Invest Like the Best with Patrick O'Shaughnessy

In this engaging chat, Robin Dunbar, a biological anthropologist and the mind behind Dunbar's number, dissects the intricate web of human relationships. He reveals that we can maintain around 150 meaningful connections, exploring how this impacts not just personal lives but also organizational dynamics. Dunbar discusses the importance of face-to-face interactions over virtual ones and the role of social activities like laughter in bonding. He highlights the challenges of modern loneliness and underscores time management as essential for fostering trust and relationships in leadership.

Sean Feeney, co-founder of Grovehouse Hospitality Group and owner of the celebrated NYC restaurants Lilia and Misi, shares his journey from finance to the culinary world. He discusses breaking industry norms with innovative practices, the significance of building authentic dining experiences, and creating community connections through hospitality. Sean's insights into restaurant profitability and the emotional aspects of the culinary journey reveal his passion and commitment to shaping a vibrant dining culture that resonates with guests.

Dave Fontenot, founder of HF0, shares insights from his innovative 12-week residency for repeat founders, designed to eliminate distractions and boost coding productivity. He discusses the monastic origins of the program, emphasizing the impact of a focused environment on personal growth. The conversation dives into selecting top-tier engineers, uncovering founders' true visions, and the importance of holistic well-being in venture capital. Fontenot also highlights the value of community living, showcasing how it fosters creativity and innovation in startups.

Anne-Marie Peterson, an equity portfolio manager at Capital Group with nearly three decades of experience, shares her insights on retail and restaurant investments. She emphasizes a people-first approach and the power of simplicity in investment strategies. Anne-Marie discusses how the best retailers often cultivate a cult-like following and explores the importance of teamwork and trust within investment teams. The conversation also touches on navigating challenges in restaurant scalability and the significant role of mentorship in shaping successful careers in finance.

Aravind Srinivas, the founder and CEO of Perplexity AI, dives into building an AI-driven answer engine designed to rival giants like Google and OpenAI. He shares insights on his journey from India to tech innovator, tackling technical hurdles, latency issues, and business models in deep learning. Aravind discusses the transformative power of transformer architecture, its impact on AI design, and the importance of quality data. He also reflects on personal experiences during a banking crisis, emphasizing resilience and camaraderie in challenging times.

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.