Insightful Investor

Jon is President and COO of Blackstone—one of the world’s largest and most highly valued investment firms, managing over $1.1 trillion in assets (as of 3/31/25). He shares his career journey, insights on leading through rapid growth, and his outlook on the evolving landscape of investing and innovation. Listen for a candid take on leadership, culture, and the future of finance.

Dr. Leonard Kleinrock, a distinguished professor at UCLA and a key figure in the creation of the Internet, shares captivating stories from the very first message sent in 1969. He delves into the culture of collaboration among early pioneers and the radical transformation of the internet from a research tool to a commercial platform. With a keen eye on the future, he discusses the rise of AI, advocating for combined human creativity and technological innovation while cautioning against over-reliance on machines. A fascinating exploration of history and future potential!

Charlie Ruffel, founder and managing partner of Kudu Investment Management, shares his extensive experience in finance and journalism. He discusses the drastic evolution of the asset management industry, focusing on the rise of alternative investments and their importance in modern portfolios. Charlie emphasizes the need for transparency and integrity while navigating complex capital dynamics. He also highlights the potential of Interval Funds in democratizing access to alternatives and the evolving relationships between allocators and managers.

Jeff is the founder of Triatomic Capital and former Google SVP. He shares lessons from building Google Maps, Ads, and Gmail, founding GRAIL for early cancer detection, and leading transformative teams. Jeff discusses his vision for backing “century-defining” companies and offers insights on leadership, innovation, biotech, and building companies that change the world.

Liz Ann is the long-time Chief Investment Strategist at Charles Schwab, with over 25 years at the firm and frequent appearances on CNBC, Bloomberg, CNN, and CBS News. She shares insights on the core principles of investing, the challenges of maintaining discipline, and the impact of economic and policy uncertainty. We discuss inflation trends, market cycles, portfolio construction, diversification, and how investors can navigate today’s rapidly changing environment.

As Co-Founding Partner and CEO of Sixth Street, Alan has guided the firm from its founding to a leading global investment firm — an achievement that followed his early success as one of Goldman Sachs’ youngest-ever partners. He offers an inside look at Sixth Street’s investor-first approach and shares his perspectives on today’s investment landscape.

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.