Voices of Private Equity

Do We Get a Return on Experience? (feat. Samantha Anders, ILPA)

In a special episode Jen is joined by ILPA colleague Samantha Anders for a look back at our first dozen episodes. As we approach the conclusion of the first series of the Voices of Private Equity podcast, the ILPA team noticed a trend - our guests have some incredible insights to share both on life and on career all gathered from their experience in private equity. Listen in as Samantha and Jen discuss the wisdom guests have offered, from finding joy in professional life to making technical concepts come to life in approachable anecdotes, our guests have established that there is a real ‘Return on Experience.' Like what you hear? This new segment will feature in upcoming regular episodes. Remember to rate, review and subscribe on the platform of your choice so you never miss an episode. Submit comments, questions and guest suggestions to voicesofprivateequity@ilpa.org.

How Can LPs Successfully Modernize? (Feat. Ken Akoundi, Cordatius; Mark Steed, Arizona Public Safety Personnel Retirement System; and Antonio Rodriguez, New York City Board of Education Retirement System)

In a unique episode, Jen is joined by Ken Akoundi, Founder of Cordatius LLC; Mark Steed CIO at the Arizona Public Safety Personnel Retirement System; and Antonio Rodriguez, Director of Investment Strategy for the New York City Board of Education Retirement Systems for a discussion on the stages and benefits of integrating new technology. Ken is a private markets technology expert who has advised hundreds of investors on selecting and integrating technology; his experience has led him to a definitive conclusion – the technology investment is unequivocally worth it. And surprisingly, it often costs less than LPs expect. Having recently completed technology modernization, Mark shares his perspective on obstacles that larger, established teams may face, while Antonio lends the unique perspective of a newer investment program that is starting from scratch. The group discusses the most common obstacles to securing the technology spend and to integrating upgraded systems as well as the resounding efficiency improvements that result once the project is complete. Finally, as they say ‘hindsight is 20/20;’ Mark and Antonio share what they wish they had known before they started their technology modernization exercise. Have questions, comments, or concerns? Email us at voicesofprivateequity@ilpa.org

Is Private Equity a People Business? (Feat. Susanne von Gueltlingen, Siemens)

Susanne von Gueltlingen, Partner in the Alternatives Asset Management unit within Siemens Fonds Invest, joins the podcast to discuss her career journey and experience from corporate finance to life as an LP in Europe. Susanne offers her take on culture in private equity. Is the commonly accepted notion that private equity careers require a commitment that comes at the expense of family obligations here to stay? Or is inclusivity driving change in work-life balance? Susanne also discusses Siemens’ investments in light of the COVID pandemic and their growing portfolio in the US. Finally, Susanne offers insights on the European Commission’s AIFMD review and ways that GPs can access the European market. Have questions, comments, or concerns? Email us at voicesofprivateequity@ilpa.org

Are LPs Setting a High Enough Bar for Venture Returns? (Feat. Tim Recker, James Irvine Foundation)

Tim Recker, the Chief Investment Officer for the James Irvine Foundation, discusses how LPs should ‘think in decades’ as they approach investing in venture capital and cautions against setting too low a bar for investment returns. Tim describes his approach to manager relationships and what would give an LP comfort to invest in cases where the legal terms are not ideal. The James Irvine Foundation has a specific tilt towards emerging markets, China in particular; Tim explains how investing with high-quality managers helps to mitigate risks and to drive returns. Finally, the James Irvine Foundation identifies as an ‘anti-racist’ organization, and Tim shares how cultural and cognitive diversity are important components to both their investment strategy and their talent pipeline. Have questions, comments, or concerns? Email us at voicesofprivateequity@ilpa.org

Are We Making Room for Diverse Voices in Private Equity? (Feat. Kimberly Woods, District of Columbia Retirement Board)

Kimberly Woods, the Director of Risk and Investment Compliance at the District of Columbia Retirement Board, discusses her career path as an LP and how being a part of a mission-driven organization is important to her personally. DCRB is a relatively young and successful investment program with a keen focus on fee and expense transparency. Kimberly shares her experience on the subject and her insight on what LPs should know about performing operational due diligence. Reflecting on Black History Month and International Women’s Day, Kimberly discusses the importance of expanding the talent pipeline and getting young people excited about a future in private equity. Have questions, comments, or concerns? Email us at voicesofprivateequity@ilpa.org