Rayna Lesser Hannaway of Polen Capital Management - Managing Investments That Are Built to Last

Episode • May 24, 2022 • 26m

Given rising interest rates, slower economic growth, and geopolitical tensions, it goes without saying that the current market climate is turbulent. As a result, many investors are left wondering how they can still achieve their financial goals. While there is no one silver bullet that can guarantee success in every situation, there are a number of strategies that investors can utilize in order to put themselves in a good position to meet their targets.

In today’s episode, Rusty and Robyn talk with Rayna Lesser Hannaway, Head of the Portfolio Manager & Analyst Team, Small Company Growth and Co-Chair of WISE (Women Inspiring Success & Engagement) ERG at Polen Capital Management. In her 26 years in the investment industry, Rayna has developed an investment philosophy that combines growth, quality, concentration, and long-term holding periods. Additionally, she believes that women can thrive in fund management. Thus, empowering and supporting them to succeed in the wealth and investment management arena.

Rusty and Robyn talk with Rayna about how investors can meet their financial goals even when the markets are turbulent, what investment strategies they employ at Polen Capital, and Rayna’s advice for investors during this time of market volatility.

Key Takeaways

[03:58] - Rayna's career background and investment experiences.
[05:56] - How Polen Capital inspires women in investment management.
[07:36] - How Polen Capital is performing in the current market environment.
[09:53] - Four investment strategies that Rayna manages at Polen Capital.
[13:52] - Rayna’s advice for investors in today's volatile market.
[15:09] - What Rayna looks for in a good research analyst and portfolio manager.
[18:05] - Rayna’s personal investment strategy.
[19:53] - How Rayna maintains her mental and physical health.
[21:56] - Rayna's book and podcast recommendations.

Quotes

[04:54] - "The most important thing I've learned over my career is that focusing on companies that are built to last is the best way to drive great long-term outcomes, especially in the small and mid-cap market." - Rayna Lesser Hannaway

[06:31] - "There actually hasn't been that much progress that's been made in bringing more women and other underrepresented groups into research and portfolio management. And so, at WISE, we're really trying to build a strong community amongst the women and people that identify as women and make sure that we help them on their journey." - Rayna Lesser Hannaway

[14:05] - "It's so easy to lose emotional discipline during a time like this. So, I think it's really important for investors to stay focused on the long term and stay focused on companies that can endure some of the obstacles that we're facing today." - Rayna Lesser Hannaway

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