Personable

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This is the 4th episode of Personable markets in which I aim to speak to a hedgefund manager, VC or Investment Banker every week on real world market events. In this episode I speak to...

Luke Sloman who is a third-year Business and Management student at the University of Exeter, currently spending his year abroad at the University of Sydney. Luke grew up in Tokyo until the age of 13 before moving to the UK for boarding school. His academic interests focus on finance-related modules, which complement his broader studies in Business and Management.

In the episode, Luke reveals:
◽️ Fed's 25 bps cut targets labor market slowdown.
◽️ AI displaces junior jobs but sparks new opportunities.
◽️ Nvidia-Intel $5B deal boosts AI chip production.
◽️ Apple's cult-like ecosystem drives loyalty, not just innovation.
◽️ Oracle’s cloud revenue surges 28% from AI demand.

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⏱ Timestamps
00:00 Intro
00:30 Luke’s Academic Focus and Sydney Experience
00:44 Fed Rate Cuts Overview
01:18 Luke’s Take on 25 bps Reduction
03:00 Equities Boost from Lower Rates
03:32 Market Expectations and Fed-Trump Dynamics
04:08 UK Rate Cuts as US Precedent
05:15 Yield Curve Sensitivity to Inflation Expectations
08:20 H1B Visa Cost Hike to $100k
09:56 Payroll Slowdown: 22,000 Jobs in August
10:30 AI Disrupting Junior-Level Roles
11:15 Historical Tech-Driven Job Creation
12:00 Adapting Skills for AI-Driven Economy
14:35 AI’s Initial Job Displacement Effects
15:20 Ethical AI Use in Schools
16:00 Social Media’s Rise as a Career
17:32 Education’s Shift to AI Integration
19:10 Football’s Professionalization as Historical Parallel
20:00 Critical Thinking in AI-Dominated Future
21:30 Initiative and Human Element in AI Era
24:15 Chinese Restrictions on Nvidia Chips
25:30 Nvidia-Intel $5B AI Collaboration
31:51 Apple’s iPhone Innovation Stagnation
34:00 iPhone 17 Pre-Orders Up 19% in India
39:15 Apple’s Seamless Product Integration
41:00 Oracle’s $877B Market Cap Growth
48:00 US Ownership Push for TikTok Algorithm
49:46 Oracle’s Cloud Demand from AI Players
54:27 Larry Ellison’s Entertainment Empire Expansion
56:00 Quarterly vs. Semi-Annual Earnings Debate
59:27 Crypto Rally and Tariff Escalations
1:01:10 Trump’s Influence on Economic Policy Narratives
1:02:00 Importance of Nuanced Investment Analysis
1:02:42 Outro and Final Takeaways

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📌 Resources
Luke Sloman:
◽️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-sloman-87a6742a9 

Harvey Bracken-Smith:
◽️ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith
◽️ Instagram: instagram.com/harveybsmith
◽️ X (Twitter): x.com/harveybsmith_
◽️ Newsletter: https://personable.substack.com/

Personable Podcast:
◽️ Instagram: instagram.com/personable.podcast
◽️ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast
◽️ TikTok: tiktok.com/@personableclips
◽️ Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api
◽️ Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personable/id1671640111

Additional:
◽️ The Draft (Sign up): thedraft.io
◽️ Fundraising: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn

Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.

This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial advice. Always consult a qualified financial advisor before making invest

Support the show

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Hunter Black shares his serendipitous rise on The Voice Australia, from a surprise audition to battling for Ronan Keating's team, while pursuing his passion for songwriting and live performances across Sydney's music scene.

Hunter is a Sydney-based musician completing a Bachelor of Media and Communication at Macquarie University, with a Diploma in Music Production from SAE. His influences blend soul from Stevie Wonder and progressive pop from Supertramp into original storytelling songs, performed solo or with his band Lantana. In 2025, he captivated national audiences on The Voice Australia Season 14, turning his bar gigs into a launchpad for a full-time music career.

