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 LingBei 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 BontragerMike 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.

In this episode of the Investing in Integrity podcast, Ross Overline, CEO and co-founder of Scholars of Finance, speaks with Reggie Love, Senior Advisor at Apollo Global Management.  Reggie discusses his inspiring journey from college athlete to key aide for Barack Obama and now as a leader in finance. We explore the pivotal role of mentorship in developing leaders, effective leadership qualities, and financial services' transformative impact on promoting equality. Reggie shares valuable insights on integrity in finance, the traits of successful mentees, and the importance of community engagement. This conversation offers meaningful takeaways for students, professionals, and executives alike. Reggie's story is a testament to the power of hard work, resilience, and the importance of giving back to the community. Tune in to discover how you can make finance a force for good! Meet Reggie Love Reggie Love is a Senior Advisor at Apollo Global Management, where he leads strategies in human capital, public engagement, and DE&I initiatives. Known for his tenure as one of President Obama’s longest-serving aides, Reggie played a crucial role in the inner circle, bridging Obama’s public and private affairs. His memoir, Power Forward: My Presidential Education, chronicles his front-row experience during Obama’s historic campaign and presidency. Reggie also served as a Partner at RON Transatlantic EG, focusing on financial services and energy investments across the U.S., Latin America, and Europe. His career reflects a commitment to leadership, resilience, and change.

In this episode of the Investing in Integrity podcast, Ross Overline, CEO and co-founder of Scholars of Finance, speaks with Rick Flynn, Managing Director, Head of RQA EMEA at BlackRock. This conversation explores the entrepreneurial journey of Rick Flynn in the world of risk management. Rick takes us through the processes needed to gain knowledge about risks. He shares several lessons about risk management and also how the support given to his clients while making decisions has improved their relationship over the years. The episode concludes with a discussion on the role of derivatives in the financial markets. Rick addresses concerns about the potential risks associated with derivatives trading and the importance of regulatory oversight to ensure market stability. Meet Rick Flynn Richard Flynn, Managing Director and Head of Risk & Quantitative Analysis EMEA at BlackRock. In addition, he is the Chief Risk Officer of BlackRock Group Limited (BGL), co-chairs the EMEA Enterprise Risk Committee, and is a member of the European Executive and Global Operating Committees of the firm.   Mr. Flynn's service with the firm dates back to 2005, including his years with Barclays Global Investors (BGI), which merged with BlackRock in 2009. Prior to joining BGI in November 2005, he spent 4 years at London-based hedge fund Horizon Asset Limited focused on convertible bond arbitrage research and equity stat-arb trading. Previous experience includes setting up proprietary trading groups and managing risk arbitrage strategies at both Sanwa International plc and Sumitomo Finance International plc. Mr. Flynn began his career by spending 9 years with Salomon Brothers Proprietary Fixed Income groups variously in London, Hong Kong, Tokyo, and New York.   Mr. Flynn holds a Masters in Finance from London Business School, a BSc in Computer Science from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and is a CFA Charterholder.

In this episode of the Investing in Integrity podcast, Ross Overline, CEO and co-founder of Scholars of Finance, speaks with John Shrewsberry, CFO at GoodLeap and Former CFO at Wells Fargo. The conversation explores the role of ethical leadership in fostering sustainable finance. John shares his career journey from Wall Street to Wells Fargo and now renewable energy fintech. He explores the balance between performance incentives and ethical standards, reflecting on lessons from the Wells Fargo sales crisis almost a decade ago and emphasizing the dangers of misaligned metrics. John advocates for integrity, transparency, and constructive feedback in leadership while highlighting the role of finance in driving innovation and prosperity. John and Ross also offer advice for young professionals and seasoned leaders on fostering a culture of accountability and growth.  Meet John Shrewsberry John Shrewsberry is the Chief Financial Officer at GoodLeap, where he oversees critical functions such as financial planning, accounting, capital markets, investor relations, human resources, legal, and compliance. Previously, John served as CFO of Wells Fargo, managing the financial operations of the $2 trillion company, including treasury, tax management, and corporate development. During nearly two decades at Wells Fargo, he held leadership roles such as head of Wells Fargo Securities and the Wells Fargo Commercial Capital Group, which stemmed from a finance company he co-founded and sold to Wells Fargo in 2001. Before Wells Fargo, John worked in principal finance at Goldman Sachs and Credit Suisse First Boston, following his start as a CPA at Coopers & Lybrand. He earned a degree in economics from Claremont McKenna College and an MBA from Yale School of Management. John serves on the boards of Claremont McKenna, Yale’s advisory committees, and the Yale University Endowment Investment Committee.

