Episodes

  • Ep 189: Mike Dorrell - From Boarding School to a $100B Empire

    Ep 189: Mike Dorrell - From Boarding School to a $100B Empire
    Feb 3 2025
    One of Australia's most successful financial minds abroad - In this episode of Inside the Rope, host David Clark sits down with Mike Dorrell, founder and CEO of Stonepeak, a $100 billion infrastructure investment powerhouse. From his humble beginnings in Australia, to building one of the largest private infrastructure firms in the U.S., Mike shares his journey of entrepreneurship, resilience, and strategic vision. He offers invaluable insights into infrastructure investing, where he sees the strongest opportunities today, and how smart investors should think about allocating to this asset class. Mike also shares his thoughts on Trump 2.0’s impact on markets, his personal approach to fitness and discipline, and how he structures his day to stay at the top of his game. This conversation is packed with actionable takeaways for investors, business leaders, and anyone interested in what it takes to build a world-class investment firm. A fascinating deep dive into the mindset of a global finance leader.
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    1 hr and 11 mins
  • Ep 188: Evana Lithgow - Beyond Wealth: Building Resilient Families Through Leadership and Legacy

    Ep 188: Evana Lithgow - Beyond Wealth: Building Resilient Families Through Leadership and Legacy
    Jan 20 2025
    Unlock the complexities of family leadership and estate planning in this enlightening episode of Inside the Rope. Join David as he speaks with Evana Lithgow from Working Minds, a renowned psychologist specialising in the transition and succession of wealth for high-profile families in Australia and New Zealand. Discover how successful families navigate challenges beyond financial capital, fostering meaningful relationships and connections as their true legacy. From overcoming wealth-related conflicts to starting crucial conversations early, Evana shares powerful insights from her 25+ years of experience. Learn how to shift the focus from mere legal documents to a holistic approach that ensures a resilient and harmonious future for generations. Whether you're managing significant wealth or just beginning the estate planning journey, this episode provides actionable tips to align your family’s purpose with long-term success.
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    48 mins
  • Ep 187: Peter Edwards - Opening the Vault: How the Victor Smorgen Group is Redefining Family Office Investing

    Ep 187: Peter Edwards - Opening the Vault: How the Victor Smorgen Group is Redefining Family Office Investing
    Jan 6 2025
    In this episode of Inside the Rope with David Clark, we sit down with Peter Edwards, Executive Chairman of the Victor Smorgen Group, one of Australia's most enduring multi-generational family offices. Peter takes us behind the scenes of a pivotal decision: opening the doors of this storied family office to external investors. Discover the rationale behind this transformative move, how it shapes their investment strategy, and what it means for both the family and outside participants. From their thematic investment approach in areas like gold and US property to their forward-thinking embrace of impact investing and philanthropy, Peter shares invaluable insights into navigating complexity and maintaining harmony across generations. Join us for a captivating conversation that delves into family legacy, bold strategies, and the ever-evolving landscape of wealth management. Whether you're curious about the inner workings of a family office or looking for investment inspiration, this episode is one you won't want to miss.
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    50 mins
  • Ep 186: Brad Powell - From Apple to Impact: Driving Change with Emerson Collective

    Ep 186: Brad Powell - From Apple to Impact: Driving Change with Emerson Collective
    Dec 23 2024
    David Clark sits down with Brad Powell, Managing Director of Emerson Collective, the influential family office and investment vehicle of Laurene Powell Jobs. With a portfolio exceeding $11.5 billion, Emerson Collective leverages innovative strategies to address global challenges. Brad provides an insider’s perspective on the Collective’s unique approach to balancing financial returns with social impact across sectors like education, healthcare, and climate transition. Discover how they’re reshaping philanthropy, scaling investments in renewable energy, bridging the digital divide through broadband expansion, and exploring alternative investments like sports franchises. Learn the lessons smaller family offices and high-net-worth individuals can take from Emerson’s model, how they identify transformative organizations, and their forward-thinking vision for energy infrastructure and connectivity in a rapidly evolving world.
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    45 mins
  • Ep 185: Armina Rosenberg - Tech Meets Finance: AI-Driven Fund Management Revolution

    Ep 185: Armina Rosenberg - Tech Meets Finance: AI-Driven Fund Management Revolution
    Dec 9 2024
    Be inspired by a new wave in investment leadership. In this compelling episode, host David Clark sits down with Armina "Arms" Rosenberg, co-founder of Minotaur Capital and one of the most innovative minds in funds management today. From her humble beginnings in Sydney's West to managing global equity portfolios for Mike Cannon-Brookes, Arms’ journey is nothing short of inspiring. Discover how Armina leverages cutting-edge AI technology to revolutionise investment research, creating a competitive edge in identifying market opportunities. Learn about her unique philosophy of investing during strategic corporate shifts, her reflections on ESG investing, and the bold vision she has for Minotaur Capital's future. This episode offers a rare glimpse into the intersection of technology, innovation, and investing. 📌 Highlights: * From Wentworthville to Wall Street: Armina’s extraordinary career path. * The founding of Minotaur Capital and its groundbreaking AI tool, Taurient. * Insights into sustainable investing and redefining fund management.
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    41 mins
  • Ep 184: John Hempton - Market Madness & Future Opportunities: Investing in Uncertain Times

    Ep 184: John Hempton - Market Madness & Future Opportunities: Investing in Uncertain Times
    Nov 25 2024
    David Clark welcomes back the brilliant John Hempton, CEO and co-founder of Bronte Capital, to discuss the chaos and opportunities in today’s financial landscape. Known for his sharp insights and global investment acumen, John unpacks why markets seem irrational today. From the rollercoaster impact of Trump-era policies to the rise of speculative trades like GameStop and Bitcoin miners, this conversation dives deep into the forces shaping global financial trends. A mix of wisdom, strategy, and a touch of humor. Don’t miss out on John’s candid take on navigating uncertainty, managing risk, and positioning for long-term success.
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    43 mins
  • Ep 183: Frank Danieli - Navigating the Private Credit Boom

    Ep 183: Frank Danieli - Navigating the Private Credit Boom
    Nov 11 2024
    Join David Clark on Inside the Rope as he speaks with Frank Danieli, Head of Credit Investment and Lending at MA Financial Group. In this episode, they delve into the Australian private credit and debt market, addressing concerns about potential bubbles and exploring the unique investment opportunities in low-risk, low-volatility portfolios. Frank also sheds light on the MA Priority Income Fund, offering insight into asset-backed lending and specialised finance areas, which promise robust returns. Tune in for a comprehensive look at modern private credit strategies and how they fit into today's investment landscape.
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    38 mins
  • Ep 182: Manny Pohl - Crafting a Legacy: Insights on Building a Fund Management Firm

    Ep 182: Manny Pohl - Crafting a Legacy: Insights on Building a Fund Management Firm
    Oct 28 2024
    This podcast episode from "Inside the Rope" features an in-depth conversation with Manny Pohl, a South African-born investment professional who transitioned to Australia and became a key figure in fund management, including building the firms Hyperion and ECP Asset Management. Manny reflects on the importance of humility, teamwork, and building a business for the long term. ECP boasts a return since inception (July 2012) of 13% p.a. to 30 Sep 2024 compared to the market’s 10% p.a. This engaging discussion offers a mix of personal anecdotes, insights on fund management, and practical advice for investors navigating wealth management.
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    39 mins