Capital Allocators – Inside the Institutional Investment Industry

Dmitry Balyasny, founder and chief investment officer of Balyasny Asset Management, dives deep into the world of multi-strategy hedge funds. He discusses the evolution of trading strategies and the importance of team dynamics in achieving success. The conversation highlights the challenges of risk management and the pursuit of alpha through skilled stock selection. Balyasny also shares insights on nurturing talent within the investment space and the cyclical battle for skilled portfolio managers, all while balancing professional growth with personal values.

Kipp deVeer, Director and partner at Ares Management, dives into the dynamic world of private credit. He shares his evolution from Wall Street to Silicon Valley, navigating career challenges and personal growth. Kipp discusses the maturation of private credit as an asset class, exploring current trends and investor perceptions. He highlights the significance of scaling success and operational efficiency, while also covering risks and investment opportunities in a tightening market. Personal insights reveal his love for skiing and the impact of mentorship on his journey.

Stan Miranda, founder and chairman of Partners Capital, shares his journey in institutional investing. He discusses creating transparency and independence post-tech bubble and navigating the complexities of the endowment model. The conversation highlights the challenges in biotech and venture capital, emphasizing the importance of rigorous due diligence and innovative strategies. Miranda also explores emerging asset classes like crypto and AI, along with the dynamics of succession in asset management. Personal anecdotes and insights on investment strategies add an entertaining touch.

Reflect on a year of achievements and the innovative format of the inaugural CIO Summit that sparked lively discussions among industry leaders. Discover the exciting growth of the podcast and plans for future events aimed at emerging allocators. Delve into how podcasts have transitioned into successful business models, along with the influence of sponsorships on audience engagement. Set ambitious new goals for the investment community while unveiling the top five must-listen episodes that captivated listeners throughout 2023.

Gregg Lemkau, CEO of MSD Partners and former Goldman Sachs executive, shares his unique journey from aspiring soccer player to investment banking powerhouse. He discusses MSD's evolution from a family office to a leading institutional firm, emphasizing long-term strategies and a commitment to underserved founders. Gregg also dives into complex negotiation dynamics, highlighting lessons from the Uber boardroom struggles. With insights drawn from his love of golf, he reflects on mentorship and the importance of strategic thinking in business.

Gary Sernovitz, Managing Director at Lime Rock Partners and author of "The Counting House," shares his insights from two decades in investment management. He discusses the unique challenges faced by Chief Investment Officers, including nuanced pressures and self-doubt. Exploring the dynamics between CIOs and investment managers, Gary highlights the importance of strategic thinking and authentic relationships in decision-making. He also shares personal reflections on mentorship, the role of curiosity, and the delicate balance of navigating trends in the investor landscape.

Thomas Haugaard, a seasoned portfolio manager at Janus Henderson Investors with decades of experience in strategy and academia, shares fascinating insights into hard currency emerging markets debt. He discusses the misconceptions surrounding this sector and highlights the significant opportunities it offers. The conversation dives into managing sovereign credit risk, revealing the complexities of monitoring various nations and underscoring the impact of governance on investment decisions. Additionally, Haugaard illustrates market inefficiencies using Costa Rica as a case study, showcasing the nuances of risk assessment.

Andy Acker, a Portfolio Manager at Janus Henderson Investors, specializes in healthcare strategies, focusing on biotech opportunities often overlooked by mainstream investors. He discusses the significant advancements in drug development despite challenges faced by biotech stocks. Acker explains his investment process, including idea filtering and assessing management teams. He highlights breakthroughs in gene therapy for severe genetic conditions and shares insights on navigating rising healthcare costs amid evolving market trends. His contrarian view unveils promising green shoots in a seemingly empty room.

Daniel Graña, who leads Janus Henderson’s emerging markets equity strategy, shares insights on the dynamic world of emerging market investing. He recounts the wild west of early days in these regions and emphasizes the importance of good governance. They discuss navigating political landscapes, including a revealing story involving a Russian oligarch, and the challenges of launching Mexico's first REIT. Daniel advocates for a nuanced approach to portfolio construction in countries like China and Brazil, blending personal values with investment strategies.

Marcia Page, Co-Founder and Executive Chair of Värde Partners and Founder of MPowered Capital, is a pioneer in alternative investments. She discusses her roots in Minnesota, the transition from Cargill to founding Värde, and her commitment to enhancing diversity in finance. Marcia highlights her innovative initiatives at MPowered that empower underrepresented talent. The conversation also explores the importance of decentralized decision-making and the evolving dynamics of high yield markets, showcasing her extensive expertise and leadership journey in the industry.