Alt Goes Mainstream: The Latest on Alternative Investments, WealthTech, & Private Markets
Michael Sidgmore
Alt Goes Mainstream podcast is the place to turn to for interviews with some of the brightest and most experienced minds in the world at the intersection private markets and wealth management. AGM dives into investment strategies like private equity (PE), private credit, venture capital (VC), secondaries, GP stakes, infrastructure, real estate, wealth management, and comprehensively covers tools and frameworks for approaching private markets, such as asset allocation, evergreen funds, model portfolios, and more. For anyone looking to invest into private markets (from experienced wealth managers to family offices to the individual investor looking for a more diversified investment portfolio), you’ll hear inside stories from executives and founders at some of the world’s largest financial institutions, alternative asset managers firms, and wealth management firms. More than a personal finance podcast, Alt Goes Mainstream dives deep into trends, investment strategies, firm building lessons, and innovative technologies that are enabling investors to access private markets.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 2, 2025 • 52min
Franklin Templeton's George Stephan - bringing public and private together
In this discussion, George Stephan, COO of Global Wealth Management Alternatives at Franklin Templeton, shares insights from his extensive experience in wealth solutions and private markets. He outlines the evolution of private market adoption and the unique challenges traditional asset managers face. George emphasizes the importance of cultural fit in acquisitions while highlighting Franklin's innovative approach with evergreen funds. He predicts an increase in demand for digital solutions in private markets, underscoring the significance of strategic partnerships and specialized product offerings.
Nov 19, 2025 • 54min
iAltA's Bill Crager - from building Envestnet to a "transformational moment" in wealth management
Bill Crager, a wealth management entrepreneur and co-founder of Envestnet, shares insights on the tech transformation in wealth management. He highlights the evolving role of private markets and how technology can enhance advisor-client experiences. Crager discusses challenges in private market infrastructure and the importance of data aggregation. He emphasizes AI's potential in financial planning while advocating for the enduring need for human advisors. His current venture, iAltA, aims to bridge the gap between private markets and wealth platforms, promising a more integrated future.
20 snips
Nov 13, 2025 • 53min
Vista Equity Partners' Robert F. Smith - on who will benefit from AI
Robert F. Smith, the Founder and CEO of Vista Equity Partners, shares his vast experience in enterprise software investing. He highlights how his engineering background informs Vista's approach to evaluating investments. The discussion includes insights on AI's potential, where incumbents might have an advantage, and the importance of data sovereignty. Smith emphasizes the unique risk-return profile of enterprise software and the skills needed in an AI-driven world, offering a glimpse into how AI can transform the industry and elevate wealth management.
Nov 11, 2025 • 55min
Nomura Capital Management's Robert Stark - building a private credit business within a global bank
Robert Stark, CEO of Nomura Capital Management, brings a wealth of experience from the asset management world. He discusses the rapidly evolving private credit market and the importance of building a standalone asset management business. Stark emphasizes a people-first approach to hiring, the need for diversified private credit solutions, and the significance of strategic partnerships. He also highlights how Nomura's Japanese wealth experience shapes their strategy and anticipates the integration of public and private credit in the future.
Nov 4, 2025 • 38min
PGIM's Dominick Carlino - operating at the intersection of asset management, insurance, and wealth management
Dominick Carlino, PGIM's Global Head of Alternative Investments, brings over 20 years of experience in private markets distribution. In the discussion, he explores the evolution of private markets within wealth management, shedding light on the integration of asset management and insurance. He emphasizes the importance of educating investors about illiquidity and the rising popularity of evergreen funds. Dominick also predicts market consolidation and highlights the need for seamless platforms that combine public and private investment strategies.
21 snips
Oct 23, 2025 • 54min
Blue Owl's Matt A'Hearn - a generational opportunity in financing digital infrastructure
Matt A'Hearn, Senior Managing Director at Blue Owl and digital infrastructure expert, shares insights on the booming need for data centers in the age of AI. He discusses viewing hyperscalers as partners to address their capacity challenges while highlighting the significance of power generation in AI growth. Matt explains the evolving landscape of digital infrastructure, emphasizing the investment potential in cloud-native data centers and the importance of strong local partnerships to manage supply and demand dynamics effectively.
8 snips
Oct 14, 2025 • 40min
PGIM's Phil Waldeck - the intersection of insurance and asset management
Phil Waldeck, Head of Multi-Asset and Quantitative Solutions at PGIM, shares his extensive experience at the crossroads of insurance and asset management. He discusses the evolution of insurers allocating to private markets and emphasizes the central role of asset-liability management. Phil explains how insurers leverage their balance sheets to engage with private credit, why they partner with alternative managers, and the benefits of integrated investment platforms. He also highlights the need for rigorous governance and the opportunities in underdeveloped markets like Europe and Japan.
17 snips
Oct 7, 2025 • 1h 11min
Stonepeak's Mike Dorrell - pioneering infrastructure investing
In a captivating discussion, Mike Dorrell, Chairman and CEO of Stonepeak, shares insights from his vast experience in infrastructure investing. He reflects on his journey from Macquarie and Blackstone to co-founding Stonepeak, a leader in the field. Mike explores the evolution of infrastructure as a crucial asset class and the reasons institutional and individual investors should prioritize it. He also outlines essential skills for infrastructure investing and offers advice on balancing long-term investments with the fast-paced market trends impacting data centers.
4 snips
Oct 1, 2025 • 57min
Hg's Chris Kindt - AI's transformative role in value creation for private equity
In this engaging discussion, Chris Kindt, a partner at Hg and Head of Value Creation, shares his expertise in integrating AI into private equity. With 15 years in the field, he reveals how AI transforms investment processes and operational strategies. Discover how he builds high-performing teams to enhance value across Hg's extensive portfolio, focusing on talent and data-driven approaches. Chris emphasizes AI's role as a game changer for efficiency and product development, offering insights on balancing human judgment with AI's capabilities.
Sep 25, 2025 • 49min
Permira Part 2: Co-CEOs Brian Ruder and Dipan Patel - the collaborative leadership model in action: scaling an €80B alternative asset manager
Brian Ruder and Dipan Patel, Co-CEOs of Permira, share insights on leading a €80B alternative asset manager. They discuss the evolution of private equity, emphasizing the increasing importance of technology and software in buyouts. AI is framed as a platform shift, with implications for data and long-term growth strategies. Their collaborative leadership model fosters faster decision-making and a strong focus on cultural values. Ruder and Patel also address the need for deep sector capability and the advantages of founder-led companies in driving profitability.
