What's The Alternative? | Episode 21 | Finding Yield In A Volatile Market With Michael Sedacca What's The Alternative? Meet The Manager podcast

50:48

In this episode, Brad Zapp, co-founder of Connetic Ventures, shares how he left wealth management to pioneer AI-powered founder analysis and launch one of the first advisor-accessible venture capital interval funds. We dive into his journey building Wendell, an AI “psychologist” that quantifies founder traits, and why making private markets more accessible isn’t just innovation—it’s a necessity. For any advisor looking to bridge the public-private gap without sacrificing ease or scale, this episode delivers a bold new blueprint. Key takeaways: AI can quantify founder psychology and improve early-stage investment decisions. Interval fund structures remove barriers for advisors and their mass affluent clients. Access to private markets is essential as companies stay private longer and public markets shrink. Connect with us! Brad Zapp on LinkedIn Connetic Ventures Shana Orczyk Sissel on LinkedIn Banríon Capital Management…

What's the Alternative? Meet the Manager

1
What's the Alternative? | Episode 21 | Finding Yield in a Volatile Market with Michael Sedacca 46:23

5 weeks ago46:23

46:23

What do interest rate hikes really mean for your bond portfolio? In this episode, Shana is joined by Michael Sedacca, Partner and Portfolio Manager at Rareview Capital, to break down how Federal Reserve policy cycles impact fixed income investing. From one of the most aggressive rate-hiking cycles in history to tactical opportunities in closed-end funds, Michael offers clear insights into what today’s interest rate environment means for investors. We cover: How the Fed’s 5.5% rate hike cycle has shaped the bond market Why early homeowners with sub-4% mortgage rates are in a uniquely lucky position How closed-end funds can offer value through shifting premiums and discounts The surprising opportunities in commercial real estate and AAA-rated securities yielding 8–9% Tune in to gain a clearer view of the bond market, interest rates, and smart strategies for what's ahead. Connect with us! Michael Sedacca on LinkedIn Rareview Capital LLC Shana Orczyk Sissel on LinkedIn Banríon Capital Management…

What's the Alternative? Meet the Manager

1
What's the Alternative? | Episode 20 | The Missing Piece in Your Client Relationships with H. Adam Holt 48:45

9 weeks ago48:45

48:45

On this episode, Shana talks with H. Adam Holt, founder of Asset-Map, a software that turns complex financial data into simple, visual maps that spark better conversations and smarter decisions. From high-net-worth planning to alternatives and family dynamics, this tool helps advisors organize everything — income, assets, liabilities, and even family relationships — in one powerful snapshot. The result? Deeper trust, stronger multi-generational connections, and revenue that multiplies. Connect with us! H. Adam Holt on LinkedIn Asset-Map Shana Orczyk Sissel on LinkedIn Banríon Capital Management…

What's the Alternative? Meet the Manager

1
What's the Alternative? | Episode 19 | Real Estate, Ego Investing and Heads in Beds with Greg Friedman 44:37

13 weeks ago44:37

44:37

On this episode Shana brings on Greg Friedman, CEO of Peachtree Group, who breaks down hospitality investments, operational strategies, and market dynamics. Key Takeaways: • Operational management in hospitality • Airbnb's impact on the traditional hotel market • Geographical factors influencing investment decisions • Credit and equity investments • The evolving commercial real estate landscape Connect with us! Greg Friedman on LinkedIn Peach Tree Group Shana Orczyk Sissel on LinkedIn Banríon Capital Management…

What's the Alternative? Meet the Manager

1
What's the Alternative? | Episode 18 | Putting Your Money Where Your House Is with Sean O'Dowd 52:35

17 weeks ago52:35

52:35

In this episode, Shana talks with Sean O’Dowd of Scholastic Capital, who specializes in the residential housing market. Scholastic’s unique approach emphasizes school districts and their role in driving demand for housing. Sean breaks down the current trends affecting the rental and housing markets, the implications of rising institutional investment, and strategies for investors to capitalize on these unique dynamics. Connect with us! Sean O’Dowd on LinkedIn Sean O’Dowd on Twitter Scholastic Capital Scholastic Capital on Facebook Shana Orczyk Sissel on LinkedIn Banríon Capital Management…

