Personable

Ed Tiryakian, NIL insider, Duke University and Fuqua School of Business graduate, former Managing Director at Paine Webber and UBS, Chairman of Legends Sports Group, Managing Director at PE firm Argentum Group, and advisor to NBA and NFL athletes, joins Personable to reveal why NIL has become the biggest financial mess in the history of college sports, what the University of Utah's $500 million private equity deal means for every program in America, and why the system is so out of control that even the richest programs cannot afford it.In this episode, Ed opens up about the Darian Mensah transfer saga and why Duke letting him walk was a missed watershed moment for the entire NIL space, how college athletes are now earning more than NFL draft picks, and why the academic side of the transfer portal is a dirty secret nobody wants to talk about. From billion dollar program valuations to the arms race that nobody can win, this conversation is as honest and as inside as it gets.This is an essential listen for anyone interested in college sports, NIL, private equity, sports business, and what the future of college athletics actually looks like.He discusses: ◽️ Why NIL has become the biggest financial arms race in the history of college sports ◽️ The Darian Mensah story and why Duke should have held him to his contract ◽️ How the University of Utah's $500 million PE deal will change college athletics forever ◽️ Why college athletes are now earning more than NFL draft picks and what that means ◽️ The dirty secret of NIL that nobody on any side of the fence wants to talk about00:00 Introduction and Ed Tiryakian background02:30 What is NIL and why it has become a complete mess07:45 The Darian Mensah story and the legal precedent Duke missed14:20 The transfer portal, six month free agency and the wild west of college sports20:45 The picks and shovels of NIL and where the real money is being made27:10 UNC's $14 million deficit and why even the richest programs are struggling34:50 Texas football valued at $2.2 billion and what it means for everyone else41:30 The University of Utah $500 million private equity deal and what comes next47:55 Why college athletes are now earning more than NFL draft picks54:10 The academic dirty secret nobody in college sports wants to talk about1:00:30 Legacy, what is next and one thing every listener should take awayEd Tiryakian:◽️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-tiryakian-9850367/Harvey Bracken-Smith:◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/harveybsmith◽️ X (Twitter): https://x.com/harveybsmith_◽️ Newsletter: https://personable.substack.com/◽️ Website: https://www.personable.media/Personable Podcast:◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/personable.podcast◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast◽️ TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@personableclips◽️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api◽️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personable/id1671640111Additional:◽️ Fundraising: https://www.loulouracefoundation.org/donatePersonable 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.

Annanay Kapila, former HFT quant at Flow Traders and Tower Research Capital, Cambridge Mathematics graduate, and founder of QFEX, joins Personable to reveal why he walked away from one of the highest paying jobs in finance, what the trading world does not want you to know about how your money is being handled, and why tenacity will always beat talent in the long run.In this episode, Annanay opens up about spotting a $100 billion gap between crypto and traditional exchanges, what Y Combinator taught him about building in public, and why the cultural difference between the UK and the US comes down to one single word. From dark pools and Citadel to the biggest wealth transfer in history, this conversation is as honest and technically sharp as it gets.This is an essential listen for anyone interested in finance, trading, entrepreneurship, building a startup from nothing, and what it really takes to compete in the most cutthroat industry in the world.He discusses:◽️ Why the smartest graduates in the world are trapped in golden handcuffs and what to do about it◽️ How he spotted a $100 billion technology gap between crypto and traditional exchanges and built QFEX to fix it◽️ What Wall Street does not want you to know about dark pools and how your trades are really being handled◽️ Why the UK and US approach entrepreneurship completely differently and which mindset actually wins◽️ Why tenacity beats talent every single time and what that means for the next 10 years of your life00:00 Introduction and Annanay Kapila background02:30 Why he left HFT and what golden handcuffs really mean07:45 How he spotted a $100 billion gap and built QFEX14:20 Building in public, Y Combinator and why your idea is not that special20:45 UK vs US entrepreneurship and why optimism changes everything27:10 Trust, credibility and what Coinbase taught him about longevity34:50 Dark pools, Citadel and the shocking truth about how your money is traded41:30 Prediction markets, leverage trading and the biggest wealth transfer in history47:55 Government intervention, personal freedom and where the line should be drawn54:10 Tenacity, legacy and one thing every listener should take awayAnnanay Kapila:◽️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annanay-kapila/Harvey Bracken-Smith:◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/harveybsmith◽️ X (Twitter): https://x.com/harveybsmith_◽️ Newsletter: https://personable.substack.com/◽️ Website: https://www.personable.media/Personable Podcast:◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/personable.podcast◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast◽️ TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@personableclips◽️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api◽️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personable/id1671640111Additional:◽️ Fundraising: https://www.loulouracefoundation.org/donatePersonable 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.

Seth Yakatan, Co-Founder of Katan Associates International, serial entrepreneur who has raised over $1 billion and sold 22 businesses, and one of the most distinctive voices in cannabis and capital markets on LinkedIn, joins Personable to challenge everything you think you know about entrepreneurship, raising money, and what success actually looks like.In this episode, Seth reflects on growing up with a father who came from nothing and became a serial entrepreneur, why he walked away from 14 years in institutional investing, and how a single carousel post on LinkedIn changed the trajectory of his career. From the brutal realities of the cannabis industry to the unspoken rules of closing a deal, this conversation cuts through the noise and focuses on what it actually takes to build, sell, and survive in business.This is an essential listen for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, capital raising, cannabis, LinkedIn growth, and building a career on your own terms.He discusses: ◽️ Why success is less about hustle and more about luck, timing and right place right time ◽️ How he raised over $1 billion and what investors actually look for before writing a cheque ◽️ Why companies are bought not sold and what that means for founders ◽️ The LinkedIn strategy that took him from 20,000 to 38,000 followers and opened unexpected doors ◽️ The future of cannabis in the United States and where the real opportunity lies ◽️ What makes him say no to a deal and how he does due diligence on founders ◽️ Why giving without expectation is the most powerful networking tool you will ever use00:00 Introduction and Seth Yakatan background 02:15 How he got into entrepreneurship and his father's influence 07:30 Why he stopped believing success is a meritocracy 13:45 How to raise capital and what investors actually want 19:20 Companies are bought not sold, the art of the exit 25:10 How Katan Associates competes with a lean team 32:40 Getting into cannabis and demystifying the industry 39:15 The future of cannabis in the USA and globally 45:30 LinkedIn, authority building and why he started posting 51:20 The strategy behind 38,000 followers and one post a day 57:00 What makes him say no and how he reads founders 1:02:30 Legacy, what is next and one thing every listener should take awaySeth Yakatan:◽️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-yakatan/Harvey Bracken-Smith:◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/harveybsmith◽️ X (Twitter): https://x.com/harveybsmith_◽️ Newsletter: https://personable.substack.com/◽️ Website: https://www.personable.media/Personable Podcast:◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/personable.podcast◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast◽️ TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@personableclips◽️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api◽️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personable/id1671640111Additional:◽️ Fundraising: https://www.loulouracefoundation.org/donatePersonable 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.

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 you00:00 Introduction and Alex Edmans background02:15 Hyrox, Macmillan and losing a parent to cancer07:30 First-generation student, St Paul's and the scholarship that changed everything13:45 Morgan Stanley, the front page moment and why it wasn't enough19:20 Why academia offers something finance never could25:10 The tenure system and how universities punish great teachers32:40 Diversity, performance and why correlation is not causation39:15 Grow the Pie — purpose, profit and the business case for doing good45:30 May Contain Lies — how to think in a post-truth world51:20 Confirmation bias, contrary evidence and seeking the truth57:00 What still drives Alex after tenure, awards and 3 million TED views1:02:30 One thing every listener should take awayAlex Edmans◽️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aedmans/Harvey Bracken-Smith:◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/harveybsmith◽️ X (Twitter): https://x.com/harveybsmith_◽️ Newsletter: https://personable.substack.com/◽️ Website: https://www.personable.media/Personable Podcast:◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/personable.podcast◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast◽️ TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@personableclips◽️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api◽️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personable/id1671640111Additional:◽️ Fundraising: https://www.loulouracefoundation.org/donatePersonable 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.

Send a textRick 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 careers00:00 Introduction and Rick Schonberg background02:30 Graduating into recession and early career lessons07:45 Getting fired, serendipity, and career pivots14:20 From traditional finance to crypto20:45 Institutional custody and trust at Coinbase27:10 Regulation, bad actors, and building credibility34:50 Stablecoins and the future of payments41:30 Careers, success, and rejecting influencer mythology47:55 The future of finance and crypto adoption54:10 Final advice for graduates and long-term thinkingRick Schonberg:◽️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickschonberg/Harvey Bracken-Smith:◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/harveybsmith◽️ X (Twitter): https://x.com/harveybsmith_◽️ Newsletter: https://personable.substack.com/◽️ Website: https://www.personable.media/Personable Podcast:◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/personable.podcast◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast◽️ TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@personableclips◽️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api◽️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personable/id1671640111Additional:◽️ Fundraising: https://www.loulouracefoundation.org/donatePersonable 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).Support the show

Send a textNick 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 exit00:00 Introduction and Nick Jenkins background02:16 Studying Russian and early career in Russia08:45 Trading, culture, and competitive advantage13:54 Choosing entrepreneurship over traditional careers17:09 Organic growth vs venture capital23:59 Lessons from Dragon’s Den investing29:25 Distribution, media, and owning the customer39:49 The origins of Moonpig and near failure42:49 Selling Moonpig and finding purpose after exit45:24 Final advice on entrepreneurship as a careerNick Jenkins:◽️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-jenkins1/Harvey Bracken-Smith:◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/harveybsmith◽️ X (Twitter): https://x.com/harveybsmith_◽️ Newsletter: https://personable.substack.com/◽️ Website: https://www.personable.media/Personable Podcast:◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/personable.podcast◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast◽️ TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@personableclips◽️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api◽️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personable/id1671640111Additional:◽️ Fundraising: https://www.loulouracefoundation.org/donatePersonable 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.Support the show

Send a textRobert 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 invested00:00 Introduction and Robert Karas background01:47 How Robert first got into investing04:58 The danger of get rich quick mindsets08:36 Early losses and learning the hard way12:14 Long term compounding vs short term trading16:52 Investor psychology and emotional decision making21:09 Media noise, headlines, and confirmation bias26:03 Technology, AI, and investing skepticism31:41 Portfolio construction and position sizing37:18 Concentration risk and drawdowns43:07 Why investors sell at the worst moments49:26 Managing fear during market crashes55:42 Advice for young investors and careers1:01:08 Listening, learning, and long term thinking1:06:37 Legacy, reflection, and final takeawaysRobert Karas:◽️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertkaras/Harvey Bracken-Smith:◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/harveybsmith◽️ X (Twitter): https://x.com/harveybsmith_◽️ Newsletter: https://personable.substack.com/◽️ Website: https://www.personable.media/Personable Podcast:◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/personable.podcast◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast◽️ TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@personableclips◽️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api◽️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personable/id1671640111Additional:◽️ Fundraising: https://www.loulouracefoundation.org/donatePersonable 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.Support the show

