FundSeeder Rise Podcast

About FundSeeder Rise Podcast

FundSeeder Rise is where trading, investing, and asset management meet real mentorship. Hosted by Emanuel Balarie, each episode features in-depth conversations with top traders, fund managers, founders, and market thinkers discussing performance, risk, capital raising, decision-making, and the mindset required to succeed. Whether you are an aspiring trader, emerging manager, or seasoned investor, FundSeeder Rise offers insights to help you grow, think independently, and rise. Subscribe to follow new episodes and insights from the FundSeeder community. Risk Disclosure: https://www.fundseeder.com/disclosure (https://www.fundseeder.com/disclosure)

Publisher

Emanuel Balarie

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

19 Mar 2026

Latest episode

2 Jun 2026

Latest episodes

12 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   2 Jun 2026

   Scott Ford on Building Businesses Through Conviction, Humility, and Perseverance

   In this episode of FundSeeder RISE, host Emanuel Balarie sits down with entrepreneur, investor, and business leader Scott Ford. Scott shares the principles that have guided him through building major businesses, leading public companies, creating innovative investment strategies, and investing in communities around the world. From his upbringing in Arkansas and mentorship from the Stevens family to scaling Alltel, founding Westrock Coffee, and developing differentiated hedge fund strategies, Scott reveals the mindset behind sustained success. The conversation explores leadership, conviction, resilience, faith, humility, and the importance of setting clear goals when the path forward is uncertain. Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, trader, or aspiring leader, this episode offers timeless lessons on navigating adversity, making difficult decisions, and pursuing excellence. What You'll Learn: • How mindset and attitude shape long-term outcomes • The leadership lessons Scott learned from mentors and family • Why conviction often matters more than certainty • The role of humility in building great organizations • How to create high-performance cultures and systems • The similarities between successful businesses and successful trading strategies • Why resilience and perseverance are competitive advantages • How purpose and community impact lasting success Show Notes About Scott Ford Scott Ford is an entrepreneur, investor, and business leader who served as CEO of Alltel, helping build one of America's largest wireless communications companies before its acquisition by Verizon Wireless. He later co-founded Westrock Coffee Company, creating a global enterprise focused on sustainable sourcing and community impact. Scott also serves as Chairman of Westrock Asset Management, where he has helped develop innovative investment strategies focused on alpha generation, liquidity, and risk management. Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction and Scott Ford's leadership philosophy 02:03 – Family history, Arkansas roots, and formative influences 03:57 – Lessons from the Stevens family and early investing experiences 04:56 – Conviction, ethics, and leadership in challenging environments 07:22 – Education, community, and personal development 09:49 – Building Alltel and leading a public company 12:23 – Trust, clarity, and setting ambitious goals 16:45 – Mentorship from Jack Stevens and systems thinking 19:36 – Attitude, passion, and high-performance cultures 22:45 – Humility as a leadership advantage 27:09 – Rodeo lessons and the power of perseverance 30:14 – Strategic decision-making and value creation 33:32 – The importance of aspirational targets 38:15 – Developing differentiated investment strategies 43:12 – Common principles across telecom, coffee, and investing 46:33 – Faith, resilience, and community impact 55:56 – Conviction, sacrifice, and long-term thinking 60:50 – Navigating uncertainty and difficult moments 62:34 – Final thoughts on mentorship, purpose, and leadership Subscribe for more conversations with elite traders, investors, and performance thinkers. Learn more: https://www.fundseeder.com (https://www.fundseeder.com) Risk Disclosure: Risk Disclosure: https://www.fundseeder.com/disclosure (https://www.fundseeder.com/disclosure) #RiskManagement #TradingPsychology #FundSeeder #TraderMindset #Charts #TradingEducation

2. 

