The Blunt Dollar

In this episode of The Blunt Dollar, we’re joined by George Lagarias, Chief Economist at Mazars, for a thought-provoking conversation on financial crises, economic cycles, and the elusive search for stability in global markets. With over 20 years of experience navigating economic turmoil from Athens to London, George offers a deeply reflective and honest perspective on the past, present, and future of capitalism.We kick off with George’s personal experience of living through the Greek and Cypriot debt crises, uncovering how they left generational scars on institutions, job markets, and societal optimism.But this isn’t just about Greece. George unpacks why crises are hardwired into capitalism, how human psychology fuels financial bubbles, and why there’s no such thing as a perfect system.Tune in as we explore:📉 Why financial crises are inevitable in capitalism🇬🇷 The true economic and social cost of Greece’s debt crisis🎢 Regulation, deregulation, and the constant pendulum swing🧠 How fear, greed, and behavioral finance shape markets🎯 What being a Chief Economist actually entails🛠️ Why storytelling is more important than models in economics🔍 The most useful indicator George relies on monthly💥 His best and worst market calls, and what he learned from them🎯 Why predictions are more about probabilities than certainty⚠️ What risks we don’t see coming… and why they matter🌍 How energy innovation and digital currencies could reshape the world🧠 And whether AI will ever replace human economic thinkingGeorge doesn’t sugarcoat, and that’s exactly what makes this such a fascinating listen.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 Oktay Kavrak, Director of Communications and Strategy at Leverage Shares, a leading provider of exchange-traded products (ETPs). With over a decade in the financial industry and a CFA charter under his belt, Oktay shares a wealth of insights into the evolving world of ETPs, including how they’re reshaping modern investing.We explore everything from the rise of active ETPs to the misunderstood role of leverage in trading strategies. Oktay also talks about his personal journey, why he left the comfort of traditional finance roles, and how he’s found fulfillment in a fast-paced, multifaceted position.Here’s what we cover in the episode:📊 The evolution of ETPs and how they differ from ETFs 🧠 Why active ETPs are gaining traction despite passive investing’s dominance 📉 The role of leverage in ETPs and the education gap around complex products 💸 Fee compression in the ETF/ETP space and what it means for product sustainability 🔍 The most overlooked trend in finance today: derivatives-based income strategies 🎓 Oktay’s honest take on the value of the CFA designation 🔥 Career advice for young finance professionals (and why mistakes matter more than wins) 🤖 The future of AI in finance and how it could reshape day-to-day roles 🧠 The real skills that matter in finance today (hint: it’s not advanced math) 🏈 Finding balance: how Oktay recharges outside of the financial worldOktay also shares how he stumbled into his current role, why job titles don’t always reflect day-to-day work, and what people often get wrong about the finance industry.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, we sit down with Tom Idzorek, CFA, Chief Investment Officer for Retirement at Morningstar and one of the most influential voices in modern financial planning. With a career spanning decades and awards like the Graham and Dodd Award of Excellence under his belt, Tom has consistently pushed the boundaries of how we think about portfolio theory, human capital, and retirement planning.We dive into his co-authored book, Lifetime Financial Advice, and discuss why human capital is an investor’s most overlooked asset—and how incorporating it can drastically change your investment approach. From life cycle finance to robo-advisory and AI, this conversation is packed with insights on the future of wealth management.🔍 Topics we cover:📘 Why financial planning should evolve with life stages, not stay static🧠 The overlooked importance of human capital in investment decisions🤖 How AI and robo-advisors are reshaping financial advice at scale🔄 Dynamic vs. static financial planning models📊 The Popularity Asset Pricing Model: what it is and how it improves on CAPM🧓 The future of retirement planning and why the 4% rule is outdated😬 The psychological traps retirees face—and how to avoid them💡 Why advisors must evolve into coaches powered by AI, not replaced by itWhether you're a finance professional, a curious investor, or just planning your financial future, this episode delivers a masterclass in holistic financial thinking.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 François Trahan, one of the most respected macro strategists on Wall Street.François is a Hall of Fame-ranked Institutional Investor strategist, former head of macro research at Bernstein, BCA, and Wolfe Research, and founder of the Macro Research Institute, a program training investors to understand real-world macroeconomics.But this isn’t just about big calls and big titles. This is a conversation about conviction, cycles, and the brutal honesty required to get markets right.We dive into the moments that made (and nearly unmade) his career, and unpack the lessons behind both his best and worst calls. From the dot-com crash to the GFC, and the behavioral traps that trip up even the smartest investors.We cover:📉 Why macro is more relevant today than ever📚 How history and psychology shaped his biggest insights🧠 The power (and limits) of AI in understanding markets📈 What macro can (and can’t) predict about the future🤝 The surprising truth about how he got hired on Wall Street🎯 Why so many strategists still get it wrong🧪 The importance of applied thinking in a theory-heavy world💡 And why “this time is different” usually isn’tWhether you're a macro nerd, a strategist in training, or just want to understand what really drives the market under the surface, this episode is pure signal.