CFA DFW Charterholder Chatter

The path to managing a billion-dollar university endowment is not always the same, and in the case of Geeta Kapadia, there were twists and turns along the way. As the CIO at Fordham University, Geeta is a key member of the University's executive leadership team, collaborating with the Board of Trustees Finance and Investment Committee and senior leaders in finance, to develop and execute the University's investment strategy. Prior to joining Fordham in August of 2022, Geeta was the associate treasurer for investments with the nonprofit Yale New Haven Health System, the largest health care system in Connecticut, responsible for over $5 billion in assets. Before her long tenure at Yale, Geeta was a senior investment consultant at Mercer, and investment analyst at Capital Metrics. She is a CFA Charterholder, and longtime member of the CFA Institute, having served on its disciplinary review committee, graded exams, and mentored several investment professionals throughout their pursuit of the CFA Charter. On today's podcast, Geeta talks about her unique path to our industry and leadership roles, guidance for young professionals, and inspiration we can all use during difficult and uncertain times.

Whenever I think of the Boy Scouts, I have visions of the highly respected eagle scout, knowing how to properly tie a knot, and the outfits in elementary school. Little did I know that one day, I would have their director of investments on our podcast. Pye Yuan is responsible for managing over $2 billion dollars at Boy Scouts of America at their national office in Irving, Texas. His responsibilities include but are not limited to conducting institutional strategic asset allocation and manager structure studies, manager research and due diligence, performance, and risk monitoring. Prior to joining BSA Asset Management in January 2015, he served most recently as an Investment Analyst Intern for the Meadows Foundation in Dallas.

Pye holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Michigan Technological University and a Master of Science in Finance and a Master of Science in Information Technology Management, both from The University of Texas at Dallas, and the professional designation of Chartered Financial Analyst, Chartered Financial Risk Manager, Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst and Certificate in Investment Performance Measurement. On today's episode, Pye shares what skills he looks for when recruiting investment professionals, biggest challenges post-pandemic, and experiences with mentoring. In addition, he would love to spend time with Warren Buffett.

When I think of industry legends in the asset management industry, there are many, but few can claim the longevity, success, and impact of Ron Peyton, who is the long-time leader of Callan, one of the largest independently owned investment consulting firms in the U.S. He joined Callan in 1974, and became executive chairman in 2017, after serving 27 years as the firm's CEO. As Executive Chairman, he regularly meets with clients and senior industry professionals. Ron is also chairman of the Callan Board of Directors and the Diverse and Emerging Manager Committee. Outside Callan, Ron serves on a variety of boards, including the Chief Diversity Officer Advisory Council, which is part of the Defined Contribution Institutional Investment Association (DCIIA). He is also a "counselor" for the Indiana University Kelley School of Business Dean's Council and an advocate for the Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, which Callan has supported for more than 20 years. Ron earned an MBA in finance and BS in accounting at Indiana University. On this episode, Ron shares his perspective on the evolution of the investment business, traits of an effective leader, the importance of diversity within and outside his organization, and honoring your commitments.

John Montgomery started his journey in Texas and eventually returned to create a unique asset management firm, built around servant leadership, power of generosity, respect for all people all the time, and donating 50% of its profits to organizations making a positive impact to humanity. With degrees from MIT, Harvard, and Swarthmore (Business, Engineering, and Philosophy), he eventually founded Bridgeway Capital Management in 1993 and is Board Chair and Co-CIO. John leaves no doubt when discussing what matters the most at Bridgeway – clients, colleagues, and the community. John shares more about his unique professional journey, inspirational moments along the way, cognitive diversity, and lessons learned.

My friends and family know my love for the University of Texas at Austin, even down to the color burnt orange. However, my one regret is not being a more dedicated and disciplined student. It took me a few years to mature and embrace learning something new. On this episode, I am honored to be joined by a long-time friend and professor of instruction in the finance department at the University of Texas at Austin, Sandy Leeds, who taught mostly graduate students for the first 16 years, and for the past 6 years, he has taught a class to senior undergraduate students. He has a unique skillset of articulating financial markets, monetary policy, and the intersection between the economy and the markets so that we all better understand what's really going on.

His prior experience as an attorney and money manager brings a unique perspective when he talks to his students, authors books, or speaks about the markets. He has degrees from the University of Alabama, the University of Virginia, and the University of Texas McCombs School of Business. In addition, Sandy ran the UT MBA Investment Fund for over 12 years. Today, he shares insight into his professional journey, great teaching moments for him and his students, and how in the world he pulls for Alabama when they play Texas and expects to remain alive in Austin.

Disclaimer: All podcast discussions represent only the views and opinions of the host and guests. This podcast in no way constitutes investment advice and is not an offer to buy or sell any products or services.