   26 May 2026

   Esther Goodman on Building A Scalable Asset Management Business

   n this episode of FundSeeder Ride, Emanuel Balarie sits down with Esther Goodman, a veteran of the alternative investment industry with more than four decades of experience spanning Commodities Corp, Kenmar, and the founding of Conyers Group. Esther shares invaluable insights into what separates successful traders from successful asset management entrepreneurs. From operational infrastructure and compliance to investor relations and institutional due diligence, she explains why building a credible investment business requires far more than generating returns. The conversation explores the evolution of the hedge fund industry, lessons from early allocator pioneers, and the practical steps emerging managers can take today to establish institutional-quality operations without massive upfront costs. Whether you are an aspiring hedge fund manager, prop trader, allocator, or entrepreneur looking to scale an investment business, this episode provides a masterclass in operational excellence, transparency, and long-term credibility. Key topics include: • The culture and legacy of Commodities Corp • Why operational infrastructure matters more than ever • Common mistakes emerging managers make early • How to build investor trust and institutional credibility • The transition from trader mindset to CEO mindset • Practical compliance and operational solutions for startups • Differentiating your strategy in a crowded market • Why integrity and transparency are non-negotiable Esther also shares lessons from working with legendary managers and discusses why today’s emerging managers still have enormous opportunities if they build the right foundation. Learn more: https://www.fundseeder.com (https://www.fundseeder.com) Risk Disclosure: Risk Disclosure: https://www.fundseeder.com/disclosure (https://www.fundseeder.com/disclosure)

3. 

   19 May 2026

   Trent May on Building Trust With Investors and Loving the Challenge, Not the Money

   Description: What does it actually take to build trust with investors? In this episode of FundSeeder Rise, Trent May shares his journey from early fascination with markets to launching an emerging manager platform and eventually transitioning into the family office world. The conversation explores the realities of institutional investing, risk management, emerging managers, and why the best investors and traders are driven by the challenge of the craft — not simply the pursuit of money. Topics include: • The evolution from trading to institutional investing • Lessons learned from launching Deer Creek • Building trust with investors and allocators • Risk management through real-world experience • Why loving the process matters more than chasing money • The role of emerging managers in today’s markets • Navigating career transitions in finance and trading • How investment strategies evolve over time Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction to the Journey of Investing 02:40 – Trent May's Early Attraction to Markets 03:54 – Transitioning from Trading to Institutional Investing 06:03 – Understanding Risk Management Through Experience 13:06 – Launching Deer Creek: Lessons from an Emerging Manager 20:39 – The Move to Family Office: A New Mandate 24:16 – Building Trust in Investment Relationships 27:07 – Building Trust in Relationships 31:23 – The Evolution of Investment Strategies 34:27 – Decision-Making and Business Transitions 43:02 – The Role of Emerging Managers 50:21 – Navigating a Career in Trading Subscribe for more conversations with leading traders, investors, and allocators. FundSeeder helps traders track performance, compete on the leaderboard, and earn access to capital. Learn more: https://www.fundseeder.com (https://www.fundseeder.com) Risk Disclosure: https://www.fundseeder.com/disclosure (https://www.fundseeder.com/disclosure)

4. 

