Episode 12

full
Published on:

3rd Aug 2021

Steve Koch - Demystifying Investment Banking, Being Calm During Volatility, & Serendipity

Steve Koch, former Credit Suisse Investment Banker and Deputy Mayor of Chicago, joins me at the bar to share lessons from his breadth of experience in both the private and public sectors. Steve provides a primer on investment banking, explains the value of being calm amid the volatility, reflects on the role of serendipity in his life, and shares lessons that will help us be better investors.

[01:23] – Introducing Steve Koch: Investment Banker, Former Deputy Mayor of Chicago, Philanthropist

[03:18] – Tasting: Very Olde St. Nick 12 Year Bourbon

[06:12] – An Investment Banking Primer – origins, growth, and role in our financial system

[15:25] – "at some point, the world will go to shit."

[18:20] – "there is value in being the calmest person in the room."

[20:15] – "try to be dispassionate…divorce emotions from the intellectual process."

[23:40] – From investment banking to public service (Deputy Mayor of Chicago)

[30:40] – Serendipity: "luck, accident, plays an enormous role…it just does."

[35:25] – Maintaining balance: "you have to be self-aware…and understand what's important to you."

[39:30] – "You need to know what you care about."

[42:15] – Biking & Goal Setting in Public: "if you tell people something, you're more likely to do it because it's too embarrassing to back out."

[46:26] – Wealth: "an opportunity for security and freedom."

[48:05] – Ben and Jerry's & Tesla – recognizing opportunities as a consumer


Links:

www.bullsbearsandbourbon.com

www.vermillionprivatewealth.com


**The information in this podcast is educational and general in nature and does not take into consideration the listener's personal circumstances. Therefore, it is not intended to be a substitute for specific, individualized financial, legal, or tax advice. To determine which strategies or investments may be suitable for you, consult the appropriate qualified professional before making a final decision. Thanks for listening.


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About the Podcast

Bulls, Bears, and Bourbon
The Investing Show with a Buzz
We're taking the edge off investing with fun conversations, special guests, current events, investing tips, and more. This new-school financial podcast will focus on innovation-based investing strategies and disruptive technology, all with a little buzz. Based in Kentucky, we'll sip on excellent bourbons and discuss pertinent topics with fun and interesting people. Nope, this isn't the stuffy financial discussions you're used to, this is new-school investing, with a twist. So break out your favorite bottle, relax, and join us. Cheers!

The information in this podcast is educational and general in nature and does not take into consideration the listener's personal circumstances. Therefore, it is not intended to be a substitute for specific, individualized financial, legal, or tax advice. To determine which strategies or investments may be suitable for you, consult the appropriate qualified professional prior to making a final decision. Thanks for listening.

About your host

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James Vermillion

I like finance and I love bourbon! As I teenager I became fascinated with investing. I’m not sure what ignited this intrigue, but it was one of the best things to ever happen to me. I read every investing book I could get my hands on and when I came home from school, I rushed to see what happened in the financial markets. Years later, this fascination continues. After working in the industry for several years I started my own firm, Vermillion Private Wealth, in 2020. With Bulls, Bears, and Bourbon I hope to make talking about investing fun by adding delicious bourbon, great guests, and lively conversation.