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In this episode of the Investing in Integrity podcast, Ross Overline, CEO and Co-founder of Scholars of Finance, welcomes Stephen Philipson, Vice Chair and Head of Wealth, Corporate, Commercial, and Institutional Banking at U.S. Bank, America’s fifth-largest bank, to unpack how principled leadership shapes modern finance.  Stephen shares how embracing calculated risk, most notably during the 2009 crisis, can accelerate long-term growth when paired with disciplined downside assessment. He explains U.S. Bank’s interconnected approach to banking, where unified business lines strengthen client relationships and operational resilience. The conversation also explores why authenticity, transparency, and ethical clarity remain essential traits for leaders navigating rapid technological change. From AI’s role in enhancing, not replacing, client service to impact finance opportunities, Stephen offers a blueprint for building durable institutions grounded in purpose and integrity. Meet Stephen Philipson Stephen Philipson is a vice chair and head of Wealth, Corporate, Commercial and Institutional Banking (WCIB). He has been with the organization since 2009. WCIB comprises several businesses, including Asset Management and Institutional Services, Commercial Real Estate, Equipment Finance, Global Capital Markets, Global Corporate Trust, Global Fund Services, Institutional Client Group, U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance, and Wealth Management. Prior to becoming head of WCIB in 2024 and adding oversight of U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance to his responsibilities in 2025, Philipson led the Global Markets and Specialized Finance group within WCIB. Philipson has more than 20 years of financial services experience. His past roles include working at Morgan Stanley in Global Capital Markets and then Fixed Income Trading, and at Wachovia, where he was director of the Financial Institutions Syndicate. Philipson chairs the board of governors of Isidore Newman School and serves on the boards of directors of the Foundation for the Charlotte Jewish Community. He serves on the board of directors of the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA). He earned a bachelor’s degree with a double major in economics and East Asian studies from Washington and Lee University Episode Timeline • 00:00 Intro • 04:40 From New Orleans to Wall Street: Stephen's Early Finance Journey • 15:51 Joining US Bank During the 2009 Financial Crisis • 18:26 Building a $670B Balance Sheet: Growth Strategies Across Diverse Businesses • 22:24 Leading 16 Leaders: Management Committee Dynamics at US Bank • 25:53 Innovation Without Recklessness: Balancing Safety and Evolution • 28:21 AI as a Productivity Multiplier, Not a Job Eliminator • 34:21 Impact Finance: Profitability and Purpose Working Together • 37:08 Leadership Through Authenticity and Radical Transparency • 39:12 Creating Unified Culture Across Capital Markets, Trust, and Real Estate • 41:41 The Three Non-Negotiables for Next-Generation Finance Leaders • 44:08 Rapidfire Round

In this episode, our host and CEO, Ross Overline, reflects on what Scholars of Finance built in 2025—and what 2026 demands from finance leaders in a rapidly changing world. Released on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, this episode starts with a question that sits at the heart of SOF’s mission: What kind of society are we trying to build—and what responsibility does capital carry in it? From there, Ross shares a clear look back at SOF’s growth in 2025—tripling leadership development for students and serving 4,000+ future finance leaders—before laying out SOF’s 2026 theme: Adaptive Excellence. Episode Segments: • Growth in 2025: A behind-the-scenes look at how SOF strengthened student formation, expanded chapter presence, and grew the community supporting principled finance leadership. • 2026: Adaptive Excellence in the Age of AI: A candid assessment of what’s changing in finance—AI, automation, and rising competition—and what it means to stay both excellent and values-grounded. Ross shares how SOF will evolve curriculum, coaching, partnerships, and alumni support to keep members on the leading edge. • Generosity as a Moral Requirement of Capitalism: Zooming out, Ross reflects on a fractured society and the growing tension between individualism and collectivism—drawing on MLK and Adam Smith to make a case for generosity as a form of moral leadership. The episode closes with a simple challenge: if excellence is rising, generosity must rise with it. Whether you’re a student entering the industry, an alum navigating early career, or a senior leader shaping institutions, this episode is designed to re-anchor your year in character—and to raise the bar for what leadership in finance can look like.

