Indian American student lunches with Warren Buffet

Milli Shah with Warren Buffet

ATLANTA, GA: When Mili Shah asked Warren Buffett why Wall Street was recovering but Main Street was not, he replied to her with a twenty minute answer, stating that it is the business, stock, and timing and not the economy that drives the value of a company.

Mili Nitin Shah, of Atlanta, Georgia, graduated from New York University in 2008.  She is now pursuing a JD/MBA dual degree at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.  Recently, her university selected her to represent the College of Business and College of Law for an all-expense paid trip to meet Warren Buffett in Omaha, Nebraska.

At her stay in Omaha, she visited Berkshire Hathaway's businesses, including the Nebraska Furniture Mart (largest home furnishing store in North America) and Borshiems Fine Jewelry, where Buffett allowed Mili to try on a $175,000 diamond ring. 

She also enjoyed meals compliments of Buffett where she was able to probe deeper into the life of the richest man in the world.  During these conversations, Mili noted how humble, humorous, and witty the man was. 

"His investor-savvy self spoke about everything from business to marriage to Tiger Woods.  When it was time to take pictures, he was posing in all sorts of funny ways - he was proposing to a girl, doing bunny ears, giving his wallet away.  It was very amusing!" 

Buffett shared with Mili his views on Burlington Northern Railway, Kraft's acquisition of Cadbury, Jack Welch, institutional investors as board directors, CEO salaries, Berkshire's stock ratings, losing money, and philanthropy.  When asked to use one word to describe her experience, she said "eye-opening." 

"We were sitting there and I looked around.  I was the only minority, and at that, the only Indian American female in the room.  So, I sat there and asked him his thoughts on India, outsourcing, and globalization.  He replied to me saying, 'India and China will allow people to fully realize their human potential.  These countries are growing fast.  Never be envious of another's prosperity; you will also do better and become happier in the long run." 

India Post News Service