Capital Allocators – Inside the Institutional Investment Industry avatar

Dexa/Capital Allocators – Inside the Institutional Investment Industry

Learn more
Published Dec 25, 2023

2023 Top Episode #5: Gregg Lemkau – The Evolution of MSD, EP.291

Gregg Lemkau delves into the transformation of MSD from a family office to an influential registered investment advisor, exploring its strategic growth, investment philosophy, and the critical role of cultural alignment. He also reflects on his career transition from Goldman Sachs to MSD, offering valuable insights into leadership and high-stakes deal-making.
Episode Highlights
Capital Allocators – Inside the Institutional Investment Industry logo

Topics covered

Popular Clips

Episode Highlights

  • Goldman Insights

    Gregg Lemkau reflects on his extensive career at Goldman Sachs, highlighting the unique culture and teamwork that defined his experience. He emphasizes the importance of embracing change and being adaptable, which opened up numerous opportunities for him within the firm 1. A significant lesson he learned from David Solomon was the value of direct feedback, which he found both jarring and liberating 2. This approach to management helped him grow as a leader and manager, especially during challenging times like the financial crisis, which he navigated while working in London 3.

    Blunt talk, like giving real direct feedback. It's an amazing skill and a liberating skill, and not many people do it.

    ---

    These experiences shaped his leadership style and prepared him for future roles.

       

    MSD Transition

    Gregg's transition from Goldman Sachs to MSD was marked by unexpected opportunities and a desire for new challenges. Initially hesitant, he was persuaded by Michael Dell's vision for MSD and the chance to lead a significant investment platform 4. The opportunity to be a CEO with autonomy and a growth mandate was compelling, especially with the backing of the Dell family 5. Gregg appreciated the chance to build a business with a great team and saw it as a relevant life skill at this stage of his career 6.

    Running a big business at Goldman Sachs is interesting but really being the person who's got the authority and the accountability around decision making, it's the right stage in life to be doing that.

    ---

    This move represented a full second act in his professional journey.

       

    Career Decisions

    Gregg's career path was shaped by pivotal decisions and serendipitous moments. Initially planning to play professional soccer, he pivoted to a career in finance after a conversation with his parents 7. His journey to Goldman Sachs was unconventional, involving a stint as a paralegal before transitioning to banking 8. Throughout his career, family dynamics played a role, with his siblings also achieving success in the finance industry 9.

    It's been really fun supporting you for four years at Dartmouth. But basically we just paid for an Ivy League education and you should probably go get a job.

    ---

    These experiences highlight the importance of adaptability and seizing opportunities.

Related Episodes