The Fort

Steve Cockram, an inspirational communicator and co-founder of GiANT, shares insights on the importance of self-awareness in building strong relationships. He discusses why successful people often struggle with personal connections and offers strategies to mend these bonds. Cockram highlights the impact of emotional intelligence and the need for understanding personality differences, emphasizing that true influence comes from meaningful connections rather than wealth. His latest venture, the 'Relationship Revolution,' is revolutionizing how we engage with others.

Kyle Bass, Founder and CIO of Hayman Capital Management, shares insights on predicting the 2008 financial crisis and the risks posed by global powers like China, Russia, and Iran. He discusses Texas as a burgeoning economic powerhouse, driven by innovation and favorable policies. Bass emphasizes the revival of American manufacturing, particularly in defense tech, and the importance of connecting innovators with military needs. He critiques U.S. foreign policy and highlights the pressing need for legislative measures to protect national interests amid foreign investments.

Morgan Housel, a bestselling author and finance expert, dives into the psychology of money and investing. He reflects on a life-altering skiing tragedy that reshaped his understanding of risk. The conversation highlights the complexities of wealth, emphasizing that financial success often comes at personal costs. Housel explores the interplay of anger and humor in online discourse, along with the pivotal role behavior plays over mere knowledge in investing. He also discusses teaching kids about money, advocating for resilience over feelings of inadequacy.

Kevin Lavelle, CEO and co-founder of Harbor and founder of Mizzen+Main, dives into his entrepreneurial journey. He shares the inspiring story behind launching the world’s first performance dress shirt and the challenges of building a successful brand. Lavelle discusses the intricate dynamics of celebrity partnerships, including memorable moments with athletes like Phil Mickelson and J.J. Watt. He also reveals the innovative vision behind Harbor, a new product aimed at enhancing nighttime parenting with professional support.

Jesse Tinsley, a founder and CEO of Employer.com, has scaled multiple HR tech companies into a $500M+ enterprise. He shares insights on his rapid acquisition of Bench, detailing a swift and strategic process amidst crisis. Jesse discusses his ambitious bid for TikTok, emphasizing the need for talent density in building successful teams. He delves into navigating acquisitions, highlighting the importance of operational integration and fostering a mission-driven culture. His experiences illuminate the dynamic nature of entrepreneurship in the tech landscape.

Krish Menon, the Founder and CEO of Angry Gods, has played a pivotal role in crafting iconic brands like the iMac and Vitaminwater. He discusses how powerful storytelling fosters emotional connections with consumers and the crucial differences between building a business and a brand. Krish reveals the '1-9-90' framework in influencer marketing, emphasizing the importance of personal branding seen in figures like Elon Musk and Warren Buffett. He also shares insights on common branding mistakes and how strategic decisions can elevate a brand beyond the competition.

Fernando De Leon, the Founder and CEO of Leon Capital Group, dives into his journey from overcoming childhood challenges to leading a $10 billion diversified holding company. He discusses the unique lessons learned at Goldman Sachs and shares insights on constructing a credible presence in new markets. The conversation delves into the intricacies of building a team, investing in healthcare, and analyzing the current state of the market. Fernando reveals his strategic approach to navigating real estate opportunities and his vision for the next decade.

Pete Ochs, founder of Capital III, shares his journey in impact investing and enterprise stewardship. He recounts moving a business into a maximum-security prison, transforming the lives of inmates through meaningful work. Ochs emphasizes the shift from ownership to stewardship, advocating for economic, social, and spiritual capital. He discusses the importance of generosity and the creation of purpose-driven companies that prioritize community well-being over profit. His passion lies in equipping leaders to live for something greater than themselves.

Jack Fraker, President and Global Head of Industrial & Logistics at Newmark, shares his extensive experience in industrial real estate. He discusses the current global landscape and trends in development, leasing, and sales. The conversation highlights how rising interest rates impact U.S. industrial markets and the increasing demand for warehouse space driven by e-commerce. Fraker also explores the future of industrial real estate in Texas and Mexico, along with challenges faced during tenant relocations due to local opposition.

Paul Renner, a former U.S. Navy Commander and Speaker of the Florida House, dives into pressing political issues. He discusses the need to reclaim American institutions and the current state of the U.S. military. Renner addresses complex international relations, touching on the rivalries with China, Iran, and Russia, along with the military-industrial complex's influence. He also shares insights on immigration, election integrity, and the future of America, advocating for proactive public engagement and the importance of community involvement.