Capital Club

Unravel the intricacies of charisma, explore the organizational DNA through the lens of fractals and dysfunction, delve into the science of innovation, and uncover the disciplined approaches to fostering creativity. Our guide on this exploration is Judah Pollack. He is an author and executive coach who has worked with everyone from Army Special Forces to the Founders of Airbnb to social good founders. 

[00:00 - 09:40] - Unveiling the Three Pillars of Influence

• Discovering the power of charisma and unraveling its mysteries
• How the 3-part framework —power, presence, and warmth—synergize to form a compelling charisma
• Why a harmonious blend of the three elements is essential for effective leadership and fostering genuine connections with others

[09:41 - 22:33] - Organizational DNA: Fractals, Dysfunction, and Leadership Patterns

• The paradoxical allure of military experiences in non-military career circles
• Drawing parallels between fractal patterns and a company's foundational DNA
• Creating an environment where open communication and problem-solving can thrive

[22:34 - 33:03] - Innovation: Brain Science, Breakthroughs, and Creative Habits

• Understanding the brain's intricate networks that drive innovative thinking
• The significance of creating a workplace culture that values and encourages innovative thinking
• Emphasizing the transformative impact of consistent actions and disciplined routines
• Building new neural connections by introducing creative habits and new information

[33:04 - 49:54] - Finding Clarity and Inspiration in Nature

• Navigating effective brainstorming on structure, silence, and breakthroughs
• What it takes to invite the state of flow - timing, taking notes, and walking
• The mountain’s timeless and grandiose nature as a reminder of life's fleeting moments

Key Quote:

“I prioritize not getting entangled in minor issues, instead choosing to glance up at the mountain and affirm to myself, It's all good.” - Judah Pollack

Connect with Judah Pollack!

Website:Judahpollack.com

LinkedIn:  linkedin.com/in/judah-pollack-55a53712

This episode is sponsored by Mack International, a specialized executive search and human capital consulting firm serving the family office/wealth management markets. Please visit their website here for more information.

Download our FREE Strategizing for Inflation Guide here: https://www.excelsiorgp.com/download/

Connect with me:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-c-adams/ (LinkedIn)

LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND LEAVE US A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or whatever platform you listen on. Thank you for tuning in and Stay Tuned for the Next Episode COMING SOON!

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In this episode, Brian C. Adams is joined by Adam Jason, a partner at Legacy Group, an alternative investment firm with over $50 million in assets under management. They discuss investing in Latin America, specifically Colombia, and the opportunities and challenges of allocating capital in the region. Adam shares his personal journey of relocating from the U.S. to Colombia to pursue entrepreneurial ventures, and provides an inside look at Legacy Group's flagship investment in Colombian coffee production.

[00:00 - 07:55] - Adam's Journey to Investing in Colombia

• Adam's background as a capital markets attorney in the U.S.
• Taking a trip to Colombia and seeing investment opportunities
• Deciding to relocate and pursue entrepreneurial ventures

[07:55 - 13:35] - Why Colombia Represents the Next Frontier

• Latin America gets a fraction of the investment that China does
• Capital restraints limit productivity currently
• Record foreign direct investment flowing into Colombia

[13:35 - 18:48] - Providing Access for U.S. Investors

• Legacy Group fills the gap for overseas deal access
• Started with the Green Coffee Company and coffee production
• Now have over 450 U.S. investors and $65M raised

[18:48 - 30:45] - Legacy Group's Coffee Production Business

• Fragmented industry ripe for consolidation and upgrades
• Now the largest coffee producer in Colombia
• Goal to take the business public within a few years

Key Quote:

"95 percent of all the coffee farmland here in the country is owned by farmers that have five acres or less." - Adam Jason

Connect with Adam Jason!

Website: https://legacy-group.co/ and https://gcc-coffee.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-jason-98a22612/

This episode is sponsored by Mack International, a specialized executive search and human capital consulting firm serving the family office/wealth management markets. Please visit their website here for more information.

Download our FREE Strategizing for Inflation Guide here: https://www.excelsiorgp.com/download/

Connect with me:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-c-adams/ (LinkedIn)

LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND LEAVE US A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or whatever platform you listen on. Thank you for tuning in and Stay Tuned for the Next Episode COMING SOON!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Brian C. Adams is joined again by Louis O'Connor to provide an update on the strategic metals and rare earth elements market. They discuss how China has cornered the market for many rare earths and is now using that dominance for geopolitical leverage. Louis provides background on how China came to control rare earth production and processing, the challenges for the West to build out alternate supply chains, and how current tensions are impacting prices and stockpiling. He shares thoughts on investment opportunities during the supply gap period and key trends for investors to watch in this critical market.

