Unfiltered Investments

Damini M
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Unfiltered Investments is a digital platform and podcast that breaks down the world of investing into clear, relatable, and unfiltered content. We simplify the concepts no one teaches, from how investing works to what actually drives returns, so you can make smarter financial moves without needing a finance degree. Whether you’re just getting started or want to deepen your understanding, we create content that’s straightforward, jargon-free, and actually enjoyable to consume. Think: real talk about money, wealth-building, and the systems behind them, minus the gatekeeping.

Episodes

  1. JAN 13

    Ep. 7: Women in Finance + Building Portfolios: Asset Allocation, Alpha & Markets | Mehvish Ayub, CFA

    In this episode of Unfiltered Investments, we sit down with Mehvish Ayub, CFA, Board Member at CFA Society Emirates and Investment Strategist for over 20+ years, to break down how serious portfolio construction actually works. We go beyond “hot stocks” and headlines to discuss what truly drives long-term outcomes: asset allocation, governance, disciplined rebalancing, and how investors should think about public vs private markets. We also get into leadership, reputation, productivity, and what it really looks like to build a career as a woman in finance in the region.Guest: Mehvish Ayub, CFA• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mehvish-ayub-cfa-47b89928/• CFA Society Emirates (Board & Leadership): https://www.cfasociety.org/emirates/about-us/leadershipWhat we cover:• Women in finance: career trajectory, motherhood, and practical D&I in the workplace• Strategic vs Tactical Asset Allocation (and why it matters)• Rebalancing: how it works, why it works, and when it fails• Institutional vs HNW/UHNW investing: real differences in behavior and process• Manager selection vs market timing: what actually moves performance• Alpha vs passive: when active management can justify fees• “Noise vs reality” in macro (tariffs, geopolitics, inflation surprises)• Alternatives & evergreen structures: liquidity sleeves, J-curve, and what investors miss• Leadership & people skills: why reputation compounds (especially in small markets)• Gen Z, attention spans, and finance content: education vs entertainment riskIf you found this useful:1) Like the video (it helps the algorithm)2) Subscribe for more episodes on investing, private markets, and portfolio strategy3) Comment: “ASSET ALLOCATION” and I’ll share the key framework we discussedDisclaimer:The views expressed in this podcast are personal opinions meant for educational purposes only and do not constitute financial advice. Please consult a licensed financial professional before making any investment decisions.#UnfilteredInvestments #AssetAllocation #PortfolioConstruction #WealthManagement #PrivateBanking #CFA #WomenInFinance #Investing #Alternatives #PrivateMarkets

    1h 10m

  2. 12/11/2025

    Ep. 6: Inside India’s Next Decade of Growth | Arun Chulani on Value Investing

    In this episode of Unfiltered Investments, we sit down with Arun Chulani (https://www.linkedin.com/in/arun-chulani-680b338/) , Partner at First Water Capital, to decode one of the world’s most fascinating markets: Indian equities. With decades of experience across auditing, treasury, corporate finance, private equity, and now public markets, Arun brings a rare 360-degree perspective on how to find overlooked businesses, build conviction, and generate true long-term alpha.From identifying multibagger opportunities at single-digit rupee prices… to buying 23% of an entire company… to navigating supercycles, structural shifts, and market shocks, this conversation is a masterclass in disciplined, fundamentals-driven investing.Whether you're a retail investor, a finance professional, or simply curious about how successful value investors think, this episode breaks everything down simply, practically, and with zero jargon.What We Cover:Arun’s journey from audit and PE to running a high-conviction public markets strategyWhat makes India structurally different, demographics, infrastructure spend, and China+1How real investors think about valuations: P/E, P/B, DCF and intrinsic valueValue vs momentum investing and what makes a stock truly “cheap”How to size positions, manage risk, and spot major red flagsHow First Water screens thousands of companies to find a few winnersWhere AI can support investing, and where human intuition still mattersKey Takeaway:India is entering a multi-decade structural growth cycle. If you understand the macros, know your sectors, and pick companies with discipline, real alpha is still possible.Special thanks to On The Road Specialty Café (https://share.google/jMzbMZb25aB9hrBsO), for hosting us. If you're in Dubai, stop by for one of the best coffee and community vibes in the city.About Unfiltered Investments (https://www.linkedin.com/company/unfilteredinvestments/?viewAsMember=true):A podcast dedicated to decoding private capital, public markets, and everything in between — with transparent, jargon-free conversations that help you understand how money really moves in the Middle East and beyond.Disclaimer:The views expressed in this episode are personal opinions meant for educational purposes only and do not constitute financial advice. Please consult a licensed financial professional before making investment decisions.