In this episode of the Investing in Integrity podcast, Ross Overline, CEO and co-founder of Scholars of Finance, speaks with Jessica Taylor, Managing Director and National Director of One Million Black Women at Goldman Sachs.  Jessica discusses the One Million Black Women initiative, a $10 billion investment commitment to create economic opportunities for Black women by 2030. She shares insights on the "Black in Business" program, which supports Black women sole proprietors with education and networking opportunities. The conversation explores the importance of mentorship, the role of storytelling in philanthropy, and the initiative's goal to close the racial wealth gap. Jessica also highlights the economic impact of investing in Black women and shares success stories from the program's participants. Join Ross and Jessica as they delve into the transformative power of intentional investment and the potential to drive systemic change in the finance industry. Meet Jessica Taylor Jessica Taylor joined Goldman Sachs in 2014, beginning her career in the firm’s 10,000 Small Businesses initiative, a cornerstone philanthropic program designed to empower small business owners with the education and tools needed for growth. Her leadership in this space saw her oversee the program for several years before she transitioned to head the 1,000,000 Black Women initiative in June 2023. Launched in March 2021, the 1,000,000 Black Women initiative is a $10 billion investment commitment, with an additional $100 million in philanthropic capital, designed to advance economic opportunities for Black women in the United States by 2030. This initiative is rooted in the findings of Goldman Sachs’ "Black Womenomics" report, which highlighted a significant racial wealth gap and the immense potential of investing in Black women to drive U.S. economic growth. Under Jessica’s leadership, Goldman Sachs is addressing this gap through targeted investments to create jobs and boost annual GDP by an estimated $450 billion. Jessica credits the vision of senior women and women of color at Goldman Sachs for inspiring the initiative. She is proud to lead an effort that combines business strategy with social impact, proving that investing in Black women is a powerful economic catalyst.

In this episode of the Investing in Integrity podcast, Ross Overline, CEO and co-founder of Scholars of Finance, speaks with Miguel Guadalupe, Vice President of Development at Scholars of Finance.  Miguel shares his journey from the South Bronx to finance, highlighting the pivotal roles of integrity and relationship-building throughout his career. He discusses his career beginnings at Morgan Stanley and Merrill Lynch, his transition to nonprofit work after Hurricane Maria, and his mission to inspire character and integrity in the next generation of financial leaders through Scholars of Finance. Miguel advocates for fostering genuine connections and prioritizing team growth, highlighting the importance of character in leadership and the financial industry. Miguel shares his views on leadership, highlighting the importance of caring for team members and investing in their growth. He believes that successful leaders prioritize the development of their staff and foster an environment of collaboration and support. He contrasts this with the transactional mindset that can sometimes permeate the finance industry, advocating for a more human-centered approach. Meet Miguel Guadalupe Miguel Guadalupe is a seasoned business leader with deep expertise in strategic development, fundraising, and organizational leadership. A proud graduate of Wesleyan University, Miguel has held key roles in the financial services, technology, and nonprofit sectors, including positions at Merrill Lynch, FirstRain, Gartner, and BRC. At Merrill Lynch, he gained significant experience in Marketing, Research Operations, and Middle Market International Sales. He then moved into the tech startup space at FirstRain, where he further honed his leadership and strategic skills. At Gartner, Miguel focused on strategic advisory services and market research. While at BRC, he served as VP of Development, leading fundraising initiatives that drove organizational growth and impact. He currently serves on the National Puerto Rican Day Parade's board of directors, promoting cultural awareness and educational initiatives. As part of Scholars of Finance, Miguel focuses on guiding supporters of our programs in empowering the next generation of ethical leaders championing financial literacy and leadership development for young professionals.

