Dakota Live! Podcast

In the latest episode of the Dakota Live! Podcast, host Robert Morier sits down with Jenny Chan, Senior Vice President, and Chief Investment Officer at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).  Jenny oversees CHOP's substantial investment portfolio, playing a crucial role in supporting the hospital's mission through strategic and innovative investment approaches.Jenny shares her journey from working in asset management to leading the investment office at CHOP.   She delves into CHOP's unique governance structure and the evolution of its investment strategies, highlighting the hospital's commitment to sustainability and mission-driven goals.Jenny also discusses the challenges and opportunities in managing a diverse portfolio, from venture capital to public equities, and the importance of building strong relationships with investment partners.In addition, Jenny reflects on the personal and professional influences that have shaped her career, from her time with the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation to her leadership role at CHOP. Jenny's journey from bond trading to leading a major healthcare investment team offers inspiring lessons in leadership, continuous learning, and the power of a mission-focused approach.Join us for this insightful conversation that blends technical expertise with personal reflections. Jenny’s approach to investment management, her focus on sustainability, and her leadership at one of the nation’s leading pediatric hospitals provide a fascinating look into the intersection of finance and healthcare.

In the latest episode of the Dakota Live! Podcast, host Robert Morier sits down with Jonathan Tubiana, Managing Director, Investments with Abbott Capital.Established in 1986, Abbott Capital Management focuses on creating value for its investors through carefully crafted portfolios of private equity investments. The firm is known for its strategic approach to primaries, secondaries, and co-investments, emphasizing the depth of its market insights and the strength of its global relationships. Since joining Abbott Capital in 2009, Jonathan has played a pivotal role in guiding the firm's investment strategy. With a background in finance from Grenoble School of Finance (France) and NYU Stern School of Business, Jonathan brings a wealth of knowledge and international perspective to his role.Episode Highlights:Jonathan's career journey and evolution at Abbott Capital.The importance of team dynamics and cognitive diversity in investment decisions.How Abbott Capital sources and evaluates private equity managers.The impact of private wealth and product innovation on private equity.Join us as Jonathan shares his journey, insights, and expertise in formulating high-performing private equity portfolios and fostering strong client relationships.Tune In to Learn:The process and criteria for evaluating private equity managers.How Abbott Capital manages risk and portfolio construction.The significance of long-term relationships and client expectations.The role of innovation and emerging trends in private markets.Don't miss this insightful conversation with Jonathan Tubiana and learn more about Abbott Capital.

In the latest episode of the Dakota Live! Podcast, host Robert Morier sits down with Rob Roy, Senior Vice President, Chief Investment Officer, and Co-Head of Environmental Sustainability at AdventHealth.Rob oversees investments for one of the nation’s largest faith-based health systems, which include operating capital and employee retirement portfolios totaling approximately $18 billion. In addition, he co-leads the company's environmental profile transformation, including all emissions, waste, and water streams, and cooperates on the company-wide ESG reporting.Rob shares the innovative strategies that have transformed AdventHealth's investment portfolio, emphasizing risk management and data-driven decisions. Discover how AdventHealth has evolved from a precarious financial position to a robust, risk-balanced portfolio, leveraging strategic partnerships and a generalist team model to navigate complex investment landscapes.Rob also delves into AdventHealth's commitment to sustainability and resilience. Learn about their dual focus on reducing environmental impact and increasing resilience to climate change, with initiatives spanning emissions, waste, and water management. Explore how strategic investments in renewable energy and workforce housing not only align with their mission but also provide strong financial returns. Rob's journey from bond trading to leading a major healthcare investment team offers valuable lessons in continuous learning, curiosity, and the power of collaboration.Join us for this inspiring conversation that blends technical insights with personal reflections. Rob's dedication to aligning investment strategies with organizational values and mission-driven goals is a testament to effective leadership.