In this episode, Hunter Black discusses: 
◽️ Serendipitous audition unlocked his Voice journey 
◽️ Behind-the-scenes production revealed TV's scale 
◽️ Nerves and song tweaks fueled performance breakthroughs 
◽️ Coaches like Ronan provided heartfelt guidance 
◽️ Media pitfalls taught emotional resilience in fame

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⏱ Timestamps
00:00 Intro
00:32 Meeting Hunter Black: Background and The Voice Australia
01:10 Hunter’s Voice Experience: Blind Audition and Battle Round
02:43 Audition Process: How Hunter Got on The Voice
05:30 Behind the Scenes: Producer Influence and Storytelling
06:59 Production Scale: Size and Complexity of The Voice
08:28 Nerves and Emotions: Performing on a National Stage
09:42 Song Selection: Adapting for the 90-Second Format
11:41 Performance Dynamics: Judges Turning Chairs
12:51 Coach Interaction: Role and Impact of Mentors
15:11 Competitiveness: Balancing Inner Drive and Public Image
17:15 Media Training: Navigating Interviews and Public Perception
21:08 Mindset: Focusing on Personal Best
22:35 Misconceptions: Media Manipulation and Public Perception
26:04 Podcast Format: Value of Unfiltered Conversations
27:47 TikTokification: Impact of Short-Form Media on Perception
35:35 Applying Advice: Staying Present in Music and Media
37:12 Post-Voice Plans: Maintaining Momentum
39:32 Success in Music: Building a Sustainable Career
40:58 Getting Signed: Role of Social Media and Connections
43:41 Music as Entrepreneurship: Building an Audience
46:43 Networking: Importance of Industry Connections
48:52 Legacy: Creating Timeless Music and Authenticity
50:35 Future Goals: Songwriting and Industry Success
52:09 Social Media Strategy: Leveraging The Voice Exposure
53:14 Key Takeaway: Blocking Out Noise and Staying True
54:00 Outro

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📌 Resources
Hunter Black:
◽️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hunterblack.music/?hl=en

Harvey Bracken-Smith:
◽️ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith
◽️ Instagram: instagram.com/harveybsmith
◽️ X (Twitter): x.com/harveybsmith_

Personable Podcast:
◽️ Instagram: instagram.com/personable.podcast
◽️ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast
◽️ TikTok: tiktok.com/@personableclips
◽️ Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api
◽️ Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personable/id1671640111

Additional:
◽️ The Draft (Sign up): thedraft.io
◽️ Fundraising: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn

Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.

This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial advice. Always consult a qualifie

Support the show

Send a text

Lihong Wang details his progression from internships at Jane Street and Akuna Capital to his former full time role at IMC Trading, with plans to innovate in DeFi through his startup Freeport backed by  Y Combinator. 

Lihong is a Duke University graduate with a background in mathematics and statistics. Lihong progressed from analyzing volatility decay at Jane Street to managing semi-systematic options books at IMC Trading. Lihong developed Freeport to simplify DeFi investing for self-custody users. 

In this episode, Lihong Wang discusses:
◽️ Overcoming quant entry challenges shaped his career
◽️ Mastering trading styles enhanced market adaptability
◽️ Transitioning to entrepreneurship drove Freeport’s creation
◽️ AI’s role boosted trading research efficiency
◽️ Staking yields highlight DeFi’s potential for accessibility

