Point72 Academy Holiday Reading List
December 2023
With the holiday season in full swing, we asked members of our Point72 Academy and Investment Professional Development (IPD) teams to share what they're reading and listening to. From books and podcasts on the importance of process, true crime, and how to be an effective communicator, take a look below for their recommendations.
Jaimi Goodfriend, Head of IPD, Point72 Academy Director: I’m currently re-reading “Atomic Habits” by James Clear. This job is about creativity, but also about building a great process. This book talks a lot about that.
For anyone interested in getting a glimpse of the Academy experience and life as an investment analyst at our firm, I’d recommend listening to our podcast, “Becoming A Hedge Fund Analyst: Inside Point72 Academy.” We have new episodes coming out now.
Matt Russman, Analyst Coach, Long/Short Equities: I loved “The Retrievals” podcast because while it’s a true crime in a fertility clinic and about the impact on the victims, it also explored the way large institutions circle the wagons in a crisis and how that can make everything worse. The “Chameleon: Wild Boys” podcast is a true story but not quite a “true crime” that was offbeat and unexpected—who the good guys were and who the bad guys were kept shifting and by the end I still wasn’t sure.
Brian Mulvihill, Point72 Academy Development Manager: “Engines That Move Markets” by Alasdair Nairn is a collection of insightful case studies of the history of technology and the lessons it has taught investors. “In Good Company” with Nicolai Tangen is a podcast that gives unprecedented insight into conversations between the CEO of the largest single investor in the world, Norges Bank Investment Management, and leaders of some of the largest companies in the world.
Kelli Dougherty, Point72 Academy Recruiting Manager: “Made to Stick” by Chip and Dan Heath provides a comprehensive guide on how to create and communicate ideas that are memorable, impactful, and long-lasting. The authors use real-world examples to illustrate their points and provide a helpful framework that readers can apply to their own ideas. Overall, “Made to Stick” is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to improve their communication skills and make their ideas stick in the minds of their audience.
Gabriela Polanco, Point72 Academy Recruiting Coordinator: I received “The Latte Factor” by David Bach from my parents when I moved to NYC a few years ago. It’s a great book about personal finance and how to cut back on your expenses.
Mary Bronzini-Klein, Administrative Support: “Factfulness: Ten Reasons We’re Wrong About the World—And Why Things Are Better Than You Think” by Hans Rosling is a book I came across when I was helping one of my students with a paper about it. It’s an amazing read about cognitive biases and the importance of working off facts.