Finance, Fun & Fitness

Photo by Ashley Hylbert

When you think of leaders or directors of financial companies, you don’t typically conjure up the image of a personality as bold and colorful as that of Adam Sansiveri, who just moved to Nashville to facilitate running the operations of Bernstein Private Wealth Management. The organization’s decision to open this division of AllianceBernstein created quite the buzz in the business and real estate communities, as it brings hundreds of high-income individuals to the city. What we found out in talking with him in his new 505 apartment is that he’s already embracing the culture of Music City and cannot wait to get more involved. His high profile in artistic and theater circles in New York City is well-earned, and his involvement in multiple facets of each project show just how varied his reach and interests are. To learn a little bit more about this well-dressed, intelligent newcomer—a man who’s as likely to be fueling his passion for food and wine as he is to be hitting the trails—we asked him a few things about his lifestyle and what he’s looking forward to as he joins the Nashville community.

TNE: You have a passion for athletic adventures and sports, including your participation in triathlons. Can you tell us a bit about that and how you became involved, as well as your plans for upcoming competitions?

AS: I grew up with a competitive twin brother and a very athletic father who could jump over our heads to dunk a basketball when we were little, so a love for sports started very young. In high school I was captain of the football team and track team and won four state titles in the pole vault. I continued to play football and track at Cornell University. During my junior year at Cornell, our track team was nationally ranked, so it became a big part of my collegiate life. I was team captain, a ranked decathlete and two-time Ivy League champion in the pole vault. When competition is such a big part of your life and then suddenly, upon graduation, it’s not anymore, I had to find other ways to channel that energy. I moved to New York City after college and started doing road races. Fourteen years later, I’ve run over 30 half marathons, five marathons, three half Ironmans and one full Ironman triathlon. Moving to Nashville, I hope to spend a lot more time in nature by getting into trail running and more bike races. I’m currently planning to do the Nashville half marathon and Chattanooga half Ironman.

TNE: You’re a big fan of podcasts and have been involved in creating your own within the business. Can you give us a couple of dream guests you’d love to interview?

AS: I love podcasts because you can be learning while getting on with your life. We’re launching the 2019 season of the AB Sports and Entertainment Podcast soon and will have a lot of exciting guests. My dream guests would include Benny Blanco, Emma Watson, Hans Zimmer, Virgil Abloh, Amy Grant, Jackson Browne, Elon Musk and Dan Brown, just to name a few.

TNE: In past articles you’ve mentioned that you were originally a singer. How does that connect you to the culture of singers and songwriters in the Nashville community?

AS: I’ve studied voice since I was a kid and was lucky enough to study at The Boston University Tanglewood Institute. I performed professionally for a bit in NYC before starting my own business and then getting into producing. This experience connects me to the passion and struggle of such a career, but also to creative and empathetic people. At the end of the day, the connection comes from being really passionate about the people you’re working with. As a former entrepreneur and former artist, that passion is no different when working with a business owner or an artist.

TNE: Can you give us a bit of detail on the non-profit causes you’re involved with at the moment?

AS: I’m currently finishing my second term as chairman of The Broadway Dreams Foundation. This is one of the premier performing arts education non-profits in the world. We bring top Broadway talent across the globe to teach the performing arts where it’s needed and cultivate future professionals. I’m a strong believer that arts education creates empathy and humanity, as well as confidence. Everyone should have access to such powerful tools when they’re growing up. I hope to see Broadway Dreams in Nashville before 2020. I’m also involved with my alma mater, an elementary school in Alexandria, VA, climate change, and I’m just starting to navigate the incredible philanthropic community in Nashville.

TNE: You’re quite the tastemaker in many areas, and that includes your appreciation of fashion and dressing well. Can you give us some of your favorite designers, shops and sources for finding top wardrobe essentials?

AS: Thank you for the compliment. Most of my work-week wardrobe is from Black Lapel—they know how to do custom men’s clothes better than anyone. I’m actually not a big brand person. I like finding unique things and don’t really care who makes it, as long as it’s a quality item. With that said, I’m really into Faherty shirts at the moment—[I’m] wearing one right now.

TNE: What do you consider the worthiest investment items for a man’s wardrobe?

AS: A good pair of brown dress shoes, white sneakers, a navy blue suit, a cardigan sweater and a custom tuxedo.

TNE: Tell us a bit about where you’re choosing to live now that you’ve relocated to Nashville.

AS: I’m house hunting at the moment, so I’m exploring a lot of neighborhoods. I prefer modern architecture, so that will influence my decision. My first place in Nashville is at the 505, which is a block from my office and very much like NYC living. Even in New York I always lived within walking distance to work. You can’t beat the efficiency.

TNE: At AB, you work with a diverse collection of clients and offer them comprehensive wealth planning, money management and white glove service. What is one example of a creative experience that you’ve provided for clients in that arena?

