The Alea Journal - May 2020

THE JOURNAL

BUSINESS // TRAVEL // POLITICS // CULTURE // LIFE PRODUCED BY

ALEA GLOBAL GROUP

MAY 2020

Contents REGION FOCUS: AFRICA

Page 4

BEYOND THE PANDEMIC: THE USA AND CHINA

Page 8

SMART UV LIGHTING

Page 10

PERFECT YOUR MORNING ROUTINE

Page 13

ELCIELO HOSPITALITY GROUP

Page 15

LEVERAGING THE LOCKDOWN

Page 18

THE WORLD'S 10 WEALTHIEST FAMILIES

Page 25

A NEW CHINESE-FUNDED CAPITAL FOR EGYPT

Page 27

THE EXECUTIVE KINGMAKER

Page 28

THAILAND'S LUXURY RESORTS

Page 30

WELCOME

MAY 2020

The alea journal

FOREWORD BY MOHAMMAD ALDUAIJ CEO OF ALEA GLOBAL GROUP Welcome to the latest issue of The Alea Journal.

No doubt by now we have all experienced the very real effects of a certain global issue, and it is not my intention to dwell any more than necessary on this topic.

Without removing from its seriousness, we at Alea Global Group wish to look to the future with as much faith and optimism as possible.

This is because we are fortunate enough to meet and work with some of the most incredible, forward-thinking and humanitarian business minds in the world.

Seeing the work of great family offices in many regions has inspired us. There is indeed a global network of people who have the ability and the will to ensure we collectively learn the lessons of this trying time, and work together across borders to recover and thrive.

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In this issue we explore some potential technology such as viruskilling LED lighting, and we ask questions about a controversial treatment.

But we're also looking ahead to brighter times, with a focus on Elcielo's multi-sensory restaurant phenomenon, some incredible travel destinations, and reasons to invest in Africa – among many other ideas.

To contact us with news and ideas for future issues, email info@aleaglobalgroup.com

REGION focus: AFRICA

INVESTING IN AFRICA - WHY THE TIME IS RIGHT

A f r i ca i s a s l e ep i n g gi a n t w h en i t c o m e s t o in v e s t m e n t p o t e n t i al , a n d m a ny i n v e s t or s a r e o n l y n o w b e gi nn i n g t o r e a l is e t he w e al t h of i n ce n t i v e s a n d r es o ur c e s o f f e r e d b y t he r e gi o n .

H e r e ar e s ix o f t he k e y r e a s on s y o u s h o ul d b e l o o k i ng t o A f r i c a a s y o ur n e xt r e gi o n f o r i n v es t m e n t .

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High returns on investment

Many investors have long seen the continent as a risky proposition, which means they will often want to see larger returns to compensate for the uncertainty.

Many par t s of Af r i ca ar e known t o pr ovi de hi gh r et ur ns on f or ei gn i nvest ment .

But it is this very high performance that is getting the continent noticed on the world stage for global investors.

Accor di ng t o I nvest i n Af r i ca, t he Sub- Sahar an r egi on pr ovi ded annual aver age r et ur ns on f or ei gn di r ect i nves t ment of 8. 3 per cent bet ween 1 990 and 201 6.

As technology and communication continues to improve, more information is available on conditions in each country, making it easier for investors to carry out due diligence.

Thi s i s hi gher t han Sout h Asi a ( 5. 5 per cent ) , Lat i n Amer i ca and t he Car i bbean ( 5. 7 per cent ) and East Asi a ( 3. 6 per cent ) .

This new era of communication also helps challenge perceptions investors may have, helping them to make decisions based on actual risks, rather than their pre-existing ideas.

I t ’ s not j ust f or ei gn i nvest or s seei ng hi gh r et ur ns bet ween 2000 and 201 5, Af r i can f i nanci al i ns t i t ut i ons post ed r et ur ns f ar hi gher t han t hose f or ot her gl obal emer gi ng mar ket s.

This is better for everyone, as investors can make more informed decisions, and African economies can thrive and attract greater amounts of foreign investment in future.

EMERGING SECTORS While agriculture remains the continent’s dominant market, there are various interesting emerging sectors in the continent.

