Insightful Investor
Alex Shahidi
The Insightful Investor is a weekly podcast hosted by Alex Shahidi, Co-CIO of one of the nation’s leading RIAs. In a conversational, “fireside chat” format, Alex interacts with some of the world’s premier investors and business icons to share market insights rarely found elsewhere. While many investors echo common sentiments, our “insights” include concepts that we believe are counterintuitive, widely misunderstood, or underappreciated. With over two decades of experience managing billions of dollars in client assets, Alex offers unique access to some of the industry’s top thinkers. He has authored two investment books and contributed to leading journals, and he consistently ranks among the elite financial advisors by Forbes and Barron’s. As an independent and innovative voice, Alex offers a fresh take on investing. We invite you to tune in and would love to hear your feedback.
https://insightfulinvestor.org/
https://insightfulinvestor.org/
Episodes
Mentioned books
Sep 16, 2025 • 1h 10min
#88 - Bruno del Ama: Leadership, Spirituality, Growth, Fulfillment
Bruno is a pioneering entrepreneur and co-founder of Global X and Sangha. In this episode, he shares his unique journey from launching a multibillion-dollar asset management firm during the financial crisis to empowering others through peer support and spiritual growth. Bruno offers insights on purposeful leadership, personal fulfillment, and the intersection of business, spirituality, and self-discovery.
Sep 9, 2025 • 51min
#87 - Eduardo Repetto: Financial Science Meets Portfolio Innovation
Eduardo Repetto, CIO of Avantis Investors, shares his intriguing journey from aeronautical engineer to financial innovator. He highlights the crucial role of scientific problem-solving in investment strategies and the evolution of financial knowledge. Eduardo discusses the power of diversification in mitigating risks while emphasizing the balance between systematic approaches and market adaptability. He also explores how AI can enhance portfolio management, transforming data handling and investor psychology for better decision-making.
Sep 2, 2025 • 1h 15min
#86 - Jason Thomas: Inflation, AI Economics, Tariffs, Private Markets
Jason, Head of Global Research and Investment Strategy at Carlyle ($465B AUM as of 6/30/25), discusses the challenges of persistent inflation and government debt, and the shifting nature of portfolio diversification in today’s macro environment. He explores the economic impacts of AI, the outlook for U.S. policy and markets, and offers insights on the evolving roles of private markets and private credit in building resilient portfolios.
Aug 26, 2025 • 1h 5min
#85 - Darell Krasnoff: Wealth Management Evolution, Leadership
Darell, managing partner at Evoke Advisors, co-founder of Bel Air Investment Advisors, and ex-Goldman Sachs Partner and manager of their Los Angeles office for private client services in the 1990s, shares insights on the evolution of wealth management, the centrality of trust and transparency, and how AI is reshaping the industry. He reflects on the advisor-client relationship, leadership, and the importance of diversification and patience in investing.
14 snips
Aug 19, 2025 • 1h 8min
#84 - Carl Ross: EM Debt, Global Shifts, Opportunities
Dr. Carl Ross, a partner and lead researcher for Emerging Country Debt at GMO, offers deep insights into the world of emerging market debt. He discusses the evolution of sovereign credit and highlights the complexities of navigating defaults and economic volatility. The conversation also touches on the declining dominance of the US dollar and the benefits of investing in emerging market currencies. With local debt seen as a once-in-a-generation opportunity, Ross stresses the importance of diversification and understanding geopolitical risks for savvy investors.
Aug 12, 2025 • 33min
#83 - Yie-Hsin Hung: Leadership, Innovation, Adaptability
Yie-Hsin Hung, the President and CEO of State Street Investment Management, shares her remarkable journey from engineering to leading a major asset manager. She discusses the importance of adaptability in navigating the complexities of asset management and fostering a culture of innovation. Yie-Hsin reflects on her resilient leadership style, shaped by her immigrant upbringing, and underscores collaboration as essential for success. She also highlights the role of partnerships and emotional intelligence in enhancing investment strategies and positively impacting financial futures.
Aug 5, 2025 • 1h 4min
#82 - Tony Davidow: Alternatives, Education, Bridging Investor Gaps
Tony Davidow, a senior alternatives investment strategist at Franklin Templeton, shares his impressive journey through family offices and institutions. He discusses the crucial role of education in making alternative investments accessible, particularly for everyday investors. Tony highlights the evolution of investment strategies and the importance of tailored approaches for private investors. He also emphasizes the significance of clear communication about risks and rewards in both private and public markets, and explores innovative investment structures like interval funds for better asset allocation.
Jul 29, 2025 • 54min
#81 - Blake Johnson: Entrepreneurship, Bootstrapping, Resilience
Blake Johnson, a serial entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist, shares his inspiring journey from a small farming town to building Byte, a billion-dollar company without outside funding. He discusses the importance of resilience and emotional intelligence in entrepreneurship, the challenges of bootstrapping a business, and the impact of AI on direct-to-consumer strategies in health. Blake also emphasizes philanthropy's role in empowering youth, drawing from his own experiences overcoming hardship. Tune in for invaluable insights!
8 snips
Jul 22, 2025 • 1h 28min
#80 - Andrew Metrick: Master Class in Financial Crises & Bank Runs
Andrew Metrick, the Janet Yellen Professor of Finance at Yale, delves deep into financial crises and bank runs. He reveals the vulnerabilities of the banking system and discusses critical lessons from recent crises, particularly the SVB collapse. Andrew emphasizes the pivotal role of central banks in crisis management and explains the nuances between liquidity and solvency issues. He also critiques the evolution of deposit insurance and highlights the systemic risks confronting today’s financial landscape. Prepare for some insightful revelations!
Jul 15, 2025 • 59min
#79 - Jon Gray: Leadership, Scaling Blackstone, Market Trends
Jon is President and COO of Blackstone—one of the world’s largest and most highly valued investment firms, managing over $1.1 trillion in assets (as of 3/31/25). He shares his career journey, insights on leading through rapid growth, and his outlook on the evolving landscape of investing and innovation. Listen for a candid take on leadership, culture, and the future of finance.
