Invest Like the Best with Patrick O'Shaughnessy

Tracy Graham, founder of Graham Allen Partners, specializes in investing in technology-driven businesses in overlooked U.S. markets. In this engaging conversation, he shares how his football days at Notre Dame shaped his investment philosophy. Tracy discusses the untapped potential of secondary markets and how technology revamps traditional businesses. He also touches on the importance of data in manufacturing, ethical investment practices, and the profound impact of mentorship and kindness on personal growth.

Zach Perret, the founder and CEO of Plaid, dives deep into the evolution of financial services and fintech. He discusses his philosophy on addressing major challenges and the role of Plaid in simplifying consumer interactions. The conversation highlights how Venmo has influenced fintech's transformation, the importance of building trust, and adapting to consumer needs. Perret shares insights on the impact of digital advancements, the significance of community in innovation, and his personal journey from individual contributor to a leadership role.

Mario Cibelli, managing partner of Marathon Partners Equity Management, shares two decades of investment wisdom. He reveals how his firm predicted Netflix's rise using insights from Blockbuster's distribution. Visiting distribution centers is highlighted as a game-changer for identifying potential investors' advantages. Cibelli also dives into the tequila market, spotlighting Becle's growth and agave price trends. Finally, he discusses cornerstone insights that have shaped investment strategies, emphasizing the importance of deep analysis amidst fast-paced market changes.

Bob Pittman, CEO of iHeartMedia and a pioneer behind MTV, shares insights from his illustrious career in media. He discusses the vital role of convenience in consumer products and how genuine service fosters loyalty. Hear about the innovative journey of building MTV, from its branding to the evolution of music videos. Pittman also reflects on navigating changing media dynamics and the rise of user-generated content, emphasizing the necessity of understanding audience needs in today's landscape.

Sam Hinkie, former President and GM of the Philadelphia 76ers and founder of Eighty-Seven Capital, shares his insights on talent acquisition and strategic thinking. He discusses the value of analyzing 'breadcrumbs' left by successful individuals to track their progress. Hinkie emphasizes the importance of effective interview techniques, building trust, and attracting top talent for organizational success. He also draws parallels between leadership in the NBA and business, underlining the significance of strong relationships over authority.

Michelle Zatlyn, the co-founder and COO of Cloudflare, shares her insights on building a $25 billion company focused on internet security. She discusses the origins of Cloudflare and its community-driven Project Honeypot initiative against cyber threats. Zatlyn emphasizes the importance of co-founders and effective documentation during early growth stages. The conversation also explores innovative decision-making, the complexities of global internet networks, and valuable lessons learned from mentorship experiences.

Danny Meyer, founder and CEO of Union Square Hospitality Group and Shake Shack, shares his insights on the pivotal role of hospitality in business. He highlights how first impressions and meaningful connections can foster success across industries. Meyer discusses his ABCD philosophy—always be connecting dots—and proposes that learning from mistakes is essential for growth. The conversation touches on the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership and crafting culinary ventures that prioritize community and excellence.

Zac Bookman, Founder and CEO of OpenGov, shares his journey in revolutionizing local government finance through technology. He discusses the intricate dynamics of governmental structures, emphasizing the need for transparency and effective execution. Zac shares insights from his time advising on counter-corruption in Afghanistan and outlines the unique challenges of building vertical SaaS in regulated markets. Additionally, he reflects on the importance of community involvement, personal growth through mountaineering, and how feedback can shape successful organizations.

Daniel Gross, founder of Pioneer, shares insights from his journey in building a global startup generator. He discusses the art of asking great questions and the complexities of psychometrics in talent identification. The conversation explores new tech frontiers like GPT-3 and satellites, highlighting their potential for investment. Gross also dives into the dichotomy of fast and slow twitch capitalism, emphasizing the importance of persistence and genuine connections in the venture ecosystem, while reflecting on a personal story of kindness in the wilderness.

Emmett Shear, founder and CEO of Twitch, delves into the transformative journey of his platform from a reality TV show to a gaming titan under Amazon. He reveals how Twitch crafts new digital languages with emotes, fostering unique connections among users. Emmett discusses the importance of picking a target audience early for startup success, and highlights the emotional ties that subscription models form between streamers and fans. He emphasizes the evolving landscape of interactive entertainment and the need for community engagement in content creation.