This episode explores the career of an investment strategist, examining the role's evolution and the skills needed to succeed. The discussion begins by outlining the size and scope of the investment strategist profession globally, highlighting its high-profile nature and the diverse job titles within the field. Against this backdrop, three experienced investment strategists—Gina Martin-Adams, David Kelly, and Francois Trahan—share their career journeys, revealing how their paths organically led them to this profession. More significantly, the panel delves into the key differences between buy-side and sell-side strategist roles, emphasizing the importance of clear communication and the growing influence of social media. As the discussion pivots to the impact of the shift from active to passive investing, the panelists highlight the increased complexity of the market and the growing need for sophisticated analytical skills, particularly in data analytics and AI. In contrast to traditional skills, the panelists stress the importance of communication, storytelling, and the ability to simplify complex information for a broad audience. This episode concludes by emphasizing the crucial role of quantitative skills, the evolving importance of AI in the field, and the diverse pathways available for aspiring investment strategists, regardless of their location.
