Dakota Live! Podcast

In this episode of the Dakota Live! Podcast, Robert Morier sits down with Sam Johnson, Director of Investments at Loyola University Chicago, to explore how the university approaches manager research and due diligence.Rooted in Loyola University Chicago’s value of cura personalis—which emphasizes care for the whole person—Loyola’s investment philosophy reflects a commitment to thoughtful decision-making and long-term impact.Sam shares insights into the strategic shift toward a specialist equities model, the development of their private markets program, and the importance of alignment between managers and endowment goals.Learn how Loyola's concentrated portfolio strategy prioritizes partnering with top-tier managers across asset classes and how their thoughtful approach to relationship-building and collaboration drives long-term success.What you’ll take away from this episode:🔍 Loyola’s Approach to Manager Research: How the team identifies and partners with the top managers through rigorous due diligence and a collaborative process.📊 The Shift to a Specialist Equities Model: Insights into why Loyola moved from a generalist approach to specialists and how this has impacted endowment performance.🏛️ Strategic Portfolio Construction: How Loyola balances a concentrated portfolio with long-term investment goals to support its mission.🚀 Emerging Opportunities: Explore trends in private equity, venture capital, and public markets that Loyola is focused on for future growth.Whether you're an allocator, asset manager, or simply curious about how endowments make decisions, this episode is packed with actionable insights and behind-the-scenes perspectives.

In this episode of the Dakota Live! Podcast, Robert Morier sits down with Leslie Lenzo, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer of the Hershey Trust Company, to explore her inspiring journey from rural Iowa to leading a mission-driven institution dedicated to making a lasting impact.Leslie shares insights into her investment philosophy, manager research process, and the delicate balance between short-term decisions and long-term sustainability.Key topics include:Navigating private markets and finding areas of opportunity.Asset allocation strategies and adapting to market challenges.Building a diverse and collaborative investment team.Why emerging managers are essential to the portfolio.Advice for aspiring asset managers and investment professionals.Join us for this engaging conversation packed with valuable lessons on leadership, innovation, and aligning investments with purpose.

In this episode of the Dakota Live! Podcast, host Robert Morier sits down with Ted Seides, renowned host of the Capital Allocators podcast, best-selling author, and a leader in private equity insights.Ted shares his journey from building a multi-billion-dollar hedge fund to pioneering in the podcasting world, and how his experiences have shaped his entrepreneurial outlook.In this episode, Ted discusses:The evolution of the Capital Allocators Podcast and its impact on the investment community.Key lessons from his career, including his new book, Private Equity Deals.The challenges of governance in investment decision-making.His perspective on private credit, sustainable investing, and the Total Portfolio Approach.Advice for young professionals entering the finance industry.Discover behind-the-scenes stories about his memorable guests, the importance of storytelling in business, and Ted's approach to navigating today’s market challenges.Whether you’re an allocator, asset manager, or student, there’s something here for everyone.Link to Private Equity Deals on Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/Private-Equity-Deals-dealmaking-professionals/dp/1804090735

In this enlightening episode of Dakota Live!, host Robert Morier sits down with Catherine Ulozas, the seasoned Chief Investment Officer of Drexel University's Endowment. With over 30 years of experience in managing investments across various sectors including insurance companies, banks, and a state pension fund, Catherine shares her unique journey and the strategic decisions that have cemented her success in the investment world.Join us as Catherine delves into her 14th year at the helm of Drexel University's Endowment, discussing the transformative policies and operational improvements she has implemented. These strategic shifts have not only repositioned assets into a more resilient structure but have also led the endowment to rank in the top 10 percent of the Wilshire Consulting Foundations and Endowment Universe for five consecutive years.Along the way, Catherine touches on her involvement in significant projects such as the acquisition of St. Christopher's Children Hospital and the development of Schuylkill Yards—an initiative turning 10.4 acres of endowment real estate into a leading innovation hub. Her insights into these projects provide a fascinating look into the intersection of investment strategy and real-world impact.Furthermore, Catherine discusses her philosophy on investment biases and the importance of self-reflection in decision-making. She emphasizes the value of learning from experience and the necessity of questioning one's own conclusions to avoid potential pitfalls in investing.Whether you're an asset manager, an asset owner, an educator, a student, or simply someone fascinated by the intricacies of investment strategies and their implications, this episode offers a deep dive into the mind of one of the industry's most thoughtful and successful leaders. Tune in to gain a wealth of knowledge on navigating the complex investment landscape, managing an endowment, and making strategic decisions that drive success and innovation.Don't miss this captivating conversation that bridges the gap between theory and practice, providing listeners with actionable insights and a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the world of institutional investments.

