Capital Allocators – Inside the Institutional Investment Industry

Daniel Graña, head of Janus Henderson’s emerging markets equity strategy, shares fascinating insights from his investment journey rooted in Cuba and Peru. He delves into the early chaotic days of emerging markets and the critical role of political governance on investment success. With compelling stories, he discusses the intricacies of navigating complex markets like Mexico, the importance of evaluating risk and valuation, and the contrasting futures of countries like Vietnam and Brazil. His reflections on adaptability and cultural understanding round out a conversation rich in wisdom.

Join Brett Barth, a partner at BBR Partners, Jon Harris from Alternative Investment Management, and Casey Whalen, partner at Truvvo Partners, as they mix fun with finance. They reflect on the lasting impacts of COVID-19, share candid views on cryptocurrency, and discuss the importance of mentorship in shaping their careers. The conversation dives into the evolving landscapes of private equity and hedge funds, ethical investing practices, and the urgent need for diversity in the finance industry, all with a spirit of friendship and camaraderie.

Jon Harris, CEO of Alternative Investment Management, shares insights from his extensive experience managing over $1 billion in hedge fund and private equity strategies. He emphasizes a people-oriented investment approach, discussing the significance of building networks and understanding manager motivations. The conversation covers the challenges of aligning interests, hidden fees in co-investments, and the importance of cultural values in hedge fund workplaces. Harris also touches on balancing philanthropy with investment commitments, highlighting integrity and personal connections.

Meredith Jenkins, Chief Investment Officer of Trinity Wall Street, shares her journey in institutional investing, overseeing a $5.5 billion endowment. She discusses early career lessons from Goldman Sachs and her time at Carnegie Corporation. The conversation touches on the importance of aligning interests, navigating co-CIO dynamics, and strategic decisions in real estate, particularly with a focus on social justice. Jenkins emphasizes the need for diverse perspectives in investment strategies while addressing the complexities of managing emotions in a church setting.

Brett Barth, Founder and CIO of BBR Partners, manages over $12.5 billion for 125 families. He shares his dual experiences of parenting twins and navigating the investment world. The conversation dives deep into family-focused asset allocation strategies and the nuances of selecting investment managers. Brett discusses emerging market inefficiencies and innovative opportunities, such as music royalties. His practical insights provide valuable guidance for allocators ranging from financial advisors to larger institutional investors.

Beezer Clarkson, a Partner at Sapphire Ventures, joins Mike Smith and Nikhil Basu Trivedi, co-founders of Footwork Ventures. They reveal their innovative approach to early-stage investing, emphasizing personal relationships and operational expertise. The trio discusses the importance of humility and ambition in successful founders, as well as their unique equal partnership model. They also touch on fundraising strategies, the challenges of the competitive landscape, and share personal insights into their habits, from fitness to hobbies, adding depth to their investment philosophy.

In this engaging discussion, Luke Ellis, CEO of Man Group and Deputy Chairman of the Standards Board for Alternative Investments, dives into his extensive experience in the hedge fund world. He reflects on the evolution of capital allocation and the importance of innovation in investment strategies. Luke emphasizes the need for patience in investing and explores the balance between nurturing young talent and retaining seasoned professionals. He also shares insights on harnessing technology for better decision-making and the challenges of expanding into private equity.

Luke Ellis, CEO of Man Group, and Mario Therrien, Head of Investment Funds at CDPQ, share their seasoned insights on the hedge fund industry. They discuss the evolution of the Standards Board of Alternative Investments, emphasizing the need for collaboration to enhance transparency and best practices. The duo reflects on the changing landscape of hedge fund fees and how technology is shaping the future. Their chat also includes fun career dreams and valuable lessons learned from their mothers, balancing serious topics with light-hearted anecdotes.

Ryan Batchelor, Co-founder and Portfolio Manager at Clifford Capital Partners, discusses sustainable investing and deep value strategies with Paul Black, Co-CEO of WCM Investment Management. They explore their dynamic partnership and the importance of principled relationships in forming investment firms. The conversation dives into deep value investing, using GameStop and Abercrombie & Fitch as case studies, and highlights how company culture impacts investment decisions. Additionally, they share practical life lessons about independent thinking and recognizing opportunities.

Katie Hall, Founder and Co-Chair of Hall Capital Partners, shares her inspiring journey from launching a $40 billion firm to revolutionizing asset allocation for high-net-worth clients. She delves into her unique investment philosophy, emphasizing the integration of alternatives, crypto, and ESG in the evolving market landscape. Katie also discusses the importance of a long-term perspective in investment strategies and fostering a culture of shared ownership and collaboration within her firm. Her insights on governance and future growth are equally thought-provoking.