In this episode of pplpod, we explore the life and career of Ray Dalio, the founder of the world’s largest hedge fund, Bridgewater Associates. From launching the firm in a two-bedroom New York City apartment in 1975 to amassing a net worth of over $15 billion, Dalio has become one of the most influential figures in modern finance.

We discuss Dalio’s unique rise, including the infamous early career moment when he was fired for punching his boss at a New Year’s Eve party. We also break down his signature investment philosophies, such as "risk parity" and the "Pure Alpha" strategy, as well as his widely read books, including Principles: Life & Work and The Changing World Order.

Finally, we examine the complexities behind the billionaire's reputation, from his commitment to the Giving Pledge and ocean conservation to the 2023 New York Times investigation that questioned the validity of Bridgewater's automated systems.

Topics Covered:

• The Origin Story: How Dalio went from a Harvard MBA to trading out of a converted barn and advising farmers on hedging risks.
• Building Bridgewater: The strategy behind the world’s largest hedge fund and predicting the 2008 financial crisis.
• The Philosophy: Understanding Dalio’s "global macro" approach and his "economic machine" theories.
• The Controversy: Inside the allegations regarding Bridgewater’s reliance on insider access versus algorithmic sophistication.
• Philanthropy & Personal Life: Transcendental Meditation, the Dalio Foundation, and giving away billions.