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“ Just because it is obvious does not mean it is not important: The more time we spend thinking, the better job we’ll do for our clients and the better help we’ll be to each other. ”
Mike Hankin
“Thoughtful investing” is the aspiration of each Brown Advisory colleague and is our promise to clients.
We made it our tagline in 2012, but its essence has been a part of our DNA since our beginning. Thoughtful investing recognizes the value of thinking and the time, space and perspective needed to think effectively.
Importantly, thinking is very much in our control—when so much of investing is not. Being “thoughtful,” however, is not enough. It is the quality of our thinking that will set us apart and enable us to achieve our clients’ goals. Our thinking must have depth, breadth and gravity —— it should inspire quality thinking in others. This “good” thinking has certain distinguishing features and traits at Brown Advisory. They are demonstrated by colleagues across the firm and stand as the pillars of our promise to clients.
Good thinking is intense.
Good thinking is undistracted. It goes beyond just being focused; it is a commitment that consumes physical energy. It is a singular pursuit —— an intentional and valuable investment of time.
Good thinking is connected.
Good thinking considers the perspective of others. The more connected we are, the more we understand each other’s motivations, passions, worries and goals. Connection enables honest feedback and challenges us to focus relentlessly on finding meaningful solutions for our clients.
Good thinking is results oriented.
Good thinking has a bias toward action and courage. Good thinking appreciates the price of mistakes and understands that risk is necessary for progress.
As investors, thinking is our primary tool in carrying out our commitment to deliver first-class investment performance, strategic advice and the highest level of service.
Thoughtful Investing
Thoughtful investing is a dedication to rigorous, fundamental research to gain a deeper understanding of the businesses, issuers and managers in which we invest our clients’ capital.
It is the patience to allow the quality of strategies, companies and allocators to compound our clients’ capital over time.
It is the humility needed to make objective, unbiased decisions—even under pressure—and to learn from our mistakes.
It is an appreciation of context so that ideas can be kept in proper perspective.
It is a commitment to examine any factor, condition or business practice that can help us analyze both risks and opportunities—with the sole mission of driving investment performance.
Thoughtful investing is the belief that teams—through diverse perspectives, collaboration and a willingness to challenge one another—best deliver the first-rate performance that we promise to each and every client.
Throughout this report, we reflect on certain hallmarks of thinking at Brown Advisory.
We hope the examples and stories contained within reflect how “good” thinking can empower the work we do, the care we take and the relationships we nurture.
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Letter from the CEO