and AcknowledgementsCopyright © AdvisorAnalyst, Barbara Stewart, Kensington Capital Partners

Nov 20, 2024 • 47min
Mario Cianfarani: Canadians love their advisors - but Gen Z and Millenials are shaking things up
In this episode Mario Cianfarani, Head of Distribution at Vanguard Investments Canada joins us to discuss the latest findings from Vanguard Canada's Value of Advice survey. The widely developed survey, which gathered responses from 1,307 Canadian investors, highlights strong client satisfaction among advisors, with 74% of investors feeling their advisor is worth every dollar. The survey also reveals the generational shift towards online brokerages among younger investors aged 18 to 34, who at the same time have a desire access to an investment professional, frequent communication and personalized financial planning - a hybrid model. Key topics include trust issues among younger investors, the value of advice beyond investment performance, and strategies for advisors to engage with the next generation of clients effectively.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer00:20 Overview of Vanguard Canada's Value of Advice Survey00:41 Key Findings: Client Satisfaction and Online Brokerages01:35 Generational Differences in Financial Advice05:27 Trust Issues Among Younger Investors12:02 The Role of Advisors in Life Events24:12 Building Relationships with Younger Clients28:16 Communication Strategies for Advisors36:06 Perceptions of Financial Advisors' Value44:29 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsCopyright © AdvisorAnalyst