Fund Fanatics

This month on Fund Fanatics, hosts Scott Aleali and Jeff Maier sit down with Jason Wright, Managing Partner of Project Level at Ariel Investments, for a deep dive into one of the fastest-growing opportunities in sports: women’s sports investing.Jason shares insights from his unique journey — from NFL running back to McKinsey partner to becoming the first Black team president in NFL history with the Washington Commanders — and now leading private equity investments in the future of sports.Topics covered:• Why women’s sports are entering a breakout era• The investment case and valuation gap in leagues like the WNBA• How private equity can drive value creation in sports franchises• Media rights, fan evolution, and digital engagement trends• Lessons in leadership, resilience, and building high-performance teamsFrom macro trends to on-the-ground execution, this conversation is packed with perspective on where sports — and capital — are heading next.

What does it take to leave a stable CFO job and build one of the fastest-growing fund admins in the market?Pete Haskopoulos, Co-Founder of Petra Funds Group, joins Scott Aleali and Jeff Maier on Fund Fanatics to talk about scaling to 1,200+ funds, leveraging AI as a competitive edge, and why fund admin is evolving faster than ever.We cover:Breaking the “addiction to direct deposit”Why AI + prompt engineering is the futureHow to choose the right fund admin partnerLessons from underestimating early demandBuilding a culture where top talent thrives

Creating. Building. Selling. Maintaining.In Part 2 of Fund Fanatics' Builders & Fund Administration series, Scott Aleali and Jeff Maier sit down with Ben Jamron, Head of Fund Administration for IQEQ, to unpack his entrepreneurial journey — from leaving a comfortable GP role to founding JGM Fund Services in 2014 and scaling it to $25B+ in AUA before its sale to IQEQ in 2022.Ben shares hard-earned lessons on complacency, entrepreneurship, scaling mistakes, integration after a sale and how to protect culture and client experience in a growing firm. Plus, reflections on leadership, evolution and making up for lost time after the grind.

What if the most powerful stage in private markets isn’t a conference… but your LinkedIn feed?Scott Aleali and Jeff Maier flip the script on Brandon Sedloff — Chief Real Estate Officer at Juniper Square and host of The Distribution Podcast — to talk AI (bubble or durable shift?), the evolution of fund administration, industry consolidation and why executives are sleeping on the massive opportunity to build their voice online.“Click post” might be the highest-ROI move you make all year.

Fund Fanatics is back—and we’re kicking off the year with a powerhouse conversation.This episode, Scott Aleali and Jeff Maier sit down with Brendan Coughlin, President of Citizens Financial Group, to unpack what it really takes to build and lead at the highest level in financial services. From launching Citizens Private Bank in the aftermath of the 2023 banking shakeup to scaling a service-led culture with over $13B in deposits, Brendan shares what he’s learned by winning by losing.We dive into reimagining the future of banking, the massive generational wealth transfer reshaping the industry, how AI is changing the operating model and why trust, advice and people matter more than ever. Brendan also opens up about balancing ambition with family life, building side hustles inside big organizations and taking smart career risks without waiting for permission.

In this episode of Fund Fanatics, Jeff Maier and Scott Aleali team up with Matt Allard, Founder and Managing Partner of Case Study Capital Partners, for a lively dive into launching a new independent sponsor platform, the meaning behind the Case Study name and what he’s hearing from nearly 90 LP conversations in today’s unpredictable fundraising world.Matt shares why the lower middle market is buzzing, how servant leadership shaped his boardroom style and what it’s really like to build a firm when you’re simultaneously the cook, cleaner and waiter. And of course, Michigan pride is on full display as Matt dishes on his family’s maize-and-blue legacy and offers up a must-hit Ann Arbor experience. Go blue!

Fund Fanatics hosts ⁠Scott Aleali and Jeff Maier team up with Taylor Robinson of Lexington Partners for a sharp, engaging dive into private equity’s hottest topics: liquidity, continuation funds, and the evolution of secondaries. Taylor shares how firms are adapting to shifting valuations and investor demands, plus a few stories from his championship squash days as the sport heads to the 2028 Olympics.

On this episode of Fund Fanatics, hosts Scott Aleali and Jeff Maier are joined by Blake Cholost, VP of Finance and Controller at Kinderhook Industries. Blake shares how Kinderhook scaled from $2B to $8.5B AUM while modernizing operations through outsourcing, automation, and AI. From data architecture to ROI—and even surviving as long-suffering Miami Dolphins fans—this episode blends finance insights with a dose of fun.

