Educational Alpha - podcast cover

Educational Alpha

CAIA Associationcaia.org
Listen in on conversations with host Bill Kelly and an eclectic group of guests within the world of finance. Hear about their professional or personal journeys, career and life advice, and perspectives on the industry. There’s always more to the story …
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Episodes

S1: Conversation with Jacob Miller, Co-Founder, Opto Investments

In this installment, we have special guest, Jacob Miller, the co-founder of Opto Investments, joining us to delve into the fascinating world of private markets. Throughout the episode, we explore Opto Investments' approach, which focuses on providing diversified access to beta and identifying capital partners that offer differentiated opportunities. With a strong belief in the crucial role of Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs), Jacob highlights the importance of prescribing suitable remedies ...

Nov 29, 202340 minSeason 1Ep. 39

S1: Conversation with Jane Abitanta, Founder & CEO, Perceval Associates

In today's episode, Jane Abitanta, founder and CEO of Perceval Associates, a leadership and communications coaching company for the asset management industry, shares her insights and experiences working with institutional and wealth managers. The discussion explores the changing landscape of the asset management industry, particularly regarding gender diversity and the transition of wealth from institutions to individuals. Jane sheds light on her role in helping clients improve their communicati...

Nov 22, 202331 minSeason 1Ep. 38

S1: Conversation with Ashton McFadden, Founding Partner, Jamesbeck

In this installment, Bill is joined by Ashton McFadden, an expert in the asset management industry. Ashton begins by acknowledging the lack of diversity in the field while discussing the changes that are being made to address this issue. They delve into the different reasons for entering the industry and highlight the necessary skill sets. The conversation takes a closer look at the impact of COVID-19 on the search space and the use of technology, such as LinkedIn, to make talent more accessible...

Nov 15, 202334 minSeason 1Ep. 37

S1: Conversation with Kyle Samuels, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Creative Talent Endeavors

In today's episode, Bill welcomes Kyle Samuels, known for his expertise in the field of diversity hiring and insights into the challenges and opportunities it presents. Together, they discuss the importance of proactive advocacy in the job market, the significance of building a strong professional network, and the societal judgment surrounding college choices. They also dive into the complexities of diversity hiring, exploring the benefits, potential pitfalls, and the need for true diversity bey...

Nov 08, 202336 minSeason 1Ep. 36

S1: Conversation with Edmund Murphy, President & CEO, Empower

For this informative discussion, we have the privilege of hosting Edmund Murphy, an esteemed expert in the field of retirement services. With a keen understanding of the intricacies of the industry, Edmund imparts wisdom on a wide range of crucial topics, including the importance of user experience and operational excellence, as well as the challenges involved in providing accessible financial services to individuals from diverse backgrounds. As we navigate the complex realm of retirement planni...

Nov 01, 202333 minSeason 1Ep. 35

S1: Conversation with Desi Heathwood, Chairman, Boston Partners

In today's episode, we are joined by Desi Heathwood, a seasoned professional in the financial services industry. Desi brings a wealth of experience and wisdom gained throughout his career, and shares thoughts on topics that we can all relate to – how to care for both money and health as we age, the importance of putting clients first, and retirement planning. Listen in as we delve into the fascinating world of finance, relationships, and personal well-being in this thought-provoking episode....

Oct 25, 202332 minSeason 1Ep. 34

S1: Conversation with James Burron, Executive Director, CAASA

In this episode, Bill sits down with James Burron, the executive director of the Canadian Association of Alternative Strategies and Assets (CAASA). James shares his insights on the alts industry and how CAASA is making waves in Canada. Their discussion covers topics ranging from James’ background, adopting generative AI, the evolving landscape of diversification, the 60-40 investment strategy, and the expectations around private markets. Get ready for an informative and engaging discussion as we...

Oct 19, 202330 minSeason 1Ep. 33

S1: Conversation with Brian Digney, Director, Research & Content, SBAI

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 dete...

Oct 11, 202338 minSeason 1Ep. 32

S1: Conversation with Patrick Mahoney, CEO, Financial Planning Association

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 ab...