What's the Alternative? Meet the Manager

1
What's the Alternative? | Episode 17 | Market Psychology and Technical Analysis featuring Katie Stockton 52:37

25 weeks ago52:37

52:37

In this episode, Shana explores the value of technical analysis in your investment toolkit through insights from Katie Stockton, founder of Fairlead Strategies. While traditionally overshadowed by fundamental or macro analysis, technical analysis plays an important role by focusing on price trends and market sentiment. Through examining historical events like the 2008 financial crisis and the 2022 bear market, Katie shows the power of technical tools such as moving averages. These indicators can help investors time the market effectively, manage risks, and minimize losses, shedding light on the essential nature of technical analysis in both factor investing and behavioral finance. Connect with us below! Katie Stockton on LinkedIn Fairlead Strategies Shana Orczyk Sissel on LinkedIn Banríon Capital Management…

What's the Alternative? Meet the Manager

1
What's the Alternative? | Episode 16 | Tony Davidow's Guide to Private Markets featuring Tony Davidow 53:08

29 weeks ago53:08

53:08

In this episode, Shana talks with alternative investment strategist Tony Davidow from Franklin Templeton about the value of alternative investments. Tony shares stories from his career and explains how investments beyond traditional stocks and bonds—like private credit and real estate—can build wealth and support personal goals. We also discuss new ways for everyday investors to access these options, and Tony offers tips for advisors on guiding clients through this evolving investment landscape. Connect with us below! Tony Davidow on LinkedIn Private Markets by Tony Davidow The Alternative Allocations Podcast Shana Orczyk Sissel on LinkedIn Banríon Capital Management…

What's the Alternative? Meet the Manager

1
What's the Alternative? | Episode 15 | The Ins and Outs of ETFs featuring Vince Lorusso 48:48

33 weeks ago48:48

48:48

Shana sits down with Vince Lorusso, President & CEO of Clough Capital Partners L.P., who shares how he went from a family of lawyers to becoming a finance professional. He talks about his passion for finance, transitioning from hedge funds to exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and the benefits of ETF strategies like transparency and tax savings. Vince also explains the challenges of adapting to new regulations and offers tips on managing risk, short positions, and market volatility. Connect with us below! Vince Lorusso on LinkedIn Clough Capital Partners Shana Orczyk Sissel on LinkedIn Banríon Capital Management…