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⏱ Timestamps
00:00 Intro
00:32 Quant interest: Math roots to Duke exposure
02:04 GameStop experience: Early retail trading
03:36 Market efficiency: Retail vs. quant perspectives
07:38 Quant compensation: Options and AI trends
09:08 Retail investing: Long-term vs. day trading
11:30 Jane Street culture: Secrecy and operations
13:00 IMC vs. Jane Street: Work dynamics
14:13 AI’s trading impact: Automation and signals
15:21 Leaving quant: Seeking fulfillment
17:51 Freeport concept: DeFi simplification
21:16 Startup timing: Co-founder alignment
24:44 Staking mechanics: Proof-of-stake details
27:54 Ethereum staking: Pool risks and rewards
30:01 Staking incentives: Network validation
31:50 Lending vs. staking: Platform differences
33:00 Centralized cuts: Coinbase’s approach
36:17 YC backing: Trust-building in DeFi
39:00 Team strength: Finance and tech synergy
40:38 Regulatory window: Startup opportunity
42:25 Early users: Test phase progress
43:55 Crypto thesis: Long-term potential
46:44 Blockchain rails: Future finance
48:17 Investment advice: Top tokens
49:19 Target users: Retail and institutions
50:44 Safety measures: Protocol due diligence
53:48 Crypto bans: Technological resilience
55:14 Growth challenge: Product completion
57:29 Competitive edge: User retention
59:26 Learning crypto: Exchange resources
1:01:28 Portfolio strategy: Big vs. small tokens
1:02:15 Untapped topic: DeFi trading edges
1:04:12 Liquidity provision: Retail vaults
1:05:15 Legacy goal: Impactful innovation
1:06:38 Next steps: Launch and growth
1:07:39 Outro

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📌 Resources
Lihong Wang:
◽️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lihong062/

Harvey Bracken-Smith:
◽️ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith
◽️ Instagram: instagram.com/harveybsmith
◽️ X (Twitter): x.com/harveybsmith_

Personable Podcast:
◽️ Instagram: instagram.com/personable.podcast
◽️ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast
◽️ TikTok: tiktok.com/@personableclips
◽️ Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api
◽️ Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personable/id1671640111

Additional:
◽️ The Draft (Sign up): thedraft.io
◽️ Fundraising: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn

Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.

This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial advice. Always consult a qualified financial advisor before making in

Support the show

Send a text

This is the 3rd episode of Personable markets in which I aim to speak to a hedgefund manager, VC or Investment Banker every week on real world market events. In this episode I speak to...

Lia Forcina who is a partner and portfolio manager at LGR Capital in London. She previously held roles at BlueCrest Capital, SAC Capital (now Point72), and Morgan Stanley. Lia holds a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from the University of Rome Tor Vergata (110/110 cum laude) and a Master’s degree in Statistics and Econometrics from Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore. 

In this episode, Lia reveals:
◽️ The surprising impact of tariffs on global inflation
◽️ Why Federal Reserve independence faces growing scrutiny
◽️ Her secret to navigating UK’s economic challenges
◽️ The hidden struggles of Europe’s regulatory environment
◽️ The power of US markets and corporate relocations

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⏱ Timestamps
00:00 Intro
00:44 Tariffs and Inflation Concerns
01:44 Tariff Legal Challenges, Outcomes
02:07 Companies Absorbing Tariff Costs
04:42 Tariffs’ Net Economic Impact
05:15 Strategic Production Shift from China
07:28 Europe’s Business Relocation Losses
09:02 UK Economic Decline, Budget Risks
09:47 UK Autumn Budget Implications
11:16 New UK Worker Rights Laws
12:35 Costly Employment Regulations
14:42 UK Investment Opportunities, Risks
15:04 Civil Service as Safe Sector
15:49 S&P 500 Overvaluation Debate
17:17 US Economic Resilience Advantage
17:32 UK Regulations Stifling Growth
19:31 EV and Grid Infrastructure Issues
20:47 Welfare’s Work Disincentive Problem
21:25 France’s Political, Economic Instability
22:11 France’s Welfare and Productivity Crisis
25:21 Crisis-Driven Economic Reforms
30:15 Elon Musk’s Unique Compensation
30:42 Banks Embracing Crypto, Gold
32:06 Trading Revenue Outpacing M&A
34:15 Private Firms’ Systemic Importance
34:45 Strong European M&A Activity
38:20 Undervalued Financial Sector Opportunities
40:49 AI Enhancing Finance Productivity
44:58 Creativity Over Technical Skills
45:59 Human Nuance in AI Era
47:14 Broader Education for Success
49:12 AI Investment Overspending Risks
51:54 Defense Stocks’ Long-Term Growth
53:04 Europe’s Rising Defense Spending
53:23 Fed-Government Relationship Tensions
53:54 Trump’s Fed Influence Overhyped
57:27 Filtering Media Noise Effectively
59:27 Banks’ Economic Leverage Risks
1:02:49 Outro

