Dakota Live! Podcast

In this insightful episode of the Dakota Live! podcast, host Robert Morier engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Alex Gurvich, Director of Investment Research and Head of Asset Allocation for PFM Asset Management. The episode delves into the intricate world of investment decision-making, with a focus on understanding the complexities behind manager research and asset allocation. Alex shares his rich experience spanning over 25 years in various sectors of finance, including his transition from a physics background to a career in finance. His journey illuminates the multifaceted nature of the investment industry and the intellectual rigor required to navigate its challenges.PFM Asset Management is a leading Outsourced Chief Investment Officer (OCIO), working with organizations of all sizes across the nation and have $166.3 billion in assets under management as of September 30, 2023. The firm’s focus is solely on institutional clients, including cities, counties, school districts, pension funds, utilities, insurance pools, higher education, and healthcare institutions.One of the most engaging aspects of the episode is Alex's detailed explanation of the process and philosophy behind selecting investment managers. He emphasizes the importance of understanding a manager's approach to investments, their decision-making processes, and their ability to navigate various market conditions. The conversation particularly highlights the blend of art and science in manager research, underscoring the importance of qualitative assessments alongside quantitative analyses. This inside look into manager selection offers listeners valuable insights into the subtleties of portfolio management and investment strategy.Alex also discusses the evolution of his own role and the importance of adapting to the changing dynamics of the finance industry. He stresses the need for continuous learning and flexibility, sharing personal anecdotes that reveal the challenges and opportunities encountered in his career. This theme of adaptability resonates throughout the podcast, providing a compelling narrative for listeners interested in the ever-evolving landscape of finance and investment.The episode concludes with a reflection on the importance of education in Alex's career. He shares his experiences as a teacher and student, emphasizing the value of fostering a learning environment and the impact of nurturing future professionals in the field. This focus on education not only highlights Alex's commitment to the growth of the industry but also serves as an inspiration for listeners at all stages of their professional journeys. The podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intricacies of investment management and the personal growth that accompanies a career in finance.Disclaimer:PFM Asset Management LLC ("PFMAM") is an investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and a subsidiary of U.S. Bancorp Asset Management, Inc. ("USBAM").  USBAM is a subsidiary of U.S. Bank National Association ("U.S. Bank").  U.S. Bank is a separate entity and subsidiary of U.S. Bancorp.  U.S. Bank is not responsible for and does not guarantee the products, services or performance of PFMAM.

Empowering Investment Insights with Fiera CapitalIn this insightful episode of the Dakota Live! podcast, host Robert Morier welcomes Majlinda Kamberi, Senior Investment Officer with Fiera Capital. Majlinda, an industry veteran in private market solutions, shares her extensive knowledge and experience in private market investing. We discuss Majlinda's role at Fiera Capital, where she oversees the private market solutions team. She delves into the intricacies of portfolio construction, investment due diligence, and the unique challenges of managing investments in private credit, real estate, agriculture, timberland, infrastructure, and private equity.Majlinda's approach is analytical and comprehensive, focusing on bottom-up analysis and risk assessment. Her experience shines as she explains how Fiera Capital navigates the complex landscape of private market strategies, illustrating the firm's commitment to delivering optimized and diversified portfolio solutions.Fiera Capital is a Canadian asset management firm that provides investment management services. The company was founded in September 2003 and is headquartered in Montreal, Quebec. Fiera Capital offers customized solutions to clients in North America, Europe, and Asia. As of September 30, 2023, Fiera Capital has over $114.9 billion in assets under management. The company invests in multiple asset classes, including public and private markets.Along the way, Majlinda articulates Fiera Capital's approach to sustainability into their investment analysis. This discussion provides valuable insights into how sustainable investment considerations are increasingly influencing asset valuation and investment decisions. The discussion highlights Fiera Capital's efforts in promoting sustainable practices in their investment strategies, aligning with global efforts to foster a more responsible and ethical financial industry.Key Highlights of the Episode Include:Understanding Private Market Investments: Majlinda delves into the complexities of managing diverse portfolios, including private credit, real estate, and sustainable investments.Sustainable Investing Decoded: Discover how Fiera Capital integrates sustainability factors into their investment strategies, pushing the boundaries of traditional asset management.Navigating Challenges in Investment Management: Learn from Majlinda's extensive experience in due diligence, risk assessment, and portfolio optimization.A Personal Journey: Get inspired by Majlinda's unique story. At a relatively young age, Majlinda faced challenges that many of us could scarcely imagine. Arriving to the United States as a refugee of war, she describes the opportunity of "being granted a second chance at life." This pivotal moment was not just a shift in geography but a transformation of fate.Throughout our conversation, Majlinda shares invaluable insights on resilience in the face of adversity, the importance of embracing opportunities, and the transformative power of a positive mindset.Grab your passports (and notebooks) for this insightful conversation.Disclaimer:Information provided in this discussion should not be considered an offer or solicitation with respect to any of Fiera Capital’s offerings.  Fiera Capital Corporation does not provide investment advice to U.S. clients or offer investment advisory services in the US.  In the US, asset management services are provided by Fiera Capital’s affiliates who are investment advisers that are registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission or exempt from registration. Registration with the SEC does not imply a certain level of skill or training.  In other jurisdictions, investment management services are provided by Fiera Capital’s affiliates who are appropriately registered or exempt therefrom in the relevant jurisdiction.

