Masters in Business

Matt Hougan, Chief Investment Officer at Bitwise Asset Management, manages over $10 billion in crypto assets and shares insights on the future of cryptocurrency. He discusses the core concepts of Bitcoin as a digital asset and Ethereum's utility for programmable applications. Hougan highlights how smart contracts could disrupt ticket sales, ensuring artists benefit from resale. He also explores the journey of crypto from skepticism to mainstream acceptance and emphasizes the balance between speculation and responsible investing in this dynamic landscape.

Stephanie Kelton, a professor of economics and public policy at Stony Brook University, dives into the world of Modern Monetary Theory and its implications for U.S. fiscal policy. She critiques traditional views on budget deficits and highlights the case study of Japan's economic stability despite high deficits. Kelton discusses her unexpected journey from aspiring dentist to influential economist, and the importance of bipartisan collaboration in budget hearings. The conversation also touches on challenges of inflation and the bold proposal of a government-funded job guarantee.

Phil Pearlman, former Chief Behavioral Officer at the Bank of the Ozarks and founder of the Pearl Institute, dives into the fascinating link between personal health and financial success. He introduces the concept of 'Fitness Alpha,' revealing how optimizing health can lead to better decision-making in volatile markets. The conversation highlights inspiring health transformations and practical strategies for enhancing well-being, ultimately illustrating how healthier choices contribute significantly to improved financial performance and overall quality of life.

In this insightful discussion, Philipp Carlsson-Szlezak, Global Chief Economist at Boston Consulting Group, shares his expertise on macroeconomic risks. He critiques traditional economic models and emphasizes the need for more robust assessment tools, especially in unpredictable situations. The conversation delves into the impact of media narratives on economic perception and the importance of asking the right questions. Additionally, Philipp explores how AI is reshaping productivity and offers insights into navigating economic uncertainty.

Austan Goolsbee, President of the Chicago Federal Reserve and former chairman of the Council of Economic Advisors, dives into the complexities of tariffs and their inflationary effects. He discusses the challenges of navigating supply chains, particularly in the auto industry, and examines the housing market's struggles with regulation and underbuilding. Goolsbee also reflects on the critical 2% inflation target, emphasizing a data-driven approach to monetary policy and urging investors to grasp the intricate nature of current economic conditions.

Melissa Smith, Co-Head of Commercial Banking at JPMorgan, shares her unique journey from ballet to finance, revealing how her dance background shaped her career. She dives into the complexities of middle market banking and its indispensable role in supporting startups and fast-growing companies. Melissa discusses the importance of solid banking relationships and explores the future of banking in the face of technological disruption. Additionally, she sheds light on evolving leadership in the industry and the significance of mentorship and diversity.

Morgan Housel, author of "Same as Ever: A Guide to What Never Changes," provides timeless insights on finance and human nature. He discusses how human behavior remains stable, even amid economic crises, emphasizing recurring patterns during downturns. The conversation highlights the power of financial narratives that can trump raw data in shaping market sentiment. Housel also addresses the unrealistic financial expectations fueled by social media, advocating for a balanced financial perspective that emphasizes mental health amidst constant change.

Charles Ellis, a finance expert and founder of Greenwich Associates, shares his impressive journey in the investment world. He discusses his new book, 'Rethinking Investing,' and reflects on the evolution of investment strategies. The conversation delves into the importance of embracing passive investing and index funds to combat common investor underperformance driven by psychological factors. Ellis emphasizes the necessity of long-term thinking and adaptability in a rapidly changing marketplace, offering valuable insights for aspiring investors.

Jeff Hirsch, Editor of the Stock Trader’s Almanac and author of 'Super Boom,' delves into the intriguing concept of 'superbooms' driven by federal spending and inflation. He highlights historical examples where wars and government expenditures sparked economic surges. Hirsch discusses how recent fiscal measures post-COVID, like the CARES Act, can mirror past superbooms, suggesting a similar bullish market trend today. He provides insights into long-term investment strategies that capitalize on this unique economic environment shaped by technological innovation and governmental policies.

Aswath Damodaran, a renowned Professor at NYU Stern School of Business and an authority on valuation, engages in a riveting discussion about the often blurred lines between price and value. He highlights the importance of intrinsic value assessment and how investor perceptions can lead to varied estimations. Delving into complexities beyond traditional metrics, he uses Nvidia as a case study. The conversation also emphasizes the necessity of faith in investing, underlining that over time, markets tend to realign with fair value.