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📌 Resources
Lia Forcina
◽️ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lia-forcina-17352459 

Harvey Bracken-Smith:
◽️ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith
◽️ Instagram: instagram.com/harveybsmith
◽️ X (Twitter): x.com/harveybsmith_
◽️ Newsletter: https://personable.substack.com/

Personable Podcast:
◽️ Instagram: instagram.com/personable.podcast
◽️ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast
◽️ TikTok: tiktok.com/@personableclips
◽️ Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api
◽️ Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personable/id1671640111

Additional:
◽️ The Draft (Sign up): thedraft.io
◽️ Fundraising: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn

Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.

This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial advice. Always consult a qualified f

Support the show

Send a text

Deanna Filippo, a visionary creative director, shares her journey from designing for Allure and Victoria’s Secret to pioneering iconic beauty visuals and building a luxury lifestyle brand.

Deanna Filippo, a pioneering creative director, has carved a bold path in design, evolving from crafting visuals for Allure and CosmoGirl to inventing tactile "blobs and smears" inspired by beauty, texture, and emotion. Her work, shaping brands like Victoria’s Secret, blends art and desire. In this episode, Filippo shares overcoming early struggles, mastering digital design, and valuing collaboration. She discusses balancing creativity with profit, launching a luxury lifestyle brand with makeup bags and decor, making beauty vibrant and accessible.

Deanna Filippo Discusses: 
◽️ Digital design transformed her creative process 
◽️ Evoking emotion elevates beauty visuals 
◽️ "Blobs and smears" reflect texture and desire 
◽️ Luxury brand blends exclusivity with accessibility 
◽️ Collaboration fueled success at Allure, beyond

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⏱ Timestamps
00:00 Intro
00:45 Why design? Deanna’s early inspirations
01:20 Sketching beauty products in high school
03:10 Breaking into magazines during recession
04:25 Early hustle: 80-hour Allure weeks
06:50 Collaboration drives creative success
08:40 First Allure role: Key lessons
10:55 Navigating high-pressure magazine demands
12:35 Thriving in competitive design world
14:15 From paste-ups to digital design
16:40 Evoking emotion in beauty visuals
19:25 Building consumer trust through design
22:10 What makes exceptional designers
24:45 Misconceptions about Deanna’s perfectionism
27:20 Perfectionism as a creative hurdle
30:05 Networking with top beauty brands
33:15 Emotional impact of design work
36:30 “Blobs and smears”: Beauty innovation
39:50 Vibrant visuals spark consumer desire
42:25 Dynamics of client-designer relationships
45:40 Victoria’s Secret, CosmoGirl brand work
48:55 Launching luxury lifestyle brand
51:20 Makeup bags sell out rapidly
54:35 Scaling luxury with quality control
57:50 Exclusivity shapes brand pricing
1:00:45 Legacy as designer and entrepreneur
1:03:10 Future products: Bags, decor expansion
1:06:25 Takeaway: Risk-taking fuels success
1:09:15 Design and business insights shared
1:11:30 Outro

📌 Resources
Deanna Filippo:
◽️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deanna.filippo/
◽️ Website: https://deannafilippo.com/
◽️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deanna-filippo-309a9168 
◽️ Home Decor Brand: https://davidstesnerarthouse.com/

Harvey Bracken-Smith:
◽️ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith
◽️ Instagram: instagram.com/harveybsmith
◽️ X (Twitter): x.com/harveybsmith_

Personable Podcast:
◽️ Instagram: instagram.com/personable.podcast
◽️ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast
◽️ TikTok: tiktok.com/@personableclips
◽️ Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api
◽️ Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personable/id1671640111

Additional:
◽️ The Draft (Sign up): thedraft.io
◽️ Fundraising: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn

Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.

