In today’s competitive financial landscape, facts alone aren’t enough—how you tell your story can make or break trust, impact, and influence. In this must-listen to- episode Atara Twersky is joined by acclaimed author and storytelling expert Matt Dicks to reveal why mastering the art of storytelling isn’t just for marketers—it’s a critical tool for pension investors, trustees, and professionals who want to lead, persuade, and make smarter, more human-centered decisions.   Matt, a school teacher by training, discovered early on that the key to capturing attention—not just in a classroom but in a boardroom, or courtroom—is storytelling. He shares how this powerful tool has the ability to transform communication, deepen connection, and elevate confidence in any professional setting. Whether you are collaborating with team members or wanting to communicate about investments to colleagues, engaging them sets the tone for what comes next.   As a seasoned litigator and frequent speaker at conferences, Atara resonates deeply with Matt’s message. Together, they explore how storytelling isn’t just an art—it’s a strategic asset in business and law. Matt also discusses how he teaches storytelling techniques to everyone from young students to Fortune 500 executives, emphasizing the importance of personal narrative in building trust and influence.   This episode is more than just an interview—it’s a masterclass in the timeless power of storytelling.   Because storytelling isn’t just for teachers—it’s for YOU   🔗 Follow Us:🎧 Spotify Podcast: https://spoti.fi/3DHny9Z  🎧 Apple Podcast: https://bit.ly/4hLuPTO 💼 LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3XZNGUg 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ataratwersky  Website: https://www.twerskylawgroup.com/category/pensions-and-investments-podcast/    #StorytellingMatters #BusinessCommunication #LegalStorytelling #PowerOfStorytelling #StorytellingInBusiness #StorytellingForLawyers #ProfessionalDevelopment #LeadershipThroughStories #EffectiveCommunication #PensionsAndInvestmentPodcast #MatthewDicks #LegalPodcast #SecuritiesClassAction #SecuritiesLitigation

In this engaging conversation, Atara Twersky interviews a very special guest, Atara’s mom! Dina Hirsch, who has become a social media sensation with over two million followers across social media platforms. Atara and her mom have a fun packed episode for listeners and they also  discuss a few serious topics like  the importance of having a pension to ensure security in later years, financial security afforded by being a member of a public pension fund, and the value of investing wisely.  Dina shares her journey to fame and offers insights on business and life lessons, emphasizing the significance of simplicity and meaningful connections over material possessions.   🔗 Follow Us:🎧 Spotify Podcast: https://spoti.fi/3DHny9Z  🎧 Apple Podcast: https://bit.ly/4hLuPTO 💼 LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3XZNGUg 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ataratwersky  Website: https://www.twerskylawgroup.com/category/pensions-and-investments-podcast/    🔗 Follow Grandma Dina:  TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jewishgrandmapodcast 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jewishgrandmapodcast/#   #Finance #RetirementPlanning #PensionFunds #GrandmaDina #Investing #MoneyMatters #Podcast #PensionsAndInvestmentPodcast #DinaHirsch #LegalPodcast #SecuritiesClassAction #SecuritiesLitigation

In this conversation, Atara interviews Anurag Chandra, a venture capitalist, chief investment officer and trustee at San Jose City Employees Retirement System, discussing his diverse background in Silicon Valley, his role in the public pension fund world, and the intricacies of risk management. Anurag shares insights on the importance of relationships in business, lessons learned from failures, as well as various investment strategies. The discussion also touches on the overlap between public and private investment roles, liquid strategies, tax optimization, and the emerging influence of AI in finance.  Anurag and Atara talked about the hot topic of AI and its transformative role in connection with  institutional investing.  We explored AIs’ implications for job security, and the importance of ethical responsibility in finance. Atara and Anurag share their experiences as team leaders and their insights on leadership, emphasizing the need for minimal hierarchy and the value of teamwork. Anurag also reflects on personal experiences that shape his professional motivations and the significance of serving the community through responsible investment practices.   🔗 Follow Us:🎧 Spotify Podcast: https://spoti.fi/3DHny9Z  🎧 Apple Podcast: https://bit.ly/4hLuPTO 💼 LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3XZNGUg 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ataratwersky  Website: https://www.twerskylawgroup.com/category/pensions-and-investments-podcast/  #Investing #PensionFunds #VentureCapital #Finance #RiskManagement #AI #Podcast #PensionsAndInvestmentPodcast #AnuragChandra #LegalPodcast #SecuritiesClassAction #SecuritiesLitigation

