CFA UK

In this episode, John Teahan, Portfolio Manager at Redwheel, interviews Karina Litvak, Non-Executive Director at Terna S.p.A, and prominent figure in climate governance and sustainability. Karina and John discuss her journey from finance to board roles, and the challenges of implementing climate action amid complex corporate governance. In particular, John and Karina look at the impact of COP21 in shaping corporate climate commitments. Karina and John discuss the dynamics of stakeholder engagement from a board member perspective. The conversation also explores the importance of understanding both production and demand in the energy sector, the role of the Climate Governance Initiative, and the need for resilience in energy grids as the world transitions to a more sustainable future.

In this episode, Arantxa Sardina, Corporate Sponsorship & Stakeholder Manager at GAIN UK, speaks with Hitesh Dattani, Director of Grey Matter Jobs, about the growing importance of age diversity in today’s workforce. Drawing on over 30 years of experience in asset management, Hitesh shares what inspired him to launch a recruitment platform dedicated to championing age-inclusive hiring. Together, Arantxa and Hitesh explore how connecting experienced job seekers with forward-thinking employers can foster more dynamic and inclusive workplaces. They also delve into the entrepreneurial journey—highlighting the resilience, strategic planning, and mindset required to build a purpose-driven business from the ground up.

Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Krugman joins Ben Ashby and Tom Threlfall, CFA, to shed light on the unparalleled volatility and policy upheavals reshaping today’s economic landscape. With the United States leading the charge towards increased protectionism, Paul highlights the staggering rise in US tariffs, which have surged from an average of 3% to around 15%. Paul, Ben, and Tom also discuss their perspectives on cryptocurrency and stablecoins, evaluating its legitimacy and utility in the current financial system, and examining what might come after the dollar in today’s unprecedented world. An extended version of this conversation is available for our members. To watch Paul, Ben, and Tom discuss the immediate impact of tariffs and protectionist policies (including deportation orders) on the US economy and dollar, China’s economic challenges and how they compare to Japan in the 1990s, and whether Paul sees any positives to the tariffs, members can watch the extended conversation here: https://www.cfauk.org/careers-and-cpd/resources/nobel-laureate-economist-paul-krugman-on-navigating-uncertainty-in-the-global-economy

In this episode, John Teahan interviews Dorothée D'Herde, Director of Responsible Business at Kingfisher plc. Dorothée and John discuss the circular economy, and how Kingfisher as a DIY retailer utilises it in reducing their carbon emissions. Dorothée also shares insights on Scope 3 emissions, and the importance of engaging suppliers in decarbonisation efforts. John and Dorothée also touch on customer demand for sustainable products, innovations in the home improvement sector, and the regulatory challenges faced by companies in reporting their sustainability efforts.

In this episode, James Dolman, CFA, Director of Alium Dolman Limited, interviews Saffron Hill, CFA, Management Consulting Associate at AlixPartners. Saffron discusses her career journey in the investment industry, from taking the Investment Management Certificate (IMC) as part of her employee training, to using the skills, knowledge, and disciplines she gained to move into the next stage of her career. Not one to stop there, Saffron has since gained her CFA, and closes off the episode with some foundational advice to anyone on a similar path. Visit cfauk.org/imc to see how you can transforms your career and turn your potential into progression.

How do you solve a trillion-dollar investment gap in your sector? In this episode, David Manuel speaks to Chris Kuchanny, Founder and CEO of Impactable Investment Group, to discuss the changing landscape of impact investing in emerging markets. Looking at his own journey from traditional finance to founding Impactable, Chris and David examine how financial returns can be balanced with social and environmental impact – especially where sustainable development goals (SDGs) are concerned.

In this episode, Ben Ashby and Tom Threlfall, CFA, chat with James Harris, Chief Commercial Officer of Zodia Custody. James shares his journey through various traditional finance institutions, including Citi Group and Standard Chartered Bank and his eventual pivot into crypto. Compared to other areas of investment, crypto is still a maturing sector, but its rise to fame has been pretty dramatic. James explores how the world of crypto and digital assets has adapted and matured over the last few years. Using his wealth of experience James breaks down what digital asset custody is, and why it’s pivotal to the future of digital assets.

In this episode, Aranzazu Sardina and Emma Kangis, an executive/leadership and career coach, discuss the importance of career coaching and developing soft skills for investment professionals. Emphasising the need to balance technical capability with soft skills and self-awareness in the workplace, Emma and Aranzazu look at practical ways that young professionals can build leadership qualities, highlighting the strength that comes from adaptability and trust in leadership.

In this episode, Ulrich Amoussou, CFA, Investment Associate at Reventus Power, has a wide-ranging chat with Patric Okumi, Liquidnet/TP ICAP Group Group. Patric shares his journey from Ghana to becoming a senior executive in finance, along with the challenges and triumphs he experienced along the way. Patric highlights perseverance, authenticity, and continuous learning as the keys to doing well, with a particular focus on networking, and his takeaways from the Investment Management Certificate. Patric also discusses the value of entrepreneurship in understanding the finance industry, with a focus on his own venture ADINKRA, which aims to celebrate African culture through fashion. For more information on the IMC, please visit cfauk.org/imc

In this episode, Aranzazu Sardina catches up with Victoria McLean, CEO of City CV and Hanover Talent Solutions, to discuss the significance of setting boundaries in the workplace, and how it impacts professional development and mental health. Victoria emphasises the importance of recognising personal limits, the types of boundaries that exist, and practical tips for establishing and maintaining these boundaries. She and Aranzazu also explore how overcoming the fear of saying no can help people to be content in their professional journeys.