What's the Alternative? Meet the Manager

1
What's the Alternative? | Episode 14 | The Smoothing Effect featuring Cliff Asness 50:57

45 weeks ago50:57

50:57

Welcome to Banrion Capital Management’s What’s the Alternative Podcast! Join host Shana Orczyk Sissel, the “Queen of Alternatives” Founder & CEO of Banrion Capital Management, as she interviews leaders in the alternative investment space. Learn more about their firms, their passions and about the many different ways investors can use alternative investments to add value in their investment portfolios. In this episode Shana sits down with legendary hedge fund manager, Cliff Asness, to discuss how advisors can best evaluate alternative investment strategies whether public or private. Cliff is a Founder, Managing Principal and Chief Investment Officer at AQR Capital Management. He is an active researcher and has authored articles on a variety of financial topics for many publications, including The Journal of Portfolio Management, Financial Analysts Journal, The Journal of Finance and The Journal of Financial Economics. He has received five Bernstein Fabozzi/Jacobs Levy Awards from The Journal of Portfolio Management, in 2002, 2004, 2005, 2014 and 2015. Financial Analysts Journal has twice awarded him the Graham and Dodd Award for the year’s best paper, as well as a Graham and Dodd Excellence Award, the award for the best perspectives piece, and the Graham and Dodd Readers’ Choice Award. He has won the second prize of the Fama/DFA Prize for Capital Markets and Asset Pricing in the 2020 Journal of Financial Economics. In 2006, CFA Institute presented Cliff with the James R. Vertin Award, which is periodically given to individuals who have produced a body of research notable for its relevance and enduring value to investment professionals. Prior to co-founding AQR Capital Management, he was a Managing Director and Director of Quantitative Research for the Asset Management Division of Goldman, Sachs & Co. He is a trustee for the American Enterprise Institute and the Atlas Society. He is on the governing board of the Institute of Mathematical Finance at NYU, the ambassador board of the Journal of Portfolio Management and a board member for the Q-Group. He is a member of the board of trustees and the investment committee for the National World War II Museum. He is also an advisory board member for the Adam Smith Society. Cliff received a B.S. in economics from the Wharton School and a B.S. in engineering from the Moore School of Electrical Engineering at the University of Pennsylvania, graduating summa cum laude in both. He received an M.B.A. with high honors and a Ph.D. in finance from the University of Chicago, where he was Eugene Fama’s student and teaching assistant for two years (so he still feels guilty when trying to beat the market). Notable Contributions Received the James R. Vertin Award from CFA Institute in recognition of his lifetime contribution to research. Five-time winner of the Bernstein Fabozzi/ Jacobs Levy Award and two-time winner of the Graham and Dodd Award for his research. Vaughan Executive in Residence at the University of Missouri's Trulaske College of Business. Member of the governing board of the Courant Institute of Mathematical Finance at NYU. Named one of the 50 Most-Influential People in Global Finance by Bloomberg Markets magazine. Learn More About AQR Capital Management: AQR Connect with AQR on 𝕏: @aqrcapital Connect with Cliff on 𝕏: @CliffordAsness Read Cliff's Research: Cliff's Perspectives Learn More About Banrion: Banrion Capital Management Connect with Banrion on 𝕏:…

What's the Alternative? Meet the Manager

1
What's the Alternative? | Episode 13 | Micro Private Equity: Investing in Small Business featuring Mike Vranjkovic 42:32

48 weeks ago42:32

42:32

Welcome to Banrion Capital Management’s What’s the Alternative Podcast! Join host Shana Orczyk Sissel, the “Queen of Alternatives” Founder & CEO of Banrion Capital Management, as she interviews leaders in the alternative investment space. Learn more about their firms, their passions and about the many different ways investors can use alternative investments to add value in their investment portfolios. In this episode Shana sits down with Mike Vranjkovic, Managing Partner & Co-Founder at WebStreet, a firm that specializes in Micro Private Equity investing with a primary focus on e-commerce businesses. Mike Vranjkovic is the Managing Partner at WebStreet, bringing extensive experience in finance and online business. He co-founded WebStreet with Justin Cooke and Joe Magnotti, the owners of Empire Flippers, the world's leading marketplace for buying and selling profitable online businesses. With over a decade of experience in the online sector, Mike has managed multiple departments at Empire Flippers and has been involved in hundreds of online business transactions. Following his tenure at Empire Flippers, he successfully launched several online ventures, including a seven-figure eCommerce brand. Mike began his career in finance in Chicago and holds a degree from DePaul University. Learn More About WebStreet: WebStreet (Formerly Empire Flippers Capital) Connect with WebStreet on 𝕏: @WebStreetLLC Learn More About Banrion: Banrion Capital Management Connect with Banrion on 𝕏: @Banrion_Capital Connect with Shana on LinkedIn: Shana Orczyk Sissel Connect with Shana on 𝕏: @shanas621 If you are an advisor wanting to check out our platform, we want to hear your feedback! Sign up for a free trial! Important Disclosures: The opinions expressed on the “What’s the Alternative Podcast” are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. It is only intended to provide education about the financial industry. To determine which investments may be appropriate for you, consult your financial advisor prior to investing. Any past performance discussed during this program is no guarantee of future results. The guests featured on this program are participants on Banrion Capital Management’s platform. As such Banrion may receive payment for their participation as a platform partner. Any indices referenced for comparison are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly. As always please remember investing involves risk and possible loss of principal capital; please seek advice from a licensed professional. Investments are not FDIC-insured, nor are they deposits of or guaranteed by a bank or any other entity, so they may lose value. Investors should carefully consider investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses. This and other important information is contained in the fund prospectuses and summary prospectuses, which can be obtained from a financial professional and should be read carefully before investing. Statements attributed to an individual represent the opinions of that individual as of the date published and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Banrion Capital Management or its affiliates. This information is intended to provide educational value, highlight iss…

