Dakota Rainmaker Podcast

Dakota Team
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The "Dakota Rainmaker Podcast," hosted by Gui Costin, CEO of Dakota, offers a unique look into sales strategies from top industry executives. Each episode explores the inner workings of successful sales organizations, from philosophy to execution. This podcast is essential for sales professionals seeking wisdom from the best in the field. 

  1. Unlocking Differentiation: How to Make Your Investment Strategy Stand Out

    3D AGO

    Unlocking Differentiation: How to Make Your Investment Strategy Stand Out

    In this episode of the Rainmaker Podcast, host Gui Costin speaks with Mark Levy, a differentiation expert and founder of Levy Innovation, known for helping individuals and organizations stand out through what he calls “big sexy ideas.” Levy has worked with major companies and thought leaders, including Simon Sinek, and emphasizes the power of clarity, surprise, and storytelling in business communication. The episode centers around the critical importance of differentiation in the investment business, especially for fundraisers and marketers constantly facing competition. Levy explains that being “better” than competitors often leads to vague or forgettable comparisons, whereas being “different” creates a unique category—a “category of one”—that sets a brand apart. Levy shares techniques for uncovering differentiation, such as listing all industry assumptions and flipping them to find unconventional approaches. He illustrates this with the story of Schlitz Beer, which became a top brand after advertising its “ordinary” brewing process that, while standard in the industry, was unknown and impressive to the public. This story underscores Levy’s point that what’s obvious to insiders may be extraordinary to outsiders. Costin and Levy agree that every investment strategy has a story, even if the portfolio managers don’t immediately see it. They discuss how identifying moments of surprise, change, or passion can reveal a firm’s uniqueness. A practical tip from Costin involves asking fund managers, “What gets you out of bed in the morning?” to uncover authentic motivation and inspiration behind a strategy. Levy stresses that in fundraising, where clients must sell strategies internally, numbers alone won’t stick—memorable stories will. The goal is to tell a story so compelling that someone can repeat it to others and sound insightful. Storytelling becomes essential not only in marketing materials but also in meetings, pitches, and quarterly updates. These stories should reflect how the firm thinks, why decisions are made, and how anomalies or blips lead to insights and improvements. The conversation concludes with a strong message: in a crowded, noisy, and data-heavy investment world, your differentiation is your brand. To stand out, you must communicate how you think, not just what you do, through stories that show how your approach uniquely benefits clients. Tired of chasing outdated leads? Book a demo to see how Dakota Marketplace simplifies your fundraising process with accurate, up-to-date investor data.

    40 min
  2. Afzal M. Tarar: Combining AI Expertise and Relationships at Quartus Capital Partners

    OCT 7

    Afzal M. Tarar: Combining AI Expertise and Relationships at Quartus Capital Partners

    In this episode of the Rainmaker Podcast, Gui Costin sits down with Afzal M. Tarar, Founder and Managing Partner at Quartus Capital Partners LLC, to discuss his journey in AI and technology, management consulting, venture capital, strategies for capital raising, and building a high-performance investment platform. Afzal shares his insights on the evolving landscape of alternative investments, the importance of disciplined investment processes, and the techniques that have allowed Quartus to differentiate itself in a competitive market. Afzal opens by detailing his professional journey, including his early experience in AI and technology, management consulting, finance, wealth and investment management, which provided him with a solid foundation in portfolio strategy, risk management, and investor relations. He emphasizes that a deep understanding of client needs, coupled with the ability to anticipate technology, industry and market shifts, has been crucial in shaping his approach to building a successful investment firm.  A central theme of the episode is relationship-driven fundraising. Afzal highlights the importance of developing trust with investors, particularly family offices, high-net-worth individuals, and institutional clients. He discusses how Quartus approaches each relationship with tailored communication, transparency, and a consultative mindset, ensuring investors understand both the strategy and the risk-reward profile of the firm’s offerings. According to Afzal, building a strong, long-term network of investors is just as critical as generating strong returns. Afzal also delves into team building and leadership philosophy. He underscores the importance of hiring talented, disciplined individuals who align with the firm’s culture and values. By fostering collaboration, mentorship, and accountability, Quartus has been able to scale operations while maintaining high stan- dards of client service. Afzal emphasizes that leadership in venture capital is not just about directing strategy but about empowering teams to take ownership of their work. The episode explores Quartus’ investment approach, focusing on growth-stage venture capital deals and value creation strategies that involve both operational improvement and strategic guidance. Afzal explains how the firm identifies opportunities, performs rigorous due diligence, and works closely with management teams to unlock growth potential. Finally, Afzal offers guidance for young professionals entering the investment space: prioritize relationship-building, continuous learning, and operational discipline. He emphasizes that persistence, preparation, and a strong ethical foundation are key to long-term success in fundraising and venture capital. This episode provides actionable insights into capital raising, investor relations, and leadership in venture capital, making it a valuable listen for fundraisers, portfolio managers, and emerging investment professionals. Tired of chasing outdated leads? Book a demo to see how Dakota Marketplace simplifies your fundraising process with accurate, up-to-date investor data.

