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.

In this episode of the Investing in Integrity podcast, Ross Overline, CEO and co-founder of Scholars of Finance, sits down with Jamie Kase, Managing Director and Global Head of Investor Relations at HarbourVest.

Learn how Jamie manages and builds relations with a global community of investors at this $138 billion AUM firm. He shares how finance professionals can create authentic, long-term relationships. They discuss leadership during uncertainty, the art of trust-driven networking, and the importance of mentorship in shaping the next generation of finance leaders. Jamie also shares insights on navigating market volatility, embracing failure, and fostering principled careers in finance. Whether you're a student or a seasoned investor, this episode offers valuable lessons on turning transactional interactions into meaningful professional partnerships.

Meet Jamie Kase

Jamie Kase is the Managing Director & Head of Global Investor Relations at HarbourVest Partners, a leading global private markets investment firm. With nearly a decade at HarbourVest and extensive experience in capital raising, strategy, and corporate branding, Jamie leads global sales, marketing communications, and client relations. A member of HarbourVest’s Executive Leadership Team, he focuses on strategic initiatives that drive growth. He also serves on the Boards of Trustees for Wheeler School and United Cerebral Palsy of NYC.

In this episode of the Investing in Integrity podcast, Ross Overline, CEO and co-founder of Scholars of Finance, speaks with Howard Marks, Co-Founder and Co-Chairman of Oaktree Capital Management. 

Join Howard and Ross as they explore the key moments of his illustrious career and the principles defining exceptional investing. They discuss second-level thinking, the emotional challenges of investing, and how integrity and shared values build successful partnerships. Howard also shares his insights on philanthropy and giving back to inspire future leaders. A must-listen for finance enthusiasts and aspiring leaders!

Meet Howard Marks:

Howard Marks is a legend in the world of investing, known for his sharp insights and disciplined approach to risk. As the Co-Founder and Co-Chairman of Oaktree Capital Management, he has grown the firm to manage over $200 billion in assets, specializing in distressed debt and high-yield investments. With a career spanning Citicorp Investment Management and TCW Group, Howard has shaped modern investing through his expertise and widely followed memos. Beyond finance, he is dedicated to philanthropy, serving on the investment committee of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and as an emeritus trustee at the University of Pennsylvania.

In this episode of the Investing in Integrity podcast, Ross Overline, CEO and co-founder of Scholars of Finance, speaks with Howard Marks, Co-Founder and Co-Chairman of Oaktree Capital Management. 

Join Howard and Ross as they explore the key moments of his illustrious career and the principles defining exceptional investing. They discuss second-level thinking, the emotional challenges of investing, and how integrity and shared values build successful partnerships. Howard also shares his insights on philanthropy and giving back to inspire future leaders. A must-listen for finance enthusiasts and aspiring leaders!

Meet Howard Marks:

Howard Marks is a legend in the world of investing, known for his sharp insights and disciplined approach to risk. As the Co-Founder and Co-Chairman of Oaktree Capital Management, he has grown the firm to manage over $200 billion in assets, specializing in distressed debt and high-yield investments. With a career spanning Citicorp Investment Management and TCW Group, Howard has shaped modern investing through his expertise and widely followed memos. Beyond finance, he is dedicated to philanthropy, serving on the investment committee of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and as an emeritus trustee at the University of Pennsylvania.

In this episode of the Investing in Integrity podcast, Ross Overline, CEO and co-founder of Scholars of Finance, speaks with Bei Ling, Head of HR at Wells Fargo.

Bei shares her experience and insights on ethics, leadership, and cultural transformation in finance. Bei discusses her career journey from Merrill Lynch to Wells Fargo while underscoring the impact of HR on ethical practices in an organization. She highlighted Wells Fargo’s focus on transparent feedback, leadership accountability, and promoting a positive risk mindset among employees through extensive training. Bei also shared personal values like family and self-awareness, her framework for decision-making, and insights into handling ethical challenges in finance. Her advice to future leaders is to develop authenticity, kindness, and resilience as key soft skills.

Meet Bei Ling

Bei Ling is the Head of Human Resources at Wells Fargo and a member of the company’s Operating Committee. She leads all aspects of the company’s human capital strategy. Bei focuses on cultivating a world-class culture and inclusive environment that supports the recruitment, development, and retention of top talent across Wells Fargo’s global operations. Since joining in 2021, Bei has worked closely with senior leadership to drive innovative and people-centric strategies.

Before Wells Fargo, Bei was a Managing Director at JPMorgan Chase, where she led Talent Development and Total Rewards while overseeing leadership development, compensation, benefits, and workforce analytics. She also served as Head of HR for the Commercial Bank. A graduate of Beijing University, Bei holds an MBA from USC’s Marshall School of Business and serves on the boards of CareerWise USA and USC Marshall’s Corporate Advisory Board.

In this episode of the Investing in Integrity podcast, Ross Overline, CEO and co-founder of Scholars of Finance, speaks with Mike Bontrager, Founder of Chatham Financial and Team Lead at Square Roots Collective.

This conversation explores Mike Bontrager's entrepreneurial journey in the world of risk management. Mike takes us through the processes of building Chatham Financial and emphasizes the importance of building trust and integrity in finance. He shares several lessons on navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship and how prioritizing client trust has fostered long-lasting relationships at Chatham Financial.

Mike and Ross also discuss the role of movements in driving systemic change. Mike addresses the importance of collaboration and ethical leadership in shaping a more trustworthy and stable financial industry.

Meet Mike Bontrager

Mike Bontrager has spent his career starting and operating both purpose-driven for-profit and nonprofit organizations. In 1991, he founded Chatham Financial and built it into the largest independent financial derivatives advisory services and technology firm. In 2019, he retired from Chatham and founded Square Roots Collective (SRC) to launch ventures under one umbrella to cultivate a community where everyone can thrive and meet their potential. Mike holds a BA in economics from Wheaton College and received an MBA from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.