

Billion Dollar Backstory
Stacy Havener
Host Stacy Havener brings you the storytelling tips, sales strategies, behavioral secrets, and inspirational stories that help YOU turn your words into dollars. Learn from sales and marketing experts. Meet finance and investment leaders, founders and fund managers who have made it, and the ones on the rise. Because there are people behind the portfolios. Their stories matter. So does yours.
Presented by:
Ultimus Fund Solutions // www.ultimusfundsolutions.com
GemCap // www.geminicapital.ie
@stacyhavener // www.billiondollarbackstory.com
Presented by:
Ultimus Fund Solutions // www.ultimusfundsolutions.com
GemCap // www.geminicapital.ie
@stacyhavener // www.billiondollarbackstory.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 6, 2023 • 1h 4min
28: Value Investing Specialist Sean Peche of Ranmore Funds on Building a Boutique After Years at $35B Bigs | How Boutiques Will Win with a Different Playbook (and LinkedIn Is In It) | Why Numbers and Narrative Can Vibe Together
Let’s be real: boutique building is no walk in the park; it's a rollercoaster of gutsy moves and unexpected comebacks. Today, we’re sitting down with a guest who knows all about that. Meet Sean Peche, a value investing specialist who's transitioned from the $35B big leagues to crafting his own firm. In this episode, Sean and Stacy unpack: His Backstory – how a volatile market led him to put his boutique-building dream on hold His inspiring comeback story The secrets behind Sean's unique marketing playbook for differentiation.The philosophy that drives Sean's investing approach: 'numbers not narrative.'The sweet spot where numbers and narratives intersect, especially for startups. …And so much more. Grab your notebook and get ready for a masterclass on differentiation, branding, and building a boutique. About Sean Peche: Sean holds a Bachelor of Business Science (Honours) and a Post Graduate Diploma in Accounting from the University of Cape Town and is a CFA® charter holder. Sean has more than 25 years of investment experience in global financial markets. After qualifying as a Chartered Accountant in 1996, Sean spent two years at Old Mutual Asset Management (South Africa) as an equity analyst. In 1999, he joined Decillion Capital as one of its founding members and co-managed the successful BigRock Fund, a South African-based hedge fund. In 2001, he relocated to London with Decillion Fund Management and co-managed a US/European hedge Fund. In 2003, he joined London-based Orbis Investment Advisory as an equity analyst, before leaving in 2008 to establish Ranmore Fund Management Ltd.Resources mentioned in this episode: Books: The JSE Handbook, The Zulu Principle by Jim Slater, The Magic of Thinking Big by David J. Schwartz, Blue Mind by Wallace J. Nichols Songs: Kelly Clarkson - Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You), Kelly Clarkson - The Sun Will Rise
- - -Make The Boutique Investment Collective part of your Billion Dollar Backstory. Gain access to invaluable resources, expert coaches, and a supportive community of other boutique founders, fund managers, and investment pros. Join Havener Capital’s exclusive membership

Nov 29, 2023 • 1h 1min
27: $250B AUM Leadership & Talent Exec Michael Futterman on Preventing Founder Burnout | Why Performance is Table Stakes | How to Stay in the Game Even When It’s Difficult and Celebrate the Small Wins
Building a boutique is no cake walk. But it’s easier to stay on the grind when your mindset is in check. Today’s guest, Michael Futterman – the brains behind leadership development for mammoth asset managers (think $600B+ industry giants) and coach for emerging fund managers is just the guy to help you get into a headspace that’ll allow you to edge ahead in this tough race. Listen in as he dives deep into: The neuroscience of celebrating small winsTips to beat burnoutWhy team management is crucial for scalingMindset tips for embracing your role as a leader (even if that’s not what you signed up for) Tune in if you’re ready for an epic business coaching session that’ll level up your mindset so you can play the long game in this challenging space. About Michael Futterman:Michael Futterman is an Executive Coach, Team-building Consultant, and Training Professionalwith more than 20 years of corporate experience. Michael has worked in the management consulting and financial services sectors helping to identify, compartmentalize, and overcome human capital and strategic challenges. Most recently, Michael was the head of the Knowledge Labs team at Janus Henderson Investors, a worldwide asset management firm.Today, Michael’s focus is on working with clients who want to constructively challenge their status quo in both their business and personal lives. Helping clients examine their habits, break down and reframe unproductive thought patterns, and develop more profitable and satisfying behaviors is at the core of his practice. Keynote Speaking, Training and Development, Coaching, and Consulting are all part of his offering.Michael earned his BA from Ithaca College and his MA in Organizational Psychology from Columbia University. He lives in Boulder, Colorado with his wife Marina and his sons Noah and Jacob.Resources mentioned in this episode: Books: Do Hard Things by Steve Magnus Be the Hero by Noah Blumenthal , Wealth 3.0 by James Grubman PhD, Dennis T. Jaffe PhD, Kristin Keffeler MAPP Song: Frank Zappa - Watermelon In Easter Hay
- - -Make The Boutique Investment Collective part of your Billion Dollar Backstory. Gain access to invaluable resources, expert coaches, and a supportive community of other boutique founders, fund managers, and investment pros. Join Havener Capital’s exclusive membership

