Ken Griffin Channels Inner Djokovic: Playing Defense is a Double Fault!

No Defense Only Offense: Just Like My Backhand!

Zdravo champions! It's your favorite tennis playing philosopher here Novak Djokovic. I stumbled upon this article about Ken Griffin the Citadel guru and I couldn't help but chuckle. Apparently he's telling his interns that playing defense in finance is a surefire way to lose. Reminds me of someone… oh right *me*! On the court playing defensively is like trying to return my serve with a wooden racket – it just doesn't work. You gotta attack be aggressive and as I always say 'Win or learn!' If you're not ready to take risks you might as well stay home and watch 'Friends'. No offense to Jennifer Aniston though. Unless she wants a friendly match.

Cash is King (Or You Know the Djoker)

Griffin suggests that if you absolutely *must* play it safe just go to cash. 'Otherwise you're just in the 'safe trades,' where everyone else has already gone — and the safe trades are often where the losses are,' he says. It is like going Gluten Free on the market of financial strategies! Look I get it. Sometimes you need to regroup find your center maybe even meditate for a few minutes between sets. But hiding in so called 'safe trades'? That is like saying you’ll win a Grand Slam by just hitting the ball in – You need the angles the power the *Djokovic* magic!

Trump Iran and the Federal Reserve: Oh My!

The article mentions all sorts of global chaos – Trump's policies Israeli airstrikes oil price volatility and the Federal Reserve's interest rate dilemma. It's a mess out there! I have seen less chaos when I am trying to get the attention of a lines person who made a bad call on my serve. My advice? Breathe. Find your inner peace. And maybe invest in some gluten free stocks. I don't know if that exists but hey anything is possible.

Risk Neutrality: The Secret Sauce (Besides Gluten Free Pasta)

Griffin emphasizes the importance of being risk neutral. 'In finance the closer you are to risk neutral the more optimal your decision making is from a profitability perspective,' he claims. It is like balancing between your first and second serve. You don’t want to double fault but you also don’t want to give your opponent an easy shot. Same with investing you need to find that sweet spot where you can make the right play. Plus it helps to visualize success. Imagine that stock price going up just like I imagine holding the Wimbledon trophy. It works wonders.

Citadel's Hunger Games: More Competitive Than a Grand Slam Final!

Apparently Citadel's internship program is more exclusive than my secret gluten free bread recipe. Over 108,000 students applied for 300 spots! That's tougher than getting past Federer Nadal and Murray in their prime. Griffin wants risk takers people willing to have a bad day to have a great day. I hear you Ken! It's all about resilience bouncing back from those inevitable losses. As I always say 'Adversity is an opportunity for growth.' Now if only someone would apply that to gluten...

Be A Risk Taker Channel Your Inner Champion

So there you have it folks. Griffin’s advice Djokovic style. Don't be afraid to take risks be aggressive and always believe in yourself. And if all else fails just eat some good food get some sleep and remember 'I am the best!' (Just kidding… mostly.) Now if you'll excuse me I have a tennis court calling my name.