Dakota Live! Podcast: Navigating Uncertainty with Brian LaBore

With increasing market volatility and shifting capital allocations, experienced hands are invaluable. On this episode of the Dakota Live! Podcast, we sit down with Brian LaBore, founder of LaBore Investment Partners, to take a top-down view of today’s markets and the trends shaping manager selection. With over 25 years of investment research and advisory experience, including two decades at Greycourt, Brian has been at the forefront of manager due diligence for ultra-high-net-worth families and family offices. His insights into active vs. passive capital flows, the shift from public to private markets, and the challenges of China allocations offer a clear-eyed perspective on where institutional investors are focusing their attention. Brian also discusses the critical role of behavioral finance in portfolio decision-making, how investors react to underperformance, and why short-term relative performance often matters more than many assume—even for long-horizon strategies. He highlights where opportunities may be emerging, particularly in U.S. small caps, long value/short growth, and biotech, while addressing the growing headwinds in asset management, including continued talent migration to private markets and increased market volatility. For asset managers looking to break into institutional portfolios, Brian shares practical advice on how to position an investment strategy, communicate competitive advantages, and align interests with investors. If you’re navigating today’s investment environment—whether as an allocator, asset manager, or investment professional—this conversation is packed with actionable insights.