The Blunt Dollar

In this episode of The Blunt Dollar, we sit down with Marcie Frost, CEO of CalPERS, the largest public pension fund in the U.S., managing over $500 billion in assets for more than 2 million public sector workers.From a childhood marked by poverty to the pinnacle of public finance, Marcie’s journey is a masterclass in grit, purpose, and principled leadership. She opens up about the personal experiences that shaped her view of retirement security and the operational pressures of leading a fund under constant political and media scrutiny.We cover a wide range of topics, including the future of public pensions, the impact of AI, and how to lead with clarity under pressure.🔹 From food banks to a finance titan: Marcie's remarkable rise without a college degree🔹 What it takes to lead CalPERS: Balancing fiduciary duty, politics, and performance🔹 Inside the $100B climate strategy: Myth-busting ESG misconceptions and redefining impact🔹 The Pathways initiative: Empowering women to step into leadership with confidence🔹 AI at CalPERS: How the fund is embracing tech without compromising its human touchIf you like stories of bold leadership, sustainable investing, and what it really takes to manage generational capital at scale, this one's for you.Oh, and if you haven't already... subscribe to The Blunt Dollar for more raw and honest finance conversations. New episodes drop every other week! Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts.And last, but not least, don't forget to follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ignacio-ramirez-moreno-cfa/ Enjoy the episode! Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Listeners should consult a qualified financial professional before making any financial decisions.

In this episode of The Blunt Dollar, I sit down with Orlando Gemes, Founding Partner and CIO of Farrier Asset Management, a credit hedge fund focused on uncovering repeatable alpha through a highly data-driven approach to convertible arbitrage. Orlando’s background spans from fixed income at Deutsche Bank to leading structured credit at Hermes and running his own shop at Fairwater Capital. Now, he’s building something truly unique with Farrier.We talk about what makes convertibles so compelling, how he’s assembling a PhD-led team from scratch, and what it really takes to launch an emerging hedge fund without the usual pedigree or seed backers.🔍 Why convertibles are one of the best risk-adjusted opportunities out there🧠 How Orlando leverages STEM talent and custom-built data infrastructure to find edge📉 The brutal realities of liquidity risk in credit markets🏗️ What it’s like to build a hedge fund from scratch, with no shortcuts or safety nets📚 Orlando’s advice to young professionals: read everything, get mentors, stay curiousIf you’re into credit markets, data-driven investing, or just want an honest look at what it takes to go from idea to fund launch, this one's for you.Oh, and if you haven't already... subscribe to The Blunt Dollar for more raw and honest finance conversations. New episodes drop every other week! Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts.And last, but not least, don't forget to follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ignacio-ramirez-moreno-cfa/ Enjoy the episode! Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Listeners should consult a qualified financial professional before making any financial decisions.

James Eagle, a data visualization specialist and content creator with two decades in asset management, shares his journey from financial pitches to vibrant data storytelling. He discusses why financial communication often lacks emotional depth and the power of vulnerability in content creation. James emphasizes that data visualization serves as a crucial map through information overload, detailing how AI can enhance this process while also contributing to data pollution. Dive into his insights on making finance relatable and understandable through compelling visuals.

In this episode of The Blunt Dollar, I sit down with Stephen White, co-founder of Markets Recon and former marketing lead at BlackRock and eVestment, to unpack nearly two decades of insights from the intersection of finance, strategy, and storytelling.From launching billion-dollar investment strategies to now building a tech platform that reimagines how allocators absorb research, Stephen brings a fresh, human take on everything from active management to fintech innovation. This conversation goes deep into what it really means to work in finance with integrity, purpose, and an eye toward broader impact.We talk about:💡 The hidden role of storytelling in finance — and why English Lit majors might be the next big thing🚀 What it's really like inside BlackRock: strategy, politics, layoffs, and long-term vision📊 Why active management isn’t just about alpha, it’s about self-actualisation🌍 The tension between democratizing investing and solving rich people's problems🎙️ How marketing in finance is shifting from press releases to podcast mics and personal brandsIf you're into fintech, asset management strategy, and the human side of markets, this one's for you.Oh, and if you haven't already... subscribe to The Blunt Dollar for more raw and honest finance conversations. New episodes drop every other week! Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts.And last, but not least, don't forget to follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ignacio-ramirez-moreno-cfa/ Enjoy the episode! Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Listeners should consult a qualified financial professional before making any financial decisions.

In this episode of The Blunt Dollar, I sit down with Bill Kelly, a true veteran of the asset management world with over 40 years of experience and former CEO of the CAIA Association. From co-founding Boston Partners to steering CAIA into a global standard for alternatives education, Bill has seen (and shaped) the evolution of the investment industry from the inside out.We dive into the lessons he’s learned leading both scrappy startups and established institutions, why investor education matters more than ever, and the opportunities and risks in today’s democratising private markets.Here’s what we cover:💼 Bill’s career journey — from CPA at PwC to CEO of CAIA and beyond📈 The evolution of alternative investments and the democratisation of private markets⚠️ Why financial literacy and fiduciary duty are essential safeguards for investors🧠 Bridging the gap between data scientists and investment professionals through the FTP Institute🤖 AI, quantum computing, and the next wave of disruption in financeIf you’re interested in asset management, alternative investments, and the future of investor education, this one’s for you.And if you haven’t already, make sure to subscribe to The Blunt Dollar for more raw and honest finance conversations.Oh, and if you haven't already... subscribe to The Blunt Dollar for more raw and honest finance conversations. New episodes drop every other week! Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts.And last, but not least, don't forget to follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ignacio-ramirez-moreno-cfa/ Enjoy the episode! Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Listeners should consult a qualified financial professional before making any financial decisions.

