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.