#121 Jason Shapiro: The Ultimate Contrarian Trader is Back

Welcome to the AlphaMind Podcast! In this episode, we're thrilled to sit down with Rajan Dhall, a remarkable trader and the head of the UK-based proprietary trading firm, DND Capital.

Rajan generously shares insights from his journey in the trading world, offering invaluable lessons learned along the way. Despite his significant success, Rajan's approach remains grounded in humility. He walks us through pivotal moments in his career, recounting challenges faced both in trading and in his early life, and the profound lessons that have shaped him into the trader he is today.

His story serves as a testament to perseverance and continuous learning. Our conversation covers a diverse range of themes, from Rajan's unique market perspectives to his adept combination of fundamental and technical analysis with sentiment analysis. We delve into the importance of mindset, discipline, and risk management, with Rajan sharing practical strategies for maintaining composure during volatile market conditions.

Drawing from his rich experiences, Rajan emphasizes the value of resilience and adaptability in navigating the ever-evolving financial markets. His humility, paired with his depth of knowledge and experience, makes this episode essential listening for traders at all levels. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, Rajan offers valuable insights and actionable takeaways that are sure to enhance your trading journey.

Join us for this enlightening conversation with Rajan Dhall as we uncover great trading lessons from a truly humble trader.

You can find more about DND Capital Ltd at https://dndcapital.co.uk/
Follow Rajan on LinkedIn
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AlphaMind: Powering Performance in Global Markets

AlphaMind brings powerful change, growth and development to people and businesses within global markets.

Driven by a deep understanding of how markets work, and how people and businesses function within them, we partner with clients to create personal performance improvements that elevate returns across their trading activities.

Go to the AlphaMind website to know more.

In this episode we dive deep into the world of trading with Mohammad Ali, a seasoned trader with a rich background in financial markets. 

As the former Head of Global FX Trading at TD Securities, Mohammad brings a wealth of experience to the table. In this captivating episode, he shares invaluable insights and knowledge that will challenge and inspire traders of all levels.

Drawing from his extensive experience, Mohammad discusses the profound impact of macroeconomic events on trading decisions, coupled with his nuanced understanding of liquidity, sentiment, and market dynamics at the micro level.

We explore a myriad of topics, from Mohammad's reflections on his trading journey to his candid perspectives on navigating the financial markets. He offers frank insights into his career trajectory, reflecting on how experience has shaped his approach and what he would do differently given the chance.

Moreover, Mohammad's expertise extends beyond trading floors. He now curates a remarkable newsletter, collaborating with leading traders from investment banks to hedge funds. From his base in Canada, he extends this valuable resource to both institutional and retail traders alike, bridging the gap between professional insights and private trading communities.

Tune in to this episode and uncover the secrets of successful trading with Mohammad Ali.

You can subscribe for Mohammad's Purity Macro Newsletter at : https://puritymacro.substack.com/

You can follow Mohammad on
Twitter at this link: https://twitter.com/macroali1
Linkedin at this link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohammad-h-ali-cfa-340751a

AlphaMind: Powering Performance in Global Markets

AlphaMind brings powerful change, growth and development to people and businesses within global markets.

Driven by a deep understanding of how markets work, and how people and businesses function within them, we partner with clients to create personal performance improvements that elevate returns across their trading activities.

Go to the AlphaMind website to know more.

AlphaMind Podcast co-host Mark Randall engages in a dynamic interview with fellow co-host Steven Goldstein about his new book, "Mastering the Mental Game of Trading."

This groundbreaking book has been making waves in the trading world, and Mark is on a mission to uncover the essence of its revolutionary concepts.

Mark peppers Steven with insightful questions, extracting profound insights about the book's core concepts and its overarching purpose.

Steven, in turn, takes listeners on an immersive journey through the pages of "Mastering the Mental Game of Trading," sharing invaluable thoughts and perspectives on the critical importance for traders to conquer the mental challenges inherent in the industry and the well-guarded secrets behind maintaining composure and making sound trading decisions in the face of adversity.

Join us for an enriching dialogue that goes beyond the surface, as Steven and Mark unravel the layers of mastering the mental game of trading, offering a transformative listening experience for anyone seeking success in the dynamic and challenging realm of financial markets.

To learn more about the book, visit https://www.masteringthementalgameoftrading.com

Buy the book at these links: linktr.ee/MTMGOT

AlphaMind: Powering Performance in Global Markets

AlphaMind brings powerful change, growth and development to people and businesses within global markets.

Driven by a deep understanding of how markets work, and how people and businesses function within them, we partner with clients to create personal performance improvements that elevate returns across their trading activities.

Go to the AlphaMind website to know more.

AlphaMind Podcast co-host Mark Randall reflects on insights gained from our podcast guests that he considers vital for traders as they look forward to 2024. 

With an illustrious career spanning over four decades in the financial markets, Mark initiated his journey as one of the pioneering traders on the LIFFE London Futures Exchange. Over time, he transitioned into pivotal roles, spearheading broking and sales divisions at major investment banks, lending him a wealth of experience and expertise in the field.