What's the Alternative? Meet the Manager

1
What's the Alternative? | Episode 12 | Be The Bank: Real Estate Debt Investing with Ben Lyons 40:11

50 weeks ago40:11

40:11

Welcome to Banrion Capital Management’s What’s the Alternative Podcast! Join host Shana Orczyk Sissel, the “Queen of Alternatives” Founder & CEO of Banrion Capital Management, as she interviews leaders in the alternative investment space. Learn more about their firms, their passions and about the many different ways investors can use alternative investments to add value in their investment portfolios. In this episode Shana sits down with Ben Lyons, Founder & Managing Director at LYNK Capital, to dive in to his passion for Real Estate investing. In his 37-year career, the Managing Director of LYNK Capital, Ben Lyons, has learned a lot about real estate and investing. As a financial advisor, investor, and business owner, he has experienced his share of highs and lows, starting with modest roots in a middle-class family in Baltimore, MD. It was a chance encounter at an early age with a local real estate agent that formed the foundation for a career in real estate. By the age of 25, he owned 100 rental properties and had a million-dollar lending business. The beginnings, as they say, were humble. Originally planning for a future in community college, he instead went to work for a real estate company at the age of 18 for free. Determined to learn all he could about the business, he convinced his boss to place an ad in the money-to-lend section of the newspaper – he would work all the leads and split the profits with his boss 50/50. In January 1985, he collected over $10,000 in mortgage broker fee revenue, receiving $5,000 after the split. “In one month, I went from earning $600 a month to $5,000. I thought I was rich. It was extremely exciting and only increased my motivation to learn and grow.” After that, he read everything he could get his hands on and took mentors to lunch or dinner to learn what they knew. By the age of 21, he became the youngest licensed mortgage broker in Maryland and that year purchased a four-bedroom, two-bath home with a pool. His friends moved in and paid rent – becoming his first investment property. Since that time, he has owned or managed over 375 residential and commercial real estate projects – and his lending organizations have produced more than $6.5 billion in mortgages. (He was previously an initial investor and large shareholder of a commercial bank, a title company, and three mortgage banks.) His interests in real estate and financial freedom have produced some interesting insights – after decades of talking to hundreds of investors (many of whom are financially wealthy), he noticed that while everyone’s path to wealth was different, they all shared four things in common: They created predictable and scalable monthly investable income to reinvest for growth. They acquired assets, including stocks and real estate, for long-term growth. They learned how to leverage people, money, and knowledge to accelerate their success. They learned how to utilize time effectively. It is on these principles that Ben believes anyone can find their path to financial freedom. He has recently authored his second book – this one in partnership with Ortus Academy , a financial literacy training company – to share his personal journey and financial formula for success. The book, titled From Worry to Wealth, is available for purchase and download. “One of my favorite things is sharing my financial journey with others. There are several factors to determine financial success: our attitude about money and our education, which is not necessarily a college degree. Wealth is available to everyone. By understanding the components of wealth creation and applying them to your unique circumstances, you can build your own future, starting today.” Learn More About LYNK Capital:…

