The Swan Effect - Creating and Sustaining Your Financial Wellbeing

Arthi Rabikrisson and Malika Petersen

Money makes the world go round, and if this is true, do you struggle to understand the complex workings of finance, money and investments? Join us, Host Arthi Rabikrisson and co-host on Season 2 Malika Petersen, both women in finance, as we delve into simplifying the complexities that come with managing your finances and investments. The theory of Black Swan Events is a metaphor that describes an event that comes as a surprise, has a major effect, and is often rationalized after the fact with the benefit of hindsight. The opposite of that are White Swan Events which are characterized as being more certain. Because life can be uncertain, there are Grey Swan areas and The Swan Effect is a monthly podcast that dives into some of those grey areas to empower persons in all walks of life to make better money decisions, and ultimately improve their relationship with money. A tribute and thank you to the late co-creator and co-host on Season 1 of the Swan effect podcast, Lucille Sikosana: you set the benchmark high, and we are proud to continue to elevate the important message on financial wellness and financial literacy globally. Your tenacity and optimistic attitude will always be the wind beneath our wings.

  1. S4 E8 Legacy Through Generosity

    20 HR AGO

    S4 E8 Legacy Through Generosity

    Send us a text Ever wondered why superheroes team up instead of fighting alone? There's profound wisdom in this approach – especially when it comes to building wealth. In this thought-provoking Episode 8, Arthi and Malika explore how purposeful generosity creates a lasting legacy through the uniquely South African lens of Ubuntu – the philosophy that "I am because we are." Listen in as the co-hosts navigate the topic covering different angles of interest that include:  Ubuntu operates like the Avengers – each person contributing their power to form a stronger collectiveTraditional stockvels (savings clubs) demonstrate financial Ubuntu in action.Modern stokvels have evolved from basic needs to property investment and business funding.Generosity without boundaries can become depleting rather than empowering.The "sandwich generation" supports children, parents, and extended family simultaneously.True generosity builds capacity and independence rather than dependency.Structure your giving through formal mechanisms like stockfels or family trusts.Make generosity educational by passing on financial knowledge alongside support.Ensure sustainability by protecting your own financial foundation first.Create a vision for what your generosity will build over the next 20 years.Subscribe now and discover how to continue building towards becoming your own financial superhero. Share 📢and write a review - we would love to hear your thoughts This #podcastepisode is proudly sponsored by Old Mutual Wealth.

    25 min
  2. S4E7 Where Equity creates Equity

    31 JUL

    S4E7 Where Equity creates Equity

    Send us a text In this special episode in Women's Month in South Africa, Arthi and Malika tackle equity head-on, joined by wonderful guest Shivani Naidoo, Head of EQT - an Old Mutual Wealth fintech.  How does equity investing create equity in the wider world, you ask? According to Shivani, we have to take a few steps back before even asking this, and rather be curious about what would make one an investing success. It begins with purpose, not products, and understanding your financial "why" is the foundation of wealth-building that lasts. Time in the market is your greatest superpower, with the magic of compounding rewarding those who start early—even with small amounts. Some really special nuggets of guidance in the episode include: • Clarify your investing purpose to guide decisions and stay grounded during market volatility • Understand the opportunity cost of delayed investing and how compounding favors early starters • Build a balanced investment portfolio like a superhero team—each asset class plays a specific role • Create your personal investment code (IPS) as a mission brief to stay on track during turbulence • Know your time horizon to determine appropriate risk levels for different goals • Practice regular rebalancing to maintain your desired asset allocation as markets move • Recognize common investment "villains" like overconfidence bias, trend-chasing, and emotional decision-making • Consider working with a financial advisor as an accountability partner to enhance returns Start your investment journey now, regardless of how small your first step might be. Remember that your future isn't a trade-off but a "trade-up"—you're investing in something greater for tomorrow. Listen in to hear how Arthi, Malika, and Shivani unpack these and more even further to get you more confident in your investing journey towards financial freedom and wealth. Share 📢and write a review as Arthi and Malika continue on their mission to simplify the complexities of money management and empower you toward financial freedom.  Freebie: Download your free IPS template to get you started today! About Shivani Naidoo Shivani Naidoo is a South African investment professional and fintech builder. With her entrepreneurial drive, she’s leading a new digital investment platform created for a generation of emerging wealth builders. With a background in portfolio management, as a CFA charterholder and now the Head of EQT — an Old Mutual Wealth powered fintech — Shivani brings both depth and clarity to the evolving space where finance and technology meet.  At the heart of her work is a commitment to building systems that are simple, scalable, and serve as a tool for empowerment. Her career has spanned traditional asset management and the rapidly evolving world of Wealth-Tech, giving her a unique perspective on how the company investment industry is changing and what that means for investors, institutions, and the future of financial advice. This #podcastepisode is proudly sponsored by Old Mutual Wealth.  Learn more about EQT - visit: https://www.oldmutual.co.za/wealth/eqt/

