

Capital Decanted
John Bowman and Aaron Filbeck
Say goodbye to tired market takes and superficial sound bites. Because here, instead of skimming the surface, we dive into the heart of capital allocation — striking the perfect balance and exposing the subtleties that reveal the topic’s true essence.
Prepare to have your perspectives challenged as we open up the issues that resonate with the hearts and minds of those shaping asset management.
Prepare to have your perspectives challenged as we open up the issues that resonate with the hearts and minds of those shaping asset management.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 19, 2023 • 1h 33min
Episode 5: Wine Investing Holiday Special with Matt Parker and Anthony Zhang
This episode had to happen. The origin story of this show necessitated it. And what better timing then to release it as our holiday special when many of you around the world will be sitting around the table with family and friends, breaking bread and sharing a bottle of fine fermented grape juice. But beyond our passion for drinking and socializing around wine, is there an investable asset class here yet? We examine the history of wine investing, the lifecycle of the grape, and the very unique investment characteristics of each stage of the lifecycle. Then we invite two experts, both of which have brought the category to mainstream acceptance in different ways, on either end of that production spectrum to help us think through this burgeoning opportunity set.
Introduction (0:48)
Halftime (49:00)
Guests (54:54)
Guests:
Matthew Parker, Head of Viticulture, Nuveen Natural Capital
Anthony Zhang, CEO, Vinovest
Episode Sources

Nov 28, 2023 • 1h 49min
Episode 4: Culture: The Irreplicable Superpower with Kim Lew and Jim Dunn
A healthy culture is the oxygen by which you accomplish the work of the organization. It breathes life and vitality into the collective work of the enterprise. It gives meaning and connection to a shared purpose or goal. And it is predictive of sustainable outsized investment performance. And yet, cultivating healthy organizations have rarely been a defining characteristic of the investment industry. Why? And how can we accelerate the profession’s social license with a renewed focus on culture?
Introduction (0:48)
Halftime (45:23)
Guests (51:25)
Guests:
Kim Lew: CEO of Columbia Investment Management Company
Jim Dunn: CEO of Verger Capital Management
Episode Sources

Nov 9, 2023 • 1h 47min
Episode 3: Governance Alpha with Chris Ailman and Ashby Monk
Delving into the importance of governance in investment management, the podcast explores models of separation of duties, the potential for strong governance to improve returns, and the value of diverse perspectives. It also highlights the challenges of balancing stakeholder interests, navigating outdated governance models, and embracing collaborative innovation in financial governance.

Oct 17, 2023 • 1h 50min
Episode 2: Democratization of Alternatives with Joan Solotar and Fran Kinniry
Democratization is a word loaded with independence, equal access and even Americana, it’s a concept that conjures up a binary and heated debate about fairness and liberty of choice but is democratization always good? Is it the government’s role to restrict individual citizens from what they deem risky assets or should we simply demand standards of transparency and reporting and trust adults with their own money? Listen in to find out more!
Introduction (0:47)
Halftime (53:30)
Guests (59:23)
Guests:
Joan Solotar, Global Head of Private Wealth Solutions, Blackstone
Fran Kinniry, Principal, Head of Vanguard Investment Advisory Research Center, Vanguard
Episode Sources

Sep 26, 2023 • 1h 37min
Episode 1: Private Market Valuations with Scott Kupor and Andrea Auerbach
"Private Market Valuations" is a fascinating podcast featuring Scott Kupor and Andrea Auerbach. They delve into the controversial topic of private market valuations, discussing the relevance of interim valuations, challenges in valuing early-stage venture sites, and potential manipulation in the valuation process. The podcast also highlights the client-first mentality of Franklin Templeton Alternatives and explores the impact of the economic environment on VC funds and portfolio companies. The importance of consistency and transparency in private market valuations is emphasized, along with the need for better communication and standardization in the industry.


