Jeff Gilbert: Curiosity, Ethics, Investing, Frauds & More

An hour-plus with a master storyteller, forensic accountant, investor, and a good friend. Jeff is such a terrific guy. He has that voice and storytelling gift that keeps you hooked for hours because every minute, you feel like he is letting you in on the biggest secret, and he really is. I had to have him here on TB, and he kindly said yes. He is a fellow investor, VALUEx’er, forensic accountant, and good friend. Jeff Gilbert, CPA is an Executive Director of Investigations where he specializes in forensic auditing. Drawing upon personal experience and using real-life case studies, he teaches at the Asper School of Business and with the Chartered Professional Accountants program. Jeff also mentors entrepreneurs and provides strategic advice to assist them in achieving their goals. He manages his own investment portfolio with a mix of public companies and private investments. A strong believer in lifelong learning, he is an avid reader and has numerous interests, including value investing and understanding various philosophies, strategies, and mental models. In this conversation, we discuss Jeff's childhood upbringing and the influence of his grandfather's wisdom. Jeff shares his journey of discovering and developing his own investment style, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and continuous learning. We also highlight the role of accounting in investing and the need to understand financial shenanigans. Jeff emphasizes the significance of ethics in investing and the dangers of fraud. Overall, the conversation explores the individual journey and personal approach to investing. We discuss the divide between honest and unethical individuals in the business world and explore the importance of trust in the stock market and the differences between private and public businesses. The conversation delves into the mindset of an investor and the power of kindness and gratitude. We also highlight the value of being part of a like-minded community and define success as personal well-being, fulfilling work, strong relationships, and giving back. Chapters: 05:00 Introduction and Childhood Upbringing 08:06 The Influence of Jeff's Grandfather 11:11 The Power of Curiosity 15:00 Jeff's Discovery of Investing 19:53 Developing a Personal Investment Style 27:58 The Role of Accounting in Investing 30:57 Understanding Financial Shenanigans 36:08 The Importance of Ethics in Investing 39:01 The Gray Area of Accounting and Fraud 40:39 The Divide: Honest vs. Unethical Individuals 44:07 The Importance of Trust in the Stock Market 48:20 Private vs. Public Businesses 51:46 The Mindset of an Investor 56:46 The Power of Kindness and Gratitude 1:00:38 The Value of a Like-Minded Community 1:08:22 Defining Success Blue Infinitas Capital, LLC is a registered investment adviser and the opinions expressed by the Firm’s employees and podcast guests on this show are their own and do not reflect the opinions of Blue Infinitas Capital, LLC. All statements and opinions expressed are based upon information considered reliable although it should not be relied upon as such. Any statements or opinions are subject to change without notice. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies.  Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed.  Information expressed does not take into account your specific situation or objectives, and is not intended as recommendations appropriate for any individual. Listeners are encouraged to seek advice from a qualified tax, legal, or investment adviser to determine whether any information presented may be suitable for their specific situation.  Past performance is not indicative of future performance.