Money Maze Podcast

Brian Kingston, CEO of Brookfield Real Estate, leads one of the largest real estate management firms with over $1 trillion in assets. He discusses how to make wise investment choices and the risks involved in real estate. Kingston highlights lucrative opportunities across different regions, from Spain's hospitality sector to the UK’s student accommodations. He emphasizes the intertwining relationship between real estate and infrastructure, alongside the global challenge of housing shortages in various countries.

In this thought-provoking discussion, Peter Frankopan, Professor of Global History at Oxford and author of The Silk Roads, examines the shifting global order and historical perspectives on current geopolitical tensions. He dives into the implications of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, the complexities of Iran's political landscape, and the evolving dynamics in Europe. Frankopan also shares insights into modern education challenges, investment prospects, and his enthusiasm for the Olympics, blending history with contemporary issues in an engaging way.

Ron Biscardi, CEO and founder of iConnections, shares his journey from engineering to creating a pivotal platform for the alternative investment industry. He explains the innovative approach behind building technology to facilitate connections between managers and allocators. Highlights include the importance of data in enhancing productivity, the success of in-person conferences post-COVID, and the transformative impact of networking on business growth. Ron also discusses community initiatives that emerged during economic challenges, reflecting his commitment to building relationships in the investment landscape.

Noor Sweid, Founder and Managing Partner of Global Ventures, is a prominent angel investor recognized in 'FORBES 100 Most Powerful Business Women 2025.' She shares her inspiring journey from consultancy to venture capital, highlighting investment dynamics in the MENA region, where half the population is under 30. Noor discusses industry opportunities in fintech and agritech, her investment selection criteria, and the traits of successful entrepreneurs. She emphasizes the importance of relationship-building in the venture capital space, especially for women.

Michael Manning, CEO of NEPC, leads an investment consulting firm with nearly $2 trillion under advice. He discusses the evolution of investment consulting, detailing its shift from serving institutional clients to engaging individual investors. Michael analyzes the investment landscape, including the debate between active and passive strategies, and potential risks in private equity and private debt. He emphasizes the importance of diversification, adaptive approaches, and the changing dynamics of public and private equity markets.

Discover the art of asking the right questions in business and its impact on smart investment decisions. Dive into the benefits of long-term investments, particularly in infrastructure. Explore innovative thinking and the importance of strong assumptions to adapt to economic shifts. Gain insights from top figures in finance as they share their wisdom on navigating the complex world of capital allocation. Enjoy a fresh perspective with occasional guests from the arts and broader business sectors.

Chris Wood, a renowned global strategist and author of 'Greed and Fear', makes a bold prediction about the US stock market reaching a peak akin to Japan's in 1989. He shares insights on the implications of current economic uncertainties, AI's impact on market dynamics, and the evolving status of the dollar. The discussion also dives into investment strategies for gold and Bitcoin amidst geopolitical tensions, highlighting opportunities in emerging markets. Wood's analysis offers a fascinating view on navigating today's complex financial landscape.

Carson Block, Founder and CEO of Muddy Waters, specializes in short activism and is known for his in-depth investigations into troubled companies. In this engaging discussion, he highlights the evolving landscape of short selling post-COVID, the challenges faced amidst bullish market trends, and the role of AI in identifying potential short candidates. Block reflects on the need for resilience in a speculative market, the ethical dilemmas of financial practices, and opportunities in emerging sectors like Vietnam's resources, painting a complex picture of today's investment climate.

Neil Woodford, a renowned British fund manager often dubbed 'Britain’s Warren Buffett', shares his rollercoaster investment journey. He discusses his triumphs during his years at Invesco Perpetual and the lessons learned from managing £15bn. Delving into the pivotal moments that led to his fund's suspension, he reflects on the pitfalls of shifting to illiquid assets. Woodford also tackles the complexities of regulatory pressures and the innovative yet challenging landscape for UK small to mid-sized companies, while remaining optimistic about future investment opportunities.

Scott Kleinman, Co-President of Apollo Asset Management, shares insights from his extensive experience in a firm managing over $750 billion. He dives into the fascinating convergence of public and private markets, highlighting how traditional investment strategies are evolving. Kleinman discusses the impacts of passive investing on market dynamics and liquidity. He also addresses opportunities outside the US and emphasizes the importance of hard work and curiosity for the youth, reminding listeners to always ask 'why?'. A treasure trove of finance wisdom!