    33 min
  3. S4 E6 Reframe. Reinvent. Resource Up!

    30 JUN

    S4 E6 Reframe. Reinvent. Resource Up!

    Send us a text Continuing to uncover the key characteristics of a wealth mindset, hosts Arthi and Malika delve into episode 6 of this season, talking about what separates those who thrive financially from those who stay stuck. It's not luck or privilege—it's resourcefulness. Resourcefulness is a critical component of building a wealth mindset, turning survival into strategy by making the most of what you already have instead of focusing on what you lack. Drawing inspiration from superhero stories so that you can become your own financial superhero too, Arthi and Malika explore how characters like Peter Parker (building his own suit and web shooters while working side gigs), Shuri (constantly innovating with Wakanda's resources), and Storm (leading with emotional intelligence despite hardship) demonstrate resourcefulness in action. These aren't just fictional examples—they mirror the everyday ingenuity we see in successful entrepreneurs and wealth builders.  The heart of this episode the aptly derived R-E-S-O-U-R-C-E framework—a comprehensive approach to developing this critical mindset. • Reframing your thinking from scarcity to strategy—shifting focus to what you can do with what you have • Exploring your existing resources through an audit of your skills, networks, and available time • Stretching your money and resources to last longer through strategic planning and creative solutions • Organizing your finances by setting clear goals, priorities, and consistently tracking progress • Utilizing your community by asking for help, collaborating, and bartering with others • Reinventing your approach through pivoting, iterating, and experimenting when needed • Creating multiple income streams, side hustles, and financial pathways • Executing consistently through daily actions and discipline rather than perfect conditions Listen in to hear how Arthi and Malika unpack the what and how of this framework to get you even closer to your goals of financial freedom and wealth. Share 📢and write a review as Arthi and Malika continue on their mission to simplify the complexities of money management and empower you toward financial freedom.  Challenge: take 1 letter in the R-E-S-O-U-R-C-E framework and get started. Tag @theswaneffectpodcast and share your journey! This #podcastepisode is proudly sponsored by Old Mutual Wealth.

    25 min
  4. S4 E5 The Wealth Code Discipline

    1 JUN

    S4 E5 The Wealth Code Discipline

    Send us a text What separates financial dreamers from achievers? One word: discipline.  In this illuminating episode of the Swan Effect Podcast, Arthi and Malika explore the untold power of self-discipline in wealth creation through the lens of our favorite superheroes. Forget what you think you know about discipline. It's not about rigid obedience or punishing routines—it's about emotional self-regulation paired with rational decision-making that keeps you focused on your financial goals. The hosts break down why this internal tug-of-war between immediate gratification and long-term goals is particularly challenging in our technology-saturated world, where distractions and temptations are just a click away. Drawing wisdom from unexpected sources, Arthi and Malika unpack how Batman's obsessive routines, Black Widow's calculated decisions, Captain America's unwavering priorities, Spider-Man's self-awareness, and Doctor Strange's mindset transformation all offer profound lessons for your financial journey.  These superhero strategies translate directly to practical money habits—whether you're building a business, diversifying income streams, or simply trying to stay on budget. The most powerful insight?  Self-forgiveness may be your greatest financial superpower.  As explored through Scarlet Witch's journey, holding onto financial mistakes creates a burden that prevents forward movement. Learning to forgive yourself for past money missteps frees you to make better choices today. Ready to build your financial discipline muscle? Listen to the hosts share five actionable strategies to start right now:  🦸🏽‍♀️establishing your non-negotiable "hero habit,"  🦸🏽‍♀️building systems (not just goals),  🦸🏽‍♀️eliminating financial noise,  🦸🏽‍♀️creating visual reminders, and  🦸🏽‍♀️practicing compassion when you stumble.  Because discipline isn't about perfection—it's about consistency. Whether you're struggling to stay on budget, looking to grow your wealth, or working toward financial independence, this episode provides the mental framework to transform your relationship with money through superhero-level discipline.  Subscribe now and discover why, as we say, "forgiveness is part of your financial toolkit. Share 📢and write a review as we continue our mission to simplify the complexities of money management and empower you toward financial freedom. What innovative solution might be your path to wealth creation? This #podcastepisode is proudly sponsored by Old Mutual Wealth.

