Enterprising Investor

Guest host Chris Wiese, CFA, Managing Director of Education at CFA Institute, sits down with Nerina Visser, CFA, President’s Council Representative for the Middle East and Africa, during the CFA Institute LIVE 2025 conference. Their conversation spans the dynamic investment environment across the region and the evolving role of CFA Institute in supporting professionals navigating local and global challenges. Nerina discusses the structural realities shaping participation in the profession—including currency volatility, affordability, and access—and highlights new ways of thinking about program value relative to income levels. She also shares her advocacy for gender diversity through Women in ETFs South Africa and reflects on initiatives designed to ensure lasting, inclusive progress in the industry. Additional insights include strategies to overcome persistent misconceptions around ETFs, the role of transparency and education in investor decision-making, and a forward-looking vision for integrating African capital markets into the global investment ecosystem through regulatory alignment and regional cooperation. Tune in for perspective on unlocking talent, expanding access, and promoting resilience across frontier and emerging markets.

Barbara Stewart, CFA, returns to The Enterprising Investor to share findings from her latest Rich Thinking study, based on candid conversations with 54 people across the globe. This year’s central question—“What’s the smartest thing you ever did?”—unlocks an inspiring range of stories about personal and professional transformation. From a Singaporean ballet dancer who defied expectations, to an Argentine executive who discovered the Japanese concept of ikigai, to an Australian entrepreneur who rebuilt his life after addiction, Barbara explores how risk-taking, mindset shifts, career pivots, and geographic leaps often lead to unimagined success. With trademark warmth and insight, she illustrates how the boldest moves can become the smartest decisions. Listen to the full episode for powerful, real-life stories—and explore the Rich Thinking summary on the Enterprising Investor blog for even more global insights.

At CFA Institute LIVE 2025, returning guest Mark Higgins, CFA, sat down with guest host Lotta Moberg to explore the rise—and risks—of private credit. With a historical perspective and a sharp eye for market cycles, Mark challenges the prevailing optimism, drawing parallels to past investment booms and offering a compelling case for greater caution. He also examines the expanding role of consultants and questions common assumptions in portfolio construction. A must-listen for anyone navigating the complex terrain of private markets.

Andrew Ang—former BlackRock executive, Columbia professor, and advisor to Sarawak’s sovereign wealth fund— explores the intersection of personal journey and professional insight in modern investing. From the severe value investing drawdown between 2018 and 2020 to the strategic comeback post-COVID vaccine announcements, Andrew unpacks lessons from one of the most turbulent financial periods in history. He also discusses how investors can build resilience into their portfolios, the nuanced role of crypto assets, and the growing importance of tax-efficient strategies in long-term wealth building. Listen in for a thoughtful discussion that blends research, practical guidance, and a global perspective on today’s investment landscape. This podcast is sponsored by Fintool. Fintool is a comprehensive suite of AI-powered tools designed for modern fundamental research. Check them out at https://fintool.com/

Eric Hanno, CFA, is co-head of Apollo Global Management's Apollo Aligned Alternatives (AAA) strategy. He and host Mike Wallberg, CFA, discuss the current market dynamics for semi-liquid investments amid high levels of uncertainty and volatility in public markets. Eric shares insights on consumer and business confidence trends, the impact of tariffs, and the overall energy in Apollo's offices. With a focus on how investors can effectively allocate semi-liquid assets into their portfolios, this episode provides valuable perspectives for navigating today's investment landscape. Tune in for expert insights from a leader in private equity. This podcast is sponsored by Fintool. Fintool is a comprehensive suite of AI-powered tools designed for modern fundamental research. Check them out at https://fintool.com/

Dan Boston, Lead Manager of Polar Capital’s International Small Company Fund (PCSCX), shares his perspective on why international equities may be poised for a resurgence. The conversation unfolds amid sharp market volatility following President Trump’s announcement of sweeping new tariffs. With global markets down significantly, Dan and Mike explore the broader implications for asset classes including U.S. treasuries, oil, and international stocks. Tune in for a timely discussion on where global opportunities may lie in today’s unsettled investment landscape. This podcast is sponsored by Fintool. Fintool is a comprehensive suite of AI-powered tools designed for modern fundamental research. Check them out at https://fintool.com/

Renowned economist and former Federal Reserve advisor Danielle DiMartino Booth joins host Mike Wallberg, CFA, for a hard-hitting conversation about the real state of the U.S. economy. From the under-the-radar signs of a recession to the shifting credit landscape, Danielle unpacks why traditional metrics may be missing the mark—and what investors should really be watching. The conversation digs into retail bankruptcies, private credit vulnerabilities, and how the gig economy is quietly reshaping the labor market. Plus, Danielle shares timely insights on inflation, student debt, reshoring, and what the data says about where we're headed next. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just trying to make sense of today's headlines, this is a can't-miss episode packed with sharp analysis and grounded economic perspective. This podcast is sponsored by Fintool. Fintool is a comprehensive suite of AI-powered tools designed for modern fundamental research. Check them out at https://fintool.com/

