Stanford GSB: View From The Top S8E1: Ken Griffin Still Checks His P&L
Jul 16, 2025
Ken Griffin, Founder and CEO of Citadel, shares insights from his journey as the head of the most profitable hedge fund ever, starting from his Harvard dorm room. He emphasizes the importance of entrepreneurship and sales skills, asserting that true growth requires a continuous learning mindset. Griffin discusses the evolution of finance with AI and high-frequency trading, while advocating for resilience and teamwork in volatile markets. He delves into the transformative nature of mentorship, highlighting its critical role in personal and professional development.
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Early Trading Using Satellite Dish
- Ken Griffin began trading convertible bonds in his Harvard dorm using a satellite dish for real-time data when the internet was immature.
- His skills in software and math helped solve derivative pricing early in his career, setting his entrepreneurial foundation.
Master The Art of Selling
- Learn to sell because entrepreneurship requires constant selling of ideas, products, and people.
- Get comfortable hearing "no" frequently and persist to build successful ventures.
Start With Competitive Advantage
- Before starting a business, define your competitive advantage clearly to guide strategy.
- Success depends on creating a product that meets consumer needs at a profitable price.