   12 May 2026

   Alvin Fan On Raising Money From Asian Allocators and Institutional Readiness

   In this episode, Emanuel Balarie sits down with Alvin Fan, CEO of OPIM to shed light on the unique dynamics of capital raising in the Asian ecosystem. Alvin offers a seasoned perspective on navigating Asian family offices, regional differences, and strategies for emerging managers looking to succeed across Asia and beyond. Key insights include: The evolving landscape of Asian family offices and their varying appetites for emerging managers The importance of relationship-building and cultural intelligence in Asia compared to the US and Europe Strategies for outsiders to break into the Asian allocator ecosystem, emphasizing persistence and authenticity The critical role of self-awareness, pedigree, and operational readiness for emerging managers seeking institutional capital How to articulate an edge and differentiate oneself in a highly competitive environment The influence of regional themes, such as Japanese reflation, Korean markets, and China’s private markets, on investor interest Practical advice for transitioning from individual trader to institutional manager, including team expansion and risk management The significance of transparency, communication, and managing psychological pressures in fund launch and growth Timestamps: 00:00 – The Asian allocator landscape and why it matters for emerging managers 02:30 – Alvin’s background and journey into alternative investments 06:50 – How Asian allocators evaluate managers differently from Western counterparts 09:26 – Regional variations: Japan, Taiwan, China, Middle East and Southeast Asia 10:39 – The growing role of family offices and their risk appetite for emerging managers 14:04 – How first versus second generation family offices approach investments 16:12 – Overcoming cross-border challenges when raising capital from Asia 18:10 – Success stories of US/European managers raising in Asia and vice versa 22:46 – Key traits for emerging managers to get institutional-ready 24:43 – The importance of pedigree, sell-side vs. buy-side backgrounds, and live capital 27:17 – Differentiating strategies and performance in a crowded ecosystem 28:46 – The founder’s transition: team building, replacing hero ego, and platform support 32:31 – The reality of running a fund: time, resources, and relationship management 34:25 – The impact of brand perception and relationship networks in Asia 36:09 – Non-traditional pathways: math, science, and technical backgrounds in asset management 37:41 – Managing investor expectations and psychological resilience 39:54 – Communicating during drawdowns and maintaining investor loyalty 44:02 – Building sustainable teams and avoiding key man risks 47:44 – Pathways for solo founders and emerging managers from outside the traditional pedigree system 50:18 – Key lessons on persistence, professionalism, and the importance of the “pursuit of happiness” 53:14 – Regional themes: Japan, Korea, and China’s private markets post-COVID 56:09 – Current investor focus and thematic opportunities across Asia 57:44 – Final advice: transparency, documentation, and managing investor expectations Subscribe for more conversations with leading traders and market experts. FundSeeder helps traders track performance, compete on the leaderboard, and earn access to capital. Learn more: https://www.fundseeder.com (https://www.fundseeder.com) Risk Disclosure: https://www.fundseeder.com/disclosure (https://www.fundseeder.com/disclosure)

5. 

   5 May 2026

   David Saunders on Lessons from Julian Robertson, Innovation, and Building K2 Advisors

   In this FundSeeder Rise interview, David Saunders—founder of K2 Advisors—shares his journey from Wall Street trader to building one of the most successful fund of funds platforms in the industry. Drawing on his experience at Tiger Management under Julian Robertson, Saunders breaks down what truly drives success in markets today. He explores why integrity is a non-negotiable trait in trading, how management—not ideas—is the real edge, and why information remains the ultimate source of alpha. The conversation also dives into the evolution of hedge funds, the rise of retail investors, and how AI is reshaping the investment landscape. Whether you're an aspiring trader or seasoned allocator, this episode offers a rare look into how top investors think, decide, and adapt. Chapters 00:00 The Journey Begins: From Sports to Trading 05:13 Learning from the Veterans: The Importance of Mentorship 07:31 Navigating the Modern Trading Landscape 09:42 Becoming Head Trader at Tiger Management 12:47 The Art of Decision Making: Insights from Julian Robertson 16:47 Transitioning to K2 Advisors: A New Chapter 18:59 Pioneering the Fund of Funds Model 25:11 Adapting to Market Needs: Innovation at K2 Advisors 29:54 Identifying Market Trends and Opportunities 33:17 The Importance of Distribution in Fund Management 38:10 Understanding Your Edge in Investment 42:41 Building a Fund Management Business 46:06 The Emotional Journey of Selling a Business 49:35 Future Opportunities in Alternative Markets 54:06 The Evolution of Prediction Markets 57:44 Integrity as a Key Trait for Success Subscribe for more conversations with leading traders and market experts. FundSeeder helps traders track performance, compete on the leaderboard, and earn access to capital. Learn more: https://www.fundseeder.com (https://www.fundseeder.com) Risk Disclosure: https://www.fundseeder.com/disclosure (https://www.fundseeder.com/disclosure)

6. 

