How I Invest with David Weisburd

In a captivating conversation, Francis X. Suarez, Mayor of Miami and former President of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, shares insights into Miami's transformation into a vibrant tech and finance hub. He discusses the 'quantum opportunity' stemming from the influx of residents from high-tax states and details the challenges of housing and education. Suarez highlights the city's civic branding efforts, including significant sports deals, and reflects on the importance of leadership, humility, and learning from failures in today's political landscape.

Alan Zafran, Founder & Managing Partner at IEQ Capital, shares insights from nearly three decades of advising ultra-high-net-worth families. He discusses the strategic 3-12 month cash runway for risk management and the promise of secondaries in volatile markets. Zafran emphasizes the importance of careful GP selection and the nuances of investing in private credit. The conversation also highlights how personal relationships and trust shape financial guidance, especially as investors navigate rising sovereign debt and interest rates.

Rafael Costa, co-founder of Across Capital and a seasoned investor in software across the U.S. and Latin America, shares insights on the vibrant Brazilian fintech scene. He highlights how innovations like PIX are reshaping the landscape and discusses QI Tech's ascent as a pivotal player. Rafael explains his concentrated investment strategy, which enhances clarity and fosters strong partnerships. He emphasizes the importance of diligent assessment and shares personal advice on focusing relationships for long-term growth.

In a thought-provoking discussion, John Felix, General Partner & Head of Research at Pattern Ventures, dives into elite endowment investing strategies. He explains how concentrating on top ideas leads to better performance and shares insights on differentiating true specialists from mere pedigree. The conversation highlights the critical differences between access and selection, emphasizing the importance of filtering for quality managers. Felix also discusses the intricacies of portfolio construction and the importance of operator empathy in making sound investment judgments.

Bradley Tusk, Founder and CEO of Tusk Holdings and former Deputy Governor of Illinois, shares his journey from political strategist to venture capitalist. He reveals his unique investing playbook used to help startups like Uber navigate tough regulations. Tusk discusses the political motivations behind policy, the crypto lobby's impact on the 2024 elections, and his bold $20 million bet on mobile voting to revolutionize democracy. With insights on political engagement, he empowers founders to understand and maneuver the political landscape.

In this engaging discussion, Matt Curtolo, an institutional investor with over 20 years of experience, shares his unique insights on what distinguishes elite limited partners (LPs) from the rest. He emphasizes the critical role of emotional intelligence in investment success and warns against underestimating potential upside. Matt also addresses the real reasons LPs often decline opportunities and explores the complexities of GP-LP dynamics. With invaluable advice for emerging GPs and small LPs, he highlights the importance of trust, collaboration, and long-term thinking in building successful partnerships.

In a dynamic conversation, Alex Hormozi, an entrepreneur and philanthropist, shares insights from his journey with Acquisition.com. He emphasizes that entrepreneurship is more about heart than intellect. Hormozi discusses the pitfalls of 'ignorance debt' and the importance of compounding skills over time. He highlights the role of persistence in achieving success and the need for strategic decision-making. With intriguing stories from his career, Alex illustrates how building valuable networks and incremental improvements can significantly impact long-term outcomes.

Rahul Moodgal, a financial veteran with over 25 years at Parvus Asset Management, has raised a staggering $99 billion by prioritizing relationships over performance. He shares how flipping traditional pitches on their head transformed his fundraising strategy, emphasizing transparency and long-term alignment. Moodgal highlights the importance of mission-driven capital, which re-energizes teams, and discusses the power of personal connections in investment partnerships. His approach challenges the norms, advocating for trust and authenticity as the backbone of successful capital raising.

Scott Welch, Chief Investment Officer at Certuity, shares insights from managing over $4 billion in assets. He discusses the importance of building globally diversified portfolios while balancing risk factors and asset classes. Scott highlights innovative strategies for tax efficiency, including market-neutral overlays that create 'tax alpha.' He expresses optimism about investing in sports teams and sailing as emerging asset classes. Additionally, Scott reflects on the Fed's influence on markets and the psychological biases that affect investor decisions.

Christina Wing, a Senior Lecturer at Harvard Business School and founder of Wingspan Legacy Partners, shares her expertise on family offices. She discusses why 90% fail due to structural issues and how to address them. Christina highlights the importance of separating investment from other functions, effective governance, and attracting top talent. She uses examples from the Koch and Dell family offices to illustrate best practices. Additionally, she explores generational dynamics and emphasizes open conversations about wealth within families for sustainable success.