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Alex Edmans: Top Universities Are Optimised For Everything - Except The Students Paying For Them
05 Mar 2026
01:04:30
Alex Edmans, Professor of Finance at London Business School, PhD from MIT as a Fulbright Scholar, and former investment banker at Morgan Stanley, joins Personable to challenge everything you think you know about business, universities, and how to think clearly in a world full of misleading data.
In this episode, Alex reflects on losing his father to cancer, being the first in his family to attend university, and how a single day of front page glory at Morgan Stanley convinced him academia could have more lasting impact than any deal. From the broken incentives of the tenure system to the misrepresentation of diversity research, this conversation cuts through the noise and focuses on how to think better, lead better, and live better.
This is an essential listen for anyone interested in business, academia, critical thinking, purpose-driven leadership, and building a life that actually matters.
He discusses:
◽️ Why he walked away from Morgan Stanley the day after his deal hit the front page of the FT
◽️ The tenure system and why top universities are built to punish their best teachers
◽️ Why the McKinsey diversity research falls apart the moment you actually read it
◽️ Grow the Pie - why purpose and profit are not opposites
◽️ How to think clearly in a post-truth world full of statistics designed to mislead you
00:00 Introduction and Alex Edmans background
02:15 Hyrox, Macmillan and losing a parent to cancer
07:30 First-generation student, St Paul's and the scholarship that changed everything
13:45 Morgan Stanley, the front page moment and why it wasn't enough
19:20 Why academia offers something finance never could
25:10 The tenure system and how universities punish great teachers
32:40 Diversity, performance and why correlation is not causation
39:15 Grow the Pie — purpose, profit and the business case for doing good
45:30 May Contain Lies — how to think in a post-truth world
51:20 Confirmation bias, contrary evidence and seeking the truth
57:00 What still drives Alex after tenure, awards and 3 million TED views
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial advice. Always consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. Investing involves risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results.
Head of Prime at Coinbase: How Crypto Becomes Institutional (Rick Schonberg)
Rick Schonberg, Head of Prime at Coinbase and former executive at Goldman Sachs, State Street, LCH, and Tagomi, joins Personable to unpack how crypto becomes institutional, what trust really means in modern finance, and why careers rarely follow a straight line.
In this episode, Rick reflects on graduating into a recession with no job, being fired twice, and how serendipity shaped a career spanning traditional finance, clearing houses, and digital assets. From institutional custody and regulation to stablecoins, trust, and the future of money, this conversation cuts through crypto hype and focuses on how financial systems actually evolve.
This is an essential listen for anyone interested in finance, crypto, careers, institutional trust, and navigating long-term success in volatile industries.
He discusses: ◽️ Graduating into a tough job market and building a career without a linear plan ◽️ Why early “unimpressive” jobs can be the most valuable ◽️ From Goldman Sachs to Coinbase and what drove the transition into crypto ◽️ Institutional custody, regulation, and why trust is the real asset ◽️ Stablecoins, payments, and how crypto reshapes the financial system ◽️ Lessons from being fired, taking risks, and sustaining long-term careers
00:00 Introduction and Rick Schonberg background 02:30 Graduating into recession and early career lessons 07:45 Getting fired, serendipity, and career pivots 14:20 From traditional finance to crypto 20:45 Institutional custody and trust at Coinbase 27:10 Regulation, bad actors, and building credibility 34:50 Stablecoins and the future of payments 41:30 Careers, success, and rejecting influencer mythology 47:55 The future of finance and crypto adoption 54:10 Final advice for graduates and long-term thinking
Rick Schonberg: ◽️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickschonberg/
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial advice. Always consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. Investing involves risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results.
Footnote: Tether, the largest stablecoin issuer, now holds over $100 billion in T-bills. According to data from the Treasury Department, it ranks as the 18th-largest overall holder of US debt, above the UAE ($85 billion).
Founder and CEO of The Graduate Guide, Peter Wood returns to Personable to break down how graduate careers are changing, why traditional hiring is broken, and what it really takes to build ambition, confidence, and opportunity in a broken labour market.
Since first appearing on the podcast, Peter has scaled The Graduate Guide from a content driven community into a platform tackling the graduate skills gap head on, culminating in its acquisition by The Apprenticeship Group. His work sits at the intersection of education, startups, recruitment, and social mobility, with a clear mission to help people prove what they can do rather than where they come from.
In this conversation, Peter shares what he has learned about ambition, careers, community building, LinkedIn growth, venture capital, and why curiosity may be the most undervalued skill of the next decade.
He explains: ◽️ Why the graduate job market is fundamentally broken ◽️ How ambition gets lost and how to reignite it ◽️ What companies misunderstand about junior talent and AI ◽️ How The Graduate Guide evolved from content to acquisition ◽️ Why apprenticeships and upskilling are the future of work ◽️ How to use LinkedIn intentionally rather than chasing vanity metrics ◽️ What it really takes to stand out in a hyper competitive world
00:00 Returning to Personable and the Graduate Guide’s evolution 02:10 Solving the graduate career crisis 04:00 Why helping everyone is harder than it sounds 07:54 Building community instead of chasing brands 12:06 AI, skills gaps, and the future of junior roles 18:11 Apprenticeships, upskilling, and long term talent 22:20 Curiosity, boredom, and ambition 27:04 Social media, influence, and responsibility 29:26 Entering the VC and startup ecosystem 33:31 Outlasting competition and building momentum 37:56 What Europe needs to succeed in venture capital 40:12 Helping the average person unlock ambition 47:00 How LinkedIn actually works 53:42 Intentionality behind high performing content 1:02:38 Legacy, ambition, and long term purpose 1:09:44 One lesson to take away
Peter Wood: ◽️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petermwood_/?hl=en ◽️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-m-wood/
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial advice. Always consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. Investing involves risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results.
1M Followers & 42.7M likes on Tiktok with 3 videos reaching: 21.2M, 20.8M & 11.5M. Anastasia Garcia is a dancer, model & student. Her passion for dancing propelled her into TikTok stardom during the pandemic and she has become a model & student at UNC.
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
My dad's startup: https://www.thedraft.io/ Donate to the charity we have founded in memory of my mum: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn
Meet Andrew Mitson the Chief Learning Officer & Co-Founder of Uplearn a company he scaled to 100,000 signups & a £10m valuation but decided to leave as he didn't feel like he was leaving the impact that he wanted on the World. Andrew is now a startup advisor to companies worth collectively over $100m. Andrew is building Afinity which is helping students to get into their dream university (Over 109k students have visited the platform from 87 countries) and ReHumanity which has a mission to reconnect people to who they really are. Andrew has a drive to give back and donates all of his income over £30k.
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
My dad's startup: https://www.thedraft.io/ Donate to the charity we have founded in memory of my mum: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn
In this episode, Drew Neisser, founder of CMO Huddles and Renegade, shares his journey in the marketing industry and provides insights into building a personal brand, creating revolutionary ideas for clients, and navigating the changing landscape of marketing. He emphasizes the importance of experience, expertise, and building a strong network. Drew also discusses the challenges of differentiating in an oversaturated market and the need for creativity and a unique selling proposition. He highlights the value of community-led growth and the power of word-of-mouth marketing. Drew concludes by sharing advice for aspiring CMOs and the importance of making the most of every opportunity. In this conversation, Drew Neisser and Harvey Bracken-Smith discuss various topics related to career paths, successful CMOs, building networks, building a good team, personal branding, and the importance of lifelong learning.
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
My dad's startup: https://www.thedraft.io/ Donate to the charity we have founded in memory of my mum: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn
Amanda Lamb, one of the longest-serving reporters at WRAL, recently left her role in Jan 2024 to host a podcast Ageless: Opening Doors with Amanda Lamb which is about women redefining themselves after 50. In this episode, we talk about the art of media, podcasting, and reporting. The art of storytelling is essential in the fields of reporting and business alike - Amanda gives a guideline for how to tell a story whilst grabbing and maintaining attention. We also discuss the future landscape of the media with an increase in polarization and a rise in independent journalism with the continued use of social media and short-form content. Amanda shares her ideas for how to break through in a saturated landscape & how to break into the industry. During her time at WRAL Amanda specialised in crime reporting and Hurricanes. From 2019-2024 Amanda was a writer, host & producer for 4 podcasts. Notably "Follow the Truth" which was a 15-episode true crime series about the re-investigation of the 1993 murder of Michael Jordan's father. Amanda has written and published 12+ books.
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
My dad's startup: https://www.thedraft.io/ Donate to the charity we have founded in memory of my mum: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn
This episode features Shep Moyle his past experience includes: Former Owner of ShinDigz - $2bn revenue, President of YPO - 34,000 CEOs, Trustee at Duke University & Harvard Business School, Managing Partner Moyle + Partners. Shep provides incredible stories, lessons & insights on the future of education, building a billion-dollar brand, and creating an impactful life that enables success whilst also giving back.
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
My dad's startup: https://www.thedraft.io/ Donate to the charity we have founded in memory of my mum: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn
Simon Johnson is the Founder of Aesthetic Strength an online personal training platform. Simon started out aged 16 in his parents' garage doing 1-1 personal training sessions and has now built an online fitness empire centred in Dubai with a team of 10 staff. He has utilised social media generating over 250,000 followers online & has been featured on ITV news, BBC, radio, and Dubai radio as well as talking on the total mental performance and fitness entrepreneur conferences. This is an important watch for anyone interested in fitness, social media, entrepreneurship and 'becoming the best you can be'.
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
My dad's startup: https://www.thedraft.io/ Donate to the charity we have founded in memory of my mum: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn
Imagine learning to read at 12 and then dropping out of school for a year and a half only to find out you had ADHD & Dyslexia. What would you do, where would you go, and how would you turn your life around? This is the story of Jonathan Mooney. A man who discovered his different ways of thinking and turned his life around. He went back to school and turned his previous weaknesses into strengths graduating from Brown University with an Honours Degree in English. Jonathan has also written 3 best-selling books. This story has the power to change your life, the way you think and your opinion on the neurologically diverse and how they could be the leaders of tomorrow.
