Educational Alpha

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, sh...

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. Stephe...

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 l...

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 asset...

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...

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 futur...

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 man...

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. Liste...

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 en...

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 abo...

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...

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 o...

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...

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...

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 conversatio...

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 privat...

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, B...

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 navig...

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...

In this installment, we have special guest, Jacob Miller, the co-founder of Opto Investments, joining us to delve into the fascinating world of private markets. Throughout the episode, we explore Opto Investments' approach, which focuses on providing diversified access to beta and identifying capital partners that offer differentiated opportunities. With a strong belief in the crucial role of...

In today's episode, Jane Abitanta, founder and CEO of Perceval Associates, a leadership and communications coaching company for the asset management industry, shares her insights and experiences working with institutional and wealth managers. The discussion explores the changing landscape of the asset management industry, particularly regarding gender diversity and the transition of wealth fro...

In this installment, Bill is joined by Ashton McFadden, an expert in the asset management industry. Ashton begins by acknowledging the lack of diversity in the field while discussing the changes that are being made to address this issue. They delve into the different reasons for entering the industry and highlight the necessary skill sets. The conversation takes a closer look at the impact of COVI...

In today's episode, Bill welcomes Kyle Samuels, known for his expertise in the field of diversity hiring and insights into the challenges and opportunities it presents. Together, they discuss the importance of proactive advocacy in the job market, the significance of building a strong professional network, and the societal judgment surrounding college choices. They also dive into the complexit...

For this informative discussion, we have the privilege of hosting Edmund Murphy, an esteemed expert in the field of retirement services. With a keen understanding of the intricacies of the industry, Edmund imparts wisdom on a wide range of crucial topics, including the importance of user experience and operational excellence, as well as the challenges involved in providing accessible financial ser...

In today's episode, we are joined by Desi Heathwood, a seasoned professional in the financial services industry. Desi brings a wealth of experience and wisdom gained throughout his career, and shares thoughts on topics that we can all relate to – how to care for both money and health as we age, the importance of putting clients first, and retirement planning. Listen in as we delve into the fas...