Conversations with Future Generation

Tune in to hear Jennifer Westacott, Chair of Future Generation Global (ASX: FGG), share insights on the key challenges she has encountered throughout her remarkable career.  Jennifer discusses the role of social justice as a driving force in her life, what encouraged her to become Chair of Future Generation Global, and the importance of creating vehicles, like the Future Generation model, for everyday individuals to be involved in philanthropy.   Commenting on the rising anti-Semitism in Australia, Jennifer discusses how we should respond to this challenge, and find the balance between protecting free speech and curbing hate speech. Finally, Jennifer delves into the importance of financial independence for women, and how best to promote this culture of wealth accumulation and savings for our future generations.  Episode transcript

John Coombe, Executive Director at JANA Investment Advisers and Investment Committee member of both Future Generation companies, discusses the recent changes to the Future Generation Global portfolio. John shares insights on Future Generation's fund-of-funds strategy, the fund manager selection process and how the Investment Committee handles global market volatility. He also addresses concerns about the recent market concentration in mega-cap US technology stocks and the performance of the Future Generation Global investment portfolio amid shifting market dynamics Full transcript here

In this Take Stock episode, Caroline Gurney, CEO of Future Generation, hosts Ryan Quinn, a pro bono global fund manager from WCM Investment Management, who manages the WCM Quality Global Growth Fund. Joining us from the USA, Ryan shares his expertise on the fund's notable performance and the current market outlook. The conversation explores how investment ideas are integrated into the portfolio, the role of cultural analysis in decision-making, and the strategies that drive sustained growth. This episode is a must-listen for finance professionals and investors seeking to understand the dynamics of global investing and the factors influencing successful fund management. Join us for a compelling discussion that emphasizes the importance of strategic thinking in shaping the future of investment. Episode Transcript

In this episode of "Take Stock," Caroline Gurney, CEO of Future Generation speaks with Tom Richardson, Portfolio Manager at Paradice Investment Management to discuss his insights into the current market landscape, with a particular focus on China, mining stocks and the performance of small-cap companies. Tom shares why managing Future Generation funds is not only a professional responsibility but also a personal mission. Episode Transcript

In this episode of Take Stock, Future Generation CEO, Caroline Gurney, talks with Mark Holowesko, the Founding Partner and CEO of Holowesko Partners, one of Future Generation Global's (ASX: FGG) pro bono fund managers. Mark discusses his investment philosophy, and provides his perspectives on US debt and potential threats to equity markets. He also shares his views on the upcoming US election and how he is positioning his investment portfolios accordingly. Episode Transcript

Join Caroline Gurney, CEO of Future Generation, in a deep dive into the current market dynamics with Nikki Thomas, Portfolio Manager at Magellan.  In this episode of Take Stock, Nikki shares her market outlook, expectations for the August reporting season and the potential impacts of the US election on investment landscapes. Nikkis discusses the opportunities and challenges in China's evolving market and shares her investment process. Tune in for expert analysis and strategic advice to enhance your investment strategy. Episode Transcript

Dr Ian Langford is one of the Australian Defence Force's most respected and decorated leaders. Over three decades in the Army, Ian served in Afghanistan, Iraq, Israel and Syria, among other places. In this episode, Ian discusses his career in the Defence Force, key lessons he has learned being in conflict zones, military ethics and the future of warfare.

In this episode of Future Generation's podcast, 2fold: Take Stock, Matthew Kidman, Principal and Portfolio Manager at Centennial Asset Management discusses how the global conflicts are impacting markets and his views on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and investment opportunities in China. Centennial Asset Management is one of Future Generation Australia's (ASX: FGX) pro bono fund managers. Episode Transcript

In this episode of Future Generation's podcast, 2fold: Take Stock, Raphael Lamm, Joint Managing Director and Co-Chief Investment Officer at L1 Capital, discusses stock tips that will take advantage of higher copper prices and his expectations on oil prices and inflation. Raphael also shares why L1 Capital has been agitating for Santos (ASX: STO) to split out its liquid natural gas assets. L1 Capital is one of Future Generation Australia (ASX: FGX)'s pro bono fund managers.

In this episode Caroline Gurney, CEO of Future Generation, speaks with William Low, Portfolio Manager, Yarra Global Share Fund and Head of Global Equities at Nikko Asset Management. William discusses his view on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and why he believes we are still underestimating it's impact. He also shares why Netflix is his long-term stock pick.