Send a textTintin Smith, YouTuber, former Head of YouTube for Ali Abdaal, and founder of the $100K YouTuber Academy, joins Personable to unpack what it really takes to build a sustainable business on YouTube, from audience quality and monetisation to systems, consistency, and long-term thinking.In this episode, Tintin explains how he transitioned from consulting into the creator economy, what he learned working inside one of the world’s most successful educational YouTube businesses, and why most creators misunderstand how money is actually made online. He shares insights on audience understanding, email lists, courses, and why a small, focused audience can outperform millions of passive subscribers.This is an essential listen for anyone trying to understand content creation as a serious business, the future of online education, and how creators should think beyond views and virality.He discusses:◽️ How he became Head of YouTube for Ali Abdaal◽️ Why audience quality matters more than follower count◽️ The real business model behind educational YouTube◽️ Courses, coaching, and owning your monetisation◽️ Systems, consistency, and sustainable content creation◽️ The future of YouTube in an AI-driven world00:00 Introduction and context for the episode01:40 Tintin’s background and early career path03:40 Discovering Ali Abdaal and starting YouTube06:20 Quitting consulting and career uncertainty09:10 Joining Ali Abdaal’s team11:30 Growing from writer to Head of YouTube14:20 Transparency, money, and online education17:00 Why YouTube is modern-day Hollywood20:10 Education vs entertainment on YouTube23:10 AI and the future of content platforms26:40 Careers in YouTube gaining legitimacy30:10 Is YouTube a real business33:00 Inside Ali Abdaal’s business model36:20 Sponsorships vs owned products39:40 Email lists and monetisation strategy43:10 Part-Time YouTuber Academy explained46:40 Audience understanding over algorithms50:00 3 million subscribers vs 3,000 dentists54:10 Why follower count does not equal revenue58:30 Pricing based on transformation1:02:30 Final reflections and key takeawaysTintin Smith◽️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tintinsmith◽️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tintin-smith-9b4720174Harvey Bracken-Smith:◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/harveybsmith◽️ X (Twitter): https://x.com/harveybsmith_◽️ Newsletter: https://personable.substack.com/◽️ Website: https://www.personable.media/Personable Podcast:◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/personable.podcast◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast◽️ TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@personableclips◽️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api◽️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personable/id1671640111Additional:◽️ Fundraising: https://www.loulouracefoundation.org/donatePersonable 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.Support the show

Send a textLia Forcina, Partner and Portfolio Manager at LGR Capital, joins Personable to unpack what is really driving global markets in 2025 and beyond, from geopolitics and government spending to gold, energy, and shifting capital flows.In this episode, Lia explains why markets began the year pricing a Goldilocks scenario, how geopolitical tensions are quietly reshaping risk premiums, and why governments, not markets, now dictate where capital moves. She shares her views on gold, inflation risk, Europe versus the US, and how investors should cut through noise by following policy, not headlines.This is an essential listen for anyone trying to understand macro markets in an era of political shock, fragmented alliances, and policy-driven investing.She discusses:◽️ Why markets priced Goldilocks and what changed◽️ How geopolitics and energy are reshaping risk premiums◽️ Why gold continues to surge◽️ Governments as the real drivers of capital allocation◽️ How investors should position for 2025–202600:00 Why markets entered the year pricing Goldilocks03:40 Geopolitics, Venezuela, Iran, and global power shifts11:50 Gold, energy security, and inflation signals17:30 Europe, Germany, and defense as a structural trade23:40 Capital flows, Treasuries, and reserve currency risks30:10 Banks, deregulation, and financial innovation37:00 What markets are not pricing yet43:30 Retail investors, prediction markets, and risk-taking50:20 Private credit, illiquidity, and systemic risks56:30 AI, hiring, and the future of hedge funds1:03:00 The key questions investors should be asking in 20261:08:30 Final takeaways: follow the money, ignore the noiseLia Forcina◽️ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lia-forcina-17352459 Harvey Bracken-Smith:◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/harveybsmith◽️ X (Twitter): https://x.com/harveybsmith_◽️ Newsletter: https://personable.substack.com/◽️ Website: https://www.personable.media/Personable Podcast:◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/personable.podcast◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast◽️ TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@personableclips◽️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api◽️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personable/id1671640111Additional:◽️ Fundraising: https://www.loulouracefoundation.org/donatePersonable 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.Support the show

Send a textKeith Gill, Chair of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Committee and Sun Belt Conference Commissioner, joins Personable for a candid discussion on how March Madness is decided and what happens when those decisions ignite national controversy.In this episode, Keith addresses the backlash surrounding UNC’s inclusion in the tournament and explains how the committee manages conflicts of interest, contingency votes, and public scrutiny. He offers rare insight into why bubble decisions are so polarising, why algorithms cannot replace human judgment, and how leadership changes when decisions affect institutions, careers, and lives.The conversation also explores the broader forces reshaping college sports, including NIL, conference realignment, expansion, AI, and the growing tension between professionalism and education.This is an essential listen for anyone interested in governance, leadership, and high-stakes decision making under pressure.He discusses:◽️ How March Madness selection decisions are made◽️ The UNC controversy and its wider implications◽️ Managing conflicts of interest and maintaining integrity◽️ Why bubble teams drive outrage every year◽️ Data vs judgment in selection decisions◽️ NIL and the economics of college athletics◽️ Expansion, access, and structural trade-offs◽️ Leadership under extreme scrutiny00:00 Why Selection Sunday creates pressure unlike any other day02:30 The UNC selection decision and the reaction that followed07:10 How conflicts of interest are handled inside the committee12:40 Bubble teams, contingency votes, and why outrage is inevitable18:30 Why a computer still cannot pick March Madness24:50 NIL and how the economics of college sports are changing33:10 Expansion debates and whether 68 teams is the right number41:30 Conference realignment and the Sun Belt’s strategic approach49:20 Where AI adds value and where human judgment still matters56:40 Leadership, accountability, and staying grounded under scrutinyKeith Gill:◽️ Website: https://sunbeltsports.org/staff-directory/keith-gill/43Harvey Bracken-Smith:◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/harveybsmith◽️ X (Twitter): https://x.com/harveybsmith_◽️ Newsletter: https://personable.substack.com/◽️ Website: https://www.personable.media/Personable Podcast:◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/personable.podcast◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast◽️ TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@personableclips◽️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api◽️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personable/id1671640111Additional:◽️ Fundraising: https://www.loulouracefoundation.org/donatePersonable 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.Support the show

Send a textStephen Shih joins Personable for a wide ranging conversation on consulting, academia, AI, leadership development, ethics, and preparing the next generation of executives for an increasingly complex world.Stephen is the Associate Dean at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, a former Bain partner, and former Executive Vice President of Learning and Development. He has lived and worked across Hong Kong, Beijing, and Shanghai, advising senior executives, building leadership pipelines, and now shaping one of Asia’s leading MBA programs.He discusses: ◽️ What consultants really do and why perspective matters more than jargon ◽️ Leaving Bain for academia and returning twice ◽️ AI, automation, and the future of junior consulting roles ◽️ Why future professionals must think like executives earlier in their careers ◽️ The skills that matter most in an AI driven world00:00 Stephen’s background and transition from Bain to academia 02:15 Consulting across Asia and leadership development 04:30 What consultants actually do 07:05 Perspective, judgment, and choosing the right mountain to climb 09:15 AI, consulting, and junior talent pipelines 12:15 Preparing for jobs that do not yet exist 13:30 Skills, mindsets, and executive thinking in the AI era 17:50 MBA education and developing future leaders 19:55 Differentiating HKUST and building a global class 23:30 Ethics, values, and responsible leadership 26:55 Making ethical decisions when no one is watching 28:25 Hong Kong, China, and a multipolar world 31:15 Listening, communication, and asking better questions 34:25 Admissions, individuality, and holistic evaluation 38:40 Discipline, values, and professional standards 41:10 Rankings, numbers, and misleading metrics 43:25 Traits of the most successful students 45:05 Networks, trust, and long term relationships 48:10 One key takeaway for listenersStephen Shih:◽️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenshih/Harvey Bracken-Smith:◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/harveybsmith◽️ X (Twitter): https://x.com/harveybsmith_◽️ Newsletter: https://personable.substack.com/◽️ Website: https://www.personable.media/Personable Podcast:◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/personable.podcast◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast◽️ TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@personableclips◽️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api◽️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personable/id1671640111Additional:◽️ Fundraising: https://www.loulouracefoundation.org/donatePersonable 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.Support the show

Send a textIsmail Radwan returns to Personable for a wide ranging conversation on global economics, jobs, AI, geopolitics, and the future of growth.Ismail is a Lead Economist at the World Bank focusing on the GCC and the broader MENAP region. He previously served as Senior Director for Economics and Investment Strategy at Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and spent over two decades at the World Bank.In this episode, Ismail explains why jobs are the single most powerful tool for eradicating poverty, how AI is likely to reshape work without replacing entire economies, and why entrepreneurship matters more than individual projects. He also shares candid views on market cycles, speculative bubbles, youth unemployment, Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, and how countries balance values, development, and geopolitics.This conversation is essential listening for anyone interested in economics, policy, investing, global development, and how decisions made today will shape the next generation.He discusses:◽️ Why jobs are the foundation of prosperity and social stability◽️ How the World Bank gathers data in fragile and conflict affected countries◽️ AI, productivity, and why this cycle feels similar to past bubbles◽️ What Saudi Arabia and the GCC are getting right with diversification◽️ Entrepreneurship as the true driver of long term economic value◽️ Youth unemployment, education gaps, and private sector readiness◽️ Why markets detach from reality and how individuals should prepare◽️ The role of values, communication, and dialogue in development00:00 Introduction and Ismail’s background01:40 Returning to the World Bank and MENAP focus04:30 Why jobs matter more than any single policy07:00 Data challenges in fragile states11:00 AI, automation, and the future of work18:50 Market cycles, bubbles, and historical parallels26:00 Vision 2030 and Saudi Arabia’s transformation31:00 Security, governance, and social stability36:00 Entrepreneurship and economic ecosystems42:30 GCC investment priorities and diversification49:00 Youth unemployment and education reform53:40 Personal finance, markets, and risk management59:30 One key takeaway for listenersIsmail Radwan:◽️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ismail-radwan2021/Harvey Bracken-Smith:◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/harveybsmith◽️ X (Twitter): https://x.com/harveybsmith_◽️ Newsletter: https://personable.substack.com/◽️ Website: https://www.personable.media/Personable Podcast:◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/personable.podcast◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast◽️ TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@personableclips◽️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api◽️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personable/id1671640111Additional:◽️ Fundraising: https://www.loulouracefoundation.org/donatePersonable 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.Support the show

Send a textAnthony Cheung shares an honest account of his journey from a state school to working with some of the world’s largest hedge funds, and why his mission today is focused on access, education, and demystifying finance.Anthony is Chief Content and Culture Officer at AmplifyME and former Head of Markets Analysis at Newsquawk. In this conversation, he reflects on social mobility, imposter syndrome, resilience, and how skills from elite sport translate directly into success in trading and high pressure careers.This episode is a practical guide for students and early professionals who want to break into finance, build real credibility, and focus on what actually matters beyond prestige and perception.He explains:◽️ How a working class upbringing shaped his mindset and ambition◽️ Why access to opportunity matters more than raw talent◽️ Lessons from elite youth basketball that apply to trading and life◽️ The real skills banks look for beyond grades and technical knowledge◽️ How AmplifyME helps level the playing field for students globally00:00 Introduction and Anthony’s background01:34 From state school to Wall Street05:57 Why giving back became his mission10:59 Sport, discipline, and transferable skills17:35 The founding story of Amplify.me25:14 Becoming a public voice in finance33:17 How students should prepare for finance careers38:32 Would he do it all again39:16 The questions people should ask more often40:10 One lesson to take awayAnthony Cheung: ◽️ Website: https://amplifyme.com/bio-anthony-cheung◽️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonycheung10/Harvey Bracken-Smith:◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/harveybsmith◽️ X (Twitter): https://x.com/harveybsmith_◽️ Newsletter: https://personable.substack.com/◽️ Website: https://www.personable.media/Personable Podcast:◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/personable.podcast◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast◽️ TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@personableclips◽️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api◽️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personable/id1671640111Additional:◽️ Fundraising: https://www.loulouracefoundation.org/donatePersonable 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.Support the show

Send a textFounder 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 world00:00 Returning to Personable and the Graduate Guide’s evolution02:10 Solving the graduate career crisis04:00 Why helping everyone is harder than it sounds07:54 Building community instead of chasing brands12:06 AI, skills gaps, and the future of junior roles18:11 Apprenticeships, upskilling, and long term talent22:20 Curiosity, boredom, and ambition27:04 Social media, influence, and responsibility29:26 Entering the VC and startup ecosystem33:31 Outlasting competition and building momentum37:56 What Europe needs to succeed in venture capital40:12 Helping the average person unlock ambition47:00 How LinkedIn actually works53:42 Intentionality behind high performing content1:02:38 Legacy, ambition, and long term purpose1:09:44 One lesson to take awayPeter Wood:◽️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petermwood_/?hl=en◽️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-m-wood/Harvey Bracken-Smith:◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/harveybsmith◽️ X (Twitter): https://x.com/harveybsmith_◽️ Newsletter: https://personable.substack.com/◽️ Website: https://www.personable.media/Personable Podcast:◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/personable.podcast◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast◽️ TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@personableclips◽️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api◽️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personable/id1671640111Additional:◽️ Fundraising: https://www.loulouracefoundation.org/donatePersonable 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.Support the show