In this episode of the Dakota Live! Podcast, host Robert Morier sits down with Alex Band, Chief Investment Officer of Partners Capital, for an in-depth discussion about the evolving landscape of institutional investing and Outsourced Chief Investment Officer (OCIO) services.Alex shares his journey from biochemical sciences to finance, pivotal lessons from his career, and how these experiences have shaped his contributions at Partners Capital.Discover how Partners Capital approaches OCIO services with a focus on dynamic strategies, emerging managers, and innovative investment structures. Alex also provides a sneak peek into the key elements of their investment program, exploring features such as talent acquisition, manager selection, and risk management.Packed with valuable insights, this episode offers a forward-looking perspective on investment opportunities for 2025 and advice for young professionals entering a complex world.Tune in to learn how discipline, curiosity, and adaptability drive success in investment management.

In this episode, we welcome Hunter Swanson, Senior Research Coordinator at DeMarche, a rising star in the investment consulting industry, to dive into the intricacies of manager sourcing, search, and selection.Based in Kansas, and with over 50 years of history in guiding institutional investors, DeMarche helps clients develop custom investment strategies while maintaining consistency and transparency. The firm provides a comprehensive spectrum of services ranging from tailored Advisory Consulting to fully discretionary, Outsourced Chief Investment Office (OCIO) to help support their client’s fiduciary responsibilities.Hunter shares insights into how managers can engage with DeMarche, the importance of a well-defined investment process, and key factors that drive manager approval. He also discusses emerging trends and asset classes that DeMarche is exploring, along with how they evaluate new managers for potential inclusion.For asset managers looking to connect with DeMarche, Hunter provides actionable advice on navigating the entry points and the rigorous research process they use to identify the best investment partners.Join us to learn how DeMarche’s comprehensive, long-term approach can help managers position themselves for success in institutional portfolios.Don’t miss this inside look at the strategies and criteria DeMarche values as they support clients in reaching their financial goals.

In this episode of the Dakota Live! Podcast, we sit down with Andrew Davis, Head of Macro Research at Bryn Mawr Trust. Andrew brings a wealth of experience to the conversation, drawing from his background as an economist and portfolio strategist. He shares how these roles have influenced his approach to portfolio construction, tactical asset allocation, and navigating complex economic environments.Bryn Mawr Trust is a division of WSFS Bank focusing attention and resources on financial planning for high-net-worth individuals, families, and institutions.We explore how Bryn Mawr Trust leverages a mix of internal strategies and external manager selection to meet diverse client needs, emphasizing a philosophy of openness and adaptability.Among key insights, you will come to learn Bryn Mawr Trust’s approach to:✓ Holistic Client Focus: Bryn Mawr Trust prides itself on providing comprehensive, client-first solutions that integrate investment strategies with financial and tax planning, ensuring a personalized approach that prioritizes client goals.✓ Open Architecture Strategy: The firm’s investment philosophy emphasizes adaptability and openness, leveraging a combination of in-house strategies and best-in-class external managers to maximize returns and tailor portfolios to unique client needs.✓ Entrepreneurial & Data-Driven Insights: Bryn Mawr Trust’s approach to manager research and asset allocation is rooted in data analysis and entrepreneurial thinking, allowing the firm to remain agile and proactive in a constantly evolving macroeconomic landscapeAndrew delves into the importance of balancing risk and return, considering liquidity, and navigating the evolving landscape of global macroeconomic conditions, including interest rate dynamics and geopolitical instability.Tune in to hear Andrew’s perspective on where markets are heading, how his entrepreneurial studies at Wharton influence his investment strategy, and what it takes to succeed in wealth management. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable knowledge from one of the industry's rising stars.

