Whipsaw Wisdom with CEO Alan Lenahan

FEG Insight Bridge

Join FEG CIO Greg Dowling and FEG CEO Alan Lenahan, for a discussion of “Whipsaw Wisdom.” In this episode, we uncover investment strategies, from historical trends to the landscape of today's markets. Discover FEG's approach to catering to the diverse needs of clients, ensuring resilience in times of change. Explore the evolution of asset management trends, the business model driving FEG forward, and learn how culture helps shape success. Don't miss out on these insights from FEG’s own CEO!
Key takeaways

• Despite the dynamic nature of the investment industry, FEG maintains a long-term philosophical approach to investing. This approach prioritizes delivering exceptional investment experiences for clients and avoids contemporary fads.
• FEG emphasizes understanding client's needs and governance structure before tailoring their services. Rather than offering specific business lines like OCIO or consulting, FEG views services as a spectrum that can be customized to meet each client's unique needs. This client-centric approach ensures FEG delivers value to clients by aligning capabilities with clients’ best interests.
• The investment landscape has evolved, particularly with the decline in alpha generation from traditional investment strategies due to factors like increased regulation and information accessibility. FEG highlights the shift towards private markets, where opportunities exist for informational edge and alpha generation.
• As CEO, Lenahan emphasizes the importance of focusing on people and culture. He discusses the significance of maintaining a shared vision and culture within the organization, particularly as it grows. Alan's approach involves actively engaging with both clients and team members, listening to their needs, and aligning FEG's capabilities to deliver exceptional results. He also emphasizes the importance of combining technical skills with strong communication and interpersonal skills for aspiring leaders in the industry.

You can find every episode of FEG Insight Bridge podcasts in one place and sign up to receive our other publications here.

Chapters

1. Introduction (00:00:00)

2. Episode Introduction (00:00:29)

3. Meet Alan Lenahan (00:01:03)

4. Joining FEG and Early Career (00:09:18)

5. FEG's Expansion (00:13:12)

6. Defining an ESOP (00:17:19)

7. Investment Philosophy and Client Focus (00:18:20)

8. Expanding the Business Model (00:21:20)

9. Evolution of Investing and Regulations (00:24:56)

10. Vision for FEG's Future and Managing Culture (00:27:17)

11. Utilizing Technology and AI (00:32:54)

12. Advice for Young Leaders (00:36:46)

13. Continuous Learning and Book Recommendations (00:39:16)