This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial advice. Always consult a qualified financial a

Support the show

Send a text

David Stesner, a renowned photographer and artist, shares his journey from assisting legendary photographers to creating his iconic butterfly collection and building a luxury home decor brand.

David Stesner, a classically trained artist, has carved a unique path in the art world, transitioning from assisting iconic photographers like Albert Watson to creating his own globally recognized work, including his deeply personal butterfly collection inspired by life, loss, and transformation. His art, featured in prestigious galleries like the St Regis Hotel in Doha and collected by royal families, reflects a blend of fashion, nature, and emotional depth. In this episode, Stesner discusses the challenges of breaking into the competitive photography industry, the evolution from analog to digital, and the importance of networking and social media in amplifying his reach. He also shares how he balances passion and profit, culminating in the creation of David Stesner Art House, a luxury brand applying his art to home decor, making it accessible to a wider audience while maintaining exclusivity.

David Stesner’s Discusses:
◽️ Digital photography revolutionized his creative process
◽️ Capturing personality enhances portrait photography
◽️ Butterfly collection reflects life and loss
◽️ Luxury brand balances exclusivity and accessibility
◽️ Social media connected art with elites

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⏱ Timestamps
00:00 Intro
00:46 Why art? David’s early influences
01:36 From childhood interest to professional art
04:09 Balancing passion and profit early
09:15 Assisting legendary photographers: Lessons learned
15:06 Analog vs. digital photography shift
21:10 Building rapport for emotional portraits
23:38 What separates great photographers
26:50 Misconceptions about David’s on-set demeanor
30:41 Networking for elite galleries, collectors
33:46 Emotional weight of selling art
39:49 Balancing interpretation in art creation
43:39 Artist-collector relationship dynamics
45:38 Lamborghini collaboration for luxury show
50:04 Launching David Stesner Art House
59:19 Exclusivity’s role in pricing strategy
1:02:07 David’s legacy as artist, philanthropist
1:02:47 Future exhibits and brand scaling
1:03:53 Takeaway: Passion with a backup
1:04:56 Art, business, and branding insights
1:06:41 Outro

📌 Resources

David Stesner:
◽️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidstesner/?hl=en
◽️ Website: https://www.davidstesner.com/
◽️ Home Decor Brand: https://davidstesnerarthouse.com/
◽️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-stesner-arthouse-b19a1710 

Harvey Bracken-Smith:
◽️ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith
◽️ Instagram: instagram.com/harveybsmith
◽️ X (Twitter): x.com/harveybsmith_

Personable Podcast:
◽️ Instagram: instagram.com/personable.podcast
◽️ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast
◽️ TikTok: tiktok.com/@personableclips
◽️ Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api
◽️ Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personable/id1671640111

Additional:
◽️ The Draft (Sign up): thedraft.io
◽️ Fundraising: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn

Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.

This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial advice. Always consult a qualified financ

Support the show

Send a text

The No 1 Parenting Expert in South Africa Meg Faure shares her journey empowering parents, blending neuroscience, and fostering curiosity.

Meg Faure, an occupational therapist and serial entrepreneur, is the co-author of eight bestselling parenting books, including Baby Sense. Raised in South Africa, she studied at the University of Cape Town and specialized in New York, focusing on neuroscience and early childhood development. She founded Baby Sense, Play Sense, Sense-IT, and Parent Sense, impacting millions globally. Now scaling her Parent Sense app, Meg supports parents in the critical first 1,000 days, driven by compassion and science.

