Masters in Business

Jim McKelvey, co-founder of Square and author of "The Innovation Stack," discusses his entrepreneurial journey and the importance of innovation and resilience in business. He shares insights on customer loyalty shaped by chaos, using real-world examples from Starbucks and Delta. McKelvey also explores the concept of micropayments through his project Invisibly, empowering users in the digital economy. He reflects on his evolution from hands-on leadership to mentorship, emphasizing collaboration, and the need for fair compensation for creators in an evolving landscape.

Ray Dalio, the founder and co-chief investment officer of Bridgewater Associates, discusses the pivotal role of learning from failures as a key to success. He emphasizes the historical perspective on economic mistakes, linking them to current market trends and the rise of global powers like China. Dalio delves into the complexities of inflation, productivity, and the future of currencies with the advent of digital solutions. He also stresses the urgency of collective action to address environmental challenges and societal polarization, advocating for unity and proactive approaches.

Richard Nisbett, an emeritus professor at the University of Michigan, dives into the fascinating intersection of culture and cognition. He discusses how expectations, particularly in medication, shape our experiences, revealing the power of suggestion. Nisbett compares Eastern and Western thought processes, emphasizing the cultural differences in reasoning and decision-making. He challenges the notion of intelligence being purely genetic, exploring environmental impacts, family dynamics, and the importance of early childhood education in shaping cognitive development.

Max Chafkin, features editor at Bloomberg Businessweek and author of 'The Contrarian,' delves into the life of tech mogul Peter Thiel and his influence on Silicon Valley. He discusses the evolution of tech narratives and the complex ideologies shaping the PayPal Mafia's history. Chafkin critiques the intertwining of money and media, spotlighting Thiel's involvement in the Hulk Hogan lawsuit against Gawker. He also examines the ideological power dynamics of social media, especially in relation to politics and the challenges faced by the left in today’s tech-driven landscape.

Michael Mauboussin, the head of Consilient Research at Morgan Stanley Investment Management and finance professor, shares his wealth of knowledge on stock valuation. He discusses the evolution of 'Expectations Investing' and its emphasis on cash flow over traditional metrics. The conversation also dives into the shift from tangible to intangible assets, the importance of free cash flow, and the challenges of modeling company performance. Additionally, Mauboussin explores the interplay of human judgment and market efficiency, offering insights into investment strategies that adapt to changing market conditions.

Maureen Farrell, a New York Times business reporter and co-author of "The Cult of We," dives into the dramatic tale of WeWork and its co-founder Adam Neumann. She discusses how charisma distorted investor judgment, leading to catastrophic financial choices. The talk covers WeWork's ambitious yet flawed strategies, highlights the eccentric culture within the company, and critiques its unconventional financial metrics. Also, she reflects on broader trends in startup investments and the accountability dynamic shifting in Silicon Valley.

Join venture capitalist John Doerr, chairman of Kleiner Perkins and author of 'Speed and Scale,' as he discusses the crucial intersection of innovation and climate action. He explores transformative solutions for the climate crisis, drawing parallels to historic mobilizations, and underscores the financial potential of sustainable investments. Doerr shares insights on the evolution of climate tech, the urgency for collective action, and highlights successful examples like Tesla. With anecdotes from his storied career, he inspires listeners to embrace a sustainable future.

In this engaging discussion, Steven Fradkin, president of Northern Trust's wealth management unit, shares his extensive experience managing over $355 billion in assets. He dives into the evolution of wealth management strategies, particularly in today's low interest rate environment. Fradkin also discusses financial planning across different wealth spectrums and highlights the impact of recent economic upheavals on investment behaviors. The conversation touches on hybrid work models, relocation trends post-pandemic, and the importance of adaptability in navigating market uncertainties.

Edwin Conway, the Global Head of BlackRock Alternative Investors, oversees a booming sector managing over $300 billion. He discusses the surge of interest in alternative investments, highlighting how institutions pivot toward private assets for diversification and higher returns. Conway also shares insights on the democratization of these investments and the evolving landscape of office spaces post-pandemic, emphasizing the growing accessibility for retail investors and the need for education in navigating alternatives.

Join Robin Wigglesworth, Global finance correspondent for the Financial Times and author of 'Trillions,' as he breaks down the intriguing history of index funds. He shares his journey from aspiring physicist to finance journalist and highlights Jack Bogle's foundational role and the serendipitous rise of Vanguard. The discussion also covers the resilience of ETFs during financial crises and the ongoing debate around active versus passive investing, shedding light on the broader impact of these innovations on personal savings and market dynamics.