Capital Allocators – Inside the Institutional Investment Industry

Katy Milkman, a renowned professor at The Wharton School and author of 'How to Change,' delves into the science of behavior change. She discusses the eight key obstacles people face in transforming their lives, including procrastination and laziness. With insights from her own experiences, she presents strategies like 'temptation bundling' and commitment devices to motivate change. Plus, she explores how behavioral biases influence investment decisions, providing listeners with tools to improve their financial choices.

Yen Liow, Founder and Managing Partner of Aravt Global, shares his investment journey from Ziff Brothers Investments to his own firm. He discusses the intricacies of long-short strategies, emphasizing the art of short selling and the significance of portfolio construction. Yen highlights three 'right tail' strategies for long positions and the importance of navigating market inefficiencies. With insights about cultivating a winning mindset and the challenges of volatility, this conversation is a treasure trove for public equity enthusiasts.

John Toomey, a key player at HarbourVest Partners with over three decades in private equity, dives into the industry's evolution and growth opportunities. He discusses the significance of due diligence and data analytics, as well as emerging trends like ESG and D&I. John shares insights on the transformation of co-investment practices, emphasizing the importance of relationships in decision-making. He also explores the complexities of secondary market transactions and the challenges of aligning investment strategies globally, all while reflecting on his personal journey in the field.

In this conversation, Nat Fraser, an Executive Director at Agility, interviews Justin Fishner-Wolfson, Co-Founder of 137 Ventures, a firm renowned for its innovative investment strategies. They delve into the unique approaches to sourcing deals in venture capital and the evolving dynamics of the IPO market. The dialogue touches on the challenges of talent acquisition in a competitive landscape and the personal struggles of balancing career success with parenthood. Justin shares valuable life lessons about kindness and patience in business, enriching the discussion.

Paul Black and Mike Trigg from WCM Investment Management share their journey of transforming a struggling firm into a $100 billion giant. They discuss the importance of fostering a positive culture and innovative hiring practices, emphasizing passion and humility over credentials. The duo highlights the significance of truth-telling and adaptability in leadership, along with lessons on perseverance derived from personal experiences. They also critique the heavy reliance on traditional investment models, advocating for a focus on business fundamentals and team dynamics.

Mike Trigg, a partner and portfolio manager at WCM, shares his journey from The Motley Fool to transforming WCM into a powerhouse with over $66 billion in assets. He discusses the firm’s strategy of focusing on companies with strong 'moats' and a lasting competitive edge. The conversation highlights how company culture impacts investment decisions and the importance of adapting to market challenges. Trigg also emphasizes the value of kindness in professional interactions and offers insights into maintaining personal growth amid the complexities of investing.

Paul Black, Co-CEO and portfolio manager at WCM Investment Management, shares his wisdom on growth stock investing from his extensive experience in the financial industry. He defines what makes a great growth company and emphasizes the importance of corporate culture in driving success. Paul also discusses lessons learned from failures and the significance of perseverance. He provides insights into navigating market challenges and highlights the impact of a positive workplace culture on investment outcomes, ensuring a captivating discussion for investors and enthusiasts alike.

Join Jarrid Tingle and Henri Pierre-Jacques, co-founders of Harlem Capital, as they discuss their mission to invest in 1,000 diverse founders over 20 years. They highlight the importance of community and collaboration in venture capital. Hear personal stories about parental influence on leadership and how they navigate partnerships in a changing landscape. The duo also emphasizes their innovative approach to empowering underrepresented entrepreneurs, sourcing opportunities across sectors like fintech and e-commerce, while balancing work with personal passions.

In this conversation, Christopher Zook, Chairman and CIO of CAZ Investments, dives into thematic investing. He discusses the evolution of his firm, which focuses on innovative sectors like GP stakes and midstream energy. Zook shares his insights on navigating disruptive technologies that influence consumer behavior, including notable companies like Zoom and Peloton. Additionally, he reflects on his partnership with Tony Robbins and how it shapes CAZ's future, offering a glimpse into building loyal client relationships and capitalizing on market trends.

In this engaging discussion, Chris Douvos, founder of Ahoy Capital, interviews Bill Trenchard, a partner at First Round Capital known for investing in tech giants like Uber and Flexport. They explore the unique community-driven model of First Round, emphasizing mentorship and diversity in venture capital. Bill shares his journey from tech entrepreneur to investor, along with the tough love philosophy in guiding startups. They also tackle the shift to remote work and productivity hacks, offering insights on balancing work and passion.