In this second Best Of compilation, our team distilled the most powerful insights from 2025, and some from 2024—of Investing in Integrity. Spanning leadership, culture, and purpose-driven finance and investing, this special edition brings together defining moments from more than 40 conversations with some of the world’s most thoughtful executives, investors, and builders. Rather than a simple highlight reel, this episode revisits key voices across multiple dimensions of leadership — reflecting how the same principles show up differently in how we lead, how we build culture, and how we deploy capital. Selecting these moments was no easy task, but each was chosen for its ability to inspire us to think more deeply our lives and our work. It’s divided into three sections: Leadership That Transforms: We begin with reflections on leadership at its core — how leaders think, grow, and show up when stakes are high. Featuring Howard Marks, Co-Founder and Co-Chairman of Oaktree Capital Management; Bill George, former Board Director at Goldman Sachs, Executive Education Fellow at Harvard Business School, and author of True North; Doug Kimmelman, Senior Partner at ECP; and Steve Ellis, Co-Managing Partner of The Rise Fund at TPG, this section explores humility, self-awareness, conviction, and the evolving nature of values. Together, these insights illuminate what it truly means to lead with character in complex environments. Culture, Purpose & Integrity: We shift into the essential work of shaping organizational culture through the experiences of Bei Ling, CHRO at Wells Fargo; Pamela Alexander, Head of Corporate Citizenship at KKR; and Howard Marks (returning), this section reveals how trust is built, how purpose is operationalized, and how integrity becomes a guiding force inside the world’s most influential institutions. Finance as a Force for Good: Finally, we explore how leadership and culture translate into action — particularly in the world of finance. Featuring Steve Ellis (returning), Trae Stephens, General Partner at Founders Fund, and Greg Shell, Partner at Goldman Sachs, this closing section demonstrates how capital, when aligned with long-term thinking and human impact, can be a powerful force for good. These voices challenge us to move beyond profit alone toward outcomes that expand opportunity and strengthen communities. In closing, Howard Marks shares a final reflection on generosity, underscoring the importance of giving back as a cornerstone of purposeful leadership. Whether you're leading a team, shaping culture, entering finance, or striving to grow personally and professionally, this episode is designed to accelerate your development and deepen your sense of purpose. This compilation isn’t just a highlight reel — it’s a blueprint. A blueprint for leadership anchored in character. A blueprint for careers aligned with purpose. A blueprint for a financial system that lifts society up. We’ve curated this episode to equip you with actionable insights you can carry into your work, your relationships, and your life.

In this episode of the Investing in Integrity podcast, Ross Overline, CEO and co-founder of Scholars of Finance, welcomes Jennifer James, Managing Director, Chief Operating Officer and Head of Investor Relations & Marketing at Thoma Bravo, to uncover how one of the world’s largest software-focused private equity firms grew from $8B to over $180B in AUM while staying true to its core values. Jennifer shares how trust, transparency, and culture form the foundation of Thoma Bravo’s enduring success, from nurturing long-term LP relationships to leading through market volatility.  She reveals the firm’s people-first principles, including the “Four Eyes in the Room” approach to authentic connection, and how disciplined, values-driven leadership shapes lasting impact. Listeners gain actionable insights on scaling without losing integrity, building cohesive teams, and redefining work-life balance through seasons rather than perfection.  Meet Jennifer James: Jennifer James is Managing Director, Chief Operating Officer, and Head of Investor Relations & Marketing at Thoma Bravo, based in San Francisco. With over two decades of experience in private equity and venture capital, she leads the firm’s global operations, investor relations, and industry communications programs. Recognised by The Wall Street Journal and San Francisco Business Times for her leadership in fundraising and influence, Jennifer previously held senior roles at Sofinnova Ventures and Alta Partners. She holds an MBA from Northwestern and an AB in History from Bowdoin College.

In this episode of the Investing in Integrity podcast, Ross Overline, CEO and co-founder of Scholars of Finance, welcomes Jonathan Weiss, former CEO of Corporate and Investment Bank at Wells Fargo, and former MD of JPMorgan Chase, to reflect on leadership, trust, and ethics across a 45-year career in finance. From his unlikely start as a romance languages major to leading a $20B business, Weiss shares lessons on building ethical cultures, leading through influence, and navigating shifting political and market dynamics.  He offers candid insights on rebuilding institutional trust, fostering transparency, and prioritizing customers’ best interests, not just avoiding harm. Listeners will learn how humility, emotional intelligence, and consistent values shape resilient leadership and sustainable success. Whether you’re early in your career or leading teams at scale, this conversation offers deep insights into balancing performance with integrity in today’s financial world. Meet Jonathan Weiss: Jonathan Weiss is the former CEO of Wells Fargo Corporate & Investment Banking, where he led a $20 billion revenue business before retiring in June 2025 after two decades with the firm. Over his 45-year career, he also headed Wells Fargo’s Wealth & Investment Management and Wells Fargo Securities divisions, following 25 years at J.P. Morgan and its predecessors. A Princeton graduate in Romance Languages, Weiss is recognised for his ethical leadership and service on boards including Youth I.N.C., the Lawrenceville School, and the National Humanities Center.

