New Delhi, Feb. 10 -- Over the years, Bertie has curated a mental list of Original Thinkers (OTs) in the finance world. In an industry that thrives on regurgitating second-hand wisdom, the OTs are precious. Periodically, Bertie seeks time from them for a 'no agenda' meeting; a relaxed, free-wheeling conversation where neither party is trying to impress or sell anything to the other. Looking back at these meetings, the deep impact they have had on his thinking-not just about finance and investing but life in general-is unmistakable.

Bertie caught up with one such OT last week; let's call him Ash. They went to the same red-bricked alma mater but many years apart. Ash has built a formidable financial services firm from scratch and although ...