Geopolitical strategist and bestselling author Peter Zeihan returns for a deep dive into the shifting global order. He and host Mike Wallberg, CFA, explore the evolving role of the US in international trade, the economic impact of demographic shifts, and how America's political landscape is reshaping its strategy on the world stage. Peter unpacks the forces driving today’s geopolitical and economic upheaval, offering insights on what the future holds for investors, businesses, and nations alike. Be sure to catch both Peter and Mike at CFA Institute LIVE 2025 in Chicago this May! This podcast is sponsored by Fintool. Fintool is a comprehensive suite of AI-powered tools designed for modern fundamental research. Check them out at https://fintool.com/

Join us for a special crossover episode of Enterprising Investor, where host Mike Wallberg, CFA, sits down with The Long Term Investor podcast’s Peter Lazaroff, CFA, for a lively and thought-provoking conversation. Together, they dive into the key influences that have shaped their investing philosophies and personal worldviews, sharing insights gleaned from their experiences with a wide range of guests. This episode is packed with actionable takeaways as they explore the powerful intersection of investment strategies and personal growth. Tune in now for this unique podcast crossover, blending expertise, experience, and fresh perspectives in one compelling discussion. And if you enjoy this episode, you won’t want to miss Mike and Peter at CFA Institute LIVE 2025 in Chicago this May!   This episode is sponsored by Fintool. Check them out at https://fintool.com/

Senior Affiliate Researcher at CFA Institute, Cheryll-Ann Wilson, CFA, discusses the recently published CFA Institute Research & Policy Center report, “Creating Value from Big Data in the Investment Management Process: A Workflow Analysis.” Cheryll-Ann shares insights from her research, which involved a comprehensive survey and interviews with investment professionals worldwide. The conversation explores the use of AI and big data technologies in the finance sector, highlighting the challenges and opportunities that practitioners, regulators, and executives face in adopting these innovations. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how technology is reshaping the investment management profession and what it means for your own technological journey.   Visit https://cfainst.is/4gvKRke to read the report.

In this episode, Mike welcomes Olivier Fines, CFA, Head of Advocacy and Capital Markets Policy Research for EMEA at CFA Institute, and Mark Higgins, CFA, author of "Investing in U.S. Financial History." The discussion centers around the findings of a recent CFA Institute Research and Policy Center report titled "The Dollar's Exorbitant Privilege," which Olivier co-authored. Olivier shared insights from the survey report, and Mark provided a historical perspective on reserve currencies and events that have triggered shifts away from dominant currencies in the past. This engaging conversation provides valuable insights into the complexities of US debt, the role of the dollar, and the historical context that shapes our current financial system.

Mike Wallberg, CFA, welcomes Amanda Voegeli, CFA, President and Managing Partner of Southlea Group, to discuss the unique landscape of Canadian public sector pension plans. The conversation dives into the competitive challenges these plans face in attracting and retaining talent compared to private finance giants such as Blackstone and Goldman Sachs. Amanda also highlights findings from a recent study by Southlea Group that sheds light on compensation strategies and talent retention within these massive public entities. Tune in for valuable perspectives on the intersection of pension management and human capital in Canada.

In this episode of the Enterprising Investor podcast, guest host Ryan Munson discusses the 2024 edition of the Mercer CFA Institute Global Pension Index with Mercer's Executive Director of Investments and Global Chief Investment Strategist, Rich Nuzum, CFA. Rich, who has extensive experience in providing investment advice and leading long-term savings reform projects, shares insights into the key features of robust pension systems and the challenges faced by underperforming ones.

Founder and CEO of Essentia Analytics, Clare Flynn Levy, joins Mike Wallberg, CFA, to discuss the concept of the behavioral alpha score, a metric designed to assess an investor's decision-making skill. Drawing from her experience as an active equity fund manager, Clare explains the origins of the behavioral alpha score and its significance in the pursuit of sustainable investment alpha in an increasingly competitive landscape. She emphasizes that traditional methods of generating alpha, such as superior information, are no longer effective, highlighting the importance of understanding and improving one's own decision-making processes. Tune in to explore how behavioral analytics can enhance investment strategies and decision making.

Stephen Foerster, CFA, discusses his new book, "Trailblazers Heroes and Crooks: Stories to Make You a Smarter Investor."  In the book, Professor Foerster shares intriguing stories that illustrate valuable lessons for investors, drawing from diverse topics such as professional sports, fraud cases, and even wildlife encounters. The conversation kicks off with a fascinating tale involving Warren Buffett's early investment in the 1960s, featuring the notorious figure Tino DeAngelis and an anonymous tipster known as The Voice. Dr. Foerster emphasizes the importance of learning from history beyond just financial metrics, encouraging investors to consider the broader context of their decisions. Tune in for a rich discussion about the lessons that can be gleaned from both triumphs and missteps in the investment world.