Sixty percent of the region’s population relies on crops - yields have risen steadily over the last 15 years as both governments and businesses have invested.

The continent still contains huge areas of unused farmable land, so with the right investment, the sector could grow even further.

As economies grow stronger, this would see a rise in demand for goods and services.

Many rural areas would be served by the recent rise in mobile phone coverage - making it easier for them to access consumer goods.

Consumer businesses will be able to meet increasing demand by improved infrastructure. In addition to large, macro investment, cities such as Lagos and Nairobi have also seen the emergence of fast-moving business start-up communities, providing services as varied as e-commerce, recruitment and education.

Increased mobile phone use can also act as a catalyst for a growth in various areas of the service sector, such as banking, insurance and entertainment providers.

As the region’s political climates continue to stabilise, the tourism industry is also expected to grow.

Many lower-tech manufacturing sectors such as textiles and agricultural processing are less exposed to technological shifts, meaning many countries in Africa are well placed.

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FAST GROWING ECONOMIES According to forecasts from BMI, 10 of the 20 fastest growing economies over the next decade will be in Africa.

When discounting South Africa, Sub Saharan Africa is expected to be the fastest growing region in the world over the next 10 years. These high rates of growth will come despite lower commodity prices.

This can even be a benefit to some countries, such as Rwanda, Ivory Coast and Ethiopia have seen their economies grow, as they are not reliant on the price of a single commodity to accelerate their economies.

Low commodity prices in these countries have also helped to drive down inflation.For those economies which do rely on commodities, such as Nigeria and Angola, a fall in prices have helped make economies more resilient in future, as this has led to increases in the competitiveness of noncommodity sectors.

This can open up options when it comes to foreign investment. It’s also worth remembering that countries which have been forced to turn to the IMF or international capital markets for funding, will be subject to increased scrutiny on spending, which can provide security for economic policymakers.

Financial innovation Mobile operators across Africa have begun offering basic financial services via mobile devices.

This sector is expected to grow in the future as developers in banks and corporates will tailor their products to meet demand throughout the region.

This is important, because it helps both consumers and mobile operators as well as governments wanting to increase living standards.

The rapid growth in mobile penetration has also led to banks on the continent using third parties such as petrol stations, supermarkets, kiosks and pharmacies to conduct basic transactions on their behalf.

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Improving business environment According to the World Bank’s 2018 Ease of Doing Business report, Sub-Saharan Africa adopted 83 reforms in 2017, the most by any region in a single year since the report began.

Since 2003, Rwanda’s economy has made the greatest improvement globally while as a region Sub-Saharan Africa’s 798 reforms is the highest of any region.

That said, the region continues to suffer from a lack of adequate infrastructure, but that’s not to say it isn’t being addressed.

According to BMI Research, there are more than 2,700 major infrastructure projects that have been recently completed, are underway or at an advanced stage of planning across 50 African countries.

These include transportation projects, bringing in railways, roads, ports and airports, as well as energy generation and transmission.

Commercial infrastructure, including shopping malls, industrial space and hotels are also taking shape, and could go towards improving productivity and reducing costs of businesses.

LOW OPERATING COSTS Low per capita GDP, high unemployment rates and a young population mean many African countries have a large pool of untapped labour.

Greater integration between African nations will allow firms based in to more easily target the whole of the continent, rather than just individual countries.

As companies are able to sell more, this will lead to larger economies of scale, leading to companies reducing their costs.

This will in turn lead organisations to getting better value through their supply chains. The Tripartite Free Trade Area (TFTA) is estimated to be completed in the next few years, and aims to link the three main trading communities in the region: the Southern African Development Community - SADC; the East African Community - EAC; and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa - COMESA. The new single market will be made up of 26 countries, 650 million people and a total GDP of approximately $1.3tn.

And that’s not all - the new Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) aims to make air travel across the continent much easier, lowering costs and increasing efficiency.

African citizens will find it easier to work in other African countries, as many nations are reducing visa requirements, with the proportion of Africans not needing a visa to travel to other African countries rising to 22 per cent.

The African Union is targeting complete visa-free travel on the continent for African citizens by 2020.

