Have you wondered what it’s like to be a member of the Thinking Ahead Institute? Perhaps you’re curious to find out more about the kind of work we collaborate with our members on? Our new monthly member spotlight series celebrates our valuable member base and showcases our collaborative work, from working groups to global studies.
Herschel Pant, Head of Global Consultant Relations and Institutional, Core Client Group UK, AXA IM, highlights a key moment of pride how our network insights have strengthened their culture and client partnerships, and how staying ahead of asset owner thinking has shaped their strategic direction.
BNP Paribas Asset Management (formerly AXA IM) has been part of Thinking Ahead for over a decade, what has being part of our network meant for your organisation, and how has it shaped your journey?
It has been a great way of keeping up and ahead at times of the way asset owners think, which has meant we’ve been able to adjust our business accordingly. We have adopted practices from the research done by Thinking Ahead including 3D investing, which has made us a more competitive organisation in the changing landscape. These developments over time has allowed us to shape how we do business and ultimately make us a more resilient business long term.
What milestone or achievement from the last ten years are you most proud of, and how has the network played a role in supporting it?
Being part of a global working group to co-create a roadmap to reduce the ‘action gap’ in sustainability was something I am extremely proud of. Learning from the network of asset owners and managers in an open, honest and judgement free zone allowed everyone to be transparent and create something unique.
How has tapping into our global network changed the way your organisation thinks, learns or collaborates?
Thinking Ahead’s focus on culture, its assessment and learning how other firms adapt their culture has been a big help in ensuring we remain an organisation which can retain great talent. I have heard time and again through this network, including asset owners and asset managers, that culture is a growing challenge for all us, particularly with the impact of AI. As a result, we have focussed on being a more strategic partner to our clients.
Finally, what’s on your shelf? Tell us what you’re either reading, watching or listening to.
I am actually creating. Editing a podcast to go live by March about careers and a play in the summer. It will be available on Spotify / Apple podcasts by mid-late March!
Dive into our member spotlight series:
– Andrew Fisher, Head of Strategy at Australian Retirement Trust
– Yolanda Blanch Ruiz, Chairperson at Pensions Caixa 30
– Aaron Filbeck, Managing Director of Content & Community Strategy at CAIA Association
– Elsa Madrolle, Global Head of Commercial Engagement at SimCorp
