Exploring Science, Trading, and Bridge with Mike Lipkin – Academic, Consultant, and Champion Player

Welcome to another inspiring episode of The Brand Called You! In this episode, host Frits Bussemaker sits down with Mike Lipkin—a truly multifaceted personality: part-time academic, part-time consultant, and part-time bridge teacher. Mike shares his fascinating journey from graduating early at MIT, exploring both mathematics and chemistry, pivoting into academia, and ultimately finding his way onto Wall Street as a senior trader.

But how does a passion for bridge—a game he learned as a child from his mother—intersect with the world of finance? Mike discusses the serendipitous moment when his love for this strategic game opened doors on Wall Street, and how the skills required for competitive bridge actually parallel those needed for high-stakes trading. We also dive into what makes great teaching, his adventures in writing, and the importance of pursuing intellectually satisfying work over mere financial goals.

🎯 Whether you’re curious about trading, academia, or want to up your bridge game, Mike’s story is packed with insights into pursuing multiple passions, embracing serendipity, and finding unexpected connections between seemingly unrelated worlds.