Invest Like the Best with Patrick O'Shaughnessy

Kat Cole, COO and President of North America for Focus Brands, oversees beloved brands like Cinnabon. In this conversation, she shares her impactful journey and lessons in brand building and distribution. Kat emphasizes the importance of positivity in relationships, revealing how it can drive collaboration. She discusses strategies for brand differentiation and sustaining relevance in a fast-paced market. Kat also highlights the significance of transparency in negotiations and the balance between gratitude and ambition in achieving personal and professional success.

The guest, Eric Vishria, is a general partner at Benchmark Capital with a rich background as an operator and CEO. He dives into the evolving landscape of SaaS, highlighting the impressive growth of software companies, particularly post-COVID. Eric discusses how digital solutions are reshaping business strategies and the importance of innovation for traditional firms. He also emphasizes the significant opportunities within niche software markets and the impact of mentorship and kindness in fostering successful business relationships.

Turner Novak, a partner at Gelt VC, specializes in consumer social companies and their growth dynamics. He discusses the evolution of platforms like TikTok and Facebook, highlighting how user identities and content shape success. Turner analyzes TikTok's unique algorithm and mobile-first design, which boost engagement, and compares it with innovative models like Pinduoduo's direct-to-manufacturer approach. He also reflects on Snapchat's strategy to attract younger audiences and contrasts consumer social firms with traditional retail giants in today's rapidly changing landscape.

Charlie Songhurst, former head of strategy at Microsoft and an investor in nearly 500 companies, shares his unique insights on success in business. He discusses the motivations behind power, money, and fame, emphasizing how these influences shape decision-making in startups. Charlie explores essential traits in founders and the importance of early hires. He also highlights the value of diverse perspectives in investing and how mentorship contributes to navigating the complexities of investing.

Blake Robbins, a partner at Ludlow Ventures, specializes in gaming investments and the creator economy. He discusses the evolution of game monetization, transitioning from traditional models to innovative free-to-play formats. Robbins shares insights on the budding esports industry and the significant role of influencers in shaping the gaming landscape. He highlights opportunities for investors in this fast-growing sector and emphasizes the importance of infrastructure for supporting gaming startups. Get ready for a deep dive into the future of gaming!

Brad Gerstner, Founder and CIO of Altimeter Capital, shares insights from his tech-focused investment firm. He discusses the shift towards private investing, emphasizing its role in value creation. The podcast explores changes in online consumer behavior, and how essentialism influences both investments and personal life. Gerstner also reflects on the rise of Chinese internet giants and the challenges of navigating competitive markets in tech. Expect a captivating conversation about the future landscape of technology and investment.

In this engaging discussion, John Collison, Co-founder of Stripe, shares insights into boosting the internet's GDP and the digital payments landscape. He reflects on the dynamics of industrial conglomerates versus tech firms, and the evolving internet economy. John emphasizes the significance of clear communication within teams and how it drives employee loyalty. He intriguingly compares board members to Pokémon with unique powers. With his passion for learning and entrepreneurship, John unveils the exciting future possibilities of the internet and its impact on globalization.

Jeremy Grantham, co-founder and chief investment strategist of GMO, shares his insights on navigating today’s turbulent market. He discusses the uniqueness of the current crisis, forecasting challenges, and the evolving landscape of investing amidst uncertainty. Grantham dives into the impact of FAANG companies on traditional investing and argues for the importance of sustainable practices in a world constrained by resources. His thoughts on opportunity amidst competitive markets spark a compelling conversation about future investment strategies.

Ben Thompson, author of the influential newsletter Stratechery, dives deep into the world of business strategy. He discusses his aggregation theory, exploring how digital platforms like Google and Netflix reshape industries. The nuances of platform vs. aggregator are examined with Shopify and Amazon as case studies. Thompson also addresses the cyclical nature of tech disruption and the importance of value chain thinking. His insights on building successful businesses and navigating competition offer valuable lessons for the future of technology.

Shishir Mehrotra, Founder and CEO of Coda, previously held significant roles at YouTube and Spotify. In this insightful discussion, he dives into the art and science of product bundling, dispelling common myths about its impact on consumers. He explores the dynamics of super fans versus casual fans in business strategies, uses Spotify as a case study for effective bundling, and discusses the future of service integration in the digital age. This conversation provides fresh perspectives that could reshape how we think about product offerings.