In this episode of the Investing in Integrity podcast, Ross Overline, CEO and co-founder of Scholars of Finance, welcomes Steve Ellis, Co-Managing Partner of The Rise Fund at TPG Capital, a global investment firm with $269 billion in assets under management. As leader of the RISE Fund, the world’s largest impact investing platform, Ellis shares how purpose and profit can reinforce each other. He unpacks the Colinearity Principle, a framework aligning financial success with measurable social impact, and discusses how AI can expand global access to education, healthcare, and financial services. 

From redefining leadership through empathy and vulnerability to navigating career “giving back deserts,” Ellis offers candid lessons on sustaining integrity amid rapid change. The conversation highlights the roadmap for balancing conviction with curiosity, and revealing how finance professionals can lead with purpose while delivering exceptional returns and driving meaningful social progress.

Meet Steve Ellis

Steve Ellis is a Co-Managing Partner at TPG and leader of the RISE Fund, the world's largest impact investing private equity platform. Before joining TPG in 2015, Steve was the CEO of Asurion, the world’s leading provider of technology protection services with over $6B in revenues. Before Asurion, Steve served as a Global Managing Partner for Bain & Company. Steve is a graduate of UC Berkeley and Stanford Business School, where he is a regular guest lecturer. He is a trustee for the UC Berkeley Foundation and serves on the boards of Charles Schwab, LiveKindly, InStride, Hayden AI, Greenhouse Software, UBQ Materials, Renaissance Learning, Persefoni, and Teachers of Tomorrow.

In this episode of the Investing in Integrity podcast, Ross Overline, CEO and co-founder of Scholars of Finance, welcomes Pamela Alexander, MD, and Head of Corporate Citizenship at KKR & Co. Inc., for an insightful conversation on the future of corporate philanthropy. Together, they explore how finance professionals can balance business objectives with meaningful social impact. Pamela shares her journey in shaping KKR’s global citizenship strategy, highlighting the shift from traditional giving to trust-based philanthropy and long-term community investment. 

Listeners will learn how authenticity, humility, and strategic alignment can drive stronger outcomes for both companies and communities. The discussion also explores the importance of financial expertise on nonprofit boards, creating opportunities for first-generation professionals, and building locally adaptable programs with global reach. Whether you’re an emerging leader or seasoned executive, this episode offers actionable insights for making a purposeful impact.

Meet Pamela Alexander

Pamela Alexander is Managing Director and Head of Corporate Citizenship at KKR, where she leads global philanthropy and employee engagement across 16 countries for one of the world’s largest private equity firms. With more than two decades of experience in community building, corporate social responsibility, and public policy, she previously directed the Ford Motor Company Fund and held senior roles in finance and government. At KKR, Alexander has pioneered innovative, trust-based approaches to corporate giving, with a focus on economic mobility and lasting community impact. A nationally recognised leader, she brings expertise in strategic philanthropy, brand management, and cross-sector collaboration.

In this episode of the Investing in Integrity podcast, Ross Overline, CEO and co-founder of Scholars of Finance, welcomes Chris Lyons, President of Web3 Media at a16z Crypto, a division of Andreessen Horowitz. Chris shares his journey from music producer to tech investor and cultural connector, offering a rare perspective on how culture and innovation intersect in venture capital. 

You’ll learn why mentorship extends beyond traditional relationships and how books, communities, and digital platforms can serve as powerful guides. Chris explains his “hide the wires” approach to driving blockchain adoption by simplifying complexity and focusing on user benefits. He also unpacks his service-first leadership philosophy, showing how adding value to others creates lasting impact. Chris also discusses the importance of staying grounded in high-stakes environments and why courage and belief are essential for turning ideas into reality.

Meet Chris Lyons:

Christopher Lyons is President of Web3 Media at a16z crypto, where he has shaped groundbreaking initiatives like the $400M Seed Fund and the Cultural Leadership Fund, Silicon Valley’s first VC fund with all Black Limited Partners. A former sound engineer turned entrepreneur, Lyons bridges culture and technology, uplifting Black creators and fostering innovation. He serves on the boards of Yuga Labs, The James Beard Foundation, The Black Economic Alliance, and New Story Charity, while also founding Lyons Wine.

