This week’s highlights: Costco, Private Equity, and Data Science

Issue 388
by David Wells – Nashville TN
Happy Friday –
It’s been a busy week, and my time for reading was more compressed than usual. But thanks to a couple of long drives, I had the chance to blow through a bunch of podcasts. You’ll see a few recommended below.
One series to call out – highly recommend a new series called Deep Cover. “Deep Cover is the true story of an FBI agent in Detroit who goes undercover in an outlaw motorcycle gang and makes a series of bizarre discoveries that inadvertently lead to the US invasion of a foreign country.”
Food for Thought
- WashPo – “I’m Sorry, but it’s a fantasy“ One school superintendent looks at the choice to reopen. Thoughtfully captures all the moving pieces involved in such a decision. “Each possibility I come up with is a bad one.”
- StrategicOffsite – Welcome to the Moon The rules of meetings are different when virtual – recognizing the differences and deploying to your advantage is key.
- LinkedIn – Checking In: the power of intention, reflection, and action to be your best and help others do the same
- Napkin Math – How Costco Convinces Brands to Cannibalize Themselves
Business
- MorganStanley – Public to Private Equity in the United States: A Long-Term Look Michael Mauboussin is out again with a thought piece to reference for years to come.
- Capital Allocators – Inside Data Science at Point 72 Matthew Granade is Chief Market Intelligence Officer at Point72 and the Managing Partner of Point72 Ventures. Matthew oversees all proprietary research and data efforts at the firm, manages several of the internal systematic strategies, and leads early stage venture investing.
- PompPodcast – Kat Cole – The Best Business Leader in America? I listened to 2+ hours of interviews with Kat with a couple of different hosts – I was blown away by her thoughtfulness as a leader.
- Amazon – Statement by Jeff Bezos to the U.S. House Committee on the Judiciary I never knew much of Bezos’ family story – a great read.
- Bloomberg – Now an App Can Pitch Mergers