[00:00 - 07:17] - Understanding Rare Earths and China's Dominance

• Defining strategic metals and their uses in everyday tech
• How China came to control rare earth production and processing since the 1980s
• China has restricted exports of some rare earths recently for geopolitical leverage
• The challenges for Western nations to build alternate supply chains

[07:18 - 14:52] - Challenges in Mining and Processing Outside China

• The environmental and regulatory hurdles around mining and processing rare earths
• The current lack of expertise in rare earth engineering and processing in the West
• Initiatives like the Inflation Reduction Act to promote domestic capabilities
• But building alternate supply chains likely to take 10-20 years

[14:53 - 23:26] - Geopolitical Tensions Impacting Rare Earths Market

• How China's export restrictions are impacting prices and stockpiling
• Potential for more Chinese export limits this year
• The race to reshore semiconductor manufacturing as part of the supply chain battle
• Europe's Critical Minerals Act to reduce dependence on China

[23:27 - 33:43] - Investment Opportunities and Outlook

• The investment thesis and opportunities around strategic metals
• Signs to watch for growing momentum and demand in this market
• Possible downside scenarios that could hurt rare earth investments
• Key takeaways for investors looking at this space

Key Quote:

"China pretty much has won the war when it comes to rare earths. We in the West now wait in line for what China will release after they satisfy their own domestic quotas." - Louis O'Connor

Connect with Louis O'Connor!

Website: www.strategicmetalsinvest.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louis-o-connor-a583341b8/

This episode is sponsored by Mack International, a specialized executive search and human capital consulting firm serving the family office/wealth management markets. Please visit their website here for more information.

Download our FREE Strategizing for Inflation Guide here: https://www.excelsiorgp.com/download/

Connect with me:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-c-adams/ (LinkedIn)

LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND LEAVE US A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or whatever platform you listen on. Thank you for tuning in and Stay Tuned for the Next Episode COMING SOON!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Brian interviews Dr. Richard Orlando, an advisor specializing in working with high net worth families and family enterprises. They have an insightful discussion about the role of "love" in managing family wealth across generations.

Dr. Orlando explains his philosophy of "whole family advising," which involves viewing the entire family, not just the wealth creator, as the client. He stresses the importance of understanding and connecting with clients' core values and purpose beyond just their financial assets. Dr. Orlando shares tactics for facilitating open communication, aligning estate plans with values, and defining "legacy" more broadly than just wealth transfer. They also discuss how to foster happiness and meaning for heirs so they can inherit positive mindsets rather than dysfunction.

If you're curious about how ultra high net worth families can cultivate happiness and fulfillment across generations, this is the episode for you.

[00:02:50 - 08:02] - Adopting a “Whole Family” Approach to Advising

• The importance of caring about what clients care about most - their families and legacy
• Helping families identify their purpose, values and forms of “capital” beyond just financial
• Legacy is about the impact you create using all your capitals

[08:03 - 19:16] - Keeping Wealth in Perspective with Spiritual Capital

• The gravitational pull of wealth can skew priorities if not anchored by values
• Ongoing investment in “spiritual capital” keeps financial capital in balance
• Research on attributes that contribute to happiness beyond money

[19:17 - 31:28] - Fostering Happiness and Meaning for Heirs

• Financial wealth alone doesn’t satisfy the soul
• Tactics for facilitating open communication and aligning estate plans with values
• Defining “legacy” more broadly than just wealth transfer
• Inheriting positive mindsets rather than dysfunction

[31:29 - 46:38] - Embracing a Broader Concept of Philanthropy 

• Philanthropy is about loving and caring for others, not just charitable donations
• Families can give their time, talents and treasure
• Empowering younger generations through philanthropy

Key Quote:

"Love is really about caring as much as you can about what your clients care about most, and that's their loved ones." - Dr. Richard Orlando

Connect with Dr. Richard Orlando!

Website: www.LegacyCapitals.com

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/legacy-capitals-llc

Twitter: www.twitter.com/LegCapDrO

This episode is sponsored by Mack International, a specialized executive search and human capital consulting firm serving the family office/wealth management markets. Please visit their website here for more information.