    38 min
  3. Building Trust and Value in Private Equity with Alisa Kolodizner, Prairie Hill Holdings

    SEP 30

    Building Trust and Value in Private Equity with Alisa Kolodizner, Prairie Hill Holdings

    In this episode of the Rainmaker Podcast, host Gui Costin interviews Alisa Kolodizner, Co-Owner and Managing Partner at Prairie Hill Holdings, an alternative investment firm focused on triple-net lease commercial real estate. Alisa shares her compelling journey from immigrant roots to high-impact financial professional and entrepreneur. Alisa began her career in financial services at TD Ameritrade, eventually becoming one of the top five financial advisors company-wide within two quarters—despite no formal advisory background. Her early success, especially as a young woman in a male-dominated field, inspired her to mentor peers. She went on to establish TD Ameritrade’s first women’s networking group and moved into training roles, where she coached financial advisors across the country. Her division later became the top-performing in the company. After over a decade at TD Ameritrade, including institutional sales and product development, Alisa transitioned to entrepreneurship. She co-founded Prairie Hill Holdings in 2021 with business partner Matt, whom she met while exploring business acquisition opportunities. Prairie Hill is an open-end fund that invests in triple-net lease properties with high-quality, e-commerce-resistant tenants in sectors such as education, medical, industrial, and grocery. The fund is designed to offer institutional investors a stable, bond-like return profile with equity-level upside, addressing a common gap in traditional portfolios. Alisa emphasizes the importance of playing to your strengths rather than overinvesting in fixing weaknesses—a lesson she learned through the growing pains of entrepreneurship. She also highlights the significance of building a strong, complementary team to scale a business effectively. The discussion also touches on Alisa’s embrace of AI tools and large language models to increase operational efficiency. Prairie Hill uses AI-powered CRM and meeting software to support investor communications, follow-ups, and internal coordination. For young professionals entering financial services or sales, Alisa’s advice is clear: reach out to your network, stay curious, be authentic, and focus on being reliable. Reliability builds trust—and trust is the currency of leadership, teamwork, and successful sales. Tired of chasing outdated leads? Book a demo to see how Dakota Marketplace simplifies your fundraising process with accurate, up-to-date investor data.

    34 min
  4. Daniel Duncan on Building a Resilient Investor Base for an Emerging Markets Manager

    SEP 23

    Daniel Duncan on Building a Resilient Investor Base for an Emerging Markets Manager

    In this episode of the Rainmaker Podcast, Gui Costin sits down with Daniel Duncan, Managing Director of Business Development and Client Services for Seafarer Capital Partners, for an in-depth conversation about building a differentiated emerging markets manager distribution plan, navigating the U.S. investment professional landscape, and scaling relationships with institutional investors. Daniel, with decades of experience in global emerging markets, shares how his background managing complex distribution landscapes informed his approach to building credibility with multiple client types centered on expertise, integrity, and long-term relationships. At Seafarer, Daniel emphasizes the firm’s commitment to long-term alignment with investors, particularly institutions such as Multi-Family Offices, Large RIAs, Endowments, and Retirement Consultants. He explains how the firm maintains high-touch relationships, providing detailed reporting, market insights, and ongoing communication to ensure investors are informed and confident in the firm’s strategies. Daniel notes that trust and credibility are central to capital formation, and building those relationships requires consistency, responsiveness, and integrity. A major theme of the episode is how Daniel communicates about Seafarer’s efforts to differentiate itself in a competitive market. The firm’s team combines deep technical expertise in emerging market equities with a disciplined, research-driven process to identify mispricings and relative value opportunities globally. Daniel explains that this combination – what Seafarer would describe as its disciplined active management approach - embody Seafarer’s aim to deliver consistent, risk-adjusted returns while providing investors with a clearly articulated investment philosophy. Daniel also shares insights into the firm’s culture and leadership. He stresses the importance of hiring talented, curious, and disciplined professionals, fostering an environment where team members can challenge assumptions and contribute to decision-making. This collaborative approach enables Seafarer to operate nimbly while maintaining rigorous investment standards. Finally, Daniel offers guidance for young professionals entering the investment world: focus on mastering the fundamentals, develop a global perspective, and prioritize building trust and credibility in every interaction. This episode provides actionable insights for fundraisers, portfolio managers, and investors seeking to navigate the complexities of global investing with discipline and integrity. Tired of chasing outdated leads? Book a demo to see how Dakota Marketplace simplifies your fundraising process with accurate, up-to-date investor data.

