Masters in Business

Paul Zummo, Chief Investment Officer at J.P. Morgan Alternative Asset Management, shares his extensive expertise in hedge funds and alternative investments. He discusses his '30 Pearls of Investment Wisdom,' emphasizing the importance of culture and process over narratives in investing. Zummo also highlights the rise of alternatives in today's market, regional opportunities in Japan and the Middle East, and the unique dynamics of shorting versus long investing. His insights on balancing courage with caution make for a captivating listen for aspiring investors.

Michelle Leder, an SEC-filings researcher and founder of Footnoted, dives deep into the world of hidden information within corporate filings. She explains how companies often use subtle tactics to underplay bad news, like timing disclosures for minimal attention. Michelle also highlights the importance of understanding 'non-disclosure disclosure' practices and deciphering metadata red flags. With real-world examples from companies like Zoetis and Nikola, she emphasizes that careful examination of filings can reveal valuable insights for savvy investors.

Wilhelm Schmid, CEO of A. Lange & Söhne, shares insights on luxury watchmaking at a prestigious automotive event. He draws fascinating parallels between watch and car design, emphasizing craftsmanship and purposeful innovation. Wilhelm discusses the meticulous handcrafting process and the significance of authenticity in luxury brands. He highlights innovations like a stoppable tourbillon and introduces the new Saxonia Thin. With a nod to younger collectors, he hints at exciting surprises for the future of A. Lange & Söhne.

Ben Hunt, founder of Perscient, dives into the fascinating world of narrative-driven investing. He explores how narratives, much like viruses, spread through media and influence market valuations. Hunt argues that numbers are perceived through stories, making metrics like PE ratios narrative-driven. He also emphasizes the importance of word choice and presentation in shaping narratives. By leveraging big data, Hunt reveals how investors can detect dormant narratives before they catch on, democratizing insights that were once intuitive.

Morgan Housel, a bestselling author renowned for his work on money psychology, joins to discuss the intricate relationship between wealth and happiness. He shares insights on how money alleviates hardships but doesn’t guarantee fulfillment. Highlighting the impact of behavioral finance, Morgan explains how narratives shape market valuations and emphasizes the importance of spending for experiences over possessions. He also touches on the crucial distinction between getting rich and staying rich, urging listeners to align their spending with personal values.

Join Nobel Prize winner Richard Thaler, known for his groundbreaking work in behavioral economics, and Alex Imas, an expert in decision-making and AI, as they delve into the fascinating anomalies of human behavior. They discuss the origins and evolution of their influential work, highlighting intriguing concepts like the endowment effect and fairness in economic decisions. The duo also explores how behavioral insights reshape market strategies, from sports analytics to retirement saving nudges, revealing why even experts often struggle with biases.

Binky Chadha, Chief U.S. Equity & Global Strategist at Deutsche Bank, shares insights from his work at the IMF and his current role in asset allocation. He discusses the unusual mix of low unemployment and strong GDP growth, emphasizing its positive impact on equities. Binky elaborates on how mega-cap tech has influenced recent earnings and suggests that other sectors are poised to catch up. He also highlights key indicators and the implications of tariff policies on growth, while advising new graduates to align their careers with their passions.

Kristin Olson, Global Head of Alternatives for Wealth at Goldman Sachs, shares her expertise from decades of advising on private markets. She discusses the rise of alternative investments and how companies are staying private longer. Kristin emphasizes integrating alternatives into client portfolios, offering guidance on optimal allocations. She explores the appeal of private credit and the changing landscape of real assets, particularly in data and digital infrastructure. Olson reflects on mentorship and offers insights for newcomers to finance.

Rachel Benton, a dedicated mother diagnosed with IgA nephropathy after a prenatal checkup, shares her emotional journey through the disease and its challenges on family life. Nephrologist Dr. Jonathan Barrett explains the biology behind IgA nephropathy and its historical underreporting. Dr. Manish Maskey discusses targeting B-cell drivers like BAFF and APRIL in research for potential therapies. Rachel’s advocacy emphasizes the importance of routine health checks, making her story both inspiring and informative.

Brandon Zick, Chief Investment Officer at Ceres/Saris Farmland Funds, transitions from a dairy farm upbringing to the world of private equity. He shares insights on investing in farmland while highlighting its unique attributes as an asset class, such as its zero vacancy and inflation-hedging benefits. Brandon discusses the importance of strategic land selection and secondary revenue streams like solar and timber. Finally, he reflects on the evolving landscape of agricultural technology and the challenges faced by operators in this essential sector.