In this episode, we sit down with Gautam Baid, the acclaimed author and founder of a Buffett-style investment partnership, who reveals why compounding isn't just a financial phenomenon—it's the ultimate force shaping life, decisions, and enduring success. From his pivot out of high-stakes investment banking in Asia to embracing long-term value investing, Gautam shares the behavioral edge that separates winners from the crowd, emphasizing emotional mastery over mere analytics.

We dive deep into spotting true "compounding machines"—businesses with unbreakable moats, high-quality characteristics, and the power to turn patience into exponential wealth—while steering clear of deceptive value traps. Gautam unpacks his ideal portfolio: a deliberate balance of concentrated conviction in a handful of elite names and just enough diversification for survival, all guided by market wisdom without falling into speculative frenzies.

Drawing from Charlie Munger's mental models and the inversion technique ("find reasons NOT to buy"), he illustrates how to sidestep costly mistakes with practical fund examples. Gautam also paints a bullish picture of India's structural trends for the next decade—demographics, digitization, and infrastructure—while debunking Western misconceptions and highlighting overlooked opportunities in his US-focused India fund. Bear markets, he says, teach visceral lessons no book can, and true freedom comes from compounding toward financial independence that liberates your time and choices.

Finally, reflecting on 20 years of triumphs and grateful errors, Gautam distills lifelong learning into a disciplined daily reading routine and offers hard-won advice to his younger self: prioritize quality over cheapness, invert problems to avoid failure, and let the market reveal the real winners.We hope you enjoyed this episode.

If you want to get in touch with Gautam, you can find him here:

X: https://x.com/Gautam__Baid

Website: https://stellarwealthindia.com

Book: https://www.thejoysofcompounding.com

Nothing in this episode should be interpreted as investment advice, but should be considered as entertainment. Always do your own due diligence, and consult a certified financial advisor if you seek advice on buying or selling stocks or other financial assets. The content of this episode was not sponsored. Gautam was invited by StockUp.

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