Betsy Gorton, Partner at Goldman Sachs Asset & Wealth Management, is a veteran of the firm, where she has invested in enriching the supportive environment that drew her in.
The Sub-Advisory Institute is recognizing four Industry Visionary Award Winners of the sub-advisory and manager research space this year for their leadership, innovation, and active participation in the investment industry. David Braham, Executive Director, Head of Asset Management Relations, North America Institutional, Institutional Investor, sat down with Industry Visionary Award Winner Betsy Gorton, Partner, Goldman Sachs Asset & Wealth Management.
Betsy earned a BA from Emory University and an MBA from the University of Virginia Darden School of Business.
She joined Goldman Sachs in the Global Investment Research group in 2005 as an equity analyst covering gaming, lodging, and leisure.
Betsy later transitioned to the External Investing Group (XIG) (previously known as AIMS) within Asset & Wealth Management, where she now leads the Public Strategies business that invests in leading managers across public asset classes, including equities, fixed income, credit, and liquid alternatives. Betsy oversees a team that provides solutions for a wide spectrum of institutional and wealth clients.
In addition, Betsy is the co-chair of the XIG Public Markets Investment Committee and a member of the XIG Hedge Funds Portfolio Construction Investment Committee and the Union Bridge Investment Committee. She is also a part of the Asset Management Women's Network.
During the course of the interview, Betsy shared her background in art history and international studies, AI’s potential impact on her team’s creativity and client service, the collaborative meritocracy she has fostered, and qualities she looks for in new hires.
The following is edited for length and clarity.
What was the most impactful event of the year?
The absolute returns in the market surpassed many strategists’ early-year expectations, demonstrating strength across the broader market. However, certain pockets of the market were more concentrated, a surprising development throughout the year.
Still, the most exciting thing we are watching is the acceleration of AI’s influence, which has reshaped market expectations. It feels to me that economic and market cycles continue to compress.
What are you most excited about, personally or professionally?
I am most excited about AI’s ability to create more space for creativity in how we work and how we serve our clients. By enhancing operational efficiencies, AI should allow us to spend more time developing ideas, solving complex problems, and ultimately more time serving our clients even more thoughtfully and thoroughly.
What’s your leadership philosophy, and what makes your team unique?
I tend to take a “player-coach” approach where I aim to lead by example but still actively engage in the day-to-day activities of my team. I think it is important to create an environment where individuals are empowered to take calculated risks and exercise agency, while also ensuring they feel supported by a strong, reliable leadership.
Our team’s culture is unique. It is rooted in a collaborative meritocracy where we believe achievements are the result of collective effort, not through solitary endeavors. We prioritize creating opportunities for growth and ensure that contributions are recognized and rewarded based on merit.
What drew you into a career in financial services?
My journey into financial services was very untraditional. As an art history and international studies major, I explored various internships and experiences, but they never felt like the right long-term fit. I was learning more about finance from a friend, who worked at an investment bank, which ultimately kicked my curiosity into gear and helped me secure my first position in an equity research department.
Although the finance industry was somewhat accidental and incredibly fortunate, I immediately felt a sense of belonging and satisfaction, and I was drawn to the dynamic environment, the culture, fast pace, and the clear opportunity to make an impact. Markets and the content itself became incredibly engaging, and the industry’s depth and variety have kept it fascinating ever since – and taught me a valuable lesson:
The environment and culture of a workplace is just as crucial as the specific content in determining one's love for a career.
What is the most important quality you seek in a new hire?
Someone who is willing to roll up their sleeves and learn as much as they can about markets, macroeconomics, current events and where the world is heading. A commitment to continuous learning is vital to be successful in this business.
As I've matured in my own career, my appreciation has deepened for how our work serves the critical missions of our clients – be they pension plans, foundations, endowments, or individual wealth clients – and the profound impact we enable them to have on the world.
This understanding is what truly keeps me excited and engaged in this role.
Who has made a significant impact on your career?
Undoubtedly, my direct managers have made the greatest impact on my career. Beyond providing meaningful opportunities and thoughtful feedback, they have acted as true sponsors – continuously advocating for my growth and progression. I have sought out and been drawn to working for leaders who demonstrate these qualities, as their guidance and support have been pivotal to my professional development.
Who would you want to have as your dinner guest?
Warren Buffett, for all the obvious reasons, and Taylor Swift.
If you look at what’s she’s doing in terms of creativity and hard work: She moves GDP, and she serves as a role model for young women. She has figured out how to have control over her own destiny within her industry, and she gives back – she’s just phenomenal.
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