Download our FREE Strategizing for Inflation Guide here: https://www.excelsiorgp.com/download/

Connect with me:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-c-adams/ (LinkedIn)

LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND LEAVE US A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or whatever platform you listen on. Thank you for tuning in and Stay Tuned for the Next Episode COMING SOON!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Brian C. Adams interviews cybersecurity expert Roger Grimes about the current state of cyber threats, including social engineering, phishing, ransomware, AI, and quantum computing. Roger shares his insights on where organizations often misallocate resources when it comes to cybersecurity. He emphasizes the importance of training employees to recognize phishing attempts, patching vulnerable software, and using multi-factor authentication. Roger also discusses how AI can be used for both defense and attacks, and stresses the need to prepare now for the coming quantum computing revolution which will break much of today's encryption.

Roger is a 34-year computer security veteran, author of 13 books and over 1300 articles on computer security. He is often quoted in national media including WSJ, Newsweek, and is keynote speaker at national computer security conferences.

[00:00 - 07:51] - Biggest Cyber Threats Today

• Social engineering, phishing, and unpatched software cause most successful attacks
• AI allowing less sophisticated hackers to appear more professional
• Defining social engineering, phishing, and software vulnerability exploits

[07:52 - 10:25] - Cyber Threats Getting Worse

• No digital Geneva Convention and poor nation state relationships
• Blurred lines on what hacking is allowed between countries
• Need a digital Geneva Convention but hard to get global agreement
• Ransomware already very damaging without AI

[12:41 - 22:51] - Nation State Hacking and Critical Infrastructure

• Nation states often turn blind eye to hacking that benefits them
• Most US hacking focuses on traditional espionage but some gray areas exist
• Nearly all critical infrastructure is hackable but progress being made
• Organizations like CISA doing great work against threats

[22:52 - 33:11] - Security Spending and Defense

• Money often misallocated compared to actual threats
• Need focus on social engineering training and patching known vulnerabilities
• Use phishing-resistant multi-factor authentication
• Key questions to ask vendors about social engineering and patching

[33:12 - 44:42] - AI and Quantum Computing Security

• AI being used by attackers and defenders
• Unlikely to increase social engineering much from already high baseline
• AI driven tools will recognize criminal AI tools
• Quantum computing will break current encryption in next couple years
• Massive coordinated effort needed to upgrade systems and software

Connect with Roger Grimes!

Website: https://www.knowbe4.com/

Email: [email protected] 

Download our FREE Strategizing for Inflation Guide here: https://www.excelsiorgp.com/download/

Connect with me:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-c-adams/ (LinkedIn)

LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND LEAVE US A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or whatever platform you listen on. Thank you for tuning in and Stay Tuned for the Next Episode COMING SOON!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Brian Adams speaks with Christopher Frank, Oded Netzer, and Paul Magnone, authors of the book Decisions Over Decimals. They discuss how to make better business decisions by focusing on effective problem framing, interrogating data with context and intuition, and communicating insights clearly. The guests explain why relying solely on data and analysis often leads to poor decisions, and share principles and techniques for developing "quantitative intuition."

[00:00 - 10:49] - Introducing the Guests and Motivation Behind Their Book

• Backgrounds of the three guests/authors
• Myths around needing advanced math or perfect data
• Ineffective meetings and group decision making

[10:50 - 22:42] - Key Decision Making Concepts

• Balancing intuition and data analysis
• Putting data in context and asking "What surprised you?"
• Powerful questions vs. technical analysis

[22:43 - 32:27] - Applying the Concepts

• Case studies using simple but effective techniques
• Contrast with traditional linear processes
• Immediate impact from students applying the techniques

[32:28 - 39:04] - Key Takeaways and Conclusion

• Ask questions, focus on the problem definition
• Data interrogation requires intuition and doubt
• Imperfect decisions are okay - adjust with new data
• Recapturing childlike curiosity in decisions

Key Quote:

"The bad news is you don't get to decide whether you make decisions with data. It's reality. The good news is you don't need to be top of class in math in order to make these decisions." - Oded Netzer

Connect with Christopher, Oded, and Paul!

Website: https://www.dodthebook.com/

Download our FREE Strategizing for Inflation Guide here: https://www.excelsiorgp.com/download/

Connect with me:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-c-adams/ (LinkedIn)

LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND LEAVE US A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or whatever platform you listen on. Thank you for tuning in and Stay Tuned for the Next Episode COMING SOON!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, host Brian Adams sits down with COO Jarrod Arnold to discuss the disconnect between the financial perceptions and realities facing younger generations today. They explore how social media, ‘keeping up with the Joneses’ mentality, and the normalization of debt have warped expectations around earning, spending, and achieving financial stability. But it’s not all doom and gloom. Brian and Jarrod offer advice on entrepreneurship, budgeting, and investing during volatile times. They encourage younger listeners to take calculated risks and adopt an abundance mindset to create the future they want.

