Robert Picard, Managing Director, Head of Alternative Investments at Hightower Advisors

In this episode of declarations., Host Todd S. Rich speaks with Robert Picard, Head of Alternative Investments at Hightower Advisors. Robert shares his remarkable journey — from his multicultural upbringing and Swiss military service as a tank commander, to a career spanning derivatives trading, hedge fund selection, and leadership in private markets. He offers candid lessons from avoiding the Bernie Madoff fraud, launching alternative platforms at top firms, and why he believes investors should follow the lead of billionaires and endowments by allocating significantly more to private market investments. The conversation also touches on Robert’s leadership philosophy (the “six C’s”), his philanthropy in support of autism causes, and his personal passions — from Springsteen concerts at the Jersey Shore to long walks by the ocean.

They discuss:
• Moving between New York and Switzerland, learning resilience from culture shock
• Lessons in leadership and discipline as a Swiss tank commander, and the enduring “three C’s” framework for command and control
• How technology and new structures are opening private markets to accredited investors
• Evolving from strict “command and control” to a more mindful, empathetic leadership style
• Passion for autism charities like Autism Speaks and Hand in Hand, and deep ties to the Jersey Shore community

Topics:
(00:00:00) – Introduction & Robert’s “declarations”
(00:04:00) – Family background: Bronx roots and Swiss heritage
(00:07:00) – Moving to Switzerland & lessons from culture shock
(00:09:00) – Swiss Army: tank commander, leadership lessons, and the “three C’s”
(00:14:00) – Expanding the “C’s”: learning limits of control through personal experience
(00:17:00) – Wall Street career beginnings
(00:20:00) – Hedge fund boom of the 1990s
(00:26:00) – Building Carlyle/Rock Creek’s hedge fund business with Afsaneh Beschloss
(00:31:00) – Defining “alternative investments” today
(00:33:00) – Why billionaires allocate 50%+ to private markets vs. 5% for individuals
(00:36:00) – Democratization: how private markets are becoming more accessible
(00:41:00) – Hightower’s approach & importance of experienced managers
(00:44:00) – Jersey Shore life, Springsteen stories, and philanthropy for autism
(00:49:00) – Books that shaped Robert’s thinking
(00:52:00) – Pursuit of happiness: walks by the ocean, books, and family time