   27 Apr 2026

   Brett Steenbarger on How Elite Traders Reframe Mistakes As Growth Opportunities

   What if your biggest trading mistakes were actually your greatest edge? In this episode of FundSeeder Rise, Emanuel Balarie sits down with renowned trading psychologist Dr. Brett Steenbarger to uncover how elite traders turn setbacks into fuel for growth. This conversation goes beyond strategies and dives into the mindset shifts that separate consistent performers from those who struggle. From handling drawdowns to managing outside capital, Dr. Steenbarger explains why the best traders don’t avoid mistakes—they learn how to reframe them. You’ll learn: Why “everything is learning” is a competitive advantage How top traders handle pressure and uncertainty The difference between discretionary and systematic trading Why trading has evolved into a team sport How mentorship accelerates performance and growth The mindset shift required when managing other people’s money How to navigate drawdowns without losing confidence The role of AI in the future of trading 💡 Key Insight: Elite traders don’t fear mistakes—they use them. If you're serious about improving your trading performance, this episode will change how you think. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Trading Psychology 01:49 The Journey into Trading Psychology 05:51 Pressure and Performance in Trading 10:39 The Evolution of Trading Teams 14:53 Pathways to Success in Trading 18:38 The Role of AI in Trading 19:47 Discretionary vs. Systematic Trading 23:32 Managing Other People's Money 25:24 Transitioning from Trader to Portfolio Manager 28:44 The Importance of Mentorship in Trading 31:25 Foundational Steps for Aspiring Traders 33:20 Navigating Drawdowns and Uncertainty 36:07 Listening to Intuition in Trading 38:12 Investor Communication and Managing Expectations 41:24 Building on Strengths in Trading 45:23 The Future of Talent in Trading 47:57 Parting Wisdom for Aspiring Traders Subscribe for more conversations with leading traders and market experts. FundSeeder helps traders track performance, compete on the leaderboard, and earn access to capital. Learn more: https://www.fundseeder.com (https://www.fundseeder.com) Risk Disclosure: https://www.fundseeder.com/disclosure (https://www.fundseeder.com/disclosure)

7. 

   21 Apr 2026

   Neal Berger on How Some Allocators Really Evaluate Traders

   What are institutional allocators really looking for when they decide to back a trader? In this episode of FundSeeder Rise, host Emanuel Balarie sits down with Neal Berger—founder of Eagle's View Capital Management—to unpack the mindset behind capital allocation after 36 years in the markets. From early inspiration sparked by Wall Street to learning alongside Izzy Englander, Neal shares how his perspective evolved from trader to allocator—and what most traders misunderstand about risk, edge, and scaling. This episode gives you a rare look inside how capital actually gets allocated—and what it takes to earn it. What You’ll Learn: What allocators actually care about beyond returns Why risk discipline is non-negotiable at the institutional level How to clearly define and communicate your edge The biggest mistake traders make when trying to scale Why strategy drift kills credibility with allocators How capacity and position sizing impact long-term success The shift toward quantitative and algorithmic dominance Why niche strategies offer an advantage in crowded markets How to think like an allocator—even as a solo trader Timestamps & Key Moments: 00:01 – Neal’s start: from Wall Street inspiration to real trading desks 02:19 – Lessons from Izzy Englander: discipline over emotion 11:19 – The evolution from discretionary to algorithmic trading 15:19 – What “edge” really means (and how to prove it) 20:05 – How AI and capital flows are reshaping markets 33:36 – Strategy drift: how allocators spot it instantly 43:12 – Managing capacity and scaling responsibly 50:15 – Competing in a crowded hedge fund ecosystem 53:44 – Practical advice for emerging traders 58:10 – Books that shaped Neal’s thinking 59:03 – Emotional discipline and consistency Recommended Reading: Market Wizards by Jack D. Schwager Reminiscences of a Stock Operator by Edwin Lefèvre The Alchemy of Finance by George Soros About the Host: Emanuel Balarie is the co-founder of FundSeeder and host of FundSeeder Rise, where he interviews top traders, allocators, and industry leaders to uncover the mindset, discipline, and strategies required to succeed in today’s markets. About Neil Berger: Neal Berger is the founder of Eagle's View Capital Management and brings over three decades of experience as both a trader and institutional allocator—offering a rare dual perspective on performance and capital allocation. Subscribe for more conversations with elite traders, investors, and performance thinkers. Learn more: https://www.fundseeder.com (https://www.fundseeder.com) Risk Disclosure: Risk Disclosure: https://www.fundseeder.com/disclosure (https://www.fundseeder.com/disclosure)

8. 