Shark Tank investor. Atlanta Falcons owner. Private equity dealmaker. Rashaun Williams has built a career turning once-in-a-lifetime opportunities into industry-shaping wins. In this episode of Fund Fanatics, Scott Aleali and Jeff Maier sit down with Rashaun to unpack the private equity boom in professional sports—and why franchises from the NFL to the NBA are becoming the hottest alternative asset class.From breaking down the “Sports 1.0 to 3.0” evolution, insider strategies for valuing minority stakes and parallels between tech unicorn secondaries and sports ownership, Rashaun delivers a masterclass on spotting the arbitrage. Along the way, he shares stories from backing 180+ companies, working with high-profile partners like Mark Cuban, and why bringing value first is the ultimate networking playbook.If you’re into private equity, sports business, venture capital, or deal-making at the highest level, you won’t want to miss this episode.

In this episode of Fund Fanatics, Jeff Maier and Scott Aleali are joined by Brian Vickery, Partner at Pact Capital, for a masterclass on GP stakes and platform-building in private equity. Brian shares why Pact is doubling down on the middle market and how minority capital can fuel growth, not just cash out founders.Drawing on his experience at McKinsey and as host of Deal Volume, Brian offers insight into value creation at the GP level, trends in firm scaling, and the true cost vs. return tradeoff of GP stake transactions. Whether you’re managing a fund or launching a podcast, this episode is packed with lessons on intentional growth, firm culture, and building something that lasts.

In this special episode of Fund Fanatics, Scott Aleali and Jeff Maier sit down with Nizar Tarhuni, EVP of Research & Market Intelligence at PitchBook, for an unfiltered conversation covering everything from private market trends to his early days as employee 79 at PitchBook. Nizar breaks down the real story behind private credit, shifting LP behavior and the evolving fundraising landscape, sharing data-backed insights that challenge today's dominant narratives. Plus, we get personal with restaurant war stories, Blazers heartbreaks and what Rip City really means. Whether you're a deal junkie, data nerd or hoops fan - this one has something for you.

Scott Aleali and Jeff Maier huddle up with Rick "Coach" Gordon, Senior Managing Director at Citizens Private Wealth, who brings his A-game, sharing wealth strategies for PE professionals. Rick shares his expertise on liquidity smoothing, risk barbells and tax efficiency techniques that help PE professionals navigate the unique financial challenges they face. He also reveals why DIY investors often fumble their personal accounts, and gives a hard-hitting assessment on alternative assets. When he's not calling financial plays, Rick's coaching youth sports and building young champions - all while bleeding Michigan blue (just ask him about that epic '97 Ohio State game!). From the trading floor to the baseball diamond, Coach Gordon proves he's got game in every arena.

Calling all Fund Managers, Investors, and Business Leaders in the Private Markets with a bold perspective and an excitement for life’s adventures ⚡ Join Scott Aleali and Jeff Maier and tune into Fund Fanatics - Private Markets, it's People and Passions 📹

What does it take to evolve from a back-office number cruncher to a boardroom strategist? In this episode of Fund Fanatics, Scott Aleali and Jeff Maier sit down with Jason Donner, CFO of Veritas Capital, to unpack a few of his insights from the Private Funds CFO’s feature, “The Strategic CFO.” Jason shares his take on the rise of retail investors, the evolving role of the private markets CFO, and what it really means to earn a seat at the partnership table. We also get personal — from his near-complete wine sommelier journey to his must-visit list of MLB ballparks. Whether you're a seasoned finance leader or an aspiring one, this episode is a playbook in strategic thinking, communication, and passion — on and off the clock.

Jonathan Garonce and Mitch Melfi from Drake Real Estate Partners join Scott Aleali and Jeff Maier to discuss how their partnership model and flexible approach set them apart in the real estate world. They dive into their investment strategy, the importance of local operating partners and how pivoting quickly can lead to major opportunities, like converting office space into flex industrial. They also share the firm’s philosophy of creating value with community-driven impact, including their commitment to 1% for the Planet. Stay tuned for Jon’s “cool” magic trick!

Scott Aleali and Jeff Maier welcome Yehuda Hecht, CFO of Madison International Realty, to discuss the firm's evolution, including their strategic pivot towards investing in sectors like data centers and industrial logistics. They also delve into current commercial real estate trends, the impact of NAV loans and share fantasy football insights, featuring a cameo from Graig Vicidomino. Plus, Yehuda offers a bold prediction for the New York Giants' quarterback situation.​

Scott Aleali and Jeff Maier are joined by Jennifer Choi, CEO of ILPA, covering NAV lending, the state of fundraising, what LPs really want and why spa culture might be the secret to success. Plus: a surprise Ryan Reynolds moment and a Britney Spears reference you didn’t see coming.

