Faster Forward

Northern Trust
  • 5.0 (5)
  • INVESTING
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Innovation is often sparked by a single new idea. Faster Forward brings you stories, insights, and lessons learned from leaders and innovators that are transforming their industries.

  1. MAR 26

    Private Markets, Climate Risk, and AI: Inside Canada’s Investment Model with Katie Pries

    Long-term investing is shifting, but what actually separates disciplined investors from the rest? How are leading institutions balancing performance, risk, and innovation while managing growing complexity? In this episode, host Paul Fahey speaks with Katie Pries, Country Executive for Northern Trust Asset Servicing in Canada, about how Canadian asset owners approach private markets, governance, and emerging technologies. They explore how the Maple Eight have shaped global investing practices, why climate risk is now embedded in decision-making, and how data challenges are evolving. Katie also shares how AI is being applied to improve efficiency without replacing human judgment, and why execution and governance are now the real differentiators. Key takeaways: Private markets treated as core portfolio building blocks tied to long-term liabilities and cash flow stability Data challenges shifting from scarcity to overload, with a focus on timely, decision-ready information Climate risk is integrated into governance frameworks and viewed as a financial and execution risk AI is improving data processing, risk monitoring, and workflow efficiency without replacing human oversight The Canadian model stands out for disciplined execution, governance, and a long-term investment mindset And more! Connect with Katie Pries: LinkedIn: Katie Pries About Katie Pries: Northern Trust: Katie Pries

    19 min

  2. FEB 25 ·  VIDEO

    Inside the AI Shift: What’s Next for Enterprises (Video)

    In this episode of Market Pulse by Faster Forward, host Grant Johnsey sits down with Mike Kelly, Co‑Founder of Developer Town, to cut through the hype and explore the real‑world applications of AI—from personal productivity to enterprise‑scale transformation. Mike shares how advances in large language models are reshaping everyday workflows, why tools like Gemini and ChatGPT are evolving into true AI companions, and how “vibe coding” is lowering the barrier to building custom software. The conversation goes deeper into the enterprise, covering AI agents, fraud detection, unstructured data, and why many organizations struggle to move from experimentation to execution. Mike also weighs in on the implications for SaaS businesses, venture investing, energy costs, and the future of enterprise infrastructure. Key topics include: How AI is changing personal productivity and decision‑making Using AI as a healthcare “navigator” and shared source of truth Vibe coding and the rise of build‑your‑own software Why enterprises get stuck on data and process readiness AI agents, automation, and security trade‑offs What AI means for SaaS, venture capital, and long‑term costs Whether you’re experimenting with AI at home or evaluating it for your organization, this episode offers a clear, practical look at what’s working and what’s coming next.

    1h 11m

  3. FEB 25

    Inside the AI Shift: What’s Next for Enterprises (Audio)

    In this episode of Market Pulse by Faster Forward, host Grant Johnsey sits down with Mike Kelly, Co‑Founder of Developer Town, to cut through the hype and explore the real‑world applications of AI—from personal productivity to enterprise‑scale transformation. Mike shares how advances in large language models are reshaping everyday workflows, why tools like Gemini and ChatGPT are evolving into true AI companions, and how “vibe coding” is lowering the barrier to building custom software. The conversation goes deeper into the enterprise, covering AI agents, fraud detection, unstructured data, and why many organizations struggle to move from experimentation to execution. Mike also weighs in on the implications for SaaS businesses, venture investing, energy costs, and the future of enterprise infrastructure. Key topics include: How AI is changing personal productivity and decision‑making Using AI as a healthcare “navigator” and shared source of truth Vibe coding and the rise of build‑your‑own software Why enterprises get stuck on data and process readiness AI agents, automation, and security trade‑offs What AI means for SaaS, venture capital, and long‑term costs Whether you’re experimenting with AI at home or evaluating it for your organization, this episode offers a clear, practical look at what’s working and what’s coming next.

    1h 11m

  4. JAN 28

    Tariffs, Technology, and Tension Points Shaping the 2026 Outlook with Carl Tannenbaum

    Economic pressure rarely comes from a single source. It builds through policy shifts, innovation waves, and global relationships that test long-held assumptions. In this episode, host Paul Fahey speaks with Carl Tannenbaum, Chief Economist at Northern Trust, to reflect on the forces that defined 2025 and what they signal for the year ahead. They examine trade policy shifts, geopolitical strain, and the unwinding of global supply chains. The conversation also explores fiscal pressure across advanced economies, inflation expectations, and the evolving role of central banks. Together, they look at how artificial intelligence is influencing productivity, labor markets, and long-term investment decisions heading into 2026. Key takeaways: Why trade policy changes and tariffs reshape investment decisions and supply chain planning Global security concerns are influencing fiscal priorities and cross-border cooperation AI-driven productivity gains alongside labor market disruption for early career workers How the rising debt burdens and interest costs are pressuring government budgets How inflation trends, wage pressures, and central bank independence shape market outlooks And more! Connect with Carl Tannenbaum: LinkedIn: Carl Tannenbaum About Carl Tannenbaum: Northern Trust: Carl Tannenbaum