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
My dad's startup: https://www.thedraft.io/ Donate to the charity we have founded in memory of my mum: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn
Episode 13 of Personable features Geoff Riley, a titan in the field of education with a staggering 38 years of shaping young minds, as we trace his incredible journey from Yorkshire to international educational influence. Geoff isn't just a revered teacher; he's the entrepreneurial force behind Tutor2u, reaching over 30 million learners each year. We share his poignant story, from the personal loss that led to the birth of a groundbreaking educational resource to how he and his brother Jim have crafted an unparalleled learning platform that combines passion with innovation.
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
My dad's startup: https://www.thedraft.io/ Donate to the charity we have founded in memory of my mum: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn
Daya Brown was accepted to 50 colleges and earned $1.3 Million in Scholarship money during her senior year of high school. Daya ended up choosing Duke University where she is now a freshman student. In episode 12 of Personable, we explore the journey of what led Daya to such an incredible accomplishment. If not obvious already the amazing feat is not the end result of the amount of money she received, the colleges she was accepted to and the university she ended up at but instead the incredible experiences, accomplishments and lessons that she had along the way.
Background: Daya is the daughter of successful businessman Olu Brown. During her childhood, she was exposed to this lifestyle and it inspired her to think differently from a young age. In her early teenage years, Daya became one of the youngest interns for Warner Studios ever; was accepted as 1 of 25/1000 for a Harvard Debating project; created a podcast the Scholar Social; founded a Production Company called Elom & Co Productions + more!
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
My dad's startup: https://www.thedraft.io/ Donate to the charity we have founded in memory of my mum: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn
Leon Zhang, a Duke University freshman, entrepreneur, writer and researcher, shares his journey from childhood in China to becoming a research assistant at Columbia University at 14 years old! Leon is an expert on China and its relationship with the outside World. He discusses the benefits of research and knowledge in solving real-world issues and the importance of understanding China's perspective in global relations. Leon talks about his ventures in entrepreneurship, including helping to found Multum and raising $350,000 for his startup. He emphasises the value of building networks and the role of advisors in his success. Leon is the Founding Partner of Iuventus Capital which is raising $1m in capital. Additionally, Leon highlights the significance of education and his role as an advisor for Yuto, bridging the gap between American and Chinese businesses. In this conversation, Leon Zhang shares his experiences in building trust and facilitating investments, his future plans and mindset, advice for young entrepreneurs, the startup culture at elite universities, venture capital and entrepreneurship in China, and finding happiness and success. He emphasises the importance of trust, courage, and dedication in entrepreneurship and encourages listeners to pursue what makes them happy.
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
My dad's startup: https://www.thedraft.io/ Donate to the charity we have founded in memory of my mum: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn
Travel creator Mungo McCosh (70,000 followers) breaks down how living differently, thinking independently, and embracing discomfort can unlock freedom, creativity, and a global audience.
Mungo is the founder of Mungo TV, a rapidly growing travel and culture platform known for raw storytelling, sharp humour, and honest perspectives on places most people never see. From Mongolia to China, his work challenges curated travel, mainstream narratives, and algorithm driven thinking.
In this conversation, Mungo shares what he has learned about authenticity, social media growth, comedy, censorship, and why doing your own thing is still the most powerful strategy.
He explains: ◽️ Why going off the beaten track creates better stories and a better life ◽️ How to grow on social media without chasing followers or trends ◽️ The real mechanics behind viral content and audience growth ◽️ How humour, satire, and risk shape long term reputation ◽️ What living in China is actually like beyond Western media
00:00 Growing Up Across Cultures 02:10 Rejecting Curated Travel 04:00 From School Expectations to Independence 06:43 Starting Mungo TV 10:43 Being Recognised and Staying Grounded 14:11 How Viral Comedy Really Works 21:45 Turning Ideas Into Content 26:54 Making Better Videos 32:46 Why Niches Matter 40:55 Comedy, Free Speech, and Risk 53:52 Living and Creating in China 58:12 Legacy and Meaning 1:00:44 One Lesson to Remember
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial advice. Always consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. Investing involves risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results.
James Frost founded his first business at age 18 & has now scaled two businesses. He is a big fan of fashion having infiltrated the most exclusive fashion shows worldwide, from the prestigious Paris Fashion Week to the iconic Burberry showcase and the sensational London Fashion Show.
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
My dad's startup: https://www.thedraft.io/ Donate to the charity we have founded in memory of my mum: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn
Episode 9 of Personable features Dr. Stuart Pimm who is the Doris Duke Chair of Conservation Ecology at Duke University and a globally recognized environmental scientist.
Dr. Pimm, renowned for his insights into current-day extinctions and strategies to prevent them, emphasizes that everyone can contribute to the planet's survival. In 2019 he was awarded the Cosmos Prize, joining the ranks of prestigious environmentalists like Jane Goodall and David Attenborough. His accolades include the Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement and the Dr. A.H. Heineken Prize for Environmental Sciences.
Dr. Pimm actively advises U.S. House and Senate Committees and international governments on environmental and biodiversity issues. His work extends to National Geographic’s Big Cats Initiative and conservation projects in Africa, the Amazon, and China. Authoring over 300 papers and several influential books, Dr. Pimm is a notable educator and mentor.
This episode delves into the urgency of biodiversity conservation, highlighting the recent COP 15 convention's goal to protect 30% of land and ocean. It showcases how technology, like the iNaturalist app, and individual actions can contribute to sustainability. The discussion also covers ethical lifestyle choices and celebrates the strides in conservation science and protected areas. Dr. Pimm inspires collective action for environmental change particularly at a local level.
This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in making a positive difference on our planet.
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
My dad's startup: https://www.thedraft.io/ Donate to the charity we have founded in memory of my mum: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn
We're thrilled to welcome Guy Kinnings, the Deputy CEO of the DP World Tour and the Executive Director of the Ryder Cup. A titan in the world of golf, Guy shares his unique journey from a legal background to becoming an influential figure in the World of golf.
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
My dad's startup: https://www.thedraft.io/ Donate to the charity we have founded in memory of my mum: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn
Meet Nick Wheeler, the founder of one of the world’s most esteemed menswear brands. In this episode, we discuss his mastermind as we uncover the story behind Charles Tyrwhitt and what led Nick to where he is today.
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
My dad's startup: https://www.thedraft.io/ Donate to the charity we have founded in memory of my mum: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn
Episode 6 of Personable features Iain Alexander. Iain has reached the top of many fields, and this episode promises to be a good one. Iain made the swimming squad for the 2000 Olympics but unfortunately had to pull out due to injury. Following this, he became an international DJ, travelling to over 4 countries a week! He made friends with DJs such as Avicii and shared the wisdom and stories that he picked up from his own experiences and the legends he surrounded himself with. Iain then transitioned into his current main endeavour: art. Iain is an extremely talented artist who has developed an incredible skill for creating unique artwork whilst also having an incredible business mindset and an ability to have clientele in the highest echelons of the World.
Portraits & Clients include: Queen Elizabeth II ,Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nayen (former Ruler of UAE), Sheikh Khalifa Bin Sultan Al Nayen (Ruler of UAE), Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani (Ruler of Qatar), the Malaysian royal family, Dame Vivienne Westwood, David Beckham, Jim Morrison, Kanye West, Mick Jagger, Madonna, Kurt Cobain, Jimmy Hendrix, Will Smith, Daniel Craig and Alexander McQueen, Mohammad Ali and Kurt Cobain.
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
My dad's startup: https://www.thedraft.io/ Donate to the charity we have founded in memory of my mum: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn
Episode 5 of Personable features tennis legend Tim Henman OBE. Tim is a former No. 1 British tennis player who reached a career-high of No. 4 globally. Tim reached the semi-finals of 6 majors, including four at Wimbledon. There is even a Hill named after Tim called Henman Hill outside the centre court. Tim has won 15 ATP titles, 11 in singles and 4 in doubles. He also became an Olympic medalist when he won Silver at the 1996 Atlanta Games. Tim currently serves on Wimbledon's board, commentates, and is the Founder of the Tim Henman Foundation https://henmanfoundation.org. Tim is one of the most successful British players of the Open Era, winning $11,635,542 prize money.
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
My dad's startup: https://www.thedraft.io/ Donate to the charity we have founded in memory of my mum: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn
Sunetra Sarker is a distinguished actress celebrated for her diverse and high-profile career, captivating audiences with her versatile performances in both television and film. Brought up in Liverpool with her Indian family, she garnered initial recognition as a teenager for her portrayal of Nisha Batra in Channel 4's "Brookside" from 1988 to 1991. Subsequently, she was one of the four leads in Channel 4's cult hit, "No Angels."
Sunetra then established herself with a nearly nine-year stint as Dr Zoe Hanna in the long-running British medical drama series "Casualty," from 2007 to 2016. This portrayal of the dedicated and straight-talking doctor resonated with audiences and earned her critical acclaim. After her time on "Casualty," she has consistently added high-quality credits to her portfolio. These include leading roles in "Safe House 2" for ITV, five series of "Ackley Bridge" for Channel 4 (winning the Asian Media Award for best character 2019 and the Yorkshire RTS Best Actor 2022), and the BAFTA-nominated "Informer" (co-starring Bel Powley and Paddy Considine).
She has also appeared in various television shows such as "Dr. Who," "The Bay," "Cold Feet," and the final series of "Broadchurch," bringing depth and authenticity to every character she embodies. Sunetra’s debut at the RSC in David Edgar's adaptation of "A Christmas Carol" received high praise from critics. More recently, she played a lead in the 4-part heist drama 'Desperate Measures' alongside Amanda Abbington and Warren Brown. She is currently filming as a lead in the fourth episode of "Professor T" for ITV and as a guest in "Breeders" for Sky.
Sunetra is a regular face on several non-scripted shows, including "Gogglebox" and "Loose Women," and she hosts her own podcast, 'Self Care with Sunetra'.
