#384 Ken Griffin: Founder of Citadel and Citadel Securities
whatshot 1935 snips
Apr 1, 2025
Ken Griffin shares his insights on the competitive drive that shaped Citadel and Citadel Securities. He emphasizes the importance of resilience and continuous learning, especially after financial setbacks. The discussion highlights his strategic mindset and the role of mentorship in achieving success. Fun anecdotes enrich his narrative, from his Yale talk to lessons derived from the book 'Hardball.' Notably, innovative risk management practices illustrate how visual data can transform decision-making in business.
01:06:30
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
menu_book Books
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Seek Risk Early
Be risk-seeking early in your career, pursuing opportunities with maximum personal interest.
Take risks while you're young, as it becomes harder later.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Find Good Mentors
Find mentors who are genuinely invested in your career.
Mentorship and apprenticeship are crucial for career success.
insights INSIGHT
Right Toolkit, Right Time
Great entrepreneurs possess the right skills to solve problems at a specific time.
Capitalize on your unique skill set applied to timely opportunities.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
From Las Vegas to Wall Street, How I Beat the Dealer and the Market
Edward O. Thorp
In this book, Edward O. Thorp recounts his remarkable career, from inventing card counting systems to beat blackjack dealers, to developing mathematical formulas that gave him an edge in the financial markets. Thorp's story includes his invention of the world's first wearable computer to predict roulette outcomes, his detection of the Bernie Madoff scheme, and his interactions with notable figures like Warren Buffett and Rudy Giuliani. The book offers practical wisdom on investing, asset allocation, and wealth management, making it an intellectual thrill ride for readers interested in finance and mathematics.
Hardball
A Season in the Projects
Daniel Coyle
In 'Hardball: A Season in the Projects', Daniel Coyle recounts his experience coaching a Little League team, the Kikuyus, in the challenging environment of Chicago's Cabrini-Green housing project. The book explores the team's journey from their first practice to the end of the season, capturing the resilience and spirit of the children despite the harsh realities of their surroundings. Coyle's account delves into the personal struggles and small victories of the team members, offering a poignant portrayal of hope and perseverance.
Andrew Carnegie's Autobiography
Andrew Carnegie
George Lucas, A Life
Brian Jay Jones
Michael Dell's Autobiography
Michael Dell's Autobiography
None
Michael Dell
Sam Walton
Made in America
John Huey
Sam Walton
In 'Sam Walton: Made in America,' Sam Walton shares his personal and professional journey, from his early life in Kingfisher, Oklahoma, to the founding and expansion of Walmart. The book is a first-person account supplemented by quotes from friends, family, and colleagues. It highlights Walton's core values, such as the importance of hard work, customer satisfaction, and competitive pricing. The autobiography also provides insights into Walton's leadership style, his approach to business, and the lessons he learned throughout his career. The book was published posthumously in 1993 and offers a compelling and inspiring look at the life of one of America's most successful entrepreneurs.
Bugatti Biography
Bugatti Biography
None
Ettore Bugatti
Am I being too subtle?
Sam Zell
In 'Am I Being Too Subtle?', Sam Zell shares his story from his roots as the child of Jewish immigrants to his current status as a leading real estate mogul. The book blends autobiography with business insights, highlighting Zell's ability to see opportunities others miss. He discusses his approach to investing, his strategy of targeting troubled assets, and the importance of independent thinking and risk assessment. The book also includes personal anecdotes and lessons learned throughout his career, making it a guide for the next generation of entrepreneurs and investors.
Anatomy of a Merger
Jay Pritzker
In 'Anatomy of a Merger', Jay Pritzker delves into the intricate processes and strategies that define successful mergers and acquisitions. Drawing from his extensive experience in the field, Pritzker provides insights into the dynamics of deal-making, the importance of strategic planning, and the challenges faced during integration. This book serves as a valuable resource for business professionals and students alike, offering a comprehensive understanding of the merger landscape.
Because of the podcast I get to meet a lot of super successful people. I'm always asking them "Who is the smartest person you know" and "Who do you think has the best business?". "Ken Griffin" is a very common answer. I've heard Ken described in two ways: "Winner" and "Killer". For years I've come across interesting anecdotes about Ken. Like when he appears as a 19 year old kid in Ed Thorp's excellent autobiography A Man For All Markets. Or when John Arnold describe Ken's intense competitive drive following the blowup of Enron. And then consider the fact that I'm obsessed with people who run their business for decades (Ken founded Citadel 35 years ago and Citadel Securities 23 years ago) — and I knew I had to make an episode about his life and work. The only problem was there's no great biography of Ken. So to make this episode I transcribed this talk that Ken gave at Yale. And for additional context I read the book Ken recommends: Hardball: Are You Playing to Play or Playing to Win.
Founders Notes gives you the ability to tap into the collective knowledge of history's greatest entrepreneurs on demand. Use it to supplement the decisions you make in your work. Get access to Founders Notes here.
Founders Notes gives you the ability to tap into the collective knowledge of history's greatest entrepreneurs on demand. Use it to supplement the decisions you make in your work. Get access to Founders Notes here.
----
“I have listened to every episode released and look forward to every episode that comes out. The only criticism I would have is that after each podcast I usually want to buy the book because I am interested so my poor wallet suffers. ” — Gareth
Founders 