In this episode, Scott Aleali and Jeff Maier sharea conversation with Tom Ripley, CEO of Lids and co-founder of private equity firm Ames Watson. From special ops in the Marines to scaling one of the world’s largest sports retailers, Tom shares how discipline, directness and diving into the action have defined his leadership journey. He discusses Lids’ transformation from a mall-based hat shop into a global brand presence for teams like the Yankees, Dodgers and PSG, and the unique partnership structure he built with Fanatics. Tom also opens up about his leadership philosophy, his father’s legendary Marine legacy and how Lids attracts and inspires the next generation of retail talent.

In the final Fund Fanatics episode of 2024, Jeff Maier and Scott Aleali sit down with Rob Konrad—former Miami Dolphins fullback and now Managing Partner at Alterna Equity Partners—for a powerful conversation on leadership, resilience and building a successful private equity firm. Rob shares the inspiration behind launching Alterna, how lessons from the locker room translate to the boardroom, and why “team” is everything when partnering with family-owned businesses. He also revisits the legendary #44 legacy at Syracuse, his near death boating accident and miraculous 16-hour swim to shore, and weighs in on the current state of the Dolphins—including his Super Bowl predictions.

Saaima Khaliq, CFO of New Mountain Capital, joins Scott Aleali and Jeff Maier on Fund Fanatics to discuss her journey from barista to managing $55 billion in private equity assets. We cover the evolving CFO role, building a strong and lasting team, navigating LP demands, and the critical importance of mentorship and inclusion. Plus, hear how Syma used poker as a surprising tool for connection—and confidence.

What do Liverpool FC, Tiger Woods andbillion-dollar sports media deals have in common? Don Cornwell. In this episode of Fund Fanatics, Scott Aleali and Jeff Maier sit down with Don Cornwell, co-founder of Dynasty Equity and a seasoned sports dealmaker, to explore the explosive intersection of private equity and pro sports. From golf’s tech forward transformation to women’s hoops, global football, fantasy leagues, and even sports betting, Don breaks down the trends, opportunities and shake-ups investors need to know.If you love sports, investing, or just a good comeback story, you’ll want to tune in. 

In this episode of Fund Fanatics, Scott Aleali and Jeff Maier connect with Jed Johnson, Head of GP Solutions at ORIX Corporation USA, for a candid conversation about what’s really happening in the world of NAV facilities. Together, they unpack the latest use cases, discuss potential ILPA guidance on the horizon and examine whether private equity is ready for the test at maturity. The group also explores the evolving language around “hybrid” facilities and whether the market is innovatin —or just rebranding.Take the bait and join us as we go beyond the headlines on Fund Fanatics.

In this episode of Fund Fanatics, Scott Aleali and Jeff Maier are joined by Neil Keegan, co-founder of Marlinspike, for a wide-ranging conversation on investing in the aerospace and defense industry. Neil breaks down what every emerging manager should know about the U.S. defense industrial base, shares smart fundraising strategies and highlights forward-thinking companies using AI to reshape national security. A former U.S. Navy officer, Neil also reflects on the leadership lessons he brings from military service into the world of investing.Plus, with the NFL Draft around the corner, he offers his take on how the Washington Commanders can turn things around and gives his bold prediction for the #2 overall pick.

In this comeback episode of Fund Fanatics, ScottAleali and Jeff Maier sit down with Mario Giannini, CEO of Hamilton Lane, for a wide-ranging and refreshingly candid conversation on today’s private markets. Mario unpacks the causes and consequences of recent bank failures, the evolvingappetite for subscription credit lines, and why the fundraising environment may be facing a structural, not cyclical, reset. He also offers sharp takes on AI hype, the future of private credit, and the power of storytelling in uncertain times. From economic insight to musical hot takes, Mario reminds us why he’s one of the most trusted voices in the industry.