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
My dad's startup: https://www.thedraft.io/ Donate to the charity we have founded in memory of my mum: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn
Episode 3 features my uncle Kyran Bracken, a 2003 World Cup-winning rugby player, the winner of Dancing on Ice 2007 and more!
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
My dad's startup: https://www.thedraft.io/ Donate to the charity we have founded in memory of my mum: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn
When the World was shutting down Andrea stepped up as the new CEO of one of the most established and decorated clubs in Premiership Rugby. From the beginning of the pandemic, Andrea was thrown right into the deep end having to lay off over 30 staff, say goodbye to 5 important players, deal with leakages to the press, get acquitted with her new role, and save the club from a financial and health crisis. Through her determination in bringing the club together, working with a re-shuffled board, and the now England coach Steve Borthwick Leicester came back after having nearly being demoted to winning the Premiership the following season. In this episode, I was very privileged to hear from the first female CEO in Premiership rugby, to learn about her leadership strategies, both her goals and lessons from the club, Leicester’s analytical approach, and her wider thoughts about the game itself.
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
My dad's startup: https://www.thedraft.io/ Donate to the charity we have founded in memory of my mum: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn
Episode 1 of Personable features Ruben Gnanalingam, the CEO of Westports & Owner of QPR Football Club.
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
My dad's startup: https://www.thedraft.io/ Donate to the charity we have founded in memory of my mum: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn
World-famous adventurer BEAR GRYLLS reveals the TRUTH about success, failure, grief, and faith, and why resilience, family, and purpose matter far more than fame, money, or achievement.
Bear Grylls is a British adventurer, former SAS soldier, Chief Scout, bestselling author, and host of Man vs. Wild and Running Wild. He is one of the most recognisable survivalists in the world, having climbed Mount Everest, broken his back, and worked with presidents, prime ministers, and global leaders.
In this conversation, Bear goes far beyond survival and television to share the hardest moments of his life, including losing his father, enduring repeated failures, and how faith and family became his foundation.
He explains: ◽️ How losing a parent can become a source of strength ◽️ Why resilience is more important than talent or success ◽️ How repeated failure built his career behind the scenes ◽️ Why fame, money, and status never bring fulfillment ◽️ How faith helps navigate fear, doubt, and grief
00:00 Losing a Parent at a Young Age 02:10 Turning Pain Into Purpose 05:01 Fame, Presidents, and Staying Grounded 07:53 Why Success Never Comes From Things 10:20 The Trap of Validation and Recognition 12:19 Being Put in a Box by the World 15:41 Success as a Journey, Not a Destination 16:44 Why Character Is Built in the Valleys 18:55 The Failures No One Talks About 21:31 Faith, Doubt, and a Divided World 25:23 Family as the Ultimate Foundation 28:13 Why Bear Wrote The Greatest Story Ever Told 31:59 Living Faith Through Action 33:59 The One Lesson Bear Wants You to Remember 35:22 Closing Reflections
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial advice. Always consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. Investing involves risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results.
Stephen Roberts, Founder of Orgueil Capital (an investment vehicle with its North Star to quintuple capital) and former Partner at Horseman Capital, returns to Personable Markets for one of his most information packed conversations yet.
From dissecting the disconnect between AI headlines and real market performance to uncovering where the true returns have been hiding this year, Stephen brings decades of global macro experience to help investors separate noise from opportunity. In this episode, he explains why commodities and banks have outperformed while tech dominated the narrative, how the steep yield curve transformed UK and European financials, and why Asia and Europe have quietly delivered standout performance.
With sharp analysis across rates, geopolitics, employment trends and the coming wave of AI driven productivity shifts, Stephen breaks down the forces reshaping markets, the risks investors are ignoring and the structural changes likely to define the next decade.
In this episode, Stephen Roberts discusses: ◽️ AI hype versus reality and why investors are missing the real trades ◽️ Commodities surging and the return of a global materials cycle ◽️ Banks minting money from the steep yield curve ◽️ Europe and Asia outperforming and why valuations still look attractive ◽️ China tech recovery, Alibaba’s rebound and cloud dominance ◽️ AI’s impact on unemployment and future economic policy
⏱ Timestamps 00:00 Intro 00:31 Markets since last episode, volatility, tech noise and real performance 02:12 AI bubble debate and why the narrative is misplaced 04:10 Commodities surge across gold, copper and miners 06:25 Banks, yield curves and earnings doubling across the UK 09:38 Europe and Asia outperform while investors stay fixated on AI 12:14 Alibaba, Tencent and China’s cloud advantage 15:03 How Stephen evaluates winners, losers and sector momentum 22:39 Why interest rates determine everything in markets 26:04 US manufacturing push and Mayoshi Son’s investment plans 29:21 Rare earth leverage, Nvidia dependence and geopolitical tension 32:48 Private markets versus public markets, liquidity and risk 43:17 Commodities, banks and where Stephen sees opportunity 47:01 Potential triggers for market stress across rates and employment 52:44 Closing insights and long term positioning 53:12 Outro
📌 Resources Stephen Roberts: ◽️ Orgueil Capital: https://www.orgueilcapital.com/our-story
Additional: ◽️ The Draft (Sign up): https://thedraft.io ◽️ Fundraising: https://justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial advice. Always consult a
Yoshi Yokokawa, co-founder and CEO of Alpaca, joins Personable with Harvey Bracken-Smith. Alpaca is a leading brokerage infrastructure and self-clearing fintech powering over 7 million brokerage accounts across 40 countries and backed by more than 170 million dollars in funding.
Before building Alpaca, Yoshi began his career at Lehman Brothers, experiencing the rise and fall of one of the most famous investment banks during the 2008 financial crisis. He went on to become a day trader, founded machine learning startups, and ultimately created Alpaca, a company redefining how global investing is built through APIs.
In this episode, Yoshi shares how he learned from both the boom and the collapse of global markets. He discusses why every generation forgets financial history, why real diversification fails in downturns, and how to stay grounded while raising hundreds of millions of dollars. Yoshi reflects on founder-market fit, emotional resilience, and what it means to build something that gives others financial freedom, the goal he has chased since childhood.
In this episode, Yoshi Yokokawa discusses: ◽️ What it was like working at Lehman Brothers during the 2008 crash ◽️ Why diversification is often a myth in real crises ◽️ Lessons from day trading and "street fighting" in the FX markets ◽️ How machine learning led to the creation of Alpaca ◽️ The realities of raising 170 million dollars in venture capital
⏱ Timestamps 00:00 Intro 05:00 Lehman Brothers culture in Japan 07:30 Early signs of the 2008 crisis 10:00 Bubbles, hedging limits and market behavior 12:30 Retail investors and emotional decision making 15:00 Why hedging depends on local context 17:30 Leaving banking and moving into day trading 22:30 Probability, discipline and trading mindset 25:00 First software attempts and meeting technical friends 30:00 What an API is and why it matters 32:30 Licenses, compliance and protecting customer assets 35:00 Raising 170 million and dealing with dilution 37:30 Convincing VCs and founder market fit 42:30 Japan vs Silicon Valley 45:00 Expanding financial access around the world 47:30 Hiring philosophy and values 50:00 Personal investing style and risk approach 53:00 Burnout, limits and staying balanced 56:00 Legacy, family and long term thinking 58:00 Final reflections 1:08:00 Outro
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📌 Resources Yoshi Yokokawa: ◽️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yoshiyokokawa/
Additional: ◽️ The Draft (Sign up): https://thedraft.io ◽️ Fundraising: https://justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial advice. A
In this episode of Personable Markets, host Harvey Bracken-Smith and guest Luke Sloman analyze a defining week in global finance. Nvidia hits a $5 trillion valuation, the Federal Reserve pauses rate cuts, and Trump and Xi Jinping outline a potential new trade framework that could reshape technology, agriculture, and rare-earth supply chains.
They explore the AI-driven surge in earnings from major tech firms, the growing dominance of the “BATMMAAN” stocks, and the UK’s controversial tax proposals ahead of the Autumn Budget. Harvey and Luke also debate whether record market highs represent sustainable growth or the early signs of an overheated AI bubble.
In this episode, they discuss: ◽️ Nvidia’s $5 trillion milestone ◽️ Record-breaking Q3 tech earnings ◽️ The rise of “BATMMAAN” in the S&P 500 ◽️ Meta’s drop despite strong results
⏱ Timestamps 00:00 Intro 00:35 Market overview and key themes 01:30 Tech earnings recap: Alphabet, Amazon, Apple 04:15 Microsoft and Meta’s AI CapEx spending 06:30 Market reactions and investor focus 08:15 “BATMMAAN” replaces the Magnificent 7 10:00 Nvidia’s $5 trillion valuation 12:10 Blackwell chip demand and revenue pipeline 14:00 Fed cut pause and data blackout 16:20 Powell’s “driving in fog” comment 18:00 Market reaction and inflation outlook 20:00 Trump–Xi meeting breakdown 22:15 Tariff reductions and fentanyl agreement 24:00 Rare-earth exports and semiconductor access 26:30 Nvidia’s China opportunity 28:00 AI market dependence and interconnectivity 30:15 Global markets hit record highs 33:00 Is the AI boom sustainable? 36:00 Comparing investor outlooks: optimism vs caution 38:30 UK Autumn Budget preview 41:00 Labour’s £36B tax hole 43:00 Income freezes, property taxes, ISA reform 45:00 20% exit levy and millionaire migration 47:00 UK inflation and household pressures 49:00 Energy costs and cost-of-living effects 51:00 Brain drain: UK talent moving abroad 54:00 Oxford, Cambridge, and education quotas 56:30 Entrepreneurship culture: UK vs US 59:00 Global capital flows and foreign investment 1:01:00 Retail investors, social media, and sentiment 1:04:30 Market psychology: crash fears vs growth belief 1:07:00 Outlook for 2026 global markets 1:10:00 Key takeaways and lessons 1:15:00 Outro
📌 Resources Luke Sloman: ◽️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-sloman-87a6742a9/?originalSubdomain=uk
Additional: ◽️ The Draft (Sign up): https://thedraft.io ◽️ Fundraising: https://justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial advice. Always
Jamil Qureshi, one of the world’s leading performance psychologists and the first-ever official global psychologist for the European Ryder Cup Team, joins Personable with Harvey Bracken-Smith.