In this episode of the Investing in Integrity podcast, Ross Overline, CEO and co-founder of Scholars of Finance, speaks with Cary Krosinsky, Leading Teacher, Author & Advisor at Brown, NYU and Yale. At Yale University, Cary has been co-teaching a seminar on climate, energy and finance since 2014. Other courses at Yale include the first seminar on Business & Sustainability, a new workshop on Climate Tech Ventures, and the first MBA class on Sustainable Finance. Cary is also the Co-founder of the Sustainable Finance Institute (SFI), Real Impact Tracker (which spun out YourStake) and the Carbon Tracker Initiative. He is a Founding Mentor to Climate Tech VC (CTVC, now Sightline Climate).  Join Ross and Cary as they delve into sustainable finance and the need for integrity in this  sector. Cary shares his background, including his teaching experience at top institutions and his evolution in the field. They discuss the impact of student interest on course content, the challenges facing universities, as well as the controversy surrounding ESG investing.  Cary highlights the investment gap in addressing climate change, the rise of the anti-ESG movement, and the need for transparency to combat greenwashing. The conversation also covers the diverse strategies within ESG investing and the importance of global collaboration and ethical practices in finance. Meet Cary Krosinsky Cary Krosinsky is a distinguished lecturer, author, and advisor specializing in the intersection of sustainability, finance, and impact. As co-founder of the Sustainable Finance Institute (SFI), Real Impact Tracker, and the Carbon Tracker Initiative, Cary has been at the forefront of sustainable finance innovation. He created the field of Sustainability & IR in the mid-2000s and continues to serve as a senior advisor in various capacities. Cary's influence extends beyond Yale, having taught at Brown University, Harvard, and NYU. His work at Brown supported the creation of the sustainable investment component of the Brown endowment in 2016. He also served on the NYS Common Retirement Fund Decarbonization Advisory Panel, contributing to their 2019 Climate Action Plan. A prolific author, Cary has written seven books on sustainable investing and related topics. His works include "Sustainable Investing: Revolutions in Theory & Practice" (2016) and "Modern China" (2020), which advocates for better relations in solving sustainability challenges. Cary's expertise is sought after globally. He has developed sustainable finance frameworks for organizations like the Global Impact Investing Network (GIIN) and China's CSI. His research papers cover topics ranging from the financial outperformance of active sustainable investing to the value of global assets under management.

In this episode of the Investing in Integrity podcast, Ross Overline, CEO and co-founder of Scholars of Finance, speaks with Jackie VanderBrug, Head of Sustainability Strategy at Putnam Investments, a division of Franklin Templeton.  At Putnam, Jackie is responsible for leading the company’s ESG-focused business functions, including stewardship, engagement, partnerships, and ESG strategy and integration. She is also a member of Putnam's operating committee. Join them as Jackie shares her journey from economic research to leading sustainability at Putnam, where she emphasizes the integration of financial material ESG factors to drive long-term business value. The discussion also touches on the importance of career development over monetary gain, the evolving landscape of ESG, and the role of gender lens investing in creating positive societal impact.  Jackie debunks misconceptions about gender lens investing and highlights its potential to enhance risk-adjusted returns. The episode concludes with a discussion on socio-economic inclusion, the role of finance professionals in driving change, and advice for aspiring and seasoned financial leaders. Jackie underscores the importance of moral imagination in finance and praises Scholars of Finance's mission of fostering ethical leadership. Meet Jackie VanderBrug Jackie VanderBrug is Head of Sustainability Strategy for Putnam Investments, responsible for leading Putnam's ESG-focused business functions, including stewardship, engagement, partnerships, and ESG strategy and integration, and is a member of Putnam's Operating Committee. Prior to joining Putnam, Jackie served as Head of Sustainable and Impact Investment Strategy for the Chief Investment Office within Bank of America Corporation. In this role, she drove consideration of sustainability throughout the investment process for Bank of America Private Bank and Merrill. Jackie served as the Managing Director at Criterion Ventures, where she worked with high-net-worth individuals and non-profits on impact strategies and led the development of the field of gender lens investing. She also led business development for the technology firm iBasis and co-founded Work in Progress, a non-profit social enterprise focused on career development for underprivileged youths. Jackie started her career as a domestic policy analyst for the U.S. Congress and as a strategy consultant to Fortune 500 companies at CSC Index