IMpact: An investment management podcast series

Complex markets, clear insights: A VUCA perspective

IMpact: An investment management podcast series

Show Notes

Recent macroeconomic and policy changes alongside technological disruption have been impacting markets. In this episode host, Reese Blair and Michael Wolf, a Deloitte global economist, discuss how economic cycles and variables shape investment management using the VUCA (volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity) framework. They emphasize the need for proactive strategies like diversification, disciplined data-driven processes, and scenario analysis to help investment managers navigate uncertain and interconnected market environments.

More from IMpact: An investment management podcast series

Sep 11, 2026

Private capital exposure in US registered funds is predicted to increase significantly by 2030, moving from a niche role to a more common feature in retail investing. This shift is driven by investor demand, regulatory changes, product innovation, and technology partnerships, but requires careful alignment of fund structure, investor education, and governance.

Apr 3, 2026

In this IMpact podcast episode, host Reese Blair speaks with Rafael Telahun (Managing Director, Altaline Capital Management) about how private equity firms drive value through hands-on operational support, including a "hybrid" approach that helps management execute time-bound transformation plans without overloading already-busy leaders. Telahun highlights value-creation levers that increase "product gravity" and mission criticality like embedding financial services, deep third-party integrations, and monetizable data/benchmark products plus community-building via certifications and conferences. He closes with two imperatives: fully integrate operating professionals into incentives and key decisions, and secure upfront management alignment on the 180-day/one-year agenda.

Nov 4, 2025

The evolution of Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), has offered new avenues for investors and advisors to balance opportunity and risk. In the latest episode of IMpact, host Reese Blair is joined by Joel Schneider, deputy head of portfolio management at Dimensional, for a discussion on the evolution of ETFs, how they are reshaping the investment management landscape, and considerations for leveraging ETFs for investment success.

Sep 8, 2025

The evolution of Operational Due Diligence (ODD) in investment management has been resulting in the adoption of new trends and approaches. In this episode host, Reese Blair, and Starrlight Advisory's founder, Richard Schnuerer highlight the shift from traditional practices to a more comprehensive approach that emphasizes investor experience, transparency, and technology integration. Listen in to their conversation.

Jul 29, 2025

In a special summertime episode of IMpact, our investment management podcast, host Reese Blair offers a look back at some of the most insightful conversations from the series so far—covering everything from M&A and Generative AI to the democratization of private markets. Tune in for perspectives on the advancements and evolution in the investment management industry.

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