Cambridge Conversations

Cambridge Associates
  • 4.6 (10)
  • Investing

Cambridge Conversations offers a front-row seat to the candid, global dialogues shaping institutional investing. Join us as we connect with clients, managers, alumni, and industry insiders across the Cambridge Associates network for discussions on the topics that matter most.

Episodes

  1. Sep 2

    The Portfolio Behind the Patient: Investing for Health Systems

    How do healthcare organizations build for the future while delivering high-quality care today? At VHC Health, growth is not just about expanding—it’s about having the financial strength to keep investing in care. As the healthcare organization grows its capabilities and plans for the future, questions around capital, liquidity, and long-term strategy become central to how that mission is sustained. In this episode, host Willis Wilson talks with John L. Zabrowski CPA, MBA, Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer & Chief Strategy Officer at VHC Health, and Bridget Sproles, Partner and Co-Head of the Healthcare Practice at Cambridge Associates, about what sustainable growth looks like in healthcare. They discuss how investment strategy connects to operating and capital planning, why liquidity and flexibility matter in a constantly evolving environment, and how the OCIO model can give healthcare organizations greater efficiency, broader access to specialized investment resources, and more time to focus on strategy and agility. They also explore how governance and strategic partnership can help drive better long-term outcomes for healthcare organizations and the communities they serve. This podcast episode will cover: Why healthcare portfolios require a different balance of return, stability, and flexibility than traditional institutional portfolios What it takes to build sustainable growth plans amid inflation, reimbursement pressure, and rising care demands Why liquidity planning matters for healthcare systems with ongoing operational demands How the OCIO model can support agility, oversight, and better use of internal resources Cambridge Conversations is developed in partnership with PRX, an award-winning podcast media company. Cambridge Associates is a global investment firm that works with endowments, foundations, healthcare systems, pension plans, and private clients to implement and manage custom investment portfolios that aim to generate outperformance and maximize their impact on the world. Cambridge Associates delivers a range of portfolio management services, including outsourced CIO, non-discretionary portfolio management, staff extension, and asset class mandates.

    The Portfolio Behind the Patient: Investing for Health Systems

  2. Jul 27

    Finding Value Early: Investing, Manager Selection, and the Discipline of Recognition

    What does it take to find value before others do? Value investing is often described as buying what the market has mispriced. But in practice, it’s also about patience, conviction, and the willingness to look beyond the usual patterns of recognition. That same discipline can apply not only to companies, but also to investment managers and talent. Host Willis Wilson is joined by John W. Rogers Jr., Chairman and Co-CEO of Ariel Investments, and Jasmine N. Richards, Head of Diverse Manager Investing at Cambridge Associates. Together, they discuss what value investing looks like in practice, why patience and conviction still matter, and how investors and allocators can recognize quality even when it falls outside the usual patterns. They also explore the importance of broadening access, developing talent early, and building the kind of judgment that leads to better long-term outcomes. This podcast episode covers: Why patience, conviction, and independent thinking matter in volatile or consensus-driven markets What investors and allocators can miss when they rely too heavily on familiarity, pedigree, or conventional frameworks How early exposure, financial literacy, and talent development can shape the future of the investment industry Cambridge Conversations is developed in partnership with PRX, an award-winning podcast media company. Cambridge Associates is a global investment firm that works with endowments, foundations, healthcare systems, pension plans, and private clients to implement and manage custom investment portfolios that aim to generate outperformance and maximize their impact on the world. Cambridge Associates delivers a range of portfolio management services, including outsourced CIO, non-discretionary portfolio management, staff extension, and asset class mandates.

    Finding Value Early: Investing, Manager Selection, and the Discipline of Recognition

