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Investing Booklet
Source Freepik
Creating my finance booklet Investing with Vision: 10 Key Lessons from Seasoned Asset Managers was one of the most immersive and challenging experiences of my life. It began with the idea of distilling the wisdom of experienced asset managers into a practical guide for young people like myself who are just starting their journey in finance. I didn’t want this booklet to be filled with generic advice. I wanted it to be real, actionable, and reflective of the hard-earned lessons from industry veterans.
The first step was identifying the right professionals to interview. I reached out to asset managers, financial advisors, and leaders in the finance world, many of whom had decades of experience managing large portfolios. I was initially nervous about whether they would even respond to my requests, but surprisingly, many of them were willing to share their stories and insights. Setting up these interviews took a lot of coordination and planning, as these professionals had busy schedules. I learned very quickly that persistence, clear communication, and preparation were key to gaining their time and trust.
The interview process itself was a steep learning curve. Before each conversation, I had to do extensive research not just on the person but also on the current market trends and their specific areas of expertise. I knew that to have a meaningful dialogue, my questions had to be tailored, thoughtful, and relevant. For instance, when speaking with Nitin Raheja, Head of Discretionary Equities at Julius Baer Wealth Advisors India, I focused on how emotional discipline plays a key role in investment decisions—especially in high-pressure environments where market volatility can cloud rational thinking. His insights into balancing data-driven analysis with emotional awareness opened my eyes to how deeply human the finance world is, despite being often seen as cold and calculated.
Through these interviews, one of the biggest lessons I learned was the importance of emotional intelligence in finance. Time and again, the professionals emphasized that markets are driven by people and their emotions—fear, greed, hope, and panic. This wasn’t something I had anticipated, as I had always seen finance through the lens of numbers, metrics, and data. But they made me realize that understanding human behavior and maintaining emotional discipline is just as important as knowing how to analyze financial statements. This lesson shifted the way I thought about investing. It’s not just about algorithms and trends; it’s about people making decisions based on imperfect information and emotional reactions.
Source Freepik
The process of preparing questions for these interviews was incredibly demanding. Each conversation had to be structured yet flexible enough to allow for organic insights. I had to carefully craft questions that would draw out the practical lessons these asset managers had learned over the years. For example, when I interviewed Vivek Anand PS, Managing Director and Founder of OAKS Asset Management, I delved into how he navigated market upheavals, particularly the 2008 financial crisis. He shared his "survival mindset" approach, emphasizing that enduring challenging times often defines long-term success in finance. His story helped me understand that resilience and adaptability are cornerstones for anyone looking to build a career in the volatile world of asset management.
As I conducted these interviews, I also became increasingly fascinated by the interdisciplinary connections between finance, economics, and geopolitics. Several of the asset managers I spoke with highlighted how global events, such as elections, trade wars, and geopolitical conflicts, directly influence market movements and investment strategies. This realization sparked a deeper interest in how macro-level geopolitical shifts affect micro-level financial decisions. For example, Kabir Kewalramani, Managing Director of Berggruen Holdings India, talked about how the 2001 market crash influenced his approach to growth investing, focusing on traditional industries rather than rapidly changing tech sectors. This connection between global events and investment decisions was a recurring theme that piqued my curiosity. I began to appreciate finance not just as an isolated field but as a dynamic, interconnected system deeply influenced by the world at large.
Source Freepik
Compiling all of these interviews into a coherent booklet was a challenge in itself. Each conversation was packed with insights, but I had to distill them down to their essence without losing the nuance or depth. There were so many moments where I felt overwhelmed by the sheer amount of wisdom shared with me. I had to be strategic in choosing what to include, ensuring that the booklet would be accessible and valuable to young people just entering the field of finance, while still offering profound insights for those looking to deepen their understanding of asset management.
