Summer, summer, summertime: Time to sit back and unwind?

Now that we’re well into the first heatwave of the year, I’m reminded of that DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince song – c’mon, sing it with me – “Summer, summer, summertime / Time to sit back and unwind…” 

I don’t know about you, but I haven’t had time to sit back and unwind during the summer in years. But that doesn’t mean I'm not thrilled by the warmth of the sun on my face when I step into the heat for a quick break. 

This summer kicked off with my first NASP Conference. If you don’t know NASP, you should. It’s the National Association of Securities Professionals, founded as a homebase for Black and Brown folk working in all areas of finance, and this was the 35th annual conference, held in Atlanta. 

I listened in on some great panels about value drivers in the current market and what it looks like to construct a resilient portfolio in a “higher for longer” interest rate environment. I found former Connecticut Treasurer/now Apollo Partner Shawn Wooden’s takes especially fascinating — hearing from someone who’d been on literally every side of the table brought a level of empathy I’ve never heard in these types of conversations. 

Arguably my favorite panel was the one for emerging managers in alternatives, especially PE (obviously). The panelists, including Jason Howard of New Catalyst Strategic Partners, delivered some hard-hitting truths, like the fact that it takes $5 million to $10 million to start an institutional-grade PE firm, which is probably why so many POC have flocked to venture instead. But the thing I nearly stood up and clapped at was when someone said, “What’s your audience's target? What do you do to get them there?” That is the nature of story—telling the right thing to the right people at the right time. 

NASP takes a holistic approach to its conference, featuring panels about what’s top-of-mind in the markets, but also professional development. The great Dale Favors, founder of Adaptive Growth Leadership, had invited me to speak on a panel called, “Effectively Managing Your Professional Future.” With two other amazing panelists, I shared the complexities of my experience as an LP and the skills I’ve transferred to my work as a consultant, highlighting storytelling as my thing. 

A few folks came up to me to talk after the panel, inspired to tell their own stories better, or wanting to grow their audience, or just happy to see that there was another arts nerd in this industry full of numbers people. I always light up when I hear that people feel compelled to continue being their authentic selves after hearing my story — that is literally my reason for living. 

So, this summer, I’m going to continue working on my story. Yes, that memoir I keep talking about? The one I've been working on for 8 years? I’m going to keep working on it. I’ve also got something exciting related to storytelling in private equity in progress that I can’t wait to tell you all about. But you’ll hear about that this fall. :)

Speaking of this fall, the Emerging Manager RoundTable will return in October (on my birthday!). You’re going to LOVE the guests I have for you to close out the year!

This is the last you’ll be hearing from me until September. ’Til then, remember to take some time to sit back and unwind — for real. 

See you this fall!