Invest Like the Best with Patrick O'Shaughnessy

Kirsten Green, founder and managing partner at Forerunner Ventures, shares her insights on consumer behavior and investment strategies. She discusses navigating the evolving dynamics of health and wellness trends and proactive healthcare. Kirsten highlights the importance of understanding diverse consumer personas and examines community shifts post-COVID. The conversation also covers the changing power dynamics in consumer commerce, showcasing how technology empowers small sellers. Additionally, she reflects on mentorship's role and the resilience needed in overcoming investment setbacks.

Jason Droege, a venture partner at Benchmark and former leader of Uber Eats, shares his journey in building the food delivery giant. He discusses innovative strategies that transformed Uber's identity, emphasizing the importance of market fit and customer preferences. Jason also reflects on leadership dynamics, highlighting how awareness and care can shape culture. Additionally, he explores the balance of risk and execution, advocating for accountability in entrepreneurship. His insights are peppered with personal anecdotes that reveal the financial lessons from his upbringing.

Paul Orfalea, the unconventional founder of Kinko's, shares his unique insights on business building and leadership. He discusses why it's essential to be frustrated by your team and the importance of hiring wisely. Reflecting on his own academic challenges, he emphasizes the value of practical skills over grades. Orfalea advocates for kindness and empathy in business relationships, all while redefining success through strong connections and philanthropic efforts. His tales of innovation, missed opportunities, and personal reflections make for an engaging listen.

Madhavan Ramanujam, author of "Monetizing Innovations," shares his expertise on product pricing strategies used by major companies like Porsche and Uber. He highlights the pitfalls of traditional pricing, stressing the importance of focusing on customer benefits over features. Key discussions include integrating pricing early in product development, understanding customer motivations, and avoiding common mistakes like 'feature shock.' Ramanujam emphasizes the pivotal role of leadership in fostering a pricing-focused culture for innovation success.

Scott Wilson, the CIO of Washington University's $13 billion endowment, shares insights on a non-traditional investment approach. He discusses the importance of building local partnerships in emerging markets and the balance of risks and rewards in these regions. Scott highlights the significance of manager qualities and warns about potential pitfalls in venture capital. He also emphasizes the need for personal connections in investment relationships and reflects on adapting strategies in a competitive landscape.

Julio Vasconcellos and Mate Pencz, partners at early-stage investment firms Canary and Atlantico, share their insights on the vibrant investment landscape in Latin America. They explore the impact of Brazil's innovative digital payment system, PIX, and how it's reshaping consumer behaviors. The duo discusses evolving credit strategies and the rise of local tech talent, emphasizing the importance of mentorship. With a focus on disciplined investment approaches and the region's unique market dynamics, they reveal exciting opportunities amidst challenges.

Trina Spear, co-founder and CEO of FIGS, a billion-dollar brand revolutionizing healthcare apparel, shares her journey from finance to fashion. She discusses how FIGS solved the age-old issues of traditional scrubs by focusing on design and quality while emphasizing direct consumer engagement. Trina elaborates on the benefits of a direct-to-consumer model and the importance of maintaining a streamlined product range. She offers insights into the evolving role of a CEO, emphasizing resilience, strategic vision, and the power of strong partnerships.

Gabe Leydon, co-founder of Machine Zone and founder of Limit Break, dives into the future of gaming with an innovative 'free-to-own' model. He talks about how this new approach can onboard a billion users to the Ethereum network. Their discussion highlights the high lifetime value of crypto gamers versus traditional players and the emotional power of NFTs in enhancing community engagement. Leydon also explores the challenges of bridging digital and physical worlds and the transformative potential of Web3 for revolutionizing marketing strategies.

Harley Finkelstein, President of Shopify and a lawyer turned entrepreneur, shares his insights on building successful businesses. He discusses the significance of purpose and resilience in entrepreneurship, drawing from personal experiences. The conversation highlights the evolving landscape of e-commerce and the critical role of mentorship. Finkelstein offers advice on navigating challenges faced by small businesses and emphasizes the importance of understanding audience feedback—whether in business or DJing—to foster engagement and innovation.

Mitch Lasky, a Partner at Benchmark, is a powerhouse in the gaming industry with a 30-year legacy including leadership roles at Activision and EA. In this engaging discussion, Mitch explores the investment landscape of gaming, emphasizing long-lasting game models and player engagement strategies. He reflects on the revolutionary impact of titles like Doom and examines the rise of digital platforms. The conversation also touches on mentorship's pivotal role in the industry and the transformative potential of subscription models like Microsoft Game Pass.