  3. Jun 25

    Behind the Mission: Leading Arts Institutions for the Long Term

    What does it take to build an arts institution that lasts? Arts organizations do more than stage performances—they strengthen communities, nurture youth, and create moments of meaning that can last a lifetime. But behind that impact is something rarely seen: the leadership, governance, and financial stewardship that help those institutions endure. Explore what it takes to sustain mission-driven arts organizations over the long term Host Willis Wilson is joined by Margaret Chen, Partner and Head of Endowment & Foundation Practice at Cambridge Associates and Board Chair of Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras, and Maeesha Merchant, COO, CFO, and EVP of the Colburn School, a client to Cambridge Associates. Together, they discuss why the performing arts matter to young people and communities, how non-profit arts institutions can balance mission with financial discipline, and what leaders and boards need to get right to build organizations that endure. This podcast episode will cover: How endowments, fundraising, and financial planning support long-term mission delivery Why succession planning and institutional resilience matter for organizations built to last How leadership and governance help non-profit arts organizations fulfill their missions What strong board-executive partnerships look like in practice Why the performing arts and arts education matter to communities, civic life, and young people  Cambridge Conversations is developed in partnership with PRX, an award-winning podcast media company. Cambridge Associates is a global investment firm that works with endowments, foundations, healthcare systems, pension plans, and private clients to implement and manage custom investment portfolios that aim to generate outperformance and maximize their impact on the world. Cambridge Associates delivers a range of portfolio management services, including outsourced CIO, non-discretionary portfolio management, staff extension, and asset class mandates.

    Behind the Mission: Leading Arts Institutions for the Long Term

  4. May 26

    The Rearview Mirror Problem: Portfolio Discipline in a Changing Market

    Are investors driving forward while looking in the rearview mirror? For much of the last 15 years, investors were rewarded for staying concentrated in what was winning, especially US equities, large-cap growth, and technology. But as market conditions evolve, many portfolios may be carrying more risk than they appear. In this episode of Cambridge Conversations, we explore what happens when the market environment changes, but portfolios remain anchored to the strategies that worked in the last cycle. Host Willis Wilson is joined by Celia Dallas, Chief Investment Strategist at Cambridge Associates, and Kevin Rosenbaum, Head of Global Capital Markets Research and Investment Communications at Cambridge Associates. Together, they discuss why many portfolios may be more concentrated than investors realize, how AI enthusiasm and private market growth are reshaping risk, and how investors can respond thoughtfully by broadening opportunity sets and rebuilding diversification with more forward-looking discipline. This podcast episode will cover: How the last 15 years of market leadership shaped today’s portfolios What geopolitical shifts and capital flows could mean for US and ex-US markets How to think about AI opportunity without losing valuation discipline What credit markets may be signaling beneath the surface How allocators can reassess risk and reposition portfolios without overreacting Cambridge Conversations is developed in partnership with PRX, an award-winning podcast media company. Cambridge Associates is a global investment firm that works with endowments, foundations, healthcare systems, pension plans, and private clients to implement and manage custom investment portfolios that aim to generate outperformance and maximize their impact on the world. Cambridge Associates delivers a range of portfolio management services, including outsourced CIO, non-discretionary portfolio management, staff extension, and asset class mandates.

    The Rearview Mirror Problem: Portfolio Discipline in a Changing Market

  5. Mar 30

    The Portfolio Behind Pearl: Funding a 100-Year Vision

    What does it take to build something that lasts for generations? In this episode of Cambridge Conversations, we explore how bold vision, patient capital, and a deep commitment to community helped transform San Antonio’s Pearl district from a shuttered brewery into a thriving destination. Host Willis Wilson hands the mic to Unseen Upside host Hillary Ribaudo, who travels to San Antonio to speak with Bryant Ambelang, CEO of Silver Ventures (CA client); Shawn Hatter, President of Oxbow Development Group; and Mary Jo Palermo, Partner at Cambridge Associates. Together, they unpack how a family’s commitment to place, culture, and community helped shape a “100-year business,” and what it takes to support that vision through market cycles, development challenges, and changing needs over time. You’ll hear: How Pearl evolved from a historic brewery into a thriving mixed-use destination Why patient capital and long-term thinking were critical to its success How liquidity, risk, and portfolio decisions helped support an ambitious vision What investors can learn from building for both community impact and lasting value Cambridge Conversations is developed in partnership with PRX, an award-winning podcast media company. Cambridge Associates is a global investment firm that works with endowments, foundations, healthcare systems, pension plans, and private clients to implement and manage custom investment portfolios that aim to generate outperformance and maximize their impact on the world. Cambridge Associates delivers a range of portfolio management services, including outsourced CIO, non-discretionary portfolio management, staff extension, and asset class mandates.

