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In this episode of Market Pulse by Faster Forward, host Grant Johnsey is joined by Adam Freda, Managing Director at 50 South Capital, for an in-depth conversation on the evolving private equity landscape.

They explore how recent market conditions have challenged traditional assumptions around liquidity and diversification, why private equity secondaries have grown into a critical source of flexibility for institutional investors, and how continuation vehicles are reshaping exit strategies. Adam also breaks down the growing role of evergreen funds—what they solve for, where risks can emerge, and why they’re likely to coexist alongside traditional closed-end funds rather than replace them.

The discussion covers portfolio construction across vintages and strategies, the importance of manager quality in volatile environments, and how investors are navigating private equity and private credit amid higher rates, slower exits, and rapid technological change. Listen in to understand today’s private markets—and what to watch next.

 

Grant Johnsey is a FINRA‑registered representative of Northern Trust Securities, Inc. Adam Freda is not FINRA registered and is an employee of 50 South Capital, an affiliate asset management firm of Northern Trust. Adam Freda is not acting in a broker‑dealer capacity and does not offer brokerage services.

This podcast is presented for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, a recommendation, or an offer to buy or sell any security, strategy, or investment product.

Any references to returns, performance characteristics, or investment outcomes are illustrative and not guaranteed. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Actual outcomes may vary significantly.

Northern Trust Asset Servicing, Northern Trust Securities, Inc., and 50 South Capital are affiliated entities under the Northern Trust corporate structure. Statements made by representatives of affiliated entities reflect their respective perspectives and business lines.

Investment products and services referenced may not be available in all jurisdictions and are offered only where permitted by law and regulation.

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In this episode of Market Pulse by Faster Forward, host Grant Johnsey sits down with Mike Kelly, Co‑Founder of Developer Town, to cut through the hype and explore the real‑world applications of AI—from personal productivity to enterprise‑scale transformation.

Mike shares how advances in large language models are reshaping everyday workflows, why tools like Gemini and ChatGPT are evolving into true AI companions, and how “vibe coding” is lowering the barrier to building custom software.

The conversation goes deeper into the enterprise, covering AI agents, fraud detection, unstructured data, and why many organizations struggle to move from experimentation to execution. Mike also weighs in on the implications for SaaS businesses, venture investing, energy costs, and the future of enterprise infrastructure.

Key topics include:

• How AI is changing personal productivity and decision‑making
• Using AI as a healthcare “navigator” and shared source of truth
• Vibe coding and the rise of build‑your‑own software
• Why enterprises get stuck on data and process readiness
• AI agents, automation, and security trade‑offs
• What AI means for SaaS, venture capital, and long‑term costs

Whether you’re experimenting with AI at home or evaluating it for your organization, this episode offers a clear, practical look at what’s working and what’s coming next.

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In this episode of Market Pulse by Faster Forward, host Grant Johnsey sits down with Shawn Gallegos, Chief Investment Executive at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Shawn shares a behind-the-scenes look at how the hospital’s Office of Investments manages a diverse portfolio—including operating funds, pension assets, and an innovation fund—while navigating the unique challenges of the healthcare sector.

Shawn dives into how his team balances risk and growth, maintain the hospital’s strong credit rating, and strategically allocate assets across equities, hedge funds, fixed income, and private investments. The conversation explores the evolving role of hedge funds in moderating portfolio volatility, the cautious approach to private credit and equity, and the importance of liquidity in a sector facing rising costs and demographic shifts.

Shawn also discusses the adoption of technology and analytics, including the Total Portfolio Approach (TPA), and how Northwestern Memorial’s innovation fund supports early-stage companies developing solutions for hospital operations. The episode closes with forward-looking insights on investment strategy adjustments for 2026.

Tune in to hear key insights on institutional investing, healthcare finance, and the intersection of innovation and portfolio management.