Meg Faure discusses:
◽️ Shaping South Africa’s parenting landscape
◽️ Tackling bold entrepreneurial challenges
◽️ Transforming parenting with neuroscience insights
◽️ Scaling Parent Sense to global impact
◽️ Fueling parental confidence through curiosity

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⏱ Timestamps
00:00 Intro
00:50 South African roots and early passion
01:42 Love for babies and childhood calling
02:25 Neuroscience shaping parenting approach
03:37 Writing Baby Sense bestseller
04:59 Radio show sparks overnight success
06:05 Impact of Baby Sense seminars
07:09 Curiosity drives lifelong career
08:12 Parenting in an information overload
10:52 Finding trustworthy parenting voices
12:19 Navigating social media’s noise
14:33 Essential advice for new parents
16:42 Emotional connection as top priority
18:12 Gut microbiome’s role in health
20:17 Sensory experiences vs. toxic screens
25:34 Supporting neurodiverse kids’ success
27:28 Resilience through failure
29:00 Nature vs. nurture’s lifelong impact
31:43 Adverse childhood events explained
34:58 Self-regulation predicts future success
38:15 Overcoming adversity with resilience
42:30 Screens as harmful as smoking
46:49 Supporting postpartum mental health
48:19 Finding purpose post-parenting
50:54 Balancing work and motherhood
53:40 Dangers of tiger parenting
56:24 Free play fuels child creativity
59:57 Parent Sense app’s innovative design
1:02:33 Insurers fund app for scale
1:04:06 Pricing strategy for global reach
1:05:51 Reflecting on slower motherhood
1:07:17 Legacy of impacting millions
1:08:24 Scaling Parent Sense globally
1:09:10 Curiosity as a parenting superpower
1:10:13 Outro 

📌 Resources
Meg Faure:
◽️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megfaure.sense/
◽️ Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meg-faure/
◽️ Parent Sense LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/parent-sense/

Harvey Bracken-Smith:
◽️ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith
◽️ Instagram: instagram.com/harveybsmith
◽️ X (Twitter): x.com/harveybsmith_

Personable Podcast:
◽️ Instagram: instagram.com/personable.podcast
◽️ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast
◽️ TikTok: tiktok.com/@personableclips
◽️ Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api
◽️ Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personable/id1671640111

Additional:
◽️ The Draft (Sign up): thedraft.io
◽️ Fundraising: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn

Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.

This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial advice. Always consult a qualified financial advisor

Support the show

Send a text

Stanley Borden shares his journey of overcoming social anxiety, navigating NIL, and chasing NBA aspirations.

Stanley Borden, a 7’0, 241-pound former walk-on for Duke’s men’s basketball team, is now a scholarship player at the University of Texas San Antonio. Born in New York and raised in Turkey with Turkish-Portuguese roots, he transitioned from tennis to basketball at 15, later starting for Portugal’s U20 national team. At Duke, he contributed to a 2022 Final Four, 2023 ACC Tournament win, 2024 Elite Eight, and 2025 Final Four, all while earning a computer science degree with minors in computational biology and English. Honored with the ACC Top Six for Service Award for organizing a 7.8km run for Turkey/Syria earthquake relief, Stanley now pursues an MBA at UTSA while aiming for a professional basketball career. In this episode, he opens up about battling social anxiety, leveraging NIL opportunities, and defining success beyond the court, guided by values of humility, empathy, and relentless initiative.