As we embrace the holiday season and step into a time of resolutions, family gatherings, and a renewed focus on health and wellness, we are excited to share our latest episode of the Dakota Live! Podcast that aligns perfectly with this spirit of reflection and growth. We had the privilege of sitting down with Sonia Hunt, a remarkable Chief Marketing Officer, health and wellness global speaker, and bestselling author. Sonia's journey is a testament to overcoming adversity and finding balance in the chaos of life, which is particularly relevant as we wind down the year and set our sights on a healthier, more fulfilled future.Throughout the episode you’ll receive insights into the relationship between personal well-being and professional performance, as well as the concept of "Reverse Networking" and its impact on investment relationships and business development. Reverse Networking is about offering value without immediate expectation of return. It's about building genuine connections and understanding the power of giving before receiving.Along the way, you will learn strategies for maintaining health and wellness, especially those frequently on the road. You’ll also come to learn Sonia's views on creating a positive organizational culture and the role of leaders in fostering employee well-being. Finaly, Sonia shares the significance of advocacy for oneself.Over her 20-year career as a Chief Marketing Officer, Sonia has transformed the stories and products of global wellness brands such as Apple, TiVo, Califia Farms, LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, and Sephora, with whom she won the 2015 WWD Digital Innovator of the Year award. If you're interested in marketing strategy, this episode offers unique insights into how personal resilience and well-being can be powerfully integrated into innovative marketing practices regardless of your industry, elevating both brand impact and customer engagement.Shared with you in the heart of the holiday season—a time ripe for reflection and resolution—Sonia shares her remarkable journey which we can all learn from. It's a story that intertwines the challenges of health issues with a narrative of professional triumph and personal growth, offering lessons that are particularly poignant as we embrace a new year filled with hope, health, and wellness ambitions.

Join us as we sit down with Julian Samways, the CEO and Founder of JPES Partners. With a focus on investment management consultancy, JPES Partners offers expert advice to a diverse range of clients, from emerging boutiques to well-established global asset managers and intermediaries.In this episode, we delve into the nuances of introducing and distributing investment strategies and services within the European market. This discussion is particularly valuable for asset management firms and advisors contemplating European market entry. It's also insightful for global asset allocators seeking a deeper understanding of the investment approaches and strategies adopted by European counterparts.Julian Samways brings to light key insights from JPES Partners' 2024 Asset Management Agenda research. This includes a deep dive into what allocators are prioritizing, their asset allocation strategies, and areas where asset managers need improvement.With JPES's mission to offer specialized communication support to the investment industry, Julian assists asset managers in honing their unique selling propositions. Julian emphasizes creating impactful messaging that not only enhances marketing materials but also establishes firms as thought leaders in the investment sector.Don’t miss this episode, especially if you're aiming to refine your communication strategies. Julian's more than three decades of experience in asset management offers invaluable perspectives for effectively showcasing your investment strategy's merits, cultural adaptability, and value delivery. This is a crucial listen for investors and industry professionals gearing up for the coming year.