Oct 04, 202332 minSeason 1Ep. 31

S1: Conversation with Gillian Kemmerer, Anchor, Asset TV

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 educatio...

Sep 27, 202329 minSeason 1Ep. 30

S1: Conversation with Ben Hunt, Co-Founder and CEO, Second Foundation Partners and Author of Epsilon Theory

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 ...

Sep 20, 202331 minSeason 1Ep. 29

S1: Conversation with Shundrawn Thomas, Founder and Managing Partner, Copia Group

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...

Sep 13, 202335 minSeason 1Ep. 28

S1: Conversation with Lawrence Calcano, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, iCapital, Inc.

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 h...

Sep 06, 202329 minSeason 1Ep. 27

S1: Conversation with Sarah Williamson, CEO, FCLTGlobal

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 ...

Aug 30, 202334 minSeason 1Ep. 26

S1: Conversation with Marko Papic, Partner, and Chief Strategist, Clocktower Group

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!...

Aug 23, 202335 minSeason 1Ep. 25

S1: Conversation with Thomas Deinet, Executive Director, Standards Board for Alternative Investments (SBAI)

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. Y...

Aug 16, 202333 minSeason 1Ep. 24

S1: Conversation with Jane Buchan, CEO, Martlet Asset Management

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 experti...

Aug 09, 202327 minSeason 1Ep. 23

S1: Conversation with Tony Davidow, Senior Alternatives Investment Strategist, Franklin Templeton

In this episode Bill and guest Tony Davidow, author of Goals-Based Investing: A Visionary Framework for Wealth Management, discuss the evolving landscape of investing and the significance of adapting to it. Together, they examine relevant topics including the impact of inflation on investment strategies, the trend of consolidation, the importance of diversification, and much more! Throughout their discussion, Tony emphasizes the value of education on alternative investments, access to world-clas...

Aug 02, 202327 minSeason 1Ep. 22

S1: Conversation with Christoph Knaack, CEO, Preqin

In this episode, Bill speaks with the CEO at Preqin, Christoph Knaack, about the private capital industry, including challenges and strengths of balancing asset holding with realizing value. They explore topics such as transparency, secondaries, and the denominator effect, as well as the need for education, regulation, and technology. Christoph also shares insights from Preqin which focuses on alternative assets, while discussing the evolving industry and its growth potential.

Jul 26, 202326 minSeason 1Ep. 21

S1: Conversation with Tracy Vegro, CEO, The Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (The CISI)

In this episode, Tracy Vegro, a prominent figure in the financial services sector, joins Bill to discuss the significance of relevance, inclusion, and certainty in an uncertain world. The conversation covers integrity, ethics, culture, collaboration, and global economic development. Tracy shares insights on careers, digitization, AI, legal and regulatory fields, diversity, and the role of professional bodies.

Jul 12, 202332 minSeason 1Ep. 20

S1: Conversation with Christine Bourron, Founder, Pi-eX

In this episode, Bill interviews Christine Bourron, the founder of Pi-eX, a company that tracks the public auction market data in the art industry. The episode covers various topics, including fractionalization, NFTs, investing in art, and the democratization of access to products. Christine outlines Pi-eX’s methodology for creating an auction market index and the challenges of investing in art.

Jul 05, 202326 minSeason 1Ep. 19

S1: Convestion with Randy Cohen, Senior Lecturer, Harvard Business School

In this episode, Bill catches up with Randy Cohen, a seasoned educator who has taught investments and alts at Harvard Business School for 25 years. Randy dives into the current state of education and how the pace of technological change is disrupting the job market, leading to stress on educational institutions to keep up with new demands. He also explores the use of AI technology in education and recommends a book that predicted the invention of the iPad - Amazon Unbound by Jeff Bezos. This ins...

Jun 28, 202334 minSeason 1Ep. 18

S1: Conversation with Stacy Havener, Founder and CEO of Havener Capital

In this episode, Bill catches up with Stacy Havener, founder and CEO of Havener Capital. They discuss the importance of storytelling in the asset management industry and how it can shift the focus from asset gathering to creating value for clients while also diving into how the biases, norms, and outdated ways of thinking can be the antagonist in a story and how it's crucial to understand the client's hopes and dreams. Listen in!

