Let’s talk about the kind of list every investor should keep—but rarely does: the No Touch List. I’m not talking about stocks to watch. I’m talking about companies and entire industries I won’t touch with a ten-foot pole—because they’ve lost my trust, my respect, or frankly, my belief in their future.
In this episode of Don’t Buy The Bull, I got real about how I use personal experience, observation, and a healthy dose of instinct to weed out the players I believe don’t deserve a dime of my capital. From the telecom titans to the pharmaceutical giants, this isn’t about revenge—it’s about principles, performance, and patterns of behavior that should make any smart investor pause.
And yes, we also peek into the future—because if you’re not paying attention to Web 3 and data ownership, you’re missing the next wave of disruption. So buckle up.
The AT&T Apology That Came Weeks Too Late
Let’s start with the big trigger: AT&T.
A couple of weeks ago, they had a massive data breach—hundreds of millions of customer records leaked onto the dark web. We’re talking names, emails, dates of birth, and social security numbers. You know, the kind of info identity thieves dream about.
But it barely made the news.
Even worse? I’m an AT&T customer. They didn’t even notify me until weeks later with a vague, half-hearted email that basically said, “Oops.”
You lose control of my personal data, take weeks to admit it, and I’m supposed to… keep paying you? Invest in you? Not a chance.
How a Company Ends Up on My No Touch List
Here’s how I operate: when a company shows blatant disregard for its customers or demonstrates weak, reactive leadership, it goes on my No Touch List. That means I don’t invest in it. Period.
It’s not about one bad quarter or a temporary PR disaster. It’s about a pattern. If the folks running the company consistently show bad judgment, poor innovation, or contempt for their customers? I’m out.
AT&T made the list. So did Verizon. Comcast? Yep, you too. The whole U.S. telecom industry is on my no-go radar. And here’s why…
Telecom Is a Stagnant Pool, Not an Ocean of Opportunity
The telecom sector isn’t growing. These companies aren’t innovating. They’re just playing a zero-sum game, fighting over the same customers with the same packages and slightly different promo codes.
There’s no iPhone moment coming from this industry. No breakthrough that changes how we live or work. And now, with disruptors like Starlink entering the game—offering global internet with no cables, no fiber optics, just satellite beams—why would anyone bet on the incumbents?
Starlink might still be private, but it represents what’s next. Telecom represents what’s stale. That’s why it’s off my radar.
The Pharma Dilemma: When Morals Meet Money
Now let’s talk about something a little more controversial: Big Pharma.
Yes, the industry has delivered miracles. But the COVID era exposed a dark side—rushed approvals, questionable efficacy, and data that’s only now starting to surface. People were hurt. Some died. And for me, that’s not something I can ignore.
This isn’t about politics. It’s about trust. I no longer trust certain pharmaceutical companies to put people before profits. And if I can’t trust your ethics, why would I trust your earnings guidance?
So Pharma joins telecom on the no-touch list. Not because there aren’t good drugs out there—but because the industry needs a reckoning before I’ll invest again.
The Bigger Issue: They Want Your Data. And They’re Getting It for Free.
Here’s what connects all of this: your data.
Telecom companies know where you are every second of the day. Pharma companies are grabbing your health data, often without you realizing it, and using it for marketing. They collect, they sell, and they profit—but you get nothing.
Every time you use your phone, fill out an online form, or surf the internet, you’re creating value. But they’ve convinced you it’s worth giving away for free. That’s the scam.
Looking Ahead: Web 3 and the Rebirth of Data Ownership
Enter: Web 3.
You may not fully understand it yet—and that’s okay. Most people don’t. But Web 3 is about decentralization, ownership, and control. It’s the next evolution of the internet, where users—not corporations—own their data and get paid for it.
Think of it like this: If Google is making billions off your clicks, wouldn’t you like a cut? Web 3 says yes. And that’s why I’m excited to talk more about it in future episodes.
It’s not just a tech shift—it’s a power shift. And it’s coming.
So What Did We Learn Today?
- Create your own no-touch list. Trust your instincts. If a company feels wrong, it probably is.
- Evaluate industries, not just stocks. If the whole sector is broken, don’t waste your time.
- Look at how companies treat your data. Because your information has value—and they know it.
- Start paying attention to Web 3. The future is ownership, not surveillance.
Trust isn’t a technical metric, but it should be part of every investing decision. At some point, we need to stop funding companies that exploit us—and start backing the ones building the future.
Until next time, remember: know what you own, stand by your values, and don’t buy the bull.
🎙 Hear the full breakdown of why certain companies made my no-touch list.
Check out the full podcast episode here.