LSE Focal Point Podcast

Join us for another exciting episode at Focal Point where today we are joined by Peter L. Scher, the Vice Chairman of JPMorgan Chase. Prior to his current role, he was Managing Partner at Mayer Brown’s Washington, D.C. office and Head of Corporate Responsibility and Chairman of the Mid-Atlantic Region at JPMorgan Chase. Peter holds a bachelor’s from American University and a J.D. from American University Washington College of Law. Peter was nominated by President Clinton as the US Special Trade Ambassador and was one of the lead US negotiators on China’s entry into the World Trade Organisation. Recorded in December 2023.

Join us for another phenomenal episode at Focal Point where today we are joined by Jim Covello, the Global Co-Head of Single Stock Research at Goldman Sachs. Prior to his current role, he worked in investment banking at Smith Barney and SG Cowen. Jim holds a bachelor’s degree in American Government from Georgetown University and an MBA from the Tuck School at Dartmouth College. Recorded in December 2023.

Join us for another fantastic episode at Focal Point where today we are joined by David Theys, Managing Director at Houlihan Lokey. Prior to his current role, he had over 25 years of experience in investment banking and corporate finance, working at leading institutions including J.P. Morgan, Morgan Stanley, Merill Lynch and holding managing director and partner positions at prestigious boutiques. David holds a master’s in Civil Electrotechnical Engineering and an MBA from ESSEC Business school. Recorded in December 2023.

Join us for another insightful episode at Focal Point where today we are joined by Eunice Zhu, Executive Director and Head of Counterparty Risk Trading at SMBC Nikko Capital Markets, a branch of the Japanese mega bank SMBC. Prior to her current role, she held similar positions at RBC Capital Markets and UniCredit Bank. Eunice holds a bachelor’s degree in Econometrics and Mathematical Economics from the Shanghai University of Finance and Economics and a master’s in Finance and Economics from the LSE. Eunice is also an Advisory Council Member for the Harvard Business Review and a Board Member (NED) of the Ekaya Housing Association, an organisation which helps provide housing for BME women and their families in London. Recorded in December 2023.

Join us for another brilliant episode at Focal Point where today we are joined by Stuart Cash, the Founder and CEO at Y TREE. Prior to his current role, he started out his career as a solicitor before becoming Executive Director at investment bank SBC Warburg, and Partner at Goldman Sachs. Stuart holds a M.A. in Law from the University of Cambridge. Recorded in December 2023.

Join us for another exceptional episode at Focal Point where today we are joined by Victor Haghani, the Founder of Elm Wealth. Prior to his current role, he was a founding partner of Long-Term Capital Management (one of the largest hedge funds in the world prior to its collapse) and Managing Director at Salomon Brothers. Victor is an LSE alumni, holding a bachelor’s degree in Economics and recently published a book, “The Missing Billionaires”. Recorded in December 2023.

Alistair Wittet, a Portfolio Manager at Comgest with a background at Citi and abrdn, shares insights from his extensive finance experience. He reflects on his early investment lessons during the dot-com bubble and the importance of diverse perspectives in investing. Wittet discusses assessing high-growth companies using Lindy's Law and the advantages of established firms. He highlights how political and economic changes shape investment strategies, stressing the significance of fundamentals and long-term approaches in a rapidly evolving economy.

Join us for another phenomenal episode at Focal Point where today we are joined by Simon Ridpath, Managing Partner at Charles Russell Speechlys. Prior to his current role, he handled a variety of legal matters including insolvency law early in his career. Simon holds a Bachelor of Law from the University of Kent. Recorded in November 2023.

Join us for another fantastic episode at Focal Point where today we are joined by Carmen Alonso, the Head of UK and Iberia at Tikehau Capital. Prior to her current role, she was a Managing Director at Morgan Stanley and Vice President of GSK’s Corporate Finance practice. Carmen holds a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and International Management from Boston University School of Management, obtained her MBA at Babson college, and completed her Executive Program at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. Carmen is also a Board Member of Room to Read, a global organisation that aims to increase literacy and gender equality in education in low-income communities. Recorded in September 2023.

Join us for another exciting episode at Focal Point where today we are joined by Lisa Quest, Partner and Head of UK and Ireland at Oliver Wyman. Lisa has nearly 15 years of consulting experience across New York and London, and also worked in private equity. She holds a Masters in Public Administration from the LSE and is a Member of the Board of Trustees at Best Beginnings, a charity focussing on providing support for young children. Recorded in October 2023.