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BEYOND THE PANDEMIC

the usa and china

Where are relations headed?

Despite the recent signing of their Phase 1 Trade Deal last year, the USA-China relationship appears to be in a poor state, with President Trump lashing out publicly to accuse China of responsibility for the Covid-19 outbreak in the US. Whether this is pre-election bluster or the beginning of the end for a working relationship between the two countries remains to be seen.

We examine some key components of of the crisis to see what might happen next.

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China's opportunity to grab power?

Or to lend a helping hand?

Because the Covid-19 epidemic began in China, China had what might be called a head start on tackling this virus.

Whether or not China made the threat to the rest of the world known in good time is a matter of debate, but certainly the current situation is one in which China is in fast recovery mode, while America is still in the depths of the pandemic.

This creates an imbalance of power in which China is able to manufacture and thrive – in some cases producing solutions to the pandemic to be shipped out around the world – while other countries (notably the USA) are not yet re-opened and are facing huge economic problems.

Is China taking advantage of the current situation for its own gain? Or is China assisting the rest of the world to tackle a pandemic we are all suffering together? This may depend on your point of view, but it also depends on the moves China makes next.

'The Chinese virus' Donald Trump's continual pointing to China as the source of the pandemic is a public relations headache for China, but also for the World Health Organisation. This criticism is not going away, and has now become part of the public discourse.

The WHO' s handling of the panedemic, and its seemingly lenient and ineffective response to China, has led to intense criticism and a halt in US funding to the organisation.

China are not as large a funder to the WHO as America, but they are rapidly increasing their donations while the US appears to be less invested.

Citizens in China who initially spread 'rumours' about the virus were admonished by Chinese officials, meanwhile the WHO recommended against closing borders or restricting travel. These courses of action have not aged well.

Critics therefore argue that the WHO' s subsequent praising of China' s ' openness' in handling the epidemic is a clear sign that any valid criticism of the country over this situation will never be forthcoming.

What next?

The upcoming US election results in November will signal the direction of travel for US-China relations even more than the outcome of the pandemic.

Democrat Joe Biden' s campaign criticises Donald Trump' s early responses to China over Covid-19 (at a time when it must be said that Trump was in line with WHO advice).

Donald Trump's campaign, meanwhile, criticises Biden' s track record on China, and also highlights Biden's early outcry at Trump for closing US borders to Chinese nationals – a call made by Trump before such an action was more widely recommended.

Trump's 'America First' ethos seems like a genuine committment at all costs. How this squares with trade and cooperation with another world power post-pandemic is what remains to be seen.

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Is this The latest technology in the fight against Covid-19?

It may sound like a science fiction device, but smart UV lighting really is capable of killing viruses – including Covid19.

The use of smart UV lighting to fight Coronavirus is not only a real possibility, but it is currently proving effective in real world environments.

This Korean room sterilisation technology can get rid of up to 99% of viruses from the air in just 60 seconds, using ultraviolet rays.

The technology sterilises harmful viruses including Colon Bacillus, Staphylococcus Aureus, Pseudomonas Aeruginosa and Pneumococcus, through strategically placed UV light emitting diodes (LEDs), working in conjunction with air purification systems.

When the smart UV lighting was tested by the Chinese Test Institute, it was found to have reduced the Covid-19 virus by 97.5%, and other viruses by 99%.

Not harmful to human eyes or skin, the lighting is also easy to install and can operate for more than 50,000 hours before needing to be replaced.

This is around the same lifespan as ordinary LEDs. Used by RGF Environmental Group, SK Magic, and Hyundai Rental Care, one other big endorsement for its effectiveness is that it is also being used by NASA on board the International Space Station, ensuring a germ-free environment and protecting the astronauts.

First created in 2018 in South Korea – and certified by Korean Standards Association – the technology is ready to use in daily life, and can be installed in devices such as air cleaners, air conditioners and refrigerators.

Its use could also include environments such as hospitals, nursing homes, government offices, elevators, event spaces, and schools.

For more information about smart UV lighting, contact info@aleaglobalgroup.com

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Now is the time to perfect your morning routine ADVICE FROM ALEA GLOBAL GROUP With no pressure to commute or travel at all, and yet with many of us continuing to work, we are in a unique position to tackle one of the most essential elements of success – a morning routine that works.

