Matt Breitfelder – Optimizing Investment Performance through Human Capital (Capital Allocators, EP.323)

This podcast episode features the Global Head of Human Capital at Apollo Global Management, Matt Breitfelder. The discussion explores the intersection of business and psychology, and the passion for optimizing teams and individuals within organizations. The importance of high-stakes negotiations, talent decisions, and culture in corporate strategies is highlighted. The speaker shares their personal journey of self-discovery and purpose, emphasizing the significance of aligning career choices with passion. Practical advice is provided for conflict resolution, personal growth, and creating a positive work culture. The role of human capital tools, co-creation, and collaboration in optimizing organizational performance is discussed. The transition of HR practices in the asset management industry and the potential for driving success through people analytics are explored. The chapter concludes by emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and adapting to meet the changing needs of the industry. Main points • The discussion focuses on exploring the people and processes behind capital allocation, with the guest being Matt Breitfelder, the Global Head of Human Capital at Apollo Global Management. • The importance of talent decisions, culture, and employee engagement in corporate strategies is highlighted. • The speaker shares personal experiences and insights into optimizing team performance, conflict resolution, and personal growth. • The role of human capital tools, co-creation, and collaboration in optimizing organizational performance is discussed. • The transition of HR practices in the asset management industry is explored, emphasizing the value of bringing in new tools and optimizing organizational culture. • The significance of people analytics in understanding and improving performance is highlighted, with examples from Google's Project Oxygen. • The importance of creating a positive work culture, effective onboarding processes, and continuous improvement is emphasized. • The factors that contribute to long-term success in investment management organizations are discussed, including organizational practices, individual growth, and staying sharp in the industry. • The speaker shares their personal passion for music and its impact on their well-being, as well as lessons learned from their experiences and influential individuals in their life.