One of the most difficult parts of the process was synthesizing the diverse perspectives into a unified narrative. Each professional had a slightly different approach—some focused on the importance of long-term investments, while others emphasized the need for agility in volatile markets. I had to find a way to weave these lessons together into a coherent framework. This involved hours of sifting through interview transcripts, identifying recurring themes, and refining my own understanding of what it takes to succeed in finance.
As I compiled the booklet, I also faced the challenge of simplifying complex financial concepts without dumbing them down. I wanted the booklet to be both educational and inspiring, something that could help guide young people like me as they start their own journeys in finance. I took the time to ensure that each chapter not only provided practical advice but also conveyed the personal stories and lessons these asset managers had learned over their careers. Whether it was about the importance of maintaining a long-term perspective, like Jyoti Jaipuria’s commitment to holding stocks for an average of six years, or Vivek Anand’s focus on robust risk management practices, each lesson was tied to real-world experience.
Ultimately, compiling Investing with Vision: 10 Key Lessons from Seasoned Asset Managers was not just about creating a guide for others; it was about transforming my own understanding of finance. I went into this project expecting to learn technical strategies and market principles, but I came away with a much deeper appreciation for the personal, emotional, and interdisciplinary aspects of the field. The professionals I interviewed taught me that success in finance isn’t just about knowing the right numbers or making the perfect trade—it’s about understanding people, staying disciplined, and continuously adapting to an ever-changing world.
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© 2024 Aaryan Choksi.
Back
Investing Booklet
Source Freepik
Creating my finance booklet Investing with Vision: 10 Key Lessons from Seasoned Asset Managers was one of the most immersive and challenging experiences of my life. It began with the idea of distilling the wisdom of experienced asset managers into a practical guide for young people like myself who are just starting their journey in finance. I didn’t want this booklet to be filled with generic advice. I wanted it to be real, actionable, and reflective of the hard-earned lessons from industry veterans.
The first step was identifying the right professionals to interview. I reached out to asset managers, financial advisors, and leaders in the finance world, many of whom had decades of experience managing large portfolios. I was initially nervous about whether they would even respond to my requests, but surprisingly, many of them were willing to share their stories and insights. Setting up these interviews took a lot of coordination and planning, as these professionals had busy schedules. I learned very quickly that persistence, clear communication, and preparation were key to gaining their time and trust.
The interview process itself was a steep learning curve. Before each conversation, I had to do extensive research not just on the person but also on the current market trends and their specific areas of expertise. I knew that to have a meaningful dialogue, my questions had to be tailored, thoughtful, and relevant. For instance, when speaking with Nitin Raheja, Head of Discretionary Equities at Julius Baer Wealth Advisors India, I focused on how emotional discipline plays a key role in investment decisions—especially in high-pressure environments where market volatility can cloud rational thinking. His insights into balancing data-driven analysis with emotional awareness opened my eyes to how deeply human the finance world is, despite being often seen as cold and calculated.
Through these interviews, one of the biggest lessons I learned was the importance of emotional intelligence in finance. Time and again, the professionals emphasized that markets are driven by people and their emotions—fear, greed, hope, and panic. This wasn’t something I had anticipated, as I had always seen finance through the lens of numbers, metrics, and data. But they made me realize that understanding human behavior and maintaining emotional discipline is just as important as knowing how to analyze financial statements. This lesson shifted the way I thought about investing. It’s not just about algorithms and trends; it’s about people making decisions based on imperfect information and emotional reactions.
Source Freepik
The process of preparing questions for these interviews was incredibly demanding. Each conversation had to be structured yet flexible enough to allow for organic insights. I had to carefully craft questions that would draw out the practical lessons these asset managers had learned over the years. For example, when I interviewed Vivek Anand PS, Managing Director and Founder of OAKS Asset Management, I delved into how he navigated market upheavals, particularly the 2008 financial crisis. He shared his "survival mindset" approach, emphasizing that enduring challenging times often defines long-term success in finance. His story helped me understand that resilience and adaptability are cornerstones for anyone looking to build a career in the volatile world of asset management.
