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.
Background
Ariel Investments
Bio
Ariel Community Academy
Gratitude and Appreciation to Mellody Hobson, Starbucks
“Just one Chicagoan made list of the 100 most powerful people in business,” by Jack Grieve, Crain’s Chicago Business, Nov. 12, 2024
“Why Sheryl Sandberg, Bill Bradley, and Oprah Love Mellody Hobson,” by Bethany McLean, Vanity Fair, March 30, 2015
Book and More
Priceless Facts About Money
“Mellody Hobson: ‘Most parents would rather talk about a condom than a credit card’ ” by Madison Darbyshire, Financial Times, Dec. 10, 2024
Oprah’s Favorite Things 2024 List Is Here!
“What Parents Get Wrong About Money and Their Kids” | The Oprah Podcast, Jan. 28, 2025
Investing Discussions
“Ariel Investments Starts New Fund to Tap Into Women’s Sports,” by Miranda Davis, Bloomberg, Jan. 30, 2025
“Mellody Hobson, Co-CEO & President, Ariel Investments,” The Economic Club of Chicago, Dec. 18, 2024.
“Market Lessons from a Legendary Career of Doing Well by Doing Good,” 2024 Prime Quadrant Conference | Moderated by Mo Lidsky, Dec. 11, 2024
“Solving the World’s Hardest Problems with Mellody Hobson: Closing the Racial Wealth Gap,” Center for Strategic & International Studies, Aug. 28, 2024
“Mellody Hobson on Taking Tough Feedback,” Ted Talk, June 15, 2021.
“A Conversation with Mellody Hobson & Melonie Parker,” Catalyst Awards 2024, March 21, 2024.
The Long View 