They had Phd's in physics, and were working in the financial industry. Way out of their leagues.
Ahh..That explains it.
To get a Ph.D., you have to learn a lot about one thing and do original research on one small aspect of your field to become THE expert in that one small thing you research (I know - I'm doing it)
The problem with many Ph.D.'s is that they forget they are experts in just that one small area and begin to believe they know everything about everything!