In this episode of The Blunt Dollar, I sit down with Rhodri Preece, Senior Head of Research at CFA Institute, to explore how digital forces, new generations, and AI are reshaping the investment landscape. Rhodri has spent nearly two decades at CFA Institute leading global research initiatives, covering everything from ESG and transparency to the rise of social media influencers in finance.We discuss:📱 The powerful impact of “finfluencers” and how Gen Z is learning (and sometimes mislearning) about investing online🎯 Why personalization, data, and digital engagement are becoming non-negotiable for financial firms🤖 How AI is changing the advisory profession, and why creativity, empathy, and critical thinking still give humans an edge🌎 What the CFA Institute is doing to keep standards relevant in a world of rapid tech shifts💥 Why trust today looks very different than it did a generation ago — and how firms can adaptIf you’re interested in the future of financial advice, Gen Z investors, and the blend of human and machine intelligence in markets, this one’s for you.Oh, and if you haven't already... subscribe to The Blunt Dollar for more raw and honest finance conversations. New episodes drop every other week! Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts.And last, but not least, don't forget to follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ignacio-ramirez-moreno-cfa/ Enjoy the episode! Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Listeners should consult a qualified financial professional before making any financial decisions.

In this episode of The Blunt Dollar, I sit down with Claudia Sahm, a renowned economist, recession expert, and creator of the famous Sahm Rule, one of the most closely watched early indicators of U.S. recessions. Claudia spent over a decade at the Federal Reserve, later advised the White House, and now serves as Chief Economist at New Century Advisors. We explore her fascinating career path, the story behind the Sahm Rule, and why good economic policy must blend rigorous data with empathy and an eye for dignity.Here’s what we cover:📈 Claudia’s transition from the Fed and the White House to building her own voice and ultimately joining the investment world.💡 The surprising backstory of how the Sahm Rule came to life, and why it triggered in 2024 but Claudia herself didn’t call a recession.🛠️ Why automatic stabilisers like stimulus checks should be on “autopilot” to avoid messy congressional fights during downturns.🧭 The underrated power of storytelling and empathy in economic analysis, and how it helps build trust and credibility.🤝 Claudia’s best advice for young economists looking to be bold, ethical, and truly impactful in their careers.If you like deep dives on macroeconomics, how policy shapes real lives, and candid stories from inside the Fed, this one’s for you.Oh, and if you haven't already... subscribe to The Blunt Dollar for more raw and honest finance conversations. New episodes drop every other week! Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts.And last, but not least, don't forget to follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ignacio-ramirez-moreno-cfa/ Enjoy the episode! Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Listeners should consult a qualified financial professional before making any financial decisions.

Morgaine Conway Grim, the founder and CEO of Hawks and Doves, shares her unique journey from a reception desk to advising on $4B in assets at JP Morgan. She discusses the necessity of financial literacy and how storytelling can demystify complex markets. Morgaine emphasizes making finance accessible, the importance of emotional awareness in investing, and the need for transparency. She also highlights her efforts with the Young Investors Society, aiming to empower future generations with vital financial knowledge.

Eric Jaffe, CEO of BCA Research, shares his fascinating journey from the Pentagon to the forefront of investment research. He delves into BCA's anti-consensus approach and how it empowers investors to strengthen their convictions. Jaffe discusses the lasting impact of macro volatility and geopolitics on investment strategies and the careful integration of AI in research. He also emphasizes the need for robust internal debates to foster leadership and encourages young professionals to remain humble and curious while navigating the complexities of finance.

In this episode of The Blunt Dollar, I sit down with Steven Grey, founder and managing principal of Grey Value Management, where he oversees the Grey Value Opportunity Fund.Steven’s career spans hedge funds, family offices, and global micro investing, and includes a stint launching Albright Capital with former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. But beyond the accolades, Steven is a fiercely independent thinker who dives deeper into company research than most of Wall Street combined.We dig into what separates real investing from the illusion of it, why discipline and character still matter more than AI, and how storytelling and judgment shape markets far more than numbers alone.Here’s what we cover:📚 Why curiosity, not credentials, is the true edge in investing💼 How Steven’s 200-400 hours per company research process works🔍 The underrated role of judgment, ethics, and liberal arts in finance🧠 What he learned from Madeleine Albright, Jim Rogers, and a lifetime of doing the work📉 Why investors should always ask, “What am I missing?”,and how that question built his track recordIf you're into deep research, contrarian investing, and philosophy-driven capital allocation, this one's for you.Oh, and if you haven't already... subscribe to The Blunt Dollar for more raw and honest finance conversations. New episodes drop every other week! Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts.And last, but not least, don't forget to follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ignacio-ramirez-moreno-cfa/ Enjoy the episode! Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Listeners should consult a qualified financial professional before making any financial decisions.