Educational Alpha

In today's episode, Bill speaks with CAIA Member Brian Digney, an expert in operational due diligence and a true advocate for enhancing the transparency and professionalism within the industry. Throughout, Brian shares intriguing anecdotes and observations, drawing on real-life scenarios and peppered with past experiences. They delve into the significance of operational plumbing within the industry, the rise of illiquid investments, and the vital role that operational due diligence plays in detecting trends and risks. Moreover, Brian explores the delicate balance between risk and reward, outlining the key factors that institutional investors consider when partnering with emerging managers. Listen in! 

In today's episode, Bill Kelly is joined by the CEO of the Financial Planning Association, Patrick Mahoney. A wealth of knowledge in the industry, Patrick shares his insights on the intricacies of the ever-evolving financial planning profession including the most pressing matters surrounding it today. Patrick draws insightful comparisons with established fields like dentistry, emphasizing the critical importance of education and credentials in shaping varying levels of expertise. Get ready to absorb valuable insights as we navigate the complex realm of financial planning. Listen in! 

For this episode, Bill welcomes a very special guest, sports and business journalist, Gillian Kemmerer. She shares how her experiences as a hockey player and a locker room reporter gave her more empathy for her guests, opened her eyes to the importance of diversity in the workplace, and instilled an appreciation for the evolution of the role of female reporters in the sports industry. But the conversation doesn't stop there. Gillian shares her insights on the importance of democratizing education before product democratization, the concept of "illiquidity premium," and the need for greater access to private market opportunities for investors. Listen in! 

In today's episode, we are joined by special guest Ben Hunt, a seasoned professional with a diverse background. Bill and Ben share a common history, having worked together in the past, and now they're here discussing truth, transparency, and the power of narratives. Ben takes us through his three distinct career paths, from academia to entrepreneurship and ultimately landing in the world of investments. However, it was a pivotal moment that led him to explore a new approach to managing money in a world where fundamentals seemed to lose their significance. This journey culminated in Ben's creation of the popular blog newsletter, Epsilon Theory, which now reaches over 120,000 readers. Get ready for an enlightening discussion that will challenge your thinking and shed light on the untapped potential of understanding the stories we tell ourselves. Listen in!

In today's episode we have the honor of hosting an industry titan, Shundrawn Thomas. With over 25 years of impactful leadership in financial services, he brings a wealth of knowledge and perspective to this fascinating conversation. A South Side Chicago native, Shundrawn’s life experiences have colored his views on everything from societal economics to the critical role of education and faith. He particularly shines in his ability to marry investment performance with positive societal change. As the founder and managing partner of the Copia Group, he's breaking down barriers by providing economic opportunities and access to capital for underrepresented entrepreneurs. This discussion delves deep into the importance of diversity in business, the hurdles in securing capital, and the transformative work Shundrawn is spearheading. Listen in!

In this episode we're joined by Lawrence Calcano, Chairman and CEO of iCapital, Inc. who will be sharing his expertise on private equity, alternative investments, and the importance of understanding liquidity in the market. Lawrence emphasizes that investors must be prepared for their capital to be tied up for several years, sheds light on how general partners drive performance improvements in the companies they invest in, and much more. Listen in on this educational journey as Lawrence shares his wealth of knowledge on navigating the intricate world of alternative investments.

In this episode, Sarah Williamson, CEO of FCLTGlobal, shares her insights on various subjects, including the differences between public and private investments, the critical transition to clean energy, and the modernization of pension systems. Delving into tools for investors and their long-term value impact, Sarah emphasizes the importance of climate considerations in portfolio management and critiques the outdated US pension system, highlighting the efficiency of the Australian superannuation system. Listen in!

In this episode we are joined by Marko Papic, a renowned expert in geopolitical risk. Marko shares his insights on the shifting dynamics of a multipolar global environment and its impact on climate change. Get ready for an intellectually stimulating conversation as we uncover the intersection of politics, finance, and global challenges. Stay tuned for an episode packed with expertise and thought-provoking insights on geopolitics and its implications for investors. Listen in!

In this episode, we welcome noteworthy guest, Thomas Deinet, who joins host Bill Kelly to discuss the fascinating journey of the Standards Board for Alternative Investments (SBAI), which was formerly known as Hedge Fund Standards Board, and its mission to establish industry-wide standards. Thomas takes us back to the pressure faced by the hedge fund industry during the financial crisis, the birth of the SBAI, and the importance of transparency and collaboration in improving industry practices. You'll be privy to an insightful conversation about investor education, regulatory challenges, and the future of the financial services industry. Listen in!

In this episode Bill welcomes esteemed guest Jane Buchan, a prominent advocate for diversity and a pioneer in the alternative finance space. They discuss the significance of diversification and demographic adaptation in risk management, the shift from traditional to decentralized finance, and the future trajectories within this field. Jane also shares her notable career experiences, such as co-founding PAAMCO and her association with the Financial Data Professional Institute, lending her expertise to talk about operational efficiency, alpha generation, and the data science challenges in financial markets. Listen in!