The Important Part: Investing with Liz Thomas

SoFi
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  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Every investment is a high-stakes decision made without certainty. How do the world's most successful investors and business leaders navigate risk, tolerate failure, and stay agile when everything changes? And what can be learned from their insights?  Liz Thomas, SoFi's Head of Investment Strategy, sits down with influential leaders to unpack the pivotal decisions that shaped their careers and portfolios, and wade through the noise to get to the important part. Liz speaks with top voices in finance, business, academia, and media armed with knowledge to help listeners achieve their financial goals. Investing isn't just about picking stocks. It's about defining your relationship with risk, learning from failure, and staying resilient. For more, read Liz’s column every Thursday on SoFi’s website, sign up for On the Money, SoFi's financial literacy newsletter, and follow Liz on Twitter @LizThomasStrat. This podcast should be used for informational purposes only and not deemed as a recommendation. Our Automated investing is via SoFi Wealth LLC, and is a registered investment advisor. Our Active investing is via SoFi securities LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. For additional disclosures related to the SoFi Invest® platforms, please visit www. SoFi.com/Legal. ©2025 Social Finance, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

  1. How Great Leaders Make Decisions Under Pressure: Bobby Parmar's Secrets

    JAN 7

    How Great Leaders Make Decisions Under Pressure: Bobby Parmar's Secrets

    We're taught that smart people get the right answer. The gold star. The A+. But Bobby Parmar, professor of business administration at the University of Virginia and author of Radical Doubt: Turning Uncertainty into Surefire Success, argues that this conditioning sabotages our most important decisions. In this episode, Bobby shares why doubt isn't the enemy of good decision-making, it's the foundation. He reveals how to shift from being a “right answer getter” to becoming a “better answer maker,” and the framework he uses to help executives embrace uncertainty as a strategic advantage. You'll learn why embracing doubt can unlock better decisions for you and why the best investors treat uncertainty as their superpower. For more, read Liz’s column every Thursday at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠On The Money⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ by SoFi⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and follow Liz on Twitter ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@LizThomasStrat⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Additional resources: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠On The Money⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: Sign up for SoFi's newsletter for intel, insights, and inspo to help you get your money right. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Investing 101 Center⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: At SoFi, we believe investing is for everyone — which is why we’ve created a hub with info for beginners and experts alike. Start exploring to get investment education, advice, resources, and more. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wealth Investing Guide⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: Information you need to know to make your money work harder for you. This podcast should be used for informational purposes only and not deemed as a recommendation. Our Automated investing is via SoFi Wealth LLC, and is a registered investment advisor. Our Active investing is via SoFi securities LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. For additional disclosures related to the SoFi Invest® platforms, please visit www.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ SoFi.com/Legal⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. ©2026 Social Finance, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    38 min

  2. 12/24/2025

    Why Philosophy Majors Make Great Investors

    What does it actually take to break into finance? Mario Ismailanji, Senior Investment Strategist at SoFi, shares his unconventional path from philosophy major to finance professional, including the impulsive late-night decision that changed everything. He shares why critical thinking beats perfect credentials, how to filter through the noise in a world of constant headlines, and why your portfolio should be a cruise ship, not a jet ski. Mario and Liz explain what investment strategy teams actually do (spoiler: it's not picking stocks), the hidden tax trap of meme stock trading, and how democratized finance has changed the game for retail investors. Whether you're considering a career pivot, building your first portfolio, or just trying to focus on long-term goals, this conversation offers practical wisdom wrapped in relatable stories. Bottom line: your "wrong" major might be exactly right. For more, read Liz’s column every Thursday at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠On The Money⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ by SoFi⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and follow Liz on Twitter ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@LizThomasStrat⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Additional resources: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠On The Money⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: Sign up for SoFi's newsletter for intel, insights, and inspo to help you get your money right. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Investing 101 Center⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: At SoFi, we believe investing is for everyone — which is why we’ve created a hub with info for beginners and experts alike. Start exploring to get investment education, advice, resources, and more. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wealth Investing Guide⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: Information you need to know to make your money work harder for you. This podcast should be used for informational purposes only and not deemed as a recommendation. Our Automated investing is via SoFi Wealth LLC, and is a registered investment advisor. Our Active investing is via SoFi securities LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. For additional disclosures related to the SoFi Invest® platforms, please visit www.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ SoFi.com/Legal⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. ©2025 Social Finance, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    32 min