Nov 15, 2023 • 52min
26: From Start-up to $6B Specialist CEO Robin John of Eventide on Building a Boutique | The Power of Founder-Led Sales | Why Every Fund Manager Needs a Mission Bigger Than Themselves
Meet Robin John, the CEO of Eventide, a $6B asset management firm. Robin and his co-founder defied the odds, launching Eventide in 2008 with no track record, no assets, but unwavering belief. 15 years and $6B dollars later, we know they were onto something. Listen in as he and Stacy discuss: ● His backstory – How watching his mother do meaningful work in the world as a nurse taught him the value of purpose and impact early on ● How he stayed rooted in his mission and defeated the odds in the early days of launching his boutique ● Common misconceptions about activism and how he does it differently …and so much more. This is a real-life David vs. Goliath story that's both gritty and uplifting – every investment boutique and investor will learn something valuable from Robin’s story. About Robin John: Robin John serves as a Founding Member and Chief Executive Officer of Eventide. He is responsible for the overall leadership of the organization, and under his leadership, the firm has grown into a leader within values-based investing. Prior to Eventide, Mr. John held leadership roles for Bank of New York Mellon. He has also served as a business consultant for Grant Thornton. He has a degree in Economics from Tufts University.Resources mentioned in this episode: Books: Blue Mind: The Surprising Science That Shows How Being Near, In, On, or Under Water Can Make You Happier, Healthier, More Connected, and Better at What You Do Songs: Eminem - Lose Yourself ---Eventide Asset Management, LLC (“Eventide”) is a Boston based investment adviser. All statistics as of 9/30/23 unless otherwise noted. Nothing in this podcast should be construed as a recommendation or offer to purchase or sell or a solicitation to deal in any security or financial product. Eventide does not provide tax, accounting, or legal advice. Eventide's values-based approach to investing may not produce desired results and could result in underperformance compared with other investments. There is no guarantee that any investment strategy will achieve its objectives, generate profits, or avoid losses.
- - -Make The Boutique Investment Collective part of your Billion Dollar Backstory. Gain access to invaluable resources, expert coaches, and a supportive community of other boutique founders, fund managers, and investment pros. Join Havener Capital’s exclusive membership

Nov 8, 2023 • 1h 4min
25: From a $20B RIA to One of the World’s Largest Family Offices John Tennaro Still Has an Eye for Boutiques | Why Boutiques Need to Specialize | The Power of Qualitative: Analysts Can Get the Data, Tell Them Stories
Some say only small allocators invest in boutiques. Not true.Today's guest, John Tennaro has worked for some of the largest RIAs and family offices in the world, managing double-digit billions and more. And guess what? He’s here to tell you the big guys still have an eye for boutiques. Ready for a tall glass of hope - with a side of tough love advice, no chaser? Listen in as John shares:His backstory and how an economics class sparked his passion for ESGA deep dive into the mind of an allocator, revealing what factors drive their investment decisionsWhy past performance isn't the whole story when allocators are on the huntWhat it takes for a fund manager to win his nod of approval when pitching a partnershipAbout John Tennaro:John Tennaro, Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA) and Certified SRI Counselor (CSRIC) is an engaging professional with nearly 25 years of multidisciplinary experience that has focused on intentionality, authenticity, compassion, and "thinking outside the box". He has an extensive career and contribution to a range of financial services organizations and has led in the research and innovation of due diligence, investment management, asset allocation, and product development. John lives in Annapolis, MD with his wife and two beloved dogs, where he is active within his community, including being a proud member of the United States Naval Academy Sponsor Program. Resources mentioned in this episode: Books: The Psychology of Investing, Ghost Wave Discovery: Chris Dixon Songs: Led Zeppelin - Ramble On, AC/DC - It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock 'N' Roll)
- - -Make The Boutique Investment Collective part of your Billion Dollar Backstory. Gain access to invaluable resources, expert coaches, and a supportive community of other boutique founders, fund managers, and investment pros. Join Havener Capital’s exclusive membership