    The Portfolio Behind Pearl: Funding a 100-Year Vision

  6. Feb 9

    The Co-Investment Playbook: Navigating Opportunity and Complexity

    Co-investing is one of the most talked-about—and complex—topics in private investments today. As more investors seek to enhance returns and deepen relationships with managers, the co-investment landscape has evolved from a niche strategy to a core component of sophisticated portfolios. Yet, with opportunity comes complexity. Whether you’re new to co-investing or looking to sharpen your approach, this episode of Cambridge Conversations offers practical insights and strategies for success. Host Willis Wilson is joined by Scott Farden, Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer at Nonantum Capital Partners, and Rob Long, Senior Investment Director of Co-Investment Research at Cambridge Associates. Together, they break down what it takes to succeed in the fast-paced world of co-investing, how to determine if it’s right for your portfolio, and tips for getting started—all backed by decades of partnership and real-world experience. The podcast episode will cover: The evolution of the co-investment strategy 3 biggest factors influencing success or failure Returns should be driven by more than just fee savings Keys to building a successful co-investment program Lessons learned to avoid making the same mistakes Cambridge Conversations is developed in partnership with PRX, an award-winning podcast media company. Investment Leaders Exchange is intended for private families and institutional investors, and we invite CIOs, investment committee members, family principals, senior investment staff, and trustees to join us. Please note: Attendance is limited to clients and prospective clients of Cambridge Associates. There is no cost to attend, aside from travel expenses. Cambridge Associates will also be hosting similar, shorter-format events in Singapore, Milan, and London in 2026, offering discussions on the key topics explored in Chicago. To learn more, email events@cambridgeassociates.com. Cambridge Associates is a global investment firm that works with endowments, foundations, healthcare systems, pension plans, and private clients to implement and manage custom investment portfolios that aim to generate outperformance and maximize their impact on the world. Cambridge Associates delivers a range of portfolio management services, including outsourced CIO, non-discretionary portfolio management, staff extension, and asset class mandates.

    The Co-Investment Playbook: Navigating Opportunity and Complexity

  7. 11/20/2025

    Lessons in Climate Investing: The Journey of Esmée Fairbairn Foundation

    “Net zero” is everywhere in today’s climate dialogue, but what does it truly mean for institutional investors? In this episode of Cambridge Conversations, we unpack the realities of climate impact investing—where ambition meets action. Host and Investment Director Willis Wilson is joined by Dame Caroline Mason, Chief Executive Officer of the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation (CA client), and Simon Hallett, Head of Climate Investing at Cambridge Associates. Together, they share how organizations can move from intention to implementation, channeling capital and influence to drive meaningful change. We’ll discuss: How Esmée Fairbairn Foundation aligns its mission and investments for climate impact The importance of partnership and collaboration in tackling complex climate challenges The value of progress over perfection in a rapidly evolving landscape Practical steps for investors to start or further their net zero journey Investment Leaders Exchange is intended for private families and institutional investors, and we invite CIOs, investment committee members, family principals, senior investment staff, and trustees to join us. Please note: Attendance is limited to clients and prospective clients of Cambridge Associates. There is no cost to attend, aside from travel expenses. Cambridge Associates will also be hosting similar, shorter-format events in Singapore, Milan, and London in 2026, offering discussions on the key topics explored in Chicago. To learn more, email events@cambridgeassociates.com. Cambridge Conversations is developed in partnership with PRX, an award-winning podcast media company. Cambridge Associates is a global investment firm that works with endowments, foundations, healthcare systems, pension plans, and private clients to implement and manage custom investment portfolios that aim to generate outperformance and maximize their impact on the world. Cambridge Associates delivers a range of portfolio management services, including outsourced CIO, non-discretionary portfolio management, staff extension, and asset class mandates.

    Lessons in Climate Investing: The Journey of Esmée Fairbairn Foundation

  8. 04/08/2024

    Client Spotlight: The Decision to Delegate

    We had a conversation with investment committee chairs from four institutions with assets ranging from $200 million to $850 million to understand why they chose to delegate decision-making on their investment portfolios — and to reflect on that decision today.  Cambridge Conversations is developed in partnership with PRX, an award-winning podcast media company. Cambridge Associates is a global investment firm that works with endowments, foundations, healthcare systems, pension plans, and private clients to implement and manage custom investment portfolios that aim to generate outperformance and maximize their impact on the world. Cambridge Associates delivers a range of portfolio management services, including outsourced CIO, non-discretionary portfolio management, staff extension, and asset class mandates.

    Client Spotlight: The Decision to Delegate
  • 8 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

4.6
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Cambridge Conversations offers a front-row seat to the candid, global dialogues shaping institutional investing. Join us as we connect with clients, managers, alumni, and industry insiders across the Cambridge Associates network for discussions on the topics that matter most.

Information

  • Creator
    Cambridge Associates
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    8
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024
  • Show Website
    Cambridge Conversations

You Might Also Like