This new episode of Take Stock features Zehrid Osmani, head of the Global Long-Term Unconstrained team at Martin Currie, who was visiting from Edinburgh. A pro bono fund manager for Future Generation Global, Zehrid explains why we're still only at the foothills of AI's potential; predicts that his top stock Nvidia could grow earnings by 30pc annualised over the next five years; and why a Trump victory in November could be good for stock markets.

Regarded as one of Australia's best interviewers, Andrew Denton has spent more than two decades captivating audiences with hard-hitting questions and thought-provoking commentary. In the hot seat this time around, Andrew delves into his commitment to social causes through Go Gentle, his not-for-profit which works to promote choice at the end of life for terminally ill Australians. While it's not without a few laughs, the conversation also covers Andrew's own mental health challenges and his relationship with the families behind the fight for voluntary assisted dying laws.   Please note that the views, information, or opinions expressed during the 2fold: Investing for Impact series are solely those of the speakers and do not necessarily represent the views or positions of any entities they represent.

In this episode, Caroline Gurney, CEO of Future Generation, speaks to Matt Haupt, Portfolio Manager of Wilson Asset Management's Leader's Fund. With more than +15 year's investment experience, Matt has a top-down investment approach to managing a portfolio of Australian-listed stocks across the S&P ASX 200. Listen to this episode as Matt discusses the ASX reporting season, his market outlook for 2024 and the future of Listed Investment Companies.  Wilson Asset Management is the lead supporter of the Future Generation companies and is one of Future Generation Australia's (ASX: FGX) pro bono fund managers. 

Former NSW Premier, Mike Baird AO is a household name and recognised business leader, driven to serving his country and local community. From investment banking to state politics, chairing Cricket Australia and aged care groups, Mike has a real determination to drive change for good in both the private and public sector. In this episode, Mike offers his unique perspective on leadership and discusses post-premiership life, the current state of Australian politics, and why backyard cricket is here to stay. We also discuss his relationship with faith and the intersection of his faith with public service. Mike currently chairs Future Generation Australia (ASX: FGX).

In this episode, Caroline Gurney, CEO of Future Generation, speaks to Nikki Thomas, Portfolio Manager of Magellan Financial Group's Global Fund. With more than 20 years' experience in markets, Nikki is recognised for her work in bringing global equities to Australia and prides herself on investing in the world's best global stocks. In this episode, Nikki shares insights on the recent US reporting season, her market outlook, and optimism about the US market. Magellan Financial Group is one of Future Generation Global's (ASX: FGG) pro bono fund managers.

After seeing the plight of disadvantaged youth in his community, Bernie Shakeshaft decided to take action. Starting in 2006 with a shed and an idea, Bernie founded the BackTrack Youth Works Program, in an effort to turn around the lives of kids struggling to stay in school, stay out of trouble and falling through the cracks. Using the skills he developed growing up and as a jackaroo in the Northern Territory learning from the Aboriginal trackers, Bernie has developed an award-winning program that involves animal-assisted learning, agricultural skills and a residential facility. In this episode, Bernie shares the unique story behind BackTrack, the organisation's plans to expand across the country and how we can keep at-risk kids alive, out of jail and chasing their hopes and dreams.   Backtrack is a social impact partner of Future Generation Global (ASX: FGG) and has supported more than 1,000+ kids through the BackTrack program.  

Jane Rowe OAM dedicates her life to helping the children left behind in the wake of substance abuse. Following a privileged British upbringing and personal addiction challenges, Jane worked as a drug and alcohol counsellor in Australia where she witnessed firsthand the devastating effects that substance abuse has on families. Inspired to make a positive change and to stop the cycle of addiction, she founded the Mirabel Foundation. 25 years on, Mirabel has become a beacon of support for Victorian and New South Wales communities, providing vital assistance and supporting thousands of vulnerable children and their carers. In this episode, Jane candidly shares her story, Mirabel's mission and how we can unite to bring about positive change. 

In the second episode of Take Stock, Caroline Gurney, CEO of Future Generation, speaks to Nick Markiewicz, Portfolio Manager at Lanyon. Nick discusses his investment process and how it has evolved over his career, how Lanyon selects companies to invest in and the investment case for Universal Music Group.

We are excited to launch our new Future Generation podcast series, Take Stock. In this series, we get a backstage pass into the minds of our leading pro bono fund managers and Future Generation supporters. In the first episode, Caroline Gurney, CEO of Future Generation, speaks to John Coombe, Executive Director of Jana Investment Advisers, and Investment Committee member for both Future Generation Companies. John advises some of Australia's biggest superannuation funds, and discusses the performance of small-cap companies domestically and globally, the performance of the largest global companies – which have coined the name the ‘magnificent seven' – as well as both Future Generation Companies.