In this Fund Fanatics Super Bowl Special, Jeff Maier and Scott Aleali are joined by Vince Papale—the real-life inspiration behind the 2006 movie Invincible, starring Mark Wahlberg.Vince shares the incredible story of how he went from a 30-year-old bartender to a Philadelphia Eagles legend through an open tryout led by Hall of Fame coach Dick Vermeil. He reflects on what it truly means to be “invincible,” the mindset it takes to defy the odds, and how he helped Mark Wahlberg prepare for the iconic role.They also talk about unlocking potential, career reinvention, and Vince’s prediction for this year’s big game. In addition to his remarkable NFL story, Vince is now a keynote speaker, author and real estate professional.

In this episode of Fund Fanatics, Jeff Maier and Scott Aleali sit down with Mitchell Green, Founder of Lead Edge Capital, an investor in growth-stage giants like Uber, Spotify, and Alibaba. Mitchell shares insights on the firm’s minority stake sale and weighs in on the current state of private equity. From valuation trends and GP decision-making to leadership lessons from top-tier executives, this episode covers what investors should be thinking about as we head into year-end.Plus, Mitchell offers a bold prediction for baseball fans: a potential Subway Series in New York.

In this episode of Fund Fanatics, Jeff Maier and Scott Aleali are joined by Stephanie Campbell, General Partner at The Artemis Fund, for a timely conversation on early-stage venture capital and investing in women-led businesses. Stephanie shares how the tech downturn is reshaping the venture market, why female founders often outperform, and what she's seeing in her own portfolio—highlighting standout success at UNest. She also offers practical advice for founders raising in today’s climate, career guidance for women in private markets and the big societal challenge she’s eager to help tackle.

Scott Aleali and Jeff Maier are joined by NBA legend Muggsy Bogues to talk about his incredible journey from the streets of Baltimore to becoming one of the most iconic figures in basketball history. At just 5’3”, Muggsy overcame relentless adversity, from childhood violence to constant doubt, to thrive in a game built for giants. He reflects on leadership lessons, team culture in Charlotte, his off-court brand and his commitment to youth education through philanthropy. Plus, stories of SNL, Space Jam and the early signs of greatness in the Curry family make this a truly unforgettable conversation with an underdog icon.

To kick off the 2022 season of Fund Fanatics, Jeff Maier and Scott Aleali are joined by Super Bowl XX Champion Gary Fencik, former Chicago Bears strong safety and now a Partner at Adams Street Partners. Gary shares insights from his 12-year NFL career, his transition into private equity, and the parallels between building great teams on the field and in the boardroom. With over two decades of experience in the private markets, Gary offers a rare perspective on leadership, longevity and investing with discipline.

In this special episode of Fund Fanatics, Jeff Maier and Scott Aleali sit down with Dallas Cowboys legend and Pro Football Hall of Famer Drew Pearson, also known as “Mr. Clutch.” From going undrafted to becoming one of the most iconic wide receivers in NFL history, Drew reflects on the grit, mindset and moments that defined his career on and off the field. He shares the difference between being a “pro” and a “professional,” his take on Jerry Jones’ game-changing investment in the Cowboys and some of the most unforgettable highlights of his time in the league—including, of course, the original “Hail Mary.” Drew names a current NFL wide receiver he believes is Hall of Fame bound and even teases a surprise visit to Jeff’s house—soap opera and all.This is a rare and candid look at a football legend whose leadership continues to inspire far beyond the end zone.

In this special two-part FundFanatics episode, Jeff Maier and Scott Aleali are joined by Michael Sidgmore, Co-Founder and Partner at Broadhaven Capital Partners, for a dynamic conversation on how alternative assets are going mainstream.Michael unpacks the growing democratization of private equity, the role of culture and community in shaping modern investment strategies, and why we’re entering what he calls “The Golden Age of Creators.” From athletes shifting Fortune 500 market caps with a single move to the potential for a Bloomberg Exchange for the sports card market, this episode explores the convergence of investing, brand power and cultural relevance.Michael also shares bold predictions for the private markets and offers insights from his platform Alt Goes Mainstream and his Community x Capital podcast with Alexis Ohanian Sr.This one will change how you think about who gets to invest and in what!

In this fast-paced episode of Fund Fanatics, Jeff Maier and Scott Aleali catch up with Samir Kaji—Founder and CEO of Allocate, former colleague and longtime friend—for a timely conversation at the intersection of private markets, alt-assets and Draft Day drama.Samir offers a candid look at the fundraising journey for emerging managers, the importance of momentum in venture capital, and what’s really happening with NFTs and other alternative assets. The conversation also takes a fun turn with some bold NFL Draft predictions, including a shoutout to fans of the 49ers, Dolphins and a certain high-upside draft pick with serious IRR potential.