What's the Alternative? Meet the Manager

1
What's the Alternative? | Episode 11 | Crypto 101 featuring Matt Hougan 51:17

1 year ago51:17

51:17

Welcome to Banrion Capital Management’s What’s the Alternative Podcast! Join host Shana Orczyk Sissel, the “Queen of Alternatives” Founder & CEO of Banrion Capital Management, as she interviews leaders in the alternative investment space. Learn more about their firms, their passions and about the many different ways investors can use alternative investments to add value in their investment portfolios. In this episode Shana sits down with Matt Hougan, Chief Investment Officer at Bitwise Asset Management, a leading provider of crypto solutions for financial advisors. Matt Hougan is one of the world’s leading experts on crypto, ETFs, and financial technology. He is the Chief Investment Officer for Bitwise Asset Management, the world’s largest provider of cryptocurrency index funds. He was previously CEO of ETF.com and Inside ETFs, where he helped build the world’s first ETF data and analytics system, the leading ETF media site, and the world’s largest ETF conference. Matt is co-author of two publications for the CFA Institute Research Foundation: “A Comprehensive Guide to Exchange-Traded Funds” and “Cryptoassets: The Guide to Bitcoin, Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies for Professional Investors.” He is a crypto columnist for Forbes, a three-time member of the Barron’s ETF Roundtable, a member of the ETFdb’s ETF Hall of Fame, and the eighth person to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award from ETF.com for contributions to the ETF industry. Hougan sits on the board of directors for Equbot, creator of the first AI-driven ETFs (in partnership with IBM Watson), and is a strategic advisor to multiple crypto- and financial advisor-related startups, including Blockworks, Stratifi, and Advisor Circle. Learn More About Bitwise Asset Management: Bitwise Asset Management Connect with Bitwise on 𝕏: @BitwiseInvest Connect with Matt on 𝕏: @Matt_Hougan Connect with Matt on LinkedIn: Matt Hougan Matt's Presentation to the CFA Society of Minnesota: A Guide to Bitcoin, Blockchain & Crypto for the Professional Investor Matt's CFA Whitepaper: Cryptoassets: The Guide to Bitcoin, Blockchain and Cryptocurrency for Investment Professionals Learn More About Banrion: Banrion Capital Management Connect with Banrion on 𝕏: @Banrion_Capital Connect with Shana on LinkedIn: Shana Orczyk Sissel Connect with Shana on 𝕏: @shanas621 If you are an advisor wanting to check out our platform, we want to hear your feedback! Sign up for a free trial! Important Disclosures: The opinions expressed on the “What’s the Alternative Podcast” are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. It is only intended to provide education about the financial industry. To determine which investments may be appropriate for you, consult your financial advisor prior to investing. Any past performance discussed during this program is no guarantee of future…

What's the Alternative? Meet the Manager

1
What's the Alternative? | Episode 10 | Alternative Building Blocks featuring Michael Green 56:45

1 year ago56:45

56:45

Welcome to Banrion Capital Management’s What’s the Alternative Podcast! Join host Shana Orczyk Sissel, the “Queen of Alternatives” Founder & CEO of Banrion Capital Management, as she interviews leaders in the alternative investment space. Learn more about their firms, their passions and about the many different ways investors can use alternative investments to add value in their investment portfolios. In this episode Shana sits down with Michael Green, Portfolio Manager & Chief Strategist at Simplify Asset Management, to discuss the best approach for advisors to start building portfolio allocation to the alternative space. Michael has studied markets and market structures for nearly 30 years. He has presented his proprietary research to the Federal Reserve, the BIS, the IMF and numerous other industry groups and associations. Michael joined Simplify in April 2021 after serving as Chief Strategist and Portfolio Manager for Logica Capital Advisers, LLC. Prior to Logica, Michael managed macro strategies at Thiel Macro, LLC. Prior to Thiel, he founded Ice Farm Capital, a discretionary global macro hedge fund. From 2006-2014, Michael founded and managed the New York office of Canyon Capital Advisors where he established their global macro strategies, managing in excess of $5B of exposure across equity, credit, FX, commodity and derivative markets. Additionally, Michael has been noted for his work as a public speaker and financial media participant. He is a graduate of the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and a CFA holder. Learn More About Simplify Asset Management: Simplify Asset Management Check out Simplify's Research: Simplify Investor Hub Connect with Michael on LinkedIn: Michael Green Learn More About Banrion: Banrion Capital Management Connect with Banrion on 𝕏: @Banrion_Capital Connect with Shana on LinkedIn: Shana Orczyk Sissel Connect with Shana on 𝕏: @shanas621 If you are an advisor wanting to check out our platform, we want to hear your feedback! Sign up for a free trial! Important Disclosures: The opinions expressed on the “What’s the Alternative Podcast” are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. It is only intended to provide education about the financial industry. To determine which investments may be appropriate for you, consult your financial advisor prior to investing. Any past performance discussed during this program is no guarantee of future results. The guests featured on this program are participants on Banrion Capital Management’s platform. As such Banrion may receive payment for their participation as a platform partner. Any indices referenced for comparison are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly. As always please remember investing involves risk and possible loss of principal capital; please seek advice from a licensed professional. Investments are not FDIC-insured, nor are they deposits of or guaranteed by a bank or any other entity, so they may lose value. Investors should carefully consider investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses. This and other important infor…