  3. 12/10/2025

    Equal Partners, Unequal Incomes: Brad Feld and Amy Batchelor on Money and Marriage

    What happens when entrepreneurial ambition collides with the demands of your relationships? In this revealing conversation, renowned VC Brad Feld and philanthropist Amy Batchelor share what they’ve learned during 35 years of marriage: including the late-night moment when Amy said “I'm done” after a decade of 100-hour work weeks, and the honest reckoning that followed. From navigating income disparities to establishing true equality in their partnership, Brad and Amy share hard-learned wisdom about setting boundaries, aligning values around money, and defining success beyond the balance sheet. Plus, Brad weighs in on today's AI bubble, the Rule of 40, and why speculation is threatening the startup ecosystem. Whether you're building a company, building a relationship, or trying to figure out how to do both, this conversation offers lessons in what it really takes to have it all–and why "having it all" might not mean what you think. For more, read Liz’s column every Thursday at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠On The Money⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ by SoFi⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and follow Liz on Twitter ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@LizThomasStrat⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Additional resources: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠On The Money⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: Sign up for SoFi's newsletter for intel, insights, and inspo to help you get your money right. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Investing 101 Center⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: At SoFi, we believe investing is for everyone — which is why we’ve created a hub with info for beginners and experts alike. Start exploring to get investment education, advice, resources, and more. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wealth Investing Guide⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: Information you need to know to make your money work harder for you. This podcast should be used for informational purposes only and not deemed as a recommendation. Our Automated investing is via SoFi Wealth LLC, and is a registered investment advisor. Our Active investing is via SoFi securities LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. For additional disclosures related to the SoFi Invest® platforms, please visit www.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ SoFi.com/Legal⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. ©2025 Social Finance, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    37 min
  4. The New Too Big To Fail with WSJ’s Tim Higgins

    11/26/2025

    The New Too Big To Fail with WSJ’s Tim Higgins

    What separates billion-dollar bets from billion-dollar disasters? Wall Street Journal columnist and author Tim Higgins has spent two decades covering the world's boldest CEOs: from Elon Musk betting his entire fortune on electric cars, to Mark Zuckerberg wagering Meta's future to escape Apple's “perfect mousetrap.” In this episode, Tim reveals the patterns behind high-stakes tech decisions, explains why OpenAI might already be too big to fail, and shares why every innovation cycle – from Detroit's Model T to today's ChatGPT – starts the same way (spoiler: it always looks frivolous at first). You'll learn how to spot transformative technology before it transforms and why “insane” decisions often work. Whether you're trying to separate hype from reality or are simply fascinated by how power players think, this conversation will change how you see today's AI arms race, and what comes next. For more, read Liz’s column every Thursday at ⁠⁠⁠⁠On The Money⁠⁠⁠⁠ by SoFi⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and follow Liz on Twitter ⁠⁠⁠⁠@LizThomasStrat⁠⁠⁠⁠. Additional resources: ⁠⁠⁠⁠On The Money⁠⁠⁠⁠: Sign up for SoFi's newsletter for intel, insights, and inspo to help you get your money right. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Investing 101 Center⁠⁠⁠⁠: At SoFi, we believe investing is for everyone — which is why we’ve created a hub with info for beginners and experts alike. Start exploring to get investment education, advice, resources, and more. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Wealth Investing Guide⁠⁠⁠⁠: Information you need to know to make your money work harder for you. This podcast should be used for informational purposes only and not deemed as a recommendation. Our Automated investing is via SoFi Wealth LLC, and is a registered investment advisor. Our Active investing is via SoFi securities LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. For additional disclosures related to the SoFi Invest® platforms, please visit www.⁠⁠⁠⁠ SoFi.com/Legal⁠⁠⁠⁠. ©2025 Social Finance, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    40 min

