The Alternatives Mason: Building Alts Knowledge Brick by Brick | Episode 2 | Better than Alpha Featuring Christopher Schelling

Welcome to The Alternatives Mason: Building Alts Knowledge Brick by Brick. Banrion Capital Management uses technology to help independent advisors scale and educate themselves on alternative investments. Since education is such a big piece of the Banrion mission and business, we are excited to kick off this series to dive into the nits and grits of the alternatives space. Episode 2 "Better than Alpha" features alternative investment thought leader and author, Christopher Schelling.

Chris Schelling is an investor, advisor and published author. With degrees in psychology, business, and finance, Chris is an expert at incorporating insights from behavioral finance into investment decision making. He is also currently a contributing columnist for Institutional Investor and has authored over 60 articles on investing. As an institutional investor, Chris has allocated roughly $6 billion and met with over 3,500 managers across hedge funds, real assets, private credit, and private equity funds. Previously, Chris was Chief Investment Strategist of Venturi Private Wealth, Director of Private Equity at the Texas Municipal Retirement System, Deputy Chief Investment Officer at the Kentucky Retirement Systems, and an adjunct Professor of Finance at the University of Kentucky.

In his book "Better than Alpha: Three Steps to Capturing Excess Returns in a Changing World" Chris explains why strategies based on “beating the markets” are doomed to failure and provides a simple three-step framework for making better investment decisions: Behavior (smart thinking), Process (smart habits), Organization (smart governance). He explains why the search for alpha is destined to fail, the major role behavioral finance plays in so much wasted time, effort, and money, and, most important, how to avoid common mistakes and maximize your efforts. 

Buy "Better than Alpha" 

Follow Chris on 𝕏: @schelling_chris

Host Brittany Mason’s diverse background has given her a unique perspective stepping in to the role as Chief of Staff at Banríon Capital. Throughout her career she has embraced challenging projects proving her ability to lead the development and the successful launch of brands. From staffing, branding, and marketing, Brittany has spent the last 20 years working in the fashion and entertainment industry with some of the world’s most iconic brands. This includes but not limited to event management and production for high scale events like the Superbowl, Indianapolis 500, TAO Group, NYFW, Miami Fashion Week, product launches at Salesforce’s Dreamforce, CES, and partnerships with brands such as John Frieda, Eleven Australia, and Valentino.

Her extensive work in the industry motivated Brittany to produce her own events. In 2013 her first directorial project was to spread awareness for Prostate Cancer. This 1 minute campaign video reached 13 million in just a few short weeks. This is when Brittany began producing charity fashion shows and coaching young entrepreneurs under her brand MOXIE Media. In Just one year Brittany worked with approximately 100 thousand students. In 2017 Brittany launched MOXIE Media Productions in Ireland, becoming the Director and license holder of Miss Universe Ireland.  Brittany is known for the rebrand and launch of the Universe brand in Ireland and over the course of 5 years built a historical track record for the country that earned several global awards. Miss Universe Ireland became one of the country’s most exclusive and sought out events to attend. In 2019 MOXIE Media gained the right to Miss Indiana USA and Miss Indiana Teen USA making it the first production company in history to participate in the 3 largest competitions year after year; Miss Teen USA, Miss USA, and Miss Universe. Through her work she has shown her commitment to creating career opportunities and empowering others, especially women to become leaders within their own communities. 

​In 2021 Brittany had the desire to develop more in the financial industry leading her to take the role as a purchase banker for Rocket Mortgage. During her short time at Rocket Brittany quickly made a name for herself, licensed in 14 states she earned several production awards including winning March Madness as one of the top producing bankers in the country and the only female in the region.

​Brittany studied international business at Ball State University, Fashion Law at Fordham Law School, as well as Film Production at Pulse Media College Ireland and Fashion Design at the Dublin Institute of Design.

Follow Brittany on 𝕏: @Brittany_Mason

Follow Banrion on 𝕏: @Banrion_Capital

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Important Disclosures: The opinions expressed on the “The Alternative Mason 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 may be 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 issues and should not be considered advice, an endorsement or a recommendation.

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