AS: AB is a global boutique, so we’re able to provide the expertise and investment platform of a truly integrated global firm, but also the white glove service and experiences of a boutique. We pride ourselves in bringing people together to provoke collaboration and insight, so most of our creative experiences are tailored to very specific clientele. My favorite example of this was a dinner party I hosted for 25 clients and the Tony Award-nominated original Broadway cast members of Hamilton a week before they all won the awards. The clients in attendance were all art lovers, supporters or professionals who reveled in the once-in-a-lifetime conversation around the creation of Broadway’s biggest phenomenon.

TNE: You say that you like to hire people from outside the finance industry to be a part of your group, including those who might have been involved with a non-profit. Can you tell us a bit about this philosophy as it relates to your team’s advantage?

AS: To be successful in our business, financial pedigree is a given. You don’t have to come from a strict finance job to have proven those skills. We’re also structured to ensure that every client benefits from our centralized investment management, so there’s plenty of financial pedigree to go around. To excel in this business, you have to be able to empathize with

clients. This means understanding what truly makes money meaningful to them. Former entrepreneurs, non-profit directors, music managers and select attorneys have all gone on to be incredibly successful at AB because they can understand their clients in a way that others cannot.

TNE: One of your key traits is intellectual curiosity. Can you tell us how that’s helped you in business, as well as in life?

AS: I think that it’s a way of life and a key to living it to its fullest. Whether it’s finance, health, music, wine, theater, politics, literature, travel or any other topics, these are the themes that make up our global society. The more we can learn about our world and about each other, the more we care and the larger the world becomes. AB is built on intellectually curious people—it’s a founding pillar of our research-based culture.

TNE: You’ve been granted a number of awards and accolades over the years for your work in theater and other accomplishments. Can you choose one or two that you’re particularly proud of?

AS: There isn’t one thing that stands out above the rest. What I’m most proud of is leading teams to be successful. Whether that’s the countless people it takes to produce Broadway shows, launching start-up companies or building the AB Nashville Private Client office, it’s about what great people can achieve together. My bucket list includes winning a Grammy Award and writing a best-selling book. Not sure when or how that’s going to happen, but it’s on my to-do list.

TNE: You describe yourself as a huge food and wine guy. What are some of your favorite restaurants to frequent here?

AS: I like Pinewood Social for its community vibe and Bourbon Steak at the JW because it feels a little bit like NYC and, of course, for the views. 5th & Taylor is a favorite for, well, everything about it, and Sperry’s is great for a classic vibe. I enjoy Kayne Prime for the wine list and Catbird Seat for a date night. Honestly, I could go on.

TNE: Are you a cook? Do you have any specialty dishes?

AS: I grew up in the kitchen with a mom who learned from an Italian grandmother, so I love to cook. Give me a bottle of red wine, some music and friends to cook for, and I’m in my element. I’m also a health nut, so I pride myself on being able to make the healthy versions of classic dishes.

TNE: What are some of your favorite wines in your collection?

AS: My go-to wines right now are anything by Orin Swift—it’s a meal in a glass. I have an eclectic collection, as I love to find wines when traveling. My favorite bottle ever was a 1983 Amarone with a hand-written label in Florence, Italy.

TNE: Where will you be taking clients to dinner?

AS: With so many good options in Nashville I plan to try as many places as possible. I’m sure I’ll be a regular at 5th and Taylor, Bourbon Steak, and a place or two that I haven’t discovered yet. TNE: Name a couple of NYC dining destinations that you would suggest to friends visiting up North …

AS: Vice Versa, The Loyal, Becco, NIX, 54Below, Simon & the Whale, Del Posto and, of course, Eleven Madison Park.

TNE: When not choosing vino, do you have a favorite cocktail?

AS: Classic vodka martini, shaken with a twist.

TNE: It’s been said that Nashville is weak when it comes to finding current fashion for men. Have you found this to be true in exploring the market?

AS: I love the style of Nashville. Given that the lifeblood of this city is music, that creativity permeates everything, including fashion. I care less about the big brands, but love seeing more local businesses curating unique tastes.

TNE: What would you do on the perfect day off in Music City?

AS: A perfect day off could take many shapes when in Nashville. I’d start the day at Hot Yoga of East Nashville followed by brunch at one of my new favorite spots with friends. Then I’d head out to Percy Warner Park for a trail run, bike or hike. I’d spend the afternoon working on one of my creative projects with my twin brother, who lives in LA and is a TV writer. The end of the day would kick off with friends and a great bottle of wine before we all head to a concert, the symphony or some theater.

TNE: Any dream vacation destinations that you love?

AS: I’ve been to Mykonos, Greece, nine times with a group of about 20-plus friends. This year will be our 10th annual trip. I also love to ski, so I’m always trying to find the best mountain towns. My favorite so far is Zermatt, Switzerland, but it’s a long list that’s not yet complete.