Behind the Money

Aanu Adeoye, the West and Central Africa correspondent for the Financial Times, dives into the rise and struggles of Jumia, often dubbed Africa's 'Amazon.' She discusses the challenges of applying Western business models in diverse African markets and highlights Jumia's ambitious turnaround plans amidst investor skepticism. Adeoye examines geographic disconnects, local market dynamics, and the quest for profitability in a competitive landscape. Tune in for insights on navigating the complexities of the African tech scene!

Leslie Hook is the Financial Times’ natural resources editor, diving deep into the evolving diamond industry. She discusses the rise of lab-grown diamonds, which are identical to natural ones but far cheaper, posing a serious threat to traditional retailers. Eleanor Olcott shares insights from her trip to China's production hub for these synthetic gems. The conversation also explores De Beers' potential sale and what it could mean for the future, as well as changing consumer trends influenced by affordability and celebrity culture.

Join Jamie Smyth, the US energy editor at the Financial Times, as he dives into the heated rivalry between Chevron and ExxonMobil. Smyth explores Chevron's recent acquisition of a valuable oilfield and its ambitious strategy to challenge its larger competitor. The discussion highlights the historical context of their fierce competition, including Chevron's attempted takeover of Hess. Additionally, Smyth touches on the broader implications of their rivalry for the oil industry and the shift towards sustainability in these turbulent times.

Dive into the fascinating world of AI-generated music, where artificial intelligence creates tunes almost indistinguishable from human-made songs. Explore the dual nature of this technology: a revolutionary tool for some musicians and a potential threat to the livelihoods of others. Legal challenges around consent and ownership in the age of AI are also discussed, sparking a debate on whether this innovation signifies the dawn of a new era or the end of the creative process as we know it.

Claire Jones, the US economics editor at the Financial Times, offers keen insights into the political tumult facing the Federal Reserve. She discusses the Jackson Hole symposium, which was marred by personal attacks on board member Lisa Cook, the first Black woman in her position. Claire highlights the implications of increasing political pressure on the Fed's independence and examines how an aggressive interest rate cut could stoke inflation fears. Amidst a backdrop of legal challenges and even a fire alarm, the conversation remains riveting.

In this discussion, Tabby Kinder, an FT finance reporter specializing in technology and finance, breaks down Palantir's remarkable stock market ascent. She examines how a shift in Silicon Valley attitudes towards defense has fueled the company’s growth, tying its success to increased government spending on national security and space exploration. Kinder also delves into the ethical concerns surrounding Palantir's operations and the impact of its close ties with the U.S. government, all while questioning its soaring valuation.

In this discussion, Clara Murray, a data reporter at the Financial Times specializing in the tobacco industry, and Mari Novik, a leisure reporter, reveal how nicotine pouches have surged in popularity as cigarette sales decline. They explore the potential of these pouches as cognitive enhancers and a fresh revenue source for Big Tobacco. The conversation also tackles the marketing strategies targeting young adults, regulatory challenges, and the looming health concerns tied to this emerging trend.

Amelia Pollard and Costas Mourselas, both hedge fund correspondents at the Financial Times, dive into Bobby Jain's ambitious journey to create a hedge fund that can rival giants like Citadel. They discuss the various challenges he has faced, from attracting capital to navigating complex market conditions. The pair also analyze Jain's strategy of deploying multiple trading approaches and the obstacles that hindered his inaugural year. Can Jain overcome these hurdles and build a successful firm? The conversation sheds light on the competitive landscape of hedge funds.

Join James Daunt, the Chief Revival Architect and CEO of Barnes & Noble, as he shares his unconventional leadership strategies that resurrected the iconic bookstore chain during tough times. He discusses the transformative power of community-focused independent bookstores and their vital role in a digital age. Daunt emphasizes the importance of inclusive team culture and the shift towards written communication in effective leadership. He also highlights the dynamic interplay between bookstores and e-commerce giants like Amazon, showcasing the enduring love for books.

Sujeet Indap, Wall Street editor at the Financial Times, teams up with Ortenca Aliaj, Banking editor at the Financial Times, to delve into the fierce rivalry for junior talent between private equity and Wall Street banks. They discuss a controversial recruiting practice causing firms to target graduates earlier than ever. The conversation reveals insights into the shifting dynamics in finance, including the ethical concerns surrounding accelerated hiring and the impact of JP Morgan’s new policies on the future landscape of both sectors.