Having coached six world number ones and worked with 22 golfers inside the top 50, Jamil has helped shape champions across F1, the English Premier League, and the Ashes-winning England cricket team. Known for unlocking the “mindset behind mastery,” he shares how world-class athletes and leaders think, learn, and perform at their best — and why ordinary people can achieve extraordinary things through consistent habits and purposeful thinking.
In this episode, Jamil reveals the mental frameworks that drive elite performance — from how to handle pressure and failure, to cultivating consistency, self-reflection, and purpose. Drawing lessons from sport, business, and life, he explains how to manage energy over time, how learning trumps winning, and why the world’s best stay open-minded no matter how successful they become.
In this episode, Jamil Qureshi discusses: ◽️ The psychology of high performance — why mindset beats talent ◽️ Lessons from coaching Ryder Cup golfers, F1 drivers, and Premier League stars ◽️ How to build consistency of mind and control the controllables ◽️ Why failure is “part payment toward success” ◽️ The difference between seeking to impress vs. express ◽️ Purpose, discipline, and the small habits that build greatness ◽️ Open-mindedness and the culture of elite teams ◽️ Internal vs. external success — and how to align the two
⏱ Timestamps 00:00 Intro 02:00 How he became a psychologist after sport 04:00 Spotting real experts vs. self-proclaimed “gurus” 06:30 Learning through experimentation — obstacles instruct 14:00 Learning over winning — how to measure progress 16:30 Praising effort, not outcome 18:30 Ordinary people doing extraordinary things through discipline 30:00 How Jamil keeps learning from top athletes and CEOs 35:00 The mindset of world champions — talent and teachability 40:00 Why play and curiosity drive lifelong learning 44:00 Failure as the price of success 47:00 Leadership lessons from sport — creating winners who create winners 52:00 How to build open-minded teams 1:07:00 Outro
Additional: ◽️ The Draft (Sign up): https://thedraft.io ◽️ Fundraising: https://justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial advice. Always consult a qualified financial advisor before
In this episode of Personable Markets, host Harvey Bracken-Smith and Luke dive into surging global markets as the S&P 500 hits record highs. They explore international outperformance, Magnificent 7 earnings, gold and silver rallies, Fed rate cut expectations, and key geopolitical shifts like the Trump-Xi meeting and US-Canada tariffs.
Luke Sloman, a third-year Business and Management student at the University of Exeter, joins Personable for his fourth appearance while studying abroad at the University of Sydney. Originally from Tokyo until age 13, he moved to the UK for boarding school, focusing his studies on finance-related modules.
Luke shares sharp insights on real-time market trends, analyzing interconnected economies, AI-driven valuations, and trade policies. The duo discusses whether a market crash looms, balancing risks like overvaluation with opportunities in today’s volatile landscape.
In this episode, Luke Sloman discusses: ◽️ Global market rallies: S&P 500 vs. KOSPI, DAX, and Nikkei ◽️ AI and tech overvaluation: bubble risks in semiconductors ◽️ Commodity surges: gold at $4,500/oz, silver short squeezes ◽️ Fed rate cuts: employment focus, market impacts ◽️ US-China trade: tariff pauses, agricultural deals ◽️ Trump’s Asia strategy: ASEAN summit, Japan/South Korea talks
⏱ Timestamps 00:00 Intro 04:43 South Korean reforms: trading fee cuts, Lee Jae-myung 05:30 UK FTSE 100: overseas earnings, commodity tailwinds 06:45 Gold at $4,500/oz: hedging, historical highs 07:30 Silver short squeeze: mechanics, leverage impacts 20:00 Market liquidity: VC saturation, government incentives 23:14 Fed rate cut: 98% chance for 25 bps on October 29 26:00 Employment focus: labor softening, inflation trade-offs 27:06 Tariffs as bargaining: US worker benefits, Apple case 28:30 Job market struggles: AI displacing graduates 31:00 Human-AI synergies: workplace collaboration 43:47 Trump-Xi meeting: trade war de-escalation 45:00 Framework agreement: tariff pauses, ag purchases 1:00:00 Government shutdown: 24th day, data delays 1:04:49 JP Morgan study: missing best days cuts returns 1:05:19 Staying invested: long-term importance 1:07:39 Retail sources: X, YouTube, Reddit for edges 1:09:00 Closing: market accuracy, critical thinking
📌 Resources Luke Sloman: ◽️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-sloman-87a6742a9/?originalSubdomain=uk
Additional: ◽️ The Draft (Sign up): https://thedraft.io ◽️ Fundraising: https://justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial advice. Always consult a qualified financial advisor before makin
Dr. John Harpham, historian, Harvard PhD, Duke graduate, and author of The Intellectual Origins of American Slavery — a book nominated for the History Pulitzer Prize — joins Personable to explore the intellectual and moral foundations of one of history’s greatest wrongs.
From growing up in New Orleans to studying at Harvard and teaching across America’s top universities, John shares how a decade-long journey through rare books and political thought reshaped his understanding of human morality, freedom, and the legacy of slavery.
In this episode, John explains how he turned from a student of ideas into a scholar of history — and how studying slavery changes the way we understand ourselves.
He breaks down why slavery wasn’t just an economic system but an intellectual one, shaped by the moral reasoning, theology, and politics of its time. The conversation explores race, freedom, cancel culture, moral relativism, and the timeless need for critical thinking.
In this episode, Dr. John Harpham discusses: ◽️ Falling in love with books and scholarship at a young age ◽️ The leap from consumer to producer of knowledge ◽️ How he researched 16th–17th-century texts to trace slavery’s origins ◽️ Slavery as both an economic and intellectual institution ◽️ How moral “attention” shifts across history — and why that matters
⏱ Timestamps 00:00 Intro 00:34 Why John loves books and writing 05:00 Producing knowledge and the discipline of research 11:30 Growing up in New Orleans and confronting history 15:00 Remembering vs. erasing — how to deal with the past 17:00 The moral lessons of slavery and self-reflection 20:20 Monuments, commemoration, and moral complexity 25:00 Cancel culture and freedom of thought 32:00 Race, economics, and the origins of slavery 39:30 The moral logic that justified slavery 43:00 Moral relativism vs. moral absolutism 47:00 Why critical thinking is democracy’s foundation 49:30 How academia can protect reason and open debate 53:00 Lessons learned from writing for a decade 54:00 The biggest takeaways from studying slavery 57:00 Being nominated for the History Pulitzer Prize 59:00 Legacy, teaching, and what’s next — Volume Two 1:02:00 One thing every listener should take away
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📌 Resources Dr. John Harpham: ◽️ Page: https://www.ou.edu/cas/classicsandletters/people/john-harpham
Additional: ◽️ The Draft (Sign up): https://thedraft.io ◽️ Fundraising: https://justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial advice. Always consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. Investing involves risks, and past performan
Tommy Hyland, one of the greatest blackjack players of all time and a 2002 inductee into the Blackjack Hall of Fame, returns for his second appearance on Personable.
From decades of professional card counting to a 9–0 legal record defending players’ rights, Tommy has spent over 40 years beating casinos with skill, math, and grit. Known for running one of the longest-standing blackjack teams in history, he shares how he turned card counting from a side hustle into a full-time career — and why he believes professional play is “fighting the good fight.”
In this episode, Tommy reveals what it takes to survive and thrive as a professional blackjack player. He explains the math behind card counting, how to manage risk using the Kelly Criterion, and what separates hobbyists from pros. From casino surveillance and legal battles to emotional control and bankroll discipline, Tommy breaks down how to stay ahead of both the cards — and the house.
In this episode, Tommy Hyland discusses: ◽️ Card counting vs. casino countermeasures — legal, ethical, and tactical realities ◽️ Building a blackjack network — teams, mentorship, and trust in the industry ◽️ The “brotherhood” of professional players and how new players can break in ◽️ The Kelly Criterion — how much to bet and when to walk away ◽️ How to manage risk, emotion, and long-term swings
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⏱ Timestamps
00:00 Intro / Welcome to Personable 00:33 Life update — golf, blackjack, and staying sharp 02:20 Casino restrictions and playing smart under pressure 07:30 Why most casinos don’t use continuous shufflers 09:30 The blackjack brotherhood — community and shared intel 11:00 How to find mentors, teams, and investors 13:30 The Blackjack Ball and the legends who attend 15:00 Comparing blackjack, poker, and sports betting 26:00 Fighting back: 9–0 legal record against casino bans 31:00 The Kelly Criterion explained — how much to bet per hand 35:00 Emotional control and bankroll management 40:00 Building a team, finding investors, scaling your play 45:00 Handling swings, losses, and staying rational 55:00 Influences, mentors, and the evolution of advantage play 1:00:00 Legal battles, lawsuits, and false arrests 1:11:00 Believing the math — advice for new players 1:14:00 Legacy, life beyond blackjack, and what’s next
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📌 Resources Tommy Hyland: ◽️ Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Hyland
Additional: ◽️ The Draft (Sign up): https://thedraft.io ◽️ Fundraising: https://justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial advice. Always consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment
Nick Jenkins, founder of Moonpig and former Dragon’s Den investor, joins Personable to unpack the darkest moments behind building Moonpig, how close the business came to failure, and what it really takes to keep going after a major exit.
In this episode, Nick reflects on his early career trading commodities in post Soviet Russia, the unlikely origins of Moonpig, and the period when even his own investors warned him to stop putting money into the business. From personalization as a competitive moat to the realities of organic growth, fundraising pressure, and selling a company, this conversation cuts through startup mythology and focuses on what actually sustains a business over decades.
This is an essential listen for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, surviving near failure, building real businesses, and finding purpose after success.