Send a textTravel 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 media00:00 Growing Up Across Cultures02:10 Rejecting Curated Travel04:00 From School Expectations to Independence06:43 Starting Mungo TV10:43 Being Recognised and Staying Grounded14:11 How Viral Comedy Really Works21:45 Turning Ideas Into Content26:54 Making Better Videos32:46 Why Niches Matter40:55 Comedy, Free Speech, and Risk53:52 Living and Creating in China58:12 Legacy and Meaning1:00:44 One Lesson to RememberMungo McCosh:◽️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcmungo.tv/◽️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mungo-mccosh-a81954261/◽️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@McMungoTV◽️ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mcmungotv?_r=1&_t=ZN-91quCiznHniHarvey Bracken-Smith:◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/harveybsmith◽️ X (Twitter): https://x.com/harveybsmith_◽️ Newsletter: https://personable.substack.com/◽️ Website: https://www.personable.media/Personable Podcast:◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/personable.podcast◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast◽️ TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@personableclips◽️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api◽️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personable/id1671640111Additional:◽️ Fundraising: https://www.loulouracefoundation.org/donatePersonable 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.Support the show

Send a textWorld-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 grief00:00 Losing a Parent at a Young Age02:10 Turning Pain Into Purpose05:01 Fame, Presidents, and Staying Grounded07:53 Why Success Never Comes From Things10:20 The Trap of Validation and Recognition12:19 Being Put in a Box by the World15:41 Success as a Journey, Not a Destination16:44 Why Character Is Built in the Valleys18:55 The Failures No One Talks About21:31 Faith, Doubt, and a Divided World25:23 Family as the Ultimate Foundation28:13 Why Bear Wrote The Greatest Story Ever Told31:59 Living Faith Through Action33:59 The One Lesson Bear Wants You to Remember35:22 Closing ReflectionsFollow Bear:◽️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beargrylls/◽️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beargrylls/◽️ X: https://x.com/beargrylls◽️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RealBearGrylls◽️ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beargrylls?lang=en◽️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/beargrylls◽️ Website: https://www.beargrylls.com/Harvey Bracken-Smith:◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/harveybsmith◽️ X (Twitter): https://x.com/harveybsmith_◽️ Newsletter: https://personable.substack.com/◽️ Website: https://www.personable.media/Personable Podcast:◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/personable.podcast◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast◽️ TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@personableclips◽️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api◽️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personable/id1671640111Additional:◽️ Fundraising: https://www.loulouracefoundation.org/donatePersonable 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.Support the show

Send a textStephen 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⏱ Timestamps00:00 Intro00:31 Markets since last episode, volatility, tech noise and real performance02:12 AI bubble debate and why the narrative is misplaced04:10 Commodities surge across gold, copper and miners06:25 Banks, yield curves and earnings doubling across the UK09:38 Europe and Asia outperform while investors stay fixated on AI12:14 Alibaba, Tencent and China’s cloud advantage15:03 How Stephen evaluates winners, losers and sector momentum22:39 Why interest rates determine everything in markets26:04 US manufacturing push and Mayoshi Son’s investment plans29:21 Rare earth leverage, Nvidia dependence and geopolitical tension32:48 Private markets versus public markets, liquidity and risk43:17 Commodities, banks and where Stephen sees opportunity47:01 Potential triggers for market stress across rates and employment52:44 Closing insights and long term positioning53:12 Outro📌 ResourcesStephen Roberts:◽️ Orgueil Capital: https://www.orgueilcapital.com/our-storyHarvey Bracken-Smith:◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/harveybsmith◽️ X (Twitter): https://x.com/harveybsmith_◽️ Newsletter: https://personable.substack.com/◽️ Website: https://www.personable.media/Personable Podcast:◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/personable.podcast◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast◽️ TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@personableclips◽️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api◽️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personable/id1671640111Additional:◽️ The Draft (Sign up): https://thedraft.io◽️ Fundraising: https://justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdnPersonable 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 Support the show

Send a textYoshi 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⏱ Timestamps00:00 Intro05:00 Lehman Brothers culture in Japan07:30 Early signs of the 2008 crisis10:00 Bubbles, hedging limits and market behavior12:30 Retail investors and emotional decision making15:00 Why hedging depends on local context17:30 Leaving banking and moving into day trading22:30 Probability, discipline and trading mindset25:00 First software attempts and meeting technical friends30:00 What an API is and why it matters32:30 Licenses, compliance and protecting customer assets35:00 Raising 170 million and dealing with dilution37:30 Convincing VCs and founder market fit42:30 Japan vs Silicon Valley45:00 Expanding financial access around the world47:30 Hiring philosophy and values50:00 Personal investing style and risk approach53:00 Burnout, limits and staying balanced56:00 Legacy, family and long term thinking58:00 Final reflections1:08:00 Outro-📌 ResourcesYoshi Yokokawa:◽️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yoshiyokokawa/Harvey Bracken-Smith:◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/harveybsmith◽️ X (Twitter): https://x.com/harveybsmith_◽️ Newsletter: https://personable.substack.com/◽️ Website: https://www.personable.media/Personable Podcast:◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/personable.podcast◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast◽️ TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@personableclips◽️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api◽️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personable/id1671640111Additional:◽️ The Draft (Sign up): https://thedraft.io◽️ Fundraising: https://justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdnPersonable 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. ASupport the show

Send a textIn 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⏱ Timestamps00:00 Intro00:35 Market overview and key themes01:30 Tech earnings recap: Alphabet, Amazon, Apple04:15 Microsoft and Meta’s AI CapEx spending06:30 Market reactions and investor focus08:15 “BATMMAAN” replaces the Magnificent 710:00 Nvidia’s $5 trillion valuation12:10 Blackwell chip demand and revenue pipeline14:00 Fed cut pause and data blackout16:20 Powell’s “driving in fog” comment18:00 Market reaction and inflation outlook20:00 Trump–Xi meeting breakdown22:15 Tariff reductions and fentanyl agreement24:00 Rare-earth exports and semiconductor access26:30 Nvidia’s China opportunity28:00 AI market dependence and interconnectivity30:15 Global markets hit record highs33:00 Is the AI boom sustainable?36:00 Comparing investor outlooks: optimism vs caution38:30 UK Autumn Budget preview41:00 Labour’s £36B tax hole43:00 Income freezes, property taxes, ISA reform45:00 20% exit levy and millionaire migration47:00 UK inflation and household pressures49:00 Energy costs and cost-of-living effects51:00 Brain drain: UK talent moving abroad54:00 Oxford, Cambridge, and education quotas56:30 Entrepreneurship culture: UK vs US59:00 Global capital flows and foreign investment1:01:00 Retail investors, social media, and sentiment1:04:30 Market psychology: crash fears vs growth belief1:07:00 Outlook for 2026 global markets1:10:00 Key takeaways and lessons1:15:00 Outro 📌 ResourcesLuke Sloman:◽️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-sloman-87a6742a9/?originalSubdomain=ukHarvey Bracken-Smith:◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/harveybsmith◽️ X (Twitter): https://x.com/harveybsmith_◽️ Newsletter: https://personable.substack.com/◽️ Website: https://www.personable.media/Personable Podcast:◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/personable.podcast◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast◽️ TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@personableclips◽️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api◽️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personable/id1671640111Additional:◽️ The Draft (Sign up): https://thedraft.io◽️ Fundraising: https://justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdnPersonable 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. AlwaysSupport the show

Send a textJamil 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⏱ Timestamps00:00 Intro02:00 How he became a psychologist after sport04:00 Spotting real experts vs. self-proclaimed “gurus”06:30 Learning through experimentation — obstacles instruct14:00 Learning over winning — how to measure progress16:30 Praising effort, not outcome18:30 Ordinary people doing extraordinary things through discipline30:00 How Jamil keeps learning from top athletes and CEOs35:00 The mindset of world champions — talent and teachability40:00 Why play and curiosity drive lifelong learning44:00 Failure as the price of success47:00 Leadership lessons from sport — creating winners who create winners52:00 How to build open-minded teams1:07:00 Outro📌 ResourcesJamil Qureshi:◽️ Website: https://www.jamilqureshi.com/◽️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamil-qureshi-494661a/Harvey Bracken-Smith:◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/harveybsmith◽️ X (Twitter): https://x.com/harveybsmith_◽️ Newsletter: https://personable.substack.com/◽️ Website: https://www.personable.media/Personable Podcast:◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/personable.podcast◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast◽️ TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@personableclips◽️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api◽️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personable/id1671640111Additional:◽️ The Draft (Sign up): https://thedraft.io◽️ Fundraising: https://justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdnPersonable 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 beforeSupport the show

Send a textIn 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⏱ Timestamps00:00 Intro 04:43 South Korean reforms: trading fee cuts, Lee Jae-myung05:30 UK FTSE 100: overseas earnings, commodity tailwinds06:45 Gold at $4,500/oz: hedging, historical highs07:30 Silver short squeeze: mechanics, leverage impacts20:00 Market liquidity: VC saturation, government incentives23:14 Fed rate cut: 98% chance for 25 bps on October 2926:00 Employment focus: labor softening, inflation trade-offs27:06 Tariffs as bargaining: US worker benefits, Apple case28:30 Job market struggles: AI displacing graduates31:00 Human-AI synergies: workplace collaboration43:47 Trump-Xi meeting: trade war de-escalation45:00 Framework agreement: tariff pauses, ag purchases1:00:00 Government shutdown: 24th day, data delays1:04:49 JP Morgan study: missing best days cuts returns1:05:19 Staying invested: long-term importance1:07:39 Retail sources: X, YouTube, Reddit for edges1:09:00 Closing: market accuracy, critical thinking📌 ResourcesLuke Sloman:◽️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-sloman-87a6742a9/?originalSubdomain=ukHarvey Bracken-Smith:◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/harveybsmith◽️ X (Twitter): https://x.com/harveybsmith_◽️ Newsletter: https://personable.substack.com/◽️ Website: https://www.personable.media/Personable Podcast:◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/personable.podcast◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast◽️ TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@personableclips◽️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api◽️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personable/id1671640111Additional:◽️ The Draft (Sign up): https://thedraft.io◽️ Fundraising: https://justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdnPersonable 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 makinSupport the show

Send a textDr. 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⏱ Timestamps00:00 Intro 00:34 Why John loves books and writing05:00 Producing knowledge and the discipline of research11:30 Growing up in New Orleans and confronting history15:00 Remembering vs. erasing — how to deal with the past17:00 The moral lessons of slavery and self-reflection20:20 Monuments, commemoration, and moral complexity25:00 Cancel culture and freedom of thought32:00 Race, economics, and the origins of slavery39:30 The moral logic that justified slavery43:00 Moral relativism vs. moral absolutism47:00 Why critical thinking is democracy’s foundation49:30 How academia can protect reason and open debate53:00 Lessons learned from writing for a decade54:00 The biggest takeaways from studying slavery57:00 Being nominated for the History Pulitzer Prize59:00 Legacy, teaching, and what’s next — Volume Two1:02:00 One thing every listener should take away-📌 ResourcesDr. John Harpham:◽️ Page: https://www.ou.edu/cas/classicsandletters/people/john-harphamHarvey Bracken-Smith:◽️ LinkedIn:  https://linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith◽️ Instagram:  https://instagram.com/harveybsmith◽️ X (Twitter):  https://x.com/harveybsmith_◽️ Newsletter:  https://personable.substack.com/Personable Podcast:◽️ Instagram:  https://instagram.com/personable.podcast◽️ LinkedIn:  https://linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast◽️ TikTok:  https://tiktok.com/@personableclips◽️ Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api◽️ Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personable/id1671640111Additional:◽️ The Draft (Sign up):  https://thedraft.io◽️ Fundraising:  https://justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdnPersonable 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 performanSupport the show

