Paying It Forward

Growing up in Trinidad, Charmel Maynard was exposed to a wide array of cultures and backgrounds—an experience that taught him the sky’s the limit. Now, as CIO and Treasurer at the University of Miami, Charmel utilizes data-driven and DEI-focused methods to strengthen his investment processes. Throughout his career, Charmel stressed the importance of context when it came to investing, focusing on the “why” rather than just the numbers.

Charmel attributes much of his success to the mentors who guided him throughout his career. Now, as a seasoned investment professional, Charmel works to empower the next generation of talent in the investment world. The inherent value of different perspectives and various backgrounds can offer unique insights in the investment arena—a principle that Charmel practices in his day-to-day. Charmel brings humility and critical thinking to his leadership approach, with a focus on enabling his team to reach its full potential.

”Too many people get caught up with the outcome instead of looking at the process. We are very, very focused on the process, because we are really endeavoring to produce consistent outcomes overtime.”

In this episode we discuss:

• Charmel’s transition from mentee to mentor
• Diversity as a performance driver
• Building an investment office similar to “the greats”

Charmel began his professional career as an intern at J.P. Morgan. After graduating from Amherst College with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, he returned to the firm, progressing to the vice president position. Following a decade-long career with J.P. Morgan, Charmel made his way to the sunshine state as the Chief Investment Officer and Treasurer at the University of Miami. He remains an active member in and around his community, serving various organizations such as Mead Art Museum Board and Black Angels Miami Board. He also offers mentorship to University of Miami students through his program, Coffee with Charmel.

Resources:

• University of Miami | Investments
• Knight Foundation | Summary of Knight Foundation Women-and-Minority-Owned Managers
• Knight Foundation | Knight Diversity of Asset Managers Research Series: Philanthropy 2022

Listen to Other Successful Investors:

• Aoifinn Devitt (Moneta Group) | Finding Clarity
• Shannon O’Leary (Saint Paul &Minnesota Foundation) | Saying It Out Loud
• Karim Jetha (Longdean Capital) | Frontier Markets 

Chapter Summaries:

[00:02:21]

Growing up in Trinidad

[00:03:45]

Journey to Amherst

[00:08:03]

Interning at J.P. Morgan

[00:10:42]

Working Through the Financial Crisis

[00:20:09]

The Impact of Mentors

[00:27:18]

Transitioning to University of Miami

[00:32:19]

A Data-Driven and DEI-Focused Process

[00:41:58]

Mentoring Students