John Studzinski

Investment banker and philanthropist John Studzinski gives the festival’s annual ‘perspective’ lecture in which a distinguished intellect is invited to give their views on the complex and confusing times in which we find ourselves today. Studzinski reflects on the themes in his book A Talent for Giving: Creating a More Generous Society that Benefits Everyone.

Studzinski is managing director and vice-chairman of the global investment management firm PIMCO. His philanthropy has been recognised with awards from Pope John Paul II and the previous Prince of Wales now King Charles and with the Beacon Prize for philanthropy. In his book, he urges readers to reclaim their individual impact with ‘entrepreneurial giving’. He argues that philanthropy is not just about wealth, it’s about using your individual talents to contribute to what you believe in. Studzinski says anyone can become a force for change regardless of how wealthy they are. He puts forward the idea of ‘entrepreneurial giving’, an approach that harnesses skills, expertise and resources. Studzinski says the future of giving isn’t about writing cheques, it’s about reimagining what is possible.

‘From one of our leading and celebrated philanthropists, a much welcome guide to giving that will inspire a new generation of changemakers to devote their time and energies to the service of others’ Gordon Brown

Studzinski was born in the United States to working class Polish immigrants. He has worked at many financial institutions including Morgan Stanley, HSBC and The Blackstone Group. His philanthropic work focuses mainly on the arts and creative industries, human rights and homelessness. He founded the Genesis Foundation, a UK-registered charity that supports and nurtures creative professionals, co-founded London’s Passage Day Centre for the homeless and co-founded the Arise Foundation to combat slavery and human trafficking.

The first perspectives lecture was given by Dr David Starkey in 2025.