This week Nick talks to Lionel Barber.

Lionel Barber is a distinguished British journalist best known for his tenure as Editor of the Financial Times from 2005 to 2020, during which he spearheaded its transformation into a globally respected, digital-first news organisation. A graduate of St Edmund Hall, Oxford, he began his career at The Scotsman before moving to The Sunday Times and then joining the FT in 1985, where he held senior roles including Washington correspondent, Brussels bureau chief, news editor, and U.S. managing editor. As editor, he conducted landmark interviews with world leaders such as Barack Obama, Vladimir Putin, and Angela Merkel. Barber is the author of The Powerful and the Damned: Private Diaries in Turbulent Times and his latest book Gambling Man: The Wild Ride of Japan’s Masayoshi Son, and has been recognised with honours including the Légion d’Honneur, the Stella d’Italia, and the Gerald Loeb Lifetime Achievement Award. He currently serves on several boards, lectures globally on media and geopolitics, and co-hosts the Media Confidential podcast with Alan Rusbridger.

Nick and Lionel discuss, Lionel's journey from a newspaper-loving household in Leeds to leading one of the world's most influential publications. Inspired by his journalist father, Barber started his career at The Scotsman and quickly rose through the ranks, eventually serving as foreign correspondent in Washington and Brussels before becoming FT editor in 2005. He shares highlights from his tenure, including interviews with Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, and his leadership during the paper's digital transformation. 

Barber also discusses his latest book, Gambling Man, a biography of Masayoshi Son, the Korean-Japanese entrepreneur behind SoftBank. The book charts Son's remarkable rise from growing up in a marginalised slum to building one of the world's largest investment funds. Barber portrays Son as both a visionary and a calculated risk-taker, whose bold investments in Yahoo, Alibaba, and ARM shaped modern tech finance. He also delves into Son's failures, such as the WeWork debacle, and his ability to bounce back with ambitious plans in AI and global innovation, while still regarded with suspicion by Japan’s establishment.

Lionel's book choice was:
Present at the creation Dean Acheson

Lionel Music choice was:
Piano Sonata No. 32 in C minor, Op. 111 by Ludwig van Beethoven

Follow Lionel on his Substack and his podcast - Media Confidential.

This content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.

This week Nick talks to long-time friend of the show, Hugh Hendry, the Acid Capitalist. 

Hugh Hendry is a Scottish hedge fund manager and outspoken investor known for his contrarian views and sharp macroeconomic commentary. Born in Glasgow, he studied Economics and Finance at the University of Strathclyde before starting his career at Baillie Gifford, later moving to Credit Suisse and Odey Asset Management. In 2005, he co-founded Eclectica Asset Management, where he served as Chief Investment Officer and gained prominence for delivering strong returns during volatile periods—most notably a 32% gain in 2008 amid the global financial crisis. After closing the fund in 2017, Hendry relocated to St Barts, where he now invests in luxury real estate and hosts a podcast focused on global markets and economic disruption. 

Hugh and Nick explore the fragility of the global economic system, focusing on what he sees as America’s loss of monetary sovereignty due to decades of manipulated international trade—particularly by China. He argues that the US has been structurally weakened by its role as the global consumer of last resort, propped up by foreign capital inflows and suppressed foreign currencies. Hendry praises the economic direction of the “Trump 2.0” presidency for challenging the status quo with tariffs, capital flow restrictions, and trade rebalancing—measures he believes are necessary to avoid long-term decline.

Nick and Hugh also discusses Hugh's bullish stance on Bitcoin, highlighting its potential for explosive growth given its small market cap relative to traditional asset classes. He views Bitcoin as a compelling macro trade, especially in a world of shifting monetary regimes. The conversation then turns to the rise of AI, which Hendry describes as transformative both personally and economically—disrupting jobs, changing creative processes, and complicating traditional tax models.

Follow and subscribe to Hugh's Substack

This content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.

This week Nick talks to Marty Connaghan.

Marty began his career at Glasgow-based investment firm Murray Johnstone in 1998, and joined Aberdeen in 2001 following its acquisition of Murray Johnstone. Over the years, he has held various roles, including Dealer, ESG Analyst, and Credit Analyst. For the past 17 years, Martin has specialised in managing Global Equity and Income mandates. He has been a member of the Murray International Trust fund management team since 2017.
 