Send a textTommy 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-⏱ Timestamps00:00 Intro / Welcome to Personable00:33 Life update — golf, blackjack, and staying sharp02:20 Casino restrictions and playing smart under pressure07:30 Why most casinos don’t use continuous shufflers09:30 The blackjack brotherhood — community and shared intel11:00 How to find mentors, teams, and investors13:30 The Blackjack Ball and the legends who attend15:00 Comparing blackjack, poker, and sports betting26:00 Fighting back: 9–0 legal record against casino bans31:00 The Kelly Criterion explained — how much to bet per hand35:00 Emotional control and bankroll management40:00 Building a team, finding investors, scaling your play45:00 Handling swings, losses, and staying rational55:00 Influences, mentors, and the evolution of advantage play1:00:00 Legal battles, lawsuits, and false arrests1:11:00 Believing the math — advice for new players1:14:00 Legacy, life beyond blackjack, and what’s next-📌 ResourcesTommy Hyland:◽️ Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_HylandHarvey Bracken-Smith:◽️ LinkedIn:  https://linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith◽️ Instagram:  https://instagram.com/harveybsmith◽️ X (Twitter):  https://x.com/harveybsmith_◽️ Newsletter:  https://personable.substack.com/Personable Podcast:◽️ Instagram:  https://instagram.com/personable.podcast◽️ LinkedIn:  https://linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast◽️ TikTok:  https://tiktok.com/@personableclips◽️ Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api◽️ Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personable/id1671640111Additional:◽️ The Draft (Sign up):  https://thedraft.io◽️ Fundraising:  https://justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdnPersonable 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 Support the show

Send a textStephen 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⏱ Timestamps00:00 Intro00:37 Market volatility, Trump’s China tweet & rare earths03:27 AI, commodities & “mining for AI”07:01 U.S. vs. China — electricity, chips & competitive edges09:20 The Magnificent 7: bubble or earnings-backed growth?13:02 Leadership risk & investor psychology17:19 AI’s job destruction, social fabric & regulation24:25 The creator economy & new opportunities29:17 Spotify, ownership of data & the new AI winners34:44 Saudi Arabia, sovereign funds & poor investments36:53 Gold, commodities & portfolio positioning42:27 Bonds, deficits & a 20-year bear market45:25 U.S. debt, taxation & political cycles47:34 Key macro risks: oil, inflation & rates55:55 Oil, defense stocks & geopolitics59:49 Political uncertainty: France, Japan & the UK1:03:22 Long-term allocation: equities, bonds & gold1:04:01 Outro-📌 ResourcesStephen Roberts:◽️ Orgueil Capital: https://www.orgueilcapital.com/our-storyHarvey Bracken-Smith:◽️ LinkedIn:  https://linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith◽️ Instagram:  https://instagram.com/harveybsmith◽️ X (Twitter):  https://x.com/harveybsmith_◽️ Newsletter:  https://personable.substack.com/Personable Podcast:◽️ Instagram:  https://instagram.com/personable.podcast◽️ LinkedIn:  https://linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast◽️ TikTok:  https://tiktok.com/@personableclips◽️ Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api◽️ Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personable/id1671640111Additional:◽️ The Draft (Sign up):  https://thedraft.io◽️ Fundraising:  https://justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdnPersonable 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.Support the show

Send a textThank 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.-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-⏱ Timestamps00:00 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-📌 ResourcesHarvey Bracken-Smith:◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/harveybsmith◽️ X (Twitter): https://x.com/harveybsmith_◽️ Newsletter: https://personable.substack.com/Personable Podcast:◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/personable.podcast◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast◽️ TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@personableclips◽️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api◽️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personable/id1671640111Additional:◽️ The Draft (Sign up): https://thedraft.io◽️ Fundraising: https://justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdnPersonable 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, andSupport the show

Send a textHarvey 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⏱ Timestamps00:00 Intro00:57 Luke returns — background and why he’s back on the show02:06 EA $55bn LBO — who’s involved and deal anatomy03:22 Cultural impact: EA Sports, FIFA, and player/community effects07:21 Sovereign investors & the “fronted” private equity model (Four Seasons analogy)11:13 Tesla Q3 surprise, US $7,500 EV credit, and the humanoid/robot thesis22:43 Pfizer + Trump Rx deal: tariffs, manufacturing investment, and consumer impact30:44 UK IPO & M&A slump — data, causes, and policy implications37:30 Real-time markets: X, Caoshi, and how instant feedback changes behaviour42:30 Eurozone & France — political instability, budget fights, and market moves51:28 US debt downgrade, debt servicing vs defence spending, and shutdown costs1:03:14 Breaking: French PM resignation — market reaction and political context1:14:41 Japan outlook — likely next PM and market implications1:18:49 Outro📌 ResourcesLuke Sloman:◽️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-sloman-87a6742a9/?originalSubdomain=ukHarvey Bracken-Smith:◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/harveybsmith◽️ X (Twitter): https://x.com/harveybsmith_◽️ Newsletter: https://personable.substack.com/Personable Podcast:◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/personable.podcast◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast◽️ TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@personableclips◽️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api◽️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personable/id1671640111Additional:◽️ The Draft (Sign up): https://thedraft.io◽️ Fundraising: https://justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdnPersonable 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.Support the show

Send a textRaj 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 buildingsIn 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)-⏱ Timestamps00:00 Intro / Welcome to Personable00:46 Career start, UC Davis and early market context02:54 Peace Corps in Namibia: teaching, living on $200/month05:56 Returning home: transition, priorities, and travel08:32 Construction and on-site engineering experiences11:13 Overseas projects: power plant, fiber, and manufacturing lessons13:38 Joining family company: size, tradeoffs, and ambitions16:29 Running & scaling Setty & Associates (people, offices)19:54 Buildings as the major energy sector; resilience lessons24:07 Differentiation, pricing pressures, and commoditization26:10 Founding Cyclops (2017): motivation and evolution27:32 Digital twin concept and AI’s “middle” role31:48 Data ontology, sources, and who actually owns building data35:08 Cyclops demo walkthrough: boiler troubleshooting use case40:38 Commercial model: SaaS hosting + services, pilots, parts commerce47:11 Leadership: craftsmanship, decision budgets, and legacy thinking53:45 Day-to-day: what Raj values - people, tennis, community1:04:56 Key takeaway: get good at something📌 ResourcesRaj Setty:◽️ https://www.linkedin.com/in/raj-setty-36a7033/Harvey Bracken-Smith:◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/harveybsmith◽️ X (Twitter): https://x.com/harveybsmith_◽️ Newsletter: https://personable.substack.com/Personable Podcast:◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/personable.podcast◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast◽️ TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@personableclips◽️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api◽️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personable/id1671640111Additional:◽️ The Draft (Sign up): https://thedraft.io◽️ Fundraising: https://justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdnPersonable 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 aSupport the show

Send a textDavid 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 business00:00 Intro00:42 Why David joined the Army: calling to serve01:57 Rallying cries for causes greater than self03:44 Sports camaraderie parallels military teamwork05:23 Leadership growth in sports, high-stakes army roles06:37 Navigating debates, execution in high-pressure environments08:26 Australia: respect, rules, transitioning to civilian life10:03 From team environments to solo sales rep12:52 Military discipline drives corporate hustle, endurance14:50 Consistency over flash: path to senior roles16:27 Career journey: Merck sales to biotech CEO18:55 No overnight successes: grinding, practical realities19:24 Long-form podcasts reveal successful people’s essence22:45 Diverse experiences, personal trade-offs in careers25:24 Pharma marketing, pricing, and staying grounded28:24 Rewarding innovation: risk capital, vision value28:54 Boots on the ground: frontline insights matter30:10 Risk, incentives: why innovation needs rewards37:32 Holistic health: diet, sleep, nuanced treatments40:02 Pharma misconceptions: innovation improves lives despite failures44:02 Building biotech: problem-solving, teams, capital47:11 Success commonalities: relationships, honesty, learning50:06 ONL Therapeutics: vision protection in retinal diseases53:45 Managing risk: lean teams, transparency, dilution1:05:57 Key takeaway: purposeful innovation moves society forward📌 ResourcesDavid Esposito:◽️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidesposito2/Harvey Bracken-Smith:◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/harveybsmith◽️ X (Twitter): https://x.com/harveybsmith_◽️ Newsletter: https://personable.substack.com/Personable Podcast:◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/personable.podcast◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast◽️ TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@personableclips◽️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api◽️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personable/id1671640111Additional:◽️ The Draft (Sign up): https://thedraft.io◽️ Fundraising: https://justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdnPersonable 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 consSupport the show

Send a textI 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 Onwards & UpwardsSubscribe to join the journeyHarvey Bracken-SmithHost of Personable📌 ResourcesHarvey Bracken-Smith:◽️ LinkedIn:  https://linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith◽️ Instagram:  https://instagram.com/harveybsmith◽️ X (Twitter):  https://x.com/harveybsmith_◽️ Newsletter:  https://personable.substack.com/Personable Podcast:◽️ Instagram:  https://instagram.com/personable.podcast◽️ LinkedIn:  https://linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast◽️ TikTok:  https://tiktok.com/@personableclips◽️ Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api◽️ Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personable/id1671640111Additional:◽️ The Draft (Sign up):  https://thedraft.io◽️ Fundraising:  https://justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdnPersonable 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.Support the show

Send a textLouis-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. dominance00:00 Intro00:32 Meeting Louis-Vincent Gave: Gavekal & background02:11 U.S.-China relations since 2018 semiconductor embargo05:13 U.S. advantages vs. China’s rapid rise09:19 Global trade trends: shifting toward the Global South13:40 Western media narratives: “imploding or taking over” China18:00 TikTok deal, Taiwan, tariffs & negotiations21:53 AI: bubbles, Nvidia, DeepSeek & open vs. closed models29:10 Employment disruption & the future of work38:35 Energy: U.S. vs. China, renewables, coal & AI power needs46:17 Inflation, social media, data & retail markets49:28 Investment strategies: AI bets vs. global opportunities53:10 Nvidia’s 75% corrections & systemic risk56:18 Macro trends: U.S. vs. China-India-Russia integration1:01:12 Gold, crypto & energy as diversification tools1:09:59 Public vs. private markets for investors1:13:20 Social media, retail investing & “gamifying” markets1:16:36 Bonds, pensions & a 20-year bear market1:18:11 Outro📌 ResourcesLouis-Vincent Gave:◽️ X: https://x.com/gave_vincent◽️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louis-vincent-gave-6260241 ◽️ Gavekal: https://research.gavekal.com/Harvey Bracken-Smith:◽️ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith◽️ Instagram: instagram.com/harveybsmith◽️ X (Twitter): x.com/harveybsmith_Personable Podcast:◽️ Instagram: instagram.com/personable.podcast◽️ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast◽️ TikTok: tiktok.com/@personableclips◽️ Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api◽️ Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personable/id1671640111Additional:◽️ The Draft (Sign up): thedraft.io◽️ Fundraising: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdnPersonable 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 involvesSupport the show

Send a textJames 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 2300:00 Intro00:32 Meeting James Frost: From Creative Director to Entrepreneur02:11 What is Buzz and Why Relaunch It?04:12 App Store Strategy: 30K Downloads in 50 Days06:39 Working with Developers & the Role of AI08:36 Funding Yourself Without Investors11:47 Breaking Into the Creative Industry12:57 Mentorship: 27 Cohorts, 1700+ Students16:10 Outreach & Networking Hacks19:40 Pressure to Take a Traditional Path?21:37 Reverse Engineering Goals23:16 Social Media Blueprint: Hooks, Editing & Retention29:37 Case Study: Turning Events Into Viral TikToks32:49 Community Impact: Opening Doors for Others38:40 Evergreen vs. Expiring Content42:56 Editing Workflow: From Idea to TikTok in 20 Minutes50:28 Overcoming Fear of Filming in Public53:35 Scaling Content Production Efficiently59:31 Camera Presence & Authentic Charisma1:01:22 Building Buzz as a Brand, Not Just a Tech Tool1:05:21 Monetization: Placements & Partnerships1:07:27 Legacy: Tech x Culture at Scale1:08:49 What’s Next: Expanding Beyond London1:11:22 One Takeaway for Creators 📌 ResourcesJames Frost:◽️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesfrost02/?hl=en◽️ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shotbyjames◽️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-frost-9251851a2/Harvey Bracken-Smith:◽️ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith◽️ Instagram: instagram.com/harveybsmith◽️ X (Twitter): x.com/harveybsmith_Personable Podcast:◽️ Instagram: instagram.com/personable.podcast◽️ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast◽️ TikTok: tiktok.com/@personableclips◽️ Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api◽️ Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personable/id1671640111Additional:◽️ The Draft (Sign up): thedraft.io◽️ Fundraising: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdnPersonable 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 indicSupport the show