Where life may otherwise have prevented us from making big changes to our daily routine, lockdown gives us the opportunity to form new habits and have them really stick.

Mornings are incredibly important because they dictate our mindset for the entire day ahead.

They are a chance to relax, or to catch up, or to look after our health in a way we are unable to do once the working day is in full swing.

Here’s how you can build a winning morning routine.

What time to get up Many successful people famously rise early, and are disciplined about it too. Muhammad Ali favoured 4am starts, as does Cristiano Ronaldo, while Conor McGregor is even earlier to rise at 3am.

There’s no need to be this extreme in your own life, however. Richard Branson, Jack Dorsey and Indra Nooyi are all 5am risers, while Steve Jobs favoured 6am, and Elon Musk starts his day at 7am.

The key thing is to ensure you have enough time in the morning to run through a productive process and do what you want to do before being hit with the usual demands of your day.

If that means getting up one hour earlier than usual, that could work for you.

But if you want to try and pack a lot of extra elements into your day, you may need even more time than that – find out what you want to do with your morning, and work out a suitable alarm clock time from there.

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Exercise Mornings are an ideal time to exercise. There is less chance you’ll have your exercise delayed, interrupted or sidelined completely by unexpected developments.

You’ll also be more wide awake after a workout, and you’ll feel more accomplished for the rest of the day.

Meditation No time of day is as still and calm as the morning, which makes it perfect for meditation.

Meditation calms your mind, making you sharper and more productive during the day.

You may wish to do an audio guided meditation on an app, or simply sit quietly for a few minutes with your eyes closed and focusing only on your breathing.

Meditation is a key habit for many successful entrepreneurs, who use it as a balance to their hectic and sometimes stressful working days.

A morning prayer Regardless of your religion, the morning is a peaceful and reflective time for prayer.

Reaching this kind of elevated state of mind so early on can help you to see the deeper meaning in everything that unfolds throughout the day.

Reading Whether catching up with the news or working your way through some personal or professional development books, the morning gives you some valuable uninterrupted reading time.

With no phone calls to get in the way, and no feeling like you should be working on something else, this bonus time can be used to further your mind, your happiness and your business.

Getting a head start While we would always advocate for using your mornings to do at least one of the suggestions above, you can also use some of the time to get through work tasks that are best done when you have time alone.

This can put you ahead for the rest of the day, giving you more of a sense of control, and leading to better decision-making and mental health.

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Elcielo Hospitality Group A MULTI-SENSORY SUCCESS STORY

Elcielo is family hospitality group, which has amassed 12 years experience to date, with restaurants in Colombia and the United States.

The company has, in those 12 years, opened a total of 12 restaurants and bars in Medellín, Bogotá, Miami and Washington.

The creative leader and owner of Elcielo Group is the Colombian chef Juan Manuel Barrientos (above), now 36 years old.

Juan has managed to merge his seemingly disparate interests in gastronomy and real estate to create the business of his dreams: a multi-sensory phenomenon of a business which wows with its locations just as much as it does with its food.

Celebrity diners include Cindy Crawford, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, James Rodríguez, Andrea Bocelli and Sofia Vergara.

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Q&A with juan Manuel Barrientos How did the business first begin?

What parts of your job bring you the most joy?

We began Elcielo 12 years ago when I was 23 years old, and it was the same concept modern Colombian cuisine, and an experience for all the senses.

The most joy is seeing the smile of the clients when they come to the restaurant, especially the kids. And another part of my job that I enjoy very much is travelling, and finding other restaurants and other chefs. Other than running exceptional bars and restaurants,

What are the main differences between running a business in Colombia and the United States?

I think the laws and the culture are very different. All the technical issues like payrolls, marketing, production, and food providers are very very different, and it’s very challenging but very exciting to understand both countries.

In terms of clients, there are different types of cultures; Miami and Medellín are more Latin, and Washington is a little bit more sophisticated and at the same time more polite, so clients change between the cities.

What other ambitions do you have for the business?