    32 min
  5. Streamlining Due Diligence and Deal Sourcing with Michael Ashmore, Rondeivu

    SEP 16

    Streamlining Due Diligence and Deal Sourcing with Michael Ashmore, Rondeivu

    In this episode of the Rainmaker Podcast, Gui Costin speaks with Michael Ashmore, Founder of Rondeivu, an end-to-end InvesTech platform transforming how institutional investors source diligence, transact, and monitor investments across private markets. Michael, with over 20 years of experience in finance, private equity, and venture capital, shares his journey from a background in law and economics to founding Rondeivu after recognizing the inefficiencies in private markets and deal processes. Michael recounts his career path, starting with a desire to pursue corporate law, but transitioning into the investment world after realizing that law wasn't the right fit for his long-term career. He began his career in institutional investments, gaining valuable experience managing multi-billion-dollar portfolios for pensions and fund-of-funds. His time at firms like OMERS and PGGM laid the groundwork for his entrepreneurial venture into the tech-enabled private market space. Rondeivu, founded in 2021, was built to address the inefficiencies Michael experienced as an investor at OMERS. These inefficiencies included duplicative efforts, disparate data, and lack of centralized systems for managing private market deals. Michael and his co-founder set out to create a platform that would streamline the deal process, making it more efficient for both investors and managers. The platform includes automated tools for sourcing deals, conducting due diligence, and managing transactions, with a focus on real-time updates and seamless workflows. Michael discusses Rondeivu’s initial success, including its ability to secure $371 billion in investor mandates, representing discretionary private market capital from sovereign wealth funds, pension funds, insurance companies, and family offices. He also shares how the firm has been able to close deals with large institutional players, and his approach to business development and building a client base. The platform’s ability to help investors leverage technology to save time and improve decision-making is a central part of its value proposition. Rondeivu’s value proposition, according to Michael, is its ability to provide a quicker “yes or no” for investors, cutting down on the time spent analyzing opportunities and giving them the tools they need to make faster, more informed decisions. He describes how their algorithmic matching and deal sourcing capabilities help reduce inefficiencies and create a seamless experience for institutional investors. In the episode, Michael also shares his leadership style and the challenges of scaling a fintech startup. He emphasizes resilience, the importance of learning from mistakes, and staying focused on building the business. Michael’s advice for young professionals is clear: embrace the challenges, keep learning, and stay patient. Tired of chasing outdated leads? Book a demo to see how Dakota Marketplace simplifies your fundraising process with accurate, up-to-date investor data.

    34 min
  6. Dean Kantor on Creating Value in Mid-Market Healthcare Real Estate at CoreGro

    SEP 9

    Dean Kantor on Creating Value in Mid-Market Healthcare Real Estate at CoreGro

    In this episode of the Rainmaker Podcast, host Gui Costin welcomes Dean Kantor, the founder and CEO of CoreGro, a private equity real estate firm focused on generating long-term value through strategic acquisitions and structured investments. Dean, who has over 20 years of experience in finance, private equity, and real estate, shares his journey from starting in wealth management to creating CoreGro, a platform focused on mid-market investments in U.S.Healthcare real estate. Dean reflects on his early career, beginning in wealth management where he built strong relationships with family offices and ultra-high-net-worth individuals. He credits his wealth management experience with shaping CoreGro’s focus on capital preservation and long-term value creation, key pillars of the firm’s philosophy. After over a decade of managing investments across various sectors, Dean launched CoreGro in 2018 to provide investors with access to real estate opportunities focused on wealth generation, downside protection, and long-term value creation. The firm operates in the mid-market, focusing on properties ranging from $3 to $15 million and above, which are too large for retail investors but too small for most institutional funds. Dean also highlights the importance of culture and the need for strategic alignment in leadership. He emphasizes that trust and collaboration are at the core of CoreGro’s success, both within the team and with investors. The firm’s culture is built on openness, transparency, and communication, which Dean believes is critical in building strong, lasting relationships. CoreGro’s global presence allows them to efficiently manage investments, with team members based in the US and South Africa, providing a seamless 24-hour work cycle. Finally, Dean shares his vision for CoreGro’s future: expanding the investor base, continuing to build relationships with both family offices and institutions, and growing the firm’s platform in the healthcare real estate space. He reflects on how consistency, credibility, and a focus on culture have been key factors in CoreGro’s success and will continue to be as they scale. Tired of chasing outdated leads? Book a demo to see how Dakota Marketplace simplifies your fundraising process with accurate, up-to-date investor data.