What's the Alternative? Meet the Manager

1
What's the Alternative? | Episode 9 | Interval Funds: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly featuring Kimberly Flynn 58:33

1 year ago58:33

58:33

Welcome to Banrion Capital Management’s What’s the Alternative Podcast! Join host Shana Orczyk Sissel, the “Queen of Alternatives” Founder & CEO of Banrion Capital Management, as she interviews leaders in the alternative investment space. Learn more about their firms, their passions and about the many different ways investors can use alternative investments to add value in their investment portfolios. In this episode Shana sits down with Kimberly Flynn, President of XA Investments to discuss everything you need to know about interval funds and their close cousin; tender offer funds. As president of XA Investments, Kimberly, is a partner in the firm and responsible for all product and business development activities. Kim is responsible for the firm's proprietary fund platform and consulting practice. Kim was a member of the founding leadership team for XAI, helping launch the firm in 2016 as Managing Director where she built XAI’s proprietary closed-end fund platform. In 2020, Ms. Flynn introduced the firm’s consulting practice to assist clients with developing US and UK registered closed-end funds. Kim has more than 20 years of experience in investment product strategy, design and development. Prior to joining XAI, she led Nuveen Investment’s Global Structured Products Group which was responsible for the listed closed-end fund business. Her experience includes roles in registered fund product development for both traditional and alternative investment strategies. Kim has developed an expertise in closed-end fund product development and is a frequent contributor to media and industry events on topics including interval funds, alternative investments and London-listed investment companies. Kim has earned the CFA designation and is a member of the CFA Institute and CFA Society Chicago. She is also Series 7, 63 and 24 licensed. Learn More About XA Investments: XA Investments Connect with Kim on LinkedIn: Kimberly Flynn Learn More About Banrion: Banrion Capital Management Connect with Banrion on 𝕏: @Banrion_Capital Connect with Shana on LinkedIn: Shana Orczyk Sissel Connect with Shana on 𝕏: @shanas621 If you are an advisor wanting to check out our platform, we want to hear your feedback! Sign up for a free trial! Important Disclosures: The opinions expressed on the “What’s the Alternative Podcast” are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. It is only intended to provide education about the financial industry. To determine which investments may be appropriate for you, consult your financial advisor prior to investing. Any past performance discussed during this program is no guarantee of future results. The guests featured on this program are participants on Banrion Capital Management’s platform. As such Banrion may receive payment for their participation as a platform partner. Any indices referenced for comparison are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly. As always please remember investing involves risk and possible loss of principal capital; please seek advice from a licensed professional. Investments are not FDIC-insured, nor are they deposits of or guaranteed by a bank or any other entity, so they may lose value.…

What's the Alternative? Meet the Manager

1
What's the Alternative? | Episode 8 | To Be or Not to Be Liquid (in Real Estate) Featuring Phil Bak 45:22

1 year ago45:22