Invest Like the Best with Patrick O'Shaughnessy

Gaurav Kapadia, founder of investment firm XN and veteran in the investing world, shares his journey from TPG Axon and Soroban Capital to launching XN. He emphasizes the role of kindness and rigor in creating a unique company culture. The conversation dives into the importance of building authentic relationships in investing, with insights on recognizing obvious investment opportunities and the evolving landscape favoring startups and tech firms. Gaurav also touches on the traits of exceptional businesses and the necessity of long-term thinking for investment success.

Marko Papic, a leading macroeconomics and markets strategist at Clocktower Group, dives into the complex interplay of finance and geopolitics. He discusses the Ukraine-Russia conflict and its broader implications, including the evolving landscape of modern warfare. Marko also explores inflation management amid the rise of a multipolar world, the Federal Reserve's impact on capital markets, and the challenges of the green energy transition. His insights shed light on how global powers navigate this intricate geopolitical maze.

Garry Tan, founder and managing partner of Initialized Capital and former partner at Y Combinator, discusses the gaps in the investment world and the importance of nurturing local talent. He shares insights on systematizing venture investments and the transformative role of technology. The conversation touches on the challenges of travel planning startups, the significance of childhood adversity in personal development, and innovative strategies for supporting small manufacturers. Tan also reflects on mentorship's pivotal role in shaping his career.

Eric Mandelblatt, founder and CIO of Soroban Capital, shares his insights into the industrial economy, focusing on underappreciated sectors and the future of commodities like copper and nickel amid decarbonization. He explores the challenges and opportunities in energy markets and discusses the complexities of commodity investments influenced by geopolitical factors. Furthermore, he highlights the profitability potential of railroads and the importance of strategic mentorship in finance. This engaging conversation offers a fresh perspective on traditional investment approaches.

Sebastian Kanovich, CEO of dLocal, is a trailblazer in bridging payments between developed and emerging markets. He shares the challenges and triumphs of his journey, including how dLocal supports global giants like Uber and Spotify. The discussion dives into the complexities of navigating global payment systems, the necessity for localized solutions, and the critical role of APIs in enhancing user experiences. Kanovich also emphasizes the importance of humility and personal growth in leadership, underpinning his philosophy of collective success over individual recognition.

Frank Slootman, the esteemed CEO of Snowflake, shares insights from his successful journey leading enterprise software giants. He discusses the importance of quickly assessing team dynamics to foster growth and the role of culture in attracting top talent. Slootman emphasizes the need for focused leadership and innovation, urging businesses to build trust through understanding customer needs. He also explores the evolving relationship between business and engineering, underscoring the significance of proactive management for sustainable success.

Tim Flannery, co-founder of Passthrough, revolutionizes venture fund administration by simplifying investor onboarding through innovative software. He discusses the transformative power of identity in product design and how his team addresses the often-overlooked complexities of fundraising. Tim also dives into democratizing investment opportunities and reducing friction for emerging fund managers. The conversation showcases how technology is reshaping the financial landscape, enhancing access, efficiency, and transparency in the investment process.

Joey Levin, CEO of IAC, shares insights on his unique approach to building an anti-conglomerate focused on digital enterprises. He discusses the importance of decentralization and customized strategies for success. Joey highlights the agility needed in customer acquisition within the digital age and the evolving landscape of technology and innovation. He also reflects on the transformation of About.com into Dotdash, drawing lessons on resilience and understanding consumer behavior. This conversation offers a refreshing perspective on navigating business complexities.

Peter Chernin, a titan in the entertainment industry, led News Corp and Fox before co-founding The Chernin Group. He shares insights on blending passion and investment in media and the lessons learned from producing hits like Titanic and Avatar. Chernin discusses how creative collaboration can drive business success while navigating media's evolution from traditional broadcasting to niche strategies. He emphasizes mentorship's transformative power and the importance of personal relationships in achieving greatness, all while taking calculated risks in his career.

John Pfeffer, an entrepreneur and investor with a rich background in private equity and technology, shares his profound insights on investment strategies. He discusses the crucial difference between value creation and capture and emphasizes why adaptability is key in today’s fast-paced investment environment. Pfeffer dives into the transformative role of technology and decentralized finance while exploring Bitcoin's potential as a store of value. He also reflects on the challenges posed by globalization and the need for innovative approaches to future investments.