Personable Podcast with Louis Vincent Gave

Introduction

• Podcast: Personable, hosted by Harvey Bracken-Smith
• Guest: Louis Vincent Gave, CEO and co-founder of GavCal
  • Graduate from Duke University (Economics, History, Chinese)
  • Studied Mandarin at Nanjing University

Louis Vincent Gave's Journey

Early Life

• Born in Toulouse, France
• Moved to Paris, then London
• Attended French Lycée in South Kensington
• Summer school at Phillips Exeter Academy, New Hampshire
• Decision to study in the United States

Education

• Duke University
  • Applied to top 10 schools on the East Coast
  • Chose Duke for its campus and facilities
  • First year: Homesick, culture shock

Career Path

• Military Background

  • Military family, considered making it a career
  • Observed change in satisfaction from young to senior officers
  • Moved away for more personal control over career

• Transition to Finance

  • Applied to banks, joined Paribas
  • Head of HR at Paribas was a former officer in his battalion

Views on Military and Global Affairs

• Perspective on joining military during global tension
• Observations on army vs. finance
  • Learned human relations skills, understanding personal strengths and weaknesses

Involvement with China

• Early Interest

  • Fascinated by Chinese culture from a young age
  • Switched from Japanese to Chinese at Duke

• Professional Move

  • Involved in integration with Asia Equity in Hong Kong
  • Witnessed the economic transformation in China

China vs. Japan

• Differences in real estate and economic conditions
• Competitive edge and trade surplus
• Media portrayal of China vs. reality

Financial Trends and Investments

• Accelerated pace of trends in modern times
• Comparing China to Japan and future perspectives
• Views on capitalism vs. communism
• Role of government and economic systems in development

GavCal Research

Founding

• Co-founded with his father and Anatole Kaletsky
• Early focus on macroeconomic impacts and China's growth

Growth and Expansion

• Research, money management, private wealth management
• Offices in Hong Kong, Beijing, Mauritius

Approach to Research

• Culture of debate, no fixed house view
• Encourages diverse perspectives and challenges

Personal Insights

• Motivation stems from relationships and winning in finance
• Emphasis on understanding personal strengths and weaknesses

Conclusion

• Advice: Focus on what you are good at and enjoy
• Story of adaptability and growth

Key Takeaways

• Stay informed and adaptable
• Continuous learning and self-awareness are crucial

Closing

• Gratitude expressed to Louis for sharing insights
• Encouragement to follow Louis on social media for more information