As I conducted these interviews, I also became increasingly fascinated by the interdisciplinary connections between finance, economics, and geopolitics. Several of the asset managers I spoke with highlighted how global events, such as elections, trade wars, and geopolitical conflicts, directly influence market movements and investment strategies. This realization sparked a deeper interest in how macro-level geopolitical shifts affect micro-level financial decisions. For example, Kabir Kewalramani, Managing Director of Berggruen Holdings India, talked about how the 2001 market crash influenced his approach to growth investing, focusing on traditional industries rather than rapidly changing tech sectors. This connection between global events and investment decisions was a recurring theme that piqued my curiosity. I began to appreciate finance not just as an isolated field but as a dynamic, interconnected system deeply influenced by the world at large.
Source Freepik
Compiling all of these interviews into a coherent booklet was a challenge in itself. Each conversation was packed with insights, but I had to distill them down to their essence without losing the nuance or depth. There were so many moments where I felt overwhelmed by the sheer amount of wisdom shared with me. I had to be strategic in choosing what to include, ensuring that the booklet would be accessible and valuable to young people just entering the field of finance, while still offering profound insights for those looking to deepen their understanding of asset management.
One of the most difficult parts of the process was synthesizing the diverse perspectives into a unified narrative. Each professional had a slightly different approach—some focused on the importance of long-term investments, while others emphasized the need for agility in volatile markets. I had to find a way to weave these lessons together into a coherent framework. This involved hours of sifting through interview transcripts, identifying recurring themes, and refining my own understanding of what it takes to succeed in finance.
As I compiled the booklet, I also faced the challenge of simplifying complex financial concepts without dumbing them down. I wanted the booklet to be both educational and inspiring, something that could help guide young people like me as they start their own journeys in finance. I took the time to ensure that each chapter not only provided practical advice but also conveyed the personal stories and lessons these asset managers had learned over their careers. Whether it was about the importance of maintaining a long-term perspective, like Jyoti Jaipuria’s commitment to holding stocks for an average of six years, or Vivek Anand’s focus on robust risk management practices, each lesson was tied to real-world experience.
Ultimately, compiling Investing with Vision: 10 Key Lessons from Seasoned Asset Managers was not just about creating a guide for others; it was about transforming my own understanding of finance. I went into this project expecting to learn technical strategies and market principles, but I came away with a much deeper appreciation for the personal, emotional, and interdisciplinary aspects of the field. The professionals I interviewed taught me that success in finance isn’t just about knowing the right numbers or making the perfect trade—it’s about understanding people, staying disciplined, and continuously adapting to an ever-changing world.
© 2024 Aaryan Choksi.
.
Back
Investing Booklet
Source Freepik
Creating my finance booklet Investing with Vision: 10 Key Lessons from Seasoned Asset Managers was one of the most immersive and challenging experiences of my life. It began with the idea of distilling the wisdom of experienced asset managers into a practical guide for young people like myself who are just starting their journey in finance. I didn’t want this booklet to be filled with generic advice. I wanted it to be real, actionable, and reflective of the hard-earned lessons from industry veterans.
The first step was identifying the right professionals to interview. I reached out to asset managers, financial advisors, and leaders in the finance world, many of whom had decades of experience managing large portfolios. I was initially nervous about whether they would even respond to my requests, but surprisingly, many of them were willing to share their stories and insights. Setting up these interviews took a lot of coordination and planning, as these professionals had busy schedules. I learned very quickly that persistence, clear communication, and preparation were key to gaining their time and trust.
The interview process itself was a steep learning curve. Before each conversation, I had to do extensive research not just on the person but also on the current market trends and their specific areas of expertise. I knew that to have a meaningful dialogue, my questions had to be tailored, thoughtful, and relevant. For instance, when speaking with Nitin Raheja, Head of Discretionary Equities at Julius Baer Wealth Advisors India, I focused on how emotional discipline plays a key role in investment decisions—especially in high-pressure environments where market volatility can cloud rational thinking. His insights into balancing data-driven analysis with emotional awareness opened my eyes to how deeply human the finance world is, despite being often seen as cold and calculated.