Welcome to our latest episode of the Dakota Live! Podcast. In this special episode, we recorded live from North Dakota State University in Fargo, bringing together a panel of distinguished guests to explore the growth of capital in the state and how investment decisions from the State’s Department of Trust Lands, North Dakota State University (NDSU) Foundation, and its student-managed investment strategy come together at the intersection of education, energy, and investment policy in this nuanced institutional market.Our goal at Dakota Live! is to demystify the investment sales ecosystem by introducing you to the key participants, from chief investment officers to research professionals and consultants down to the next generation of investment professionals.We’re diving deep into the heart of investment strategy and education to demonstrate the inter-connectedness of our nation's public pension systems and the institutions they support.Meet Our Panel:Allyson Peterson: Chief Financial Officer at the NDSU Foundation, overseeing the long-term growth and investment of Foundation assets.Jon Spahn: President of the NDSU Bison Fund, a student-run equity fund providing real-world investment experience.Frank Mihail: Chief Investment Officer at the North Dakota Department of Trust Lands, managing investments for the state's Sovereign Wealth Fund.Joe Heringer: North Dakota Commissioner of University and School Lands, driving policy and strategic direction.In This Episode:Introductions and Interconnectedness: How our guests are connected and their shared mission to advance the interests of North Dakota and NDSU.Investment Strategies and Processes: Insight into the strategies behind managing the NDSU Bison Fund and the Trust Lands' $7 billion portfolio.Educational Impact: The role of the NDSU Foundation in supporting the university’s goals through effective asset management.Career Advice for Students: Our panel shares invaluable advice for students about to enter the finance world.Highlights:Allyson Peterson discusses the importance of aligning the Foundation’s investments with both long-term goals and immediate university needs.Frank Mihail talks about the process of filling strategic asset allocation gaps and the importance of consistent performance in investment management.Joe Heringer emphasizes the significance of promoting the Trust Lands' mission and fostering transparency.Jon Spahn provides a glimpse into the practical experiences and opportunities offered by the Bison Fund to NDSU students.This episode is packed with actionable insights and career advice for aspiring finance professionals, and anyone interested in the intricacies of institutional investment.Special Thanks: A heartfelt thank you to North Dakota State University for hosting us and to Jon Spahn for coordinating this opportunity.

In the latest episode of the Dakota Live! Podcast, host Robert Morier sits down with Joe Cortese, Partner, and Senior Consultant with Fiducient Advisors.Fiducient Advisors is a full-service asset advisory business founded in 1995. With 215 professionals and $309 billion in assets under advisement (as of December 31, 2023), Fiducient is one of the premier consultancy businesses in the US with providing investment consulting services to retirement plans, endowments and foundations, private clients, and financial institutions.In this episode, Joe shares his wealth of knowledge and insights on the subtleties of asset allocation, investment strategy design, manager research and selection, and the evolving landscape of investment consulting.Whether you’re a seasoned investor or new to the field, this episode offers critical insights into managing complex investment portfolios and navigating the challenges of today’s financial landscape.Disclosure:This video is intended for the exclusive use of clients or prospective clients of Fiducient Advisors LLC. The information contained herein is intended for the recipient, is confidential and may not be distributed to any other person without the prior approval of Fiducient Advisors. Any dissemination or distribution is strictly prohibited. Information has been obtained from a variety of sources believed to be reliable though not independently verified. Any forecasts represent future expectations and not actual returns; volatilities and correlations will differ from forecasts. This video does not constitute a specific investment recommendation. The opinions and analysis expressed herein are based on Fiducient Advisors' research and professional experience, and are expressed as of the date of this video. Please consult with your advisor, attorney, and accountant, as appropriate, regarding specific investment advice. Past performance does not indicate future performance, and there is a possibility of loss.This video does not constitute advice or a recommendation or offer to sell or a solicitation to deal in any security or financial product. It is provided for information purposes only and on the understanding that the recipient has sufficient knowledge and experience to be able to understand and make their own evaluation of the proposals and services described herein, any risks associated therewith and any related legal, tax, accounting, or other material considerations. To the extent that the reader has any questions regarding the applicability of any specific issue discussed above to their specific portfolio or situation, prospective investors are encouraged to contact Fiducient or consult with the professional advisor of their choosing.Certain information contained herein constitutes “forward-looking statements,” which can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “project,” “estimate,” “intend,” “continue,” or “believe,” or the negatives thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology. Due to various risks and uncertainties, actual events, results or actual performance may differ materially from those reflected or contemplated in such forward-looking statements. Nothing contained herein may be relied upon as a guarantee, promise, assurance, or a representation as to the future.