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 Lori Heinel, Global Chief Investment Officer of State Street Global Advisors, who oversees over $4 trillion in assets. With 41 years of experience in finance, Lori brings unmatched depth to the conversation, from leadership and risk management to indexing, AI, and the future of investing.We explore how institutional investors influence markets, the evolving role of the CIO, and why adaptability and curiosity are crucial in today's finance world. Lori also opens up about the journey women in finance still face, the importance of storytelling, and how to lead with empathy in a high-pressure environment.This episode is a masterclass in asset management and leadership from one of the industry’s most seasoned voices.Topics covered:🌍 Lori’s path from liberal arts major to CIO of a $4T asset manager🤝 Leadership philosophy: “Trust but verify”⚖️ Managing risk vs. chasing returns at scale📈 Institutional vs. retail investing — and why the lines are blurring🔄 How personalization and customization are redefining portfolios🤖 The impact of AI on portfolio management and analyst roles👩‍💼 Gender diversity in finance and tips for career advancement🔮 What's next for asset allocation and securitization in a blockchain era💡 Why intellectual curiosity is the ultimate edge in the age of AI🧠 Storytelling, soft skills, and the underestimated power of empathyIf you're a finance professional, an investor, or just someone fascinated by the evolving world of asset management, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.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 Wylie Tollette, Chief Investment Officer of Franklin Templeton Investment Solutions. Wylie oversees over $160 billion in multi-asset portfolios and has spent his career bridging investment strategy, operations, and leadership, from CalPERS to Franklin Templeton.But this isn’t just a CIO talking markets. This is a conversation about trust, transparency, and the invisible infrastructure that makes long-term investing work.We dive into Wylie’s unusual path from CPA to CIO and unpack the habits, frameworks, and philosophies that have shaped his career at the highest levels of finance.We cover:📊 How technology is transforming the front and back office🧭 Why transparency is more than a compliance buzzword🏛️ What it’s really like working inside a giant public pension fund🛠️ The tension between risk models and real-world decision-making📚 What operations can teach us about strategy🤝 How to bridge the cultural gap between portfolio managers and tech teams🧠 What keeps Wylie curious after 30 years in the industry🧩 Why asset owners are becoming the real drivers of investment innovationIf you're leading an investment team, rethinking your tech stack, or just curious about the machinery behind global portfolios, this one is packed with insight and clarity.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 Sébastien Page, Chief Investment Officer at T. Rowe Price, where he oversees over $500 billion in assets and leads a global team of investment professionals.But today’s conversation isn’t about markets. It’s about leadership, psychology, and what makes people thrive under pressure.We dive into Sébastien's latest book, The Psychology of Leadership, and unpack the habits, mindsets, and mental models that separate high performers from the rest.We cover:🧠 Why measurable goals can backfire🎯 How to develop mastery without falling into ego traps🏋️‍♂️ What investing and sports psychology have in common🫀 The neuroscience of stress and how elite performers use it🤝  Why feedback feels awful (and how to fix it)🏔️ What climbing Everest has to do with blind ambition🔄 How to quit or pivot without guilt💬 And what makes someone a truly contrarian thinkerWhether you're managing portfolios, leading teams, or trying to level up your own thinking, this episode is packed with real, practical tools from someone who leads at the highest level and still finds time to reflect deeply.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 Eric Sim, former UBS Managing Director turned author, educator, and personal branding expert. Eric’s journey is anything but typical. He started helping his father at a hawker stall in Singapore and rose to one of the top roles in global banking. Then he pivoted again to build a personal brand that reaches millions on LinkedIn.We talk about:📈 How Eric built a personal brand while still working in investment banking📉 Why many finance professionals make branding mistakes (and how to fix them)🧠 The power of storytelling and small actions in career growth💬 The underrated strategy of writing to unlock new opportunities🔁 What it means to build a “portfolio career” and future-proof your skills👥 And how real-world relationships are still the most powerful growth hackEric shares how small, consistent actions helped him build not just a brand but a life filled with meaning, connection, and opportunity (and how you can do the same).If you're a finance professional wondering how to evolve, grow, or pivot, this episode is 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 David Blanchett, Head of Retirement Research at PGIM and one of the most respected voices in financial planning. From his early start as a certified financial planner at 21 to becoming a go-to name in retirement income research, David has spent his career challenging outdated assumptions and building better models to help people retire smarter.We get into why most retirement plans are based on flawed assumptions, how retirees actually spend their money (hint: it’s not how models say they do), and why the 4% rule may need a rethink.We also explore:📉 The psychological traps that make people underspend in retirement📊 The emotional attachment to real estate⏳ Longevity, inflation, and the risk of retiring too early🤖 Whether robo-advisors will ever fully replace human financial planners📈 Why working just “one more year” can make a massive difference in retirement successDavid also shares his thoughts on the future of retirement, why financial independence might be a better term, and what he sees coming in the next 25 years.If you're interested in retirement, financial planning, or how to future-proof your financial life, this one’s a must.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 Byron Gilliam, market strategist at BlockWorks and the writer behind one of the most engaging daily newsletters in finance. Byron spent 25 years trading global equities across financial hubs like Frankfurt, London, Paris, and New York before making the jump into crypto.We talk about what led him to shift from trading to writing, how explaining crypto to traditional finance professionals changed his perspective, and why financial markets keep making the same mistakes.We also cover: 🚀 How speculation in crypto compares to past market bubbles 📉 The biggest risks in decentralized finance that no one talks about 📊 Why institutions are still hesitant to fully embrace crypto 🔮 Whether DeFi and TradFi can coexist or if they are fundamentally at oddsByron’s mix of humor, market wisdom, and sharp analysis makes this one of the most insightful conversations on crypto and traditional finance you’ll hear.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.