Blue Ocean Global Technology Interviews Nicolina Delgadillo | Senior Client Relationship Manager at TTB

Nicolinia Delgadillo is the Senior Client Relationship Manager at TTB. With years of experience in a variety of sectors, she acts as strategic advisor to multiple family offices. Her diverse portfolio makes it easy for her to work with family offices of any area whether it be personal or business. She believes that past experiences shouldn’t affect anyone’s future and one should keep working to achieve goals.

Blue Ocean: Your role as Senior Client Relationship Manager at TTB involves providing bespoke strategic advisory across merchant banking, private capital markets, and governance. What led you to pursue a career in this space?

Nicolina: I have an undergraduate degree in finance and a master’s in corporate instructional technology. My master’s led me to a ten-year career in the development of training programs for corporations, including Goldman Sachs. But while I appreciate the role of instructional technology, my interests have always leaned more toward other areas of learning and communication rather than media creation. I thrive in dynamic, interactive environments rather than spending extended time coding, writing, or working behind a computer. I love working with people, coordinating with them, and providing advice, which is why that job was never me. After working at Goldman Sachs, I opened my own consulting company to serve a variety of clients, including. The Department of Social Services/Homeless Services for New York City.

Later, a friend who owns multiple hospitality businesses approached me about connecting him with an angel investor I knew. Recognizing the potential of his ventures, I took on the opportunity, starting with his first business and then supporting his second. Along the way, I realized how much I enjoyed facilitating strategic connections and driving business growth. With my background in finance and passion for investor relations, I found this work both fulfilling and impactful. It became clear to me that this is what I truly love doing—helping Tim and the businesses represented by TTB form strategic partnerships to scale successfully.

 – Nicolina Delgadillo, Senior Client Relationship Manager at TTB, “Fostering meaningful relationships with purpose and authenticity.”

After gaining experience in this space, I received an offer from another firm and initially accepted it. However, shortly after, I had the opportunity to meet Tim Brown, which ultimately led me in a different direction.I met Tim Brown at a multifamily summit in Aspen. Tim was a friend of a former colleague from my time at OTG Management, where I worked before joining Goldman Sachs.One thing led to another, and Tim became both my boss and mentor, guiding me along this path. I started in a field that didn’t align with my passions, but over time, I discovered my strength in facilitating strategic connections and driving business growth. Now, I’ve found my place where I genuinely thrive.

Blue Ocean: What does a typical day look like for you as you manage relationships and curate investment opportunities within a global network of family offices?

Nicolina: In my role at TTB, I oversee key aspects of investor relations and business development. I manage internal operations, working closely with analysts, an EA, and other team members to ensure seamless communication and execution. I coordinate with Tim to provide strategic updates and insights. Externally, I engage with clients, conducting research, facilitating discussions, and identifying potential investors for our clients. I handle thoughtful follow-up and facilitation of critical meetings to drive partnerships forward.

Another area that TTB specializes in is organizing ‘Needs & Leads’ sessions, which are highly curated gatherings designed to foster meaningful connections. These sessions, similar to Jeffersonian dinners, bring together 14 to 20 handpicked individuals selected by Tim. The ‘Needs’ portion focuses on participants sharing specific personal or professional challenges where they could use support, while the ‘Leads’ portion involves the group offering insights, resources, or connections to help address those needs. Tim moderates these discussions to ensure that each person is heard and supported. I attend these sessions alongside Tim, noting each participant’s needs and the leads they receive. I’m also involved with Somos22, where we organize ‘Coffee Connects’—private gatherings held globally for family offices to interact in a trusted environment. Ensuring that every attendee is a legitimate family office fosters an open and productive atmosphere for genuine conversations and future collaborations.

–  “Confidently navigating the intersection of strategy and relationships.”

The mission of Somos22 is to embody servant leadership, fostering a culture of support and collaboration, and I am deeply involved in making that happen.

These events are free from pitches or solicitation, creating a space where good people meet good people. My role in Somos22 includes coordinating the events, vetting attendees to ensure the right families are in the room, and facilitating meaningful introductions.

Some might call my schedule hectic, but I see it as an exciting opportunity to connect with and learn from incredible people.

Blue Ocean: The landscape of private capital markets is constantly evolving. What emerging trends in alternative investments and governance are you most excited about?

Nicolina: One of the most exciting emerging trends in alternative investments is real estate. Over the past two years, investors have been extremely cautious, holding onto capital due to economic uncertainty and fluctuating market conditions. However, with a shifting political and economic landscape under the new administration, there’s renewed confidence in deploying capital. I anticipate a significant resurgence in real estate investment, particularly in sectors like multifamily housing, logistics, and distressed assets, as investors look to capitalize on opportunities created by market corrections and evolving demand trends.

Blue Ocean: Advising high-net-worth families and institutional investors requires a highly personalized approach. How do you tailor your strategies to meet their own needs?

Nicolina: Tailoring strategies for high-net-worth families and institutional investors depends entirely on their unique needs. We conduct in-depth calls focused on specific themes, carefully analyze their objectives, and collaborate with our analyst to ensure a strategic approach. Every step we take aligns with SEC and FINRA standards, prioritizing transparency and compliance.

With a global network of 2,500 family offices, our outreach process is highly detailed and customized. I take the lead in identifying and curating the right connections, ensuring each approach is thoughtful and intentional, while Tim provides final oversight to refine our strategy.