In the latest episode of the Dakota Live! Podcast, host Robert Morier sits down with Scott Anderson, Chief Investment Officer for the North Dakota Retirement & Investment Office (RIO), which coordinates the activities of the State Investment Board and the Teachers’ Fund for Retirement.Join us as we delve deep into the intricacies of investment management and asset allocation, and Scott's strategic approach at the helm of one of the nation’s significant investment offices.Scott discusses the unique challenges and opportunities in managing a diverse portfolio that includes public and private markets, detailing his philosophy on long-term investments and how they adapt to market changes.This episode offers invaluable insights into effective asset allocation, the impact of technological advancements in investment strategies, and Scott's proactive approach to team building and leadership.Episode Highlights:Comprehensive Investment Strategy: Scott shares his transition from technology to investment, highlighting his role in managing $21 billion in assets, including pension funds and a sovereign wealth fund. His approach combines rigorous analytics with a strategic vision, focusing on internal direct investments to enhance control and reduce dependency on external managers.Innovative Internal Programs: The discussion unveils the launch of internal direct investment programs aimed at improving investment returns and operational efficiencies. Scott emphasizes the shift towards internal management of funds, which supports more strategic asset allocation and risk management..Adaptability in Asset Allocation: Scott explains how North Dakota’s investment strategies are adapted to market conditions to optimize the portfolio performance over the long term. He shares insights into how diverse allocations help mitigate risks and capitalize on opportunities across different market cycles.Technological Integration: The episode covers the integration of advanced technologies, including machine learning and AI, to streamline operations and improve decision-making processes within the investment office.Future Goals and Strategies: Looking forward, Scott discusses ambitious plans to expand the state’s investment capabilities, including enhancing the state's cash management strategies and further developing internal management capacities.Whether you're a professional in the investment community or interested in the nuances of public sector investment management, this episode provides essential knowledge and strategies to enhance your understanding of institutional investment frameworks.

In this enlightening episode of the Dakota Live! Podcast, host Robert Morier sits down with Breanna Stein Genecov, Director of Portfolio Solutions and OCIO with Makena Capital. With a background in risk management, portfolio strategy, and manager selection, Breanna offers a deep dive into the complex world of Makena Capital’s OCIO business and how the firm shapes investment outcomes for a diverse client base.Makena Capital Management, LLC was formed in 2005 by senior executives from the Stanford Management Company along with other leading practitioners from elite North American endowments and foundations.The firm offers investment expertise, scale and access to a diverse client base which includes endowments, foundations, family offices, sovereign wealth funds and international institutions focused on preserving and growing multigenerational capital. As of December 2023, the firm is responsible for over $20 billion in capital under management.Beginning as an intern with Makena Capital to her role today, supporting the design, implementation, and management multi-asset class portfolios, Breanna enhances our understanding of the role of the OCIO and the strategic decisions that drive Makena’s investment strategy. With an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business, her insights are grounded in substantial academic and practical experience, making her perspective invaluable to anyone interested in the dynamics of manager selection and asset allocation.Episode Highlights:The Role of OCIO: Explore how OCIOs like Makena Capital manage investments for endowments, foundations, and family offices, ensuring their long-term financial health and growth.Career Insights: Breanna discusses her career trajectory, including her shift from covering natural resources to multi-asset class solution management, and the impact of her education on her professional path.Investment Strategies: Gain insights into Makena Capital's approach to investment, focusing on risk management, asset allocation, and the key attributes Makena looks for in asset management partners.Future of Investing: Discussion on the evolution of investment strategies in response to market changes.Whether you're a professional in the industry or an interested observer, there's something in this episode for everyone.

