How CEOs Build Empires — Or Blow Them Up
The Real Eisman Playbook
Banking Blunders: The Fall of Ken Lewis
This chapter scrutinizes the questionable decisions of Ken Lewis, former CEO of Bank of America, particularly focusing on the acquisitions of Countrywide and Merrill Lynch. Through anecdotes and critical analysis, it reveals the chaos of the banking crisis in 2008 and the impact these transactions had on the bank's financial stability.
In this episode of The Real Eisman Playbook, Steve Eisman hosts a panel of financial experts to discuss the characteristics of effective CEOs, the pitfalls of poor leadership, and the lessons learned from both good and bad CEOs in the financial services industry. The conversation covers notable figures like Jamie Dimon and Brian Moynihan, exploring their leadership styles and the impact of their decisions on their companies. The panelists also reflect on CEOs who were once viewed positively but later faced criticism, as well as those who improved over time, emphasizing the importance of accountability, transparency, and adaptability in leadership.
Subscribe to The Real Eisman Playbook on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/si/podcast/the-real-eisman-playbook/id1818671690
00:00 Introduction to the Panel and Topic Overview
02:00 Characteristics of Effective CEOs
21:51 The Downside of Poor Leadership
38:31 Lessons from Bad CEOs
54:17 Reflections on CEOs Who Improved Over Time
Connect with Steve Eisman and access all things The Eisman Playbook: 🌐 https:// linktr.ee/eismanplaybook → Follow on socials, watch episodes, and get the latest updates — all in one place.
Disclaimer: The financial opinions expressed are for information purposes only. The opinions expressed by the hosts and participants are not an attempt to influence specific trading behavior, investments, or strategies. Past performance does not necessarily predict future outcomes. No specific results or profits are assured when relying on this content. Before making any investment or trade, evaluate its suitability for your circumstances and consider consulting your own financial or investment advisor. The financial products discussed in ‘The Eisman Playbook' carry a high level of risk and may not be appropriate for many investors. If you have uncertainties, it's advisable to seek professional advice. Remember that trading involves a risk to your capital, so only invest money you can afford to lose. Derivatives are unsuitable for all investors and involve the risk of losing more than the amount originally deposited and any profit you might have made. This communication is not a recommendation or offer to buy, sell, or retain any specific investment or service.
Copyright ©2025 Steve Eisman
Evercore ISI
Glenn Schorr
Company Coverage and Disclosures
Ticker
Company
AAMI
Acadian Asset Management
APO
Apollo Global Management, Inc.
BAC
Bank of America Corporation
Glenn Schorr holds a long position in equity securities of Bank of America Corporation.<br />
BK
Bank of New York Mellon Corp.
Glenn Schorr holds a long position in equity securities of Bank of New York Mellon Corp.
BLK
BlackRock, Inc.
BlackRock, Inc. is a client of Evercore LLC, and Evercore LLC has provided investment banking services to BlackRock, Inc. in the last 12 months.
Evercore ISI or an affiliate expects to receive or intends to seek compensation for investment banking services from BlackRock, Inc. within the next three months.
Glenn Schorr holds a long position in equity securities of Blackrock Inc.
BX
Blackstone, Inc.
Blackstone, Inc. is a client of Evercore LLC, and Evercore LLC has provided investment banking services to Blackstone, Inc. in the last 12 months.
Evercore ISI or an affiliate expects to receive or intends to seek compensation for investment banking services from Blackstone, Inc. within the next three months.
An employee, employee's immediate family member, director or consultant of Evercore ISI or one of its affiliates (but not the covering research analyst or a member of the covering research analyst's household) is an officer, director or advisory board member of Blackstone, Inc..
Evercore ISI or an affiliate has received compensation from Blackstone, Inc. for investment banking services in the last 12 months.
Analyst has a financial interest in a private equity fund managed by Blackstone, Inc..
Glenn Schorr holds a long position in equity securities of Blackstone, Inc.
OWL
Blue Owl Capital, Inc
Evercore ISI or an affiliate has acted as a manager or co-manager of a public offering of securities by Blue Owl Capital, Inc in the last 12 months.
Blue Owl Capital, Inc is a client of Evercore LLC, and Evercore LLC has provided investment banking services to Blue Owl Capital, Inc in the last 12 months.
Evercore ISI or an affiliate has received compensation from Blue Owl Capital, Inc for investment banking services in the last 12 months.
C
Citigroup, Inc.
An employee, employee's immediate family member, director or consultant of Evercore ISI or one of its affiliates (but not the covering research analyst or a member of the covering research analyst's household) is an officer, director or advisory board member of Citigroup, Inc..
Glenn Schorr holds a long position in equity securities of Citigroup, Inc.
BEN
Franklin Resources, Inc.
Glenn Schorr holds a long position in equity securities of Franklin Resources, Inc.
GS
Goldman Sachs Group Inc.
IVZ
Invesco Ltd.
JPM
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Glenn Schorr holds a long position in equity securities of JPMorgan Chase & Co.
KKR
KKR & Co. Inc.
Evercore ISI or an affiliate has acted as a manager or co-manager of a public offering of securities by KKR & Co. Inc. in the last 12 months.
KKR & Co. Inc. is a client of Evercore LLC, and Evercore LLC has provided investment banking services to KKR & Co. Inc. in the last 12 months.
Evercore ISI or an affiliate has received compensation from KKR & Co. Inc. for investment banking services in the last 12 months.
MS
Morgan Stanley
Glenn Schorr holds a long position in equity securities of Morgan Stanley.
NTRS
Northern Trust Corp.
Glenn Schorr holds a long position in equity securities of Morgan Stanley.
STT
State Street Corp.
Glenn Schorr holds a long position in equity securities of State Street Corp.
TROW
- Rowe Price Group, Inc.
Evercore ISI or an affiliate has received compensation for products or services other than investment banking services from T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. in the last 12 months.
- Rowe Price Group, Inc. is a client of Evercore ISI or an affiliate and Evercore ISI or an affiliate has provided non-investment banking securities-related services to T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. in the last 12 months.
CG
The Carlyle Group Inc.
The Carlyle Group Inc. is a client of Evercore LLC, and Evercore LLC has provided investment banking services to The Carlyle Group Inc. in the last 12 months.
An employee, employee's immediate family member, director or consultant of Evercore ISI or one of its affiliates (but not the covering research analyst or a member of the covering research analyst's household) is an officer, director or advisory board member of The Carlyle Group Inc..
Evercore ISI or an affiliate has received compensation from The Carlyle Group Inc. for investment banking services in the last 12 months.
TPG
TPG Inc
TPG Inc is a client of Evercore LLC, and Evercore LLC has provided investment banking services to TPG Inc in the last 12 months.
Evercore ISI or an affiliate expects to receive or intends to seek compensation for investment banking services from TPG Inc within the next three months.
Evercore ISI or an affiliate has received compensation from TPG Inc for investment banking services in the last 12 months.
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