Alright, teens and parents of future Wall Street warriors, hedge fund tycoons, and billionaire philanthropists , let’s talk about raising the next generation of financial geniuses. You know, the kind of kids who don’t just dream of owning a Lamborghini but actually plan out a diversified portfolio to buy a fleet of them. Enter Nicolai Tangen, a Norwegian mastermind who went from a dishwashing teen to the CEO of Norway’s trillion-dollar sovereign wealth fund. Yes, trillion with a “T.”
Want to learn how he did it? Better yet, want to raise a Tangen-in-training? Keep reading. We’ll break it down in a way that’s so fun and practical, even your TikTok-addicted teen will stick around. Maybe.
1. Start With Curiosity: Let’s Get Nosy
Nicolai Tangen credits much of his success to an insatiable curiosity. As a teenager, he didn’t just ask “what” or “when,” but “why” and “how.” So, parents, encourage your kids to be curious about the world. And teens? That means asking questions like:
- “Why do stocks go up and down?”
- “How does a company make money?”
- “Why are there so many ads for toilet paper on TV?” (Spoiler: Marketing budgets.)
Curiosity is the secret sauce of success. It’s the mental habit that transforms ordinary moments into learning opportunities. Plus, it’s a lot cheaper than signing up for another extracurricular your teen will abandon after two weeks.
2. Build the “Money Muscle” Early
Tangen started working young. From washing dishes to other odd jobs, he learned the value of money and hard work. The lesson here? Teens, get off the couch. Start small: babysitting, mowing lawns, or flipping sneakers on eBay.
Parents, teach your kids how to manage what they earn. Turn allowances into mini-economies. Create a family stock market game where your teen invests fake money (or real, if you’re feeling brave). Learning to save, spend, and invest wisely is the foundation for financial success.
3. Master the Art of Networking (Without Being Cringe)
One of Tangen’s superpowers is his network. He’s that guy who could probably convince Elon Musk to buy him coffee. How? By being genuinely interested in people and connecting with them authentically.
Teens, start practicing now. Join school clubs, attend community events, and talk to adults like they’re human beings (shocking, I know). Parents, encourage your kids to nurture relationships. And please, remind them that sliding into someone’s DMs with “Hey” doesn’t count as networking.
4. Go Big on Education , and Make It Fun
Tangen’s journey includes top-notch education at some of the world’s best schools. But education isn’t just about fancy diplomas. It’s about a love for learning and finding joy in the process.
Teens, this means learning goes beyond math tests. Explore online courses, read books that interest you, and follow finance influencers who actually know what they’re talking about. (Hint: If they’re filming TikToks in a rented private jet, swipe away.)
Parents, help your kids see education as a tool, not a chore. Encourage them to explore their interests and remind them that even CEOs had to pass Algebra 1.
5. Embrace the Power of Failure
Tangen’s path wasn’t all smooth sailing. He had setbacks, challenges, and moments of doubt. The takeaway? Failing isn’t fatal; it’s formative.
Teens, don’t freak out when things go wrong. Didn’t get into the club you wanted? Failed a test? Made an awkward pitch in front of your class? Good. Learn from it and do better next time. Parents, let your kids fail sometimes. Rescuing them from every mistake only teaches them to fear failure instead of embracing it.
6. Develop a Global Perspective
Tangen’s experience living and working around the world shaped his understanding of people, markets, and cultures. Teens, this means broadening your horizons. Learn a new language, study other cultures, or travel if you can.
Parents, encourage this global mindset. It’s a big world out there, and today’s business leaders need to understand it.
7. Have Fun and Stay Humble
Despite managing a trillion-dollar fund, Tangen’s known for his humor, humility, and genuine approach to life. Teens, remember: You don’t have to be a robot to succeed. Be kind, be funny, and don’t take yourself too seriously. Life’s a journey, not a spreadsheet.
Parents, model this for your kids. Celebrate their successes, but also laugh with them about their epic fails. Success is sweeter when it’s balanced with a good sense of humor.
In Conclusion: Dream Big, Start Small, Stay Curious
Raising the next Nicolai Tangen isn’t about forcing your teen into business school at age 12. It’s about nurturing curiosity, encouraging hard work, and teaching life lessons in a way that’s both practical and fun. Teens, if you’re serious about becoming a top businessperson, start now. Ask questions, build skills, and don’t be afraid to dream big.
Parents, your role is to guide, support, and occasionally remind your kids that the “next big thing” might not be the latest app , it could be their potential to change the world. Or, at the very least, to buy you that beach house you’ve always wanted. Cheers to the future investment gurus of the world!
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