In this episode, we host Christopher Zook, the founder, chairman, and chief investment officer at CAZ Investments. The episode delves into Zook's journey in finance, his collaboration with Tony Robbins, and the release of their book, "The Holy Grail of Investing." Zook shares how his life has transformed since the book's release and emphasizes the importance of providing access to alternative investments for a broader audience.

The conversation explores the significance of persistence in investment strategies and the role of consistency in navigating volatile markets. Zook reflects on his experiences during the subprime mortgage crisis, highlighting the need for rational decision-making amidst market euphoria. He shares valuable insights into sizing investments appropriately and discusses the key principles that drive success in alternative investments.

Throughout the episode, Zook emphasizes the importance of learning from successful investors and applying their strategies thoughtfully. He underscores the need for investors to evaluate risk-adjusted returns and maintain a disciplined approach in their investment decisions. Zook's wealth of experience and practical wisdom offer listeners valuable guidance in achieving financial success in any market environment.

Takeaways

• 'The Holy Grail of Investing' provides access to alternative investment opportunities that are typically inaccessible to most people.
• Setting goals is crucial for achieving success in investing.
• Persistency and consistency are key traits of successful investors.
• Risk management and sizing investments correctly are essential for long-term investment success.

In this episode of The Angel with Michael Conniff, Alina Doran, an executive coach and advisor, joins Michael to discuss strategies for success in matrixed organizations and coaching. Alina shares her journey from a corporate career at the Walt Disney Company to pursuing her lifelong dream of coaching. They delve into the challenges of working in matrixed organizations, the importance of influence and visibility, and the dynamics of cross-functional teams.

Alina also reflects on her experiences at the New York Times during a tumultuous period of transition in the media industry, where she witnessed the evolution of digital strategies and the implementation of paywalls and subscription models. Throughout the conversation, Alina emphasizes the significance of authenticity, trust, and kindness in fostering productive work environments and achieving business results.

Key themes include:

• The intersection of personal and professional growth in coaching sessions.
• Strategies for building trust and influence in matrixed organizations.
• The impact of toxic behaviors on individual well-being and organizational performance.
• The evolution of digital media and the challenges of adapting to changing business models.
• The role of honesty, integrity, and authenticity in leadership and team dynamics.

3 Lessons

a. The Intersection of Personal and Professional Growth: Alina's journey underscores the importance of aligning personal values with professional aspirations. By pursuing her lifelong dream of coaching, she found fulfillment and success in a new career path. This highlights the significance of integrating personal growth with professional endeavors, emphasizing authenticity and staying true to oneself.

b. Building Trust and Influence in Matrixed Organizations: Alina discusses the challenges of working in matrixed organizations and emphasizes the importance of building trust and influence across diverse teams. This lesson underscores the value of effective communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills in navigating complex organizational structures.

c. Impact of Toxic Behaviors on Individual Well-being and Organizational Performance: Throughout the conversation, Alina stresses the detrimental effects of toxic behaviors on both individual well-being and organizational performance. This lesson highlights the importance of fostering positive work environments characterized by authenticity, trust, and kindness. Leaders and team members alike must prioritize creating a culture that promotes psychological safety and supports employee growth and development.

Alina shares insights from her journey and highlights the importance of aligning personal values with professional aspirations. As she continues to expand her coaching and advising business, she remains committed to helping individuals and organizations thrive in today's complex and dynamic work environments.

In this episode of "The Angel" with Michael Conniff, Melissa Withers, Managing Partner & Co-Founder of RevUp Capital, joins as a guest to discuss their unique approach to investing in startups.

Melissa shares insights into RevUp's non-dilutive revenue-based investment model, which focuses on long-term growth rather than short-term exits. Unlike traditional equity models, RevUp invests in companies based on their revenue potential, allowing for flexibility and support throughout the journey. With a track record of almost a decade, Melissa emphasizes the importance of a diversified capital toolkit for early-stage companies.

The conversation delves into the nuances of RevUp's investment strategy, highlighting the benefits for founders, such as non-dilution and flexibility in capital usage. Melissa breaks down the repayment structure, emphasizing the alignment of interests between RevUp and the companies they invest in.

She also discusses the selection criteria for investments, focusing on factors beyond just revenue, such as team dynamics and unit economics. Melissa emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships with founders, likening the investment process to a partnership built on trust and mutual respect.

Furthermore, Melissa shared examples of success within RevUp's portfolio, ranging from companies with unconventional exits to those still in operation today. She stressed that success is defined more broadly in their model, often reflecting the founder's goals and aspirations rather than solely focusing on financial returns.

Throughout the conversation, Melissa highlighted RevUp's commitment to supporting founders and building long-term relationships, challenging the cynicism often associated with traditional venture capital models. She emphasized the importance of aligning with founders' interests and goals, promoting flexibility, engagement, and a broader understanding of success.

Overall, the episode provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of startup funding and the role of alternative investment models like RevUp Capital in supporting entrepreneurial growth.