Send a textDr 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-⏱ Timestamps00:00 Intro00:32 Meeting Markus Nauheim: Background and Career01:05 Why Law: Choosing a Purposeful Career03:19 Global Perspective: Studying in Germany, Hong Kong, Duke06:22 Entrepreneurial Mindset in Law06:59 Discipline: Staying Motivated in Law School10:58 Specializing: Pursuing Media Law Doctorate12:34 From Junior Lawyer to Partner13:01 Sports Background: Building Resilience18:43 Work-Life Balance: Avoiding Burnout19:22 Client Relationships: Earning and Keeping Trust21:16 Efficiency: The 80-20 Rule in Law23:27 Perfection: Delivering Flawless Work25:33 Teamwork: Spartans vs. Persians in Deals26:36 Parallels Between Law and Finance27:38 Importance of Relationships Over Technology30:49 AI’s Role: Enhancing, Not Replacing, Humans32:07 Becoming a Great Lawyer: Key Traits40:28 Integrity: Saying No to Unethical Demands41:37 Networking: Acquiring High-Profile Clients44:37 Thought Leadership: Building Visibility46:20 High-Pressure Moments: Staying Focused50:46 Corporate vs. Personal Legal Challenges51:24 Legal Advice for Non-Lawyers54:45 Mentoring: Coaching Young Athletes56:31 Legacy: Making a Community Impact57:21 Future Goals: Teaching and Community Projects58:46 Balancing Law with Personal Life1:01:22 Healthy Longevity: Creating a Blue Zone1:01:44 Key Takeaway: Align Career with Self1:04:15 Outro-📌 ResourcesDr Markus Nauheim:◽️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mnauheim ◽️ Gibson Dunn: https://www.gibsondunn.com/lawyer/nauheim-markus/Harvey Bracken-Smith:◽️ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith◽️ Instagram: instagram.com/harveybsmith◽️ X (Twitter): x.com/harveybsmith_Personable Podcast:◽️ Instagram: instagram.com/personable.podcast◽️ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast◽️ TikTok: tiktok.com/@personableclips◽️ Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api◽️ Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personable/id1671640111Additional:◽️ The Draft (Sign up): thedraft.io◽️ Fundraising: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdnPersonable 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.Support the show

Send a textThis 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.-⏱ Timestamps00:00 Intro00:30 Luke’s Academic Focus and Sydney Experience00:44 Fed Rate Cuts Overview01:18 Luke’s Take on 25 bps Reduction03:00 Equities Boost from Lower Rates03:32 Market Expectations and Fed-Trump Dynamics04:08 UK Rate Cuts as US Precedent05:15 Yield Curve Sensitivity to Inflation Expectations08:20 H1B Visa Cost Hike to $100k09:56 Payroll Slowdown: 22,000 Jobs in August10:30 AI Disrupting Junior-Level Roles11:15 Historical Tech-Driven Job Creation12:00 Adapting Skills for AI-Driven Economy14:35 AI’s Initial Job Displacement Effects15:20 Ethical AI Use in Schools16:00 Social Media’s Rise as a Career17:32 Education’s Shift to AI Integration19:10 Football’s Professionalization as Historical Parallel20:00 Critical Thinking in AI-Dominated Future21:30 Initiative and Human Element in AI Era24:15 Chinese Restrictions on Nvidia Chips25:30 Nvidia-Intel $5B AI Collaboration31:51 Apple’s iPhone Innovation Stagnation34:00 iPhone 17 Pre-Orders Up 19% in India39:15 Apple’s Seamless Product Integration41:00 Oracle’s $877B Market Cap Growth48:00 US Ownership Push for TikTok Algorithm49:46 Oracle’s Cloud Demand from AI Players54:27 Larry Ellison’s Entertainment Empire Expansion56:00 Quarterly vs. Semi-Annual Earnings Debate59:27 Crypto Rally and Tariff Escalations1:01:10 Trump’s Influence on Economic Policy Narratives1:02:00 Importance of Nuanced Investment Analysis1:02:42 Outro and Final Takeaways-📌 ResourcesLuke Sloman:◽️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-sloman-87a6742a9 Harvey Bracken-Smith:◽️ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith◽️ Instagram: instagram.com/harveybsmith◽️ X (Twitter): x.com/harveybsmith_◽️ Newsletter: https://personable.substack.com/Personable Podcast:◽️ Instagram: instagram.com/personable.podcast◽️ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast◽️ TikTok: tiktok.com/@personableclips◽️ Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api◽️ Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personable/id1671640111Additional:◽️ The Draft (Sign up): thedraft.io◽️ Fundraising: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdnPersonable 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 investSupport the show

Send a textHunter 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-⏱ Timestamps00:00 Intro00:32 Meeting Hunter Black: Background and The Voice Australia01:10 Hunter’s Voice Experience: Blind Audition and Battle Round02:43 Audition Process: How Hunter Got on The Voice05:30 Behind the Scenes: Producer Influence and Storytelling06:59 Production Scale: Size and Complexity of The Voice08:28 Nerves and Emotions: Performing on a National Stage09:42 Song Selection: Adapting for the 90-Second Format11:41 Performance Dynamics: Judges Turning Chairs12:51 Coach Interaction: Role and Impact of Mentors15:11 Competitiveness: Balancing Inner Drive and Public Image17:15 Media Training: Navigating Interviews and Public Perception21:08 Mindset: Focusing on Personal Best22:35 Misconceptions: Media Manipulation and Public Perception26:04 Podcast Format: Value of Unfiltered Conversations27:47 TikTokification: Impact of Short-Form Media on Perception35:35 Applying Advice: Staying Present in Music and Media37:12 Post-Voice Plans: Maintaining Momentum39:32 Success in Music: Building a Sustainable Career40:58 Getting Signed: Role of Social Media and Connections43:41 Music as Entrepreneurship: Building an Audience46:43 Networking: Importance of Industry Connections48:52 Legacy: Creating Timeless Music and Authenticity50:35 Future Goals: Songwriting and Industry Success52:09 Social Media Strategy: Leveraging The Voice Exposure53:14 Key Takeaway: Blocking Out Noise and Staying True54:00 Outro-📌 ResourcesHunter Black:◽️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hunterblack.music/?hl=enHarvey Bracken-Smith:◽️ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith◽️ Instagram: instagram.com/harveybsmith◽️ X (Twitter): x.com/harveybsmith_Personable Podcast:◽️ Instagram: instagram.com/personable.podcast◽️ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast◽️ TikTok: tiktok.com/@personableclips◽️ Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api◽️ Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personable/id1671640111Additional:◽️ The Draft (Sign up): thedraft.io◽️ Fundraising: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdnPersonable 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 qualifieSupport the show

Send a textLihong 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-⏱ Timestamps00:00 Intro00:32 Quant interest: Math roots to Duke exposure02:04 GameStop experience: Early retail trading03:36 Market efficiency: Retail vs. quant perspectives07:38 Quant compensation: Options and AI trends09:08 Retail investing: Long-term vs. day trading11:30 Jane Street culture: Secrecy and operations13:00 IMC vs. Jane Street: Work dynamics14:13 AI’s trading impact: Automation and signals15:21 Leaving quant: Seeking fulfillment17:51 Freeport concept: DeFi simplification21:16 Startup timing: Co-founder alignment24:44 Staking mechanics: Proof-of-stake details27:54 Ethereum staking: Pool risks and rewards30:01 Staking incentives: Network validation31:50 Lending vs. staking: Platform differences33:00 Centralized cuts: Coinbase’s approach36:17 YC backing: Trust-building in DeFi39:00 Team strength: Finance and tech synergy40:38 Regulatory window: Startup opportunity42:25 Early users: Test phase progress43:55 Crypto thesis: Long-term potential46:44 Blockchain rails: Future finance48:17 Investment advice: Top tokens49:19 Target users: Retail and institutions50:44 Safety measures: Protocol due diligence53:48 Crypto bans: Technological resilience55:14 Growth challenge: Product completion57:29 Competitive edge: User retention59:26 Learning crypto: Exchange resources1:01:28 Portfolio strategy: Big vs. small tokens1:02:15 Untapped topic: DeFi trading edges1:04:12 Liquidity provision: Retail vaults1:05:15 Legacy goal: Impactful innovation1:06:38 Next steps: Launch and growth1:07:39 Outro-📌 ResourcesLihong Wang:◽️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lihong062/Harvey Bracken-Smith:◽️ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith◽️ Instagram: instagram.com/harveybsmith◽️ X (Twitter): x.com/harveybsmith_Personable Podcast:◽️ Instagram: instagram.com/personable.podcast◽️ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast◽️ TikTok: tiktok.com/@personableclips◽️ Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api◽️ Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personable/id1671640111Additional:◽️ The Draft (Sign up): thedraft.io◽️ Fundraising: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdnPersonable 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 inSupport the show

Send a textThis 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-⏱ Timestamps00:00 Intro00:44 Tariffs and Inflation Concerns01:44 Tariff Legal Challenges, Outcomes02:07 Companies Absorbing Tariff Costs04:42 Tariffs’ Net Economic Impact05:15 Strategic Production Shift from China07:28 Europe’s Business Relocation Losses09:02 UK Economic Decline, Budget Risks09:47 UK Autumn Budget Implications11:16 New UK Worker Rights Laws12:35 Costly Employment Regulations14:42 UK Investment Opportunities, Risks15:04 Civil Service as Safe Sector15:49 S&P 500 Overvaluation Debate17:17 US Economic Resilience Advantage17:32 UK Regulations Stifling Growth19:31 EV and Grid Infrastructure Issues20:47 Welfare’s Work Disincentive Problem21:25 France’s Political, Economic Instability22:11 France’s Welfare and Productivity Crisis25:21 Crisis-Driven Economic Reforms30:15 Elon Musk’s Unique Compensation30:42 Banks Embracing Crypto, Gold32:06 Trading Revenue Outpacing M&A34:15 Private Firms’ Systemic Importance34:45 Strong European M&A Activity38:20 Undervalued Financial Sector Opportunities40:49 AI Enhancing Finance Productivity44:58 Creativity Over Technical Skills45:59 Human Nuance in AI Era47:14 Broader Education for Success49:12 AI Investment Overspending Risks51:54 Defense Stocks’ Long-Term Growth53:04 Europe’s Rising Defense Spending53:23 Fed-Government Relationship Tensions53:54 Trump’s Fed Influence Overhyped57:27 Filtering Media Noise Effectively59:27 Banks’ Economic Leverage Risks1:02:49 Outro-📌 ResourcesLia Forcina◽️ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lia-forcina-17352459 Harvey Bracken-Smith:◽️ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith◽️ Instagram: instagram.com/harveybsmith◽️ X (Twitter): x.com/harveybsmith_◽️ Newsletter: https://personable.substack.com/Personable Podcast:◽️ Instagram: instagram.com/personable.podcast◽️ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast◽️ TikTok: tiktok.com/@personableclips◽️ Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api◽️ Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personable/id1671640111Additional:◽️ The Draft (Sign up): thedraft.io◽️ Fundraising: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdnPersonable 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 fSupport the show