He discusses: ◽️ The early years in post Soviet Russia and lessons from trading ◽️ How Moonpig was born and the period it nearly failed ◽️ Why personalization and organic growth built a defensible business ◽️ Lessons from Dragon’s Den and common founder mistakes ◽️ Selling Moonpig for £120M and finding purpose after the exit
00:00 Introduction and Nick Jenkins background 02:16 Studying Russian and early career in Russia 08:45 Trading, culture, and competitive advantage 13:54 Choosing entrepreneurship over traditional careers 17:09 Organic growth vs venture capital 23:59 Lessons from Dragon’s Den investing 29:25 Distribution, media, and owning the customer 39:49 The origins of Moonpig and near failure 42:49 Selling Moonpig and finding purpose after exit 45:24 Final advice on entrepreneurship as a career
Nick Jenkins: ◽️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-jenkins1/
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial advice. Always consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. Investing involves risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results.
Stephen Roberts, Founder of Orgueil Capital (an investment vehicle with its North Star to quintuple capital over the next 8–9 years) and former Partner at Horseman Capital, returns to Personable Markets for his third appearance.
From navigating hedge fund cycles to founding his own investment vehicle, Stephen brings decades of experience in global macro investing and portfolio construction. In this episode, he breaks down the real-time market volatility, the U.S.–China standoff over rare earths, the AI-driven reshaping of industries, and why he believes we’re entering a new commodities cycle.
With deep insights into policy, behavioral investing, and structural shifts across energy, gold, and tech, Stephen shares his framework for surviving volatility and thriving through the next decade of change.
In this episode, Stephen Roberts discusses: ◽️ Trump’s rare earths tweet and the latest market sell-off ◽️ AI’s winners and losers — why jobs and society are at risk ◽️ U.S.–China energy economics and rare earth dependencies ◽️ The Magnificent 7, valuations, and whether we’re in a bubble ◽️ Gold, commodities, and the next supercycle ◽️ Why AI could cause the next recession ◽️ Oil prices, defense stocks, and global macro risks ◽️ Portfolio construction for the next 10 years — equities, bonds & gold
⏱ Timestamps 00:00 Intro 00:37 Market volatility, Trump’s China tweet & rare earths 03:27 AI, commodities & “mining for AI” 07:01 U.S. vs. China — electricity, chips & competitive edges 09:20 The Magnificent 7: bubble or earnings-backed growth? 13:02 Leadership risk & investor psychology 17:19 AI’s job destruction, social fabric & regulation 24:25 The creator economy & new opportunities 29:17 Spotify, ownership of data & the new AI winners 34:44 Saudi Arabia, sovereign funds & poor investments 36:53 Gold, commodities & portfolio positioning 42:27 Bonds, deficits & a 20-year bear market 45:25 U.S. debt, taxation & political cycles 47:34 Key macro risks: oil, inflation & rates 55:55 Oil, defense stocks & geopolitics 59:49 Political uncertainty: France, Japan & the UK 1:03:22 Long-term allocation: equities, bonds & gold 1:04:01 Outro
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📌 Resources Stephen Roberts: ◽️ Orgueil Capital: https://www.orgueilcapital.com/our-story
Additional: ◽️ The Draft (Sign up): https://thedraft.io ◽️ Fundraising: https://justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial advice. Always consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. Investing involves risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results.
Thank you to everyone who has helped me reach this point. I don’t take your support for granted. Every like, comment and subscription genuinely means the world to me.
I feel honoured that 100 episodes coincides with reaching 1,000 subscribers, and I’m excited to keep building from here.
In this episode, I reflect on the past three years of Personable, the lessons and growth along the way, and what’s next for me and the podcast. I’ll also be focusing on strengthening the show’s narrative and building a closer community for core listeners.
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Harvey Bracken-Smith marks a major milestone: 100 episodes of Personable. Instead of hosting a guest, Harvey turns the mic on himself for a deeply personal, unscripted reflection on the journey so far: from the podcast’s origins at a music festival to its growth into a global platform helping listeners become the best they can be.
In this special episode, Harvey shares the story behind Personable, the lessons learned across 100 conversations with the world’s best, and the personal experiences: including the loss of his mother, Louise, that shaped his drive, discipline, and mission to spread love, learning, and ambition into the world.
In this episode, Harvey discusses: ◽️ The origins of Personable: from a sleepless night at a music festival to a global platform ◽️ Grief, resilience, and how loss shaped his mission ◽️ Lessons from 100 episodes: consistency, courage, and community ◽️ The importance of love, discipline, and applied knowledge ◽️ Goals for the future: building community, growth, and purpose ◽️ What’s next: evolving Personable into a global movement
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⏱ Timestamps 00:00 Intro: Harvey welcomes listeners to episode 100 06:10 Learning his mum’s diagnosis and the shock that followed 08:45 Processing grief and pushing forward instead of pausing 10:55 August 12 2022: the idea for Personable is born 19:55 Hitting milestones: 100 episodes & 1000 subscribers 23:20 Why passion matters more than fame or money 27:05 The odds of success and why love keeps you going 30:30 Learning from 100 guests — the value of curiosity 41:00 Finding purpose through loss and faith 45:10 Choosing your hard: growth through struggle 48:00 Life lessons, legacy, and what’s next for the podcast 50:10 Final message — “Just try.” 51:45 Closing thanks & sign-off
Additional: ◽️ The Draft (Sign up): https://thedraft.io ◽️ Fundraising: https://justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial advice. Always consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. Investing involves risks, and
Harvey Bracken-Smith welcomes Luke Sloman back to Personable. Luke is a third-year Business & Management student at the University of Exeter, currently on year abroad at the University of Sydney. He grew up in Tokyo until age 13 before moving to the UK for boarding school. His academic focus is on finance-related modules that complement his broader Business & Management studies. This is Luke’s 3rd time on Personable.
In this episode Luke and Harvey unpack the week’s biggest market stories - from the record-breaking EA leveraged buyout to Tesla deliveries, Pfizer policy deals, the UK IPO slump, US fiscal risks and political volatility in France and Japan. Luke brings a student’s curiosity and a global perspective (Tokyo → UK → Sydney) to market structure, sovereign wealth flows, and what everyday investors should watch.
In this episode Luke Sloman discusses: ◽️ EA’s $55bn LBO — structure, sovereign wealth involvement, cultural impact ◽️ Saudi sports/“sports-washing” and private equity / Four Seasons style deals ◽️ Tesla Q3 deliveries, EV tax credits, and the longer-term robot/AI narrative ◽️ Pfizer + Trump Rx: pharma, tariffs, and on-shoring manufacturing ◽️ UK IPO & M&A slump — causes, consequences, and what would fix it
⏱ Timestamps 00:00 Intro 00:57 Luke returns — background and why he’s back on the show 02:06 EA $55bn LBO — who’s involved and deal anatomy 03:22 Cultural impact: EA Sports, FIFA, and player/community effects 07:21 Sovereign investors & the “fronted” private equity model (Four Seasons analogy) 11:13 Tesla Q3 surprise, US $7,500 EV credit, and the humanoid/robot thesis 22:43 Pfizer + Trump Rx deal: tariffs, manufacturing investment, and consumer impact 30:44 UK IPO & M&A slump — data, causes, and policy implications 37:30 Real-time markets: X, Caoshi, and how instant feedback changes behaviour 42:30 Eurozone & France — political instability, budget fights, and market moves 51:28 US debt downgrade, debt servicing vs defence spending, and shutdown costs 1:03:14 Breaking: French PM resignation — market reaction and political context 1:14:41 Japan outlook — likely next PM and market implications 1:18:49 Outro
📌 Resources Luke Sloman: ◽️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-sloman-87a6742a9/?originalSubdomain=uk
Additional: ◽️ The Draft (Sign up): https://thedraft.io ◽️ Fundraising: https://justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial advice. Always consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. Investing involves risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results.
Raj Setty, Owner of Setty & Associates and CEO of Cyclops, joins Personable. From graduating UC Davis in mechanical engineering to teaching physics in the Peace Corps (Namibia), to scaling a family-run MEP engineering firm from a lifestyle business into a national practice - Raj brings a rare blend of field experience, systems thinking, and product-led engineering. He’s built high-performance engineering teams, led complex federal and institutional projects, and created Cyclops, a digital-twin platform that aggregates building data to enable AI-driven operations.
In this episode Raj explains how boots-on-the-ground engineering informs product design, why engineers must learn to speak to humans, and how digital twins will transform facility operations. He walks through Peace Corps lessons, construction and commissioning stories, building and scaling a family firm, and the pragmatic near-term role AI plays in buildings
In this episode Raj Setty discusses: ◽️ Peace Corps teaching in Namibia: perspective, simplicity, budgeting ◽️ Early career: construction, overseas projects, power plants ◽️ Family business: joining, scaling, and preserving legacy ◽️ Running a full-service MEP firm: federal, institutional, campus work ◽️ Commissioning and hands-on problem solving (boots on the ground)
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⏱ Timestamps 00:00 Intro / Welcome to Personable 00:46 Career start, UC Davis and early market context 02:54 Peace Corps in Namibia: teaching, living on $200/month 05:56 Returning home: transition, priorities, and travel 08:32 Construction and on-site engineering experiences 11:13 Overseas projects: power plant, fiber, and manufacturing lessons 13:38 Joining family company: size, tradeoffs, and ambitions 16:29 Running & scaling Setty & Associates (people, offices) 19:54 Buildings as the major energy sector; resilience lessons 24:07 Differentiation, pricing pressures, and commoditization 26:10 Founding Cyclops (2017): motivation and evolution 27:32 Digital twin concept and AI’s “middle” role 31:48 Data ontology, sources, and who actually owns building data 35:08 Cyclops demo walkthrough: boiler troubleshooting use case 40:38 Commercial model: SaaS hosting + services, pilots, parts commerce 47:11 Leadership: craftsmanship, decision budgets, and legacy thinking 53:45 Day-to-day: what Raj values - people, tennis, community 1:04:56 Key takeaway: get good at something
Additional: ◽️ The Draft (Sign up): https://thedraft.io ◽️ Fundraising: https://justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial advice. Always consult a
David Esposito, President & CEO of ONL Therapeutics, joins Personable. From graduating West Point with a BS in Civil Engineering, to leading an infantry platoon in combat with the 101st Airborne Division, David brings a unique perspective from military service to biotech leadership.