In this engaging conversation, Atara Twersky interviews Laura Basua, a dedicated trustee of the Fresno County Employee Retirement System. Laura shares her inspiring journey from working as a homeschool liaison to becoming a board member, emphasizing her commitment to serving the community and advocating for women in leadership roles.    The discussion covers her experiences in managing pension funds, the importance of continuous learning in investments, and her active involvement in charitable organizations. Laura's passion for helping others and her vision for the future highlight the significance of kindness and community service in her life.   🔗 Follow Us:🎧 Spotify Podcast: https://spoti.fi/3DHny9Z  🎧 Apple Podcast: https://bit.ly/4hLuPTO 💼 LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3XZNGUg 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ataratwersky  Website: https://www.twerskylawgroup.com/category/pensions-and-investments-podcast/    #PensionFunds #RetirementPlanning #WomenInFinance #Investing #MoneyTalk #Podcast #PensionsAndInvestmentPodcast

In this episode of the Pensions and Investments Podcast, host Atara Twersky speaks with Liat Aaronson, an experienced angel investor and mentor with a focus on Web3 technology and entrepreneurial growth. Liat discusses the opportunities and challenges in the Web3 space, the future of decentralized technology, and how startups in this field can navigate the complexities of raising capital. She also touches on her personal journey in investing and provides advice for entrepreneurs seeking to succeed in the fast-evolving world of Web3. Key Points: The growing impact of Web3 and decentralized technologies on the future of business How to successfully raise capital in the Web3 space Liat’s experience with angel investing and the criteria she uses to identify strong startups The importance of building a team that combines product expertise with fundraising capabilities The evolving nature of entrepreneurship and the ability to pivot in Web3 Insights into balancing passion, skill, and market need in the rapidly changing tech landscape. Liat’s perspective on mentoring entrepreneurs and helping them succeed in the Web3 ecosystem

Panayiotis Lambropoulos, Portfolio Manager at the Employees Retirement System of Texas-- a $35B public fund located in Austin, Texas, works in the hedge funds department on a team of managers. Panayiotis brings his diverse background, being born and raised in Greece until he was 13 years old, as well as his prior experience working for a Japanese Hedge fund, to work he does on behalf of Texas ERS. As one of the large public funds in the U.S., Panayiotis has a lot of experience that funds of all sizes can learn from.

Women in Business need to support one another!  We are on the same team and Kathryn Sollmann, founder of The 4 Jobs Club, an online community of women assists women in navigating their many roles as moms, caregivers, and career women.  Kathryn, quoted in the NY Times,  is  the author of the book “Ambition Redefined: Why the Corner of Office is Not for Every Woman & What to Do Instead”.  If you are a woman with any type of job and other responsibilities (who isn’t?!!) this episode is for you! 

The UAE (United Arab Emirates) is bursting with business opportunities.  In this Episode, I speak with Fahem Almusa who is the Director for the  Internal Audit and Accounting Advisory at Crowe UAE which is one of the Key Economic Country (KEC) within the Crowe Global network.  Crowe is ranked as one of the top 10 largest accounting networks in the UAE ( by the International Accounting Bulletin). Fahem is U.S. educated but lives in the UAE so he really understands the global conversation! 

As a child, Richard Wilson was already attending his father’s business meetings. By the time he was in High School, Richard was a full-fledged entrepreneur; by the age of 21, he was earning 6 figures. From risk consulting to raising capital, Richard ventured into the world of family offices with the goal of providing trends in structuring deals and opportunities for wealthy family offices to connect with each other, share insights, and learn from each other's ups and downs. Richard Wilson is the Founder and CEO of The Family Office Club—the #1 largest association of over 2000 registered ultra-wealthy families and their family offices. Richard is also a best-selling author of an important book in the field of family wealth titled “How To Start A Family Office”. If you are working for a Family Office or a principal in one, this episode is a "must-listen-to"!

The word attorney conjures up many images, some less likable than others.   Sometimes this distaste for lawyers is rooted in reality and other times it is not.  But every now and again you will meet a lawyer who has changed course and taken a new route and this change informs who they become.  My guest, Blair Nicholas, was one of my former legal competitors (friendly ones of course) and yet we crossed over into real conversation as Blair shares his journey in finding a new path as a Vineyard owner and the deep connection he feels with the land in Dundee Hills Oregon. I knew Blair before our conversation, but today I met a man that showed me how complex we can all be given the opportunity!

Len Gilroy is the Vice President of government reform Reason Foundation. In this episode, listen in as we continue our conversation on pension reform and the collaborative approach to making lasting, meaningful, and important changes and how restructuring your public pension funds can help address underfunding issues and secure future benefits for those in the public sector. Secure the future you have for yourself and your loved ones. Tune in now!

