The Active Share

Hosted by William Blair Investment Management

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May 2026

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About the show

Curious about the ever-changing world and how it impacts investing? So are we. If you’re seeking the less obvious, The Active Share podcast is for you. Hear thought-provoking conversations with thought leaders, company executives, and William Blair Investment Management’s own analysts and portfolio managers as they share unique perspectives on investing in a world that’s always evolving. Disclosure: This content is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended as investment advice or a recommendation to buy or sell any security or to adopt any investment strategy. Investment advice and recommendations can be provided only after careful consideration of an investor’s objectives, guidelines, and restrictions. The views and opinions expressed are those of the speakers as of the date of this recording, are subject to change without notice as economic and market conditions dictate, and may not reflect the views and opinions of other investment teams within William Blair Investment Management. Factual information has been obtained from sources we believe to be reliable, but its accuracy, completeness or interpretation cannot be guaranteed. Any discussion of particular topics is not meant to be comprehensive and may be subject to change. This material may include forecasts, estimates, outlooks, projections and other forward-looking statements. Due to a variety of factors, actual events may differ significantly from those presented. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investing involves risks, including the possible loss of principal. Any investment or strategy mentioned herein may not be suitable for every investor. References to specific companies are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice or a recommendation to buy or sell any security. William Blair Investment Management may or may not own any securities of the companies referenced. It should not be assumed that any investment in the companies referenced was or will be profitable. Copyright © 2026 William Blair. "William Blair" refers to William Blair Investment Management, LLC. William Blair is a registered trademark of William Blair & Company, L.L.C.

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60 recent

May 21, 202630 min

The Cloud Has Come Back Down to Earth

Five years after his last appearance, Jay Kannan, CFA, a research analyst on William Blair’s global equity team, returns to The Active Share to explore how technology has fundamentally transformed from software and services to infrastructure and hardware. Where Hugo and Jay’s 2021 conversation centered on e-commerce and cloud adoption, their discussion this time around focuses on the physical constraints powering AI—from semiconductor bottlenecks and substrate shortages to power grids and the cascading supply chain effects. Together, Hugo and Jay examine why demand for compute far exceeds supply, where value is captured across the stack, and what's breaking under the weight of explosive token growth.

March 27, 202633 min

The EMD Story Investors Overlook

Emerging markets debt (EMD) has evolved from a niche corner of global fixed income into a broad, increasingly resilient asset class. In this episode of The Active Share, Hugo is joined by Marcelo Assalin, CFA, partner, portfolio manager, and head of William Blair’s EMD team, to reflect on how the asset class—and his own investment approach—have matured over the years. Together, Hugo and Marcelo discuss the expanding opportunity set in frontier markets, common misconceptions around risk and EMD, and why today’s macro backdrop may be more supportive than many investors assume.

March 23, 202637 min

The Africa Narrative We’ve Been Getting Wrong

Africa’s growth story has long been misunderstood. On this episode of The Active Share, Hugo is joined by Joe Studwell, author of "How Asia Works" and "How Africa Works," to unpack the forces shaping Africa’s economic trajectory. Studwell challenges common misconceptions about the continent’s development, arguing that agricultural productivity, population density, and education are the foundations of sustained growth. He and Hugo also discuss the complex role of China’s investment; lessons from Botswana, Mauritius, and Rwanda; and why urbanization and demographic growth could reshape Africa’s economic future.

February 26, 202642 min

Finding the Courage to Change Culture

In a world where law enforcement faces unprecedented challenges, the role of leadership has never been more critical. On this episode of The Active Share, Hugo sits down with Kristen Ziman, Aurora, Illinois’ first female chief of police and now a sought-after leadership consultant, who shares her journey and the transformative power of effective leadership in policing. Kristen also reflects on how optimism, transparency, and courageous conversations can transform not just police departments, but any organization facing turbulence and change. Her story provides a unique blueprint for leaders who are ready to build trust, drive accountability, and create cultures that thrive—even when the pressure is on.

February 5, 202637 min

Will Lopes: CEO of Catapult Sports

What happens when elite sport meets elite data? In this episode of SuiteTalk, Hugo sits down with Will Lopes, CEO of Catapult Sports, to explore how technology is reshaping the way athletes train, perform, and stay healthy. From wearable devices and real-time analytics to AI-powered insights, Lopes explains how teams are moving beyond intuition to make smarter, more precise decisions. Lopes also offers candid insights on leadership and the role AI will play in enhancing—not disrupting—the future of sports.

January 8, 202643 min

2026: This Year Sounds Different

“They say the first thing that dies in your life is your taste in music.” In this episode of The Active Share, we invite you to rethink not just your playlists, but your investment mindset for 2026. Hugo is joined by William Blair’s Simon Fennell, partner, and Olga Bitel, partner, for a candid conversation about the emergence of a new investment regime—one shaped by the rise of AI, shifting geopolitics, and rapidly evolving market dynamics. Together, the trio unpacks what these seismic changes mean for investors and investment strategies alike. And as Simon reminds us, there has never been a more important time to challenge personal biases and to stay open to new opportunities.

December 2, 202530 min

Martin Bruncko: CEO and Founder of Schuman Financial

On this episode of SuiteTalk, Hugo sits down with Martin Bruncko, CEO and founder of Schuman Financial, which is the issuer of EURØP, a regulated, fully backed euro stablecoin. They discuss Martin’s journey from tech entrepreneur and investor to a leader shaping digital finance and break down why financial services are moving on-chain. The conversation also explores the technological barriers slowing adoption and the transformative potential of stablecoins and blockchain technology.

November 20, 202535 min

Jane Sun: CEO of Trip.com Group

What does it take to lead, innovate, and thrive in Asia’s diverse travel market? On this episode of SuiteTalk, Hugo is joined by Jane Sun, the CEO of Trip.com Group, where she shares her remarkable journey from CPA to CEO. Together, they discuss navigating Asia’s complex markets, leveraging AI to enhance customer experiences, and leading through crises, all while reflecting on how travel and curiosity can shape growth, leadership, and perspective.

September 15, 202525 min

Gerrie Fourie, Former CEO of Capitec Bank

What does it take to disrupt an industry as entrenched as banking and keep evolving once you’ve done it? On this episode of SuiteTalk, Gerrie Fourie, former CEO of Capitec Bank, reflects on what it takes to build a truly client-obsessed organization. He shares lessons on the importance of simplicity and transparency, emphasizes the power of purpose in inspiring others, and offers a unique perspective on the evolving role of a CEO in today’s fast-paced environment.

August 7, 202533 min

Alex Hsieh: CEO of Voltronic Power Technology

On this episode of SuiteTalk, Hugo is joined by Alex Hsieh, the president and chairman of Voltronic, to explore the journey behind one of the leading companies in the uninterrupted power supply and solar inverter space. Together, they discuss the resilience needed when starting a company, navigating industry headwinds, and addressing the global demand for energy.