With experience spanning pharma sales at Merck, diagnostics leadership, and biotech exits (Armune BioScience to Exact Sciences, Phadia to Thermo Fisher), David has navigated high-stakes environments from battlefields to boardrooms.
In this episode, David Esposito discusses: ◽️ Military service: calling to serve, leadership in combat, and teamwork lessons ◽️ Transition to civilian life: from infantry to pharma sales and biotech ◽️ Discipline vs. motivation: building endurance in sports, military, and business ◽️ Pharma career path: consistency, exits, and navigating big vs. early-stage companies ◽️ Biotech innovation: pricing, risk, trials, and balancing science with business
00:00 Intro 00:42 Why David joined the Army: calling to serve 01:57 Rallying cries for causes greater than self 03:44 Sports camaraderie parallels military teamwork 05:23 Leadership growth in sports, high-stakes army roles 06:37 Navigating debates, execution in high-pressure environments 08:26 Australia: respect, rules, transitioning to civilian life 10:03 From team environments to solo sales rep 12:52 Military discipline drives corporate hustle, endurance 14:50 Consistency over flash: path to senior roles 16:27 Career journey: Merck sales to biotech CEO 18:55 No overnight successes: grinding, practical realities 19:24 Long-form podcasts reveal successful people’s essence 22:45 Diverse experiences, personal trade-offs in careers 25:24 Pharma marketing, pricing, and staying grounded 28:24 Rewarding innovation: risk capital, vision value 28:54 Boots on the ground: frontline insights matter 30:10 Risk, incentives: why innovation needs rewards 37:32 Holistic health: diet, sleep, nuanced treatments 40:02 Pharma misconceptions: innovation improves lives despite failures 44:02 Building biotech: problem-solving, teams, capital 47:11 Success commonalities: relationships, honesty, learning 50:06 ONL Therapeutics: vision protection in retinal diseases 53:45 Managing risk: lean teams, transparency, dilution 1:05:57 Key takeaway: purposeful innovation moves society forward
📌 Resources David Esposito: ◽️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidesposito2/
Additional: ◽️ The Draft (Sign up): https://thedraft.io ◽️ Fundraising: https://justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial advice. Always cons
I am beyond excited to announce that Personable has hit 1,000 subscribers!!!
Thank you to everyone that has supported me up to this point.
I am grateful to have been given the platform to create the best conversations with the best guests on the planet to enable my listeners to become the best they can be
Additional: ◽️ The Draft (Sign up): https://thedraft.io ◽️ Fundraising: https://justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial advice. Always consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. Investing involves risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results.
Louis-Vincent Gave, CEO & Co-Founder of Gavekal, returns to Personable as a two-time guest. From graduating Duke University with a BA in Economics, History & Chinese, to studying Mandarin at Nanjing University, Louis brings a unique global perspective. He’s advised institutions, funds, and governments for decades - and in this episode, he dissects markets, AI, energy, and the U.S.-China dynamic with refreshing clarity.
With experience spanning macro research, portfolio strategy, and global policy insights, Louis has built Gavekal into one of the world’s most respected independent research firms. Known for sharp takes on U.S.-China relations, the future of AI, and structural shifts in energy, Louis shares why the U.S. still holds “pocket aces,” why investors should be watching China-India-Russia integration, and why we may be entering a 20-year bond bear market. In this episode, he lays out the risks, opportunities, and new frameworks for investors navigating 2025 and beyond.
In this episode, Louis-Vincent Gave discusses: ◽️ The evolving U.S.-China relationship, tariffs, and rare earths ◽️ AI: bubble or paradigm shift? U.S. closed vs. China’s open models ◽️ Energy economics: why coal may fuel America’s AI race ◽️ The Magnificent Seven, Nvidia, and overvaluation risks ◽️ Global macro trends: China-India-Russia integration vs. U.S. dominance
00:00 Intro 00:32 Meeting Louis-Vincent Gave: Gavekal & background 02:11 U.S.-China relations since 2018 semiconductor embargo 05:13 U.S. advantages vs. China’s rapid rise 09:19 Global trade trends: shifting toward the Global South 13:40 Western media narratives: “imploding or taking over” China 18:00 TikTok deal, Taiwan, tariffs & negotiations 21:53 AI: bubbles, Nvidia, DeepSeek & open vs. closed models 29:10 Employment disruption & the future of work 38:35 Energy: U.S. vs. China, renewables, coal & AI power needs 46:17 Inflation, social media, data & retail markets 49:28 Investment strategies: AI bets vs. global opportunities 53:10 Nvidia’s 75% corrections & systemic risk 56:18 Macro trends: U.S. vs. China-India-Russia integration 1:01:12 Gold, crypto & energy as diversification tools 1:09:59 Public vs. private markets for investors 1:13:20 Social media, retail investing & “gamifying” markets 1:16:36 Bonds, pensions & a 20-year bear market 1:18:11 Outro
Additional: ◽️ The Draft (Sign up): thedraft.io ◽️ Fundraising: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial advice. Always consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. Investing involves
James Frost, creative strategist and director, returns to Personable as a two-time guest. From photographing for Complex and Hypebeast to relaunching his own app Buzz - which hit 30,000 downloads in 50 days and 2.6 million social impressions - James is shaping the future of culture at the intersection of fashion, music, and tech.
With experience across media, brand campaigns for Adidas and Jägermeister, and mentoring 1,700+ young creatives worldwide, James blends creativity with sharp digital strategy. He’s grown TikTok accounts past 4 million views, Instagram projects past 1 million impressions, and even scaled a client from 250 to 13K followers in eight weeks. In this episode, James shares his social media blueprint for 2025, why community beats algorithms, and how to build something that people want to talk about.
In this episode, James Frost discusses: ◽️ Social media hacks for 2025: hooks, algorithms & repeatable content ◽️ Building Buzz from guerrilla marketing to App Store top charts ◽️ Lessons from working with Complex, Hypebeast, Wonderland, and Clash ◽️ Mentorship: helping 1,700+ creatives break into the industry ◽️ Defining success, happiness, and legacy at 23
00:00 Intro 00:32 Meeting James Frost: From Creative Director to Entrepreneur 02:11 What is Buzz and Why Relaunch It? 04:12 App Store Strategy: 30K Downloads in 50 Days 06:39 Working with Developers & the Role of AI 08:36 Funding Yourself Without Investors 11:47 Breaking Into the Creative Industry 12:57 Mentorship: 27 Cohorts, 1700+ Students 16:10 Outreach & Networking Hacks 19:40 Pressure to Take a Traditional Path? 21:37 Reverse Engineering Goals 23:16 Social Media Blueprint: Hooks, Editing & Retention 29:37 Case Study: Turning Events Into Viral TikToks 32:49 Community Impact: Opening Doors for Others 38:40 Evergreen vs. Expiring Content 42:56 Editing Workflow: From Idea to TikTok in 20 Minutes 50:28 Overcoming Fear of Filming in Public 53:35 Scaling Content Production Efficiently 59:31 Camera Presence & Authentic Charisma 1:01:22 Building Buzz as a Brand, Not Just a Tech Tool 1:05:21 Monetization: Placements & Partnerships 1:07:27 Legacy: Tech x Culture at Scale 1:08:49 What’s Next: Expanding Beyond London 1:11:22 One Takeaway for Creators
Additional: ◽️ The Draft (Sign up): thedraft.io ◽️ Fundraising: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial advice. Always consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. Investing involves risks, and past performance is not indic
Dr Markus Nauheim, a partner at Gibson Dunn’s Munich office, shares his journey from a small-town German student to a globally recognized corporate lawyer advising giants like Mercedes-Benz and KKR.
Dr Markus Nauheim has dual qualifications in New York and German law, a doctorate from Mainz, and an LL.M. from Duke, Markus blends discipline, integrity, and an entrepreneurial mindset to navigate high-stakes M&A and compliance challenges. In this episode, he reveals how his basketball background fuels resilience, why client trust is paramount, and how thought leadership builds a standout legal career.
In this episode, Markus Nauheim discusses: ◽️ Finding purpose in law through responsibility ◽️ Global perspective from studying worldwide ◽️ Discipline via incremental career goals ◽️ Resilience from competitive sports ◽️ Balancing intense work with self-care
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⏱ Timestamps 00:00 Intro 00:32 Meeting Markus Nauheim: Background and Career 01:05 Why Law: Choosing a Purposeful Career 03:19 Global Perspective: Studying in Germany, Hong Kong, Duke 06:22 Entrepreneurial Mindset in Law 06:59 Discipline: Staying Motivated in Law School 10:58 Specializing: Pursuing Media Law Doctorate 12:34 From Junior Lawyer to Partner 13:01 Sports Background: Building Resilience 18:43 Work-Life Balance: Avoiding Burnout 19:22 Client Relationships: Earning and Keeping Trust 21:16 Efficiency: The 80-20 Rule in Law 23:27 Perfection: Delivering Flawless Work 25:33 Teamwork: Spartans vs. Persians in Deals 26:36 Parallels Between Law and Finance 27:38 Importance of Relationships Over Technology 30:49 AI’s Role: Enhancing, Not Replacing, Humans 32:07 Becoming a Great Lawyer: Key Traits 40:28 Integrity: Saying No to Unethical Demands 41:37 Networking: Acquiring High-Profile Clients 44:37 Thought Leadership: Building Visibility 46:20 High-Pressure Moments: Staying Focused 50:46 Corporate vs. Personal Legal Challenges 51:24 Legal Advice for Non-Lawyers 54:45 Mentoring: Coaching Young Athletes 56:31 Legacy: Making a Community Impact 57:21 Future Goals: Teaching and Community Projects 58:46 Balancing Law with Personal Life 1:01:22 Healthy Longevity: Creating a Blue Zone 1:01:44 Key Takeaway: Align Career with Self 1:04:15 Outro
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📌 Resources Dr Markus Nauheim: ◽️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mnauheim ◽️ Gibson Dunn: https://www.gibsondunn.com/lawyer/nauheim-markus/
Additional: ◽️ The Draft (Sign up): thedraft.io ◽️ Fundraising: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial advice. Always consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. Investing involves risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results.