Jun 21, 202325 minSeason 1Ep. 17

S1: Conversation with Stuart MacDonald, Chairman of Aaro Capital & Managing Partner at Bride Valley Partners

In this episode, Bill catches up with industry titan, Stuart MacDonald, Chairman of Aaro Capital. Stuart’s wealth of experience from over 30 years across top-tier global investment companies; his deep expertise in capital raising across alternative investment management and bankable technologies; his service on varied non-profit boards, and hosting the award-winning alternative investment radio show, The Naked Short Club, makes for an insightful and fascinating conversation. Listen in!

Jun 14, 202325 minSeason 1Ep. 16

S1: Conversation with Fiona Frick, Founder and Managing Partner, Circe Invest

In this episode, Bill talks with Fiona Frick, founder of Circe Invest and expert on investment allocation and sustainability issues. With over 30 years of experience in asset management, including 12 years as a CEO, Fiona is recognized by the financial industry as one of the most influential women in European finance. Dedicated to creating bridges between the finance industry, sustainability, and academia, she is a respected speaker on economics, financial markets, investment allocation, and the...

Jun 07, 202323 minSeason 1Ep. 15

S1: Conversation with Hossein Kazemi, PhD, CFA, Professor of Finance, Isenberg School of Management, University of Massachusetts and Senior Advisor, CAIA Association and FDP Institute

In this episode, Bill sits down with colleague Hossein Kazemi, Professor of Finance at the University of Massachusetts and Senior Advisor to CAIA Association and the Financial Data Professional Institute, to understand the new chatbot from OpenAI that is inspiring awe, fear, and stunts – ChatGPT. Hossein defines what the “G”, the “P”, and the “T” stand for, and the power and limitations of the tool that is even more advanced than we think. Listen in!

May 31, 202332 minSeason 1Ep. 14

S1: Conversation with David Lee Kuo Chuen, Professor, Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS)

In this episode, Bill catches up with David Lee Kuo Chuen, professor of social sciences at Singapore University whose professional career could be described as a “diverse portfolio”. From his early days as a hedge fund manager, to researching bitcoin, crypto, and blockchain technology, to an educator of fintech and social impact, David’s career spans decades of continuous movement toward the forefront of investment and technology. Listen in!

May 24, 202326 minSeason 1Ep. 13

S1: Conversation with Mario Therrien, CFA , Head of Investment Funds and External Management at Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ)

In this episode, Bill talks with Mario Therrien, Head of Investment Funds and External Management at CDPQ, a global investment group based in Montréal. The conversation spans from Mario’s insight on how working with a pension fund provides him with a deeper sense of the impact of generating alpha. Mario expresses how he strives to leave the industry in a better place than when he started. Listen in!

May 17, 202326 minSeason 1Ep. 12

S1: Conversation with Jennifer Murphy, CFA, founder and CEO of Runa Digital Assets, LLC and Alex Botte, CFA, CAIA, Head of Client & Portfolio Solutions at Runa Digital Assets, LLC

In this episode, Bill catches up with two guests from the digital assets space, Jennifer Murphy, Founder & CEO of Runa Digital Assets and Alex Botte, Head of Client & Portfolio Solutions at Runa. It’s no secret that the evolution of the “Web” has transformed our world. Its first phase, Web 1, opened the unprecedented availability of information, and Web 2’s interactive social and mobile applications created some of the world’s most powerful networks and most valuable companies. Listen in...

May 09, 202325 minSeason 1Ep. 11

S1: Conversation with Stefania Di Bartolomeo, Founder, Physis Investment

In this episode, Bill hears from Stefania Di Bartolomeo, Founder of Physis Investment and self-described “Quant Humanist”. Early on, Stefania became the youngest impact investing fund manager in Europe. Since then, she has worked to fill the need for a “different” level of transparency to answer the next “big question” – How do we measure the impact of money on the planet? Listen in!

May 03, 202323 minSeason 1Ep. 10
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