In this episode of the Investing in Integrity podcast, Ross Overline, CEO and co-founder of Scholars of Finance, welcomes Bill George, Legendary Business leader and former CEO of Medtronic, Harvard Business School professor, and board member at Goldman Sachs, for a candid conversation on authentic leadership in finance. Drawing on decades of executive and boardroom experience, Bill highlights why integrity, emotional intelligence, and purpose-driven decision-making are vital in today’s financial landscape. 

Together, they discuss strategies for combating greed, building sustainable long-term value, and staying true to one’s moral compass even in high-stakes environments. The discussion also explores navigating ethical challenges in the age of AI and ensuring finance remains a force for good. Whether you’re an aspiring finance professional or a seasoned investor, this episode offers valuable insights on leading with character and transforming business through values-based leadership.

Meet Bill George:

Bill George is an Executive Education Fellow at Harvard Business School and former chairman and CEO of Medtronic, where he led from 1991 to 2001. Earlier in his career, he held senior roles at Honeywell, Litton Industries, and the U.S. Department of Defense. A prolific author, Bill has written several influential books on authentic leadership, including True North. He has served on the boards of Goldman Sachs, ExxonMobil, Novartis, Target, and the Mayo Clinic. Recognised with honors such as the Bower Award for Business Leadership, Bill is widely respected for advancing values-driven leadership in business and society.

In this timely episode of Investing in Integrity, CEO Ross Overline addresses the political violence that has shaken our nation.

Ross issues a powerful call to action for leaders in finance: at a time when division runs deep, we must embody compassion and humility—and actively invest in healing our democracy. With influence and resources comes responsibility, and our country urgently needs leaders willing to de-polarize, build trust, and model integrity.

The work of unity will not be quick or easy, but it begins with us—and it begins now.

Join us as we reflect on how we can bridge divides and help bring peace to our communities and our nation.

This episode of the Investing in Integrity podcast features Ross Overline, CEO and co-founder of Scholars of Finance, as a special guest on the Mission Matters Marketing podcast with host Adam Torres. Join Ross as he shares the journey of Scholars of Finance (SOF), from a small college project with 40 students to a movement impacting over 7,000 future finance leaders across 60+ universities. 

We discuss how finance and managing over $300 trillion in private capital is the most powerful lever for solving global challenges like poverty and climate change. Ross explains his framework of four core values: integrity, humility, compassion, and excellence, and how they guide 12 leadership principles that inspire ethical decision-making in a profit-driven industry. Ross also explores how executives can maximize their circle of influence, model principled leadership, and cultivate virtues like gratitude and generosity to counter industry pressures. Backed by leading firms like Blackstone and Goldman Sachs, SOF is equipping the next generation to ensure capital serves the greater good.

Meet Ross Overline:

Ross Overline is the Chairman, CEO, and Co-Founder of Scholars of Finance (SOF), a nonprofit on a mission to inspire character and integrity in the next generation of finance leaders. Through mentorship, leadership development, and values-based community building, Ross empowers young professionals to use finance as a force for good. He previously held roles at Piper Sandler, Twitter/X, and SoFi. Ross earned his bachelor’s degree at Fordham and the University of Minnesota, with executive education from Cornell and Stanford.

In this solo episode of the Investing in Integrity podcast, Ross Overline, CEO and co-founder of Scholars of Finance, offers a thoughtful exploration of leadership, purpose, and principled decision-making in uncertain times. Drawing from his conversations with finance leaders and students, Ross unpacks how values like contentment, gratitude, generosity, and intellectual curiosity help guard against greed and hubris in the finance industry. He shares a practical framework for ethical leadership, emphasizing the power of radical candor in building trust. 

Ross also reflects on the importance of listening across differences, and the need to carve out space for deep introspection. Listeners will walk away with tangible strategies to lead with humility, stay grounded while managing influence, and drive meaningful impact, both personally and professionally. Whether you’re a seasoned executive or emerging leader, Ross’s insights offer a timely call to lead with conviction, compassion, and integrity in a complex world.

