Invest Like the Best with Patrick O'Shaughnessy

Join Ali Hamed, the founder of CoVenture, a firm managing over $2.5 billion, as he shares insights from his unique investment journey. He discusses innovative opportunities in YouTube catalogs and the real estate sector, highlighting how venture investing enhances credit strategies. Ali reflects on building his firm and working with industry icon Michael Ovitz, and he dives into the complexities of asset-backed credit and navigating investment ecosystems. This conversation is packed with fresh perspectives on the intersection of creativity and finance!

Cyan Banister, an angel investor with early stakes in SpaceX and Uber, shares her inspiring journey from homelessness to venture capital success. She discusses the intersection of spirituality and investing, highlighting innovative platforms like Pray.com. Cyan also delves into contrarian investing, emphasizing the power of intuition akin to art, and reflects on her evolving spirituality during the pandemic. With captivating stories and valuable insights, her approach blends business acumen with a higher purpose.

Danny Meyer, the esteemed founder and CEO of Union Square Hospitality Group and Shake Shack, discusses the transformative power of hospitality in business. He emphasizes that genuine emotional connections are crucial for customer loyalty and satisfaction. Meyer introduces his ABCD philosophy—Always Be Connecting Dots—highlighting how to scale hospitality effectively. He shares insights on leadership that blends communication and gentle guidance while viewing mistakes as learning opportunities. This engaging conversation reveals how essentialism and soul drive successful enterprises.

Chuck Akre, founder of Akre Capital Management, is a legendary investor famous for his 'three-legged stool' philosophy focusing on quality businesses, leadership integrity, and patience. He shares insights on how curiosity and imagination drive investment decisions, illustrated with notable companies. Akre also discusses the power of compound returns, with modern examples like MasterCard and Visa, and offers valuable lessons for aspiring investors on creativity and ethics in business. His unique perspective on balancing investment with environmental stewardship rounds out this engaging conversation.

Alex Telford, founder of Convoke and biotech blogger since 2019, dives into the evolving landscape of the pharmaceutical industry. He discusses the intricate journey of drug development, emphasizing the role of AI in enhancing drug discovery and the regulatory challenges surrounding it. Telford also explores the economics of blockbuster drugs and the balance between affordability and innovation. With insights into the future of biotechnology, including CRISPR and CAR T therapies, he paints an optimistic picture of what's next for medicine.

Madhavan Ramanujam, author of "Monetizing Innovations," shares his expertise on product pricing strategies used by industry giants like Porsche and Uber. He highlights common pricing mistakes and underscores the importance of focusing on customer benefits rather than features. Listeners will learn how integrating pricing early in product development can enhance market fit. Madhavan also discusses effective product configuration and the complexities of choosing between subscription and usage-based models, aiming to align pricing with genuine customer value.

Daryl Morey, the President of basketball operations for the Philadelphia 76ers, revolutionized the game with his analytics-driven approach known as 'Moreyball.' He delves into negotiation tactics learned at Harvard, emphasizing the need to challenge implicit biases. The conversation explores the intricate balance of skill and luck in basketball, highlighting how data shapes strategy. Morey also discusses the significance of organizational culture, adapting to career challenges, and the lessons that come from overcoming struggles. It's a thought-provoking examination of modern sports management!

Michael Ovitz, the legendary co-founder of CAA, shares insights from his iconic journey in Hollywood and his transition to investing. He discusses the importance of creativity and the impact of friendships on innovation. Ovitz emphasizes the necessity of a relentless work ethic and positive industry relationships while highlighting the significance of an offensive mindset in investing. Reflecting on art's role in film, he shares anecdotes about honesty and the challenges of work-life balance, offering heartfelt stories that showcase kindness in tough times.

Erik Serrano, CEO of Stable Asset Management, shares insights from his journey in the investment world, having scaled his firm to over $3 billion in AUM. He discusses the unique challenges faced by young investment founders and the importance of personal history and adaptability. Erik emphasizes the qualities of a successful General Partner, focusing on alignment with firm objectives and the need for transparency. The conversation also explores the significance of building trust and emotional connections in investment relationships, balancing financial success with integrity.

Doug Leone, former Sequoia Capital partner, shares wisdom from his 25+ years in venture capital. He discusses the importance of keeping investment strategies simple and transparent, offering insights on go-to-market motions and trust-building with founders. Leone reflects on his evolution from leader to mentor, emphasizing resilience and the value of genuine relationships in navigating the ever-changing investment landscape. He also highlights the critical choices between venture capital and entrepreneurship, advocating for alignment with one's strengths and passions.