The Long View

Mellody Hobson: ‘The Fire Was Lit by Scarcity’

Mar 11, 2025

Mellody Hobson, Co-CEO of Ariel Investments and author of 'Priceless Facts About Money,' dives into the crucial conversation about financial literacy for children. She shares her personal journey and the challenges she faced growing up, highlighting the impact of early financial education. The discussion emphasizes nurturing young financial minds through relatable narratives and innovative teaching methods. Mellody also addresses the importance of purpose over profit for young women in the workforce, advocating for long-term goals and meaningful professional connections.

52:54

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Episode guests

Mellody Hobson

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Quick takeaways

Mellody Hobson emphasizes the critical role of financial literacy in empowering children to make informed money decisions, shaped by her own childhood experiences of financial instability.

She advocates for hands-on learning in financial education, showcasing how real-life applications can deepen children's understanding of investments and savings through programs like the Ariel Community Academy.

Deep dives

Melody Hobson's Passion for Financial Education

Melody Hobson shares her deep-rooted passion for financial education, which stems from her challenging childhood experiences. Growing up in a single-parent household and facing financial instability ignited a desire within her to understand money and its workings at a young age. She emphasizes the importance of financial literacy, particularly in empowering children to make informed decisions about money. This personal history fuels her dedication to ensuring that young people develop a strong foundation in financial concepts to avoid repeating past hardships.

Intro

3min

Nurturing Young Financial Minds

20min

Navigating Financial Education and Leadership Dynamics

4min

Navigating Partnership Dynamics

18min

Prioritizing Purpose Over Profit

7min

Closing Remarks and Upcoming Events

3min

Our guest on the podcast today is Mellody Hobson. She’s the author of a new book for children called Priceless Facts About Money. In addition, she’s co-CEO of Ariel Investments, where she is responsible for management, strategic planning, and growth for all areas of Ariel outside of research and portfolio management. Additionally, she serves as chairman of the board of trustees of Ariel Investment Trust, the company’s publicly traded mutual funds. Prior to being named co-CEO, spent nearly two decades as the firm’s president. Outside of Ariel, Mellody has been active on corporate boards, including Starbucks, JPMorgan Chase, Estee Lauder, and DreamWorks Animation.