Key Highlights:

[00:00 - 06:23] - Changing Investor Sentiment

• Investor engagement has declined as rates have risen
• People sitting on cash instead of investing in real estate
• Interest rates offer a viable alternative to real estate investing

[06:24 - 13:09] - Distorted Financial Expectations

• Social media fuels comparison to unattainable top 1% lifestyles
• Normalization of debt loads from national level down to individual
• Lack of financial literacy on budgeting and aligning with values

[13:10 - 25:05] - Rethinking Conventional Paths to Financial Freedom

• Need for realistic career guidance on incomes vs education debt
• Encourage entrepreneurial risk-taking, especially when young
• Policy changes needed on home ownership and college for all
• Focus on personal finances and psychology in good and bad times

[25:06 - 31:19] - Resetting the American Dream

• May need to reset expectations around home ownership and college
• Leadership needed to confront economic challenges
• Entrepreneurial opportunities even in challenging times

[31:20 - 34:48] - Cautious Optimism on the Horizon

• Investors have short-term pessimism but long-term optimism
• Pain may be necessary to reset after deferring hard choices
• America has overcome adversity before and will persevere

Key Quote:

"Comparing yourself to that top 1%, I think has been there for a while now…[Now] You're looking at comparing yourself [to] your greater community as a whole." - Jarrod Arnold

Download our FREE Strategizing for Inflation Guide here: https://www.excelsiorgp.com/download/

Connect with me:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-c-adams/ (LinkedIn)

LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND LEAVE US A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or whatever platform you listen on. Thank you for tuning in and Stay Tuned for the Next Episode COMING SOON!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Brian concludes his series on macroeconomic trends that will impact investor returns over the next cycle. He examines stagflation - a dangerous mix of high inflation and economic stagnation that previously occurred in the 1970s. While not overly concerned about stagflation recurring, Brian believes we may be entering a period of moderately high baseline inflation and potential recession. He advises listeners to learn from the 1970s stagflation case study and invest in real assets as an inflation hedge.

[00:00 - 02:53] - What is Stagflation and What Caused it in the 1970s?

• Definition of stagflation as high inflation during economic stagnation/recession
• Caused by oil shocks and supply disruptions in the 1970s
• Policy mistakes fed inflation instead of cooling it

[02:53 - 05:32] - The 1970s Stagflation Case Study

• Two oil shocks - 1973 and 1979 - caused recessions and inflation
• Loose monetary and fiscal policy worsened the situation
• Eventually resolved by tighter fiscal policy and growth in 1980s

[05:32 - 08:39] - Could Stagflation Recur Today?

• COVID stimulus initially fed inflation but it has cooled recently
• Moderate baseline inflation likely going forward
• Recession possible in 2023 from rate hikes and tightening
• Fed focused on crushing inflation over recession risk

[08:39 - 11:19] - How to Invest if Stagflation Strikes Again

• Study 1970s case - real assets did well as inflation hedges
• Don't panic but monitor inflation and economic indicators
• Diversify into real assets like commodities and real estate

Key Quotes:

"Stagflation is a period of high inflation that happens at the same time as a stagnation of growth or outright recession - the worst of both worlds." - Brian C. Adams

"If you look at how bad the period of the seventies was for the U.S., it's certainly not something that we want to replicate." - Brian C. Adams

______________________

Download our FREE Strategizing for Inflation Guide here: https://www.excelsiorgp.com/download/

Connect with me:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-c-adams/ (LinkedIn)

LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND LEAVE US A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or whatever platform you listen on. Thank you for tuning in and Stay Tuned for the Next Episode COMING SOON!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Thanh-Long Huynh (Long), Co-Founder and CEO of alternative data specialist QuantCube Technology, joins us to discuss how big data analytics can be leveraged to make smarter investment choices. Thanh-Long explains what constitutes "big data," including satellite imagery, ship tracking data, and more. We explore how QuantCube analyzes these massive datasets in real-time to estimate economic trends and activity. Thanh-Long shares examples of how QuantCube's data predicted China's economic slowdown and Russia's resilience to early sanctions. He discusses how investors use QuantCube's insights for trading strategies, asset allocation, and sector rotation. If you’re interested in how high-quality data tracking and analysis can help you become a more effective investor, this episode is for you.

