Invest Like the Best with Patrick O'Shaughnessy

Dive into the world of business with insightful conversations that reveal hidden lessons. Each installment focuses on a different company, featuring investors and operators who share their unique perspectives. The engaging format promises entertaining narratives while uncovering the secrets behind successful businesses. Get ready to explore the fascinating intricacies of entrepreneurship!

In this discussion, Jesse Pujji, Founder and CEO of Gateway X, shares his expertise in performance marketing—leading the charge in direct-to-consumer businesses. He emphasizes the importance of understanding revenue mechanics and how long sales funnels can provide a competitive edge. The conversation also touches on the transformation of marketing over the last decade, the integration of data-driven strategies, and effective channel approaches. Pujji highlights the rise of micro-influencers and the balance between creativity and analytics in driving customer engagement.

Kanyi Maqubela, co-founder of Kindred Ventures and former general partner at Collaborative Fund, dives into the nuances of seed-stage investing. He draws parallels between today’s market and the Roaring ’20s, emphasizing lessons from historical trends. Kanyi discusses his approach to evaluating founders, shaped by his teaching experience at Stanford. He explores the significance of logistics and transportation innovations in the current landscape and advocates for a diverse mindset in investing, highlighting the impact of empathy in both life and business.

Roxanne Petraeus, co-founder and CEO of Ethena, shares her impressive journey from Rhodes Scholar and U.S. Army veteran to innovative entrepreneur. She discusses modernizing compliance training by leveraging her military insights to create engaging and effective programs. Roxanne also sheds light on the gender biases in venture capital that hinder female founders, emphasizing actionable solutions for inclusivity. Their conversation uncovers how work-life balance is evolving and the role of mentorship and kindness in professional growth.

Jesse Walden, founder of Variant and expert in the ownership economy, dives into the fascinating world of NFTs. He explains what NFTs are and their potential to revolutionize creative industries, particularly music. The discussion covers how NFTs can transform artist-fan relationships, unlock new revenue streams, and simplify rights management. Walden also highlights the impact of legacy brands engaging with NFTs and the democratizing effects of NFTs in the investment landscape, making it accessible even for everyday people.

Jonathan Goldberg, the CEO of Carbon Direct and a former hedge fund founder, dives into the pressing issues of carbon capture and removal. He discusses the urgent need for global carbon standards and taxes to combat climate change. Goldberg shares insights on the evolution of carbon markets and the role of innovative technologies in capturing emissions. He emphasizes the importance of diverse carbon reduction strategies and the impact of corporate commitments on achieving net-zero goals. This conversation presents a masterclass on navigating the future of sustainability.

Marissa King, a Yale School of Management professor specializing in organizational behavior, shares insights from her book "Social Chemistry." She discusses three social networking styles and how COVID reshaped our connections. Listeners will find her exploration of the role of attachment styles in networking and effective team dynamics particularly engaging. Marissa also highlights the importance of physical touch in relationships and draws fascinating parallels between human and natural networks, emphasizing kindness in fostering better interactions.

Jonathan Neman, co-founder and CEO of Sweetgreen, revolutionized the restaurant industry with a tech-first approach to healthy dining. He shares the inspiring origin of Sweetgreen, born from a college need for nutritious food. Neman discusses establishing meaningful customer relationships, partnering with farmers, and navigating food delivery marketplaces. He emphasizes the role of community values and personal growth in leadership, while envisioning a future where food and health are intricately linked. Join him for insights that blend nutrition, technology, and entrepreneurship!

In this conversation, Josh Wolfe, co-founder of Lux Capital, and Tony Thomas, a former four-star general with vast military experience, delve into the intersection of defense technology and geopolitical threats. They discuss innovations like semiconductors and autonomous weapons and explore the ethical ramifications of investing in defense. From the transformations in military strategy against Russia and China to the profound impact of AI and information warfare, their insights reveal the complexities of modern security challenges and leadership in unprecedented times.

Matteo Franceschetti, founder and CEO of Eight Sleep, dives into the fascinating world of sleep technology and its potential for preventative health. He shares insights on the challenges of launching a hardware startup and the importance of biometrics like heart rate variability for overall wellness. Discussing the innovative design of smart mattresses, Matteo explains how temperature control enhances sleep quality and the significance of deep sleep for recovery. He also reflects on the entrepreneurial journey from crowdfunding success to market expansion.