Nick and Marty discuss Marty's career journey and investment philosophy. Marty shares how he entered the finance world unexpectedly, starting as an office junior at Murray Johnstone after leaving university early. His curiosity and persistence led him through roles in investment accounting, trading, credit analysis, and eventually into fund management. Over nearly three decades, he has developed a focus on global equity and income strategies, managing portfolios with a strong emphasis on quality companies with reliable and growing dividends. Marty highlights the importance of understanding businesses deeply and constructing portfolios that balance yield, sustainability, and long-term value.
 
Nick and Marty also discuss macroeconomic dynamics, the impact of political volatility—especially from the U.S.—on markets, and the challenges and opportunities within sectors like healthcare, consumer staples, and emerging markets. Marty emphasises the disciplined approach of staying true to the fund's objective rather than chasing market fads. They also cover ESG integration, passive investing’s distortion of markets, and UK equity undervaluation. 

Marty's Book choices where:
All That Matters - Sir Chris Hoy
Andre Agassi - Open
Danny Champion of The World - Roald Dahl

Marty's music choice was:
Nothing Can Change This Love by Otis Reading

This content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.

This week Nick talks to Alison Kosik

Alison Kosik is an American journalist and freelance anchor currently reporting for ABC News. She previously served as a business correspondent for CNN, where she covered the New York Stock Exchange. Her debut book, What’s Up With Women And Money? How To Do All The Financial Stuff You’ve Been Avoiding, was released on March 4, 2025. 

Nick and Alison discuss Alison's journey from a childhood fascination with journalism to becoming a respected anchor and business correspondent. She discusses her early ambitions, winning essay contests as a young girl in Miami, and turning down a scholarship to pursue journalism in Washington, D.C. After struggling through unpaid internships and low-paying early jobs, Alison eventually landed roles with CBS and CNN, including a pivotal position reporting from the New York Stock Exchange. Despite initial doubts about her knowledge of finance, she quickly adapted and excelled, interviewing high-profile figures like Warren Buffett and Hillary Clinton.

Alison’s new book, What’s Up With Women and Money?, which draws from her personal experience of relinquishing financial control in her marriage and the resulting consequences. She explains how the book aims to empower women across all backgrounds to take charge of their finances with confidence, using accessible language and relatable analogies—like “shoe budgets”—to demystify complex topics like insurance, estate planning, and investing. Alison highlights the cultural and psychological barriers many women face regarding financial literacy, and stresses the importance of community, self-awareness, and early financial education to break the cycle.

Alison's book choice was:
Life of Pi by Yann Martel

Alison's music choice was:
Irene Cara - What a Feeling

This content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.

This week Nick talks to Nadine Buckland.

Nadine has over two decades of experience in advisory and investment. She co-founded Zenzic Capital in 2014 alongside Tom Lloyd-Jones. Before establishing Zenzic, Nadine held positions in insolvency and transaction advisory at Horwath Clarke Whitehill, RSM Tenon, and Baker Tilly.

Nick and Nadine discuss the evolution of the UK and European non-bank lending market, with a particular focus on real estate credit. Nadine shares her journey from insolvency roles to co-founding Zenzic Capital, a specialist in opportunistic real estate debt. They highlight the increasing demand for alternative lending solutions, particularly in the SME and mid-market real estate sectors, where traditional bank appetite remains constrained. Key trends include the rising use of preferred equity and short-term credit facilities to help borrowers manage refinancing and bridge valuation gaps in a higher interest rate environment. Nadine also highlights the growing role of inheritance tax-efficient investment vehicles and the importance of flexible capital in supporting sectors such as affordable housing and purpose-built student accommodation.

Looking ahead, they explore opportunities in continental Europe, where non-bank lending remains comparatively nascent, particularly in markets such as Spain, Italy, and France. Zenzic Capital targets lower mid-market transactions (£20 million to £50 million), offering flexible capital where larger credit providers are less active. Success in these markets relies on deep local market knowledge, strong underwriting standards, and building long-term borrower relationships to navigate Europe’s fragmented legal and regulatory landscape. The conversation underscores how non-bank real estate lenders are well positioned to benefit from Europe’s wave of refinancing demand and the growing requirement for alternative, relationship-driven capital, positioning firms like Zenzic at the forefront of this dynamic market.

