Dakota Live! Podcast: Constructing the Future of Wealth Management with CW Advisors

In this episode of the Dakota Live! Podcast, host Robert Morier welcomes back Jennifer DeSisto, Chief Investment Officer of CW Advisors, for a wide-ranging conversation about her new role and the rapidly evolving RIA landscape.

Now overseeing a $14 billion platform, Jen shares how she's building out CW Advisors’ investment platform from the ground up, integrating private markets, tax-managed strategies, and institutional-level manager research across a growing network of acquired firms. With a sharp focus on scalable infrastructure, Jen walks us through what it takes to harmonize disparate teams, systems, and philosophies into one unified, forward-looking investment platform.

Listen for insights on:

• Building a CIO-led investment process in a fast-growing RIA
  
  
• The current outlook for private equity, private credit, and hedge funds
  
  
• What RIAs need from asset managers today—and what makes a great pitch
  
  
• CW’s approach to structuring its team and onboarding acquired firms
  
  
• How semi-liquid structures and platforms like CAIS are shaping private market access
  
  
• The priorities for expanding into public markets, emerging markets, and co-investments
  
  
• Recruiting and mentoring investment talent in a competitive environment
  
  

Whether you’re an allocator, asset manager, or just curious about how RIAs are evolving into institutional-caliber investors, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at strategy, integration, and leadership in action.