In this episode, Stanley Borden discusses:
◽️ Growing up in Turkey, Portugal influence
◽️ Handling social anxiety at 7’0
◽️ NIL’s impact on college basketball
◽️ Transferring to UTSA for playing time
◽️ Defining success, values, and purpose

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⏱ Timestamps
00:00 Intro
00:50 Background and basketball beginnings
01:40 Height assumptions
03:43 Handling height-related questions
04:19 Social dynamics of being tall
04:43 Navigating perceptions in high school
06:30 Social anxiety and fame
07:23 Overcoming social anxiety
10:04 Confidence reflection
10:59 College loneliness and social media
11:32 Campus fame via Fizz app
12:40 Parasocial relationships and campus hate
17:33 Connecting with others despite fame
19:55 Basketball experience
20:51 Walking onto Duke’s team
23:05 Coach K’s involvement
25:47 Tryout experience and team acceptance
32:34 NBA aspirations
32:42 Team role and growth
34:21 Transferring for more playtime
35:55 Playing with Cooper Flagg, Jared McCain
36:26 Teammates’ personalities
39:10 Engaging with people, not ideas
41:21 Combating false narratives
42:26 Empathy for negative behavior
44:35 NIL’s impact on college sports
48:59 Reflecting on future regrets
50:04 Improving basketball skills
52:54 Balancing basketball and other pursuits
1:00:14 Being multifaceted
1:01:19 Closing reflections
1:02:24 Thanks and outro

📌 Resources
Stanley Borden 
◽️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stanleysborden/?hl=en
◽️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stanley-borden-4b8909224/

Harvey Bracken-Smith:
◽️ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith
◽️ Instagram: instagram.com/harveybsmith
◽️ X (Twitter): x.com/harveybsmith_

Personable Podcast:
◽️ Instagram: instagram.com/personable.podcast
◽️ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast
◽️ TikTok: tiktok.com/@personableclips
◽️ Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api
◽️ Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personable/id1671640111

Additional:
◽️ The Draft (Sign up): thedraft.io
◽️ Fundraising: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn

Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.

This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial advice. Always consult a qualified

Support the show

Send a text

This is the 2nd episode of Personable markets in which I aim to speak to a hedgefund manager, VC or Investment Banker every week on real world market events. Unfortunately, this week the hedge fund manager I was supposed to speak to dropped out at the last minute. Fortunately, a good friend of mine was able to fill the gap to join me on this week’s Personable markets episode...

Luke Sloman who is a third-year Business and Management student at the University of Exeter, currently spending his year abroad at the University of Sydney. Luke grew up in Tokyo until the age of 13 before moving to the UK for boarding school. His academic interests focus on finance-related modules, which complement his broader studies in Business and Management.

In this episode, Luke Sloman reveals:
◽️ Why Japanese PMs frequently resign
◽️ US tariffs’ impact on global markets
◽️ UK’s looming fiscal shortfall crisis
◽️ Gold and Bitcoin as economic hedges
◽️ Retail investors’ growing market influence

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⏱ Timestamps
00:00 Intro
00:33 Japan’s political instability
01:34 UK Deputy PM resignation
01:35 Autumn budget concerns
02:19 US Fed rate cut expectations
02:49 Japanese PM resignation trends
03:10 Liberal Democratic Party dominance
05:42 Ishiba’s resignation reasons
06:03 Nikkei 225 and S&P correlation
07:08 US tariffs hit Japanese economy
08:35 Japan’s trade diversification strategy
09:07 Global stock market performance
12:27 UK’s Labour approval drop
13:00 Post-COVID economic struggles
15:57 Migration as UK voter priority
16:25 Labour’s tax hike challenges
18:02 UK’s £50B fiscal shortfall
20:55 UK’s entrepreneurial mindset gap
23:24 Simon Squibb’s startup inspiration
24:30 Harry Stebbings’ VC influence
25:30 UK’s AI potential untapped
27:27 US vs. UK entrepreneurial culture
30:20 Trump’s tariff unconstitutionality ruling
34:09 Silicon Valley Bank collapse
37:22 US $40T debt concerns
38:46 Potential financial crisis looming
42:57 Retail investors’ limited participation
46:55 GameStop retail investor phenomenon
51:37 Citadel’s trading data advantage
53:43 Gold prices hit record highs
54:14 Bitcoin’s 10x growth explained
57:20 Gold as inflation hedge
1:00:12 Bitcoin’s government-backed irony
1:03:12 Department of Defense renamed War
1:05:03 War’s economic implications
1:07:29 Strong US market performance
1:08:00 Final thoughts and outlook
1:08:48 Outro