Blue Ocean: With increasing competition in the family office and private capital space, how have you and your team positioned yourselves to stand out?

Nicolina: What sets us apart in the competitive family office and private capital space is our unique approach to relationship-building. Unlike traditional investment banks, we create curated environments where meaningful connections thrive.

Earlier I mentioned Somos22 Coffee Connects. A similar differentiator is our Jeffersonian Dinners. These gatherings go beyond simple networking or deal discussions. With thought-provoking questions centered on investments, family dynamics, and personal values, they encourage deeper connections. We believe that business is more naturally conducted when relationships are built on trust and shared experiences.

Lastly, our reputation plays a significant role. As Tim often reminds me, there are three things no one can take from you—your name and reputation, your network, and your energy. Tim Brown’s reputation is a cornerstone of our firm, and when people hear his name, they know they’re working with integrity and expertise.

At TTB, we don’t just facilitate transactions—we cultivate long-term relationships, ensuring that every interaction is intentional and valuable.

Blue Ocean: TTB offers a broad range of services, from investment banking to governance consulting. What do you see as the firm’s biggest differentiator?

Nicolina: One of TTB’s biggest differentiators is our access to exclusive, off-market deal flow. While we are heavily involved in capital formation, what truly sets us apart is our ability to source private investment opportunities that are not widely accessible.

Many of the deals we encounter are highly specialized and off the public radar. Our deep relationships allow us to bring these unique opportunities directly to our family office clients, providing them with access to proprietary deal flow that aligns with their strategic interests.

At TTB, we don’t just facilitate transactions—we serve as a trusted bridge between exclusive investment opportunities and the right capital partners, ensuring that every connection is meaningful and high-value.

–  “Grounded in gratitude, inspired by innovation.”

Blue Ocean: Your work involves high-level decision-making and complex financial strategies. Looking back, what is something you are most grateful for in your career journey?

Nicolina: Looking back, I am most grateful for the diverse skill set I’ve developed throughout my career. While instructional design wasn’t my passion, it instilled in me a strong attention to detail, the ability to work quickly, and excellent writing skills—something I’ve come to value immensely in investor relations. Being able to articulate complex financial concepts clearly to clients and investors has been a crucial asset, as people often prefer reading well-structured insights before making decisions.

Additionally, my background in graphic design and video development has given me a creative edge. I’m proficient in tools like Photoshop, Illustrator, Adobe Premier and more, which allows me to present information in compelling and visually engaging ways.

Beyond technical skills, working across multiple industries has been invaluable. From my early internships at Peco (Exelon) in the energy sector to DirectTV in broadcasting, OTG in hospitality, Goldman Sachs in finance, and the NYC Department of Homeless Services, each role required me to quickly adapt to new industries, challenges, and ways of thinking. This adaptability directly translates to my work at TTB, where we engage with clients across diverse sectors, requiring both industry fluency and strategic flexibility.

Ultimately, I’m grateful for the breadth of experiences that have shaped my ability to navigate complex financial landscapes and build meaningful relationships with investors.

Blue Ocean: Outside of work, what are some passions or activities that help you maintain balance?

Nicolina: Family is a huge part of my life, and I’m incredibly grateful for my mom. She’s my best friend, my rock, and my greatest source of support. Spending time with her keeps me grounded, especially with my busy schedule. She has always been my anchor, and her presence helps me maintain balance both mentally and emotionally.

–  Nicolina with her mother

Fitness is another key part of my routine. I work out every day because it keeps me centered and energized. Growing up, I played competitive tennis, so staying active is second nature to me. It’s not just about physical health—it’s a way for me to clear my mind and stay focused.

I also love spending time with my two younger siblings. Watching them grow and being involved in their lives is something I truly enjoy. Beyond family, I keep a small circle of friends, and I like it that way. The friendships I have are built on deep trust and loyalty—it’s a ‘ride or die’ kind of bond that goes both ways. These relationships, along with my commitment to staying active, are what keep me balanced and fulfilled outside of work.

– Nicolina with her siblings

Blue Ocean: Is there a quote or philosophy that has shaped your approach to both your career and personal life?

Nicolina: Two quotes have profoundly shaped both my career and personal life.

The first is: ‘Two things that define you in life are: Your patience when you have nothing and your attitude when you have everything.’ I’m a firm believer in God, and that belief keeps me grounded. During challenging times, my faith helps me stay focused and resilient. And when life is going well, I remind myself never to let success get to my head—I choose gratitude over complacency, always recognizing the blessings in my life.

The second quote I live by is: ‘Never be controlled by three things: people, money, or past experiences.’ People and money are straightforward, but past experiences can be difficult to separate from the present. However, I strongly believe that our past should never dictate our future. Everyone faces challenges, but I’ve learned that dwelling on them only holds you back. Instead, I focus on moving forward, defining my own path, and embracing growth without letting past circumstances limit me.

These two philosophies remind me to stay grounded, grateful, and in control of my own journey, no matter what life brings.

Conclusion

Nicolina Delgadilo’s journey, from developing corporate training programs to becoming a trusted advisor in the world of family offices, showcases self-discovery and the courage to pursue one’s true calling. Her diverse experiences across various industries, initially perceived as disparate, have become invaluable assets, allowing her to understand and address the unique needs of a global clientele. Nicolina’s dedication to building genuine relationships, coupled with her sharp financial acumen and commitment to integrity, positions her as a true leader in the private capital space.