Do you follow movies and TV shows featuring the Wall Street lifestyle? If so, chances are you’ve seen the hit show “Billions” on Showtime.
Sure, the show is a ton of fun … but is it actually accurate? Does it give a realistic view of the behind-the-scenes lives of masters of the universe, traders, and executive coaches?
SteadyTrade co-hosts Tim Bohen and Kim Ann Curtin have plenty to say on the topic!
Tim can speak to the show’s accuracy from the point of view of a longtime trader. And Kim weighs in from a place of many years’ experience as an executive coach.
Don’t miss what they have to say in this lively episode!
Have You Seen “Billions?”
In case you haven’t seen the show, here’s a brief synopsis. The show centers around the universe of Bobby Axelrod (aka Axe, played by Damian Lewis), an unconventional but highly successful figure.
Chuck Rhoades (played by Paul Giamatti), a U.S. Attorney in New York, has it out for Axe, suspecting him of crooked dealings.
Meanwhile, Wendy Rhoades (played by Maggie Siff) serves as the in-house executive coach at Axe’s firm … And it just so happens she’s the U.S. Attorney’s wife, too.
Whew! Still following?
Yep, the show definitely has undertones of soap opera. But is there a soupçon of truth in it all? Tim and Kim discuss…
Tim’s Take
Tim’s quick to admit he ditched the show fast. He only made it through about three episodes. Why?
He likens it to how his hero Joe Rogan gets miffed when he sees an MMA fight scene. Rogan’s an accomplished fighter himself, so he’s quick to sniff out inaccuracies.
Likewise, Tim has a problem with “Billions.” Does the show make trading seem petty?
Kim makes her case to make Tim keep watching … will she be successful? Listen in to hear how it plays out.
Kim’s Take
Kim was nervous when the show came out. After all, if this fictional coach didn’t seem realistic, it could give her entire profession a bad name.
Happily, in spite of the sometimes unrealistic situations the show’s characters find themselves in, the coach-character Wendy actually puts coaching in a positive light.
Kim explains what the show gets right about the coaching scenes … and why the show has actually brought her more business.
Kim also talks about her favorite scene in “Billions” — when Axe is so blown away that he gives his coach a luxury car. Kim’s still waiting for hers…
A Conversation About Coaches
Tim and Kim have a frank and eye-opening conversation about coaching and why some traders are quick to dismiss it. But for those of you who think it’s unnecessary, consider this…
Think of Tom Brady, arguably one of the best football players out there. Do you think he does what he does without a little help? Nope.
He’s got a coach. He’s got a trainer. He’s probably got a nutritionist. The point is this: it takes a village.
Many traders make the mistake of thinking they must be autonomous. They think it’s a sign of strength to do it all alone. They think that hiring a coach could make them less of a trader.
Could one of the benefits of “Billions” be that it shows traders it’s OK to have a coach? That it’s OK to be open to growing and changing?
Why the Show Matters
Tim and Kim aren’t just talking about “Billions” for fun. There are a ton of great lessons in this conversation about the mindset of success. A big hint to all traders: a mindset of vulnerability can be part of getting ahead.
Remember: you don’t get incredible creations like the iPhone or skyscrapers without an incredible sense of drive. Don’t miss this fascinating conversation!
What Do You Think?
Have you seen “Billions?” Do you love the show, or do you think it gives trading a bad name? We want to hear what you think.
Remember: if you submit a question or comment and it’s chosen as an on-air topic, you could win a SteadyTrade mystery gift box. Send questions via the SteadyTrade website or YouTube.
Thanks for tuning in to the SteadyTrade podcast. Stay tuned for weekly episodes featuring the most fascinating and informative trading topics.
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