This week Nick talks to Geraint Anderson

Geraint is a bestselling author, journalist and satirical commentator whose writing explores power, greed and the darker side of modern leadership. His first book, Cityboy—an insider's account of excess in investment banking—sold more than 400,000 copies and became one of the defining books of the pre-financial-crash era. A regular commentator across print, broadcast and podcasts, he speaks on psychopathy in business and politics, satire as a weapon against authoritarianism, the modern workplace as a battleground for dominance, and why the world increasingly seems to be run by ruthless bastards—and what that means for the rest of us.

Nick and Geraint discuss Geraint's journey from investment banker to bestselling author, reflecting on the success of Cityboy, the culture of the City, and the competitive mindset that drove his career. They explore the inspiration behind his new satirical book, How to Con Friends and Manipulate People, examining psychopathy in business and politics, the rise of manipulative leadership, and why satire can expose the absurdities of modern power. The conversation also touches on AI, critical thinking, authoritarianism, the legacy of the 2008 financial crisis, and the importance of empathy in an increasingly ruthless world.

Buy Geraint's new Book: How to Con Friends and Manipulate People - The Subtle Art of Being a Total Psychopath
Follow Geraint on Instagram and Substack

Book Choice
A Modest Proposal by Jonathan Swift

Music Choice
Energy Flash - Joey Beltran

This content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.

This week Nick talks to Gabriel Sacks

Gabriel is lead manager of Aberdeen Asia Focus plc and a member of the investment team managing Aberdeen’s Global Emerging Markets Income and Global Emerging Markets Smaller Companies strategies. During his time in Singapore, he also managed the Asian Smaller Companies Fund until returning to London in late 2022, while contributing to a range of Asian and global emerging markets portfolios. Gabriel holds an MA (Hons) in Land Economy from Selwyn College, Cambridge, and is a CFA charterholder.

Nick and Gabriel discuss the investment case for Asian smaller companies and the evolving outlook for emerging markets. Drawing on more than 17 years of experience at Aberdeen, Gabriel explains why he believes the region offers attractive long-term growth opportunities. The conversation explores the drivers behind renewed investor interest in emerging markets, including diversification away from the US, the recovery in sentiment towards China, and the structural growth stories in India and Vietnam. Gabriel outlines Aberdeen Asia Focus plc's investment philosophy, emphasising high-quality businesses, strong governance, disciplined portfolio construction, and the importance of identifying under-researched companies with sustainable competitive advantages.

Book Choices
Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World by David Epstein
Godfather of the Kremlin by Paul Klebnikov

Music Choices
Jamiroquai - Virtual Insanity
Almir Guineto - Conselho

This content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.

This week Nick talks to Pedro Gonzalez de Cosio

Pedro Gonzalez de Cosio is the Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of Pharmakon. Before co-founding the firm, he spent 14 years in structured finance, holding senior roles at Deutsche Bank and JPMorgan in New York. There, he specialized in structuring complex collateralized financing and derivative transactions for U.S. and international clients, including several years focused on the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors. Pedro is also the Investment Manager at BioPharma Credit PLC.

Nick and Pedro discuss Pharmakon’s approach to providing non-dilutive debt financing to life sciences companies, how the firm supports biotech businesses through key growth stages, and what differentiates its investment strategy. They also explore successful investments, the role of non-dilutive capital in funding innovation and acquisitions, the competitive landscape for biotech financing, differences between U.S. and European capital markets, and emerging healthcare trends, including orphan diseases, oncology, GLP-1 therapies, AI in drug discovery, and the future of cancer treatment.

Pedro's Book Choices
The Godfather by Mario Puzo
The Emperor of All Maladies by Siddhartha Mukherjee

Pedro's Music Choices
Piano Man by Billy Joel
Pagliacci Opera

This content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.

This week Nick talks to Chris McVey.

Chris McVey is Deputy Head of Octopus Quoted Companies at Octopus Investments, where he has worked since 2016 and is lead manager of the Octopus UK Multi Cap Income Fund. He has more than 20 years of experience in the UK quoted smaller companies market. Prior to joining Octopus, Chris was a UK small- and mid-cap equity research analyst at Citigroup, and before that spent seven years at Gartmore as an investment manager and analyst, building extensive expertise in UK smaller company investing.

Nick and Chris discuss the significant opportunity in the UK small and mid-cap market, where valuations remain near historic lows despite strong underlying company fundamentals. Chris argues that quality growth businesses, particularly on AIM, are trading at substantial discounts to their intrinsic value due to a lack of investor flows rather than operational weakness. He believes the sector is poised for a re-rating as sentiment improves, creating an attractive entry point for long-term investors.

Chris's Book Choice:
Financial Times Guide to the Financial Markets by Glen Arnold

Chris's Music Choice:
The Best of Ludovico Einaudi playlist

This content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.