In this episode of the Investing in Integrity podcast, Ross Overline, CEO and co-founder of Scholars of Finance, welcomes Steve Ellis, Co-Managing Partner of The Rise Fund at TPG Capital, a global investment firm with $269 billion in assets under management. As leader of the RISE Fund, the world’s largest impact investing platform, Ellis shares how purpose and profit can reinforce each other. He unpacks the Colinearity Principle, a framework aligning financial success with measurable social impact, and discusses how AI can expand global access to education, healthcare, and financial services.  From redefining leadership through empathy and vulnerability to navigating career “giving back deserts,” Ellis offers candid lessons on sustaining integrity amid rapid change. The conversation highlights the roadmap for balancing conviction with curiosity, and revealing how finance professionals can lead with purpose while delivering exceptional returns and driving meaningful social progress. Meet Steve Ellis Steve Ellis is a Co-Managing Partner at TPG and leader of the RISE Fund, the world's largest impact investing private equity platform. Before joining TPG in 2015, Steve was the CEO of Asurion, the world’s leading provider of technology protection services with over $6B in revenues. Before Asurion, Steve served as a Global Managing Partner for Bain & Company. Steve is a graduate of UC Berkeley and Stanford Business School, where he is a regular guest lecturer. He is a trustee for the UC Berkeley Foundation and serves on the boards of Charles Schwab, LiveKindly, InStride, Hayden AI, Greenhouse Software, UBQ Materials, Renaissance Learning, Persefoni, and Teachers of Tomorrow.

In this episode of the Investing in Integrity podcast, Ross Overline, CEO and co-founder of Scholars of Finance, welcomes Pamela Alexander, MD, and Head of Corporate Citizenship at KKR & Co. Inc., for an insightful conversation on the future of corporate philanthropy. Together, they explore how finance professionals can balance business objectives with meaningful social impact. Pamela shares her journey in shaping KKR’s global citizenship strategy, highlighting the shift from traditional giving to trust-based philanthropy and long-term community investment.  Listeners will learn how authenticity, humility, and strategic alignment can drive stronger outcomes for both companies and communities. The discussion also explores the importance of financial expertise on nonprofit boards, creating opportunities for first-generation professionals, and building locally adaptable programs with global reach. Whether you’re an emerging leader or seasoned executive, this episode offers actionable insights for making a purposeful impact. Meet Pamela Alexander Pamela Alexander is Managing Director and Head of Corporate Citizenship at KKR, where she leads global philanthropy and employee engagement across 16 countries for one of the world’s largest private equity firms. With more than two decades of experience in community building, corporate social responsibility, and public policy, she previously directed the Ford Motor Company Fund and held senior roles in finance and government. At KKR, Alexander has pioneered innovative, trust-based approaches to corporate giving, with a focus on economic mobility and lasting community impact. A nationally recognised leader, she brings expertise in strategic philanthropy, brand management, and cross-sector collaboration.

In this episode of the Investing in Integrity podcast, Ross Overline, CEO and co-founder of Scholars of Finance, welcomes Chris Lyons, President of Web3 Media at a16z Crypto, a division of Andreessen Horowitz. Chris shares his journey from music producer to tech investor and cultural connector, offering a rare perspective on how culture and innovation intersect in venture capital.  You’ll learn why mentorship extends beyond traditional relationships and how books, communities, and digital platforms can serve as powerful guides. Chris explains his “hide the wires” approach to driving blockchain adoption by simplifying complexity and focusing on user benefits. He also unpacks his service-first leadership philosophy, showing how adding value to others creates lasting impact. Chris also discusses the importance of staying grounded in high-stakes environments and why courage and belief are essential for turning ideas into reality. Meet Chris Lyons: Christopher Lyons is President of Web3 Media at a16z crypto, where he has shaped groundbreaking initiatives like the $400M Seed Fund and the Cultural Leadership Fund, Silicon Valley’s first VC fund with all Black Limited Partners. A former sound engineer turned entrepreneur, Lyons bridges culture and technology, uplifting Black creators and fostering innovation. He serves on the boards of Yuga Labs, The James Beard Foundation, The Black Economic Alliance, and New Story Charity, while also founding Lyons Wine.