    1h 15m

  3. 11/18/2025

    Ep. 5: Inside UAE Family Offices: How They Think, Operate & Make Decisions | With Obediah Ayton

    In this episode, we sit down with Obediah Ayton, a leading figure in the Middle East’s investment and family office landscape, to unpack the realities of how family offices operate in the UAE. From the difference between family offices and family holdings to the nuances of communication, governance, and deal flow, Obediah shares insider perspectives you rarely hear publicly.🔑 What we cover in this episode:How family offices differ from family holdings (structure, decision-making & governance)Why UAE family offices behave differently from Western onesThe biggest challenges family offices face today — internally and in the marketHow founders, GPs & fundraisers often misread family office expectationsThe right way to communicate and build trust when approaching a UAE family officeWhat happens behind the scenes: mandates, approvals, deal filters & accessHow to authentically build relationships in the GCC family office ecosystemWhether you’re a founder, GP, wealth advisor, or simply curious about how private capital really moves in this region, this episode offers rare clarity into one of the most influential (and misunderstood) parts of the investment world.✨ About the GuestObediah Ayton is an investor, advisor, and senior executive known for his extensive work with UHNW families, holding groups, and private investment offices across the Middle East, including roles shaping strategy, capital deployment, and ecosystem development.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/obediah-ayton/📍 Episode filmed at On The Road Specialty Café (https://share.google/AkC1kYAp4RfOV5DtZ), Al Quoz, Dubai, our fantastic venue partner.👉 If you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share for more unfiltered insights into the world of private markets and family offices.#FamilyOffice #PrivateWealth #UAEInvestments #GCCCapital #UnfilteredInvestmentsDisclaimer: The views expressed in this episode are personal opinions and should not be taken as financial advice or as guidance from any specific family office.

    1h 25m

  4. 11/15/2025

    Ep.4: Inside Fundraising: Secrets from Private Markets with James Varela (Rede Partners)

    In this episode, we sit down with James Varela, Partner at Rede Partners, to dive deep into the world of private markets fundraising. From the challenges GPs face today to how LPs really think, James shares insider perspectives on what drives successful fundraising across Europe, the MENA region, and beyond.🔑 What we cover in this episode:How fundraising culture and LP behavior differ across regionsThe real role of placement agents and why GPs need themMissteps managers make when raising capital (and how to avoid them)Liquidity pressures, secondaries, and the rise of private creditWhat makes a GP “fundable” in today’s tough marketThe Gulf sovereign wealth funds’ role in global capital flowsWhether you’re a fund manager, investor, or just curious about the private markets ecosystem, this episode offers rare insights into the dynamics shaping capital raising today.✨ About the GuestJames Varela is a Partner at Rede Partners, recognized as a PEI Future 40 Leader and Placement Agent of the Year, with nearly two decades of experience helping managers navigate the fundraising journey globally.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-varela/📍 Episode filmed at On The Road Specialty Café (https://share.google/AkC1kYAp4RfOV5DtZ), Al Quoz, Dubai, our amazing venue partner.👉 If you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share for more unfiltered insights into the world of private markets.#PrivateEquity #Fundraising #PrivateMarkets #PlacementAgent #UnfilteredInvestments

    1h 33m

  5. 11/15/2025

    Ep. 3 - Inside the Mind of a Founder: Antoine Bruna on Startups, Fundraising & VC Reality

    In Episode 3 of Unfiltered Investments, I sit down with Antoine Bruna, Co-Founder of CapQuest, a Dubai-based platform simplifying equity management, SAFE conversions, and ESOPs for startups and investors across the MENA region.From starting his career at 19 during the 2008 crisis to building multiple ventures (including ArrowFin Consulting and Repeat App), Antoine shares his journey through auditing, entrepreneurship, and venture building, and the real lessons behind dilution, fundraising, and control.🎙️ Topics we explore:What founders often misunderstand about VCs and fundraisingHow CapQuest was born out of the chaos of managing messy cap tablesWhy angel investors differ from VCs and PEsSAFE notes, term sheets, and ESOPs explained simplyThe evolution of the MENA startup ecosystemHis take on the “100 customer challenge” and MVP validation💬 Guest: Antoine BrunaCo-Founder @ CapQuest (https://capquest.io/)Member @ Fusion42📍Based in Dubai, Antoine also teaches and mentors through Fusion42 and other founder networks, helping startups build scalable, investor-ready businesses.🎧 Watch till the end for his brutally honest take on myths around entrepreneurship — from VC pressures to the reality of risk, family, and burnout.Connect with Antoine:🔗 LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antoine-bruna-719562b2/📢 Disclaimer:This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.