This is the 4th episode of Personable markets in which I aim to speak to a hedgefund manager, VC or Investment Banker every week on real world market events. In this episode I speak to...
Luke Sloman who is a third-year Business and Management student at the University of Exeter, currently spending his year abroad at the University of Sydney. Luke grew up in Tokyo until the age of 13 before moving to the UK for boarding school. His academic interests focus on finance-related modules, which complement his broader studies in Business and Management.
In the episode, Luke reveals: ◽️ Fed's 25 bps cut targets labor market slowdown. ◽️ AI displaces junior jobs but sparks new opportunities. ◽️ Nvidia-Intel $5B deal boosts AI chip production. ◽️ Apple's cult-like ecosystem drives loyalty, not just innovation. ◽️ Oracle’s cloud revenue surges 28% from AI demand.
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⏱ Timestamps 00:00 Intro 00:30 Luke’s Academic Focus and Sydney Experience 00:44 Fed Rate Cuts Overview 01:18 Luke’s Take on 25 bps Reduction 03:00 Equities Boost from Lower Rates 03:32 Market Expectations and Fed-Trump Dynamics 04:08 UK Rate Cuts as US Precedent 05:15 Yield Curve Sensitivity to Inflation Expectations 08:20 H1B Visa Cost Hike to $100k 09:56 Payroll Slowdown: 22,000 Jobs in August 10:30 AI Disrupting Junior-Level Roles 11:15 Historical Tech-Driven Job Creation 12:00 Adapting Skills for AI-Driven Economy 14:35 AI’s Initial Job Displacement Effects 15:20 Ethical AI Use in Schools 16:00 Social Media’s Rise as a Career 17:32 Education’s Shift to AI Integration 19:10 Football’s Professionalization as Historical Parallel 20:00 Critical Thinking in AI-Dominated Future 21:30 Initiative and Human Element in AI Era 24:15 Chinese Restrictions on Nvidia Chips 25:30 Nvidia-Intel $5B AI Collaboration 31:51 Apple’s iPhone Innovation Stagnation 34:00 iPhone 17 Pre-Orders Up 19% in India 39:15 Apple’s Seamless Product Integration 41:00 Oracle’s $877B Market Cap Growth 48:00 US Ownership Push for TikTok Algorithm 49:46 Oracle’s Cloud Demand from AI Players 54:27 Larry Ellison’s Entertainment Empire Expansion 56:00 Quarterly vs. Semi-Annual Earnings Debate 59:27 Crypto Rally and Tariff Escalations 1:01:10 Trump’s Influence on Economic Policy Narratives 1:02:00 Importance of Nuanced Investment Analysis 1:02:42 Outro and Final Takeaways
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📌 Resources Luke Sloman: ◽️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-sloman-87a6742a9
Additional: ◽️ The Draft (Sign up): thedraft.io ◽️ Fundraising: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial advice. Always consult a qualified financial advisor before making invest
Robert Karas, Chief Investment Officer at Bank Gutmann with over 30 years of investing experience, joins Personable to unpack why investors panic, how emotions quietly destroy returns, and what long term success in markets actually requires.
In this episode, Robert shares lessons from living through bubbles, crashes, and severe drawdowns, explaining why investor behavior matters more than intelligence or strategy. From confirmation bias and media noise to portfolio construction and discipline, this conversation focuses on the psychological side of investing that determines outcomes over decades.
This is an essential listen for anyone trying to understand investor psychology, market fear, and how to stay rational during periods of uncertainty.
He discusses: ◽️ Why investors panic and sell at the worst moments ◽️ How emotions and confirmation bias destroy returns ◽️ Lessons from bubbles, crashes, and major drawdowns ◽️ Long term investing vs short term speculation ◽️ Position sizing, discipline, and staying invested
00:00 Introduction and Robert Karas background 01:47 How Robert first got into investing 04:58 The danger of get rich quick mindsets 08:36 Early losses and learning the hard way 12:14 Long term compounding vs short term trading 16:52 Investor psychology and emotional decision making 21:09 Media noise, headlines, and confirmation bias 26:03 Technology, AI, and investing skepticism 31:41 Portfolio construction and position sizing 37:18 Concentration risk and drawdowns 43:07 Why investors sell at the worst moments 49:26 Managing fear during market crashes 55:42 Advice for young investors and careers 1:01:08 Listening, learning, and long term thinking 1:06:37 Legacy, reflection, and final takeaways
Robert Karas: ◽️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertkaras/
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial advice. Always consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. Investing involves risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results.
Hunter Black shares his serendipitous rise on The Voice Australia, from a surprise audition to battling for Ronan Keating's team, while pursuing his passion for songwriting and live performances across Sydney's music scene.
Hunter is a Sydney-based musician completing a Bachelor of Media and Communication at Macquarie University, with a Diploma in Music Production from SAE. His influences blend soul from Stevie Wonder and progressive pop from Supertramp into original storytelling songs, performed solo or with his band Lantana. In 2025, he captivated national audiences on The Voice Australia Season 14, turning his bar gigs into a launchpad for a full-time music career.
In this episode, Hunter Black discusses: ◽️ Serendipitous audition unlocked his Voice journey ◽️ Behind-the-scenes production revealed TV's scale ◽️ Nerves and song tweaks fueled performance breakthroughs ◽️ Coaches like Ronan provided heartfelt guidance ◽️ Media pitfalls taught emotional resilience in fame
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⏱ Timestamps 00:00 Intro 00:32 Meeting Hunter Black: Background and The Voice Australia 01:10 Hunter’s Voice Experience: Blind Audition and Battle Round 02:43 Audition Process: How Hunter Got on The Voice 05:30 Behind the Scenes: Producer Influence and Storytelling 06:59 Production Scale: Size and Complexity of The Voice 08:28 Nerves and Emotions: Performing on a National Stage 09:42 Song Selection: Adapting for the 90-Second Format 11:41 Performance Dynamics: Judges Turning Chairs 12:51 Coach Interaction: Role and Impact of Mentors 15:11 Competitiveness: Balancing Inner Drive and Public Image 17:15 Media Training: Navigating Interviews and Public Perception 21:08 Mindset: Focusing on Personal Best 22:35 Misconceptions: Media Manipulation and Public Perception 26:04 Podcast Format: Value of Unfiltered Conversations 27:47 TikTokification: Impact of Short-Form Media on Perception 35:35 Applying Advice: Staying Present in Music and Media 37:12 Post-Voice Plans: Maintaining Momentum 39:32 Success in Music: Building a Sustainable Career 40:58 Getting Signed: Role of Social Media and Connections 43:41 Music as Entrepreneurship: Building an Audience 46:43 Networking: Importance of Industry Connections 48:52 Legacy: Creating Timeless Music and Authenticity 50:35 Future Goals: Songwriting and Industry Success 52:09 Social Media Strategy: Leveraging The Voice Exposure 53:14 Key Takeaway: Blocking Out Noise and Staying True 54:00 Outro
Additional: ◽️ The Draft (Sign up): thedraft.io ◽️ Fundraising: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial advice. Always consult a qualifie
Lihong Wang details his progression from internships at Jane Street and Akuna Capital to his former full time role at IMC Trading, with plans to innovate in DeFi through his startup Freeport backed by Y Combinator.
Lihong is a Duke University graduate with a background in mathematics and statistics. Lihong progressed from analyzing volatility decay at Jane Street to managing semi-systematic options books at IMC Trading. Lihong developed Freeport to simplify DeFi investing for self-custody users.
In this episode, Lihong Wang discusses: ◽️ Overcoming quant entry challenges shaped his career ◽️ Mastering trading styles enhanced market adaptability ◽️ Transitioning to entrepreneurship drove Freeport’s creation ◽️ AI’s role boosted trading research efficiency ◽️ Staking yields highlight DeFi’s potential for accessibility
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⏱ Timestamps 00:00 Intro 00:32 Quant interest: Math roots to Duke exposure 02:04 GameStop experience: Early retail trading 03:36 Market efficiency: Retail vs. quant perspectives 07:38 Quant compensation: Options and AI trends 09:08 Retail investing: Long-term vs. day trading 11:30 Jane Street culture: Secrecy and operations 13:00 IMC vs. Jane Street: Work dynamics 14:13 AI’s trading impact: Automation and signals 15:21 Leaving quant: Seeking fulfillment 17:51 Freeport concept: DeFi simplification 21:16 Startup timing: Co-founder alignment 24:44 Staking mechanics: Proof-of-stake details 27:54 Ethereum staking: Pool risks and rewards 30:01 Staking incentives: Network validation 31:50 Lending vs. staking: Platform differences 33:00 Centralized cuts: Coinbase’s approach 36:17 YC backing: Trust-building in DeFi 39:00 Team strength: Finance and tech synergy 40:38 Regulatory window: Startup opportunity 42:25 Early users: Test phase progress 43:55 Crypto thesis: Long-term potential 46:44 Blockchain rails: Future finance 48:17 Investment advice: Top tokens 49:19 Target users: Retail and institutions 50:44 Safety measures: Protocol due diligence 53:48 Crypto bans: Technological resilience 55:14 Growth challenge: Product completion 57:29 Competitive edge: User retention 59:26 Learning crypto: Exchange resources 1:01:28 Portfolio strategy: Big vs. small tokens 1:02:15 Untapped topic: DeFi trading edges 1:04:12 Liquidity provision: Retail vaults 1:05:15 Legacy goal: Impactful innovation 1:06:38 Next steps: Launch and growth 1:07:39 Outro
Additional: ◽️ The Draft (Sign up): thedraft.io ◽️ Fundraising: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial advice. Always consult a qualified financial advisor before making in
This is the 3rd episode of Personable markets in which I aim to speak to a hedgefund manager, VC or Investment Banker every week on real world market events. In this episode I speak to...
