The Human Side of Finance: Soft Skills, Neurodiversity, and Global Markets (Senior Sales & Trading Exec)
In this episode, Anthony sits down with Miren-Edurne De Frutos, a senior sales & trading executive with decades of global experience across top-tier investment banks.Fluent in five languages and having worked across eight countries, Miren shares her refreshingly honest take on:What sales & trading roles actually involve (minus the jargon)How to stand out in finance by mastering soft skillsThe power of building authentic, long-term relationshipsWhy neurodiversity still isn't talked about enough in markets and how she’s using her voice to change thatFrom waiting tables in New York to pitching complex ideas to institutional clients, Miren’s journey is packed with stories, practical advice, and raw insight into what it really takes to succeed and be yourself in finance.Whether you’re exploring a career in markets or already navigating one, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.(02:02) Introduction to Career Insights and Neurodiversity(03:56) Understanding Roles in Investment Banking(06:40) How Language Skills Helped(09:09) The Importance of Personal Growth and Adaptability(12:22) Standing Out in a Competitive Environment(15:33) Building Your Board of Directors(19:07) The Art of Selling and Building Relationships(22:45) Networking vs. Relationship Building(26:09) Navigating Neurodiversity in Finance(35:18) Leveraging Technology for Neurodiverse Individuals(38:24) Creating Inclusive Environments in Finance Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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40:28
The Deal Room: ESG Explained — Beyond the Buzzword (Part 1)
Is ESG just a buzzword or does it still matter? In this two-part episode, Anthony Cheung is joined by ESG expert Stephen Barnett to unpack what ESG really means, where it came from, and why it’s become so confusing (and controversial). From trillion-dollar funds to wind turbines on glossy brochures, they explore the good, the bad, and the misunderstood. Whether you're curious about impact investing, thinking about a career in sustainable finance, or just want to finally understand what ESG actually means beyond the acronym, this is the episode for you.(00:00) Introduction to ESG and Its Importance(05:43) The Historical Context of ESG(12:22) The Size and Scope of the ESG Industry(18:29) Understanding ESG Investing Strategies(26:16) Impact Investing vs. ESG(31:21) Challenges in ESG Investing(37:16) Philosophical Considerations in ESG Investing Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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41:13
The Trading Floor: Trump’s Tariff Reversal Sparks Historic Stock Rally
In one of the wildest weeks on Wall Street since 2008, markets flip from panic to euphoria—thanks to a single Truth Social post and a dramatic policy reversal from Donald Trump. But was it all part of the plan?In this episode, Anthony Cheung and Piers Curran break down:Why the S&P 500 had its biggest one-day jump since the financial crisisThe real asset class that forced Trump’s hand (hint: not equities)What bond yields, auction flops, and China’s emergency meetings say about global market stressHow traders at JPMorgan are thriving while hedge funds like Renaissance take a beatingAnd what this all means for students and young professionals trying to understand today’s marketsFast-moving, high-stakes, and full of insight. This is the episode you need to hear to stay commercially aware!(02:01) Market Movements and Trump's Influence(08:17) The Role of Inflation and Federal Reserve Actions(12:08) Trump's Negotiation Tactics and Market Reactions(17:26) Bond Market Dynamics and Economic Implications(26:55) China's Response and Future Strategies(32:05) Investment Bank Scenarios of What Next?(36:49) Trading Booms & Banking Busts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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41:11
The Truth About Working in Quant Finance with Nitish Maini, Chief Strategy Officer at WorldQuant
What does it take to succeed in quant finance? Anthony Cheung sits down with Nitish Maini, Chief Strategy Officer at WorldQuant, to discuss his journey from consulting to quant trading, the biggest misconceptions about the industry, and why creativity and strategic thinking are just as important as coding skills. They also explore how WorldQuant is reshaping global talent pipelines through initiatives like the WorldQuant BRAIN platform and the International Quant Championship, opening doors for aspiring quants worldwide.If you're interested in quant finance, or just curious to learn more, this episode is for you!Enter the International Quant Championship qr.wqbrain.com/bfqLYvLearn2Quant YouTube series by WorldQuant https://shorturl.at/BR2v6*****(00:00) Introduction to Quantitative Finance and Nitish's Background(08:45) The Difference Between Quant Researcher and Portfolio Manager(19:07) The Evolution of Quantitative Finance(20:55) Demystifying Quant Finance (24:05) WorldQuant: A Unique Approach to Quant Finance(26:06) WorldQuant Brain: Crowdsourcing Alpha Signals(30:01) Learn to Quant: Educational Initiatives(32:16) International Quant Championship: A Global Competition*****(WorldQuant defines alphas as mathematical models that seek to predict the future price movements of various financial instruments) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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32:47
The Deal Room: 10 Stocks Feeling the Trump Heat (or Love!) - Part 2
In the second half of this two-part series, Anthony and Stephen unpack the political and economic ripple effects of Trump's first term on Nike, European carmakers, EV charging firms, luxury giants like LVMH and even private prison operators. From tariffs to executive orders, find out who’s adapting, who’s lobbying, and who’s quietly making billions.(00:35) Nike's Struggles Amid Trade Wars(09:23) Impact of Tariffs on European Car Manufacturers(17:30) Challenges for EV Charging Companies(22:34) Luxury Brands and Political Influence(25:14) The Rise of Private Prisons Under Trump Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Twice a week, we bring finance to life in a fun, engaging way for anyone interested in the world of finance—whether you're a professional, a student, or just curious to learn more. Hosted by Anthony Cheung, a LinkedIn Top Voice, every Monday The Deal Room dives into the latest M&A and private equity deals, uncovering the business strategies behind them. On Fridays, The Trading Floor explores market trends, from macro themes to single stocks and crypto. Our goal? To make finance interesting and accessible for everyone Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
South Africa