Kenneth Sleeper of Ocean Park Asset Management - Balancing Risk In Uncertain Times
Global markets have been experiencing a lot of volatility lately, leaving many investors wondering how to respond. What strategies are successful money managers using to protect their clients' investments? In today’s episode, Rusty and Robyn talk with Kenneth Sleeper, Co-Founder, Co-Managing Director, and Portfolio Manager at Ocean Park Asset Management, a firm with a unique investment approach that limits downside risk and delivers satisfying returns. Before co-founding Sierra Investment Management (parent company of Ocean Park Asset Management) in 1987, Kenneth applied his extensive background in statistical and computer applications to develop and refine computerized techniques for reducing downside risk. In his current roles at Ocean Park Asset Management, Kenneth jointly oversees all aspects of the organization’s activities, including asset management, research, and client relationships. He utilizes his experience to help create productive investment solutions for clients so they can retire safely and successfully. Kenneth talks with Rusty and Robyn about how successful money managers are responding to volatility, how investors can balance risk in uncertain times, and the biggest problems people face when it comes to investing. Key Takeaways [03:00] - What asset managers are responsible for. [05:05] - Kenneth's extensive experience in the investment management industry. [10:08] - How seasoned asset managers navigate the market in turbulent and volatile times. [14:36] - How the balanced risk model works. [16:57] - What keeps Kenneth's physical and mental health in peak condition. [22:27] - One of the biggest problems people face when it comes to investing. Quotes [03:00] - "We have to manage our portfolios both in good times and bad times, times when the markets are just trending uninterrupted for months and months, and then periods like this, where there's extreme volatility. We're still responsible for managing the portfolios every day. Every day the markets are open. We have to be doing that and we don't get a rest to think about what must be done." - Kenneth Sleeper [04:30] - "If we didn't have a process, if we didn't have discipline, where would we be? Where would our clients be? It’s even more important during this period of volatility." - Kenneth Sleeper [22:27] - "I think the biggest problem investment people have is having a mindset that doesn't make them open to change, that doesn't make them open to what can happen moving outside of their comfort zone." - Kenneth Sleeper Links Kenneth Sleeper Ocean Park Asset Management Sierra Investment Management I Won’t Back Down by Tom Petty Skip Schweiss Fiserv TD Ameritrade Steven Wilkes National Geographic Market Wizards by Jack Schwager The Black Swan by Nassim Nicholas Taleb Mania, Panics, and Crashes by Charles P. Kindleberger Connect with our hosts Rusty Vanneman Robyn Murray Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts 0403-OPS-3/2/2022