I like real estate very much and with the hotel we’re mixing the real estate and the hospitality businesses.

Could you explain a little about the multi-sensory experiences you provide?

The multi-sensory experience is based on awakening the senses with the dishes - you can wash your hands with chocolate and lick your fingers, you can smell things, taste things that look like one thing and taste like another.

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locations

Upcoming projects include the very first Elcielo Hotel, which will be in Medellín.

Medellín:

This 28-room boutique accommodation will also have two restaurants, two bars, a coffee shop and some of the brand’s famous multi-sensory experiences.

Elcielo Restaurant, Elcielo Classic, Kai (vegan restaurant), Aguafresca (mexican restaurant), La Serenissima (italian restaurant), Cuon (asiatic restaurant), Cerdología (Pork restaurant), Papaya Guacamaya (colombian typical food) Shibari and El Navegante (Bar).

Alea Global is currently exploring the potenital of bringing the Elcielo brand to the Middle East

Bogotá: El Cielo Restaurant.

Miami: Elcielo Restaurant.

Washington DC: Elcielo Restaurant.

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ADVICE FROM THE ASTER CLUB

Leveraging the Lockdown

When unexpected things happen to affect our life negatively, we like to believe that we would do whatever necessary to change the situation.

When people feel that they have no control over their situation, they may begin to behave helplessly.

This inaction can lead people to overlook opportunities for relief or change.

So what can we do to overcome and not fall for learned helplessness?

Focus on things within your control and improve or perfect them. It could be a small thing such as fixing a squeaking door hinge or cooking perfect eggs. Little by little, you will gain a sense of being in charge.

Visualize your experience of achievement and fulfillment. It will boost your hormone and make you feel more positive.

The current situation we are in is likely to induce learned helplessness.

Condition your mind by repeating your mantra. Words have a significant impact on priming our minds. "I am courageous, capable, and resilient." "I solve any problems with an innovative mind." Say it aloud so that you can hear you.

The lockdown and social distancing happened.

Our life is disrupted, and businesses are fundamentally shaken.

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MANDARIN ORIENTAL JUMEIRA, DUBAI

Mandarin Oriental is delighted to introduce the Group’s legendary hospitality to the Middle East with the opening of Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai.

Located in the heart of Dubai, and a stone’s throw from the water’s edge, the resort is set to bring a wave of chic design and luxury experiences to the shores of the city.

Designed by acclaimed international designer Jeffrey Wilkes, the property features spacious and elegant guest rooms and suites, most with private balconies and terraces, offering pristine ocean views or the dynamic city skyline.

Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai has six unrivalled restaurants and bars, all of which are noteworthy additions to Dubai’s dining scene.

The two signature restaurants are Tasca by Portuguese celebrity chef José Avillez and Netsu, a Warayaki-style Japanese steakhouse

by Australian-born chef Ross Shonhan.

As the closest beachfront resort to Dubai’s financial and business districts, the hotel boasts exceptional meeting and event facilities, providing a wonderful setting for weddings and social celebrations.

A 650-square-metre glass-walled ballroom features a beachfront terrace and is complemented by four elegantly appointed meeting spaces and an expansive private Bridal Room.

The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai takes wellness experiences to another level, with its focus on locally inspired experiences.

All nine treatment rooms feature individual changing and bathroom facilities, and some have private terraces overlooking the ocean.

This welcoming oasis offers exceptional heat and water experiences, and an unrivalled range of holistic rejuvenation and relaxation treatments.

There is also a state-of-the-art Fitness Centre and a Little Nomads kids’ club with a range of fun activities for younger Mandarin fans.

Kevin Pitzer - kevin@construa.co.mz

Introducing the World’s 10 Wealthiest Families Our focus is, as you know, on the world’s many great family offices who invest and influence in different parts of the world.

Many of the families we work with are happy not to be celebrity names, preferring instead to be prominently known only in their own spheres of influence, or not to be in the spotlight at all.

But some families have names that are famous around the world, either because of the products and services which carry that family name, or because of their levels of wealth, or both.

These are the 10 wealthiest families in the world; many you will have heard of, and some which may surprise you.

