Library of Mistakes EP 32: Gambling Man (with Lionel Barber)
Nov 28, 2024
Lionel Barber, former Financial Times editor and author of "Gambling Man," dives into the life of Masayoshi Son, a pivotal yet underappreciated investor. He discusses Son's rise from a Korean slum to global wealth and influence. Barber reveals Son's bold investment strategies, comparing them to those of Warren Buffett. The conversation also touches on the balance between ambition and eccentricity in leadership, and the complexities behind major investments like the Vision Fund and beneficial tech mergers. It's a fascinating look at the highs and lows of a financial giant.
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Son's Rollercoaster Ride
- Masayoshi Son, former richest man for three days, built a mobile phone empire and invests in AI.
- He's a Korean-Japanese outsider, taking risks in Japan's stratified society.
SoftBank's Debt
- SoftBank's debt peaked at $189 billion, yet Son started with almost nothing in 1981.
- He built a software distribution business and became one of Japan's richest men by 1994.
Early Business and Family Background
- Son started his business career by identifying a bottleneck in software distribution in Japan in 1981.
- Despite initial difficulties securing loans due to his Korean heritage, his family's pachinko business helped him get started.
