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Podcast

The PODfolio: Season 1

Institutional Investor Podcast Series

October 31, 2020

A podcast series on the latest developments across global markets, and hot topics that matter to institutional investors and their portfolios.

Included in this series:

Listen and subscribe to our PODfolio series:

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Episode 23: Asset Class Mini-Series: Putting It All Together


Craig Baker, Global Chief Investment Officer, Willis Towers Watson

Craig is ultimately responsible for all aspects of Willis Towers Watson's investment philosophy and process. The various research teams (Manager Research, Asset Research and Thinking Ahead), the portfolio management team within the fiduciary business and the content that makes its way into advisory portfolios are all ultimately his responsibility. This ensures there is a single investment philosophy and approach for all clients, regardless of location or type of engagement with Willis Towers Watson.

Craig discusses what asset owners should be thinking about and doing in this environment. Would he ever recommend less diversification? And what is the one thing he would “impose” on investors if he didn’t have to answer to to anybody?

Episode 23: Asset Class Mini-Series: Putting It All Together
Listen to this episode on:

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Episode 22: Asset Class Mini-Series: Private Equity


Craig Baker, Global Chief Investment Officer, Willis Towers Watson

Craig is ultimately responsible for all aspects of Willis Towers Watson's investment philosophy and process. The various research teams (Manager Research, Asset Research and Thinking Ahead), the portfolio management team within the fiduciary business and the content that makes its way into advisory portfolios are all ultimately his responsibility. This ensures there is a single investment philosophy and approach for all clients, regardless of location or type of engagement with Willis Towers Watson.

Craig discusses what asset owners should be thinking about and doing in this environment. Would he ever recommend less diversification? And what is the one thing he would “impose” on investors if he didn’t have to answer to to anybody?

Episode 22: Asset Class Mini-Series: Private Equity
Listen to this episode on:

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Episode 21: Asset Class Mini-Series: Hedge Funds


Craig Baker, Global Chief Investment Officer, Willis Towers Watson

Craig is ultimately responsible for all aspects of Willis Towers Watson's investment philosophy and process. The various research teams (Manager Research, Asset Research and Thinking Ahead), the portfolio management team within the fiduciary business and the content that makes its way into advisory portfolios are all ultimately his responsibility. This ensures there is a single investment philosophy and approach for all clients, regardless of location or type of engagement with Willis Towers Watson.

Craig discusses what asset owners should be thinking about and doing in this environment. Would he ever recommend less diversification? And what is the one thing he would “impose” on investors if he didn’t have to answer to to anybody?

Episode 21: Asset Class Mini-Series: Hedge Funds
Listen to this episode on:

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Episode 20: Asset Class Mini-Series: Alternative Beta


Craig Baker, Global Chief Investment Officer, Willis Towers Watson

Craig is ultimately responsible for all aspects of Willis Towers Watson's investment philosophy and process. The various research teams (Manager Research, Asset Research and Thinking Ahead), the portfolio management team within the fiduciary business and the content that makes its way into advisory portfolios are all ultimately his responsibility. This ensures there is a single investment philosophy and approach for all clients, regardless of location or type of engagement with Willis Towers Watson.

Craig discusses what asset owners should be thinking about and doing in this environment. Would he ever recommend less diversification? And what is the one thing he would “impose” on investors if he didn’t have to answer to to anybody?

Episode 20: Asset Class Mini-Series: Alternative Beta
Listen to this episode on:

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Episode 19: Asset Class Mini-Series: Illiquids


Craig Baker, Global Chief Investment Officer, Willis Towers Watson

Craig is ultimately responsible for all aspects of Willis Towers Watson's investment philosophy and process. The various research teams (Manager Research, Asset Research and Thinking Ahead), the portfolio management team within the fiduciary business and the content that makes its way into advisory portfolios are all ultimately his responsibility. This ensures there is a single investment philosophy and approach for all clients, regardless of location or type of engagement with Willis Towers Watson.