Len Gilroy has devoted his career to the Public Pension Fund World and to ensuring their longevity. As Vice President at the Reason Foundation Len's mission is to ensure that public pension funds remain healthy and robust. Len has testified before Congress and written for numerous publications including a recent op-ed in the Wall Street Journal. Len and his foundation were at the forefront of the recent reform undertaken on behalf of Texas ERS. Len assisted policymakers and other stakeholders in designing, analyzing, and implementing public sector pension reforms to promote solvent and sustainable retirement systems that provide security for government workers while reducing taxpayer and pension system exposure to financial risks. Len also devotes himself to working with legislators and officials to design and implement market-based policy approaches, improve government performance, enhance accountability in government programs and reduce government spending. Public Pension Plans need to take notice and to know that with Len on your side, employer and employee are on the same team!

Fintech!  If you are an investor, Fintech is definitely an asset class to take notice of and Rupert Bull is a man to take notice of!  Rupert is  Co-Founder and CEO of The Disruption House, a company whose mission is to assist financial technology services and financial institutions to accelerate their discovery of and engagement with each other on a global basis. The Disruption House partners with over 50 global and regional banks and asset managers on their mission to do risk and fast track new technology adoption across the global financial service industry and beyond.  Rupert aims to increase the speed and efficiency among fintechs, clients, and investors to engage successfully with each other by utilizing artificial intelligence, automation, and process improvements.

Perhaps your fund is not recovering all monies owed to them?! Enter Ari Davidowitz! : Tax Recovery Expert, Managing Director of WTax. Ari works hard to recover tax withholdings for clients worldwide. This is a complicated area of shareholder recoveries but Ari makes it easy to understand and will be instrumental in putting money back into your fund’s portfolio. Ari is also a committed husband and a fun and loving dad. Listen to our conversation and we share the process, risks, and benefits of tax withholdings and tax refunds.    

Ari Gabinet is a lecturer in international and public affairs at Brown University. He has spent more than 30 years in the securities law field as a trial lawyer as well as most recently general counsel of Oppenheimer Funds a $250 billion mutual fund- his expertise in the field of securities litigation is unparalleled.  Ari also plays the guitar and surfs- he is interesting and fun and a wealth of information!

Cynthia M. Ruiz holds the powerful role of President for LACERS (LOs Angeles City Employee Retirement System) where she oversees a multibillion-dollar pension portfolio. But that is just one of her many roles. Cynthia is also a Professor, Executive Coach, Best Selling Author, Inspirational Speaker and Leadership Expert. Her focus is developing other leaders through her thriving Executive Coaching business where she helps transform some of LA’s top executives into powerful leaders. She has developed programs and management tools and is a recognized leader in her field. Cynthia's can trace her roots to the Native American community and giving back to where she comes from is something she does effortlessly. Listen to this podcast, you will find a leader of a public pension fund and a woman of distinction!

Darrell Cobbins is a man of many varied interests and boundless talents.  Darrell is a recognized leader in his community.  Appointed by the Mayor of Memphis, he served on the Steering Committee for the Regional Development Business Plan which works to develop long-range strategic business models for the Memphis Region.  The Mayor of Memphis also appointed Darrell to serve on the Board of Trustees for the Memphis Light, Gas and Water, the nation’s largest municipally owned company. Darrell was eventually appointed the chairman of this board and in this capacity Darrell also served as the chairman of the $1.3 billion public Light Gas and water pension fund.   

Nelson Schwartz, esteemed NY Times Economics and Business writer is also the best-selling author of the Velvet Rope Economy, a fascinating that really hits home!

Sherry Menor-McNamara is the youngest and first female President and CEO in the 170-year history of the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, as well as the first Asian to serve as the leader of a State Chamber, and under her leadership, the Chamber won the 2018 ACCE State Chamber of the Year, and in 2019, won two national Council of State Chambers awards. She has lived in several major cities, including Tokyo, New York, Washington D.C., Los Angeles and London, working for companies including: Sony Corporation, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Estee Lauder Company, Field Group, Elton John Production and “60 Minutes” news magazine show. Her government-related work includes positions with the Hawaii State Legislature, U.S. Senator Daniel Akaka and the Executive Office of the United States President. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Tourism Authority, Board of Trustees of the JAIMS Foundation, Executive Committee and Board of Directors for Move Oahu Forward, and Advisory Council of the Center for Tomorrow’s Leaders. Nationally, she serves on the Board of Directors of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Council of State Chambers (COSC), the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE), and Western Association of Chamber Executives (WACE), as well as on the U.S. Chamber’s Committee of 100.

Ari Meisel is the best-selling author of several books including The Art of Less Doing and The Replaceable Founder. He is a self-described Overwhelmologist whose insights into personal and professional productivity have earned him the title, “The Guru’s Guru.” He can be heard on international stages speaking to thought leaders and influencers, and for those who prefer the written word, Ari’s blog posts offer immediate and actionable advice for entrepreneurs seeking replaceability/