Mark's reflections on our podcast discussions shed light on indispensable lessons for traders as they gear up for the challenges and opportunities of 2024.

You can also hear this episode on our Youtube Channel at this link: https://bit.ly/3J54QWx

 You can follow Mark at:

Twitter: https://bit.ly/3uqL9Ez
LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3tLqU6I

Follow AlphaMind at:
Twitter: https://bit.ly/3J9SNHQ
Newsletter: https://bit.ly/AM_Newsletter_SS
YouTube: https://bit.ly/3J54QWx
Instagram: https://bit.ly/AM101_Insta

Book:
Mastering the Mental Game of Trading by AlphaMind’s Steven Goldstein: https://bit.ly/MTMGOT_page

Sponsors:
Society of Technical Analysis: https://bit.ly/3KaCnil
AlphaMind listeners can obtain a GBP100 Discount (Or local currency equivalent) the STA’s world beating Technical Analysis ‘Home Study Course’ and ‘Home Study Course with Diploma’. - Details https://bit.ly/STA_Discount

AlphaMind: Powering Performance in Global Markets

AlphaMind brings powerful change, growth and development to people and businesses within global markets.

Driven by a deep understanding of how markets work, and how people and businesses function within them, we partner with clients to create personal performance improvements that elevate returns across their trading activities.

Go to the AlphaMind website to know more.

In this compelling episode of the AlphaMind Podcast, we immerse ourselves in the captivating realm of 'contrarian trading' with the remarkable Jason Shapiro, renowned as 'the contrarian' in Jack Schwager's "Unknown Market Wizards." Shapiro's adeptness in mastering the art of contrarian trading challenges the very core of many mainstream trading ideologies.

This episode marks Jason's third appearance on the AlphaMind podcast, each visit sparking some fascinating feedback and gratitude from our listeners. Once again, Jason generously shares insights into his distinctive trading philosophy, shedding light on the nuanced approach that sets him apart in the trading landscape.

Listeners, whether novices or seasoned traders, will discover invaluable guidance from Shapiro: courageously embrace discomfort, glean wisdom from setbacks, and cultivate the bravery to adopt a contrarian stance when your analysis and process justify it. Join us as we delve into the mind of this extraordinary trader whose unconventional strategies continuously redefine the dynamics of the trading arena.

You can find out more about Jason at the Crowded Market report at this link:  https://www.crowdedmarketreport.com/about/
Crowded Market Report on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Crowded_Mkt_Rpt
Crowded Market Report on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cmr-publishing/

AlphaMind: Powering Performance in Global Markets

AlphaMind brings powerful change, growth and development to people and businesses within global markets.

Driven by a deep understanding of how markets work, and how people and businesses function within them, we partner with clients to create personal performance improvements that elevate returns across their trading activities.

Go to the AlphaMind website to know more.

It is all to easy to think the answer to success in trading solely hinges on top-tier analysis and the application of sophisticated trading approaches and systems. However, overlooking the essential factor of nurturing and optimising the person doing the analysis and applying their trading decisions within the volatile and uncertain context of markets is a critical oversight.

This week we tackled this topic with Louisa Nicola, a renowned neurophysiologist and human performance coach, who is a visionary in the realm of optimising high performance in trading, investing and business.

During the interview, Louisa emphasised the symbiotic relationship between physical well-being and cognitive performance. She articulated how nutrition, good quality sleep, and physical exercise fuels not only the body but also the mind, enhancing decision-making abilities, and the vital mental resilience crucial for navigating the dynamic and uncertain landscape of trading.

Louisa's insights should inspire and empower you to adopt a comprehensive approach to your own lives, acknowledging the profound impact of wellness on your success in your work as a trader and beyond.

Louisa is the founder and head performance advisor of Neuro Athletics - a human performance coaching firm that boasts the highest performing athletes and executives in the world. Neuro Athletics brings science based solutions to elite performers who want to perform at their peak.

You can find out more about Louisa, her business, her podcast and social media links at this link.

AlphaMind: Powering Performance in Global Markets

AlphaMind brings powerful change, growth and development to people and businesses within global markets.

Driven by a deep understanding of how markets work, and how people and businesses function within them, we partner with clients to create personal performance improvements that elevate returns across their trading activities.

Go to the AlphaMind website to know more.

Welcome to the AlphaMind podcast, where we delve deep into the world of trading with the seasoned trader and trading educator Joseph Gasperoni, more widely known as Jtrader.

Join us as we journey to San Marino in the heart of Italy, where Joseph runs a highly acclaimed trader training academy. In this episode, we discuss and explore the secrets to success in trading, unraveling the challenge to what it take to achieve success in the financial markets.

JTrader, known for his wealth of experience as a trader has been a the guiding light to many aspiring traders who seek to learn and develop their trading skills.

During our captivating conversation, we explore the mindset, discipline, and strategies that set successful traders apart from the crowd.

From risk management to market analysis, Joseph shares his invaluable wisdom, providing listeners with a unique opportunity to tap into the mind of someone who has helped to many aspiring traders.