This week Nick talks to Alk Brand

Alk Brand is a global agribusiness leader and the Chief Executive Officer of Wynnstay Group PLC, one of the UK’s leading agricultural supplies businesses. With more than two decades of executive leadership experience, he has led major food, agriculture, and supply chain organisations across five continents, including serving as Global CEO of Westfalia Fruit and Hans Merensky Holdings, Managing Director of Richardson Milling, and CEO of Pioneer Foods UK.

Nick and Alk discuss Alk Brand’s lifelong connection to agriculture, from growing up on a farm in South Africa to leading major global agribusinesses and becoming CEO of Wynnstay Group. The conversation explores Wynnstay’s role in supporting UK food security through its feed, arable, grain trading, and retail operations, as well as the company’s growth strategy, investment priorities, and transformation programme, Project Genesis. They discuss the resilience of British farmers, the importance of rural communities, sustainability, innovation, logistics, and technology in modern agriculture, alongside the opportunities for expansion through organic growth and acquisitions. Alk also shares his leadership philosophy, his optimism for the future of UK agriculture, and his belief that Wynnstay can continue to grow by becoming an increasingly integrated and valuable partner to farmers across the UK.

Book Choice
The Goal by Eliyahu M Goldratt

Music Choice
Amazing Grace by Aretha Franklin

This content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.

This week Nick talks to Dr Zaid Al-fagih

Zaid is Founder and CEO of Rhazes AI, an award-winning AI-powered virtual assistant designed to transform clinical workflows. Drawing on his experience as an NHS doctor and humanitarian first responder, he founded Rhazes AI to help clinicians improve productivity, reduce errors and burnout, and strengthen patient care. A graduate of Imperial College London and the University of Oxford, Dr Al-Fagih combines expertise in medicine, policy, and AI, and has published research on the application of emerging technologies in healthcare.

Nick and Zaid discuss Zaid’s journey from NHS doctor to founding Rhazes AI, an AI-powered clinical assistant designed to reduce administrative burdens, improve diagnostic support, and give doctors more time with patients. They explore the challenges facing modern healthcare, including clinician burnout, inefficient workflows, regulatory barriers, and slow technology adoption, while examining how AI can transform healthcare delivery without replacing human judgement. The conversation also covers entrepreneurship, fundraising, healthcare innovation in the UK versus the US and Gulf region, and Zaid’s vision for a future where AI acts as a trusted co-pilot for clinicians, making medicine both more efficient and more human.

Zaid's Book Choices
David Copperfield by Charles Dickens
Guns, Germs and Steel by Jared Diamond

Zaid's Music Choices
al nahr al khalid - eternal river (m. abd al wahhab)
Don't Worry be Happy by Bobby McFerrin

This content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.

This week Nick talks to Scott Lane

Scott is the Founder and CEO of Speeki and serves as its Principal Auditor. He brings more than 25 years of experience in governance, compliance, and ESG risk, having built and scaled international businesses focused on helping organisations strengthen risk management and stakeholder trust. After working for Sun Microsystems and Hitachi, Scott founded The Red Flag Group in 2006, where he served as CEO and Chairman. Under Scott’s leadership, the company became a globally recognised expert in risk and compliance, advising many of the world’s largest organisations. Scott exited the business in 2020 when The Red Flag Group became part of London Stock Exchange Group following its acquisition by Refinitiv.

Nick and Scott discuss how audit and assurance capabilities have expanded from governance and compliance into broader ESG and sustainability reporting. They explore the growing need for independent verification of ESG claims, alongside the evolving global debate around ESG regulation, reporting, and governance standards.

Book Choice
Good To Great by Jim Collins

Music Choice
Bruno Mars, FKA twigs, Nine Inch Nails, BIGBANG, Karol G & David Guetta

This content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.

This week Nick talks to Alistair Smallwood

Alistair Smallwood is the Head of Applied AI at Primer AI, where he focuses on building practical artificial intelligence tools for investment workflows. He began his career as a research analyst at Whitman Howard shortly after the Brexit vote, before moving into equity sales roles and later joining UBS as a pan-European small- and mid-cap specialist salesperson. He subsequently transitioned to the buy side with Lynott Partners, a technology-focused hedge fund, where he combined his financial expertise with self-taught coding skills to explore data-driven investing.

The discussion centres on how Primer AI is transforming equity research through AI-driven agents that replicate and augment the workflow of human analysts. While AI can commoditize access to information, the true edge in investing lies in workflow, judgment, and behavioural insight—areas where human expertise remains critical. Primer AI is designed not just to retrieve accurate financial data, but to guide analysts through modular research processes, from understanding company fundamentals to building and interpreting financial models. The platform emphasizes auditability, context retention, and continuous learning, enabling users to encode their own analytical frameworks and improve efficiency over time. The conversation also explores broader implications for financial markets, suggesting that AI may compress short-term alpha opportunities while increasing the importance of long-term thinking and differentiated judgment.

Alistair Book Choice's
Endurance by Alfred Lansing

No Spin: My Autobiography by Shane Warne

Alistair Music Choice's
Dark Side of the Moon by Pink Floyd
Money for Nothing by Dire Straits from Brothers in Arms

The Thinking Game - Documentary about DeepMind and Demis Hassabis

This content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.