#31 - Finance, Law and Life Lessons (feat. Jack Pitts, Senior Managing Director at Blackstone)

In this episode of Investing In Integrity, we’re joined by Jack Pitts, Senior Managing Director in the Legal & Compliance Group, where he serves as General Counsel of Blackstone Alternative Asset Management (BAAM). “I’m only as good as the people around me,” Jack said, praising his colleagues at Blackstone. “I can’t do anything without an offensive line in front of me or a receiver to throw to,” the former quarterback added. Educated at Howard University School of Law, Jack explains the rewarding, intellectually challenging problems he solves day-to-day by applying his legal training to important parts of finance, from structuring portfolios to negotiating investment opportunities. Jack also delves into his work Co-Chairing the Blackstone Diverse Professionals Network Task Force. Throughout the episode, Jack offers candid bits of wisdom drawn from his own childhood, education, and professional trajectory. He highlights the transformative role of education in instilling confidence and the value of great mentors whose feedback is “not always going to be peaches and cream.” And like other guests from top firms like Blackstone, Jack offers first-hand advice into what the firm looks for in recruiting and hiring, and the values and principles it takes to succeed. We hope you enjoy this conversation!