You can learn more about JTrader and his JTrader Academy at this link: https://jtrader.co/

You can also find out about JTrader's USA tour next April and May at this link: https://cf2.jtrader.co/lp2

AlphaMind: Powering Performance in Global Markets

AlphaMind brings powerful change, growth and development to people and businesses within global markets.

Driven by a deep understanding of how markets work, and how people and businesses function within them, we partner with clients to create personal performance improvements that elevate returns across their trading activities.

Go to the AlphaMind website to know more.

In this insightful episode, we sat down with Adam Birkett, the Global Trading Lead at Cargill Ocean Transportation division, which trades physical and derivative cargo, freight, and shipping products globally across all major markets, to delve into the profound concept of "The Power of Non-Attachment in Trading."

Adam has spent nearly his entire career at Cargill Ocean Transportation. He has been a trader, led a major trading team, worked in Risk Management, and then transitioned to becoming the lead for the trading side of the business, overseeing over 80 traders across multiple centres worldwide.

At the core of our conversation lies a fundamental principle: the ability of traders to distance themselves from ego-driven impulses and negative outcomes while making critical decisions amidst market turbulence. Adam eloquently describes how seasoned traders master the art of non-attachment, disentangling their identities from their trading activities, whilst also candidly acknowledging how challenging this is to do and sustain in real-time.

Adam discusses how, by detaching from ego-based desires and fears of negative outcomes, traders can achieve greater mental clarity and emotional equilibrium. This enables them to navigate the unpredictable waters of the market with a calmer, more rational mindset. Adam emphasizes the importance of staying true to one's trading process and not succumbing to impulsive reactions to market fluctuations and unfavourable outcomes.

In this enlightening chat, Adam illustrates his views with real-world examples from his extensive experience, speaks candidly about his own humbling episodes in his career, and shares some insights into the work they do at Cargill to aid better decision-making and performance across their highly successful business.

AlphaMind: Powering Performance in Global Markets

AlphaMind brings powerful change, growth and development to people and businesses within global markets.

Driven by a deep understanding of how markets work, and how people and businesses function within them, we partner with clients to create personal performance improvements that elevate returns across their trading activities.

Go to the AlphaMind website to know more.

Susquehanna International Group (SIG) is renowned as one of the world’s leading global proprietary trading firms, highly esteemed for its entrepreneurial ethos and meticulous analytical decision-making processes. Founded with a mindset rooted in entrepreneurship, SIG engages in trading various listed financial products and asset classes across the globe on a daily basis. The company attracts top-tier talent, employing both quantitative and discretionary approaches to maintain its position at the forefront of the industry.

They combine a profound understanding of specialized markets and traded products with a rigorous decision-making methodology grounded in probabilistic thinking, game theory, and a keen focus on signal detection and low-latency performance. This approach solidifies SIG's commitment to maintaining their eminent standing in the trading world.

In this episode, we had the privilege of sitting down with Todd Simkin, currently the CEO of their Re-insurance business and a veteran at Susquehanna since 1997. Todd has played pivotal roles within the company, from being a trader to overseeing the day-to-day operations and even spearheading firm-wide education and trader development programmes.

Todd is possibly one of the pre-eminent minds in the world of trading, possessing a deep understanding of what contributes to the making of great traders. We were honoured that he was willing to converse with us and share with our audience some of his reflections and insights into what goes into the creation of successful traders.

AlphaMind: Powering Performance in Global Markets

AlphaMind brings powerful change, growth and development to people and businesses within global markets.

Driven by a deep understanding of how markets work, and how people and businesses function within them, we partner with clients to create personal performance improvements that elevate returns across their trading activities.

Go to the AlphaMind website to know more.

In today's episode, we had the privilege of sitting down with Jonny Matthews, a true luminary in the finance industry boasting an impressive 28-year track record. Jonny's journey commenced during the legendary 'Liar's Poker' era at Salomon Brothers. 

Jonny later ascended to prominence as a Portfolio Manager, adeptly overseeing up to $500 million in assets at the renowned hedge fund Brevan Howard. Before his tenure at Brevan Howard, Jonny honed his craft at Citibank, where he mastered equity derivatives trading , ultimately ascending to the role of Managing Director and leading a substantial trading team.

Remarkably, Jonny remains an active trader today, driven by his unwavering focus on macroeconomic trends and their profound influence on the markets.

In addition to his illustrious career, Jonny shares his profound market wisdom through his widely acclaimed newsletter, presently known as "Macroscope," soon to be rebranded as "Super Macro."

Join us as we embark on Jonny Matthews' extraordinary journey, gaining exclusive insights into the dynamic world of markets, trading, and the rollercoaster ride that is an integral part of a trader's life at the pinnacle of the financial world.

You can follow Jonny on his twitter feed @supermacro 

AlphaMind: Powering Performance in Global Markets

AlphaMind brings powerful change, growth and development to people and businesses within global markets.

Driven by a deep understanding of how markets work, and how people and businesses function within them, we partner with clients to create personal performance improvements that elevate returns across their trading activities.

Go to the AlphaMind website to know more.