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📌 Resources
Luke Sloman:
◽️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-sloman-87a6742a9 

Harvey Bracken-Smith:
◽️ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith
◽️ Instagram: instagram.com/harveybsmith
◽️ X (Twitter): x.com/harveybsmith_
◽️ Newsletter: https://personable.substack.com/

Personable Podcast:
◽️ Instagram: instagram.com/personable.podcast
◽️ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast
◽️ TikTok: tiktok.com/@personableclips
◽️ Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api
◽️ Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personable/id1671640111

Additional:
◽️ The Draft (Sign up): thedraft.io
◽️ Fundraising: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn

Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.

This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial advice. Always

Support the show

Send a text

Tim McInnerny shares his journey of mastering diverse roles and staying true to the craft of acting.

Tim McInnerny rose to prominence as a versatile actor, uniquely playing two leading roles in the iconic Blackadder series - Lord Percy Percy and Captain Darling - while building a career spanning theater, film, and television. From his early days in school plays to starring alongside legends like Vanessa Redgrave and Judi Dench, Tim has balanced comedy and drama, appearing in projects like Notting Hill, Game of Thrones, and Gladiator 2. A graduate of Oxford University, where he studied English Language and Literature, he honed his craft through the National Youth Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company, always prioritizing truth and authenticity in his performances. 

In this episode, Tim McInnerny discusses:
◽️ Discovering acting through a reluctant school play debut at 14
◽️ Balancing ambition with humility in a competitive industry
◽️ The importance of truth and collaboration in acting
◽️ Navigating the emotional depths of roles like Iago and Hamlet
◽️ Lessons from a 40-year career in theater, TV, and film

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⏱ Timestamps
00:00 Intro
00:31 Tim shares school play start
02:09 Acting clicked for Tim early
04:36 Harvey contrasts modern acting motives
05:04 Harvey asks about role competition
05:24 Tim on theater, luck’s role
08:08 Tim’s first London play
09:19 Harvey cites passion-driven acting
11:23 Balancing uniqueness with director’s vision
12:19 Tim on collaboration, script’s role
15:29 Tim’s chameleon-like acting approach
16:20 Tim on accessing self for roles
18:36 Harvey references Game of Thrones
19:42 Tim on controlling role immersion
21:08 Harvey asks about disconnecting roles
23:21 Tim discusses playing Iago
25:24 Harvey relates to life balance
26:25 Tim praises Harvey’s self-awareness
27:01 Tim chose university over drama
29:42 Tim on Oxford theater opportunities
31:33 Harvey shares dyslexia, camera issues
33:02 Tim on Blackadder comedy
36:36 Tim defines humor as wit
38:04 Blackadder’s serious comedy process
40:38 Challenges with Shakespeare’s comedy
41:01 Humor from character truth
47:00 Harvey asks about inspirations
48:31 Tim on Redgrave, Dench, Holm
54:17 Harvey asks about legacy
54:38 Tim values kindness as legacy
55:35 Harvey asks about unasked questions
57:34 Acting as self-examination privilege
58:43 Harvey thanks Tim, recalls meeting
1:00:05 Harvey reflects on deep talk
1:00:11 Outro

📌 Resources
Tim McInnerny:
◽️ IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0570570/

Harvey Bracken-Smith:
◽️ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith
◽️ Instagram: instagram.com/harveybsmith
◽️ X (Twitter): x.com/harveybsmith_

Personable Podcast:
◽️ Instagram: instagram.com/personable.podcast
◽️ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast
◽️ TikTok: tiktok.com/@personableclips
◽️ Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api
◽️ Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personable/id1671640111

Additional:
◽️ The Draft (Sign up): thedraft.io
◽️ Fundraising: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn

Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.

This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial advice. Always consult a qua

Support the show