In this episode of the Investing in Integrity podcast, Ross Overline, CEO and co-founder of Scholars of Finance, welcomes Bill George, Legendary Business leader and former CEO of Medtronic, Harvard Business School professor, and board member at Goldman Sachs, for a candid conversation on authentic leadership in finance. Drawing on decades of executive and boardroom experience, Bill highlights why integrity, emotional intelligence, and purpose-driven decision-making are vital in today’s financial landscape.  Together, they discuss strategies for combating greed, building sustainable long-term value, and staying true to one’s moral compass even in high-stakes environments. The discussion also explores navigating ethical challenges in the age of AI and ensuring finance remains a force for good. Whether you’re an aspiring finance professional or a seasoned investor, this episode offers valuable insights on leading with character and transforming business through values-based leadership. Meet Bill George: Bill George is an Executive Education Fellow at Harvard Business School and former chairman and CEO of Medtronic, where he led from 1991 to 2001. Earlier in his career, he held senior roles at Honeywell, Litton Industries, and the U.S. Department of Defense. A prolific author, Bill has written several influential books on authentic leadership, including True North. He has served on the boards of Goldman Sachs, ExxonMobil, Novartis, Target, and the Mayo Clinic. Recognised with honors such as the Bower Award for Business Leadership, Bill is widely respected for advancing values-driven leadership in business and society.

In this timely episode of Investing in Integrity, CEO Ross Overline addresses the political violence that has shaken our nation. Ross issues a powerful call to action for leaders in finance: at a time when division runs deep, we must embody compassion and humility—and actively invest in healing our democracy. With influence and resources comes responsibility, and our country urgently needs leaders willing to de-polarize, build trust, and model integrity. The work of unity will not be quick or easy, but it begins with us—and it begins now. Join us as we reflect on how we can bridge divides and help bring peace to our communities and our nation.

This episode of the Investing in Integrity podcast features Ross Overline, CEO and co-founder of Scholars of Finance, as a special guest on the Mission Matters Marketing podcast with host Adam Torres. Join Ross as he shares the journey of Scholars of Finance (SOF), from a small college project with 40 students to a movement impacting over 7,000 future finance leaders across 60+ universities.  We discuss how finance and managing over $300 trillion in private capital is the most powerful lever for solving global challenges like poverty and climate change. Ross explains his framework of four core values: integrity, humility, compassion, and excellence, and how they guide 12 leadership principles that inspire ethical decision-making in a profit-driven industry. Ross also explores how executives can maximize their circle of influence, model principled leadership, and cultivate virtues like gratitude and generosity to counter industry pressures. Backed by leading firms like Blackstone and Goldman Sachs, SOF is equipping the next generation to ensure capital serves the greater good. Meet Ross Overline: Ross Overline is the Chairman, CEO, and Co-Founder of Scholars of Finance (SOF), a nonprofit on a mission to inspire character and integrity in the next generation of finance leaders. Through mentorship, leadership development, and values-based community building, Ross empowers young professionals to use finance as a force for good. He previously held roles at Piper Sandler, Twitter/X, and SoFi. Ross earned his bachelor’s degree at Fordham and the University of Minnesota, with executive education from Cornell and Stanford.

In this solo episode of the Investing in Integrity podcast, Ross Overline, CEO and co-founder of Scholars of Finance, offers a thoughtful exploration of leadership, purpose, and principled decision-making in uncertain times. Drawing from his conversations with finance leaders and students, Ross unpacks how values like contentment, gratitude, generosity, and intellectual curiosity help guard against greed and hubris in the finance industry. He shares a practical framework for ethical leadership, emphasizing the power of radical candor in building trust.  Ross also reflects on the importance of listening across differences, and the need to carve out space for deep introspection. Listeners will walk away with tangible strategies to lead with humility, stay grounded while managing influence, and drive meaningful impact, both personally and professionally. Whether you’re a seasoned executive or emerging leader, Ross’s insights offer a timely call to lead with conviction, compassion, and integrity in a complex world. Meet Ross Overline: Ross Overline is the Chairman, CEO, and Co-Founder of Scholars of Finance (SOF), a nonprofit on a mission to inspire character and integrity in the next generation of finance leaders. Through mentorship, leadership development, and values-based community building, Ross empowers young professionals to use finance as a force for good. He previously held roles at Piper Sandler, Twitter/X, and SoFi. Ross earned his bachelor’s degree at Fordham and the University of Minnesota, with executive education from Cornell and Stanford.

