Talent, Technology, and Philanthropy: Top Insights from iConnections Miami

Last month, the Arootah team attended the iConnections conference in Miami. It was a gathering of various professionals in the financial services sector, such as fund managers, allocators, and industry thought leaders, creating a dynamic environment for networking and collaboration. The conference showcased the latest trends and insights in talent acquisition, business development, and investment strategies. Read on for our top insights from the event and Arootah’s vision to build on our mission.

A Gathering of Industry Giants

The sheer scale of the iConnections conference was impressive, with 3,600 attendees, 1,100 LPs, 850 GPs, and 140 speakers. The event was a hub for industry professionals to exchange ideas, discuss trends, and explore new opportunities. The diversity of the attendees and the breadth of the topics covered underscored the conference’s role as a pivotal gathering for those in the investment industry.

We kicked off the conference with a sunset yacht fundraiser hosted by Rich Bello alongside our partners at JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs, and Alpha Theory, to name a few. Together, we successfully raised $4.5k for Help For Children. This fundraiser highlighted the collective power to make a positive impact beyond the boardroom. The event also provided an excellent opportunity for attendees to network in a relaxed setting, fostering connections that could lead to future collaborations and partnerships.

Attracting Top Talent Panel: Diversity and Innovation at the Forefront

The panel discussion on talent acquisition was a highlight of the conference, featuring Dr. John C., CEO of Albourne, Sasha Jensen, Founder & CEO of Jensen Partners, Angela Outlaw-Matheny from Crewcial Partners LLC, and Grace Reyes, CEO of The Investment Diversity Exchange (TIDE), moderated by our very own Head of Talent Acquisition, Owen Luddy. The conversation revolved around the future of talent acquisition, the undeniable power of diversity, and the transformative role of AI in the recruitment process.

Key takeaways from the panel included Sasha Jensen’s emphasis on the continuous nature of talent acquisition, reminding us that “Always be in the recruiting game. 365 days a year, you should always be recruiting.” Angela Outlaw-Matheny highlighted the role of diversity as a gatekeeper, challenging traditional norms and transforming talent acquisition. Dr. John Claisse pointed out the value of internships in broadening the talent pool, while Grace Reyes underscored the impact of individual contributions to board diversity. The panel concluded with our own Head of Talent Acquisition, Owen Luddy’s thought-provoking statement on AI’s augmentation of human capabilities rather than replacing human roles.

A Healthy Year Ahead

The conference also offered a forward-looking outlook for private equity in 2024. Discussions centered around liquidity trends, including GP stakes and preferred equity, and how top firms are navigating the complexities of capital allocation. The strategic growth partnerships and innovative approaches to meeting liquidity demands in a shifting economic landscape were particularly insightful for the attendees.

The Bottom Line

The iConnections conference in Miami was a wellspring of expertise, innovation, and exchange of ideas. Reflecting on the wealth of knowledge and the diverse connections fostered at iConnections, it’s clear that the path is paved with opportunities for growth and innovation.

Arootah is at the forefront of harnessing these opportunities, offering tailored business advisory services from talent acquisition to hedge fund advisory. To learn more, schedule your discovery call to speak with an advisor today.