Coburn Ventures Podcast

What is one of the most important “technologies” investors have at their disposal? Meetings. Today we are offering 10 practical ways to adjust and enhance what you are already doing that you know could be even more valuable. Let’s jump in.

A few weeks ago, in episode #254, we had a conversation about flipping the idea of needing to get better and Saying No on its head: instead of the cliche, meme-filled "we need to get better at saying no!", let's look at it another way and see if we notice something different. How about, let's avoid saying yes. Today a master in discovery and discernment joins us-- Irwin Kula will take us to an even more important element of avoiding saying yes and we will get into some real live communication scenarios. Let’s jump in. 

Mike Lee, product designer and hands-on AI practitioner who built a 2024 picture book with AI, joins to cut through the noise. He frames LLMs as team members with roles. He walks through integrating models into workflows, iterative prompting tactics, his preferred model stack, and top tools for AI image generation.

They unpack three workshop modules for partnering with AI to surface uncommon investment questions. They explain giving AI your investment DNA and using multiple stakeholder lenses. They show tactics like many short answers, selective deep dives, and iterative complaining to refine AI outputs.

They unpack foundational design principles for running AI workshops and why design shapes AI's impact. They explore creating client lightbulb moments through iterative workshop formats. They challenge investor paralysis and argue AI should produce uncommon, investable insights rather than just speed. They outline prompts and lenses to induce surprising, high-value thinking with AI.

Jeff Cardon, a longtime investor who studies management quality and durable compounders. He tells stories of company visits and hands-on research. Topics include probing unmeasurable drivers like culture and hiring. He explains his “double and double again” lens and recounts vivid buy and miss anecdotes that reveal his craft-focused approach.

Our people, our teams, our talent... they are integral to our ability to generate sustained uncommon results for clients. But, were you ever deeply trained on hiring or developing that team? Probably not! We're investors! But...we know we need to do it well. Here's a snapshot of three elements of hiring that Pip has found useful. Let's jump in.

Today our conversation starts with a really simple refrain that goes around in high functioning circles: “I just need to learn to say no”. Pip breaks apart the comfort of that meme, predictably-- but then we discover even more about this false duality, and why the skillset and capacities involved in learning to say no is also revealed as one of the greatest skills for investors to develop and hone.Let’s jump in.

They explore four practical ways to test whether your thinking is truly differentiated. The conversation breaks down four domains where uncommon insight can appear. Three distinct forms of uncommon understanding are explained, from ideas that become obvious later to subtle, enduring insights. Practical steps for assessing and expanding your uncommon thinking are offered.

Welcome to the New Year! There’s celebration, renewal, and…. perhaps a bit of tension in the air! As we were taught by our friend Irwin Kula, “Where there is tension, there is value,” so let’s jump in.