You might recognise Don Spencer from his three decades on Play School. That's how most Australians know him. But there's so much more to Don than bears and chairs. He is, as we discovered, one of those people with “stories to tell”. He's toured with the Rolling Stones, flirted with Marianne Faithfull, played hockey with the national Kenyan team, learnt guitar from Roger Whittaker, and had Russell Crowe as a son-in-law. But it's Don's work behind the scenes that will ultimately ensure his legacy. For more than 20 years, Don's been providing free music lessons to Australia's most disadvantaged kids - through the Australian Children's Music Foundation, which he founded – and Future Generation Australia supports. So far, the organisation has delivered almost 270,000 free music lessons.

Michael Chaney is one of the country's most successful business leaders and an advocate for the Voice to Parliament. For the past 3 decades, Michael has dominated corporate Australia. As CEO of Wesfarmers, he grew the company's value from $1 billion to $10 billion and he's also chaired some of Australia's top tier companies – such as National Australia Bank, Woodside Petroleum and, of course, Wesfarmers. More recently, however, Michael has turned his sights to other projects. In this episode, he shares his thoughts on The Voice, the state of politics in Australia, mining, feminism and the environment.

This special episode features Wim Hof, a Dutch adventurer, extreme athlete and motivational speaker. Wim is known as the Iceman for his ability to withstand freezing temperatures and holds more than 20 Guinness World Records. He has climbed Kilimanjaro wearing only a pair of shorts. He has run a half marathon above the Arctic Circle barefooted and is affectionately called the Godfather of Cold. He is famous for his Wim Hof Method, a combination of frequent cold exposure, breathing techniques, and meditation. According to Wim this method can help people achieve remarkable feats and it can improve your overall wellbeing, both physical and mental.  

Wendy McCarthy is one of Australia's most influential women.  For more than 50 years Wendy's been at the forefront of feminism, corporate and public life in Australia.  Her trailblazing advocacy has truly shaped this country. For example, if your dad was at your birth, you can thank Wendy because back in the 1960's she fought for the rights of fathers to be at their child's birth. She's also fought for equal pay for women, affordable childcare, and access to contraception and abortion law reform.  In fact, in 1972 she famously risked prosecution by taking out a full page ad announcing she'd had an illegal abortion. But Wendy is not just an incredible change maker. She's an educator, author, mother, business owner, board member, university chancellor, the Deputy Chair of the ABC and a wonderful mentor to countless other women.

Michael Traill is an absolute legend in Australia's not-for-profit circles, but that is not how he started out. Like many other Harvard grads, Michael went into investment banking. He spent 14 years at Macquarie Bank, where he successfully co-founded the bank's private equity division. But, a career that provides profit above all else didn't sit comfortably with him. In 2002 at the peak of his career, Michael jumped ship to the not-for-profit sector. His idea was to bring corporate rigour to the charitable world. He was founding CEO of Social Ventures Australia, and he took a revolutionary approach with bridging the gap between privilege and property. These days, Michael Chair's the Paul Ramsay Foundation and the Federal Government social impact investing taskforce among his many other roles. In 2010, he was made a member of the Order of Australia in recognition of his service to the not-for-profit sector.

Tim Minchin AO, multi-award-winning musician, actor, writer and comedian speaks to Future Generation CEO, Caroline Gurney about the growing mental health crisis, woke culture, the importance of modelling behaviours for your children, and how and why giving needs to be built into capitalism. 

Prof. Samuel Harvey is a leading academic psychiatrist with international standing in clinical and population mental health research. Sam initially trained and worked as a GP, before pursuing his passion for mental health and training as a psychiatrist at the internationally renowned Maudsley Hospital and Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience in London. He completed his PhD at the University of London in 2011. He is currently the Executive Director and Chief Scientist at Black Dog Institute. 

Natasha Stott Despoja AO is the youngest woman to ever enter Parliament, a former member of the Australian Democrats and currently sits on the United Nations Committee for the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). She has also founded not-for-profit organisation Our Watch, written a book and served on a number of charity Boards. Natasha has also been named as one of the top global influencers on gender policy.