    27 min
  5. S4E4 Innovation for Wealth Creation

    1 MAY

    S4E4 Innovation for Wealth Creation

    Send us a text In this powerful episode, co-hosts Arthi and Malika delve into how innovation becomes a catalyst for wealth creation, revealing that you don't need to be in Silicon Valley or launch a tech startup to harness its potential.    They challenge conventional thinking by redefining innovation as the art of finding creative solutions to everyday problems – something accessible to everyone regardless of background or resources. Through compelling examples from across Africa, thy explore how entrepreneurs are addressing local challenges with simple yet powerful innovations. From mobile banking revolutionizing financial access to the thriving "Kasi economy," these success stories demonstrate how solving real problems creates both social impact and sustainable wealth.   Drawing fascinating parallels between superheroes and real-world innovators, Arthi and Malika e extract valuable lessons from fictional icons that apply directly to your wealth-creation journey. Like Tony Stark building his first Iron Man suit in a cave with limited resources, you can start small but think big. Similar to how Bruce Wayne aligned his innovations with his values, your purpose-driven approach can create lasting impact while generating wealth.  Thus, this episode explores how innovation can be a powerful tool for wealth creation when approached with intention, creativity, and purpose.  Listen in to hear more about:  • Learning from fictional superheroes like Iron Man, Batman, and Mr. Fantastic to provide motivations for real world innovation i.e become your own financial superhero! • Ideas to solve real-world problems in your community or industry to create value • the concept of starting small but thinking big • Ways to leverage existing resources and knowledge as a low-hanging fruit strategy to start • Building a strong support system of accountability partners, advisors, and constructive critics • Protecting your intellectual property, especially for unique ideas that generate long-term wealth • Reinvesting in continuous learning and growth to expand your innovative capacity  Subscribe, share 📢and write a review as we continue our mission to simplify the complexities of money management and empower you toward financial freedom. What innovative solution might be your path to wealth creation? This #podcastepisode is proudly sponsored by Old Mutual Wealth.

    24 min
  6. S4 E3 The Resilient Reset - building your financial bounce-back muscles

    3 APR

    S4 E3 The Resilient Reset - building your financial bounce-back muscles

    Send us a text In this episode, co-hosts Malika and Arthi underscore how resilience forms the invisible backbone of wealth creation, that few discuss openly.  During this transformative episode, they decode how the ability to adapt, persist, and evolve through financial challenges ultimately determines your long-term success more than any investment strategy alone. Arthi explores the profound psychological dimension of financial resilience - learning to view setbacks as commas rather than periods in your financial story. This mindset shift alone can dramatically alter your wealth trajectory. Malika helps us discover why emotional regulation during market volatility, business failures, or unexpected expenses is critical, and how to maintain perspective when everyone else is panicking. Drawing inspiration from resilience icons like Rihanna, who transformed from difficult family circumstances into a business mogul, Oprah Winfrey, who converted career rejection into media dominance, and Sarah Blakely, who persisted through countless "no's" to build Spanx into a billion-dollar empire - Arthi and Malika examine how resilience manifests as a superpower in the financial realm. Listen in to hear: actionable strategies you can implement immediately, embracing small failures as teachers, using the 90-day milestone methodology to maintain momentum,prioritizing self-care for better financial decision-making, and building a supportive network that sustains you when challenges arise.Like the superhero examples, your capacity to stretch beyond limitations and bounce forward (not just back) from setbacks will determine your ultimate financial destiny. Ready to develop your financial elasticity? Join us to discover how resilience might be your most undervalued asset on the path to wealth creation. Subscribe now, share with friends struggling with financial setbacks, and let us know which resilience strategy resonated most with you! This episode is proudly sponsored by Old Mutual Wealth.