James Bell, Consultant and Director of Hedge Fund Research with Crewcial Partners joins the Dakota Live! Podcast to take us through his twenty years of experience in hedge fund investing, and how he and his colleagues at Crewcial Partners underwrite their hedge fund portfolio for their clients.  Founded in 1980, Crewcial Partners is an independent investment advisory and OCIO firm focused on providing customized investment advice to non-profit institutions. Crewcial is a boutique firm by design and the benefits are realized throughout their manager research process. Learn how James and the Crewcial manager research team maintain a deep familiarity with existing managers while taking the time to become well-versed with new ones.Like its namesake, James breaks down Crewcial’s investment and manager research process like a rowing stroke. Beginning with the catch, where James and his team start their process by working with their clients and identifying areas of opportunity in the hedge fund space. To the drive, where the power of the manager due diligence process is demonstrated through teamwork in understanding a manager’s investment thesis and value. Next on to the finish, where James and his team decide on an allocation based on a rigorous research process. Finally, the recovery where the team can monitor their portfolio and continue to understand a manager’s edge as it relates to their client needs.Join us in understanding why Crewcial believes manager selection is the primary value-add source for their clients’ portfolios. James discusses how the impact is cyclical, and positive over the long term through a disciplined manager research process. If the majority of outperformance relative to peers comes from manager selection, you won’t want to miss how these veterans of manager research approach the hedge fund universe.

Join us as Alex Tung, CFA, Associate from the Investment Strategy Group with Bel Air Investment Advisors discusses the firm’s approach to manager research and selection in this rare glimpse into the inner workings of one of the premier wealth advisors in the United States. Celebrating their 25th anniversary this year, Bel Air Investment Advisors is a prominent wealth management advisory firm, providing financial advisory, asset and investment management services to exclusively high net worth individuals, families, trusts, and foundation. Headquartered in Los Angeles, Calif., Bel Air services over 300 families across the United States and oversees more than $10 billion in assets, including private foundation relationships.In 2021, Bel Air partnered with Hightower to provide regulatory and compliance, legal, technology, accounting, and human resources support. As such, Bel Air operates as an advisory practice under the regulatory umbrella of Hightower as a registered investment advisor and our employees are employed by Hightower under the supervision of the Bel Air team.In his role, Alex is integral in all aspects of the research process, including public and private fund due diligence, portfolio performance and risk analytics, asset allocation, and economic and capital market outlooks. Throughout the conversation, you will gain a unique perspective on the firm’s methodologies in understanding client goals, developing tailored financial plans, and ensuring that investment strategies are not just effective, but also resonate with the individual goals and risk profiles of their clientele. As a rising star in investment manager research and selection, Alex takes us through the crucial role of constructing effective investment portfolios.Whether you're a seasoned investor, a finance professional, or simply someone interested in the dynamics of financial planning and investment management, this episode offers valuable insights. Join us as we uncover the principles and practices that put client needs at the forefront with Bel Air Investment Advisors, setting a benchmark for excellence in the wealth advisory landscape.

In the latest episode of Dakota Live!, we are excited to feature Peter Madsen, Chief Investment Officer of The Utah School & Institutional Trust Funds Office (SITFO). Join us as we delve into the world of sovereign wealth investors, exploring strategies for managing and growing state funds with a focus on supporting public education. Discover the crucial responsibilities and mission of The Utah School & Institutional Trust Funds Office, directly from the Chief Investment Officer. If you consider education to be an invaluable public resource, take time to learn how the School and Institutional Trusts are creating an enduring investment in their community.The Utah School and Institutional Trust Funds Office (SITFO) was created in 2015 to manage the State of Utah's permanent school fund. Today, the sovereign wealth fund is managing assets of more than $3.3 billion.Learn how Peter and his team balance risk with growth, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the funds. Along the way, gain insights into how Peter and his colleagues built out the mission and culture of the funds core beliefs which influence their investment strategies and the adjustments necessary to stay ahead. Hear about exciting future investment areas for SITFO, including early-stage venture capital, lower-middle market private equity, emerging managers, and sustainable initiatives.Get valuable tips for navigating today's complex financial landscape and how to approach your own investment journey. This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in investment strategies, public fund management, or simply looking to broaden their institutional financial knowledge. Tune in to gain valuable insights into the mindset of an investment leader who understands the significance of managing state assets with a forward-thinking perspective.