Can nice guys finish first? In the kill-or-be-killed world of raising assets at investment firms, it's refreshing to know that people like Tom Meyers are committed to investing in long-term relationships, not just hunting for the next transaction. This mindset and talent have produced extraordinary results at every organization he took on the challenge of building. Today, he is the Senior Director of Investments and Strategy Development at Franklin Templeton, leading their global efforts for fixed-income strategies. Previously, Tom served as Executive Director, Head of Americas Client Solutions for Aviva Investors, Prior to joining Aviva, he was Managing Senior Investment Director at Legal and General Investment Management America, where he successfully launched its institutional efforts in the U.S., growing assets to $100 billion. Tom also held senior distribution and investment positions at Seix Investment Advisors, Phoenix Investment Partners, and Conseco Capital Management.

Before finding his true calling in building and leading distribution, he spent his first 10 years in the industry as a credit trader, research analyst, director of credit research, and portfolio manager. Tom graduated Magna Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Brown University with a dual bachelor's degree in Organizational Behavior and Management and Psychology. He holds the CFA designation, and previously served two different terms as president of the CFA Society of Indianapolis. In this episode, Tom shares more about his unique professional journey, his approach to building long-term relationships with allocators, and what continues to motivate him to take on new challenges.

Disclaimer: All podcast discussions represent only the views and opinions of the host and guests. This podcast in no way constitutes investment advice and is not an offer to buy or sell any products or services.

How in the world do you squeeze 20 minutes of conversation with a marketing legend in our industry who has spent over 4 decades helping asset management firms and their people grow? Jackie Charnley is universally known for her caring personality, success with clients, and radiant smile that is contagious even on a zoom call. She is Chairman of the consulting firm, Charnley & Rostvold, which helps investment management companies and institutional consultants with their marketing strategies, working with CEOs, CIOs, sales, and marketing teams.

Areas of expertise include marketing plans, competitive positioning, key messages, and presentation development. A graduate of the University of California at Irvine, Jackie has been a frequent speaker at industry events and served on numerous professional boards. Our podcast talks about the importance of soft skills for investment professionals, changes to prepare for, her excitement for innovation, and the benefits of diverse people and their independent voices.

Disclaimer: All podcast discussions represent only the views and opinions of the host and guests. This podcast in no way constitutes investment advice and is not an offer to buy or sell any products or services.

I have always been intrigued with people willing to take risk with their career and in the investment world. Our guest today, Apurva Mehta checks both boxes as he along with Patrick O'Connor, started Summit Peak Investments in the summer of 2018. The firm provides capital to venture capital funds and emerging companies, focusing on several themes within the technology sector.

Before forming Summit, Apurva spent 7 years as the Deputy CIO at Cook Children's Health Care System, was Director of Portfolio Management at The Julliard School, and spent his initial years at Neuberger Bergman, Lehman Brothers, and Citi Institutional Consulting. He earned a BBA in Finance at George Washington University. On this episode, we talk about Apurva's professional journey, the importance of diversification with VC, and what skills and background make the most successful VC investors.

Disclaimer: All podcast discussions represent only the views and opinions of the host and guests. This podcast in no way constitutes investment advice and is not an offer to buy or sell any products or services.

One of the biggest challenges for asset managers is effectively articulating their stories and raising significant capital for their strategies and funds. Our special guest for this episode is a rock star in the global institutional asset management arena, with expertise for alternative investment firms. Over the course of 25 years, she has raised over $28b, and built 4 fund-of-funds from scratch.

Rachel Minard launched Minard Capital in 2011, Minard Capital Media in 2014, Minard Venture Capital in 2015, and the innovative concept, Minard Guild, which we further discussed during our chat. Minard Capital supports or replaces global marketing teams to help identify, qualify, grow, and close new business. We talk about her unique journey, the history and future of capital raising, and what she is most excited about for the future of our industry.

Disclaimer: All podcast discussions represent only the views and opinions of the host and guests. This podcast in no way constitutes investment advice and is not an offer to buy or sell any products or services.

What's it like to be responsible for investing $35 billion on behalf of state employees and retirees and managing a staff of 80 people? While at the Employees Retirement System of Texas, Tom Tull was involved with over 200 completed investment transactions totaling $13 billion encompassing private equity, private credit, private real estate, global credit, hedge funds, and special situations.

He served in this capacity since 2009 and was responsible for all aspects of public and private markets investments. Prior to ERS, Tom was the Founding Partner of Gulfstream Global Investors and managed the pension investments for LTV Corporation and Cleveland-Cliffs Iron Company. He has degrees from the Ohio State University and Xavier University, is a CFA charterholder, and serves on the advisory board of several organizations, including our local CFA society in Dallas-Ft. Worth. Today, Tom joins me to share more about his professional journey, proud and challenging moments in his career, investment decisions, and aspirations for his legacy.

Disclaimer: All podcast discussions represent only the views and opinions of the host and guests. This podcast in no way constitutes investment advice and is not an offer to buy or sell any products or services.