John Coates AC is President of the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) and Vice-President of the International Olympic Committee. John is a leading sports administrator who played a key role in bringing the 2000 Olympic to Sydney and in the establishment of the Australian Olympic Foundation. In 2006 he was appointed as a Companion of the Order of Australia for his service to the development of sport nationally and internationally. Louise and John discussed the numerous Olympic bids he has worked on, the influential figures such as Nelson Mandela and Xi Jinping he has met throughout his career in the AOC, the lessons and success that the Australian Olympic Foundation has seen since its establishment and more.

Ross Greenwood is Sky News’ Business Editor and the anchor of Weekend Business. His career in the media industry spans print, television and radio, which has allowed him to travel around the world including to London where he was Editor-in-Chief and Co-Creator of the British weekly magazine Shares. His decision to take a gap year in 2020 after enjoying a 40 year-long career has led to the launch of his podcast series The Money Minutes.Louise and Ross delved into what Ross looks for when investing, the changing landscape of the media industry, the invaluable mentorship he received from The Australian columnist Robert Gottliebsen and more. 

Founder and Managing Director of Paradice Investment Management David Paradice AO has over 35 years' experience in equity investments and is a board member of Future Generation Australia (ASX: FGX), Taronga Foundation, and a member of GO Foundation Investment Committee. David was awarded an Order of Australia in 2017 for his services to the community through philanthropy and investment management. Louise and David delved into David’s career journey, the impact of the coronavirus on society and the equity market, and his personal stories on family, health and sports. 

Mark is Chairman and co-Founder of Future Generation Global (ASX: FGG) fund manager Caledonia. Mark is an avid supporter of philanthropy, sports and the arts, serving on the Boards of the Caledonia Foundation, the Sydney Swans Foundation, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Art Exhibitions Australia and Kaldor Public Art Projects. Louise and Mark discussed Mark's transition from deep studies in science, culminating in a PhD in neuropharmacology, to a long and successful career in financial services, as well as the implications of the US election for Australia.

Armina is Global Equities Portfolio Manager at Grok Ventures, a private investment company established by Atlassian co-founder Mike Cannon-Brookes. Louise and Armina discussed Armina's profound career journey, the companies in the portfolio that have been coronavirus-related beneficiaries, Armina's view on technology valuations and the investments she is watching closely. 

CEO Louise sat down with veteran investor Peter Morgan this week for episode six of Conversations with Future Generation. Peter shared his cautions on the current US market, comparisons of the pandemic to other major market events in his career and insights into his years at 452 Capital and Perpetual.

In this month's episode Louise spoke with the CEO of the National Mental Health Commission and National Suicide Prevention Adviser to Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Christine Morgan. Louise and Christine spoke about Australia’s mental health system, the Productivity Commission’s Inquiry into Mental Health, the balance between funding physical and mental health issues plus her practical tips for young people.

In this month's episode CEO Louise Walsh spoke with Hon. Anna Bligh AC, CEO of the Australian Banking Association and former Premier of Queensland from 2007 to 2012. Louise and Anna spoke about Anna’s career journey and highlights, reflections on the GFC as well as Anna’s views on the current National Cabinet and the economic impact of the coronavirus crisis.

In this month’s episode of Conversations with Future Generation, CEO Louise Walsh speaks with the Hon. Joe Hockey, Founding Partner and President of Bondi Partners and previously Australia’s Ambassador to the United States of America, taking up his posting in Washington between 2016 and 2020. Louise and Joe discuss Joe's career highlights, the strength and importance of Australia-US relations in the current political climate, including Joe’s relationship with President Trump and the growing rivalry between China and the US. 

David is Chairman of the Australia and New Zealand Banking Group as well as Chancellor of the University of New South Wales and President of the Art Gallery of NSW Trust.David, who I've known for 30 years is also a Patron of the Australian Indigenous Education Foundation and Raise Foundation, who are both Future Generation Australia recipient charities and a Founding Panel Member of Adara Partners. 

The biggest issue facing Australia and the world today is Coronavirus. In this episode we invite Jonathan Nicholas, one of the leading experts in mental health in Australia, to talk about COVID and the impact on Australia, including how we live and work. Jono is the Founder and Managing Director of the Wellbeing Outfit, an advisory firm that improves organisational performance by improving the wellbeing and resilience of staff. Jono was previously the CEO of ReachOut Australia, Australia’s leading digital mental health service for young people and their parents. ReachOut is one of Future Generation Global recipient charities. He’s also a Director of Future Generation Global. Jono has a Bachelor of Arts Honours majoring in Psychology and a Masters in Public Health.