Send a textDeanna 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-⏱ Timestamps00:00 Intro00:45 Why design? Deanna’s early inspirations01:20 Sketching beauty products in high school03:10 Breaking into magazines during recession04:25 Early hustle: 80-hour Allure weeks06:50 Collaboration drives creative success08:40 First Allure role: Key lessons10:55 Navigating high-pressure magazine demands12:35 Thriving in competitive design world14:15 From paste-ups to digital design16:40 Evoking emotion in beauty visuals19:25 Building consumer trust through design22:10 What makes exceptional designers24:45 Misconceptions about Deanna’s perfectionism27:20 Perfectionism as a creative hurdle30:05 Networking with top beauty brands33:15 Emotional impact of design work36:30 “Blobs and smears”: Beauty innovation39:50 Vibrant visuals spark consumer desire42:25 Dynamics of client-designer relationships45:40 Victoria’s Secret, CosmoGirl brand work48:55 Launching luxury lifestyle brand51:20 Makeup bags sell out rapidly54:35 Scaling luxury with quality control57:50 Exclusivity shapes brand pricing1:00:45 Legacy as designer and entrepreneur1:03:10 Future products: Bags, decor expansion1:06:25 Takeaway: Risk-taking fuels success1:09:15 Design and business insights shared1:11:30 Outro📌 ResourcesDeanna Filippo:◽️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deanna.filippo/◽️ Website: https://deannafilippo.com/◽️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deanna-filippo-309a9168 ◽️ Home Decor Brand: https://davidstesnerarthouse.com/Harvey Bracken-Smith:◽️ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith◽️ Instagram: instagram.com/harveybsmith◽️ X (Twitter): x.com/harveybsmith_Personable Podcast:◽️ Instagram: instagram.com/personable.podcast◽️ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast◽️ TikTok: tiktok.com/@personableclips◽️ Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api◽️ Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personable/id1671640111Additional:◽️ The Draft (Sign up): thedraft.io◽️ Fundraising: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdnPersonable 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 aSupport the show

Send a textDavid 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-⏱ Timestamps00:00 Intro00:46 Why art? David’s early influences01:36 From childhood interest to professional art04:09 Balancing passion and profit early09:15 Assisting legendary photographers: Lessons learned15:06 Analog vs. digital photography shift21:10 Building rapport for emotional portraits23:38 What separates great photographers26:50 Misconceptions about David’s on-set demeanor30:41 Networking for elite galleries, collectors33:46 Emotional weight of selling art39:49 Balancing interpretation in art creation43:39 Artist-collector relationship dynamics45:38 Lamborghini collaboration for luxury show50:04 Launching David Stesner Art House59:19 Exclusivity’s role in pricing strategy1:02:07 David’s legacy as artist, philanthropist1:02:47 Future exhibits and brand scaling1:03:53 Takeaway: Passion with a backup1:04:56 Art, business, and branding insights1:06:41 Outro📌 ResourcesDavid 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 Harvey Bracken-Smith:◽️ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith◽️ Instagram: instagram.com/harveybsmith◽️ X (Twitter): x.com/harveybsmith_Personable Podcast:◽️ Instagram: instagram.com/personable.podcast◽️ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast◽️ TikTok: tiktok.com/@personableclips◽️ Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api◽️ Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personable/id1671640111Additional:◽️ The Draft (Sign up): thedraft.io◽️ Fundraising: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdnPersonable 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 financSupport the show

Send a textThe 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-⏱ Timestamps00:00 Intro00:50 South African roots and early passion01:42 Love for babies and childhood calling02:25 Neuroscience shaping parenting approach03:37 Writing Baby Sense bestseller04:59 Radio show sparks overnight success06:05 Impact of Baby Sense seminars07:09 Curiosity drives lifelong career08:12 Parenting in an information overload10:52 Finding trustworthy parenting voices12:19 Navigating social media’s noise14:33 Essential advice for new parents16:42 Emotional connection as top priority18:12 Gut microbiome’s role in health20:17 Sensory experiences vs. toxic screens25:34 Supporting neurodiverse kids’ success27:28 Resilience through failure29:00 Nature vs. nurture’s lifelong impact31:43 Adverse childhood events explained34:58 Self-regulation predicts future success38:15 Overcoming adversity with resilience42:30 Screens as harmful as smoking46:49 Supporting postpartum mental health48:19 Finding purpose post-parenting50:54 Balancing work and motherhood53:40 Dangers of tiger parenting56:24 Free play fuels child creativity59:57 Parent Sense app’s innovative design1:02:33 Insurers fund app for scale1:04:06 Pricing strategy for global reach1:05:51 Reflecting on slower motherhood1:07:17 Legacy of impacting millions1:08:24 Scaling Parent Sense globally1:09:10 Curiosity as a parenting superpower1:10:13 Outro 📌 ResourcesMeg 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/Harvey Bracken-Smith:◽️ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith◽️ Instagram: instagram.com/harveybsmith◽️ X (Twitter): x.com/harveybsmith_Personable Podcast:◽️ Instagram: instagram.com/personable.podcast◽️ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast◽️ TikTok: tiktok.com/@personableclips◽️ Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api◽️ Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personable/id1671640111Additional:◽️ The Draft (Sign up): thedraft.io◽️ Fundraising: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdnPersonable 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 advisorSupport the show

Send a textStanley Borden shares his journey of overcoming social anxiety, navigating NIL, and chasing NBA aspirations.Stanley Borden, a 7’0, 241-pound former walk-on for Duke’s men’s basketball team, is now a scholarship player at the University of Texas San Antonio. Born in New York and raised in Turkey with Turkish-Portuguese roots, he transitioned from tennis to basketball at 15, later starting for Portugal’s U20 national team. At Duke, he contributed to a 2022 Final Four, 2023 ACC Tournament win, 2024 Elite Eight, and 2025 Final Four, all while earning a computer science degree with minors in computational biology and English. Honored with the ACC Top Six for Service Award for organizing a 7.8km run for Turkey/Syria earthquake relief, Stanley now pursues an MBA at UTSA while aiming for a professional basketball career. In this episode, he opens up about battling social anxiety, leveraging NIL opportunities, and defining success beyond the court, guided by values of humility, empathy, and relentless initiative.In this episode, Stanley Borden discusses:◽️ Growing up in Turkey, Portugal influence◽️ Handling social anxiety at 7’0◽️ NIL’s impact on college basketball◽️ Transferring to UTSA for playing time◽️ Defining success, values, and purpose-⏱ Timestamps00:00 Intro00:50 Background and basketball beginnings01:40 Height assumptions03:43 Handling height-related questions04:19 Social dynamics of being tall04:43 Navigating perceptions in high school06:30 Social anxiety and fame07:23 Overcoming social anxiety10:04 Confidence reflection10:59 College loneliness and social media11:32 Campus fame via Fizz app12:40 Parasocial relationships and campus hate17:33 Connecting with others despite fame19:55 Basketball experience20:51 Walking onto Duke’s team23:05 Coach K’s involvement25:47 Tryout experience and team acceptance32:34 NBA aspirations32:42 Team role and growth34:21 Transferring for more playtime35:55 Playing with Cooper Flagg, Jared McCain36:26 Teammates’ personalities39:10 Engaging with people, not ideas41:21 Combating false narratives42:26 Empathy for negative behavior44:35 NIL’s impact on college sports48:59 Reflecting on future regrets50:04 Improving basketball skills52:54 Balancing basketball and other pursuits1:00:14 Being multifaceted1:01:19 Closing reflections1:02:24 Thanks and outro📌 ResourcesStanley Borden ◽️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stanleysborden/?hl=en◽️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stanley-borden-4b8909224/Harvey Bracken-Smith:◽️ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith◽️ Instagram: instagram.com/harveybsmith◽️ X (Twitter): x.com/harveybsmith_Personable Podcast:◽️ Instagram: instagram.com/personable.podcast◽️ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast◽️ TikTok: tiktok.com/@personableclips◽️ Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api◽️ Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personable/id1671640111Additional:◽️ The Draft (Sign up): thedraft.io◽️ Fundraising: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdnPersonable 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 qualifiedSupport the show

Send a textThis is the 2nd 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. Unfortunately, this week the hedge fund manager I was supposed to speak to dropped out at the last minute. Fortunately, a good friend of mine was able to fill the gap to join me on this week’s Personable markets episode...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 this episode, Luke Sloman reveals:◽️ Why Japanese PMs frequently resign◽️ US tariffs’ impact on global markets◽️ UK’s looming fiscal shortfall crisis◽️ Gold and Bitcoin as economic hedges◽️ Retail investors’ growing market influence-⏱ Timestamps00:00 Intro00:33 Japan’s political instability01:34 UK Deputy PM resignation01:35 Autumn budget concerns02:19 US Fed rate cut expectations02:49 Japanese PM resignation trends03:10 Liberal Democratic Party dominance05:42 Ishiba’s resignation reasons06:03 Nikkei 225 and S&P correlation07:08 US tariffs hit Japanese economy08:35 Japan’s trade diversification strategy09:07 Global stock market performance12:27 UK’s Labour approval drop13:00 Post-COVID economic struggles15:57 Migration as UK voter priority16:25 Labour’s tax hike challenges18:02 UK’s £50B fiscal shortfall20:55 UK’s entrepreneurial mindset gap23:24 Simon Squibb’s startup inspiration24:30 Harry Stebbings’ VC influence25:30 UK’s AI potential untapped27:27 US vs. UK entrepreneurial culture30:20 Trump’s tariff unconstitutionality ruling34:09 Silicon Valley Bank collapse37:22 US $40T debt concerns38:46 Potential financial crisis looming42:57 Retail investors’ limited participation46:55 GameStop retail investor phenomenon51:37 Citadel’s trading data advantage53:43 Gold prices hit record highs54:14 Bitcoin’s 10x growth explained57:20 Gold as inflation hedge1:00:12 Bitcoin’s government-backed irony1:03:12 Department of Defense renamed War1:05:03 War’s economic implications1:07:29 Strong US market performance1:08:00 Final thoughts and outlook1:08:48 Outro-📌 ResourcesLuke Sloman:◽️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-sloman-87a6742a9 Harvey Bracken-Smith:◽️ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith◽️ Instagram: instagram.com/harveybsmith◽️ X (Twitter): x.com/harveybsmith_◽️ Newsletter: https://personable.substack.com/Personable Podcast:◽️ Instagram: instagram.com/personable.podcast◽️ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast◽️ TikTok: tiktok.com/@personableclips◽️ Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api◽️ Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personable/id1671640111Additional:◽️ The Draft (Sign up): thedraft.io◽️ Fundraising: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdnPersonable 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 Support the show

Send a textTim McInnerny shares his journey of mastering diverse roles and staying true to the craft of acting.Tim McInnerny rose to prominence as a versatile actor, uniquely playing two leading roles in the iconic Blackadder series - Lord Percy Percy and Captain Darling - while building a career spanning theater, film, and television. From his early days in school plays to starring alongside legends like Vanessa Redgrave and Judi Dench, Tim has balanced comedy and drama, appearing in projects like Notting Hill, Game of Thrones, and Gladiator 2. A graduate of Oxford University, where he studied English Language and Literature, he honed his craft through the National Youth Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company, always prioritizing truth and authenticity in his performances. In this episode, Tim McInnerny discusses:◽️ Discovering acting through a reluctant school play debut at 14◽️ Balancing ambition with humility in a competitive industry◽️ The importance of truth and collaboration in acting◽️ Navigating the emotional depths of roles like Iago and Hamlet◽️ Lessons from a 40-year career in theater, TV, and film-⏱ Timestamps00:00 Intro00:31 Tim shares school play start02:09 Acting clicked for Tim early04:36 Harvey contrasts modern acting motives05:04 Harvey asks about role competition05:24 Tim on theater, luck’s role08:08 Tim’s first London play09:19 Harvey cites passion-driven acting11:23 Balancing uniqueness with director’s vision12:19 Tim on collaboration, script’s role15:29 Tim’s chameleon-like acting approach16:20 Tim on accessing self for roles18:36 Harvey references Game of Thrones19:42 Tim on controlling role immersion21:08 Harvey asks about disconnecting roles23:21 Tim discusses playing Iago25:24 Harvey relates to life balance26:25 Tim praises Harvey’s self-awareness27:01 Tim chose university over drama29:42 Tim on Oxford theater opportunities31:33 Harvey shares dyslexia, camera issues33:02 Tim on Blackadder comedy36:36 Tim defines humor as wit38:04 Blackadder’s serious comedy process40:38 Challenges with Shakespeare’s comedy41:01 Humor from character truth47:00 Harvey asks about inspirations48:31 Tim on Redgrave, Dench, Holm54:17 Harvey asks about legacy54:38 Tim values kindness as legacy55:35 Harvey asks about unasked questions57:34 Acting as self-examination privilege58:43 Harvey thanks Tim, recalls meeting1:00:05 Harvey reflects on deep talk1:00:11 Outro📌 ResourcesTim McInnerny:◽️ IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0570570/Harvey Bracken-Smith:◽️ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith◽️ Instagram: instagram.com/harveybsmith◽️ X (Twitter): x.com/harveybsmith_Personable Podcast:◽️ Instagram: instagram.com/personable.podcast◽️ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast◽️ TikTok: tiktok.com/@personableclips◽️ Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api◽️ Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personable/id1671640111Additional:◽️ The Draft (Sign up): thedraft.io◽️ Fundraising: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdnPersonable 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 quaSupport the show