  5. 11/12/2025

    Steady Checks, Steady Nerves: Jenny Harrington’s Case for Dividends

    CNBC contributor and portfolio manager Jenny Harrington shares how she risked nearly everything by draining her IRA to build her investment firm, had a baby the day the market hit its lowest in 2009, and convinced her husband to join her with zero safety net–all during the worst financial crisis in recent history. Jenny reveals why the “boring” dividend strategy everyone overlooks kept her clients calm when the market crashed, and shares the hard-won wisdom that changed her approach to investing: it doesn't matter which strategy you choose, it matters that you can stay in it. Whether you're navigating volatile markets or making your own high-stakes career bet, this conversation will change how you think about risk, resilience, and building wealth that lasts. For more, read Liz’s column every Thursday at ⁠⁠⁠On The Money⁠⁠⁠ by SoFi⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and follow Liz on Twitter ⁠⁠⁠@LizThomasStrat⁠⁠⁠. Additional resources: ⁠⁠⁠On The Money⁠⁠⁠: Sign up for SoFi's newsletter for intel, insights, and inspo to help you get your money right. ⁠⁠⁠Investing 101 Center⁠⁠⁠: At SoFi, we believe investing is for everyone — which is why we’ve created a hub with info for beginners and experts alike. Start exploring to get investment education, advice, resources, and more. ⁠⁠⁠Wealth Investing Guide⁠⁠⁠: Information you need to know to make your money work harder for you. This podcast should be used for informational purposes only and not deemed as a recommendation. Our Automated investing is via SoFi Wealth LLC, and is a registered investment advisor. Our Active investing is via SoFi securities LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. For additional disclosures related to the SoFi Invest® platforms, please visit www.⁠⁠⁠ SoFi.com/Legal⁠⁠⁠. ©2025 Social Finance, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    41 min
  6. Beth Pinsker on the Retirement Crisis Hiding in Plain Sight

    10/29/2025

    Beth Pinsker on the Retirement Crisis Hiding in Plain Sight

    Beth Pinsker thought she was ready for anything. As a certified financial planner, MarketWatch columnist, and retirement expert, she understands what it means to plan for the future. Then her mom got sick — and suddenly, everything she thought she knew went out the window. In this powerful episode, Beth opens up about the painful choices she faced, the moment she nearly crossed a line, and the three legal documents that could have spared her family months of stress. For anyone who might one day care for a parent — or be cared for themselves — this may be the wake-up call you didn’t know you needed. For more, read Liz’s column every Thursday at ⁠⁠⁠On The Money⁠⁠⁠ by SoFi⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and follow Liz on Twitter ⁠⁠⁠@LizThomasStrat⁠⁠⁠. Additional resources: ⁠⁠⁠On The Money⁠⁠⁠: Sign up for SoFi's newsletter for intel, insights, and inspo to help you get your money right. ⁠⁠⁠Investing 101 Center⁠⁠⁠: At SoFi, we believe investing is for everyone — which is why we’ve created a hub with info for beginners and experts alike. Start exploring to get investment education, advice, resources, and more. ⁠⁠⁠Wealth Investing Guide⁠⁠⁠: Information you need to know to make your money work harder for you. This podcast should be used for informational purposes only and not deemed as a recommendation. Our Automated investing is via SoFi Wealth LLC, and is a registered investment advisor. Our Active investing is via SoFi securities LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. For additional disclosures related to the SoFi Invest® platforms, please visit www.⁠⁠⁠ SoFi.com/Legal⁠⁠⁠. ©2025 Social Finance, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    50 min

  7. 10/15/2025

    Why Dan Ives Thinks this AI Boom Is Not Your Grandpa’s Dot-Com Bubble

    Dan Ives—Wall Street's most colorfully dressed tech bull—shares why the AI party is just getting started. As Managing Director and Global Head of Technology Research at Wedbush Securities, Dan predicts that autonomous vehicles will be so widespread, your kids won't need driver's licenses by 2029, and, he thinks, humanoid robots will be in millions of homes. Unlike the late '90s dot-com bubble built on PowerPoint dreams and venture capital fumes, this revolution is bankrolled by tech giants sitting on mountains of cash. Ives breaks down his “AI 30” stock picks, explains why he'd rather drive a Ferrari (tech stocks) than a beat-up minivan (value stocks), and admits the one thing that keeps him up at night: China. For more, read Liz’s column every Thursday at ⁠⁠On The Money⁠⁠ by SoFi⁠⁠⁠, and follow Liz on Twitter ⁠⁠@LizThomasStrat⁠⁠. Additional resources: ⁠⁠On The Money⁠⁠: Sign up for SoFi's newsletter for intel, insights, and inspo to help you get your money right. ⁠⁠Investing 101 Center⁠⁠: At SoFi, we believe investing is for everyone — which is why we’ve created a hub with info for beginners and experts alike. Start exploring to get investment education, advice, resources, and more. ⁠⁠Wealth Investing Guide⁠⁠: Information you need to know to make your money work harder for you. This podcast should be used for informational purposes only and not deemed as a recommendation. Our Automated investing is via SoFi Wealth LLC, and is a registered investment advisor. Our Active investing is via SoFi securities LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. For additional disclosures related to the SoFi Invest® platforms, please visit www.⁠⁠ SoFi.com/Legal⁠⁠. ©2025 Social Finance, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    40 min