In this episode of Dakota Live! Podcast, we sit down with Angela Williams, a Senior Investment Analyst at CIBC Private Wealth in Boston.Angela brings over 25 years of industry experience to her role, where she is responsible for manager due diligence and selection for CIBC Private Wealth's Multi-Manager Investment Program.Angela shares her insights into the rigorous process of manager research, emphasizing the critical balance between strategy differentiation and risk management. Whether it's her focus on building truly active portfolios or her approach to understanding a manager's character, Angela offers a deep dive into what it takes to identify and work with top-tier asset managers.CIBC Private Wealth, managing over $100 billion in assets, provides customized wealth management solutions that integrate active and alternative strategies across asset classes. Known for their selective approach to external partnerships, CIBC balances a robust lineup of proprietary and external strategies, emphasizing due diligence and portfolio alignment to meet diverse client needs.Angela’s work, rooted in a commitment to quality research and a nuanced understanding of active management, drives CIBC’s focus on sustained, risk-adjusted growth for its clients.Tune in as Angela details her process for conducting comprehensive due diligence, her criteria for selecting managers who align with CIBC’s vision, and the importance of blending innovative strategies with traditional risk controls. From practical tips for institutional investors to valuable lessons for emerging managers, this episode is packed with insights into the world of investment analysis and decision-making at CIBC Private Wealth.Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated with all our latest episodes!

In this episode of the Dakota Live! Podcast, host Robert Morier sits down with Eric Gerster, Chief Investment Strategist at AlphaCore Wealth Advisory. With nearly three decades of experience in the financial industry, Eric shares insights into his impressive background in long/short and long only equity management, having worked with notable firms like Point72, Guggenheim, and T. Rowe Price.AlphaCore is a wealth advisory firm dedicated to helping clients build and preserve their wealth. The firm combines sophisticated wealth planning techniques with investment management services.This episode delves into AlphaCore’s innovative approach to manager selection and portfolio construction, focusing on alternative investments, including hedge funds, venture capital, and private equity.Join us as we explore the following topics:✅ AlphaCore’s differentiated approach to building portfolios by integrating alternative assets like private equity and real estate credit✅ How AlphaCore tailors client portfolios with a focus on income generation and long-term growth✅ Why learning from past mistakes and protecting against downside risk leads to more consistent, long-term returnsEric also explores how AlphaCore identifies and partners with emerging managers, offering a fresh perspective on sourcing talent in venture capital and alternative asset classes.Join us for an engaging conversation about the complexities of manager selection, AlphaCore's role in helping clients navigate a diversified investment landscape, and the exciting opportunities emerging in venture capital and alternative credit markets.

In this episode of the Dakota Live! Podcast, we are thrilled to welcome back Adam Choppin, Vice President, and Assistant Portfolio Manager for Multi-Manager Strategies at Xponance, marking exactly one year since his last appearance.With over ten years of experience at Xponance, Adam has been instrumental in shaping the firm’s approach to emerging manager selection and portfolio construction.Join us as we delve into the significant changes in the investment landscape over the past year, exploring how global equity markets have faced considerable challenges.Adam shares his insights on Xponance’s commitment to identifying and supporting emerging managers, emphasizing the importance of strategic due diligence in driving sustainable alpha. We discuss the evolving dynamics in emerging markets, particularly in India and Latin America, as they emerge as key players in a multipolar world order. Adam also sheds light on the impact of market conditions at the inception of strategies and how investors can effectively navigate these shifts in a complex environment.As we reflect on Adam’s journey and the lessons learned over the past year, this episode offers valuable perspectives for institutional investors looking to adapt to changing market conditions.Tune in for actionable insights that can help you stay ahead in today’s investment landscape.