Our People, Their Stories
Discover why our professionals chose Sands Capital, and perhaps, you’ll find your own reasons to join our journey
Philip J. Caraci
Portfolio Specialist
One of Sands Capital’s core values is dedication to client service. As a member of the client relations team, how do you see this value upheld across your team and in your day-to-day work?
In my view, everything that we do at Sands Capital falls underneath the broader umbrella of client service. When a client chooses to work with us, it’s ultimately to create a long-term partnership. Our role in that partnership isn’t just to seek top-tier investment results, but it also means creating a “white-glove” experience so that the institutions we work with can deliver for their stakeholders. It’s not uncommon for our clients to interact with members across the firm, including the investment team, operations team, and client relations team. We are all working to add value and enhance the wealth of our clients with prudence over time.
As far as my own role in client relations goes, I am a portfolio specialist. Much of my job entails interacting with clients and prospects and applying my deep understanding of our portfolios and businesses to answer their questions. I love sharing our research insights with our clients and helping to ensure that our partnerships remain strong.
Can you share some of your other favorite Sands Capital values and why?
“Commitment to excellence” is one of my favorites, for sure. Delivering for our clients is always at the forefront, but we invest in our people and in the firm so that we can become even better. Few employers take the time to not only commit to this goal in the near term but also over the long term. The firm ensures there are plenty of opportunities to learn, improve, and become better. This support creates a “flywheel” for our culture to embrace new challenges with a “positive, can-do” attitude.
In addition to its core values, we know Sands Capital cares tremendously about its culture. How would you describe the firm’s culture?
It’s welcoming, supportive, open, and challenging but also rewarding. The firm believes in “One Sands Capital,” meaning that we eschew silos and embrace teamwork. This is an insight-driven business, and insight can come from anywhere. Staff members are invited to join meetings and are encouraged to ask questions and contribute ideas. Our culture is incredibly strong, which is why Sands Capital is a place people tend to stay for a long time.
Describe a time you were impressed by or felt proud to work for Sands Capital. What makes the firm a great place to work?
I am consistently impressed by our investment process. There is a lot that goes into it: deep focus and research, multiple vetting sessions, all the open discussions, transparency, humility, and collaboration. This dedication to getting to the truth reverberates into everything we do at the firm.
I have also seen many opportunities for people to excel, which is something to be proud of. I’ve seen firsthand colleagues who have been promoted and rewarded for hard work. (“Meritocracy” is another one of our values.)
Additionally, the firm has also supported me in contributing in a variety of ways, whether it be private markets, public markets, product development, or business development. Our size creates opportunities for employees to wear many hats and pursue our interests where we will have our highest impact.
How have you built personal connections with your colleagues, and how have these relationships enriched your work life?
The firm sponsors many events meant to bring people together. We do everything from rooftop happy hours at our office HQ to sporting events and volunteering opportunities, and active participation in those events is encouraged. These events foster bonding outside of the office and create an environment that nurtures collaboration, honesty, humility, and fun. It also creates an environment where people can be authentic and assume the best of each other.
Some of my closest friendships are those I’ve made at Sands Capital, and I know many others feel the same way. It’s not only a great culture for an investment firm but also for creating personal connections. It’s no wonder so many staff members at Sands Capital have practically “grown up together” professionally!