  8. 07/16/2025 · BONUS

    Revisiting: Tackling Personal Finance with Brandon Copeland

    This episode originally aired on September 12, 2024. So you’ve graduated college and landed your first job. But along the way, no one told you about what a 401k is, or how to make a large home goods purchase, or even how to start making your money work for you. To make sure you don’t fumble, SoFi’s Head of Investment Strategy and Host Liz Thomas welcomes back Brandon Copeland, retired NFL player, founder, and now author of the new book, ‘Your Money Playbook: How to Earn More, Build Wealth and Win At Life.’ Brandon discusses his goals in writing a book on personal finance, and his passion for financial education that is accessible to all. The two also talk about the saving and spending habits Brandon developed while in the NFL, the unique syllabus for his University of Pennsylvania Life 101 course, and the importance of having financial accountability buddies in your life. For more, read Liz’s column every Thursday at ⁠⁠On The Money⁠⁠ by SoFi, and follow Liz on Twitter ⁠⁠@LizThomasStrat⁠⁠. Notable mentions in the episode: (00:41) Introduction to The Important Part (02:18) Why Brandon wrote his book (08:28) The value of having a financial advisor (12:14) Investing as the most important thing to get right (14:30) The appetite for risk for young investors (17:29) What Brandon learned about personal finance in the NFL (22:01) Personal finance lessons best learned early (28:57) How Brandon managed his money in the NFL (32:31) Key resources for learning about personal finances (37:55) Life 101: The syllabus (42:52) Brandon’s transition from football player to CEO/Founder (45:35) When Brandon decided to educate others on personal finance (49:02) Key takeaways and conclusion Recommended reading: ⁠How to Manage Your 401(k): Tips for All Investors⁠ ⁠Risk Tolerance Quiz: How Much Risk Are You Willing to Take⁠ ⁠How to Choose a Financial Advisor⁠ Additional resources: ⁠SoFi Daily Podcast⁠: 5-minute daily episodes covering the latest business, economic, and stock market news you need to start your day. The SoFi Daily Pod is available on Apple and Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. ⁠SoFi Daily Newsletter⁠: Sign up for the SoFi Daily to receive the latest financial news in your inbox every day.  ⁠Investing 101 Center⁠: At SoFi, we believe investing is for everyone — which is why we’ve created a hub with info for beginners and experts alike. Start exploring to get investment education, advice, resources, and more. ⁠Wealth Investing Guide⁠: Information you need to know to make your money work harder for you. This podcast should be used for informational purposes only and not deemed as a recommendation. Our Automated investing is via SoFi Wealth LLC, and is a registered investment advisor. Our Active investing is via SoFi securities LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. For additional disclosures related to the SoFi Invest® platforms, please visit www. ⁠SoFi.com/Legal⁠. ©2024 Social Finance, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    53 min
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4.8
out of 5
80 Ratings

About

Every investment is a high-stakes decision made without certainty. How do the world's most successful investors and business leaders navigate risk, tolerate failure, and stay agile when everything changes? And what can be learned from their insights?  Liz Thomas, SoFi's Head of Investment Strategy, sits down with influential leaders to unpack the pivotal decisions that shaped their careers and portfolios, and wade through the noise to get to the important part. Liz speaks with top voices in finance, business, academia, and media armed with knowledge to help listeners achieve their financial goals. Investing isn't just about picking stocks. It's about defining your relationship with risk, learning from failure, and staying resilient. For more, read Liz’s column every Thursday on SoFi’s website, sign up for On the Money, SoFi's financial literacy newsletter, and follow Liz on Twitter @LizThomasStrat. This podcast should be used for informational purposes only and not deemed as a recommendation. Our Automated investing is via SoFi Wealth LLC, and is a registered investment advisor. Our Active investing is via SoFi securities LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. For additional disclosures related to the SoFi Invest® platforms, please visit www. SoFi.com/Legal. ©2025 Social Finance, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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