Nov 1, 2023 • 1h 1min
24: $1.2B Boutique CEO Manish Khatta of Potomac Fund Management on The Power of Branding for Boutiques | Insights into His Modern Marketing Playbook He Used to Add $1B in 3 Years
Manish Khatta, CEO/CIO of Potomac Fund Management, shares his growth secrets and discusses his backstory, transforming Potomac, brand building for startups, the importance of collaboration and embracing weaknesses, exploring alternative options, branding and compliance in business, and adapting to a changing target market and marketing pivot.

Oct 25, 2023 • 45min
23: $1.1B RIA / Venture Capital Co-Founder Spencer Kelly of Regatta Capital on Organic Growth | Lessons Learned from Door-to-Door Sales | Why Every Business is a People Business
Meet Spencer Kelly, co-founder of Regatta Capital. He knows the grind; his early days in door-to-door sales taught him the value of grit, genuine connections, and patience.For Spencer, it's all about relationships in business. That’s why he made crafting a top-notch brand experience the focus for Regatta Capital right from the start. And it paid off. He and his team built a billion-dollar RIA, and today, he’s cracking open their playbook. Listen in as he and Stacy discuss: His backstory – From door-to-door sales to co-founding a $1.1B RIA The growing pains that came with crossing the $500 million mark Spencer's strategy for keeping client care and relationships the priority during seasons of rapid growth The magic of growing a team organically About Spencer Kelly:Spencer spent his first years as an advisor door knocking in Westchester, CA. He met amazing people, gained long-term clients and is proud to have built his business from scratch. As Co-Founder, Managing Partner and Head of Advisory Services at Regatta Capital Group, Spencer is focused on running the business, researching investment opportunities and ensuring that every client of Regatta receives the same exceptional, above-and-beyond service that he has provided his clients for so many years. Spencer married his wife Meghan in 2020. They live a full, active life raising Meghan’s two girls, Leah & Liv, and their son, River. They live in Valley Village and love to spend their time surrounded by friends, traveling, hiking, biking or grabbing dinner at their favorite local restaurants. They share a love for the Dodgers, the LAFC, Palm Springs, ski trips and tennis.Resources mentioned in this episode:Book: Rich Dad Poor Dad, How to Win Friends and Influence People, The Power of PositiveThinking, Good to Great, Greenlights, The Ride of a LifetimeSongs: Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers-Runnin' Down A Dream, Tom Petty-I Won't Back Down
- - -Make The Boutique Investment Collective part of your Billion Dollar Backstory. Gain access to invaluable resources, expert coaches, and a supportive community of other boutique founders, fund managers, and investment pros. Join Havener Capital’s exclusive membership

Oct 18, 2023 • 51min
22: Start-up Vibes at a $7.5B Wealth Manager w/ EVP Adam Cox | Rethinking Technical Expertise in Finance | The Power of Authentic Storytelling (and Podcasts) | Why Introverts Make Great Salespeople
At the start of his career, our guest, Adam Cox, learned an important lesson - success in financial management is about more than delivering flashy stats, sales pitches, and charm. It’s about earning trust. And most importantly, not overlooking your own strengths. In this episode, Stacy and Adam sit down for more than a coffee cheers between two fellow introverts. They’re digging into Adam’s journey to the top and covering: Adam’s backstory – From a one-man show to leading a team of 40 almost overnight His mission to flip the script on the old wealth management playbook, putting authentic connections front and centerThe #1 superpower that introverts like you hold when it comes to sales conversationsHow Adam's career skyrocketed when he embraced his unique sales superpower and said goodbye to trying to fit into the extrovert mold About Adam Cox:Adam Cox is Chief Wealth Management Officer at The First National Bank in Sioux Falls. He hosts, Common Cents on the Prairie™, an award-winning podcast that tackles some of today’s toughest financial questions in an approachable and personable style. In just over 7 years, Adam’s team has grown The First National Bank in Sioux Falls’ wealth management arm from $3.7 billion to $7.5 billion operation of managed assets, exclusively through organic growth. Resources mentioned in this episode:Book: Blue Ocean Strategy: How to Create Uncontested Market Space and Make Competition IrrelevantSong: Chris Stapelton–Outlaw State of Mind
- - -Make The Boutique Investment Collective part of your Billion Dollar Backstory. Gain access to invaluable resources, expert coaches, and a supportive community of other boutique founders, fund managers, and investment pros. Join Havener Capital’s exclusive membership

