the declarations. podcast with Host Todd S. Rich

In this episode of declarations., Host Todd S. Rich speaks with Robert Picard, Head of Alternative Investments at Hightower Advisors.  Robert shares his remarkable journey — from his multicultural upbringing and Swiss military service as a tank commander, to a career spanning derivatives trading, hedge fund selection, and leadership in private markets. He offers candid lessons from avoiding the Bernie Madoff fraud, launching alternative platforms at top firms, and why he believes investors should follow the lead of billionaires and endowments by allocating significantly more to private market investments.  The conversation also touches on Robert’s leadership philosophy (the “six C’s”), his philanthropy in support of autism causes, and his personal passions — from Springsteen concerts at the Jersey Shore to long walks by the ocean. They discuss:·         Moving between New York and Switzerland, learning resilience from culture shock ·         Lessons in leadership and discipline as a Swiss tank commander, and the enduring “three C’s” framework for command and control·         How technology and new structures are opening private markets to accredited investors·         Evolving from strict “command and control” to a more mindful, empathetic leadership style·         Passion for autism charities like Autism Speaks and Hand in Hand, and deep ties to the Jersey Shore community Links:The declarations. podcast: https://www.declarationpartners.com/podcastTodd S. Rich on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-s-rich-6a091333/Declaration Partners - https://www.declarationpartners.com/The Visit by Friedrich Durrenmatt - https://a.co/d/2WiQgpWThe Lexus and the Olive Tree by Thomas L. Friedman - https://a.co/d/6xB7uu0 

In this episode of declarations., Todd S. Rich welcomes Dave Roux, co-Founder and Executive Chairman of BayPine.    Dave is a pioneering technology investor, serial entrepreneur, and philanthropist. Dave is best known as the Co-Founder of Silver Lake, the first large-scale private equity firm focused exclusively on technology, which today manages over $100 billion. More recently, he co-founded BayPine, a private equity firm dedicated to transforming traditional economy companies through digital innovation. Dave’s career has been defined by a spirit of adventure, execution, and grit. Dave explains why digital transformation in legacy industries is the next frontier. The discussion also touches on Dave’s family office investing and his philanthropic leadership. They discuss:Why starting and building teams is central to Dave’s identityThe “Execution Edge”: Great ideas are common; the rare commodity is executionSilver Lake Origins: How a first-time fund raised $2.2B by winning support from Bill Gates, Michael Dell, and Gordon MooreSeminal Deal: The Seagate buyout that put Silver Lake on the mapPrivate Equity Evolution: Why today’s market requires hands-on value creation, not just leverageBayPine’s Vision: Helping analog businesses become digital leadersFamily Office Investing: Using a more balanced, income-oriented approach compared to high-octane PEPhilanthropy in Maine: Advancing biomedical research at Jackson Labs and launching the Roux Institute to drive digital and life sciences educationPersonal Passions: Celtics basketball, horses, modern art, music, and the outdoors Links:The declarations. podcast: https://www.declarationpartners.com/podcastTodd S. Rich on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-s-rich-6a091333/Declaration Partners - https://www.declarationpartners.com/The Odyssey by Homer - https://a.co/d/fIoQTCU Topics:(00:00:00) - Introduction & Dave’s “declaration”(00:05:00) - Childhood, family values, and a relentlessly positive mindset(00:09:00) - Discovering tech through econometrics and programming(00:12:00) - Early startups and lessons from Lotus & Oracle(00:16:00) - Founding Silver Lake and the opportunity in large-scale tech PE(00:30:00) - How private equity has evolved in 25 years(00:33:00) - BayPine’s mission: digital transformation for traditional companies(00:39:00) - Why Dave keeps building instead of retiring(00:40:00) - Celtics ownership and banner #18(00:43:00) - Family office investing strategy(00:49:00) - The Roux Institute: building an innovation hub in Maine(00:51:00) - Favorite book, best advice, and pursuit of happiness 

Bennett Goodman, Executive Chairman of Hunter Point Capital and former Blackstone/GSO leader, shares invaluable life lessons learned from his uncle about hard work, honesty, and humility. He discusses navigating the complexities of credit markets and highlights the importance of mentorship in finance. Goodman reflects on his experiences at Drexel Burnham Lambert and Blackstone, revealing insights on investment strategies amidst changing landscapes. The conversation also delves into philanthropy’s role in addressing income inequality and fostering strategic family giving.

In the inaugural episode of the declarations. podcast, Todd S. Rich is joined by David M. Rubenstein, Co-Founder and Co-Chairman of the Carlyle Group and principal owner of the Baltimore Orioles. Mr. Rubenstein reflects on his career in private equity, his philosophy on partnership and legacy, and his broader pursuits as an author, interviewer, and owner of the Baltimore Orioles. Mr. Rubenstein shares insights from his investment career, the role of family offices, and the value of partnerships in business. He reflects on his personal philosophy, the lessons learned, and his commitment to philanthropy and community engagement. They discuss:·         The importance of history, context, and civic education·         Lessons on growth, resilience, and staying grounded despite global success·         Why he believes real estate remains a cornerstone of family investing·         Motivations for writing books and interviewing global leaders·         Why partnerships matter across business, philanthropy, and sports ownership·         Importance of literacy and lifelong learning Links:The declarations. podcast: https://www.declarationpartners.com/podcastTodd S. Rich on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-s-rich-6a091333/Declaration Partners - https://www.declarationpartners.com/ Topics:(00:00:00) - Introduction & the meaning of “pursuit of happiness”(00:02:15) – Why the Declaration of Independence matters today(00:06:00) – Founding principles of the U.S. and their modern relevance(00:10:15) – Rubenstein’s career beginnings, patriotic philanthropy(00:12:30) – Building The Carlyle Group (00:15:45) - The Role of Family Offices in Investment(00:19:45) - Real Estate Investing: A Stable Foundation(00:23:35) - The Importance of Partnerships in Business(00:27:40) - Lessons from Investment Misses(00:31:34) - The Role of Education and Voting in Democracy(00:35:18) - Personal Reflections and Life Philosophy