In this episode, host Bill Kelly welcomes Joe Simonian, a prominent figure in the world of financial data science and the Chairman of the Financial Data Professional (FDP) Institute. Joe shares insights from his extensive career, spanning over 18 years in global asset management and financial data science. The discussion traverses the evolution of quantitative tools in finance, the nascent but promising applications of generative AI, and the critical need for synthetic datasets in investment str...
Sep 18, 2024•37 min•Season 2Ep. 27
In this episode, host Bill Kelly sits down with Mark Anson, CEO and CIO of Commonfund, to explore the evolution of the endowment model and its ongoing relevance in today's investment landscape. Mark shares his extensive experience, from managing the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) to leading Commonfund, providing insights into private equity, the growth of interval funds, and the impact of generative AI on portfolio management. Listen in!
Sep 11, 2024•37 min•Season 2Ep. 26
In this episode, Bill talks with Chad Braun, co-founder of Fifth Corner, about the nuances of real estate investments. Chad shares his journey from public accounting to leading a public REIT and finally to his work at Fifth Corner. The discussion covers the differences between public and private real estate investments, the concept of irreplaceable corners, and the impact of e-commerce on retail spaces. Chad also explains the importance of demographic data in investment decisions and the benefit...
Jun 26, 2024•36 min•Season 2Ep. 25
In this episode, host Bill Kelly is joined by Kevin McCreadie, CEO and CIO of AGF Management. They discuss the evolving landscape of asset management, focusing on the challenges and opportunities presented by market disruptions, democratization, and tax efficiency. Kevin shares insights from his extensive career, highlighting AGF's innovative approach to global investments and the importance of tailored financial products. The conversation explores the significance of active management, the need...
Jun 18, 2024•41 min•Season 2Ep. 24
In this episode, host Bill welcomes Cathy Marcus, Co-CEO and Global COO at PGIM Real Estate. Cathy shares her extensive experience in the real estate sector, highlighting the evolution of the market, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The discussion covers the complexities of office space investments, the growing importance of ESG requirements, and the potential of data centers driven by advances in technology. Cathy also addresses the challenges and opportunities in democrati...
Jun 12, 2024•24 min•Season 2Ep. 23
In this episode Bill interviews Charles Henry Monchau, Chief Investment Officer at a Swiss private bank, renowned for its innovative approach in the banking sector. Charles shares his extensive international experience and insights into the evolution of private banking, emphasizing the integration of digital assets and pioneering private equity investments. The discussion explores the importance of staying updated with market developments and the impact of technological advancements like blockch...
Jun 05, 2024•34 min•Season 2Ep. 22
In this episode, host Bill Kelly is joined by Corey Hoffstein, a notable figure in quantitative finance and co-founder of Newfound Research. Corey revisits his unexpected journey from an aspiring video game developer to a financial strategist driven by a passion for quantitative finance.The discussion centers around the concept of "return stacking," a strategy developed to enhance portfolio diversification without sacrificing traditional asset classes. This innovative approach aims to leverage m...
May 29, 2024•40 min•Season 2Ep. 21
In this episode, Bill speaks with Kostiantyn Shost, a CAIA Member from Ukraine, who shares his unique perspective on professionalism and resilience amidst the country's ongoing conflict. Born into a military family with a globally diverse upbringing, Kostiantyn details his journey from various global posts to settling in Ukraine. Despite the severe backdrop of war, he maintains a commitment to professionalism and community service through his active participation in the CFA Society of Ukraine. L...
May 22, 2024•29 min•Season 2Ep. 20
In this episode, Bill interviews Andrew Ang, a former Professor of Business and current investment expert at BlackRock, discussing the nuanced application of factor investing in both public and private markets. Andrew shares his journey from academia to industry, emphasizing the integration of data and technology in investment strategies. The conversation explores the critical aspects of factor investing, the democratization of sophisticated investment strategies for individual investors, and th...
May 15, 2024•38 min•Season 2Ep. 19
In this episode Bill sits down with Tim Hodgson, co-founder of the Thinking Ahead Institute, to discuss the transformative journey of the investment industry. Starting from Tim's early career as an institutional investment consultant to the inception of the Thinking Ahead Institute in 2015, they explore the evolution from a business-centric to a more purpose-driven approach. They reflect on CAIA’s most recent collaborative effort with Thinking Ahead Institute, while developing a new framework of...