In the latest episode of the Dakota Live! Podcast, Robert Morier welcomes John Brecker and Jackie Rantanen from Hamilton Lane. Discover how Hamilton Lane, one of the largest private market investment firms globally, leverages its extensive experience to offer innovative solutions to institutional and private wealth investors worldwide.Hamilton Lane provides innovative solutions to institutional and private wealth investors around the world. Dedicated exclusively to private markets investing for more than 30 years, the firm currently employs nearly 700 professionals operating in offices throughout North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East.Hamilton Lane has over $903 billion in assets under management and supervision, composed of $120 billion in discretionary assets and nearly $783 billion in non-discretionary assets, as of December 31, 2023.John Brecker, Managing Director on the Client Solutions team, shares his journey from financial advising to shaping investment strategies across Hamilton Lane’s client business. Jackie Rantanen, Head of Investor Solutions, and a pivotal member of several executive committees, discusses the evolution of Hamilton Lane's evergreen strategies and the firm's approach to expanding access to private markets for a broader investor base.This episode not only highlights Hamilton Lane's significant role private markets but also provides a deeper understanding of their client-centric approach, the importance of educational outreach, and the firm’s commitment to technology and innovation. Whether you're an industry professional or a curious investor, this discussion will enhance your understanding of private market dynamics and the strategic foresight that drives Hamilton Lane's success.From private equity and credit to real assets and infrastructure, Hamilton Lane's approach is holistic and comprehensive. Tune in to uncover the intricacies of private market investments and what helps Hamilton Lane stand out in this competitive landscape.

In the latest episode of the Dakota Live! Podcast, Robert Morier welcomes Matt Piro, Global Head of Oversight and Manager Search at Vanguard. With a staggering $9 trillion in global assets under management, Vanguard stands at the pinnacle of the investment world, and Matt gives us an exclusive look behind the scenes of managing the firm’s approximately $700 billion in subadvisory assets.Matt shares his extensive journey of over two decades at Vanguard from a phone representative on the direct client desk to leading Vanguard’s subadvisory investments, overseeing 24 subadvisors, and nearly 80 mandates across more than 50 funds globally. His transition through roles in ESG product strategy, Vanguard’s European leadership, and manager research provides a unique lens into the complexities and nuances of global investment management and the inner workings of Vanguard.This episode offers a treasure trove of insights on:The evolution of active and passive investments: Where is the industry heading over the next five to ten years?The meticulous process of manager research and selection at Vanguard, and how it shapes the investment landscape.The significance of transparency and relationship management in sustaining long-term partnerships with investment managers.Vanguard's venture into private equity and alternatives, aiming to democratize access to these traditionally exclusive asset classes.The pivotal role of mentorship in Matt's career and the profound impact of personal tenacity and work ethic learned from his mother's entrepreneurial spirit.Whether you're a seasoned professional in the finance industry or an individual investor looking to understand the gears that drive the investment world, this episode provides invaluable perspectives from one of the leading manager research professionals in the industry at the world's largest mutual fund provider.

In this captivating episode of the Dakota Live! Podcast, host Robert Morier welcomes Chris Schelling, Managing Director of Private Markets at Caprock, to explore the intricate world of alternative investments. With a rich background spanning over two decades in the investment industry, Chris has been at the forefront of building portfolios with a keen focus on alternatives, achieving remarkable success through his strategic allocations across hedge funds, real assets, private credit, and private equity.Caprock is a multifaceted wealth advisory firm that specializes in providing comprehensive investment and wealth management solutions to high-net-worth individuals, families, and institutional investors.Serving over 300 families, Caprock advises on assets of $8.9 billion dollars as of December 31, 2023. Of which, $4.1 billion is allocated to private markets, and $2.2 deployed with impact intentionality. The firm is an SEC-registered investment advisor and a founding B-Corporation headquartered in Boise, Idaho.Join us as Chris shares insights from his extensive journey, including the evolution of alternative investments and the importance of sustainability in modern investment portfolios. He also dives deep into his analytical approach to portfolio construction, manager selection, and the critical role of manager research in achieving top-tier investment returns.Chris is an influential voice in the investment community, sharing his insights and analyses through various publications including his book, ‘Better Than Alpha.’  His writings delve into the nuances of the illiquidity premium, the dynamics of alternative investments, and the evolving landscape of private equity and hedge funds.This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in the complexities and opportunities within alternative investments, from seasoned professionals to those just starting their journey in the finance industry. Chris's expertise and unique perspectives provide invaluable lessons on navigating the alternative investment landscape and leveraging it for future success.Whether you're looking to understand the nuances of private equity, hedge funds, or the impact of technological advancements on investment strategies, this conversation offers a comprehensive overview of the current trends shaping private markets.Don't forget to subscribe to our channel for more episodes filled with expert insights and strategies from leading figures in the investment industry. If you find this episode valuable, please like, share, and comment below with your thoughts or questions.