Invest Like the Best with Patrick O'Shaughnessy

Brad Jacobs, the Executive Chairman of XPO Logistics and founder of seven billion-dollar businesses, shares his dynamic insights on rapid business growth. He delves into navigating mergers and acquisitions, emphasizing the importance of scalability and relationship-building. Jacobs discusses the value of ambitious goals, effective technology integration, and his unique approach to corporate meetings. He also highlights the impact of meditation and thought experiments on innovative thinking, encouraging listeners to embrace a purposeful and focused life.

Elizabeth Zalman, a two-time founder of StrongDM, and Jerry Neumann, an early-stage venture capitalist, dive deep into the complex dynamics between founders and investors. They discuss their contentious book, revealing the inevitable tensions that arise in startup journeys. Key topics include balancing ambition with ethics, the importance of effective communication, and the role of storytelling in fundraising. Personal anecdotes highlight the significance of building genuine relationships and strategic advantages, offering valuable insights for new entrepreneurs.

Palmer Luckey, founder of Anduril Industries and Oculus VR, shares his groundbreaking insights into defense technology and virtual reality. He discusses the transformative potential of synthetic fuels and critiques the misaligned incentives in defense contracting. The conversation explores the impact of AI on national security and the cultural dynamics within tech companies. Luckey also reflects on the importance of support and kindness in entrepreneurship, showcasing how personal experiences shape innovative thinking for the future.

In this engaging discussion, Aswath Damodaran, a renowned NYU finance professor known as the Dean of Valuation, delves into the intricacies of investment philosophy and macroeconomic risks. He analyzes NVIDIA's remarkable market surge and questions its valuation amidst AI hype. The conversation also covers the impact of rising interest rates, the evolving U.S.-China relationship, and the complexities of valuing franchises like NFL teams. Damodaran critiques the implications of recent banking instability and emphasizes a return to fundamental market analysis over reliance on the Federal Reserve.

Join the co-founders of Stripe, Patrick and John Collison, as they explore the intricacies of business strategy and culture. Discover how curiosity fuels innovation, shaping their mission to elevate global internet commerce. They reflect on lessons from the chemical sector, the influence of their entrepreneurial parents, and the evolution of family dynamics. Delve into the future of payments and the essential role of kindness and mentorship in personal growth, all while maintaining high standards in a competitive digital landscape.

Strauss Zelnick, CEO of Take-Two Interactive and mastermind behind gaming hits like Grand Theft Auto, shares insights from his impressive career. He discusses navigating the evolving media landscape, emphasizing the importance of innovation and talent cultivation. Zelnick opens up about revitalizing a struggling company through effective leadership and strategic turnarounds. He also reflects on how personal experiences shape ambition and empathy, showcasing his belief in collaboration and the nurturing of others' potential.

Rick Buhrman, a veteran of Notre Dame's Endowment, and his co-founder, Paul Buser, discuss their transition to launching Sator Grove, a permanent capital vehicle. They share insights on the importance of lifelong learning, impactful investing, and nurturing talent while reflecting on their 'Art of Investing' class. The duo explores the power of compounding, both in finance and personal growth, while emphasizing the significance of relationships and kindness in achieving success. Their thoughts on career-defining moments and private equity provide valuable lessons for aspiring investors.

Jack Altman, CEO of the successful HR software platform Lattice, and Miles Grimshaw, General Partner at Benchmark, dive into scaling tech startups. They share insights from Lattice's early days, discussing investor relationships and the role of Y Combinator. The conversation highlights the importance of market dynamics and customer feedback, arguing that successful engagement metrics go beyond mere usage. They also address evolving employer-employee dynamics and the necessity of authentic leadership in today's work environment. A must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs!

Michael Simanovsky, Managing Partner of Conversant Capital and a visionary in real estate investment, shares his insights into flexible capital provision across markets. He discusses the untapped potential in senior living facilities and the booming single-family rental market. The conversation dives into the surprising investment appeal of billboards and the impact of AI on data center demands. Simanovsky emphasizes learning from past mistakes and mastering fundamentals to thrive in a dynamic and ever-evolving real estate landscape.

David Senra, creator of the Founders Podcast, shares insights from over 300 entrepreneurial biographies. He discusses the transformative power of storytelling and the delicate balance between ambition and personal sacrifice, exemplified through icons like Michael Jordan. The conversation explores purpose-driven entrepreneurship and the importance of service, while also reflecting on authenticity in podcasting. Senra contrasts seriousness with casualness in achieving goals and draws intriguing parallels between entrepreneurial journeys and characters from Game of Thrones.