Through these interviews, one of the biggest lessons I learned was the importance of emotional intelligence in finance. Time and again, the professionals emphasized that markets are driven by people and their emotions—fear, greed, hope, and panic. This wasn’t something I had anticipated, as I had always seen finance through the lens of numbers, metrics, and data. But they made me realize that understanding human behavior and maintaining emotional discipline is just as important as knowing how to analyze financial statements. This lesson shifted the way I thought about investing. It’s not just about algorithms and trends; it’s about people making decisions based on imperfect information and emotional reactions.
Source Freepik
The process of preparing questions for these interviews was incredibly demanding. Each conversation had to be structured yet flexible enough to allow for organic insights. I had to carefully craft questions that would draw out the practical lessons these asset managers had learned over the years. For example, when I interviewed Vivek Anand PS, Managing Director and Founder of OAKS Asset Management, I delved into how he navigated market upheavals, particularly the 2008 financial crisis. He shared his "survival mindset" approach, emphasizing that enduring challenging times often defines long-term success in finance. His story helped me understand that resilience and adaptability are cornerstones for anyone looking to build a career in the volatile world of asset management.
As I conducted these interviews, I also became increasingly fascinated by the interdisciplinary connections between finance, economics, and geopolitics. Several of the asset managers I spoke with highlighted how global events, such as elections, trade wars, and geopolitical conflicts, directly influence market movements and investment strategies. This realization sparked a deeper interest in how macro-level geopolitical shifts affect micro-level financial decisions. For example, Kabir Kewalramani, Managing Director of Berggruen Holdings India, talked about how the 2001 market crash influenced his approach to growth investing, focusing on traditional industries rather than rapidly changing tech sectors. This connection between global events and investment decisions was a recurring theme that piqued my curiosity. I began to appreciate finance not just as an isolated field but as a dynamic, interconnected system deeply influenced by the world at large.
Compiling all of these interviews into a coherent booklet was a challenge in itself. Each conversation was packed with insights, but I had to distill them down to their essence without losing the nuance or depth. There were so many moments where I felt overwhelmed by the sheer amount of wisdom shared with me. I had to be strategic in choosing what to include, ensuring that the booklet would be accessible and valuable to young people just entering the field of finance, while still offering profound insights for those looking to deepen their understanding of asset management.
Source Freepik
One of the most difficult parts of the process was synthesizing the diverse perspectives into a unified narrative. Each professional had a slightly different approach—some focused on the importance of long-term investments, while others emphasized the need for agility in volatile markets. I had to find a way to weave these lessons together into a coherent framework. This involved hours of sifting through interview transcripts, identifying recurring themes, and refining my own understanding of what it takes to succeed in finance.
As I compiled the booklet, I also faced the challenge of simplifying complex financial concepts without dumbing them down. I wanted the booklet to be both educational and inspiring, something that could help guide young people like me as they start their own journeys in finance. I took the time to ensure that each chapter not only provided practical advice but also conveyed the personal stories and lessons these asset managers had learned over their careers. Whether it was about the importance of maintaining a long-term perspective, like Jyoti Jaipuria’s commitment to holding stocks for an average of six years, or Vivek Anand’s focus on robust risk management practices, each lesson was tied to real-world experience.
Ultimately, compiling Investing with Vision: 10 Key Lessons from Seasoned Asset Managers was not just about creating a guide for others; it was about transforming my own understanding of finance. I went into this project expecting to learn technical strategies and market principles, but I came away with a much deeper appreciation for the personal, emotional, and interdisciplinary aspects of the field. The professionals I interviewed taught me that success in finance isn’t just about knowing the right numbers or making the perfect trade—it’s about understanding people, staying disciplined, and continuously adapting to an ever-changing world.
© 2024 Aaryan Choksi.