    40 min

  5. JAN 7

    Innovation and Insight: Managing Assets in a Changing Healthcare Landscape (Audio)

    In this episode of Market Pulse by Faster Forward, host Grant Johnsey sits down with Shawn Gallegos, Chief Investment Executive at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Shawn shares a behind-the-scenes look at how the hospital’s Office of Investments manages a diverse portfolio—including operating funds, pension assets, and an innovation fund—while navigating the unique challenges of the healthcare sector. Shawn dives into how his team balances risk and growth, maintain the hospital’s strong credit rating, and strategically allocate assets across equities, hedge funds, fixed income, and private investments. The conversation explores the evolving role of hedge funds in moderating portfolio volatility, the cautious approach to private credit and equity, and the importance of liquidity in a sector facing rising costs and demographic shifts. Shawn also discusses the adoption of technology and analytics, including the Total Portfolio Approach (TPA), and how Northwestern Memorial’s innovation fund supports early-stage companies developing solutions for hospital operations. The episode closes with forward-looking insights on investment strategy adjustments for 2026. Tune in to hear key insights on institutional investing, healthcare finance, and the intersection of innovation and portfolio management.

    27 min

  6. 11/25/2025

    Hedge Funds in Focus: The New Era of Hedge Fund Investing (Audio)

    In this episode of Faster Forward, host Grant Johnsey welcomes Tristan Thomas, managing director of Portfolio Strategy at 50 South Capital, for an in-depth conversation about the hedge fund industry’s transformation. Tristan shares his personal journey from Wall Street to Chicago, offering a unique perspective on how hedge funds have evolved over the past two decades.  The conversation covers topics such as why hedge funds are experiencing a renaissance, with record inflows and performance that rivals traditional equities—yet with significantly less volatility. Tristan breaks down the factors driving this growth, including investor demand for downside protection and the industry’s shift toward greater transparency and lower fees.  The discussion explores the rise of customization in hedge fund strategies, as managers adapt to meet the specific needs of institutional investors, family offices, and global allocators. Tristan explains how new strategies are emerging, why event-driven and macro funds are attracting capital, and how regional differences shape investment approaches.  Tune in for expert analysis, practical tips, and a candid look at the future of hedge funds in today’s dynamic market.

    28 min

  7. 11/25/2025 ·  VIDEO

    Hedge Funds in Focus: The New Era of Hedge Fund Investing (Video)

    In this episode of Faster Forward, host Grant Johnsey welcomes Tristan Thomas, managing director of Portfolio Strategy at 50 South Capital, for an in-depth conversation about the hedge fund industry’s transformation. Tristan shares his personal journey from Wall Street to Chicago, offering a unique perspective on how hedge funds have evolved over the past two decades.    The conversation covers topics such as why hedge funds are experiencing a renaissance, with record inflows and performance that rivals traditional equities—yet with significantly less volatility. Tristan breaks down the factors driving this growth, including investor demand for downside protection and the industry’s shift toward greater transparency and lower fees.  The discussion explores the rise of customization in hedge fund strategies, as managers adapt to meet the specific needs of institutional investors, family offices, and global allocators. Tristan explains how new strategies are emerging, why event-driven and macro funds are attracting capital, and how regional differences shape investment approaches.  Tune in for expert analysis, practical tips, and a candid look at the future of hedge funds in today’s dynamic market.

    28 min

  8. 11/04/2025

    October Market Pulse: AI in Action: Transforming Productivity and Corporate Strategy Part 2 (Audio)

    In this episode of Market Pulse, host Grant Johnsey sits down with Mike Kelly, founder and managing partner of Developer Town, to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping both personal productivity and the corporate landscape. Mike shares practical examples of leveraging AI at home and work, discusses the challenges and opportunities of deploying AI in large organizations, and offers actionable advice for business leaders preparing for an AI-driven future. The conversation also dives into the evolving role of AI agents, data security, and the impact of open-source innovation on markets and investing. This episode delivers fresh insights on navigating the fast-changing world of AI.

    13 min
See All (94)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Innovation is often sparked by a single new idea. Faster Forward brings you stories, insights, and lessons learned from leaders and innovators that are transforming their industries.

Information

  • Creator
    Northern Trust
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    94
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    Copyright © 2021 Faster Forward
  • Show Website
    Faster Forward

You Might Also Like