Masters in Business

Ted Seides, founder and CIO of Capital Allocators, shares his expertise on alternative investments, having honed his skills at Yale under David Swensen. He delves into the intricacies of hedge funds, private equity, and venture capital, discussing how to effectively allocate these assets in a portfolio. Seides emphasizes the importance of understanding liquidity and fee structures while navigating entry barriers to elite funds. He also addresses common misconceptions about alternative investments, equipping listeners with strategies for diligent research and long-term success.

Brian Hurst, Founder and CIO of ClearAlpha, shares his journey from AQR Capital Management, where he managed over $15 billion in hedge fund assets. He discusses the evolution of investment strategies, emphasizing the shift to multi-manager approaches. Hurst highlights the importance of behavioral finance in overcoming investor underperformance and navigating the complex investment landscape. With a touch of humor, he explores the role of AI in finance and reflects on the interplay of entertainment and continuous learning in shaping effective investment strategies.

What is the value of crypto-currencies as a technology? How do the technologies that underlie Bitcoin and Ethereum work, and what are their futures? Matt Hougan, Chief Investment Officer at Bitwise Asset Management speaks with Barry Ritholtz about the future of crypto-technology. His firm runs over $10 billion in client crypto assets. Each week, “At the Money” discusses an important topic in money management. From portfolio construction to taxes and cutting down on fees, join Barry Ritholtz to learn the best ways to put your money to work.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sunaina Sinha, Global Head of Private Capital Advisory at Raymond James, shares her journey from biotech to asset management. She discusses the increasing significance of AI across industries and highlights the distinct investment landscapes of the US and UK. With insights from her experiences as a third culture kid, she emphasizes the importance of cultural fit in career transitions and building long-term relationships in private equity. Sunaina also reflects on the growing interest in private equity among high-net-worth individuals and the complexities of capital raising.

Karen Veraa, Head of iShares US Fixed Income Strategy at BlackRock, dives into the intricacies of managing bond duration in a fluctuating interest rate environment. She discusses the challenges posed by rising and potentially falling rates and examines how these affect bond performance. Veraa shares strategies for investors, including the benefits of bond ladders and rethinking cash positions. Additionally, she explores the impact of Federal Reserve rate hikes and the advantages of locking in long-duration bonds as a response to market volatility.

Toto Wolff, CEO of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team, shares his remarkable journey from venture capital to leading a dominating Formula 1 team. He discusses the power of teamwork in transforming the team's fortunes and emphasizes cultivating diverse talent to foster innovation. Wolff also delves into the impact of the Netflix series 'Drive to Survive' on the sport's popularity and reflects on the complexities of F1, from engineering challenges to sustainable practices. His insights truly highlight the intersection of business acumen and high-performance racing.

Jan van Eck, CEO of Van Eck Funds, is an expert in navigating market trends with over $75 billion in assets under management. He discusses how to spot when investments swing from hot to cold and the importance of strategic portfolio management. Jan explores emerging market opportunities in countries like India and Japan, and emphasizes the growing significance of technologies like AI. He also highlights the impact of global economic shifts, such as China's recovery, on commodity prices and investment strategies.

Dana Mattioli, an investigative reporter for the Wall Street Journal and author of "The Everything War," delves into Amazon's ominous corporate strategies. She discusses the company's transformation from a startup to a $2 trillion behemoth, its impact on traditional retailers, and the ethics behind its marketplace. Mattioli highlights the chilling decline of the shopping experience with rising prices and poor service. She also examines Amazon's cutthroat tactics against rivals and the intense pressures of its work culture, revealing unsettling truths about one of the world's most powerful corporations.

Larry Swedroe, the Head of Financial and Economic Research at Buckingham Strategic Wealth, dives into the allure and pitfalls of stock picking. He discusses why most retail investors struggle against institutional giants, highlighting behavioral biases and trading costs. Swedroe critiques the myth of successful stock picking, referencing Warren Buffett's strategies while advocating for diversified index investing. He acknowledges the thrill of stock picking but warns against its risks, suggesting a 'cowboy account' for speculative trades.

Procurement professionals face numerous challenges in sourcing essential suppliers. A new AI solution streamlines the onboarding process, allowing for supplier searches using plain English. Dun & Bradstreet’s partnership with IBM’s WatsonX AI is transforming the way data insights enhance supply chain management. This intelligent supplier search not only improves efficiency but also addresses customer needs through generative AI education. The podcast highlights how strategic partnerships and technology can lead to significant gains in procurement.