How I Write

Howard Marks: How Writing Helped Him Raise Billions | How I Write Podcast

Feb 21, 2024

Howard Marks, a billionaire investor and author, shares insights on the importance of simple writing and unique perspectives. He emphasizes the need for clarity, humor, interesting topics, and challenging the reader in high-quality writing. Learn how Marks engages and delights his audience with impactful ideas that break down barriers.

53:52

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Episode guests

Howard Marks

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Quick takeaways

Focusing on high-quality work is crucial for making an impact with your ideas.

Simplifying complex concepts and presenting them in clear, accessible language can help engage and delight your audience.

Deep dives

The importance of quality output

The podcast emphasizes the importance of focusing on the quality of your output. While many things in life are beyond our control, the quality of our work is something that we can control. Putting out a product that is of the highest possible quality should be a simple goal for everyone. By doing so, we can take pride in our work and achieve a sense of satisfaction.

Form your beliefs and principles before starting

02:05

Reconciling Opposing Worldviews in Writing

01:43

Sharing Investing Secrets

00:54

Finding Passion through Unexpected Experiences

01:11

Introduction

2min

Exploring the Simplicity and Inspirations Behind Writing

3min

Exploring the Role of Luck and Preparation in Life

2min

The Art of Financial Writing

19min

Forming a Life Philosophy and Investment Philosophy

2min

Exploring Visual Analogies and Writing Memos About Investing

4min

Crafting Impactful and Accessible Writing

13min

Innovative Writing Content Creation

9min

Want to build influence with great ideas and simple writing? Look no further than Howard Marks.

Most smart people use big words and plastic jargon to reinforce the barrier between themselves and “the common folk.” Howard, on the other hand, breaks down this barrier, and that’s why his ideas are so influential (and why he’s Warren Buffett’s favorite author).

Ironically enough, simple writing is the hardest to master. Einstein once said that there are four types of intelligence: “bright, brilliant, genius, and simple.” In this episode, you’ll hear how Howard turns decades of investment expertise into clear, simple language.

You’ll learn:

Why high-quality work is more important than ever
How discovering your unique point of view is crucial if you want your ideas to make an impact
Howard’s four tenets for high-quality writing: clarity, humor, interesting topics, and challenging your reader.

Ultimately, you’ll learn how this billionaire investor shares his ideas in a way that engages and delights his audience, and how you can, too.

SPEAKER LINKS:

Website: https://www.oaktreecapital.com/about/leadership/bio/howard-marks

Twitter: https://twitter.com/howardmarksbook

Books: https://www.amazon.com/Howard-Marks/e/B004LE5B00

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PODCAST LINKS:

Website: https://writeofpassage.school/how-i-write/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DavidPerellChannel/videos

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470