IMpact: An investment management podcast series

In this IMpact podcast episode, host Reese Blair speaks with Rafael Telahun (Managing Director, Altaline Capital Management) about how private equity firms drive value through hands-on operational support, including a "hybrid" approach that helps management execute time-bound transformation plans without overloading already-busy leaders. Telahun highlights value-creation levers that increase "product gravity" and mission criticality like embedding financial services, deep third-party integrations, and monetizable data/benchmark products plus community-building via certifications and conferences. He closes with two imperatives: fully integrate operating professionals into incentives and key decisions, and secure upfront management alignment on the 180-day/one-year agenda.

Recent macroeconomic and policy changes alongside technological disruption have been impacting markets. In this episode host, Reese Blair and Michael Wolf, a Deloitte global economist, discuss how economic cycles and variables shape investment management using the VUCA (volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity) framework. They emphasize the need for proactive strategies like diversification, disciplined data-driven processes, and scenario analysis to help investment managers navigate uncertain and interconnected market environments.

The evolution of Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), has offered new avenues for investors and advisors to balance  opportunity and risk. In the latest episode of IMpact, host Reese Blair is joined by Joel Schneider, deputy head of portfolio management at Dimensional, for a discussion on the evolution of ETFs, how they are reshaping the investment management landscape, and considerations for leveraging ETFs for investment success.

The evolution of Operational Due Diligence (ODD) in investment management has been resulting in the adoption of new trends and approaches. In this episode host, Reese Blair, and Starrlight Advisory's founder, Richard Schnuerer highlight the shift from traditional practices to a more comprehensive approach that emphasizes investor experience, transparency, and technology integration. Listen in to their conversation.

In a special summertime episode of IMpact, our investment management podcast, host Reese Blair offers a look back at some of the most insightful conversations from the series so far—covering everything from M&A and Generative AI to the democratization of private markets. Tune in for perspectives on the advancements and evolution in the investment management industry.

In this episode of IMpact, explore the evolving landscape of AI in investment management—including its rapid advancements and foundational role in the industry. Listen in as host Reese Blair sits down with Mike Bechtel, Chief Futurist at Deloitte Consulting LLP, to discuss how the use of large language models (LLMs) and AI agents can enhance performance workflows. Learn more about the importance of ethical considerations and the potential for AI to elevate human capabilities, as well these technologies should be thoughtfully integrated while preserving trust and human judgment.

The investment management industry is at the frontier of a shifting economic framework. In this episode of the IMpact Podcast, host Reese Blair chats with Sandy Kaul, SVP and head of digital asset and industry advisory services at Franklin Templeton and a thought leader in economic frameworks and financial services, about her insights into the shift from a platform economy to a protocol economy. They also discuss the emergence of new asset classes, such as tokenized investments and intellectual property portfolios, and how these innovations could democratize access to investments.

As organizations grow, they often face the challenge of whether to outsource certain functions—which is not often an easy decision to make. In the latest episode of IMpact, host Reese Blair is joined by James Kearney, a Managing Director at Deloitte Consulting LLP, to delve into the strategic decision-making process between insourcing and outsourcing within the investment management industry. They highlight the significance of aligning these decisions with broader business strategies, underscoring the importance of ownership, accountability, and intentional planning.

In the latest episode of the IMpact, Deloitte's investment management podcast, host Reese Blair, Audit & Assurance partner talks with Jillien Flores, head of Global Government Affairs at Managed Funds Association, and Jeff Kummer, managing director in Deloitte Tax LLP's Tax Policy group, about the resulting impact of US election outcomes on tax policies and the investment management landscape. Throughout the conversation, explore how shifts in corporate and individual tax policies may influence market behavior, and potentially impact your financial decisions.

Private markets are constantly evolving. On this episode of IMpact, we take a closer look at the unique opportunities that stem from private market investing, like higher returns and diversification, and how it can address traditional challenges such as liquidity constraints and transparency issues.

In this episode of IMpact, Deloitte's investment management podcast, host and Deloitte partner, Reese Blair, dives into the transformative world of alternative data in investment management with Niall Hurley, former CEO of Eagle Alpha. Tune in as Niall shares his expertise on the evolution of alternative data, the operational challenges faced by data providers, and the pivotal role of AI and GPT models in processing and analyzing this data. Whether you're an industry veteran or new to the field, this episode offers valuable perspectives on leveraging alternative data for a competitive edge. Join us to discover how to harness the power of alternative data and make informed investment decisions.

Curious about how ESG efforts are affecting the investment management sector? Look no further. In the latest episode of IMpact, host Reese Blair is joined by Eugenia Jackson, the Global Head of ESG at PGIM to discuss the growth of ESG investing, as well as new strategies across the industry. Their conversation sheds light on the increasing materiality of ESG factors for companies, the challenges of navigating a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape, and the need for clear definitions and standardized practices to address current confusion surrounding ESG integration.

In a new episode of IMpact, learn more about the potential benefits of Generative AI within the investment management industry, including how it can enhance customer experience and improve efficiency for investment management teams.

As new regulations from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) continue to roll in, experts and advisers alike are working hard to maintain the status quo. Find out how industry leaders are not just staying afloat, but finding new success in the midst of uncharted territory.

The constantly evolving landscape of the investment management industry means that new ideas and insights are always emerging. Listen to the first episode of IMpact to learn more about the state of the industry, what it takes to drive success, and how leaders are continuing to utilize adaptive thinking to promote a culture of prosperity.

Tune in to IMpact, a new financial services podcast series from Deloitte's investment management practice, hosted by Reese Blair. Each episode explores rising trends, common concerns, and effective solutions in the investment management sector through conversations with leaders from across the industry.