Invest Like the Best with Patrick O'Shaughnessy

In this engaging conversation, Claire Cormier Thielke, Managing Director at Hines and Zillow board member, shares her expertise in urban development and real estate. She discusses how pattern recognition can unlock new investment opportunities and the surprising returns of public art. Claire also explores what makes a city thrive, reflecting on transformative urban trends and the interplay of technology in real estate. With her background as a track athlete, she draws fascinating parallels between coaching, resilience, and business success.

Oliver Hughes, CEO of Tinkoff, leads Russia's pioneering online bank known for its innovative financial services. He shares how Tinkoff harnessed direct mail campaigns to become the largest online banking provider in Russia. Oliver also discusses their unique door-to-door sales strategy that integrates logistics with customer service, and the role of personalized content in enhancing financial literacy. He reflects on a failed venture that taught valuable lessons about market dynamics, and emphasizes the importance of kindness in business.

Zack Fuss is an investor at Continental Grain, a family-owned enterprise focused on food and agriculture. He discusses the intricacies of the food ecosystem, from value chains to the rise of digital businesses. The conversation highlights how legacy food brands adapt, with a deep dive into Domino's innovative franchise model. Fuss also explores the surge of alternative proteins like Beyond Meat and addresses the paradox of food abundance amidst distribution challenges. Tune in for insights on trends shaping the future of food!

Carlos Cashman, co-founder and co-CEO of Thrasio, shares insights from the lucrative world of Amazon sellers. Thrasio, remarkably profitable since its inception, navigates the complexities of e-commerce while acquiring third-party brands. Cashman discusses branding evolution, the importance of consumer feedback, and strategic delegation in leadership. He emphasizes the value of action over planning in entrepreneurship and reflects on personal experiences that shaped his journey. Dive into the dynamic interplay of scaling businesses and understanding consumer behavior!

Ram Parameswaran, founder of Octahedron Capital and former partner at Altimeter Capital, shares his deep insights into internet-scale businesses. He discusses the defining traits that make these enterprises thrive and examines eight unique business models. Ram highlights the transformative role of the internet in global commerce and explores the rise of innovative startups in India, like Pine Labs and Udaan. Their conversation also touches on the shift towards user-centric software, emphasizing user experience and network effects.

Dylan Field, co-founder and CEO of Figma, shares his insights on the growing importance of design in today's business landscape. He discusses the evolution of software development and how designers are playing a more pivotal role. Dylan emphasizes lifelong learning and independent thinking as key to navigating the startup journey. He also touches on the significance of user feedback in product development and the challenges of scaling a company while maintaining team morale. Tune in for a deep dive into the future of design collaboration!

Tracy Graham, founder of Graham Allen Partners, specializes in investing in technology-driven businesses in overlooked U.S. markets. In this engaging conversation, he shares how his football days at Notre Dame shaped his investment philosophy. Tracy discusses the untapped potential of secondary markets and how technology revamps traditional businesses. He also touches on the importance of data in manufacturing, ethical investment practices, and the profound impact of mentorship and kindness on personal growth.

Zach Perret, the founder and CEO of Plaid, dives deep into the evolution of financial services and fintech. He discusses his philosophy on addressing major challenges and the role of Plaid in simplifying consumer interactions. The conversation highlights how Venmo has influenced fintech's transformation, the importance of building trust, and adapting to consumer needs. Perret shares insights on the impact of digital advancements, the significance of community in innovation, and his personal journey from individual contributor to a leadership role.

Mario Cibelli, managing partner of Marathon Partners Equity Management, shares two decades of investment wisdom. He reveals how his firm predicted Netflix's rise using insights from Blockbuster's distribution. Visiting distribution centers is highlighted as a game-changer for identifying potential investors' advantages. Cibelli also dives into the tequila market, spotlighting Becle's growth and agave price trends. Finally, he discusses cornerstone insights that have shaped investment strategies, emphasizing the importance of deep analysis amidst fast-paced market changes.

Bob Pittman, CEO of iHeartMedia and a pioneer behind MTV, shares insights from his illustrious career in media. He discusses the vital role of convenience in consumer products and how genuine service fosters loyalty. Hear about the innovative journey of building MTV, from its branding to the evolution of music videos. Pittman also reflects on navigating changing media dynamics and the rise of user-generated content, emphasizing the necessity of understanding audience needs in today's landscape.