In this episode, Tano Santos sits down with Jan Hummel, CIO of Paradigm Capital, revisiting his investment strategies and exploring the nuanced dimensions of risk management in the evolving European asset landscape. Jan discusses the foundational investment philosophy of Paradigm Capital, emphasizing risk minimization and the strategic deployment of assets across Europe. Key discussions pivot around the firm's selective investment criteria, focusing on companies in the small to mid-cap space and the significance of geographical and cultural nuances in their investment decisions. This conversation offers listeners insights into the subtleties of value investing, portfolio construction, the implications of geopolitical and economic dynamics on market opportunities, and so much more!   Key Topics:  Introduction and background of Jan Hummel (0:37) Fundamental tenets of investment philosophy at Paradigm Capital (1:25) The impact of European market dynamics on investment strategies (7:25) Sourcing and valuing investment opportunities (9:47) Specific approaches to risk management and hedging strategies (22:23) Portfolio sizing and the decision-making process behind exiting investments (26:00) The role of geographical focus in Paradigm's investment strategy (29:12) Valuation techniques and practical applications in portfolio management (32:03) Trends and challenges in the European asset management industry (36:48) Macro-economic factors influencing market conditions and investment decisions (40:30) Prospects for growth and opportunities in the European financial landscape (45:17) Jan’s book recommendations (46:06) And much more!    Mentioned in this Episode:     The Fiscal Theory of the Price Level by John Cochrane Paradigm Capital Columbia Business School    Thanks for Listening!   Be sure to subscribe on  Apple,  Google, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. And feel free to drop us a line at valueinvesting@gsb.columbia.edu.   Follow the Heilbrunn Center on social media on Instagram, LinkedIn, and more!

Jan Hummel - Deep Diligence at Paradigm Capital

Value investing is more than an investment strategy — it’s a fundamental way of thinking about finance. Value investing was developed in the 1920s at Columbia Business School by professors Benjamin Graham and David Dodd, MS ’21. The authors of the classic text, Security Analysis, Graham and Dodd were the very pioneers of their field and their security analysis principles provided the first rational basis for investment decisions. Despite the vast and volatile changes in the economy and securities markets during the last several decades, value investing has proven to be the most successful money management strategy ever developed. Value investors’ success over the second half of the twentieth century proved not only the validity of the value approach, but its preeminence over even the most widely taught and practiced modern investment theory, which was developed in the 1950s and ’60s and remains dominant even today.

Our mission today is to promote the study and practice of Graham & Dodd’s original investing principles and to improve investing with world-class education, research, and practitioner-academic dialogue. In this podcast you will hear from some of the world’s greatest investors, their views on the investment management industry, how they developed their investment process and how they see the field changing over time.

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In the third episode of Season 10, hosts Tano Santos and Michael Mauboussin speak with James Bessen, Executive Director of the Technology and Policy Research Initiative at Boston University. Delving into the intricacies of technological advancement and market dynamics, Bessen shares his insights on the evolving landscape of competition and innovation. The discussion highlights the impact of proprietary software on industry disruption, exploring the significant shift from mass production to mass customization facilitated by technology. This episode not only provides a deep dive into the challenges and opportunities presented by the digital age but also prompts a reflection on the future of value investing in a tech-dominated world and so much more!     Key Topics:  Welcome to Season 10 of Value Investing with Legends (0:20) Exploring the concept of barriers to entry in value investing (1:05) James Bessen discusses technology's economic impact (3:15) Analysis of the decline in economic disruption despite technological growth (5:10) Impact of proprietary software on industry stability and market concentration (6:35) Historical perspective on technology's influence on the economy (8:25) The role of proprietary software in shaping competitive dynamics (10:30) The transition from mass production to mass customization in retail (12:05) Walmart’s evolution and strategy in retail sector dynamics (14:20) Discussion on the concept of skill premium and technological advancements (24:55) Artificial intelligence’s influence on market dynamics and job skills (26:10) Examining the pace and implications of innovation diffusion (31:00) Regulatory challenges and tech dominance in the market (34:10) Concentration of innovation and its economic implications (36:20) James’ book recommendations (43:10) And much more!  Mentioned in this Episode:     The New Goliaths: How Corporations Use Software to Dominate Industries, Kill Innovation, and Undermine Regulation by James Bessen  Learning by Doing: The Real Connection between Innovation, Wages, and Wealth by James Bessen  The Great Reversal: How America Gave Up on Free Markets by Thomas Philippon  The Lever of Riches: Technological Creativity and Economic Progress by Joel Mokyr  Worldly Philosopher: The Odyssey of Albert O. Hirschman by Jeremy Adelman      Thanks for Listening!   Be sure to subscribe on  Apple,  Google, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. And feel free to drop us a line at valueinvesting@gsb.columbia.edu.   Follow the Heilbrunn Center on social media on Instagram, LinkedIn, and more!