May 08, 2024•41 min•Season 2Ep. 18
In this episode Bill speaks with Daniil Shapiro of Cerulli Associates to explore significant trends shaping the asset and wealth management landscape. Shapiro, with a background rich in risk management and product development, offers a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities within alternative investments, ETFs, and the evolving demands of the advisory market. This episode not only addresses the intricacies of alternative investments and their place in retail and institutional...
May 01, 2024•41 min•Season 2Ep. 17
This episode of Educational Alpha features Bill in a heartwarming discussion with four of his five children, offering a rare glimpse into the interplay of family life with professional aspirations. The episode spans personal stories, career choices, and the profound influence of familial bonds on personal development. Sam, Zach, Abby, and Will, alongside reflections on their absent brother Max, share insights from their diverse paths—ranging from finance and medicine to marketing and college exp...
Apr 24, 2024•50 min•Season 2Ep. 16
In this episode, Bill welcomes Stephen McCourt from Meketa Investment Group to discuss the significant shifts within the investment landscape. Stephen shares his journey from joining a small consulting firm to becoming a co-CEO, alongside the evolution of Meketa. He provides an in-depth analysis of private markets, emphasizing the importance of private equity and infrastructure investments. Stephen delves into the challenges and developments within the consultant model, reflecting on his experie...
Apr 17, 2024•40 min•Season 2Ep. 15
In this episode Bill sits down with Christine Barry, CEO of CeriFi, exploring the intersection of education technology and professional certifications. The episode delves into CeriFi's innovative approach to consolidating educational resources for financial professionals, including preparation for high-stakes certifications like CFP and CFA. Christine discusses the impact of generative AI on learning platforms, the importance of embracing technology in education, and the critical role of ethics ...
Apr 10, 2024•38 min•Season 2Ep. 14
In this episode, Bill is joined by Michael Green, discussing his journey from consultancy to leading roles in investment firms, including his current position at Simplify Asset Management. Michael delves into his extensive background, the transformative changes in the ETF space, and the conceptualization of tail risks in investments. The conversation also explores the implications of digital assets and the evolution of market strategies. Listen in!
Apr 03, 2024•44 min•Season 2Ep. 13
In this episode, Bill welcomes Michelle DiGruttolo, a seasoned intelligence professional with a 25-year career in army intelligence, and a former daily intelligence briefer for President Barack Obama. Michelle discusses her extensive background, offering insights into geopolitical risks and the evolution of security clearances. She also delves into the implications of current geopolitical dynamics, highlighting the shift from a unipolar to a multipolar world, and the impact of global changes on ...
Mar 27, 2024•34 min•Season 2Ep. 12
In this episode, host Bill welcomes Kevin Donohoe from Abbey Capital to discuss the intricate world of hedge funds and managed futures. Kevin provides an extensive overview of his background, initially aspiring to be a lawyer and eventually finding his passion in finance and trading. As the head of research at Abbey Capital, Kevin shares insights into the company's evolution, its managed futures strategy, and the importance of multi-manager approaches in asset management. The discussion also cov...
Mar 20, 2024•35 min•Season 2Ep. 11
In this episode, Bill is joined by Don Steinbrugge, the CEO and Founder of Agecroft Partners. With his extensive asset management and hedge fund background, Don offers an in-depth analysis of current trends in the hedge fund industry. This episode covers a broad spectrum of topics, from industry growth and investment strategies to the impact of ETFs and cryptocurrency. Don’s insights into risk management, strategy sizing, and the changing dynamics of the hedge fund space provide invaluable persp...
Mar 13, 2024•36 min•Season 1Ep. 10
In this episode, Bill welcomes Robin Fabiano, an experienced educator and administrator. They discuss the crucial issue of mental health in the educational sector, focusing on its effects on students and teachers. The conversation includes insights into the changing landscape of mental health challenges, the role of social media, and strategies for improving mental health support in schools. Listen in!
Mar 06, 2024•36 min•Season 2Ep. 9
In this episode, Bill is joined by author Jared Dillian, discussing his journey from a radio show host to an accomplished author. They explore themes of financial stress and risk management, delving into Jared's philosophy of living a stress-free financial life. The conversation touches upon Jared's views on ambition, his diverse career including a stint as a DJ, and his future literary endeavors. Listen in!