1. The Walton Family If you’ve not heard of the Waltons, you will certainly have heard of their empire – Walmart.

With an estimated wealth of $190.5 billion, this family is officially the richest one in America and indeed the world.

Walmart was first created in 1962, by Sam Walton, and has expanded from the initial single store to a global company with more than 12,000 stores.

Walmart hires so many people that if it were a city it would be the fourth largest in the US. 2. The Mars Family The surname best known as a globally successful brand of confectionery, the Mars family are also the force behind M&Ms. They’re worth an estimated $126.5 billion, and have diversified into pet care company VAC as well.

The company Mars Inc was founded in 1911, and by 2015 was the sixth largest privately held company in America.

It’s now run by the fourth generation of the Mars family.

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3. The Koch Brothers

7. The De Spoelberch, Van Damme, and De Mevius families

Fred C Koch founded an oil refinery in Kansas 1940, which eventually became known as Koch Industries.

With a new cracking method that refined crude oil into gasoline, the business is now the second largest privately held organisation in America.

Fred’s sons, David and Charles Koch, count as the third wealthiest family in the world with an estimated $124.5 billion.

Individually and then collectively dominating the brewing industry for more than 500 years, these three Belgian families joined forces in 1987 when they formed Interbrew.

The brewing company has ensured the families are now worth around $53 billion.

8. The Boehringer and Von Baumbach families

This is partly due to their father’s work, but they have risen to prominence in their own right through their political and financing activities.

4. Al Saud - the Saudi Royal Family

With an estimated worth of $51.9 billion, these two families jointly run the Boehringer Ingelheim pharmaceutical company in Germany and have for many generations.

The House of Saud is vast and extended, so putting an exact figure on the family’s wealth is tricky, but they have an estimated wealth of $100 billion.

9. The Ambani brothers Between them, Mukesh and Anil Ambani are worth an estimated $50.4 billion, thanks to their leadership of Reliance Industries.

They are certainly the richest family based outside the US. With a lineage going back almost 100 years, the family’s wealth comes from its relationship with oil company Saudi Aramco, as well as payments from the Royal Diwan.

This Indian industrial conglomerate was founded in 1957 by their father, and has a portfolio including oil, textiles, gas and petrochemicals, along with telecommunications, entertainment and more.

5. The Wertheimer Family Alain and Gerhard Wertheimer are the brothers who now own the famous fashion house Chanel, which their grandfather co-founded along with Gabrielle Coco Chanel.

10. The Cargill and MacMillan families Cargill Inc is a commodities company which was founded more than 150 years ago in Iowa.

Their estimated worth is $57.6 billion, and they reside in France.

It’s still run by the same two families six generations later, now in Minneapolis.

6. The Dumas Family

The Cargills and MacMillans are between them worth around $42.9 billion.

Hermés, the French fashion house famous for its scarves, was first founded in 1837 by Thierry Hermés.

Descended from Thierry are the Dumas family, who now run the company and are worth an estimated $53.1 billion..

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This article was compiled from data provided by investopedia.com

The latest on a new Chinesefunded capital for Egypt

China and Egypt are continuing to find new ways to work together in Egypt, from the ChinaEgypt Suez Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone to the Belt and Road Initiative.

A plan to increase Chinese spending in Egypt by $15 billion has been unveiled too, as Egypt becomes a centre via which Chinese products can be exported around Africa and the Middle East.

Chinese tourism in Egypt has increased, with more than half a million people taking the trip overseas in 2018, enticed by concerted collaborative efforts by both countries to sell Egypt as a travel destination.

A prime position between Cairo and the Red Sea gives it key linkages to major shipping routes.

The city will eventually cost $45 billion to build, and includes its own man-made river costing $9 billion and linking a series of public gardens.

Recent news, however, suggests that all may not be well with the funding for this ambitious construction project. Rumours that Egypt has so far been unable to meet the conditions attached to China’s $3 billion loan agreement have stalled the process.

Assuming this can be resolved, the initial money released will be used to build seven towers – two administrative and five residential.

But perhaps one of the most visible products of China’s investment in Egypt is the ongoing construction of a New Administrative Capital for Egypt: a currently unnamed city aiming to one day be home to more than five million people.

