The speaker explicitly states that firms like Blackstone, KKR, and Ares have grown from managing $40 million to nearly a trillion dollars, a result of structural change in the marketplace that is continuing. This structural change (growth in private markets, capital formation, consolidation) rewards good work with more work—specifically, managing more money. Size in private markets is not the enemy of performance but enhances it through greater resources and relevance. The firms at the center of this secular trend are positioned for continued disproportionate growth and success. A severe, prolonged market downturn that disrupts the ability to originate good investments and manage risk effectively.