Invest Like the Best with Patrick O'Shaughnessy

Neil Mehta, founder of Greenoaks Capital and a savvy venture capitalist, discusses his journey in spotting future S&P 500 stars. He reflects on his bold 40% investment in Coupang, which paid off greatly. The conversation dives into his unique criteria for selecting visionary founders and creating unforgettable customer experiences. Neil emphasizes a hands-on approach to investment in an increasingly systematic world. Personal anecdotes highlight the evolution of technology and the meaningful bonds formed in his decade-long partnership.

In this intriguing conversation, Michael Ovitz, co-founder of CAA and a legendary talent agent, shares his insights on identifying exceptional talent across various fields. He discusses his unique 'pilot's checklist' for evaluating individuals and emphasizes the importance of time management as a crucial resource. Ovitz also dives into his transformative leadership at MoMA and the intersection of art and technology. He reflects on the pressures of success, the value of mentorship, and the evolving media landscape shaped by AI.

Darren Farber, Managing Partner of Albion River and former special advisor to the Deputy Undersecretary of Defense, dives deep into the world of defense investing. He discusses the evolving role of the U.S. in global defense and the technological innovations spurred by recent conflicts. Farber analyzes the situation in Taiwan and lessons learned from Ukraine, while unpacking the complexities of the U.S. defense budget. He emphasizes the importance of finding unique suppliers and maintaining technological superiority as America’s key advantage.

Josh Kushner, founder and managing partner of Thrive Capital, shares his insights from a decade of venture capital success. He discusses the importance of teamwork in investing and the power of creative thinking to challenge consumer norms. Kushner emphasizes the value of humility and listening in entrepreneurship, alongside the intrinsic motivation of founders. Additionally, he delves into the intricacies of evaluating talent in investment firms and navigating the ever-evolving tech landscape, all while advocating for adaptability and vision in business.

Gili Raanan, founder of Cyberstarts and a pioneer in cybersecurity investment, shares insights on the current landscape described as a "perfect storm" of global conflicts and AI advancements. He discusses his innovative "Sunrise" methodology for identifying customer pain points before solution development. The conversation highlights the necessity for resilient talent, personal adversity's role in entrepreneurship, and the significance of Google's acquisition of Wiz, showcasing trends that shape the future of cybersecurity and venture capital.

Alex Wiltschko, founder and CEO of Osmo, is on a mission to digitize the sense of smell, teaching computers to read and write scents. He discusses the revolutionary application of this technology in the fragrance industry, significantly speeding up custom scent creation. The conversation highlights potential uses in counterfeit detection and health monitoring. Alex shares insights into the challenges of scent mapping and how AI is reshaping the future of olfactory experiences, emphasizing the emotional and historical significance of smell.

In this conversation with Kelly Granat, the Co-Chief Investment Officer and Managing Director at Lone Pine Capital, insights into evolving investment strategies over 25 years are shared. Kelly discusses how rigorous fundamental research and a collaborative culture keep Lone Pine ahead. Leadership's role in transforming businesses is highlighted, with stories of corporate turnarounds and effective management traits. She also reflects on adapting to market downturns and the importance of relationships in achieving success, ensuring a blend of investment wisdom and personal growth.

In this engaging conversation, Devon Zuegel, founder of the Esmeralda Institute, shares her vision for creating a new town in California's wine country. She discusses how environments shape our behaviors and creativity, and the challenges of building vibrant communities. Drawing inspiration from her childhood experiences in Chautauqua, Devon emphasizes the importance of proximity for relationships and innovative urban design. She also tackles the financial hurdles of town-building and reflects on the potential for these transformative projects to foster collaboration and cultural values.

Doug Leone, former leader of Sequoia Capital, shares invaluable insights from over 25 years in venture capital. He emphasizes the importance of clarity in decision-making and balancing tough leadership with compassion. Leone discusses common pitfalls in investing, particularly the need to focus on business fundamentals over mere technology trends. He reflects on building competitive advantage, the significance of resilience in the face of market downturns, and the power of simplicity in investment opportunities, leaving listeners with lessons on kindness and integrity.

Chris Pedregal, founder and CEO of Granola, reveals how AI tools can enhance human cognitive capabilities. He discusses historical advancements in cognitive tools and positions AI as the next evolution. The conversation navigates the challenges of building Granola, emphasizing real-time meeting transcriptions that boost productivity and information retention. Pedregal envisions a future where such tools redefine communication and creativity, advocating for tools that make us 'more human' rather than replace us. His insights on small teams driving innovation are particularly compelling.