This week, we've heard plenty about Slim Thug, a rapper out of Houston who is making noise with his relatively uninformed comments about black women. I respect Slim in some ways, and find him to be typical in others. One brother out of "H-Town" who is anything but typical is Leviathan Winn, also known as "Levi." Mr. Winn got my attention because, like Slim Thug and other young black men in Houston, he's certainly "chasing his paper." The difference is that Levi is chasing paper through education and corporate ownership, instead of busting rhymes and dribbling a basketball. I thought that getting to know Mr. Winn would help us to all realize that there are quite a few ways to skin a buck. As a Finance Professor myself, I am quite proud of Levi and his accomplishments, and felt that other young black men should know who he is. The interview is below:

1) What is your name, and what do you do?

My name is Leviathan Winn, and I work at Capital Point Partners, a black owned private equity firm in Houston, TX. I analyze potential middle market private equity investments on behalf of the firm's clients, by looking at a company's financial statements, interviewing the management team and performing research on that company's industry. I primarily focus on analyzing American businesses that have growing domestic operations, from distribution and manufacturing companies, to service and retail companies. Regarding the companies the firm is currently invested in, I am actively involved in the daily operations of each company under my responsibility, by either sitting on the board or using my skill sets and ideas to enhance operational performance.


2) Tell us about your experience in the world of high finance? What led you to do what you're doing now and how has it been so far?

In high school, I was always intrigued by the energy of the capital markets and the associated economic benefits, which would allow me the opportunity to transform my community, augment the initiatives of my faith, and create an economic foundation for my family. My interest in private equity, which is my current profession, was ignited after I read a book during my junior year of college titled "Why Should White Guys Have All the Fun?"

In the world of high finance, I have been able to participate in many challenging and rewarding transactions, from assisting in a multi-billion dollar equity offering that transformed the energy landscape of an entire country in South America, to evaluating acquisition targets to expand a company's market share into a new territory. My experience has taken me across the spectrum of American business, from the floors of the New York Stock Exchange on Wall Street, to the aisles of a distribution center that hold products that impact peoples' daily lives.

Sometimes, when people ask me how I am doing, I often tell them I am "living the dream!" I truly mean it, because thus far, this journey in finance has elevated my intellectual curiosity, challenged my thinking and motivated me to leave the office a stronger and better person each day. Furthermore, I truly believe in both the value my firm adds to our clients' portfolios and the value the private equity asset class creates by generating above market returns. I have the opportunity to work with very talented individuals, from pioneers in various industries, to entrepreneurs that have grown multimillion dollar businesses from their garages or back yards. The fusion of these opportunities to constantly grow and learn, and the execution of my ideas to create value within the firm's portfolio companies, is one of the greatest benefits of my career.

3) Why are there not many African Americans in finance?

The population of African Americans in finance, particularly in the alternative asset class of hedge funds and private equity, is small due to several reasons. First, African Americans have been directed to more traditional career paths such as law, medicine, education and engineering.

Secondly, African Americans continue to overcome many prevailing perceptions in corporate America, notably that African Americans' quantitative and technical skills are not as robust as other industry participants.

Finally, there is a lack of sufficient and effective mentorship once African Americans enter into this profession. Once African Americans have a chance to create a solid footing in this industry, the chances for long-term success are a lot higher. I think when future African Americans penetrate the barriers of this industry, they will gain a lot of value once they truly know what they want out of this profession, and become comfortable with the most efficient and effective way to get there.

4) Have you had to confront obstacles due to a lack of ethnic diversity in your field? Can you give examples?

To my surprise at the very early stage of my career, one of the most significant obstacles that I faced was dealing with Wall Street's socio-ethnic diversity, which in my estimation was birthed out of the difference between my cultural and economic upbringing and my fellow black colleagues' cultural and economic upbringing. For example, at the early stages of my career, I found it challenging to fit into certain circles and conversations because I could not identify with the cultural and economic experiences of not only those outside my own ethnicity, but also those within my own ethnicity. When I first came to Wall Street after my sophomore year in college for my first internship, I had not been to Europe or outside of North America for that matter, been taught how to swing a golf club, or purchased my first French cuffed shirt. While these small differences in experience seem marginal, finding a cultural identity, specifically within corporate America, is critical in establishing a foundation for success in high finance.

5) What should the industry do to open more doors for people of color? What should black folks do to create more opportunities in this industry?

Success in finance, specifically the alternative asset class, which comprises hedge funds and private equity, is driven by two things: performance and relationships. The industry demands quantitative competence and an intellectual understanding into what makes businesses, management teams and strategies successful. The industry should continue to open the doors to African American undergraduate students to enter an investment banking analyst program, because this experience will prepare students to succeed in all corporate and financial roles after graduation, especially roles within hedge funds or private equity. Furthermore, networking is critical. I began networking for my Wall Street career during my freshman year of college and was fortunate to learn early on, that "it's not who you know, it's who you keep in touch with." More times than none, people will choose someone they have a relationship with, over someone they are just associated with.

6) What are your long-term goals and plans for the future?

I will continue to be an active participant in the private equity asset class and one day hope to establish my own private equity firm, making debt and equity middle market investments in domestic and international companies. I will continue to be actively involved in my community and in the future, hope to mentor those that aspire to have financial careers.

7) Is there anything else you wish to share with our Black Voices audience?

Continue to work hard, play the journey of life with passion, and let your voice be heard!



Dr. Boyce Watkins is the founder of the Your Black World Coalition and a Scholarship in Action Resident of the Institute for Black Public Policy. To have Dr. Boyce commentary delivered to your email, please click here.