Feb 27, 2024•31 min•Season 1Ep. 9
In this episode, Bill hosts Sarah Samuels, a partner at NEPC. Sarah shares her journey from an administrative assistant to a senior role in the investment world, discussing the importance of getting into the game and embracing responsibilities. They explore the evolving landscape of private markets, the impact of geopolitical risks, and the significance of financial education. Sarah also talks about her children's book, "Braving Our Savings," aimed at teaching financial fluency to young readers....
Feb 21, 2024•36 min•Season 2Ep. 7
In this episode, Bill is joined by Chrysanthy Vakla, Deputy CEO of Susten, for an in-depth discussion on sustainable energy and its future. Chrys, with her extensive background in finance and venture capital, shares her insights on the dynamic landscape of renewable energy and climate technology. The conversation covers Chrys's professional journey from the concept of energy transition to the role of venture capital in fostering innovative energy solutions. Listen in!
Feb 14, 2024•32 min•Season 2Ep. 6
In this episode of Educational Alpha, Bill speaks with Chris Addy, CEO of Castle Hall Diligence. They enter the multifaceted world of operational due diligence, exploring its evolution, current challenges, and the profound impact of technological advancements. The conversation also touches upon various industry shifts, including the role of regulation, transparency issues, and the dynamic nature of asset management. Listen in!
Feb 07, 2024•45 min•Season 2Ep. 5
In this episode, Bill sits down with David Breach, President and COO of Vista Equity Partners. With over two decades in the industry, David shares his journey from a non-traditional background into the private equity world. The conversation delves into the transformative nature of enterprise software investments, the implications of market shifts, and the strategies for successful asset management. Listen in as they discuss the importance of governance, the impact of technological advancements, ...
Jan 31, 2024•37 min•Season 2Ep. 4
In this episode of Educational Alpha, Bill welcomes Zoe Cruz, a pioneer in the financial world. Zoe shares her invaluable experiences from Morgan Stanley to the establishment of her venture, Menai, shedding light on the digital asset revolution, the importance of regulatory frameworks, and the evolving nature of finance. The discussion explores the potential and pitfalls of digital currencies, the impact of technology on traditional finance, and the profound implications for future generations a...
Jan 24, 2024•39 min•Season 2Ep. 3
In this episode of Educational Alpha, Bill, along with special guests Chris Tarui and Aaron Filbeck, examines the evolving landscape of investments, highlighting the crucial role of education and democratization in asset management. They discuss the potential shift of trillions of dollars into alternative investments, emphasizing informed decision-making and responsible leadership. The conversation explores regulatory aspects, technology's role in democratization, and the significant impact of m...
Jan 17, 2024•45 min•Season 2Ep. 2
Welcome back to Season two of Educational Alpha! In our first episode of the season, we sit down with Josh Lerner, a renowned professor at Harvard Business School and an economics and private equity expert. They explore the complex world of private equity, discussing its evolution, the blend of public and private markets, and the future of investment strategies. Josh shares his journey into private equity and provides a deep dive into commitment strategies, manager selection, and the influence o...
Jan 10, 2024•38 min•Season 2Ep. 1
10 months, 41 episodes, over 1000 followers and more than 11, 500 listens, and Educational Alpha closes out its first season! CAIA Association CEO, Bill Kelly and an eclectic group of guests within the world of finance shared their professional or personal journeys, career and life advice, and perspectives on the industry. There was always more to the story … In this brief retrospective episode, Bill Kelly and producer, Suzie Rodkey look back at Season 1, reflecting on a few unforgettable moment...
Dec 20, 2023•9 min•Season 1Ep. 42
In this episode, Bill is joined by the highly-regarded Olwyn Alexander from PwC, a maestro of wealth management. Together, they explore the intricate canvas of asset management, delve into the transformation of recruitment trends, and discuss promising global opportunities. They shed light on the climate change crisis and Bill's recent impactful journey through the Middle East. They also navigate the complex corridors of innovative technologies like Chat GPT and Blockchain and the ensuing demand...
Dec 13, 2023•35 min•Season 1Ep. 41
In this episode, we dive into a fascinating conversation with Jack Inglis, a prominent figure in the financial industry. He shares insights on a wide range of topics, from the challenges of international regulation alignment to the evolving landscape of alternative investments. Discover why due diligence and transparent value-add are crucial when considering hedge fund investments and learn about the importance of diversification and risk-adjusted returns. Jack also comments on global cooperatio...
Dec 06, 2023•33 min•Season 1Ep. 40
