The Fiftyfaces Podcast

Aoifinn Devitt
The Fiftyfaces Podcast

A series that showcases the diversity and richness of the investment world through showcasing inspiring investors and their stories. 

  1. Bjorn Thelander - formerly of Dyson Family Office - co-hosted with Alvine: From the Frontier to the Mainstream and Back Again

    6 HRS AGO

    Bjorn Thelander - formerly of Dyson Family Office - co-hosted with Alvine: From the Frontier to the Mainstream and Back Again

    In this podcast - which was recorded with co-host Tom Raber of Alvine Capital, the co-hosts sit down with Björn Thelander, who is an experienced Family Office manager with broad international investment and industrial experience. His background is varied and involved many stints in emerging markets, punctuated by market crises which often necessitated a pivot - or two. We discuss how this shaped Björn in terms of his world view, his appetite for risk and his tolerance for volatility. We then trace his journey through investment banking, investment management, time at food-packaging giant Tetra Laval, a stint as an entrepreneur and his most recent role, as CIO at the James Dyson family office, Weybourne. He recently left this role and we discuss what the next chapter holds. Björn has a wide range of interests and experience, and this is reflected in his taste for "off the run" investments. We discuss the opportunity in Argentina and the reforms ushered in by Javier Milei, and debate the promise of Bitcoin and other digital assets, where Björn has had an early interest. On the personal side we examine Björn's competitive nature, his love of sports and recent books and other interests.This episode of the Fiftyfaces Podcast is proudly brought to you by bfinance—a trusted partner to the world’s leading institutional investors. With a proven track record in strategy, implementation, and oversight, bfinance delivers bespoke investment consultancy that empowers asset owners to achieve their unique objectives. Whether it’s refining portfolio strategy, selecting fund managers, monitoring performance or getting better value for money, bfinance combines global expertise with tailored solutions to unlock value for their clients. To learn more about how they’ve supported over 500 clients in 45 countries, managing assets totalling over $9 trillion, visit bfinance.com.

    25 min
  2. 2024 Wrap Up: Part 1 with John Harney of AON, from Total Return Portfolios (the Wood) to putting Members First (the Trees) and everything in between

    4 DAYS AGO · BONUS

    2024 Wrap Up: Part 1 with John Harney of AON, from Total Return Portfolios (the Wood) to putting Members First (the Trees) and everything in between

    In this podcast John Harney, associate partner at AON, actuary and expert on pensions - see https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnwilliamharney/ leads the discussion on what was learned over the course of 2024 - how we separated the wood from the trees and what trends we perceived. Both Episode 270 Penny Green (https://www.fiftyfaceshub.com/270-penny-green-pensions-and-trustee-veteran-putting-members-at-the-heart-of-everything/) and Episode 289 Carol Geremia (https://www.fiftyfaceshub.com/289-carol-geremia-of-mfs-investment-management-why-fiduciary-responsibility-is-always-in-fashion/) have as their touchstones the end use - whether the beneficiaries of pension funds or consumers of investment products. Getting back to the wood from the trees we look at the growth of Total Return investing, in two conversations with sovereign wealth funds - both Derek Walker of CPP Investments (Episode 260 https://www.fiftyfaceshub.com/260-derek-walker-of-cpp-investments-total-return-for-the-portfolio-of-tomorrow/) as well as former CEO of NZ Super Fund Matt Whineray (Episode 287, https://www.fiftyfaceshub.com/287-matt-whineray-former-ceo-of-nz-super-fund-towards-a-total-fund-portfolio-aproach/). In the discussion with emerging managers spotting opportunity we cite the podcasts with Raudline Etienne (Episode 291 https://www.fiftyfaceshub.com/291-raudline-etienne-of-daraja-capital-the-power-of-being-first-when-scouring-for-talent/) and Hallie Label (Episode 249 https://www.fiftyfaceshub.com/249-hallie-label-of-expect-equity-what-to-expect-when-youre-nurturing-investment-managers/) We also cite the most downloaded podcast of the year Episode 261 with David Golub (https://www.fiftyfaceshub.com/261-david-golub-of-golub-capital-giving-culture-the-credit/) and its focus on culture as well as the emerging importance of private credit made for a fascinating discussion.

    27 min
  3. Steve Neel of New Mexico Educational Retirement Board: Partnerships as a Pathway to the Future?

    JAN 7

    Steve Neel of New Mexico Educational Retirement Board: Partnerships as a Pathway to the Future?

