

Coburn Ventures Podcast
Brynne Thompson
Conversations on investing, change and decision making.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 11, 2025 • 23min
#239: Data Masquerading as Information - “Information Ain’t What It Used to be!”
It’s so important for investors and business leaders to have a framework for what data and information we take in as inputs, as well as what we make sure to exclude or throw out as garbage data and now, garbage information. This is our classic signal: noise dilemma, but the ratio is careening ever more massively to noise. Today we tackle this issue head on and discuss what has been the key orienting model for us to get through the muck of data, remove ourselves from the swirl in our knowledge seeking and make that climb up the hill to generating uncommon investable insights. Let's jump in.

Aug 14, 2025 • 19min
#238: Uncommon - Notetaking
Today we're continuing our theme of taking a common business practices and bridging them to something that is far more powerful, uncorrelated and uncommon. Today's topic is a big one, and the beginning of how we use our skills to start filtering, processing and organizing data into information: note taking. Let's jump in.

13 snips
Aug 8, 2025 • 17min
#237: Uncommon -- Anchoring as a Foundation for Collaboration
Discover how chaos can spark creativity and growth in collaboration. Explore the fascinating link between polyvagal theory and our autonomic nervous system, shedding light on how our bodies respond before we even think. Learn techniques to retrain your nervous system for better teamwork and decision-making, emphasizing the importance of deep breathing. Embrace discomfort as a catalyst for innovation, and see how your physiological state shapes your investment choices. It's a deep dive into the science behind effective collaboration!

11 snips
Jul 31, 2025 • 31min
#236: Managing External Pressures with Dr. Morris Pickens
Dr. Morris Pickens, a sports psychologist specializing in helping professional athletes, especially golfers, tackle external pressures, shares his insights in this engaging discussion. He emphasizes the unique stresses athletes face, particularly during transitions from amateur to professional levels. Dr. Pickens reveals the power of positive self-talk in improving performance. He also discusses the importance of focus amidst distractions and the balance between rest and preparation, offering strategies for maintaining mental health and productivity under pressure.

8 snips
Jul 24, 2025 • 16min
#235: Uncommon -- Creativity and Courage
This discussion dives into the importance of creativity within investment strategies, urging listeners to uncover unique insights. It highlights the shift from strict professional rules to a more adaptable approach, enhancing workplace interactions. Emphasis is placed on building knowledge into deeper insights through collaboration. The conversation also tackles how courage can promote innovation, stressing the need to challenge conventional thinking to drive personal and organizational growth.

8 snips
Jul 17, 2025 • 16min
#234: Student Mindedness— Underneath the Cliche
Dive into the concept of student-mindedness, a crucial skill for making impactful investment decisions. Learn how this mindset fosters collaboration and curiosity, counteracting the often-tempting closed-mindedness. Discover the delicate balance between emotional attachment and open-mindedness in financial choices. The discussion emphasizes the importance of keeping an adaptive perspective in a fast-paced world. Tune in for insights that bridge curiosity and decision-making, enhancing creativity and uncovering new opportunities.

8 snips
Jul 10, 2025 • 17min
#233: The Five Mantras of Active Investing
The discussion revolves around five key mantras that define successful active investing. Insights are shared on how to identify market inefficiencies and structural arbitrages that are often overlooked. The value of unique perspectives and effective portfolio management takes center stage. Emphasis is placed on integrating uncommon inputs for better decision-making, highlighting the power of routine and mindfulness in investing. The conversation wraps with a fun take on sports psychology, bringing a lighthearted twist to serious investment strategies.

Jun 26, 2025 • 26min
#232: Unlocking Questions for Management with Bob Gilbreath
Bob Gilbreath, a seasoned investor and marketing expert known for his work with iconic brands at P&G, shares invaluable insights on effective management. He discusses the art of asking the right questions to improve decision-making and leadership dynamics. The conversation emphasizes balancing optimism with skepticism to better assess potential leaders. Gilbreath also delves into understanding intrinsic motivations behind entrepreneurial decisions and highlights the importance of vulnerability and honest feedback in cultivating a strong organizational culture.

Jun 19, 2025 • 20min
#231: Unlocking Questions for Management with Rob Rose
Rob Rose, a strategic marketing consultant, works closely with CEOs and CMOs to help unlock the potential of management through innovative questioning. In this discussion, he highlights the importance of strategic questioning to elevate marketing's role within leadership. He critiques conventional marketing metrics and advocates for focusing on sustainable growth over short-term gains. The conversation dives into the CEO-CMO partnership, emphasizing mutual understanding and the power of first-party data and AI in fostering brand loyalty and enhancing marketing strategies.

Jun 5, 2025 • 17min
#230: Uncommon Process with Dr. Morris Pickens - Starting Your Day
Dr. Morris Pickens, a speaker on self-talk and morning routines, shares insights on transforming how we start our day for better performance. He emphasizes the significance of a strong morning mindset and how self-talk can influence the entire day's productivity. Listeners learn how to craft personalized routines that energize and empower, while also recognizing the importance of commitment and community in cultivating lasting habits. Expect personal anecdotes that highlight the journey to meaningful change!