Latest Interviews
Showing 1–4 of 4 interview transcripts.
Clear all filters- Milken Institute29 min
Equality and Equity: A Conversation with Vista Equity's Robert Smith
Robert Smith proposes a strategic "2% Solution" that redirects approximately $970 billion from the earnings of the top ten U.S. banks to fund capital for minority depository institutions and modernize their technological infrastructure. This initiative aims to eliminate banking and broadband deserts while deploying cloud-based lending tools to 1,075 Community Development Financial Institutions over a two-year period. Concurrently, the plan leverages the InternX platform to bridge the gap between HBCU STEM talent and major corporate partners, ultimately targeting $300 billion in capital infusion to generate a projected $1.5 trillion annual GDP uplift.
- Milken Institute28 min
A Conversation with Calvin Klein
Calvin Klein, Mike Milken, Michael Milken
Calvin Klein co-founded his global fashion empire with early capital from childhood friend Barry Schwartz, eventually pioneering disruptive marketing strategies like the Brooke Shields "Nothing" campaign and unauthorized product placements to define an American, provocative brand identity. While the partnership with financier Michael Milken provided critical structural discipline during cash crunches, Klein also navigated legal controversies such as the "Kiddie Porn" investigation by prioritizing cultural conversation over traditional safety. Today, he reflects on how social media has compressed the industry timeline, distinguishing between fleeting celebrity brands and enduring legacy companies built on distinct style and consistent messaging.
- Milken Institute31 min
A Conversation With Indra Nooyi and Mike Milken
Former PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi championed the "Performance with Purpose" strategy to secure generational longevity by aligning financial growth with human, environmental, and workforce sustainability. She countered investor skepticism regarding short-term restructuring charges by restructuring the product portfolio and engaging directly as a global statesman to navigate complex regulatory and implementation challenges. Nooyi further advocated for systemic workforce retention solutions, including mandatory family support systems, while driving regional gender inclusion strategies to leverage the purchasing power of women.
- Milken Institute42 min
A Fireside Chat with Serge Pun Building Myanmar
Serge Pun, Staci Warden, Mike Milken, Mahendra Lama, Minseok Lee, Dickey Yuhuiko, Brad Gordon
Expanding from a private interview to a public forum, the Milken Institute session featured Serge Poon and Mike Milken discussing Myanmar's shifting economic landscape following the removal of US sanctions. Poon detailed his forty-year journey from displacement to rebuilding a private banking empire through strict anti-corruption practices, while outlining a strategy prioritizing long-term infrastructure investment over short-term gains. The dialogue concluded with an optimistic five-year forecast for nation-building, emphasizing regional connectivity and the need for investors to support foundational "trunk" projects despite lingering political risks.