Send a textWill Judy, a former top scooter rider, shares his journey of building a 24,000-follower community and thriving as a data scientist.Will Judy rose to prominence as a professional scooter rider, amassing over 24,000 Instagram followers through skill-driven video edits that garnered tens of thousands of views. He earned brand sponsorships for U.S. travel and signature skateboard parts in his name. Alongside his scootering career, he graduated magna cum laude from Loyola Marymount University with a degree in applied mathematics, earning Dean’s List and merit scholar honors. He now maintains a 4.0 GPA in a Master’s in Data Science at the University of Texas and works as a data scientist in marketing analytics. In this episode, Will Judy discusses:◽️ How scootering built lifelong discipline◽️ Growing a 24,000-follower community◽️ Balancing passion with academic success◽️ Lessons from overcoming social pressures◽️ Transitioning to a data science career-⏱ Timestamps00:00 Intro00:32 Will explains why he started scootering01:24 Growing up active in Seattle02:02 What drove Will to excel02:10 Joy of landing new tricks02:32 Building friendships at skate parks03:47 Scootering as a unique skill06:07 Key life lessons from scootering07:11 Gratitude from diverse friendships08:46 Common misconceptions about scooter riders09:15 Lack of corporate sponsorships10:59 Will’s shift to community focus12:50 Supportive parents enabled balance14:08 Choosing college over full-time scootering16:23 Describing high-stakes scootering jumps16:27 Risks of advanced scootering moves17:41 Finding unique spots for tricks19:22 Parallels to career risk-taking20:55 Incremental steps for skill mastery21:48 Patience in achieving big goals24:32 Embracing discomfort for personal growth25:39 Benefits of sticking with passions27:54 Handling negative comments online32:55 Building a loyal fan base35:25 Quality over quantity in relationships37:35 Impacting kids’ life choices positively42:51 Staying true to scootering roots46:05 Pursuing music as a passion51:24 Love for puzzles and problem-solving53:51 Landing data science job serendipitously57:10 Legacy in music and sustainability1:01:39 Future: Music, career, and balance1:06:51 Outro📌 ResourcesWill Judy:◽️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/will.judy/◽️ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willjudyy/◽️ Highlights: https://youtu.be/ZBB-j4vnHdU?si=q8SAsLtvrqa7JZPyHarvey Bracken-Smith:◽️ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith◽️ Instagram: instagram.com/harveybsmith◽️ X (Twitter): x.com/harveybsmith_Personable Podcast:◽️ Instagram: instagram.com/personable.podcast◽️ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast◽️ TikTok: tiktok.com/@personableclips◽️ Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api◽️ Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personable/id1671640111Additional:◽️ The Draft (Sign up): thedraft.io◽️ Fundraising: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdnPersonable 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. InSupport the show

Send a textNapa Valley’s Andrea Bartolucci pulls back the curtain on the hidden truths of winemaking, family business, and what it takes to thrive for a century.Andrea Bartolucci is the proprietor of Madonna Estate and Madonna Vineyards, Napa’s second-oldest vineyard, founded by his Italian immigrant grandfather in 1922. A third-generation vintner, he’s led the family business to focus on organic, high-quality wines, producing 50,000 gallons annually. Now he’s confronting winemaking myths—from why passion trumps profit to how quality grapes, not branding, define great wine.In this episode, Andrea Bartolucci reveals:◽️ The SHOCKING prohibition-era winery survival trick!◽️ Why he stuck with family vineyards!◽️ The secret to Napa’s best wines!◽️ How crop insurance saves disaster losses!◽️ The mindset to outlast Napa competitors!-⏱ Timestamps00:00 Intro00:21 Three generations of Bartolucci winemaking01:24 Surviving prohibition by selling grapes01:54 Growing up with wine culture02:10 Life in Napa’s vineyards as a child03:47 Expanding from 24 to 275 acres04:31 Quality vs. quantity in winemaking04:52 Why good grapes make great wine05:50 Differentiating Chardonnay and Pinot Noir06:43 Matching grapes to Napa’s climate07:11 Family legacy: Why kids joined winery09:45 How vineyards grow under strict regulations12:10 Producing 50,000 gallons with 120 acres13:16 Custom crush: Boosting winery income13:33 Family meetings for winery’s future16:20 Crop insurance against fires, frost18:09 Choosing wine: It’s all about taste19:34 Napa’s cost barrier to new vintners20:39 Passion drives Andrea’s winery devotion22:59 Biggest regret: Staying too conservative23:15 Tractor mishap: A childhood memory27:04 Why wine doesn’t age forever28:32 Speeding up wine aging risks30:08 Location drives Napa wine quality34:11 Branding vs. real wine quality35:57 Competing in Napa’s crowded market37:42 Upgrading barrels for better flavor40:08 Winemaking mirrors raising daughters42:57 Farming reality: Nature controls outcomes44:52 Frost challenges in vineyard history47:27 Organic farming since 197649:08 Grandfather’s advice: Accept gifts gratefully51:39 Core value: Treat others fairly52:44 Doubling down through adversity53:06 One message: Find your passion53:50 Reliving daughters’ birth moments54:13 Legacy: Fairness and respect54:55 What’s next for Andrea55:12 One takeaway: Love your work📌 ResourcesAndrea Bartolucci:◽️ Website: madonnaestate.com◽️ Instagram: instagram.com/madonnaestateHarvey Bracken-Smith:◽️ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith◽️ Instagram: instagram.com/harveybsmith◽️ X (Twitter): x.com/harveybsmith_Personable Podcast:◽️ Instagram: instagram.com/personable.podcast◽️ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast◽️ TikTok: tiktok.com/@personableclips◽️ Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api◽️ Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personable/id1671640111Additional:◽️ The Draft (Sign up): thedraft.io◽️ Fundraising: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdnPersonable 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 financialSupport the show

Send a textDuke dropout One Chowdhury pulls back the curtain on the lies we believe about startups, success, and what it really takes to challenge a $300B giant like Salesforce.One Chowdhury is the CEO of Octolane, a Y Combinator-backed startup that raised $2.6M to build the first self-driving AI CRM. A self-taught coder who left Duke University to pursue his vision, he learned the pain of manual CRM entry during his internship at Mintlify. Now he’s confronting startup myths - from why focus trumps talent to how AI can transform sales workflows, freeing reps from tedious data entry.In this episode, One Chowdhury reveals:◽️ The SHOCKING Salesforce flaw reps hate!◽️ Why he ditched Duke for startups!◽️ The AI trick outsmarting CRM giants!◽️ How Octolane’s $2.6M raise happened fast!◽️ The mindset to beat impossible odds!-⏱ Timestamps00:00 Intro00:32 One’s discovery of Salesforce’s flaws01:15 The emotional spark: Sales reps’ struggles02:18 What Salesforce does and why it fails02:47 Pain of manual CRM data entry03:30 Why One chose to target Salesforce04:51 Skepticism from others about his vision05:06 Overcoming the “impossible” mindset05:52 Silicon Valley’s hustle: Key lessons06:30 Mintlify’s influence on One’s approach07:17 Downsides of startup life exposed10:33 Mintlify internship: Building AI products11:50 Learning to ship fast, iterate later12:46 Octolane’s self-driving AI CRM vision14:20 How Octolane automates sales workflows15:45 Early challenges: Gaining customer trust18:06 Why focus beats shiny AI distractions21:58 Coding as a superpower for all23:15 High school project with 300,000 users25:11 Why Duke was the right choice26:10 Cultural shock at Duke University30:34 AI tools like Cursor and Lovable31:15 Can non-technical founders succeed?33:00 Grit and discipline fuel Octolane’s rise36:49 Biggest hurdle to beating Salesforce39:11 Staying focused for a 10-year mission40:30 Why Salesforce isn’t the real threat42:40 Spotting real AI startups vs hype44:15 Net Revenue Retention: The success metric46:30 How One raised $2.6M so fast48:00 Y Combinator’s role in Octolane’s growth49:30 AI’s real-world impact on sales58:49 Balancing AI rewards with safety1:03:13 One’s legacy: Inspiring bold action1:03:41 Next goal: Switch 100 companies1:04:14 One’s advice: Focus and agency1:06:51 Final reflections & takeaways📌 ResourcesOne Chowdhury:◽️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coffeewithone/Harvey Bracken-Smith:◽️ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith◽️ Instagram: instagram.com/harveybsmith◽️ X (Twitter): x.com/harveybsmith_Personable Podcast:◽️ Instagram: instagram.com/personable.podcast◽️ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast◽️ TikTok: tiktok.com/@personableclips◽️ Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api◽️ Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personable/id1671640111Additional:◽️ The Draft (Sign up): thedraft.io◽️ Fundraising: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdnPersonable 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 investmentSupport the show

Send a textThis is the 1st 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...Stephen Roberts who is the founder of Orgueil Capital (an investment vehicle with its North Star to quintuple capital over the next 8-9 year period) & Former Partner at the Hedge Fund Horseman Capital.In this episode, Stephen Roberts reveals:◽️ The SURPRISING reason Hang Seng is one of 2025’s top indexes◽️ Why Nvidia’s sky-high valuation could impact markets◽️ His Secret to spotting China’s undervalued tech giants◽️ The impact of Trump’s Fed pressure◽️ The HIDDEN power of retail investors shaking markets-⏱ Timestamps00:00 Intro00:36 Hang Seng's Overlooked Surge02:54 Alibaba's Cloud Computing Success03:35 China's Geopolitical Investment Risks05:00 U.S. Policies Create Global Opportunities06:19 Nio's Strong China Performance06:40 China's Online Shopping Trend07:25 Misconceptions About China Media09:19 AI Investment Beyond Nvidia09:58 Nvidia's Competition Risks Exposed10:49 DeepSeek's Sudden AI Launch11:43 Mag 7's Continued AI Focus12:31 Trump's Green Light for Tech13:57 U.S.-China Trade Deal Prospects14:39 China's Strength Against Trump17:18 Trump's Growth Agenda Detailed19:08 State vs. Fed Relationship20:55 Fed Holding Rates Spitefully?21:32 Presidents' Views on Rates22:58 Rates Conversation Overemphasis24:21 Finding Market Opportunities Elsewhere25:49 Consumer Sentiment in U.S.28:19 GameStop Retail Pump Phenomenon30:10 Monitoring Retail Investor Sentiment32:49 Citadel's AI Transcript Analysis35:47 Nvidia's Singapore Revenue Risks38:24 AI's iPhone Moment Evolution40:08 Banks Benefiting from AI41:08 LP's Long-Term Investment Strategy44:08 Hedge Fund Failure Rates45:18 S&P 500's High Risks47:20 Equal-Weighted S&P Considerations48:51 Mag 7 Distraction Warning48:57 Key Trade Recommendations49:39 Bitcoin's Government Hedge Role50:56 Defense Stocks Like Palantir55:02 Luxury Consumer Trends57:16 Gambling Sector Regulatory Risks58:25 Luxury's Global Bull Trend59:05 Hedge Funds on Social Media1:00:09 Podcasting's Structural Growth1:00:53 Avoid U.S.-Centric Mindset1:01:18 Final Market Themes Outlook1:01:48 Key Risks in Next Months1:03:08 Outro-📌 ResourcesStephen Roberts:◽️ Orgueil Capital: https://www.orgueilcapital.com/our-storyHarvey Bracken-Smith:◽️ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith◽️ Instagram: instagram.com/harveybsmith◽️ X (Twitter): x.com/harveybsmith_◽️ Newsletter: https://personable.substack.com/Personable Podcast:◽️ Instagram: instagram.com/personable.podcast◽️ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast◽️ TikTok: tiktok.com/@personableclips◽️ Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api◽️ Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personable/id1671640111Additional:◽️ The Draft (Sign up): thedraft.io◽️ Fundraising: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdnPersonable 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 financiSupport the show