James Bessen - Understanding the Tech Paradigm

In this heartfelt episode, we pay tribute to Charlie Munger, the visionary vice chairman of Berkshire Hathaway who recently passed away. Joining us is Todd Combs, an investment officer at Berkshire Hathaway and a close acquaintance of Munger. Todd shares personal anecdotes and insights into Munger's profound influence on the investment world and his unique approach to life and business. From his early meetings with Munger to the invaluable lessons on value investing and rational thinking, Todd provides an intimate look into the wisdom of one of the greatest investors of our time.     Key Topics:  Celebrating Charlie Munger’s contributions and legacy (01:20) Todd’s initial encounters with Munger (02:15) The intellectual journey and partnership between Munger and Buffett (08:57) Munger's approach to life, investing, and the importance of mental models (11:22) Behavioral economics insights shared by Munger (13:00) The practical applications of Munger’s wisdom in business and investing (16:17) Munger’s lasting impact (24:59) And much more!    Mentioned in this Episode:     Poor Charlie’s Almanack: The Essential Wit and Wisdom of Charles T. Munger by Charles T. Munger   Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman       Thanks for Listening!   Be sure to subscribe on  Apple,  Google, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. And feel free to drop us a line at valueinvesting@gsb.columbia.edu.   Follow the Heilbrunn Center on social media on Instagram, LinkedIn, and more!

Todd Combs - Charlie Munger's Legacy

Today's discussion with Kim Lew, President and CEO of the Columbia Investment Management Company, traverses her unique journey from her roots in the Bronx to managing a prominent Ivy League endowment. Kim shares her insights on navigating the intricate world of investment management, particularly in risk management and asset allocation. With a career marked by pivotal roles at entities like the Ford Foundation and Carnegie Corporation, her expertise brings a nuanced understanding of the interplay between market dynamics and organizational strategy. This episode explores how adaptability, intellectual curiosity, and understanding global trends shape successful investment approaches.   Key Topics:  Kim's early career and transition to finance (2:59) Role at Chemical Bank and career progression (5:05) Experience at Prudential Capital and Ford Foundation (9:27) Shift to Carnegie Corporation and Columbia Investment Management (18:07) Challenges of managing a larger endowment (20:13) Aligning endowment goals with university values and ESG considerations (22:08) Comprehensive approach to risk management (26:54) Asset allocation and balancing public vs. private markets (34:06) The concept of future-proofing investment strategies (41:19) Organizational behavior in asset management (48:54) Importance of intellectual curiosity in team members (55:11) Kim’s book recommendations (1:01:01) And much more!  Mentioned in this Episode:   Columbia Finance  The Worlds I See: Curiosity, Exploration, and Discovery at the Dawn of AI by Fei-Fei Li  Quit: The Power of Knowing When to Walk Away by Annie Duke  Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things    Thanks for Listening!   Be sure to subscribe on  Apple,  Google, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. And feel free to drop us a line at valueinvesting@gsb.columbia.edu.   Follow the Heilbrunn Center on social media on Instagram, LinkedIn, and more!

Kim Lew - The Dynamics of Risk Management and Asset Allocation

In the complex world of financial markets and economic fluctuations, John Armitage, a seasoned investment maestro, sits down with us today. As the chief strategist behind the success of Egerton Capital, Armitage brings his profound insights into navigating the complexities of portfolio management and the subtle art of risk-taking in fluctuating markets. His expertise, honed through years of experience, sheds light on the critical impact of macroeconomic shifts and the pitfalls that stock pickers often encounter amidst outdated corporate data. This episode delves into passive investing, dissecting the crucial role of competitive dynamics in sectors like European aviation and examining the transformative impact of a growing talent pool on the traditional realms of asset management. Armitage also ventures into the ethical crossroads, intertwining moral integrity, societal upheaval, and the revolutionary wave of artificial intelligence. We uncover his focus on growth, governance, and quality, underpinned by a meticulous decision-making process at Egerton Capital, his literary pursuits, pondering over the influence of literature on his investment philosophy, and so much more!     Key Topics:  Overview of Egerton Capital (1:42) Transitioning from broad ideas to specific investments and the role of specialization (8:29) Egerton Capital’s approach to researching new investment opportunities (12:58) Understanding market signals and opposing investment perspectives (15:46) John’s approach to portfolio building and decision-making in investing (20:00) Client importance, portfolio building, and decision-making in investing (23:37) Luck, being in the right place at the right time, and mentorship (28:07) Managing portfolio volatility and the frequency of financial crises (30:54) John’s positive outlook on reinsurance space and companies like Ryanair and Meta (35:31) The future of stock picking and asset management (41:19) What worries John and excites him about the future (43:09) John’s book recommendations (45:29) And much more!  Mentioned in this Episode:  Egerton Capital  The Golden Mole and Other Living Treasure by Katherine Rundell  Super-Infinite - The Transformations of John Donne by Katherine Rundell  The Fall of Robespierre: 24 Hours in Revolutionary Paris by Colin Jones  The Sword and the Shield by Christopher Andrew and Vasilli Mitrokhin    Thanks for Listening!   Be sure to subscribe on  Apple,  Google, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. And feel free to drop us a line at valueinvesting@gsb.columbia.edu.   Follow the Heilbrunn Center on social media on Instagram, LinkedIn, and more!

Jan Hummel - Deep Diligence at Paradigm Capital

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