 
Nadine's book choice was:
Five Minutes in the Morning by Aster

Nadine's music choice was:
Moon River by Andy Williams

This content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.

In this weeks episode Nick talks to Frank Buchholz

Retired financial advisor Frank J. Buchholz shares insights from his 40-year career in investment advising, particularly his time at Merrill Lynch. He discusses his motivation for writing The Investor’s Golden Playbook, a book designed to help novice investors navigate the financial world using clear principles, including assessing time horizon, risk tolerance, and tax implications. Frank emphasizes the importance of long-term investing, the power of compounding, and the need for a “money buffer” for emergencies. He advocates for managed accounts over stock-picking and warns against speculative investments like commodities and cryptocurrencies.

Nick and Frank discuss Frank's memorable lessons from influential clients and mentors, highlighting real-life examples of disciplined investing and generosity. He advises young people to start saving early—citing the compounding effect of even modest daily contributions—and stresses the value of seeking guidance from trustworthy advisors. Frank also reflects on his own financial philosophy, his philanthropic approach to book proceeds, and his continued passion for helping others build secure financial futures.

Frank's book choice was:
The Art of the Deal by Donald Trump
https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/trump-the-art-of-the-deal-book-donald-trump-9781847943033?

Frank's music choices where:
Led Zeppelin - Stairway to Heaven
https://open.spotify.com/track/0DANcJuMamcL9NyYkEWWTq

Whitney Huston - The Greatest Love of All
https://open.spotify.com/track/6yJxCltgtmGxIgKOS6ndnu

This content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.

This week Nick talks to Iain Baillie

Iain began his career at Strauss Turnbull and Co and has been involved in UK and European Capital Markets for over 35 years as a trader of both equities and corporate bonds, culminating in heading European credit trading as a Managing Director of Salomon Brothers. Iain was also a founding director of LBDP, a successful agency broker in European credit. From 2003 to 2007 Iain was CEO of MarketAxess Europe, the leading platform for electronic execution in the credit market. He was responsible for all facets of the company's European business and during his tenure MarketAxess saw a ten-fold increase in activity across the platform. Before founding Asset Match, Iain was Head of Fixed Income at Christopher Street Capital.

Nick and Iain discuss Iain's journey from an unexpected start in finance to building a platform that brings liquidity to shares in UK private companies. After developing an early fascination with the stock pages of the Financial Times, he began his career at Strauss Turnbull in 1972. He later joined Salomon Brothers, working in both London and New York, with John Meriwether & Michael Lewis, during the firm’s heyday in fixed income trading. Following this, he founded and sold a credit market boutique before returning to Salomon, and eventually moved into electronic trading by leading the European arm of MarketAxess.

In 2012, Iain co-founded Asset Match in response to the growing number of private UK companies with multiple shareholders but no exit opportunities. The platform uses scheduled auctions—rather than continuous trading—to match buyers and sellers fairly, with early clients including BrewDog and Tottenham Hotspur. Iain also discusses the growing momentum behind the PISCES initiative, a Treasury and FCA-led framework set to legitimise and expand private share trading. With more companies staying private for longer and institutional interest rising, he sees significant growth ahead for the sector.

Iain's book choices where:
Liar's Poker by Michael Lewis
https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/liar-s-poker-book-michael-lewis-9780340839966
Prisoners of Geography by Tim Marshall
https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/why-nations-fail-book-daron-acemoglu-9781846684302
Why Nations Fail by Daron Acemoglu
https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/why-nations-fail-book-daron-acemoglu-9781846684302

Iain music choice was:
Liquidator by Harry J. All Stars

https://open.spotify.com/track/4iW7PQeJWV57XeN7miyJpS

This content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.

This week Nick talks to Chris Gillespie.

Chris’s career in financial services spans over 40 years. He brings extensive experience from senior leadership roles within consumer finance businesses. Prior to joining H&T, Chris served as Managing Director of the consumer credit division at Provident Financial PLC. Chris maintains a strong interest in matters affecting the wider industry and is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.

