Invest Like the Best with Patrick O'Shaughnessy

Brad Jacobs, Executive Chairman of XPO and a serial entrepreneur known for founding billion-dollar companies, shares his insights on navigating the M&A landscape, emphasizing emotional complexities and strong relationships. He discusses the importance of balancing audacity with discipline, particularly in startups. Jacobs reflects on a strategic buyback at XPO amidst market volatility, the power of thought experiments for personal growth, and the transformative role of effective communication in fostering successful workplace culture.

Join Ernie Garcia, the co-founder and CEO of Carvana, as he recounts his extraordinary journey of steering the company through a staggering 99% stock price drop. He shares raw insights on resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing teamwork and morale. Garcia discusses leadership strategies that prioritize accountability and effective communication. Learn how Carvana not only survived but emerged stronger, highlighting operational efficiencies and the importance of investor relationships. His belief in fostering collective strength shines through in this candid conversation.

In this conversation, Andrew Homan, Managing Partner at Maverick Silicon, and Chris Miller, Tufts professor and "Chip War" author, dive deep into the semiconductor industry. They explore the seismic shifts caused by AI in chip demand and the strategic challenges major players like Intel are facing. The duo discusses the geopolitical complexities of self-sufficiency, the rise of fabless manufacturing, and the investment landscape for startups. They highlight the pressing need for sustainability in semiconductor capital expenditure and the role of innovation in this ever-evolving digital age.

In this discussion, Boyd Varty, a lion tracker and life coach from South Africa, shares his unique insights on storytelling as a powerful tool for personal and professional growth. He introduces the idea of 'story hunting' and emphasizes how cultivating compelling narratives can enrich our lives and businesses. Varty also explores the transformative role of storytelling in leadership and shaping culture, urging listeners to embrace authenticity in their journeys. His rich experiences in the wilderness highlight the profound connections we can forge through meaningful stories.

Tobi Lütke, co-founder and CEO of Shopify, shares his insights on innovation and leadership. He discusses the transformative role of AI in business, emphasizing the importance of adapting organizational culture and strategy. Tobi highlights the concept of 'Founder Mode' and the significance of fostering 'islands' of innovation to drive creativity. He also dives into the dynamics of trust within organizations and the critical balance between operational efficiency and market challenges, ultimately advocating for authenticity in monetization strategies.

Matt Perelman and Alex Sloane, Co-founders of Garnett Station Partners, share their journey from MBA students to leaders in franchise investing. They delve into their unique playbook for creating value, starting with their acquisition of 23 Burger King restaurants. The duo discusses crucial lessons learned from setbacks, including the importance of mentorship and strategic adaptations during challenges like the pandemic. Their insights into navigating multi-unit investments reveal strategies for assessing quality and brand strength, emphasizing the power of partnerships in driving success.

Kareem Zaki, a General Partner at Thrive Capital, is a leading healthcare investor with a decade of experience and a track record of co-founding billion-dollar companies. He discusses Thrive's impressive growth from a $40 million to a $5 billion fund and their focus on category-defining businesses. Kareem shares insights on navigating the complexities of healthcare, the critical qualities of visionary founders, and the innovative strategies needed to reform the American healthcare system. His perspectives emphasize the importance of resilience and adaptability in investment.

Ray Ozzie, a pioneering technologist and creator of Lotus Notes, shares his wealth of experience in software development. The conversation dives into the evolution of intelligent machines and the challenges of data management and security. Ozzie discusses the integration of innovative technologies in energy solutions and highlights the transformative power of AI and IoT in business. He emphasizes the importance of mentorship and enterprise experience for aspiring entrepreneurs, painting a vivid picture of the future of connectivity and technology.

Ted Seides, host of Capital Allocators and an investment expert, shares valuable insights from his extensive conversations with industry leaders. He discusses the evolving dynamics between limited and general partners, emphasizing the importance of communication. The conversation also covers the shift from passive to complex investment strategies, illustrated by 3G Capital's innovative approach with Burger King. Seides reflects on strategic turnarounds in exclusive real estate, like the Yellowstone Club, and highlights the power of collaboration in investment success.

Lulu Meservey, Founder and CEO of Rostra and board member at Shopify, dives into the art of communication for founders. She emphasizes the power of authentic storytelling and the need for direct messaging to resonate with audiences. Lulu shares unconventional insights on how diverse experiences enhance communication. The discussion also tackles crisis management strategies and the historical significance of her company's name. Ultimately, she encourages entrepreneurs to prioritize authenticity and alignment in their narratives.