Craig discusses what asset owners should be thinking about and doing in this environment. Would he ever recommend less diversification? And what is the one thing he would “impose” on investors if he didn’t have to answer to to anybody?

Listen to this episode on:

Apple Podcasts YouTube Spotify
Download the transcript

Episode 18: Asset Class Mini-Series: Bonds


Craig Baker, Global Chief Investment Officer, Willis Towers Watson

Craig is ultimately responsible for all aspects of Willis Towers Watson's investment philosophy and process. The various research teams (Manager Research, Asset Research and Thinking Ahead), the portfolio management team within the fiduciary business and the content that makes its way into advisory portfolios are all ultimately his responsibility. This ensures there is a single investment philosophy and approach for all clients, regardless of location or type of engagement with Willis Towers Watson.

Craig discusses what asset owners should be thinking about and doing in this environment. Would he ever recommend less diversification? And what is the one thing he would “impose” on investors if he didn’t have to answer to to anybody?

Episode 18: Asset Class Mini-Series: Bonds
Listen to this episode on:

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Download the transcript

Episode 17: Asset Class Mini-Series: Equities


Craig Baker, Global Chief Investment Officer, Willis Towers Watson

Craig is ultimately responsible for all aspects of Willis Towers Watson's investment philosophy and process. The various research teams (Manager Research, Asset Research and Thinking Ahead), the portfolio management team within the fiduciary business and the content that makes its way into advisory portfolios are all ultimately his responsibility. This ensures there is a single investment philosophy and approach for all clients, regardless of location or type of engagement with Willis Towers Watson.

Craig discusses what asset owners should be thinking about and doing in this environment. Would he ever recommend less diversification? And what is the one thing he would “impose” on investors if he didn’t have to answer to to anybody?

Episode 17: Asset Class Mini-Series: Equities
Listen to this episode on:

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Download the transcript

Episode 16: New Year, New You


Craig Baker, Global Chief Investment Officer, Willis Towers Watson

Craig is ultimately responsible for all aspects of Willis Towers Watson's investment philosophy and process. The various research teams (Manager Research, Asset Research and Thinking Ahead), the portfolio management team within the fiduciary business and the content that makes its way into advisory portfolios are all ultimately his responsibility. This ensures there is a single investment philosophy and approach for all clients, regardless of location or type of engagement with Willis Towers Watson.

Craig discusses what asset owners should be thinking about and doing in this environment. Would he ever recommend less diversification? And what is the one thing he would “impose” on investors if he didn’t have to answer to to anybody?

Episode 16: New Year, New You
Listen to this episode on:

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Episode 15: Sustainability (part 2 – carbon journey plan)


Craig Baker, Global Chief Investment Officer, Willis Towers Watson

Craig is ultimately responsible for all aspects of Willis Towers Watson's investment philosophy and process. The various research teams (Manager Research, Asset Research and Thinking Ahead), the portfolio management team within the fiduciary business and the content that makes its way into advisory portfolios are all ultimately his responsibility. This ensures there is a single investment philosophy and approach for all clients, regardless of location or type of engagement with Willis Towers Watson.

Craig discusses what asset owners should be thinking about and doing in this environment. Would he ever recommend less diversification? And what is the one thing he would “impose” on investors if he didn’t have to answer to to anybody?

Episode 15: Sustainability (part 2 – carbon journey plan)
Listen to this episode on:

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Download the transcript

Episode 14: Sustainability (part 1 – lessons from COVID)


Craig Baker, Global Chief Investment Officer, Willis Towers Watson

Craig is ultimately responsible for all aspects of Willis Towers Watson's investment philosophy and process. The various research teams (Manager Research, Asset Research and Thinking Ahead), the portfolio management team within the fiduciary business and the content that makes its way into advisory portfolios are all ultimately his responsibility. This ensures there is a single investment philosophy and approach for all clients, regardless of location or type of engagement with Willis Towers Watson.