Oct 11, 2023 • 35min
21: The Psychology of Sales w/ Dr. Daniel Crosby and Stacy Havener | The Scientist & The Storyteller | Three Behavioral Biases That Sabotage Sales | Why Fund Managers Miss the Mark in Business Storytelling
If 'speaking to the heart of your client' has always sounded like fluff to you, this episode is your reality check.Today, In part 3 of the Scientist and The Storyteller mini-series, Dr. Crosby takes the hot seat to explain the science behind why making your prospect feel something is the key to getting them to sign on the dotted line. Listen in as he and Stacy Discuss: Mirror neurons: The science behind empathy and connection in storytellingThe backfire effect: How to get your prospects to drop their old fund manager without crushing their ego The blemishing effect: Leveraging it to tackle tough questions and build trust in sales meetings About Dr. Daniel CrosbyDr. Daniel Crosby is a psychologist, behavioral finance expert, and New York Times bestselling author who helps organizations understand the intersection of mind and markets. He is also a father of 3, a fanatical follower of the St. Louis Cardinals, an explorer of the American South, and an amateur hot sauce chef. Resources mentioned in this episode:Book:Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion
- - -Make The Boutique Investment Collective part of your Billion Dollar Backstory. Gain access to invaluable resources, expert coaches, and a supportive community of other boutique founders, fund managers, and investment pros. Join Havener Capital’s exclusive membership

Oct 4, 2023 • 33min
20: How to Tell a Story That Sells
Crafting a compelling story that resonates with the audience and leaves them wanting more. Importance of storytelling and delivery in making a lasting impact. Starting a story with conflict and engaging the audience from the beginning. Structuring and telling a story effectively by focusing on key points. The power of storytelling in selling and fund conversion.

Sep 27, 2023 • 1h 11min
19: Portfolio Manager for $18B Long/Short Hedge Fund to President of $4B+ Wealth Mgmt Platform, Shannon Spotswood President of RFG Advisory on the Power of the Pivot | How to Lead with Authenticity | Why Your Personal Brand is an Asset
Imagine, you’re a woman – one of very few women even in hedge funds. And you’ve got your dream job, a high powered hedge fund manager for a double-digit billion specialist hedge fund.Now, imagine what it would take to give that up. Guts. That’s what. Today’s guest, Shannon Spotswood had the guts to make a major career change when she was at the top of her game. She did something unheard of and it paid off. Shannon is one of the only people I know to go from one side of the table in the investment world to the other and do so with style, grace, and massive success. That’s why I can’t wait for you to hear from her as we discuss: Her backstory – from a 14-year old girl already dreaming of working on Wall Street to making her place in this male-dominated industry The breaking point that led her to step away from her dream job and finance altogether How that break reenergized her and redirected her back to the investment world where she found true passion and purpose at RFGMore about Shannon:Shannon is President of RFG Advisory, a $4.5B wealth management platform who just took on an equity partner with a vision of revolutionizing the game. RFG was built by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs – advisors who have a touch of rebel in their DNA.Resources mentioned in this episode:Books: The Hard Thing About Hard Things, Ben Horowitz |Powerful, Patti McCord|Atomic Habits, James Clear |The Power of Now, Eckhart TolleSong: Coolio — Fantastic Voyage
- - -Make The Boutique Investment Collective part of your Billion Dollar Backstory. Gain access to invaluable resources, expert coaches, and a supportive community of other boutique founders, fund managers, and investment pros. Join Havener Capital’s exclusive membership