Meet Ross Overline:

Ross Overline is the Chairman, CEO, and Co-Founder of Scholars of Finance (SOF), a nonprofit on a mission to inspire character and integrity in the next generation of finance leaders. Through mentorship, leadership development, and values-based community building, Ross empowers young professionals to use finance as a force for good. He previously held roles at Piper Sandler, Twitter/X, and SoFi. Ross earned his bachelor’s degree at Fordham and the University of Minnesota, with executive education from Cornell and Stanford.

In this episode of the Investing in Integrity podcast, Ross Overline, CEO and co-founder of Scholars of Finance, sits down with Brett Hagler. Brett is a social entrepreneur, CEO, and co-founder of New Story, a pioneering organization tackling global homelessness through capitalism.

You will learn how Brett is transforming traditional philanthropy into sustainable, market-based solutions that serve vulnerable populations while delivering financial returns. They explore why capitalism, when guided by ethics and integrity, can outperform charity in addressing systemic issues. Brett unpacks how New Story Capital structures low-risk real estate investments in developing markets, combining profit with purpose. You’ll also hear insights on values-based leadership, building scalable impact, and designing financial models where “more profit equals more impact.” Tune in for a bold reimagining of ethical finance, social entrepreneurship, and the future of charitable investment.

Meet Brett Hagler:Brett Hagler is the CEO and Co-Founder of New Story, a Forbes 30 Under 30 entrepreneur, named one of Goldman Sachs' Top 100 Most Intriguing Entrepreneurs, and founder of one of Fast Company’s “Most Innovative Companies in the World” (4x). Brett has raised over $100M of impact capital and is pioneering a new approach to dignified housing through ethical capitalism.

In this episode of the Investing in Integrity podcast, Ross Overline, CEO and co-founder of Scholars of Finance, sits down with Britt Harris. Britt is a legendary investor, financial leader, and coach. He has managed over $500 billion in AUM over his career. 

You will learn why true leadership in finance goes beyond technical expertise—it requires wisdom, integrity, and a commitment to serving others. Britt has managed over $500 billion across top institutions like Bridgewater and Texas Teachers. They explore the power of truth in leadership, the importance of values-driven decision-making, and how financial professionals can create a lasting positive impact. Britt shares insights on developing wisdom, building strong organizational cultures, and aligning actions with enduring principles. Tune in for timeless insights on leadership, character, and ethical success in finance.

Meet Britt Harris:

Britt Harris is a renowned investment leader and educator who has served as CIO or CEO for eight different investment firms, managing over $500 billion throughout his career. As the only executive to serve as CEO across all major asset categories - including Verizon (corporate), Texas Teachers (public), Bridgewater (hedge funds), and UTIMCO (university endowments) - Harris brings unique insight into leadership and financial stewardship. He founded the prestigious Titans of Investing program, which has trained over 1,000 graduates across 35 states and 14 countries, collectively creating 41 businesses valued at over $5 billion. His extensive experience includes serving on advisory boards for the New York Stock Exchange and Dallas Fed, advising five different countries on financial markets, and earning three lifetime achievement awards. 

In this episode of the Investing in Integrity podcast, Ross Overline, CEO and co-founder of Scholars of Finance, sits down with John Geelan, General Counsel and Secretary at Piper Sandler Companies.

For 20 years, John has been a driving force at Piper Sandler, rising from Assistant General Counsel in 2005 to leading the firm’s legal department. With deep expertise in corporate governance, public company reporting, and corporate development, he has helped steer the firm through complex legal and strategic challenges. As President of the Piper Sandler Foundation, he also ensures the firm’s philanthropic efforts align with its broader mission.

John’s journey provides a unique lens into the intersection of law, finance, and corporate responsibility. He shares insights on creativity in problem-solving, maintaining mental health in leadership, and navigating high-stakes decision-making. Plus, he explores policy shifts in Washington and the growing influence of AI in financial services.

Meet John Geelan

John Geelan is the General Counsel and Secretary of Piper Sandler Companies, a role he has held since 2012. As a member of the firm’s executive leadership team, he oversees legal, governance, and regulatory matters while also serving as President of the Piper Sandler Foundation. Geelan joined the company in 2005 after working in private practice at Faegre & Benson LLP. He serves on the boards of the Children's Theatre Company and The Fund for Legal Aid. Geelan holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and music from the University of St. Thomas and a J.D. from Notre Dame Law School.