Craig discusses what asset owners should be thinking about and doing in this environment. Would he ever recommend less diversification? And what is the one thing he would “impose” on investors if he didn’t have to answer to to anybody?

Episode 14: Sustainability (part 1 – lessons from COVID)
Listen to this episode on:

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Download the transcript 

Episode 13: Inclusion & diversity – a frank discussion


Craig Baker, Global Chief Investment Officer, Willis Towers Watson

Craig is ultimately responsible for all aspects of Willis Towers Watson's investment philosophy and process. The various research teams (Manager Research, Asset Research and Thinking Ahead), the portfolio management team within the fiduciary business and the content that makes its way into advisory portfolios are all ultimately his responsibility. This ensures there is a single investment philosophy and approach for all clients, regardless of location or type of engagement with Willis Towers Watson.

Craig discusses what asset owners should be thinking about and doing in this environment. Would he ever recommend less diversification? And what is the one thing he would “impose” on investors if he didn’t have to answer to to anybody?

Episode 13: Inclusion & diversity – a frank discussion
Listen to this episode on:

Apple Podcasts YouTube Spotify
Download the transcript 

Episode 12: China


Craig Baker, Global Chief Investment Officer, Willis Towers Watson

Craig is ultimately responsible for all aspects of Willis Towers Watson's investment philosophy and process. The various research teams (Manager Research, Asset Research and Thinking Ahead), the portfolio management team within the fiduciary business and the content that makes its way into advisory portfolios are all ultimately his responsibility. This ensures there is a single investment philosophy and approach for all clients, regardless of location or type of engagement with Willis Towers Watson.

Craig discusses what asset owners should be thinking about and doing in this environment. Would he ever recommend less diversification? And what is the one thing he would “impose” on investors if he didn’t have to answer to to anybody?

Episode 12: China
Listen to this episode on:

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Download the transcript 

Episode 11: Horizons (part 2 - back to the future)


Craig Baker, Global Chief Investment Officer, Willis Towers Watson

Craig is ultimately responsible for all aspects of Willis Towers Watson's investment philosophy and process. The various research teams (Manager Research, Asset Research and Thinking Ahead), the portfolio management team within the fiduciary business and the content that makes its way into advisory portfolios are all ultimately his responsibility. This ensures there is a single investment philosophy and approach for all clients, regardless of location or type of engagement with Willis Towers Watson.

Craig discusses what asset owners should be thinking about and doing in this environment. Would he ever recommend less diversification? And what is the one thing he would “impose” on investors if he didn’t have to answer to to anybody?

The PODfolio Podcast - Episode 11: Horizons (part 2 - back to the future)
Listen to this episode on:

Apple Podcasts YouTube Spotify
Download the transcript 

Episode 10: Horizons (part 1 - do the next right thing?)


Craig Baker, Global Chief Investment Officer, Willis Towers Watson

Craig is ultimately responsible for all aspects of Willis Towers Watson's investment philosophy and process. The various research teams (Manager Research, Asset Research and Thinking Ahead), the portfolio management team within the fiduciary business and the content that makes its way into advisory portfolios are all ultimately his responsibility. This ensures there is a single investment philosophy and approach for all clients, regardless of location or type of engagement with Willis Towers Watson.

Craig discusses what asset owners should be thinking about and doing in this environment. Would he ever recommend less diversification? And what is the one thing he would “impose” on investors if he didn’t have to answer to to anybody?

Episode 10: Horizons (part 1 - do the next right thing?)
Listen to this episode on:

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Download the transcript 

Episode 9: So many ways to lend money


Craig Baker, Global Chief Investment Officer, Willis Towers Watson

Craig is ultimately responsible for all aspects of Willis Towers Watson's investment philosophy and process. The various research teams (Manager Research, Asset Research and Thinking Ahead), the portfolio management team within the fiduciary business and the content that makes its way into advisory portfolios are all ultimately his responsibility. This ensures there is a single investment philosophy and approach for all clients, regardless of location or type of engagement with Willis Towers Watson.

