POWERS
Chris Powers
POWERS brings you inside the minds of world-class leaders who have built, battled, and succeeded at the highest levels.POWERS digs beyond the surface with questions driven by curiosity, uncovering stories and insights rarely shared publicly. Each episode delivers timeless wisdom and hard-earned lessons that apply across business and life.The show has earned a reputation for asking the right questions at the right moment. The focus is on timeless principles, proven through years of discipline and risk, not on shortcuts. Each conversation is direct, deliberate, and designed to leave listeners sharper than when they arrived. The aim is simple: to deliver insights that matter and can be carried into business and life.Since its launch, POWERS has drawn a high-caliber audience of builders, investors, and decision makers. Past guests have represented companies such as Starwood Capital, JLL, Hillwood Capital, Chick-fil-A, Morning Brew, Founders Podcast, Tiny Capital, Permanent Equity, Fort, Matthews REIS, Bonobos, and ConvertKit.At its core, POWERS is a celebration of leadership, of work that matters, and of the American spirit that makes it possible.
Episodes
Mentioned books
19 snips
Apr 8, 2025 • 1h 7min
#382 - Hiten Samtani - Founder @ ten31 Media - CRE is the Ultimate Business Bloodsport
Hiten Samtani, founder and editorial director of ten31, shares his insights on the unpredictable world of commercial real estate journalism. He discusses the importance of bold storytelling and building trust with sources while maintaining an unfiltered narrative. Hiten reflects on his transition from a decade at The Real Deal and the challenges of launching a niche media company. They delve into the complexities of engaging diverse audiences and the unique dynamics of major vs. frontier markets, along with tips for gaining media attention in an ever-evolving industry.
43 snips
Apr 1, 2025 • 32min
#381 - Chris Powers & Jason Baxter - Launching Fostr AI - The Right Way to Use AI at Work
Jason Baxter, Co-founder of Fostr AI, discusses the urgent need for businesses to effectively implement AI. He highlights the current chaotic state of AI adoption, where many companies struggle with experimentation and disjointed tools. Baxter introduces Fostr AI’s innovative solutions, including creating a 'digital twin' for businesses to align AI with their strategic goals. He explains how Fostr simplifies AI onboarding, reduces risks from siloed tools, and enables central control across teams, making AI integration smoother and more impactful.
54 snips
Mar 11, 2025 • 1h 11min
#380 - Paul Hedrick - Founder @ Tecovas - How Tecovas Became A Western Wear Empire
Paul Hedrick, the Founder of Tecovas, unveils the captivating story behind the leading Western wear brand known for its exceptional quality and unique retail experience. He shares the journey from consultancy to establishing Tecovas, emphasizing the role of radical hospitality in building brand loyalty. Paul reveals how they navigated challenges during COVID-19 and adapted their retail strategies. He also dives into the importance of maintaining brand integrity while exploring future ventures that resonate with personal passions.
36 snips
Mar 4, 2025 • 1h 14min
#379 - Steve Cockram - Founder of 5Voices - Know Yourself, Influence, & Building Stronger Relationships
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.
52 snips
Feb 18, 2025 • 1h 13min
#378 - Kyle Bass - Founder/CIO @ Hayman Capital Management, L.P. - Invest In America
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.
99 snips
Feb 11, 2025 • 1h 17min
#377 - Morgan Housel - The Psychology of Money, Incentives, Investing, & Human Misjudgement
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.
46 snips
Feb 3, 2025 • 1h 25min
#376 - Kevin Lavelle - Building Mizzen+Main, Influencer Partnerships, His New Startup Harbor
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.
23 snips
Jan 28, 2025 • 55min
#375 - Jesse Tinsley - CEO @ Employer.com - Rescuing Bench, TikTok Purchase?, Battle Tested Acquisition Playbook
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.
4 snips
Jan 13, 2025 • 1h 9min
#374 - Krish Menon - Founder @ Angry Gods - How The World’s Most Iconic Brands Are Built
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.
17 snips
Dec 17, 2024 • 1h 15min
#373 - Fernando De Leon - Founder & CEO @ Leon Capital Group
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.