[00:00 - 06:00] - Defining Big Data and Data Sources

• What constitutes "big data" - structured, unstructured, massive datasets
• Sources like satellite imagery, ship tracking, telecom data
• Using satellite data to analyze industrial production

[06:01 - 11:30] - Applications for Investors and Asset Managers

• Providing transparency into economic growth and trends
• Real-time tracking of commodities, imports, exports
• Trading strategies, asset allocation, sector rotation

[11:31 - 18:00] - Assessing Government Economic Data

• Lag in official GDP, CPI, employment data
• QuantCube estimates inflation, growth in real-time
• Predicted Fed interest rate hikes using real-time inflation data

[18:01 - 24:40] - Analyzing China, Russia, Europe Economies

• Saw China's industrial production declining since early 2023
• Tracked Russian oil tankers to measure sanction impacts
• European outlook mixed - strong tourism but weak German manufacturing

[24:41 - 29:00] - Tracking Supply Chains, Trade, and Water Stress

• Evidence of supply chain shifts out of China
• Assessing global trade flows at canals and key chokepoints
• Using satellite data to analyze water levels and crop yields

[29:00 - 36:23] - Emerging Technologies and Sector Outlook

• Developed tech to map corporate assets and estimate future earnings
• Bullish on defense, tourism, healthcare sectors
• Bearish on manufacturing and cyclical sectors

Key Quotes:

"This kind of satellite data...enables [us] to estimate the industrial production of any country where you don't have any data sets or high quality data sets." - Thanh-Long Huynh

"Using satellite data is a very factual data. You can really say where this industrial production comes from, where it slows down." -Thanh-Long Huynh

Connect with Thanh-Long Huynh:

Website: https://www.quant-cube.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/q3-technology/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/q3techno?lang=en@Q3Techno

______________________________

Download our FREE Strategizing for Inflation Guide here: https://www.excelsiorgp.com/download/

Connect with me:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-c-adams/ (LinkedIn)

LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND LEAVE US A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or whatever platform you listen on. Thank you for tuning in and Stay Tuned for the Next Episode COMING SOON!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brian Adams is joined by Sarah Johal, co-founder of Parents in Tech Alliance, who highlights the harsh realities caregivers face in the workplace. From discrimination to lack of support, we learn how 75% of the workforce provides care, yet leaders fail to track this untapped talent pool losing billions annually.

Sarah recounts her own painful story of demotion upon returning from maternity leave, fueling her advocacy today. A powerful exchange on how we can dismantle barriers for caregivers through education, policy change, and workforce measurement. At times uncomfortable but impossible to ignore, this episode challenges assumptions on how we value and support caregivers in America's "last place" work culture.

Key Highlights:

[00:00 - 05:48] - Defining and Understanding Caregivers

• Expansive definitions beyond just parents to anyone providing care
• 75% of US workforce are caregivers - largest untracked segment
• Rise of caregiver ERGs starting in civil rights era

[05:49 - 11:03] - The Business Case for Supporting Caregivers

• Increased retention, engagement, belonging
• US loses $35B annually from failing to support caregivers
• US ranks poorly compared to other countries

[11:04 - 18:58] - Best Practices in Caregiver Support

• Paid family leave, flexible scheduling, manager training
• Measuring caregiver status, gender-neutral policies
• Moving beyond compliance to build culture

[18:59 - 26:22] - The Challenges Caregivers Still Face

• Sarah's experience of bias as a new mother
• Leaders can be risk averse and waiting for compliance

[26:23 - 32:30] - How do we move forward?

• Work of “Parents in Tech Alliance” on education, advocacy
• Reasons for optimism like generational shifts
• Role of public policy on childcare affordability

Quotes: 

"American working families deserve better than last place." - Sarah Johal

"Don’t wait to come up with an equitable parental leave policy until the first employee becomes pregnant.” - Sarah Johal

"Most leaders are much more risk averse than we thought. Most of them are not being moved until it is required of them." - Sarah Johal

 _______________________________

Connect with Sarah Johal!

Website: www.parentsintechalliance.org and www.sarahjohal.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johalsf/

Download our FREE Strategizing for Inflation Guide here: https://www.excelsiorgp.com/download/

Connect with me:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-c-adams/ (LinkedIn)

LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND LEAVE US A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or whatever platform you listen on. Thank you for tuning in and Stay Tuned for the Next Episode COMING SOON!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.