Send a textDuke basketball phenom Jadyn Donovan pulls back the curtain on the lies we believe about talent, success, and what it really takes to make it at the highest levelJadyn Donovan is an elite basketball defender and two-time FIBA World Cup gold medalist (U17/U19). The Duke star earned 2025 ACC All-Defensive Team honors while leading the Blue Devils to the NCAA Sweet 16. A former McDonald's All-American who maintained Academic All-ACC status. Now she’s confronting NCAA myths— from why she tracks defensive stops as points scored to how natural talent not enough at the highest level In this episode, Jadyn Donovan reveals:◽️ The SHOCKING last-minute twist that almost kept her from Duke◽️ The defensive "basketball calculus" only elite players understand◽️ How her FBI-level film study creates UNFAIR advantages◽️ The 2 CRUCIAL plays that ended Duke's 2025 championship hopes◽️ Why her academic focus remains UNTOUCHED by NIL distractions—⏱ Timestamps00:00 Intro00:42 How Jadyn First Fell in Love with Basketball02:03 The Game That Made Her Realize She Could Go Far03:27 Being a Young Girl in Basketball & Defying Expectations05:16 How Duke Entered the Picture (Her Recruitment Story)06:26 Almost Going to Notre Dame Instead07:10 What Jadyn Thought Duke Would Be Like vs. Reality08:31 Why the “Sisterhood” at Duke Is So Special10:01 Why People Stay at Duke Instead of Transferring11:11 What Coach Kara Saw in Her Game12:46 Behind the Scenes: Competing for a Spot Every Week15:08 Feeling Pressure & How She Became More Free17:25 How She Stays Disciplined When No One's Watching19:03 Why She Refuses to Cut Corners20:13 Breaking Mental Limits & Growing From Year 1 to 222:02 Her First Game at Duke & Early Season Highs and Lows23:33 Biggest Differences Between High School & College Ball25:06 The “Baby Jadyn” vs. “Mature Jadyn” Mindset Shift26:35 Becoming One of the Top Defenders in the ACC27:26 Her Step-by-Step Defensive Strategy & Scouting Process29:13 Do Players Really Stick to Their Habits in Games?30:05 What’s the Real Goal of Defense?31:38 How She Actually Stops Elite Players33:27 Playing Alongside NBA Prospects Like Cooper Flagg35:55 Her Honest Take on the WNBA & Making a Living37:10 The Power of NIL & Players Like Angel Reese38:09 The Inequality Between Men’s and Women’s Attention39:58 How She Turns Lack of Support Into Motivation40:13 Building a Brand Like Caitlin Clark43:55 Her Honest Take on NIL’s Impact (Good & Bad)46:51 Learning to Trust the Right People48:22 What She’s Learned About Money & Investing50:23 Would She Stay in College Longer Just for NIL?51:55 Will Duke Women’s Basketball Win a National Title?52:42 Where Her Fierce Mindset Comes From54:26 Biggest Misconception About Her54:47 What She’d Do Differently If She Started Again55:11 Best Advice She’s Ever Received56:31 What Happiness Means to Her58:35 What’s Her Purpose in Life?59:39 Biggest Life Lesson So Far1:00:35 How She Deals With Adversity1:01:21 What’s Next for Jadyn1:01:54 How She Wants to Be Remembered1:02:38 Final Reflections & Takeaways📌 ResourcesJadyn Donovan:◽️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donovan_jadyn/?hl=enHarvey Bracken-Smith:◽️ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith◽️ Instagram: instagram.com/harveybsmith◽️ X (Twitter): x.com/harveybsmith_Personable Podcast:◽️ Instagram: instagram.com/personable.podcast◽️ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast◽️ TikTok: tiktok.com/@personableclips◽️ Support the show

Send a textFrom Apple’s Touch ID to a $650M hedge fund–and from Vietnamese medtech to $80M in DeFi–Makoto Tominaga & Quoc Anh Ngo expose why retail trading is rigged, and how their AI platform OpenQuant is rewriting the rules of crypto, equities, and real estate investing.Makoto Tominaga is a quant strategist at a $650M hedge fund and former Apple engineer who helped develop Touch ID security. Quoc Anh Ngo (QA) built medical rehab devices in Vietnam before creating DeFi protocols that secured $80M in deposits. Together, they're founding OpenQuant - an AI platform bringing institutional-grade trading tools to retail investors across crypto, stocks and real estate.Makoto & QA reveal:◽️ Why 95% of traders fail—and how their AI cracks the code◽️ From Apple’s biometrics to DeFi security—the hidden link in financial safety◽️ The $80M DeFi disaster that rewrote their rules for risk◽️ Why VC money is a trap—and their unconventional funding blueprint◽️ "Institutional tools break for retail"—Makoto’s law of real-world finance-⏱ Timestamps00:00 Intro01:23 How Makoto and QA Met02:33 Why Makoto Joined Forces with QA05:10 Taking on Hard Problems with AI and Finance08:20 Why Not Keep the Edge to Themselves?10:50 Building a Win-Win Business Model12:27 What Is OpenQuant? (Beginner Explanation)15:56 How Funds Build Strategies Step-by-Step17:54 Why Funds Miss Big Opportunities20:08 How AI Supercharges Research and Strategy22:44 Helping Everyday Investors Avoid Risky Mistakes23:44 6 Big Questions from Harvey25:53 Do All Users Get the Same Info?27:25 Can Makoto and QA See Everyone’s Trades?30:12 Privacy and Ethics of Trade Data32:05 Why Give Risky Tools to Non-Experts?35:16 Will Hedge Funds Lose Their Edge?37:08 What Risks Should Users Be Aware Of?39:33 Why OpenQuant Helps, Not Harms40:53 Quant vs. Gut Investing – Which Is Better?44:13 What People Don’t Understand About Crypto47:53 Rapid Fire: What Drives Makoto and QA50:50 What Motivates Them52:13 Best Advice They’ve Received55:20 How They Handle Stress and Uncertainty57:07 Questions They’re Rarely Asked1:01:03 Why Take Big Risks1:03:20 Final Takeaways for the Listener1:08:26 Outro📌 ResourcesQA:◽️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/q-anh-ngo-361556200/Makoto Tominaga: ◽️ Website: https://yseali.fulbright.edu.vn/en/2022-digitization-of-trust/makoto-tominaga/Harvey Bracken-Smith:◽️ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith◽️ Instagram: instagram.com/harveybsmith◽️ X (Twitter): x.com/harveybsmith_Personable Podcast:◽️ Instagram: instagram.com/personable.podcast◽️ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast◽️ TikTok: tiktok.com/@personableclips◽️ Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api◽️ Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personable/id1671640111Additional:◽️ The Draft (Sign up): thedraft.io◽️ Fundraising: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdnPersonable 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.Support the show

Send a textCitadel Securities’ Chief People Officer, Alex DiLeonardo, reveals how the firm spots outliers early, evaluates talent with surgical precision, and ties every employee’s work directly to CEO-level goals.Alex DiLeonardo is the Chief People Officer at Citadel Securities, where he leads global talent strategy across recruiting, development, and performance. He previously served as Chief Talent Officer at Activision Blizzard and was a partner at McKinsey & Company, with earlier experience at JPMorgan Chase and Deloitte. Alex holds degrees from Carnegie Mellon’s Tepper School of Business and Heinz College, and lectures at Harvard, Wharton, and other global business schools on aligning people systems with business performance.In this episode, Alex reveals:◽️ How Citadel Securities identifies high-potential talent and gives them direct project ownership from day one◽️ Why every employee’s goals are explicitly tied to CEO-level business outcomes◽️ How AI and automation are reshaping performance management - without losing the human touch◽️ What makes HR in hedge funds radically different from Fortune 500 companies◽️ His “capital I” career model - and why nonlinear growth beats fast promotions-⏱ Timestamps00:00 Intro00:42 Becoming Chief People Officer03:07 People as competitive advantage03:43 Culture that attracts talent05:52 Early career growth opportunities06:45 What talent really wants10:48 Career as an “I” shape11:24 Culture from top and bottom13:43 Values: winning, meritocracy, learning15:06 Culture vs. performance balance16:31 Citadel Securities vs Citadel hedge fund17:14 Graduate recruiting & training programs18:45 Why Harvey chose Goldman Sachs21:22 Resume proxies and candidate fit23:20 Balancing established vs startup culture24:28 Unique top-down project assignments25:53 Talent insights from a headhunter’s son27:31 Strategy amid fast-changing markets30:20 Living meritocracy: goal ownership34:19 Avoiding credit-stealing and accountability35:48 Why share knowledge publicly?36:58 Leadership beliefs unlearned38:02 Competitive intensity & mental health38:32 Values supporting performance39:18 Assessing potential, long & short term39:30 AI as an enabler, not threat40:00 Common HR misconceptions40:09 Advice for aspiring Chief People Officers41:36 Question not asked enough42:31 Favorite restaurant & cycling passion46:51 Foot off the pedal? Restlessness48:16 What’s next & desired legacy49:39 Key takeaway for listeners51:01 Outro📌 ResourcesAlexander DiLeonardo◽️ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexanderdileonardo/Harvey Bracken-Smith:◽️ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith◽️ Instagram: instagram.com/harveybsmith◽️ X (Twitter): x.com/harveybsmith_Personable Podcast:◽️ Instagram: instagram.com/personable.podcast◽️ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast◽️ TikTok: tiktok.com/@personableclips◽️ Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api◽️ Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personable/id1671640111Additional:◽️ The Draft (Sign up): thedraft.io◽️ Fundraising: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdnPersonable 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.Support the show

Send a textFrom the NBA to leading Tiger Woods’ foundation, Rick Singer reveals why earning respect, not popularity, is the key to leadership, how elite athletes build lasting influence, and what most CEOs get wrong about impact.Rick Singer is the former President and CEO of the Tiger Woods Foundation, where he led global education, youth development, and philanthropic strategy for one of the most iconic athletes of all time. Prior to that, he held senior roles at the NBA, IBM, and KemperSports Management, and served as a marketing professor at Duke University. With a career spanning elite sports, corporate leadership, and education, Rick brings hard-earned insights into influence, branding, and building trust at the highest level.In this episode, Rick revealed:◽️ Why being respected, not liked, is the trait top performers and great leaders prioritize◽️ What it was like working directly with Tiger Woods - and how Tiger built trust without words◽️ The leadership lessons CEOs can borrow from elite athletes and coaches◽️ How to build a high-performance team culture without micromanaging◽️ The most common mistake young professionals make when trying to lead early in their careers-⏱ Timestamps00:00 Intro01:03 Rick’s start in nonprofits02:46 Poll EV question on nonprofits03:55 Why Rick chose nonprofit work05:57 Paying nonprofit workers better07:06 Measuring nonprofit success09:24 Fundraising and impact metrics10:33 Comparing nonprofit to business11:09 Working with Tiger Woods13:41 Growth at Tiger Woods Foundation16:53 Why Rick left the foundation17:28 Deal making nonprofit vs for-profit19:17 Rick’s time at IBM23:24 Digital impact on sports24:04 AI vs crypto/metaverse27:33 Balancing profit and passion30:05 Why sports marketing works32:29 NBA vs IBM marketing35:09 Handling backlash (Bud Light)38:51 Marketing & evolving values40:47 Importance of values44:13 Aligning culture and values49:28 Rick’s key personal values51:39 Misconceptions about Rick’s work52:26 Unlearning: being liked vs respected53:16 Advice for college grads54:33 Best advice Rick received55:30 Question Rick hasn’t been asked56:53 What’s next for Rick58:00 Rick’s legacy58:31 Rick’s message: patience59:36 Outro📌 ResourcesRick Singer◽️ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-singer-9a44037/Harvey Bracken-Smith:◽️ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith◽️ Instagram: instagram.com/harveybsmith◽️ X (Twitter): x.com/harveybsmith_Personable Podcast:◽️ Instagram: instagram.com/personable.podcast◽️ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast◽️ TikTok: tiktok.com/@personableclips◽️ Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api◽️ Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personable/id1671640111Additional:◽️ The Draft (Sign up): thedraft.io◽️ Fundraising: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdnPersonable 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.Support the show