Diversity, equity and inclusion have been core values for Aetos Alternatives Management since its founding in 2001, said co-founder Anne Casscells. The firm is a hedge fund adviser and outsourced chief investment officer for institutional clients, headquartered in Menlo Park, California.
“Over my career, I’ve seen many successful female colleagues in the early part of their careers somewhat pretend they weren’t women. They felt the need to do that so their work commitment wouldn’t be questioned,” Casscells said. “And it was worse for the LGBTQ community. There’s a lot of pain people hold inside from this.”
She continued, “I’ve had a very long sensitivity to trying to create opportunities for people in finance who don’t fit the traditional stereotype. When you find a non-stereotypical person with potential, you have to coach them and encourage them to apply.”
Outsiders have a different way of looking at things, Casscells said. “They bring in viewpoints others don’t, so for a good investment culture, you need to have people who speak up and speak the truth, and go against received wisdom.”
“They make you think hard about your culture,” she continued. “I constantly have to evolve myself as a leader to model embracing diverse voices, truly diverse — including people from all sides of the political spectrum. No one should be shut down — we have to mean that.”
Contact Alexis Basalyga, director of client relations and business development, at abasalyga@aetos.com to learn more about its diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.