In this episode, the host shares insights on his recent speaking engagement at Notre Dame's "Art of Investing" class, led by admirers Rick and Paul, and the inspiring conversation that ensued, which is available as a podcast episode. He also recounts his friendship with Mitchell Baldridge, an early listener of the "Founders" podcast and a boutique CPA catering to ultra-high net worth individuals. Mitchell's expertise in tax savings for entrepreneurs led to the development of a bookkeeping product aimed at small businesses, demonstrating the same cost-watching obsession that historical entrepreneurs leveraged for competitive advantage. Additionally, the host previews an episode on Anna Wintour's career, highlighting her intense focus, influence in fashion, and involvement in every detail, from personal branding to industry-wide impact. Lastly, he introduces Vesto, an investment service for businesses, founded by Ben, which extends financial runways through US treasuries, and encourages listeners to explore its offerings.
"I was invited to go speak at Notre Dame. There's a class at Notre Dame called Art of investing. It's run by these two guys named Rick and Paul... They're huge fans of founders, actually both Harvard MBAs, and they say outrageous things like they've learned more from founders than they did when they got their MBA at Harvard."
This quote explains how David Senra's podcast has impacted Rick and Paul, leading to his invitation to speak at their class at Notre Dame.
"The very first thing I meet Mitchell, he doesn't say, hey, nice to meet you. Hey, I love your podcast. He looks at me, he goes, why isn't your podcast more well known?"
This quote highlights the initial interaction between David and Mitchell, emphasizing the unexpected nature of their meeting and the beginning of their professional relationship.
"The two most important lessons that you and I talk about over and over again, one is the importance of focus... And two, they are all obsessed with watching their expenses."
This quote summarizes the two key lessons that are repeatedly discussed on David's podcast: the importance of focus and the obsession with managing expenses.
"Vesto makes it easy for you to invest your business's idle cash... Vesto helps all businesses of all sizes invest their cash in us treasuries."
This quote introduces Vesto and its services, explaining how it benefits businesses by investing their idle cash.
"When Anna called a meeting, if you didn't arrive early, you were late."
This quote exemplifies Anna Wintour's strict approach to punctuality and meetings, reflecting her work ethic and influence.
"Her father helped her land her first editorial job at the fashion title, Harper and Queen."
This quote underscores the role of Anna Wintour's father in her early career, setting the stage for her eventual rise in the fashion industry.
"She learned to keep meetings very short... Her meetings are 2 minutes long. The first 60 seconds are guaranteed. The second minute is a courtesy."
This quote highlights Anna Wintour's efficient and decisive approach to meetings, reflecting her leadership style.
"I just have to make sure things are being done right."
This quote encapsulates Anna Wintour's personal philosophy and approach to her work, emphasizing her commitment to excellence and control.
"She was a major character in the story of Larry Gagosian and a major client for Larry Gagosian. He owned Conde Nast at this time." "When she was promoted in 2020, she fired most of the staff, and then as a result of the way she fired them, this is where she starts getting this reputation, I guess, this nickname that continues with her to this day. They call her the ice Queen." "My husband was chief of child psychiatry at Columbia University, and he did not want to give up his position. So we commuted quite a bit." "Mirabella learnt on tv that she had been fired."
The quotes outline the interconnectedness of major figures in the art and fashion industry, Anna's decisive managerial actions upon her promotion, the personal challenges she faced while working in London, and the harsh business tactics employed by Conde Nast leadership, contributing to Anna's reputation.
"In the wake of the 1990 recession, Vogue's ad pages fell." "It is probable that Conde Nas cannot afford to lose her." "Vogue actually sells something called the Vogue 100." "Delegation is not among Anna's managerial talents."
The quotes highlight Vogue's adaptation to economic challenges, the importance of Anna Wintour to Conde Nast, the introduction of an elite club for direct access to her, and her intense focus on detail in her management approach.
"Anna was a voracious reader from a very young age." "He taught all of us, meaning all her siblings, what work ethic is and how important it is to love what you do in life." "Charles was by no means easy to be around. In daily interactions, he was quiet, cold, and exacting."
These quotes describe Anna's early reading habits, the work ethic instilled by her father, and his intimidating presence, drawing parallels between his professional demeanor and Anna's own.