In the latest episode of Dakota Live!, we are excited to feature Joe Ledgerwood, Director of Investment Manager Research, and Britt Vriesman, Manager Research Consultant with RVK, Inc. Delve deep into the intricacies of manager research as Joe and Britt illuminate RVK’s sophisticated approach to helping their client’s meet their diverse investment objectives and goals. RVK, distinguished as one of the largest fully independent and employee-owned investment consulting firms in the world, is renowned for its bespoke strategic investment advice, catering to a varied clientele including corporate and public retirement systems, Taft-Hartley funds, nonprofit organizations, operating funds, and high-net-worth individuals/families.RVK's approach to investment consulting is grounded in a comprehensive understanding of the market and a client-centric perspective. This episode will offer an in-depth look at how RVK employs rigorous analytical methods and innovative thinking in manager research. Joe and Britt will discuss how RVK’s team diligently evaluates investment opportunities, verifying that each recommendation aligns not only with market trends but also with the unique needs and risk profiles of their clients. They emphasize the firm's commitment to delivering actionable, forward-thinking advice that navigates the complexities of the financial markets.Further emphasizing RVK’s excellence in manager research, Joe and Britt share insights into their process of identifying, assessing, and recommending investment managers. They discuss the importance of a multi-dimensional evaluation approach that includes quantitative analysis, qualitative assessment, and ongoing monitoring. This episode provides you with a rare glimpse into the strategic considerations and meticulous diligence that underpin RVK's recommendations.Throughout the conversation, Joe and Britt also enhance our audience’s understanding of investment strategies, concepts, issues, and their consequences as they relate to the asset management industry. Join us in an engaging conversation about inclusion in the finance industry, particularly focusing on accommodating persons with disabilities.Special Note: This episode was uniquely recorded at RVK's offices in Portland, Oregon, to ensure an accessible and comfortable environment for Britt, a person with disabilities. This act underscores our commitment to inclusivity and diversity in our podcast and beyond, mirroring RVK's own values of creating an inclusive and empowering workspace for all individuals.Coalition Greenwich Disclosure: Coalition Greenwich issued the award on April 25, 2023, based on their February through November 2022 study. No direct or indirect compensation has been paid by RVK in connection with obtaining or using this award.

Brian Crawford, Director of Investments at the John Templeton Foundation, shares insights on the Foundation's investment strategies and global impact. Topics include asset allocation, manager research, risk management, activist investing, DEI in portfolios, balancing contrarian views, and the influence of mentors in career and investment decisions.

In the latest episode of Dakota Live!, we welcome Xinxin Liu, Senior Research Analyst for Private Equity and Credit with AndCo Consulting. AndCo Consulting is an independent, SEC registered institutional investment consulting firm headquartered in Winter Park, Florida. As of December 2022, they are responsible for nearly $91 billion in assets under advisement, advising hundreds of institutional clients across the United States, Bermuda, and Canada.In her role, Xinxin focuses on private equity and private debt investment research, including the servicing of institutional client relationships. Previously, she held a variety of roles with Wells Fargo for nearly twelve years as an analyst, strategist, and consultant. With responsibilities ranging from manager research focusing on private real assets (real estate, infrastructure, and natural resources) and REITs to leading the sourcing and due diligence of Private Equity, Private Debt, and Private Real Asset funds, Xinxin has an extensive background in manager research and selection which she shares over the course of our informative and insightful discussion.Dive deep with us into the nuances of investment strategies, manager selection, and market analysis. Along the way, we explore the transformative landscape of private equity and credit, venture capital, and more. Don’t miss this must-listen episode for anyone eager to gain knowledge about investment manager research and private market solutions.Disclosure:This material is the product of Dakota live! Podcast. It is being provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be reproduced and should not be regarded as investment advice or as a recommendation regarding any particular course of action and additionally is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon, for legal advice. The opinions expressed herein are solely those of the speakers and may not represent the firm views of AndCo Consulting, LLC. Certain information is based on sources and data believed to be reliable, but AndCo cannot guarantee the accuracy, adequacy or completeness of the information. This presentation does not cover all risks or underlying factors associated with the referenced asset classes. Potential investors should thoroughly review all investment risk factors prior to investing. Please consult with your investment advisor.The referenced Greenwich Award is not indicative of AndCo’s future performance. These awards or any other rankings and/or recognition by unaffiliated rating services and/or publications should not be construed as a guarantee that a client will experience a certain level of results or satisfaction if they invest with AndCo, nor should it be construed as a current or past endorsement by any of our clients. AndCo did not pay a fee to participate in this award survey.AndCo Consulting is an investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Registration as an investment adviser does not constitute an endorsement for the firm by securities regulators nor does it indicate that the adviser has attained a particular level of skill or ability. AndCo Consulting and Dakota are not affiliated entities.