We Study Billionaires - The Investor’s Podcast Network TIP451: The Story of Bill Gross aka The Bond King W/ Mary Childs
4 snips
May 27, 2022 
Mary Childs, author of "The Bond King" and co-host of NPR's Planet Money, delves into the life of Bill Gross, the pioneer of bond trading and founder of PIMCO. She highlights Ed Thorpe's early influence on Gross and how they navigated the financial crisis while forging a unique bond with the government. The conversation also covers the dramatic events leading to Gross's decline at PIMCO, including a pivotal miscalculation and the personal challenges he faced, painting a vivid picture of the complexities behind 'The Bond King'.
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Gross's Drive for Fame
- Bill Gross's driving force was fame, which he equated with love due to his emotionally distant upbringing.
- This desire for fame explains his prominent media presence and "Mr. Bond Market" persona.
Public vs. Private Persona
- Bill Gross presented a folksy public image, contrasting with his intense, focused demeanor at PIMCO.
- Childs suggests this dichotomy may be related to his Asperger's diagnosis.
Neil Kashkari at PIMCO
- Neil Kashkari's career trajectory, from Goldman Sachs to a key role in the financial crisis response to PIMCO, is described.
- Despite his brilliance, his time at PIMCO wasn't successful due to a cultural mismatch.