"At the bottom of it said, career objectives. And I said, what shall I do? How do I fill this out? And he said, well, you write that you want to be the editor of Vogue, of course." "Anna was a perfectionist. Not the type to forget a dress or lose some jewelry." "Anna was frank about her ambition. Even as a lowly junior fashion editor, American Vogue was the job that she really, really wanted."
The quotes reflect Anna's clarity in her career goals, her meticulous nature, and her ambition to lead American Vogue, illustrating her proactive and determined approach to her professional life, akin to an entrepreneur or founder.
"Anna had one concern when she was on the job, and it wasn't adopting friendly american manners. Her focus was singular." "Anna's power in those days lay in her silence. You knew there was a lot going on in her head, but she was not sharing it." "Anna did not bother with niceties. If a photographer came in with a portfolio she didn't like, there was no pretending that she would think about it to spare someone's feelings."
These quotes encapsulate Anna's single-minded focus on her job, her silent but intense presence, and her direct, no-nonsense approach to professional interactions, emphasizing her commitment to quality and her uncompromising vision for her work.
"She was always her own person. She didn't really listen to any structure because whether she was or not, she was the boss."
This quote underscores Anna's independent nature and her tendency to lead, regardless of her official position, which was a defining characteristic throughout her career.
"Anna would move through the fitting with the same rapid pace of an assembly line."
This quote illustrates Anna's efficiency and methodical approach to work, aligning with her reputation for being decisive and prepared.
"She wore high heels every day, which didn't bother her because, she said, it's not that far from the front door to the limo."
This quote reflects Anna's confidence and humor, as well as her nonconformity to the typical workplace environment.
"Impressed with Anna's work in New York, she arranged a meeting with Mirabella. Mirabella asked Anna what job she would like at Vogue, and Anna replied, yours."
This quote highlights Anna's audacity and clear ambition, which was instrumental in her rise to the top of Vogue.
"Anna ran the magazine with iron fisted discipline."
This quote encapsulates Anna's authoritative and uncompromising management style, which transformed British Vogue during her leadership.
"By focusing so much on the social side, Anna was asserting herself as more than a magazine editor."
This quote indicates how Anna used her role and social acumen to extend her influence beyond the editorial scope, becoming a central figure in the fashion world.
"The power she has cannot be understated."
This quote emphasizes the extent of Anna Wintour's influence in the fashion industry.
"She's complete control of Vogue."
This quote speaks to Wintour's authoritative position within Vogue magazine.
"She expected as much from her team as she expected from herself."
This quote highlights Wintour's high expectations for both herself and her team.
"And so a lot of people, the person that wrote the devil wears Prada was actually one of her assistants."
This quote provides an example of someone who found Wintour's work environment too demanding.
"She just goes right to the point."
This quote describes Wintour's direct communication style.
"Steve never questioned me. For all his insistence, he respected passion."
This quote from Ed Catmull reflects the shared value of passion between Steve Jobs and Anna Wintour.
"I thought you held the workup as the most important."
This quote from a conversation between Steve Jobs and Johnny Ive emphasizes the prioritization of work quality over personal image.
"Anna knew from her own father how painful having a cheating parent was."
This quote reveals the personal family history that has influenced Wintour's life.
"Anna is not capable of empathy."
This quote, attributed to Wintour's ex-husband, raises questions about her interpersonal relationships and emotional intelligence.
"The Met Gala is an asset."
This quote underscores the strategic value of the Met Gala to Vogue and the fashion industry.
"Anna wanted people to meet other people, and that's where a lot of business came from."
This quote explains Wintour's intention behind the social engineering at the Met Gala.
"One quality is the best strategy."
This quote reflects Wintour's advice to young designers, emphasizing the importance of quality in their work.
"She then makes her network your network."
This quote describes how Wintour extends her influential network to support up-and-coming designers.
"She has now become big Anna, and with her star power now transcending fashion and media, it would be terribly hard for Condé Nast ever to let her go."
This quote captures the impact of "The Devil Wears Prada" on Wintour's status within the industry and her employer, Condé Nast.
"She started with the goal to be in charge of Vogue, and now she is bigger than Vogue."
This quote summarizes Wintour's ascent from leading Vogue to becoming an influential figure that transcends the magazine itself.