Masters in Business

Sonal Desai, the chief investment officer at Franklin Templeton Fixed Income, manages a whopping $215 billion in assets. In this engaging discussion, she navigates the complexities of fixed income investments, sharing insights from her transition from academia to finance. Desai humorously recounts her culinary curiosity while juggling macroeconomic theories and investment strategies. She also highlights mentorship's role in overcoming challenges in leadership and examines economic dynamics affecting consumer behavior and the fixed income market.

Joey Fishman, a Senior Advisor at Ritholtz Wealth Management, dives into the world of equity-based compensation, particularly in tech and VC-backed firms. He breaks down the complexities of stock options and the importance of understanding vesting schedules. Joey shares insights on the psychological challenges employees face when navigating their investments and warns against the dangers of having a concentrated net worth in one stock. He emphasizes the need for professional financial advice and effective diversification strategies.

Neil Dutta, Head of Economics at Renaissance Macro Research, shares his insights into the U.S. economy and potential recession signs for 2025. He discusses key recession indicators like employment rates and consumer behavior, emphasizing the complexities of interpreting economic data. Dutta reflects on his career path from aspiring lawyer to economist and the importance of effective communication in economic research. The conversation also highlights the role of the Federal Reserve and the challenges of forecasting economic downturns amid current labor market dynamics.

Christine Benz, Director of Personal Finance at Morningstar and author of 'How to Retire: 20 Lessons for a Happy, Successful and Wealthy Retirement,' shares valuable insights on navigating retirement finances. She discusses the challenges retirees face in transitioning from saving to spending and the importance of personalized financial plans. Christine also emphasizes a conservative withdrawal strategy, the significance of annual portfolio reviews, and how legacy planning can enhance family bonds while encouraging retirees to enjoy their wealth responsibly.

Barry chats with Richard Bernstein, CEO of Richard Bernstein Advisors and a Wall Street veteran with over 35 years of experience. They dive into the current macro investment climate, exploring strategies for navigating market challenges. Rich shares insights on the importance of understanding profit cycles versus traditional business cycles and the impact of fiscal stimulus on corporate profits. He also emphasizes the significance of investor confidence and avoiding value traps amidst market noise. Tune in for a blend of expertise and engaging anecdotes!

Sam Ro, a veteran markets journalist and CFA, shares insights from his successful journey, including launching the award-winning Substack TKER. He dives into adapting to changing business models in media, discussing the shift from traditional to digital platforms. The conversation touches on the decline of Google Search in content discovery and the rise of independent writing. Ro emphasizes the balance between the freedom of freelance work and the challenges of navigating new revenue models, encouraging creativity and adaptability in career transitions.

Kate Moore, Chief Investment Officer at Citi Wealth, shares her extensive finance background, boasting roles at BlackRock and JP Morgan. She dives into the evolving landscape of macro investing, emphasizing thematic strategies and technological impacts like AI. The discussion highlights Citi's wealth management innovations and approaches to diverse client needs amid economic uncertainties. Kate also reflects on the disconnect between public economic perceptions and personal finances, offering insights into navigating market complexities and the importance of mindful investing.

Christine Benz, Director of Personal Finance & Retirement Planning at Morningstar and author of 'How to Retire,' offers invaluable insights on retirement planning. She discusses the importance of finding purpose after your career, suggesting fulfilling activities to maintain joy. Benz emphasizes structuring income sources like Social Security and annuities for basic living expenses. She shares effective investment strategies, including the bucket strategy, and highlights the benefits of proactive, organized planning as essential for a smooth transition into retirement.

Velina Peneva, the Group Chief Investment Officer at Swiss Re, shares her impressive journey from Bain & Company to the reinsurance sector. She discusses the complexities of managing risk and investment strategies in a changing market. Peneva emphasizes the importance of efficiency within teams and adapting to geopolitical tensions in investment strategies. The conversation also touches on the impact of central bank policies and the recent shifts in market sentiment, highlighting the resilience required in today's economic climate.

In this engaging discussion, Sam Ro, an award-winning financial journalist and CFA, shares his expertise on navigating the tumultuous waters of geopolitical unrest and investment strategies. He emphasizes how historical stock market resilience can guide investors through short-term volatility. The conversation dives into the intricate relationship between geopolitical tensions, energy dynamics, and inflation, all while reminding listeners to balance emotional responses with informed economic decisions during crises.