Insightful Investor

Greg is Managing Director and Portfolio Manager at PIMCO, one of the world’s largest asset managers. He leads the firm’s commodity and real asset strategies. Greg discusses the forces driving inflation, how investors can navigate today’s evolving macro environment, and why diversification is essential when hedging inflation risk.

Damien is my long-time business partner and the other Co-CIO of Evoke Advisors. He brings a unique perspective shaped by his journey from advising some of the world’s largest institutional investors at Bridgewater to working with wealthy families and smaller institutions. Through this transition, Damien has gained firsthand experience with a wide range of investment approaches and priorities.

David is a former Navy SEAL, SEAL instructor, and CIA contractor who has become a motivational speaker, performance coach, and founder of the Froglogic Institute. In this episode, David shares powerful lessons on embracing fear, building resilience, and developing a SEAL mindset-offering actionable insights for investors, business leaders, and anyone striving for peak performance.

David Powers, Senior Portfolio Manager at Wasatch Global Investors, shares his insights on investment management, emphasizing the collaborative culture at Wasatch. He draws intriguing parallels between pitching in college and strategic investing, highlighting adaptability and continuous learning. Powers explores market inefficiencies, revealing how emotions affect stock prices, and discusses the nuances of market cycles through a five-phase model. He also delves into U.S. exceptionalism and its implications in global markets, advocating for cautious investment strategies amidst changing economic conditions.

Bob Louzan, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at WhiteHawk Capital Partners, brings a wealth of expertise in asset-based lending for middle-market companies. He discusses how creative lending strategies provide downside protection while identifying undervalued firms ripe for recovery. The conversation dives into the nuances of asset-based lending versus traditional methods, navigating bankruptcy risks, and maintaining capital preservation. With a focus on rigorous due diligence, Bob shares valuable insights into minimizing losses and leveraging asset values for resilient investment.

Andrew is Founder and CEO of Altas Partners, which is a Toronto-based private equity firm that manages over $10B (as of 3/31/25). Andrew shares insights about why a concentrated, quality-focused approach can deliver superior results in private equity, how disciplined risk management and patient capital drive value, and the significance of partnering closely with management teams.

Soo Chuen is the founder of Discerene Group, a $2.5 billion investment manager (as of 12/31/24) specializing in fundamental, contrarian, long-term value investing in global equities. He shares insights into his unique investment approach, which emphasizes patience, structural moats, and significant margins of safety. 

Jason Illian, co-founder of Highmount Capital, shares his insights on leadership and legacy through a lens of integrity and curiosity. He emphasizes redefining success to focus on significance rather than just profits. Illian discusses innovative investment strategies that prioritize relationship-building, explores the impact of technology on various industries, and highlights his $100 million investment in Dude Perfect. He also contrasts building a legacy with constructing an empire, advocating for humility and empowerment in entrepreneurship.

Julian Brigden, Co-Founder of Macro Intelligence 2 Partners, shares his insights on global macroeconomic trends, focusing on the U.S. dollar and stocks. He discusses the historical influences shaping economic power and the effects of AI on productivity and national debt. Brigden also delves into the Mar-a Accord and its implications for trade dynamics. Geopolitical tensions, particularly between the U.S. and China, are explored, along with strategies for diversification and navigating market risks in an evolving economic landscape.

In this discussion, Katie Koch, CEO and President of TCW, shares her impressive career journey from Goldman Sachs to leading a global asset management firm. She delves into the essence of empathetic leadership and the balance between ambition and authenticity. Katie discusses the transformative impact of AI on investment strategies and the importance of adaptability in a shifting economic landscape. She also highlights the delicate navigation required amid rising market volatility, emphasizing the complexities and inherent risks in investing.