    24 min
  7. Inside Dundas Global Investors: James Curry & Andrew Brown on Hybrid Sales and Service

    JUL 22

    Inside Dundas Global Investors: James Curry & Andrew Brown on Hybrid Sales and Service

    In this episode of the Rainmaker Podcast, Robert Morier sits down with James Curry and Andrew Brown of Dundas Global Investors, who share their insights into investment management, sales strategy, and the growth of the firm. James and Andrew, both experienced portfolio managers, explain how Dundas operates across three geographies: Australasia, the UK, and the US. They delve into the firm's unique sales approach, which leverages third-party distributors in Australia and the UK while shifting to a direct distribution model in the US after a key team member retired in 2022. The conversation starts with a look at each guest's journey into the investment management world. James Curry’s background is rooted in agriculture, where he grew up on a farm, learning valuable skills like patience and resilience that would later serve him in investment management. He co-founded Dundas in 2010 with a focus on building a value-driven firm. Andrew Brown, on the other hand, joined Dundas in 2023 after 18 years at Aberdeen Asset Management, where he managed emerging and developed market portfolios. Andrew’s transition to Dundas was motivated by his desire to work in a smaller, more dynamic firm with ample growth potential. As a boutique firm, Dundas focuses on long-term, sustainable relationships with clients. They use a hybrid distribution model, combining direct sales efforts with established third-party distributors in key markets. They prioritize servicing existing clients and strengthening relationships over aggressive prospecting. James and Andrew emphasize the importance of consistent engagement with clients and understanding their unique needs. They explain that their success doesn’t hinge on quick wins, but on building long-lasting partnerships where clients are aligned with their strategy. A major theme of the episode is the firm’s commitment to disciplined, consistent communication. James and Andrew meet weekly to plan their business development efforts and assess their progress. They also host a business development committee every two weeks to share best practices and market feedback. This structure ensures everyone at Dundas is aligned in their goals and consistently moving toward them. Finally, they offer advice for young professionals entering the industry: embrace learning, build relationships, and stay patient. They discuss how their team operates like a well-oiled machine, combining experience with a forward-thinking approach to distribution. Tired of chasing outdated leads? Book a demo to see how Dakota Marketplace simplifies your fundraising process with accurate, up-to-date investor data.

    36 min
  8. Inside 65 Equity: Leon Brujis on Partnering with Founders for Growth

    JUL 15

    Inside 65 Equity: Leon Brujis on Partnering with Founders for Growth

    In this episode of the Rainmaker Podcast, host Gui Costin speaks with Leon Brujis, founder of 65 Equity Partners, about his journey in private equity, the firm’s investment philosophy, and his leadership approach. Leon shares his unique background, having grown up in a multicultural environment, which he believes has played a significant role in shaping his perspective in the investment world. After starting his career at Lehman Brothers and spending 16 years at Palladium Equity Partners, Leon sought a more entrepreneurial opportunity and co-founded 65 Equity Partners. At 65 Equity, the focus is on providing partnership capital rather than control capital, which distinguishes the firm from traditional private equity models. They aim to work alongside family-owned and founder-led businesses, allowing them to retain control while providing the capital and guidance needed to help the business grow. Leon explains that the firm’s strategy is based on the idea that businesses perform best when led by their founders or families, and 65 Equity aims to empower these leaders to execute their vision without taking away control. Leon details how his firm is actively involved in the value creation process for its portfolio companies. He speaks about the five levers of value creation the firm uses: human capital management, commercial excellence, operational efficiency, digital transformation, and acquisitions. By leveraging these levers, the firm enhances its portfolio companies, increasing both their efficiency and profitability. Leon shares how 65 Equity often helps companies with acquisitions to scale, particularly when organic growth isn’t enough, and explains how successful acquisitions need to align with the core business strategy. Another theme discussed in the episode is the role of AI in private equity. Leon believes AI is a game-changer and will play a critical role in future portfolio management. He points out how AI can assist portfolio companies in areas like marketing, customer engagement, and data analytics, ultimately driving efficiency and boosting profitability. However, he also emphasizes the importance of knowing how to effectively deploy AI within portfolio companies. Finally, Leon offers his thoughts on the importance of culture within portfolio companies. He stresses that a strong, open, and collaborative culture is essential for achieving sustainable growth and success, noting that founders and leaders must invest in fostering such an environment. Tired of chasing outdated leads? Book a demo to see how Dakota Marketplace simplifies your fundraising process with accurate, up-to-date investor data.

    42 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.6
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

The "Dakota Rainmaker Podcast," hosted by Gui Costin, CEO of Dakota, offers a unique look into sales strategies from top industry executives. Each episode explores the inner workings of successful sales organizations, from philosophy to execution. This podcast is essential for sales professionals seeking wisdom from the best in the field. 

Information

  • Creator
    Dakota Team
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    66
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Dakota Rainmaker Podcast
  • Show Website
    Dakota Rainmaker Podcast

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