    Steve Neel is Deputy Chief Investment Officer at the New Mexico Educational Retirement Board.  He spearheads the substantial alternative investing program at the fund. Our conversation starts with Steve’s childhood in the wettest state in the US – Hawaii – and how he ended up in one of the driest – New Mexico.   We discuss his ascent through the ranks at the New Mexico Educational Retirement Board, some of the mentors who helped to shape his approach and the approach to building a diversified alternatives portfolio that the fund has adopted. From what to order on a menu in New Mexico to how to build a fruitful strategic partnership this discussion is packed with fresh, relatable insights about the world of investing and beyond.  This podcast is brought to you with the kind support of bfinance—a trusted partner to the world’s leading institutional investors. With a proven track record in strategy, implementation, and oversight, bfinance delivers bespoke investment consultancy that empowers asset owners to achieve their unique objectives. Whether it’s refining portfolio strategy, selecting fund managers, monitoring performance or getting better value for money, bfinance combines global expertise with tailored solutions to unlock value for their clients. To learn more about how they’ve supported over 500 clients in 45 countries, managing assets totalling over $9 trillion, visit bfinance.com.

    29 min
  4. Bonus Series 2024 - Trailer - Moon Shots and Deep Dives

    EPISODE 6

    Bonus Series 2024 - Trailer - Moon Shots and Deep Dives

    Do you ever over order? This year, as is the case every year we were bursting at the seams with guests and talent here at Fiftyfaces Productions and were delighted to produce a bonus series featuring 8 inspiring guests at the end of 2024. We hope you can take some time over the break to listen back to some big themes – neurodivergence and the workforce, system change, moonshots and deep dives - all delivered in bite size chunks. From an asset management president who started out in fashion and used that to put the client at the heart to a stewardship expert who pursued his moon shot, each story is unique and fascinating. We hear from the CEO of the NZ Super Fund about the philosophy that guided him towards a total portfolio approach at the 77 Billion NZ fund and an expert on system change on the challenge and opportunity that it presents. We speak with an economist who translates the volatility of markets into a professional context and an investment consultant who defied expectations to forge a stellar career despite losing his site at the age of 7. Returning to the theme of neurodivergence in the workforce we speak with the founder of a new website for neurodivergent individuals and we end with the compelling tale of an allocator who learned how to spot talented investors and is using her position now to fuel their growth.The Bonus series features: Lindsey Stewart, Raudline Etienne, Matt Whineray, Carol Geremia, Steve Foresti, Frank Dixon and Tiffany Wilding as well as special guest Veena Aiyer.  So take some time to listen back to our 58 podcasts of 2024, send us your comments, feedback and ideas for new guests, and if you can, please support us on Patreon.  Thank you to Apollo, Resolute Investment Management, Alvine Capital, PIMCO, GCM Grosvenor, Nuveen, JP Morgan Chase, Ninety One, Eagle Point, Ruffer, With Intelligence, Longview Productions and all of our supporters over the course of 2024

    4 min
  5. Raudline Etienne of Daraja Capital: The Power of Being First When Scouring for Talent

    2024-12-10

    Raudline Etienne of Daraja Capital: The Power of Being First When Scouring for Talent

    Raudline Etienne is the Founder and CEO of Daraja Capital, an investment and advisory firm providing seed capital to new, diversely owned, private fund managers and independent sponsors. She has over 25 years of experience in institutional investing and consulting and previously served as CIO for the New York State Common Retirement Fund, the third largest public fund in the U.S. Prior to her role as CIO, she spent more than a decade advising institutional investors at various firms and holds a number of trustee and board roles.  We start by discussing her roots in architecture and the structure and scaffolding as well as discipline that it enabled her to bring to her investing career. When discussing managing a team at the New York State Common Retirement Fund she discusses developing green and opportunity portfolios, and how this open door approach enabled them to identify new and original talent. Moving then to her work at Daraja, we trace the discipline of “spotting talent” which was enabled through her time as a consultant and as an allocator.  We also talk about the art of growing an investment management business, the barriers to entry and how to overcome them. This podcast is brought to you with the kind support of Longview Productions. At Fiftyfaces Productions Ltd. we want to hear from you!We are now at over 290 podcasts in the main  #fiftyfacespodcast and over 300 including our spin-off series and special themes.We have championed hundreds of stories and amplified hundreds of role models. We have discussed difficult topics and empowering ones, and have moved the conversation on at every turn.Now, as we look to 2025, we want to continue to improve and develop content that adds to the richness of our professional lives with no agenda other than to enable more people to achieve their potential.Please #write to us, #comment here or #complete the google form here https://lnkd.in/gj54v3Zz to tell us what you like, dislike and how we can improve. And you can always support us on Patreon here https://lnkd.in/gQ7zmEuB. Every little helps.

