In this episode of "Forged in America," hosts Ravin Gandhi and Al Goldstein welcome Dimitri Balasny, founder and CEO of BAM Capital Management, to discuss his remarkable journey from a young immigrant to leading a multi-strategy hedge fund managing over $30 billion.

The conversation begins with the impact of Ayn Rand's philosophy on his entrepreneurial mindset. Dimitri shares insights on the importance of perseverance, the challenges of building a successful business, and the unique culture at BAM that fosters collaboration and innovation among partners and employees.

Dimitri elaborates on the intricacies of managing a hedge fund, including the balance between risk and reward, the significance of hiring the right talent, and the evolving landscape of the financial markets. He emphasizes the need for a strong psychological foundation in traders, the importance of humility, and the value of continuous learning. The episode continues with Dimitri's thoughts on the current state of the market, the influence of technology, and his commitment to nurturing young talent through various programs at BAM.

Dmitry shares his experiences navigating the tumultuous financial landscape during the 2008 crisis, emphasizing the importance of liquidity and investor trust. He reflects on the competitive nature of the industry, the role of AI in enhancing decision-making, and the importance of maintaining a balance between personal and professional life, especially as a father of six.The conversation delves into the future of finance, touching on the potential of AI and blockchain technology.

Dmitry expresses a nuanced view on cryptocurrencies, recognizing their utility in emerging markets while remaining skeptical about their value in developed economies. He concludes with an optimistic outlook on technological advancements and their potential to drive progress, while cautioning against philosophical shifts that could hinder innovation. The episode wraps up with a light-hearted lightning round, revealing Dmitry's favorite books and movies, and his thoughts on fitness and family life.

In Episode 7, Ravin and Al discuss the current economic outlook, the implications of credit card debt, immigration, and the public's perception of fraud. They highlight the significance of social skills in raising children, how AI may change the landscape of education and employment, and the necessity of taking risks in both personal and professional life. They discuss how self-belief and responsiveness can lead to success, the challenges of navigating relationships as one becomes successful, and the significance of being a 'force of nature' in achieving goals. The conversation also touches on the future of elder care through technology, economic growth, and the importance of preventative health care. They also delve into the importance of voter ID laws and the role of family structure in society.

Founder and CEO of Madison Industries Larry Gies chats with Ravin and Al about building a business, finding purpose, raising kids, donating 250M to University of Illinois, and fixing the USA.

Forged in America is a conversation between longtime friends and entrepreneurs Ravin Gandhi and Al Goldstein who have built and sold numerous businesses. Al founded fintech unicorn Avant, real estate firm Pangea, and Stoic Lane. Ravin founded GMM Nonstick Coatings, a $100M supplier to the USA housewares industry that serves 40M Americans each day. Al and Ravin are also experienced early stage investors, investing in deals such as Apptronik, KeyMe, Morning Consult, Kin Insurance, Hester Biosciences, Throne Labs, Natrion and Patient IQ that collectively have raised billions in funding.