   14 Apr 2026

   Jack Schwager on The Brutal Truth Of Trading Success

   n this episode of the FundSeeder Rise Podcast, Emanuel Balarie sits down with Jack Schwager, the legendary author behind the Market Wizards series. Schwager shares decades of insight from interviewing the world’s top traders—breaking down what truly separates those who succeed from those who fail. This conversation goes beyond strategies, diving deep into mindset, psychology, and the realities of professional trading. They explore why passion is essential, why most people aren’t wired to trade, and why success has little to do with being “right” on any single trade. Schwager also unpacks the transition from trading your own capital to managing outside money—and why that shift breaks many traders. If you want a real understanding of what it takes to become a consistently successful trader, this episode delivers hard truths and timeless lessons. Key Topics: The mindset of top traders vs. average traders Why passion for markets is non-negotiable The biggest myths about trading success Managing risk, drawdowns, and uncertainty Trading your own money vs. managing capital Lessons from decades of Market Wizard interviews Subscribe for more conversations with elite traders, investors, and performance thinkers. Learn more: https://www.fundseeder.com (https://www.fundseeder.com) Risk Disclosure: Risk Disclosure: https://www.fundseeder.com/disclosure (https://www.fundseeder.com/disclosure)

9. 

   7 Apr 2026

   Peter Brandt on Trading Wisdom, Classical Charting & Survival in Markets for 40+ Years

   The conversation with Peter Brandt covers the journey of a trader, the importance of mentorship, tradition and humility in trading, lessons in risk management, the craft of trading, joining Commodities Corp, the trader evaluation program, and habits for new traders. Key takeaways include the significance of a long-term perspective, the role of risk management, the impact of mentorship, and the mindset and perseverance required for trading success. The conversation covers a range of topics related to trading, including the importance of realistic expectations, defining trades, navigating drawdowns, classical charting, risk management, the trading journey, discouraging aspiring traders, motivation, and the importance of metrics in trading. Key takeaways include the crucial role of risk management and the importance of self-awareness in trading. Takeaways Long-term perspective Risk management Mentorship Mindset and perseverance Risk management is crucial The importance of self-awareness in trading Chapters 00:00 The Journey of a Trader 05:47 Tradition and Humility in Trading 11:06 Lessons in Risk Management 16:54 The Craft of Trading 23:08 Joining Commodities Corp 27:54 Trader Evaluation Program 33:59 Realistic Expectations in Trading 43:52 Classical Charting and AI 54:35 The Trading Journey 01:01:39 Motivation and Staying Active Learn more: https://www.fundseeder.com (https://www.fundseeder.com) Risk Disclosure: Risk Disclosure: https://www.fundseeder.com/disclosure (https://www.fundseeder.com/disclosure)

10. 