    35 min
  6. Frank Dixon: Why System Change can be the Answer to Everything

    2024-11-26

    Frank Dixon: Why System Change can be the Answer to Everything

    Frank Dixon is an expert on Systems Change.  He has been interested in sustainability since his MBA, joined one of the first ESG research firms, saw ESG wasn’t enough, and has been working on system change ever since.  Our conversation traces the evolution of Frank’s thinking around the need for system change and what this actually means. He established Global System Change and developed the System Change Investing (SCI) approach. It provided the first model for rating companies on system change performance and integrating system change into corporate sustainability strategies.He also developed a true whole system approach to sustainability, described in the Global System Change books. It provides systemic solutions for all major areas of society. In the financial and corporate sectors, SCI offers the most advanced and effective sustainability strategies.We discuss the rising pushback against responsible investing/corporate sustainability and Frank argues that current approaches were not coming close to resolving SDG problems, even under supportive administrations.   He now is of the opinion that system change will dominate the sustainability field at some point, arguing that as our systems continue to break down and cause growing problems for companies, investors and society, we’ll realize that we must change them to turn things around and avoid catastrophic collapse.  This podcast is brought to you with the kind support of Longview Productions. 🎉At Fiftyfaces Productions Ltd. we want to hear from you!🎉We are now at over 290 podcasts in the main  #fiftyfacespodcast and over 300 including our spin-off series and special themes.🎉We have championed hundreds of stories and amplified hundreds of role models. We have discussed difficult topics and empowering ones, and have moved the conversation on at every turn.🎉Now, as we look to 2025, we want to continue to improve and develop content that adds to the richness of our professional lives with no agenda other than to enable more people to achieve their potential.🎉Please #write to us, #comment here or #complete the google form here https://lnkd.in/gj54v3Zz to tell us what you like, dislike and how we can improve. And you can always support us on Patreon here https://lnkd.in/gQ7zmEuB. Every little helps.

    37 min
  7. Carol Geremia of MFS Investment Management - Why Fiduciary Responsibility is always in Fashion

    2024-11-19

    Carol Geremia of MFS Investment Management - Why Fiduciary Responsibility is always in Fashion

    Carol Geremia is president of MFS Investment Management® (MFS®) and head of Global Distribution. She leads the firm's worldwide client-facing teams as well as product and marketing strategy. Since joining MFS in 1984, Carol has held roles focused primarily on fiduciary responsibility, stewardship and sustainability, and she has actively engaged with clients at all levels to ensure that the firm builds products and services aligned with their needs. Carol is a member of the Investment Company Institute's Board of Governors, the City Year Seven Generations Board, the MFS Charitable Oversight Committee and as an Advisory Council member for Bridge Over Troubled Waters, Inc. Carol’s career journey had an unconventional start in that she initially pursued a career in fashion.  We probe this intriguing fact and consider the similarities between the two worlds of fashion and investing. One aspect that is similar is the existence of trends and fads – and the importance of developing an eye to detect one forming and then of discerning which ones are likely to endure.  When we translate this into the world of investment products it is clear that investing also has cycles, fads and fashions and that “reading the room” or client appetite in this respect is a critical skill.  Carol charts her rise through MFS by referring back to a common touchstone – the importance of putting clients first.  She describes her mentors, and how she learned to overcome anxiety around performance in front of clients and how critical it was that she had found a home in which it was possible for her to be her authentic self.  This is a searing portrait of leadership through compassion and self-awareness.   This podcast is brought to you with the kind support of Longview Productions. 🎉At Fiftyfaces Productions Ltd. we want to hear from you!🎉We are now at over 290 podcasts in the main  #fiftyfacespodcast and over 300 including our spin-off series and special themes.🎉We have championed hundreds of stories and amplified hundreds of role models. We have discussed difficult topics and empowering ones, and have moved the conversation on at every turn.🎉Now, as we look to 2025, we want to continue to improve and develop content that adds to the richness of our professional lives with no agenda other than to enable more people to achieve their potential.🎉Please #write to us, #comment here or #complete the google form here https://lnkd.in/gj54v3Zz to tell us what you like, dislike and how we can improve. And you can always support us on Patreon here https://lnkd.in/gQ7zmEuB. Every little helps.

    41 min

Trailers

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A series that showcases the diversity and richness of the investment world through showcasing inspiring investors and their stories. 

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