Nick and Chris discuss his extensive career in financial services, beginning at Barclays Bank and spanning several leadership roles including at Provident Financial. He shares insights into the unique hybrid model of H&T, which blends financial services and retail, operating across 285 stores nationwide. Chris highlights the evolving perception and customer base of pawnbroking in the UK, the simplicity and accessibility of its loan model, and its growing role in small business financing. He also discusses H&T’s broader services—including foreign exchange, retail of pre-owned jewellery and watches, and cheque cashing—all aimed at increasing store footfall. Emphasising the business’s community roots, counter-cyclical nature, and expansion potential, Chris notes the importance of trusted staff and store locations. The company remains focused on UK growth through store expansion and technology investment, with a strong commitment to customer service and transparency.

Chris' book choice was:
Lord of the Rings by J R R Tolkien

This content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.

This week Nick talks to Judith MacKenzie.

Judith joined Downing in October 2009, bringing with her extensive experience in venture capital and fund management. Prior to this, she was a partner at Acuity Capital, where she managed AIM-listed VCT and IHT investments, as well as a small-cap activist fund. Before Acuity, Judith spent nine years as a senior investment manager at Aberdeen Asset Management Growth Capital, where she co-managed five Aberdeen VCTs, focusing on technology and media investments across both public and private companies. In 2010, she founded Downing Fund Managers, the boutique investment division of Downing LLP. Judith currently serves as Chair of the Quoted Companies Alliance and holds active board roles in both private and public sectors.

Nick and Judith discuss her journey into finance, inspired by working in her parents’ small businesses in the Scottish Highlands. Her early exposure to economics and investing sparked a lifelong interest in smaller companies. She discusses her career progression from stockbroking to fund management, emphasising her focus on UK micro-cap and smaller companies through Downing’s IHT (Inheritance Tax) service. Judith explains the appeal of AIM-listed firms due to their tax benefits and potential for strong returns, highlighting a hands-on, diligent investment approach that mirrors private equity standards. She identifies three key types of companies she targets: value compounders, self-help businesses, and balance sheet leaders—mentioning Ramsdens, James Latham, and Flowtech as examples. Judith critiques the negative narrative around AIM, advocating for its role in supporting entrepreneurial growth and job creation. She expresses hope for a shift back to active investing and UK-focused capital deployment, especially in light of current global economic uncertainties and US-centric fund flows. 

Judith's book choice was:
Vassal State: How America Runs Britain by Angus Hanton

Judith's music choice was:
Human by The Killers

This content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.

This week Nick talks to Parmy Olson.

Parmy Olson is a prominent technology journalist and author, currently a columnist for Bloomberg Opinion. She previously covered tech and innovation for The Wall Street Journal and Forbes, with a focus on AI, robotics, and emerging technologies. In 2012, she published We Are Anonymous, an acclaimed deep dive into the hacker groups Anonymous and LulzSec. Her 2024 book, Supremacy: AI, ChatGPT, and the Race That Will Change the World, explores the rivalry between tech giants like OpenAI and DeepMind in the pursuit of artificial general intelligence, earning the Financial Times Business Book of the Year Award.

Nick and Parmy discuss the intense race to develop artificial general intelligence (AGI) and the far-reaching implications of that pursuit. Their conversation highlights the contrast between the idealistic visions of DeepMind’s Demis Hassabis and OpenAI’s Sam Altman—who saw AGI as a force for solving global challenges—and the reality that both ultimately became deeply tied to tech giants like Google and Microsoft to fund their ambitions. Parmy explains how this reliance shifted the focus away from social good and towards corporate interests. Together, they explore the broader consequences of this power shift, including the lack of meaningful regulation, ongoing ethical concerns around bias and safety in AI models, and the growing dominance of a few large tech firms. They also reflect on the social risks—from job losses and the disruption of traditional career paths to the emotional dependency people are beginning to form with chatbots—raising important questions about the kind of future society is heading towards.

Parmy's Book Choice was:
Born to Run by Christopher Mcdougall
Parmy's Music Choice was:
Rumours by Fleetwood Mac

This content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.