Lia Forcina who is a partner and portfolio manager at LGR Capital in London. She previously held roles at BlueCrest Capital, SAC Capital (now Point72), and Morgan Stanley. Lia holds a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from the University of Rome Tor Vergata (110/110 cum laude) and a Master’s degree in Statistics and Econometrics from Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore.
In this episode, Lia reveals: ◽️ The surprising impact of tariffs on global inflation ◽️ Why Federal Reserve independence faces growing scrutiny ◽️ Her secret to navigating UK’s economic challenges ◽️ The hidden struggles of Europe’s regulatory environment ◽️ The power of US markets and corporate relocations
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⏱ Timestamps 00:00 Intro 00:44 Tariffs and Inflation Concerns 01:44 Tariff Legal Challenges, Outcomes 02:07 Companies Absorbing Tariff Costs 04:42 Tariffs’ Net Economic Impact 05:15 Strategic Production Shift from China 07:28 Europe’s Business Relocation Losses 09:02 UK Economic Decline, Budget Risks 09:47 UK Autumn Budget Implications 11:16 New UK Worker Rights Laws 12:35 Costly Employment Regulations 14:42 UK Investment Opportunities, Risks 15:04 Civil Service as Safe Sector 15:49 S&P 500 Overvaluation Debate 17:17 US Economic Resilience Advantage 17:32 UK Regulations Stifling Growth 19:31 EV and Grid Infrastructure Issues 20:47 Welfare’s Work Disincentive Problem 21:25 France’s Political, Economic Instability 22:11 France’s Welfare and Productivity Crisis 25:21 Crisis-Driven Economic Reforms 30:15 Elon Musk’s Unique Compensation 30:42 Banks Embracing Crypto, Gold 32:06 Trading Revenue Outpacing M&A 34:15 Private Firms’ Systemic Importance 34:45 Strong European M&A Activity 38:20 Undervalued Financial Sector Opportunities 40:49 AI Enhancing Finance Productivity 44:58 Creativity Over Technical Skills 45:59 Human Nuance in AI Era 47:14 Broader Education for Success 49:12 AI Investment Overspending Risks 51:54 Defense Stocks’ Long-Term Growth 53:04 Europe’s Rising Defense Spending 53:23 Fed-Government Relationship Tensions 53:54 Trump’s Fed Influence Overhyped 57:27 Filtering Media Noise Effectively 59:27 Banks’ Economic Leverage Risks 1:02:49 Outro
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📌 Resources Lia Forcina ◽️ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lia-forcina-17352459
Additional: ◽️ The Draft (Sign up): thedraft.io ◽️ Fundraising: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial advice. Always consult a qualified f
Deanna Filippo, a visionary creative director, shares her journey from designing for Allure and Victoria’s Secret to pioneering iconic beauty visuals and building a luxury lifestyle brand.
Deanna Filippo, a pioneering creative director, has carved a bold path in design, evolving from crafting visuals for Allure and CosmoGirl to inventing tactile "blobs and smears" inspired by beauty, texture, and emotion. Her work, shaping brands like Victoria’s Secret, blends art and desire. In this episode, Filippo shares overcoming early struggles, mastering digital design, and valuing collaboration. She discusses balancing creativity with profit, launching a luxury lifestyle brand with makeup bags and decor, making beauty vibrant and accessible.
Deanna Filippo Discusses: ◽️ Digital design transformed her creative process ◽️ Evoking emotion elevates beauty visuals ◽️ "Blobs and smears" reflect texture and desire ◽️ Luxury brand blends exclusivity with accessibility ◽️ Collaboration fueled success at Allure, beyond
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⏱ Timestamps 00:00 Intro 00:45 Why design? Deanna’s early inspirations 01:20 Sketching beauty products in high school 03:10 Breaking into magazines during recession 04:25 Early hustle: 80-hour Allure weeks 06:50 Collaboration drives creative success 08:40 First Allure role: Key lessons 10:55 Navigating high-pressure magazine demands 12:35 Thriving in competitive design world 14:15 From paste-ups to digital design 16:40 Evoking emotion in beauty visuals 19:25 Building consumer trust through design 22:10 What makes exceptional designers 24:45 Misconceptions about Deanna’s perfectionism 27:20 Perfectionism as a creative hurdle 30:05 Networking with top beauty brands 33:15 Emotional impact of design work 36:30 “Blobs and smears”: Beauty innovation 39:50 Vibrant visuals spark consumer desire 42:25 Dynamics of client-designer relationships 45:40 Victoria’s Secret, CosmoGirl brand work 48:55 Launching luxury lifestyle brand 51:20 Makeup bags sell out rapidly 54:35 Scaling luxury with quality control 57:50 Exclusivity shapes brand pricing 1:00:45 Legacy as designer and entrepreneur 1:03:10 Future products: Bags, decor expansion 1:06:25 Takeaway: Risk-taking fuels success 1:09:15 Design and business insights shared 1:11:30 Outro
Additional: ◽️ The Draft (Sign up): thedraft.io ◽️ Fundraising: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial advice. Always consult a qualified financial a
David Stesner, a renowned photographer and artist, shares his journey from assisting legendary photographers to creating his iconic butterfly collection and building a luxury home decor brand.
David Stesner, a classically trained artist, has carved a unique path in the art world, transitioning from assisting iconic photographers like Albert Watson to creating his own globally recognized work, including his deeply personal butterfly collection inspired by life, loss, and transformation. His art, featured in prestigious galleries like the St Regis Hotel in Doha and collected by royal families, reflects a blend of fashion, nature, and emotional depth. In this episode, Stesner discusses the challenges of breaking into the competitive photography industry, the evolution from analog to digital, and the importance of networking and social media in amplifying his reach. He also shares how he balances passion and profit, culminating in the creation of David Stesner Art House, a luxury brand applying his art to home decor, making it accessible to a wider audience while maintaining exclusivity.
David Stesner’s Discusses: ◽️ Digital photography revolutionized his creative process ◽️ Capturing personality enhances portrait photography ◽️ Butterfly collection reflects life and loss ◽️ Luxury brand balances exclusivity and accessibility ◽️ Social media connected art with elites
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⏱ Timestamps 00:00 Intro 00:46 Why art? David’s early influences 01:36 From childhood interest to professional art 04:09 Balancing passion and profit early 09:15 Assisting legendary photographers: Lessons learned 15:06 Analog vs. digital photography shift 21:10 Building rapport for emotional portraits 23:38 What separates great photographers 26:50 Misconceptions about David’s on-set demeanor 30:41 Networking for elite galleries, collectors 33:46 Emotional weight of selling art 39:49 Balancing interpretation in art creation 43:39 Artist-collector relationship dynamics 45:38 Lamborghini collaboration for luxury show 50:04 Launching David Stesner Art House 59:19 Exclusivity’s role in pricing strategy 1:02:07 David’s legacy as artist, philanthropist 1:02:47 Future exhibits and brand scaling 1:03:53 Takeaway: Passion with a backup 1:04:56 Art, business, and branding insights 1:06:41 Outro
📌 Resources
David Stesner: ◽️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidstesner/?hl=en ◽️ Website: https://www.davidstesner.com/ ◽️ Home Decor Brand: https://davidstesnerarthouse.com/ ◽️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-stesner-arthouse-b19a1710
Additional: ◽️ The Draft (Sign up): thedraft.io ◽️ Fundraising: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial advice. Always consult a qualified financ
The No 1 Parenting Expert in South Africa Meg Faure shares her journey empowering parents, blending neuroscience, and fostering curiosity.
Meg Faure, an occupational therapist and serial entrepreneur, is the co-author of eight bestselling parenting books, including Baby Sense. Raised in South Africa, she studied at the University of Cape Town and specialized in New York, focusing on neuroscience and early childhood development. She founded Baby Sense, Play Sense, Sense-IT, and Parent Sense, impacting millions globally. Now scaling her Parent Sense app, Meg supports parents in the critical first 1,000 days, driven by compassion and science.
Meg Faure discusses: ◽️ Shaping South Africa’s parenting landscape ◽️ Tackling bold entrepreneurial challenges ◽️ Transforming parenting with neuroscience insights ◽️ Scaling Parent Sense to global impact ◽️ Fueling parental confidence through curiosity
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⏱ Timestamps 00:00 Intro 00:50 South African roots and early passion 01:42 Love for babies and childhood calling 02:25 Neuroscience shaping parenting approach 03:37 Writing Baby Sense bestseller 04:59 Radio show sparks overnight success 06:05 Impact of Baby Sense seminars 07:09 Curiosity drives lifelong career 08:12 Parenting in an information overload 10:52 Finding trustworthy parenting voices 12:19 Navigating social media’s noise 14:33 Essential advice for new parents 16:42 Emotional connection as top priority 18:12 Gut microbiome’s role in health 20:17 Sensory experiences vs. toxic screens 25:34 Supporting neurodiverse kids’ success 27:28 Resilience through failure 29:00 Nature vs. nurture’s lifelong impact 31:43 Adverse childhood events explained 34:58 Self-regulation predicts future success 38:15 Overcoming adversity with resilience 42:30 Screens as harmful as smoking 46:49 Supporting postpartum mental health 48:19 Finding purpose post-parenting 50:54 Balancing work and motherhood 53:40 Dangers of tiger parenting 56:24 Free play fuels child creativity 59:57 Parent Sense app’s innovative design 1:02:33 Insurers fund app for scale 1:04:06 Pricing strategy for global reach 1:05:51 Reflecting on slower motherhood 1:07:17 Legacy of impacting millions 1:08:24 Scaling Parent Sense globally 1:09:10 Curiosity as a parenting superpower 1:10:13 Outro
📌 Resources Meg Faure: ◽️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megfaure.sense/ ◽️ Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meg-faure/ ◽️ Parent Sense LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/parent-sense/
Additional: ◽️ The Draft (Sign up): thedraft.io ◽️ Fundraising: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial advice. Always consult a qualified financial advisor