Then will come a central business district with 20 towers, the highest of which will be taller than the Empire State Building by four metres.

Once complete, the city will have 21 residential districts and 25 sector-specific districts, 2000 educational institutions, 663 medical facilities, and a theme park four times as large as Disneyland.

Funded by a consortium of Chinese banks, this ‘world capital’ level city is under construction right now, with the aim of easing pressure on congested Cairo.

The date of completion was originally set at some time between 2020 and 2022, and it’s currently unclear whether current setbacks will impact this.

At 170,000 acres, the new city is larger than Chicago and is around twice the size of Cairo, which is 28 miles to its west.

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The Executive Kingmaker A Q&A WITH VASCO PATRÍCIO: EXECUTIVE PERFORMANCE COACH FOR C-LEVEL EXECUTIVES AND ALTERNATIVE INVESTMENT MANAGERS How did your working life begin?

I actually started as a tech entrepreneur. I co-founded two different startups, backed by the MIT-Portugal IEI Startup Accelerator, and ended up becoming part of the leadership team for the accelerator itself. Despite mentoring and assisting young founders, I found that I got client requests from seasoned executives at the time, so I slowly started assisting these executives and consolidating my coaching in that crowd.

Within the executive coaching itself, I started connecting with a few Hedge Fund managers in Switzerland and Germany, and started to slowly specialize in financial services, not just Hedge Funds but also partners of Venture Capital and Private Equity firms, among others.

I started specializing in helping with hiring and assessing people in these markets, helping establish the values and mission of the company, promoting team collaboration and resolving conflicts, as well as doing assessments of personalities, motivators and drivers for people to optimize their performance.

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What are some common mistakes you find yourself helping to correct in your clients?

Mainly people issues. At the end of the day, it's all about people. It might be a leader that can't effectively lead his team or a person that can't get the best result in a negotiation, or can't sell his financial product to a client, but at the end of the day it's all about you being able to connect with other people.

It's all about being able to influence, to impact, to connect with someone else. I many times brand myself as an "influence and persuasion" coach because, at the end of the day, that's the backbone connecting all of the different issues.

Influence in understanding and leading your team.

Influence in a negotiation.

Influence in being able to empathize and connect with a possible client, partner, other. At the end of the day, 90% of clients' issues are about needing to influence someone they can't with their current skill set or emotional state. It's always about the people.

The Executive Kingmaker What is trading psychology and how much can it affect the business world - which is often perceived as clinical and data-driven?

In the specific world of active asset management, when traders make a specific trade, regardless of the volume, sector, etc, emotions can and always do come up.

Whether it is because you're making a $2M trade when you usually make $400k ones, because you had a nasty argument with your SO the night before, or any other factor, you can become angry, needy, sad, or just choke when the time comes to pull the trigger.

What is perceived as a logical process in Wall Street is heavily emotional - in most cases, in fact.

In this specific niche, my coaching is all about helping the trader change their thoughts, emotions and ultimately behavior when triggered.

I started by monitoring the baseline energy and emotional levels of the trader/PM, and then optimize these, to make sure the foundation is the right one.

If the foundation is well-placed, then individual events such as fear or greed won't affect you so much when you are triggered. But they still might. And for those cases I use a Cognitive-Behavioral approach, helping clients unearth what thoughts and emotions come up in these specific situations and crises, and then slowly leading them to better alternatives.

If you unlearn a bad habit and replace it with a good one, you can slowly and consistently rewire your brain's default neural pathways, and come up with much better alternative behaviors.

Can you think of one piece of advice you might give to our readers?

For family offices looking to invest, vetting of prospective managers is key. I teach fund managers how to articulate their process and their expertise.

A prospective allocator must do the opposite - vet the process and expertise of the manager the best they can.

If a manager has the expertise, education and skill set, that's necessary but not sufficient.

Does the investment strategy fit with your specific goals? Are you aligned on returns, reporting strategy and redemption periods?

Does this person have specific experience in the same sector and methodology of their current fund? Can they show performance numbers from previous years? Are they open to just showing a redacted sample of the data or are they available to sharing all the data and letting you do your own analysis?