    31 Mar 2026

    John McAuley on Why Elite Traders and Athletes Think Differently Under Pressure

    In this episode of FundSeeder Rise, Emanuel Balarie sits down with John McAuley to explore one of the most important but least understood drivers of elite performance: how top traders process uncertainty. The conversation draws powerful parallels between elite athletes and high-performing traders — two worlds where success depends on making decisions under pressure, managing discomfort, and performing when outcomes remain uncertain. John explains why many of the best traders are not simply defined by strategy, but by their ability to stay mentally clear when markets become uncomfortable. They discuss: Why elite athletes and elite traders often share similar mental frameworks How uncertainty separates developing traders from exceptional ones Why mental toughness is built through discomfort The role of self-awareness in discretionary decision-making Emotional patterns that often limit performance How investor pressure can affect trader outcomes Why process becomes more important than short-term profit when scaling capital Key insight: The ability to process uncertainty may be one of the clearest markers of elite performance. Memorable quotes: “Processing uncertainty is key to elite performance.” “Mental toughness means leaning into discomfort.” “Success comes from embracing the unknown.” Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Trading Mindset 03:36 John’s Journey into Trading 06:09 The Shift in Perception of Coaching 08:40 Processing Uncertainty in Trading 11:14 Identifying Elite Traders 13:46 Transitioning to Outside Capital 16:16 The Role of Emotional Comfort Zones 19:07 Understanding Discretionary Decision Making 21:26 The Importance of Self-Awareness 24:20 Investor Influence on Trader Performance 26:44 Red Flags in Trader Mindset 29:05 Mindset as a Trading Edge 31:36 The Trader's Mindset: Understanding the Disconnect 34:26 Self-Awareness in Trading 39:21 Emotional States and Decision Making 43:47 Developing a Trading Mindset 48:33 Connecting with Investors 55:24 Scaling Trading: Process Over Profit 58:55 Recommended Reads for Traders Learn more: https://www.fundseeder.com (https://www.fundseeder.com) Risk Disclosure: Risk Disclosure: https://www.fundseeder.com/disclosure (https://www.fundseeder.com/disclosure) #Trading #FundSeeder #MentalToughness #ElitePerformance #Investing #DecisionMaking

11. 

    24 Mar 2026

    Thomas Peterffy on Building Interactive Brokers, Trading Discipline, and the Future of Markets

    In this episode of FundSeeder Rise, Emanuel Balarie sits down with Thomas Peterffy, founder of Interactive Brokers and one of the true pioneers of modern electronic trading. Thomas shares the thinking, discipline, and long-term decision-making that shaped his journey from early programming innovation to building one of the most important trading infrastructures in the world. This conversation reflects the core theme of FundSeeder Rise: learning directly from individuals who have built, adapted, and performed at the highest levels of trading and asset management. Emanuel and Thomas explore what serious traders can learn from systems, risk, precision, and independent thinking — including why disciplined habits often matter more than raw intelligence, why understanding the underlying business is essential, and why process consistently outperforms emotion. Topics include: • The early development of algorithmic trading and market automation • Building Timber Hill and the evolution of Interactive Brokers • Why precision matters more than speed in trading systems • The characteristics that separate durable traders from short-term participants • Why low transaction costs and research create an edge • The future of prediction markets and decision-making • Lessons on resilience, adaptation, and long-term thinking For traders, investors, and anyone building in financial markets, this episode offers perspective from someone whose work permanently changed how markets operate. Subscribe for more conversations with leading traders and market experts. FundSeeder helps traders track performance, compete on the leaderboard, and earn access to capital. Learn more: https://www.fundseeder.com (https://www.fundseeder.com) Risk Disclosure: https://www.fundseeder.com/disclosure (https://www.fundseeder.com/disclosure)

12. 

    19 Mar 2026

    Neil Ramsey on Risk, Discipline, and What Makes A Trader Fundable

    In this episode of the FundSeeder Rise Podcast, Emanuel Balarie sits down with Neil Ramsey to discuss what separates promising traders from those who build long and successful careers in the markets. Drawing on decades of experience as both a trader and allocator, Neil shares insights on risk management, trader psychology, and the qualities he looks for when backing traders with outside capital. The conversation explores the role of self-awareness, the challenges of scaling trading strategies, and why character and process often matter more than short-term performance. For traders seeking to develop discipline, improve their decision-making, and better understand how professional allocators evaluate talent, this episode offers valuable perspective. Subscribe to follow new episodes and insights from the FundSeeder community. Risk Disclosure: https://www.fundseeder.com/disclosure (https://www.fundseeder.com/disclosure) Topics Covered Neil Ramsey’s path into trading and lessons from his earliest experiences The role of self-awareness in managing risk and emotions How allocators evaluate traders beyond just performance Personality traits often found in successful traders The psychological shift that occurs when trading outside capital Recognizing red flags in traders after funding Managing drawdowns and navigating difficult market environments The challenges of scaling trading strategies and managing liquidity Why humility and process matter for long-term success in the markets

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