In this episode of the Investing in Integrity podcast, Ross Overline, CEO and co-founder of Scholars of Finance, sits down with Brett Hagler. Brett is a social entrepreneur, CEO, and co-founder of New Story, a pioneering organization tackling global homelessness through capitalism. You will learn how Brett is transforming traditional philanthropy into sustainable, market-based solutions that serve vulnerable populations while delivering financial returns. They explore why capitalism, when guided by ethics and integrity, can outperform charity in addressing systemic issues. Brett unpacks how New Story Capital structures low-risk real estate investments in developing markets, combining profit with purpose. You’ll also hear insights on values-based leadership, building scalable impact, and designing financial models where “more profit equals more impact.” Tune in for a bold reimagining of ethical finance, social entrepreneurship, and the future of charitable investment. Meet Brett Hagler:Brett Hagler is the CEO and Co-Founder of New Story, a Forbes 30 Under 30 entrepreneur, named one of Goldman Sachs' Top 100 Most Intriguing Entrepreneurs, and founder of one of Fast Company’s “Most Innovative Companies in the World” (4x). Brett has raised over $100M of impact capital and is pioneering a new approach to dignified housing through ethical capitalism.

In this episode of the Investing in Integrity podcast, Ross Overline, CEO and co-founder of Scholars of Finance, sits down with Britt Harris. Britt is a legendary investor, financial leader, and coach. He has managed over $500 billion in AUM over his career.  You will learn why true leadership in finance goes beyond technical expertise—it requires wisdom, integrity, and a commitment to serving others. Britt has managed over $500 billion across top institutions like Bridgewater and Texas Teachers. They explore the power of truth in leadership, the importance of values-driven decision-making, and how financial professionals can create a lasting positive impact. Britt shares insights on developing wisdom, building strong organizational cultures, and aligning actions with enduring principles. Tune in for timeless insights on leadership, character, and ethical success in finance. Meet Britt Harris: Britt Harris is a renowned investment leader and educator who has served as CIO or CEO for eight different investment firms, managing over $500 billion throughout his career. As the only executive to serve as CEO across all major asset categories - including Verizon (corporate), Texas Teachers (public), Bridgewater (hedge funds), and UTIMCO (university endowments) - Harris brings unique insight into leadership and financial stewardship. He founded the prestigious Titans of Investing program, which has trained over 1,000 graduates across 35 states and 14 countries, collectively creating 41 businesses valued at over $5 billion. His extensive experience includes serving on advisory boards for the New York Stock Exchange and Dallas Fed, advising five different countries on financial markets, and earning three lifetime achievement awards. 

In this episode of the Investing in Integrity podcast, Ross Overline, CEO and co-founder of Scholars of Finance, sits down with John Geelan, General Counsel and Secretary at Piper Sandler Companies. For 20 years, John has been a driving force at Piper Sandler, rising from Assistant General Counsel in 2005 to leading the firm’s legal department. With deep expertise in corporate governance, public company reporting, and corporate development, he has helped steer the firm through complex legal and strategic challenges. As President of the Piper Sandler Foundation, he also ensures the firm’s philanthropic efforts align with its broader mission. John’s journey provides a unique lens into the intersection of law, finance, and corporate responsibility. He shares insights on creativity in problem-solving, maintaining mental health in leadership, and navigating high-stakes decision-making. Plus, he explores policy shifts in Washington and the growing influence of AI in financial services. Meet John Geelan John Geelan is the General Counsel and Secretary of Piper Sandler Companies, a role he has held since 2012. As a member of the firm’s executive leadership team, he oversees legal, governance, and regulatory matters while also serving as President of the Piper Sandler Foundation. Geelan joined the company in 2005 after working in private practice at Faegre & Benson LLP. He serves on the boards of the Children's Theatre Company and The Fund for Legal Aid. Geelan holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and music from the University of St. Thomas and a J.D. from Notre Dame Law School.