Former Goldman Sachs CEO Lloyd Blankfein on Why He Doesn't Tweet - Odd Lots Recap
Podcast: Odd Lots
Published: 2026-03-05
Duration: 48 min
Summary
Lloyd Blankfein discusses his post-Goldman life, emphasizing his preference for trading and the reasons behind his limited presence on Twitter. He reflects on the risks and rewards of social media engagement, particularly for someone with his background.
What Happened
In this episode of Odd Lots, hosts Tracy Alloway and Joe Weisenthal sit down with former Goldman Sachs CEO Lloyd Blankfein during a live recording at Bloomberg's investment conference. Blankfein shares anecdotes from his career, including a humorous encounter with Tracy's ill-timed joke at a media roundtable. He humorously critiques the joke and showcases his quick wit, setting the tone for a candid conversation about his life after Goldman Sachs.
The discussion shifts to Blankfein's current activities, where he reveals that he spends a significant amount of time trading, albeit not in the way one might expect. He describes trading as background noise in his life, akin to listening to music while engaging in other conversations. His focus remains on macro markets, particularly technology and risk assets, reflecting on how the landscape has shifted since his time at Goldman Sachs. He candidly admits to being all in on equities, highlighting his continued engagement with the markets.
A key point of the episode is Blankfein's decision to step back from social media, especially Twitter. He explains that he had a background in risk management, which has influenced his approach to tweeting. Rather than getting embroiled in online disputes, he chose to limit his social media engagement, stating that he “mostly quit tweeting before I got canceled.” This decision reflects a conscious choice to avoid the pitfalls of public discourse, particularly in a world where opinions can quickly escalate into controversies. Overall, Blankfein's insights provide a fascinating look at the balance between public engagement and personal discretion in today's digital landscape.
Key Insights
- Blankfein prefers trading as background noise rather than a primary focus.
- He emphasizes the importance of macro markets in his trading decisions.
- Blankfein's humor is sharp, often outpacing those around him.
- His decision to limit tweeting stems from a background in risk management.
Key Questions Answered
What does Lloyd Blankfein do now after Goldman Sachs?
Lloyd Blankfein shares that he spends his time trading, which he describes as background noise rather than a focal point. He states, 'I watch markets all the time... I trade,' indicating that while he is still engaged in trading, it blends into his everyday life and conversations.
Why did Blankfein choose not to go into politics?
Blankfein explains that although many of his predecessors went into politics, he did not find anything overwhelmingly interesting after leaving Goldman. He enjoyed the freedom of not having to adhere to a strict schedule, stating, 'I kind of like this, you know, not sending an alarm clock in the morning.'
What is Blankfein's approach to social media?
He discusses his decision to limit his tweeting, attributing it to his experience in risk management. He reflects, 'I mostly quit tweeting before I got canceled,' showing a deliberate choice to avoid the potential backlash that comes with public commentary.
How does Blankfein view the current state of the markets?
He notes that everyone is focused on tech, stating, 'if you weren't in tech, you'd be bankrupt.' He emphasizes that the market dynamics have shifted significantly, and he is fully invested in equities, indicating he is 'always one hundred percent in' risk assets.
What humorous experience did Tracy Alloway share about Blankfein?
Tracy recalls a moment during a media roundtable where she tried to make a joke at Goldman’s expense, only for Blankfein to expertly critique her humor and provide a far better punchline. This anecdote showcases not only Blankfein's wit but also the camaraderie between him and the hosts.