The Power of Instinct: Casey Whalen’s Journey Through Finance and Mentorship

In the Suite

Today, we’re honored to have the extraordinary Casey Whalen in the suite—Managing Director, Head, and Chief Investment Officer at Lazard Family Office Partners, a global powerhouse in financial advisory and asset management. Lazard’s influence spans continents, from the Americas to Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and beyond.

In this episode, we dive deep into themes of resilience, risk-taking, and seizing pivotal opportunities. Casey’s story is about mentorship, grit, and knowing when to act. One of her defining moments? Her mentorship under the legendary David Swensen, Yale’s Chief Investment Officer. Fresh out of Yale with a degree in economics, Casey was already making waves at the university’s endowment, cutting her teeth across various asset classes. This set the stage for her impressive rise.

Her journey took her to Brookdale Realty in Atlanta, then back to the Northeast, where she joined The Rockefeller University as Director of Public Investments.

At just 30, Casey became the New York Public Library’s first-ever Chief Investment Officer, building an investment office from scratch and implementing groundbreaking processes to manage its endowment. Her career is a testament to bold leadership and innovation.

But this isn’t just a career highlight reel. Casey opens up about the personal challenges she’s faced, the importance of mentorship, and how macroeconomic trends are shaping the future of investments. We also explore why gender balance in firms is a competitive edge and how diverse teams drive innovation.

Packed with raw insights and invaluable lessons, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to lead, break barriers, and thrive In The Suite.
🔗 Links

Casey Whalen on LinkedIn

Lazard Famil Office Partners Website

Casey’s Book Recommendation No Rules Rules on Amazon

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Kapitel

1. A Journey of Gratitide and Opportunity (00:00:00)

2. Embracing Change: From Yale to New Haven (00:04:42)

3. Reflections on Mentorship and Intellectual Growth (00:08:18)

4. Adapting Strategies for Institutional Success (00:10:38)

5. Navigating Governance, Advocacy, and Leadership (00:15:35)

6. Building Truvo: Assembling a World-Class Investment Team (00:18:54)

7. Mentorship: The Backbone of Career Resilience (00:22:13)

8. Overcoming Challenges with David's Support (00:25:14)

9. Transparency in Leadership: Inspiring Through Vulnerability (00:28:36)

10. Celebrating Lazard's Legacy of Inclusivity (00:31:44)

11. Empowering Women: The Catalyst for Team Success (00:33:15)

12. Market Shifts: Navigating Post-Covid Disruptions (00:38:08)

13. AI and Market Volatility: Seizing New Opportunities (00:40:05)

14. The Book that Broadens Perspectives and Accepts Criticism (00:43:17)