This week, I had the rare opportunity to sit down with Asher Edelman—one of the most legendary and unconventional figures to ever emerge from Wall Street. A pioneer of corporate raiding in the 1980s and widely recognized as one of the real-life inspirations for Gordon Gekko, Asher built a reputation for bold, high-stakes takeovers that redefined the balance of power between shareholders and management. After founding Edelman & Co., he became known not just for his financial acumen, but for the psychological precision with which he approached every deal—often guided by his monthly reading of The Art of War.
Beyond finance, Asher has had an extraordinary second act in the art world, where he's become a prominent dealer, collector, and curator with a keen eye for value and authenticity. He recorded this conversation in his Switzerland office, surrounded by pieces from his personal art collection, which he graciously walked me through.In this episode, we explored his early days on Wall Street in the 1950s, his most memorable corporate battles, and the traits that separated survivors from legends. He also shared insights on the current state of activism, including his candid take on an investor he believes doesn’t live up to the title. Asher’s perspective is sharp, original, and completely unfiltered—this is a rare glimpse into a mind that has shaped both markets and culture for over half a century.
P.S. I apologize for the choppiness at some parts of the interview, I had some technical difficulties on my end.
