Beyond the Boardroom is our client experience series, built on a straightforward idea: that the conversations most worth having with clients are rarely the ones that fit inside a review meeting.
On 14 September, that series brought Cathie Wood to Sydney.
Cathie is the Founder, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer of ARK Invest. She joined Solomons Group clients at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth for a fireside conversation with our Managing Director, Johnny Shin, with around 80 clients in the room and a further 100 joining by livestream.
She set out the five innovation platforms her firm organises its research around, explained why she believes those technologies are converging rather than advancing separately and described what the current wave of artificial intelligence means for businesses and for young people entering the workforce. Innovation, in her words, arrives “slowly, slowly, then all at once”.
Questions from the floor covered technology company valuations, which of the innovation platforms remains most underappreciated and what young people should be studying as artificial intelligence reshapes entry-level work.
Closing the conversation, Johnny spoke about why the firm runs the series. As artificial intelligence raises the standard of professional services everywhere, he said, what will distinguish a firm is the relationship and the authenticity of its care for clients. Cathie agreed. “It’s going to become more and more important and valuable.”
Luke Aitken, one of our Senior Private Wealth Advisers, closed the night, and the conversation continued over drinks. We will be sharing more from the conversation over the coming days, including Cathie’s comments on innovation and global growth, and on artificial intelligence and the job market.
Our sincere thanks to Cathie and the ARK team for their time and openness, and to Associate Global Partners Limited (AGP) for working with us to make the evening possible.