Craig discusses what asset owners should be thinking about and doing in this environment. Would he ever recommend less diversification? And what is the one thing he would “impose” on investors if he didn’t have to answer to to anybody?

Episode 9: So many ways to lend money
Listen to this episode on:

Apple Podcasts YouTube Spotify
Download the transcript 

Episode 8: The weird and wonderful (part 2 – technology and social impact)


Craig Baker, Global Chief Investment Officer, Willis Towers Watson

Craig is ultimately responsible for all aspects of Willis Towers Watson's investment philosophy and process. The various research teams (Manager Research, Asset Research and Thinking Ahead), the portfolio management team within the fiduciary business and the content that makes its way into advisory portfolios are all ultimately his responsibility. This ensures there is a single investment philosophy and approach for all clients, regardless of location or type of engagement with Willis Towers Watson.

Craig discusses what asset owners should be thinking about and doing in this environment. Would he ever recommend less diversification? And what is the one thing he would “impose” on investors if he didn’t have to answer to to anybody?

Episode 8: The weird and wonderful (part 2 – technology and social impact)
Listen to this episode on:

Apple Podcasts YouTube Spotify
Download the transcript 

Episode 7: The weird and wonderful (part 1 – climate change)


Craig Baker, Global Chief Investment Officer, Willis Towers Watson

Craig is ultimately responsible for all aspects of Willis Towers Watson's investment philosophy and process. The various research teams (Manager Research, Asset Research and Thinking Ahead), the portfolio management team within the fiduciary business and the content that makes its way into advisory portfolios are all ultimately his responsibility. This ensures there is a single investment philosophy and approach for all clients, regardless of location or type of engagement with Willis Towers Watson.

Craig discusses what asset owners should be thinking about and doing in this environment. Would he ever recommend less diversification? And what is the one thing he would “impose” on investors if he didn’t have to answer to to anybody?

Episode 7: The weird and wonderful (part 1 – climate change)
Listen to this episode on:

Apple Podcasts YouTube Spotify
Download the transcript 

Episode 6: Asset owners: how to make good decisions


Craig Baker, Global Chief Investment Officer, Willis Towers Watson

Craig is ultimately responsible for all aspects of Willis Towers Watson's investment philosophy and process. The various research teams (Manager Research, Asset Research and Thinking Ahead), the portfolio management team within the fiduciary business and the content that makes its way into advisory portfolios are all ultimately his responsibility. This ensures there is a single investment philosophy and approach for all clients, regardless of location or type of engagement with Willis Towers Watson.

Craig discusses what asset owners should be thinking about and doing in this environment. Would he ever recommend less diversification? And what is the one thing he would “impose” on investors if he didn’t have to answer to to anybody?

Episode 6: Asset owners: how to make good decisions
Listen to this episode on:

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Download the transcript 

Episode 5: The role of culture in asset management


Craig Baker, Global Chief Investment Officer, Willis Towers Watson

Craig is ultimately responsible for all aspects of Willis Towers Watson's investment philosophy and process. The various research teams (Manager Research, Asset Research and Thinking Ahead), the portfolio management team within the fiduciary business and the content that makes its way into advisory portfolios are all ultimately his responsibility. This ensures there is a single investment philosophy and approach for all clients, regardless of location or type of engagement with Willis Towers Watson.

Craig discusses what asset owners should be thinking about and doing in this environment. Would he ever recommend less diversification? And what is the one thing he would “impose” on investors if he didn’t have to answer to to anybody?

Episode 5: The role of culture in asset management
Listen to this episode on:

Apple Podcasts YouTube Spotify
Download the transcript 

Episode 4: Are the asset managers coping?


