Education

Oxford University
Executive MBA

Carnegie Mellon University
Mathematics, Masters
Quantitative Finance, Masters

Michael was also a PhD candidate for Financial Economics. After completing all training and exams, he decided his true calling is not in academia. The PhD training taught him how to think rigorously and research thoroughly.

Civic involvements

Michael is active in the community. He twice sponsored Melodic Impact, a musical fundraiser for kids with cancer. He has served as Treasurer on the board of Montgomery Hospice. As a hobby, he produces improv shows to enrich the cultural life in Bethesda.

Investment philosophy

Michael's investment approach is based on the Nobel Prize winning research of Eugene Fama and Robert Shiller. He is also deeply influenced by three people: Warren Buffet on value-orientation and patience, David Swensen on multi-asset-class investing and decision framework, and John Bogle on minimization of costs for clients and stewardship of clients' money.

Personal life

Michael’s favorite past time is musical improv and improvised theater. He was nominated as Top Ten Storytellers in Virginia. He has also won the Top Shelf storyteller in DC and Best Storyteller in Philadelphia's Story Slam. He performed musical improv in San Francisco, Washington DC and London.

Work experience

Michael founded MZ Capital Management in 2005 and since then he has been the chief advisor. He has helped many clients reach their financial goals.

From 1999 to 2000, Michael worked as a financial engineer for Societe Generale, the biggest French banking group.

From 2000 to 2003, Michael was hired by PG&E National Energy Group to launch their weather derivatives trading business. Within 2 years, he became one of the top 3 traders in the field. Nevertheless, he saw first hand the crooked ways of the financial industry where everything goes to make a buck. That experience motivated him to launch MZ Capital.

Writings

Michael is the author of two Amazon Best Sellers and was a regular contributor to Investopedia, Morningstar and Physicians Practice. He also blogs at The Investment Scientist.