In this powerful episode of Insight is Capital, host Pierre Daillie sits down with Shana Sissel, CEO and Founder of Banríon Capital Management, widely known as the “Queen of Alternatives.” From breaking barriers in the world of alternative investments to surviving and thriving through profound personal adversity, Shana’s story is one of resilience, purpose, and innovation.
She reveals how Banríon was built by advisors, for advisors — an open-architecture platform designed to help wealth managers make sense of alternatives and scale their use effectively. Shana and Pierre dig deep into what makes advisors successful, why emotional intelligence (EQ) matters more than ever, and how Banríon is redefining the bridge between asset managers and advisors.
The conversation takes a personal and moving turn as Shana recounts launching her firm while battling stage-four cancer and the unexpected loss of her fiancé. Her perspective on perseverance, purpose, and leadership transforms this episode into an unforgettable masterclass in both business and humanity.
3 Key Takeaways
Redefining “Alternative” Investing: Alternatives aren’t a niche — they’re a mindset. Shana explains how advisors can unlock new opportunities by thinking beyond the 60/40 portfolio and embracing a structure-agnostic, relationship-driven approach to investment solutions.
Resilience and Purpose in Leadership: From personal loss to life-threatening illness, Shana’s story exemplifies how grit, purpose, and optimism can fuel innovation and success. Her journey underscores that true leadership is built in the face of adversity.
The Advisor’s EQ Advantage: Success in wealth management isn’t about IQ — it’s about empathy. Advisors who master emotional intelligence and authentic relationship-building are the ones who stand apart in an increasingly automated industry.
00:00 Pierre’s intro: Meet Shana Sissel — The Queen of Alternatives
02:00 How Shana accidentally discovered finance (from sports to Morgan Stanley)
06:00 Why EQ matters more than IQ in financial advising
09:30 What makes Banríon Capital’s platform different — built by advisors, for advisors
13:00 The truth about product design, relationships, and client trust
17:00 Why most alt platforms miss the mark — and how Banríon bridges the gap
21:00 Helping smaller managers and advisors connect efficiently
33:00 Shortening the sales cycle: How Banríon streamlines due diligence
36:00 The origin story — how Banríon evolved from concept to platform
44:00 Facing tragedy: Shana’s journey through grief and cancer diagnosis
49:00 How resilience and attitude became her greatest business assets
56:00 The new investing era — why alternatives are essential today
1:06:00 Building resilient portfolios: Private credit, sports, and managed futures
1:13:00 The rise of return stacking and the future of portfolio construction
1:18:00 Closing reflections — living with purpose and building legacy
Banrion Capital Management - https://www.banrioncapital.com/
Shana Sissel on Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shsissel/