Craig Baker, Global Chief Investment Officer, Willis Towers Watson

Craig is ultimately responsible for all aspects of Willis Towers Watson's investment philosophy and process. The various research teams (Manager Research, Asset Research and Thinking Ahead), the portfolio management team within the fiduciary business and the content that makes its way into advisory portfolios are all ultimately his responsibility. This ensures there is a single investment philosophy and approach for all clients, regardless of location or type of engagement with Willis Towers Watson.

Craig discusses what asset owners should be thinking about and doing in this environment. Would he ever recommend less diversification? And what is the one thing he would “impose” on investors if he didn’t have to answer to to anybody?

Listen to this episode on:

Apple Podcasts YouTube Spotify
Download the transcript 

Episode 3: Is it too late to diversify?


Craig Baker, Global Chief Investment Officer, Willis Towers Watson

Craig is ultimately responsible for all aspects of Willis Towers Watson's investment philosophy and process. The various research teams (Manager Research, Asset Research and Thinking Ahead), the portfolio management team within the fiduciary business and the content that makes its way into advisory portfolios are all ultimately his responsibility. This ensures there is a single investment philosophy and approach for all clients, regardless of location or type of engagement with Willis Towers Watson.

Craig discusses what asset owners should be thinking about and doing in this environment. Would he ever recommend less diversification? And what is the one thing he would “impose” on investors if he didn’t have to answer to to anybody?

Episode 3: Is it too late to diversify?
Listen to this episode on:

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Download the transcript 

Episode 2: COVID-19 scenarios: where we might go from here and implications for investment markets


Craig Baker, Global Chief Investment Officer, Willis Towers Watson

Craig is ultimately responsible for all aspects of Willis Towers Watson's investment philosophy and process. The various research teams (Manager Research, Asset Research and Thinking Ahead), the portfolio management team within the fiduciary business and the content that makes its way into advisory portfolios are all ultimately his responsibility. This ensures there is a single investment philosophy and approach for all clients, regardless of location or type of engagement with Willis Towers Watson.

Craig discusses what asset owners should be thinking about and doing in this environment. Would he ever recommend less diversification? And what is the one thing he would “impose” on investors if he didn’t have to answer to to anybody?

Episode 2: David Hoile, Head of Asset Research on COVID-19 investment market scenarios
Listen to this episode on:

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Download the transcript 

Episode 1: 10%, 4 weeks and two-thirds: catch-up on market and economic developments since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak


Craig Baker, Global Chief Investment Officer, Willis Towers Watson

Craig is ultimately responsible for all aspects of Willis Towers Watson's investment philosophy and process. The various research teams (Manager Research, Asset Research and Thinking Ahead), the portfolio management team within the fiduciary business and the content that makes its way into advisory portfolios are all ultimately his responsibility. This ensures there is a single investment philosophy and approach for all clients, regardless of location or type of engagement with Willis Towers Watson.

Craig discusses what asset owners should be thinking about and doing in this environment. Would he ever recommend less diversification? And what is the one thing he would “impose” on investors if he didn’t have to answer to to anybody?

Episode 1: David Hoile, Head of Asset Research on COVID-19 capital market movements
Listen to this episode on:

Apple Podcasts YouTube Spotify
Download the transcript

Disclaimer

Willis Towers Watson has produced these podcasts for general information purposes only and they should not be considered a substitute for specific professional advice. In particular, their contents are not intended by Willis Towers Watson to be construed as the provision of investment, legal, accounting, tax or other professional advice or recommendations of any kind, or to form the basis of any decision to do or to refrain from doing anything. As such, these podcasts should not be relied upon for investment or other financial decisions and no such decisions should be taken on the basis of their contents without seeking specific advice.

Any commentary on investment managers or financial instruments in these podcasts are not intended to imply, nor should they be interpreted as conveying, any form of guarantee or assurance by Willis Towers Watson of the future performance of those investment managers or financial instruments.

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