    1h 7m

  6. 11/11/2025

    Ep.2 - How Small Actions Create Big Careers ft. Eric Sim (Ex-UBS MD) | Unfiltered Investments

    🎙️ About This EpisodeIn this episode of Unfiltered Investments, host Damini Mulchandani sits down with Eric Sim, former UBS Managing Director turned author, keynote speaker, and educator.Eric shares his fascinating journey — from being rejected by Princeton for a PhD to building a portfolio career that blends finance, teaching, writing, and public speaking. He reveals why having multiple identities is key in today’s world, how small actions lead to big outcomes, and how professionals can thrive in the age of AI and automation.🎯 Key Takeaways:How Eric transitioned from investment banking to independent entrepreneurship.Why “small actions” compound into extraordinary results.Building social capital and networks the smart way.The role of creativity and adaptability in a tech-driven finance industry.Practical tips to future-proof your career in finance and beyond.💡 Action Items:Reach out to two people to build social capital.Use your creative or analytical skills to add value and connect with others.Explore how AI can personalize finance and client experiences.Keep learning, stay curious, and never stop adapting.🧠 About Eric Sim:Author of Small Actions: Leading Your Career to Big Success and one of LinkedIn’s top voices in finance and education.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simeric/Details: https://iol.life/speaking-engagements/Book: https://www.amazon.ae/Small-Actions-Leading-Career-Success/dp/9811233853Unfiltered Investments:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unfilteredinvestments/?viewAsMember=true⚠️ Disclaimer:The views shared in this podcast are personal opinions for educational purposes only and do not constitute financial advice. Please consult a licensed financial professional before making any investment decisions.

    17 min

  7. 11/11/2025

    Ep.1: Building Trust, Wealth & The Future of Investments in MENA with William Tohmé & Damini M

    Welcome to the first episode of Unfiltered Investments 🎙️, a podcast where we simplify the world of alternative investments and speak directly with the leaders shaping the industry.In this episode, we sit down with Mr. William Tohmé, CEO & President of CFA Society Emirates, to explore:- His personal journey from Lebanon during the civil war to leading finance in the UAE- The differences between equities, bonds, and REITs (explained in simple terms)- Why fees matter, and how to spot hidden ones- The role of trust and ethics in choosing the right financial advisor- How institutional investors like pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, and family offices think differently- The rise of AI in wealth management- Insights on Islamic finance (Sukuk), financial literacy initiatives, and the future of the GCC investment landscape✨ Key Lesson: “Never say ‘I know.’ Stay curious, keep learning, and let your bottle fill with knowledge.”📌 About Unfiltered InvestmentsWe are building a community to demystify alternative investments, starting with our podcast, leading into events, webinars, and eventually building tools that connect investors and fund managers across the region. 🔗 Follow UsInstagram: @unfilteredinvestmentsLinkedIn: Unfiltered InvestmentsEmail: hello@unfilteredinvestments.com👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes on private equity, venture capital, hedge funds, family offices, and wealth management in the MENA region.⚠️ DisclaimerThe views expressed in this episode are those of the speaker(s) and do not constitute financial, investment, legal, or tax advice. This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. Unfiltered Investments and its hosts/guests are not responsible for any investment decisions you make based on this content. Always conduct your own research and seek advice from licensed financial professionals before making investment decisions.#Investing #Finance #MENA #CFA #WealthManagement #UnfilteredInvestments

    1h 6m
  • 7 Episodes

About

Unfiltered Investments is a digital platform and podcast that breaks down the world of investing into clear, relatable, and unfiltered content. We simplify the concepts no one teaches, from how investing works to what actually drives returns, so you can make smarter financial moves without needing a finance degree. Whether you’re just getting started or want to deepen your understanding, we create content that’s straightforward, jargon-free, and actually enjoyable to consume. Think: real talk about money, wealth-building, and the systems behind them, minus the gatekeeping.

Information

  • Creator
    Damini M
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    7
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Damini M
  • Show Website
    Unfiltered Investments