Gallagher on The Long-Short: People as an Asset Manager's Most Overlooked Edge

By: Gallagher, Gallagher

Published: 2026-05-11 · Read time: 3 min · Category: Talent & Culture

David Cartwright Forbes of Gallagher joins AIMA's The Long-Short to discuss people strategy in alternative investment, generational shifts, and why flexibility now sits at the heart of every great talent plan.

David Cartwright Forbes, Head of Specialist Markets at Gallagher Reward & Benefits Consulting, joined AIMA's podcast The Long-Short to discuss what is often the most overlooked competitive edge for an asset manager: its people.

The episode covers attracting top talent, keeping teams motivated through rapid technology change and generational shifts, and why a forward-looking people strategy is no longer a nice-to-have. David also explores how smaller firms can compete on culture and purpose, how investors are increasingly weighing in on workforce priorities, and why flexibility and autonomy have moved to the centre of credible talent plans.

What the conversation covers

• Why people strategy is becoming a differentiator, not a hygiene factor.
• How smaller managers can compete with larger firms by leaning into culture and purpose.
• The role of investors in shaping workforce expectations and operational diligence.
• Generational shifts in what employees value, and the move toward flexibility and autonomy.
• What the future hedge fund workforce is likely to expect.

Listen

The episode is available on the major podcast platforms:

• Spotify
• Apple Podcasts
• Amazon Music