    24 min
  7. S4 E2 March Into Action

    2 MAR

    S4 E2 March Into Action

    Send us a text Marching into Episode 2 of Season 4 of The Swan Effect Podcast, Arthi and Malika discuss the steps needed to start cultivating the Wealth Mindset addressed in Episode 1. Arthi provides details of the key characteristics that define a wealth mindset, including resilience, innovation, resourcefulness, discipline, and generosity. In a playful twist, the theme of becoming your own financial superhero underlies the characteristics, where Arthi and Malika help us identify with some well-known (and wealthy!) fictional superheroes, such as Batman and Iron Man. Malika emphasizes the power of resourcefulness. By maximizing what each of us has, we can create opportunities—just like T'Challa. The characteristic of generosity is connected to gratitude, and both Arthi and Malika share details about this link and ways to empower oneself with gratitude and feed it forward to others. For a bit of fun, Arthi and Malika shared which financial superpower they would like to have. Can you guess what they may have chosen? Practical and intentional action steps are provided to develop each of these characteristics, which can cultivate a wealth mindset. Listen in to Malika and Arthi discussing: 5 of the key characteristics that define a wealth mindset.Insight into the true meaning of adding value  and the different ways that value can be perceivedStaying informed and expanding your knowledgeResilience and innovation and the key links between these characteristicsDefining what wealth means to you and the goals you have to achieve this wealthTips for being resourceful with your financesHow gratitude can impact your mindset and help you achieve your goalsand so much more! We would love to hear your views based on the concepts covered in this episode.  Do rate, write a review, and share with others. This episode is proudly sponsored by Old Mutual Wealth.

    39 min
  8. S4 E01 The Wealth Mindset

    4 FEB

    S4 E01 The Wealth Mindset

    Send us a text Welcome to Season 4 of The Swan Effect Podcast, with your hosts Arthi Rabikrisson and Malika Peterson! It is the year they are officially calling "2020-Thrive"!  This new season will focus on how we can become our own financial superheroes inspired by fictional  characters Kicking off the season, episode 1 explores the importance of a wealth mindset and how this mindset  involves thinking and acting in ways that foster abundance rather than scarcity.  Malika  shares her personal experiences and the impact of childhood narratives on her financial mindset and actions. Arthi shares later on how a three-question approach can challenge limiting beliefs, with the questions being around:  understanding why the belief exists, examining the evidence for it, and recognizing evidence of success.Listen in to Malika and Arthi as they discuss: Defining  a wealth mindsetThe contrast between a wealth and scarcity mindsetShifting the  limiting beliefs that are affecting your mindsetThe link between a wealth mindset and emotional intelligence The importance of positive influences and being surrounded by success storiesPractical tips such as daily gratitude and continuous learningCommon challenges like fear of failure and impatience, plus urging listeners to embrace setbacks and maintain long-term thinkingGetting into the habit of setting goalshow to take small steps every day to shift your mindset and focus on abundance.And so much more! We would love to hear your views based on the concepts covered in this episode.  Do rate, write a review, and share with others. This episode is proudly sponsored by Old Mutual Wealth.

    27 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Money makes the world go round, and if this is true, do you struggle to understand the complex workings of finance, money and investments? Join us, Host Arthi Rabikrisson and co-host on Season 2 Malika Petersen, both women in finance, as we delve into simplifying the complexities that come with managing your finances and investments. The theory of Black Swan Events is a metaphor that describes an event that comes as a surprise, has a major effect, and is often rationalized after the fact with the benefit of hindsight. The opposite of that are White Swan Events which are characterized as being more certain. Because life can be uncertain, there are Grey Swan areas and The Swan Effect is a monthly podcast that dives into some of those grey areas to empower persons in all walks of life to make better money decisions, and ultimately improve their relationship with money. A tribute and thank you to the late co-creator and co-host on Season 1 of the Swan effect podcast, Lucille Sikosana: you set the benchmark high, and we are proud to continue to elevate the important message on financial wellness and financial literacy globally. Your tenacity and optimistic attitude will always be the wind beneath our wings.