At the end of the day, transparency and openness are key. Don't be fooled by smokescreens and vet everything. You cannot guarantee you will find a manager that will get amazing returns - nobody can - but you can at least guarantee you will eliminate the ones that will lose you money for sure.

For start-ups looking to raise capital from family offices, same principles as for fund managers and other investment opportunities.

You have to be able to articulate what your value proposition is, and you have to make sure it's aligned with the allocator's investment strategy. Why are you a good choice? Why are you going to provide ROI in the face of other opportunities? Know your investor, know your value, and pitch hard when they both fit.

When they don't, don't force the issue, but instead seek for intros for people that are a fit.

For more information or to contact Vasco, visit his website at vascopatricio.com

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Thailand’s luxury resorts South East Asia has long been a backpacker’s favourite destination for its incredible adventure, stunning scenery and affordable prices.

Boasting over 1000 islands and spectacular temples, once you have experienced the magic of Thailand, you will undoubtedly be back again and again.

But make no mistake, this tropical continent is also home to some of the world’s most opulent resorts, exclusive spa escapes, and unforgettable jungle retreats.

Famously known as the land of smiles, Thailand is renowned for its outstanding hospitality.

So if you’re in need of some serious relaxation, breathtaking beaches and nothing but the best hospitality then put Thailand at the top of your bucket list.

Expect the warmest of welcomes and 5 star service guaranteed at each of these handpicked recommendations.

Travel Highlights Bangkok It’s impossible to travel to Thailand and not experience Bangkok city life at its finest.

There’s so much to soak up in this lively capital, from stunning temples to floating markets and vibrant nightlife.

Bangkok is many tourists first and last destination when they’re in Thailand, and they risk leaving little time to truly explore all it has to offer.

Ayutthaya The ancient city of Ayutthaya, what once was Thailand’s capital is a fascinating excursion whilst based in Bangkok.

Wander around the spectacular ruins, which date back to 1350 and get a true feel of the grandeur and history of ancient Siam.

Pai One of the best feelings is venturing away from the tried and tested tourist cities and beaches, and exploring somewhere slightly off the beaten track. The small bohemian village of Pai is truly a hidden gem in Thailand’s far North West.

The long and winding mountain journey is definitely worth it when you arrive. Nestled in a valley surrounded by nature, Pai oozes relaxation and creativity.

It boasts natural thermal springs, incredible street food, a canyon and a beautiful calming river. Time truly slows down here, giving you memories to last a lifetime.

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Thailand’s luxury resorts where to stay Grand palace If you only get chance to visit one sight, make it Bangkok’s most famous landmark - the Grand Palace.

Built in 1782 as the official residence of the Kings of Siam, this stunning complex is an architectural jewel. It’s also home to one of the most important temples in Bangkok - the Wat Phra Kaew ( temple of the emerald Buddha).

Keemala Resort & Spa Phuket is Thailand’s largest island, and as such boasts some of it’s most popular white sand beaches, unmistakable nightlife and the best high end hotels and restaurants.

If you’re after an exclusive treetop retreat then high up in the rainforest is the 5 star Keemala Resort & Spa. Nestled in the hills overlooking Kamala’s Patong beach, Keemala’s main focus is promoting wellness and tranquility, through Phuket’s cultural philosophy.

Mala spa offers award winning detox and healing programmes, aiding physical and spiritual growth.

And it’s easy to see why it’s such a sought after resort; with holistic treatments, fine dining and private pools overlooking the ocean.

Bumrungrad International Hospital With its international reputation and hotel-like service standards, the Bumrungrad International Hospital is a hotspot for health tourism.

Medical, wellness and cosmetic treatments are available here, bringing patients from all over the world.

There are many hotels nearby which are recommended by the Hospital to ensure a comfortable visit.

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Upcoming Events Date TBC The Alea Sessions, Redesigning The Future London, UK

1-2 September 2020 Latam Family Office Investment Summit Mexico City, Mexico

28-29 September 2020 APAC Family Office Investment Summit Hong Kong

9-10 December 2020 Middle East Family Office Investment Summit Dubai, UAE See aleaglobalgroup.com for updates

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