The Profile: The self-made billionaire who never read an investment book & the age-gappers defending their relationships
This edition of The Profile features Anthony Geisler, Thomas Peterffy, Meg Bellamy, and more.
Happy New Year’s Eve (day?), friends! (A little late because I forgot to schedule the newsletter for today 💀)
Man, what a year.
In 2023, I published my book, HIDDEN GENIUS, moved back to New York City, and had another baby. Eventful!
Even though all of this happened, I still reached a point where I felt kind of … aimless. So I asked myself: When do I feel most energized? Most like myself? It’s when I’m interviewing a person I find interesting.
It’s that simple … so why wasn’t I doing it?
I realized I had become a curator, which is … far from an interviewer. So rather than hiding behind the smokescreen of curation, I decided to pivot The Profile toward more original interviews.
To prevent this feeling of aimlessness again, my motto for the new year is: “Do one hard thing in 2024.”
As Jesse Itzler said in a recent profile, take on one daunting challenge per year that forces growth. The examples he offers include, “skydiving to conquer your fear of heights, completing a triathlon, or repairing a relationship with an estranged parent.”
In a Joe Rogan podcast, Itzler says: “You do something so hard one time a year that it has an impact on you the other 364 days. I can look back since 2008 … I’ve had moments like that every year.”
For me, that daunting challenge will be to run a half marathon after barely exercising during nine months of pregnancy. (Who is unhinged enough to sign up for a half marathon with a two-week baby and a wild toddler? Hi, it’s me!)
So I hope that you all take on at least one such challenge this year and you let me know how it goes.
Cheers to an extraordinary 2024! 🥂
—
Below, I’ve compiled some of the best profiles, interviews, podcasts, and videos that I’ve shared throughout the year. I hope you enjoy.
Here is 2023 through the eyes of The Profile. (If you want more year-end-reviews, check out the 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, and 2017 editions as well.)
✨ BEST PROFILE DOSSIERS
(These are normally only accessible to premium members but I've unlocked them for a limited time. If you want the full archive, become a premium member here.)
Amaryllis Fox, the ex-CIA agent performing the most clandestine operations
Hans Zimmer, the film composer using music to manipulate your emotions
Josh Waitzkin, the man who can master any craft
Oprah Winfrey, the self-made billionaire who revolutionized media
Stephen King, the master of suspense
Anna Wintour, the power broker of the fashion world
✨ BEST PROFILE ORIGINAL INTERVIEWS
Football icon JJ Watt discusses his next chapter — diving into the world of business, making startup investments, fighting complacency, and creating a new identity that isn’t solely tied to football.
Laura Dekker, the youngest person to sail solo around the world, talks about what prompted her to take on a voyage this challenging, how she navigated (and eventually won) her fight with the Dutch government, and how she plans to use the lessons she learned as a young sailor to parent her own kids.
Alpine Investors founder Graham Weaver unpacks his unique investment strategy, what daily habits have transformed his life, and how to live an asymmetric life.
Panera Bread founder Ron Shaich gives a playbook on how to build iconic brands, why ubiquity can breed contempt, and what founders should consider before taking their company public.
Former U.S. Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson gives insights into developing mental resilience, making decisions in times of crisis, and some of the biggest lessons she’s learned after decades in leadership.
Four-time NBA champion John Salley shares ideas on improving the NBA, stories about playing with Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, and tips for achieving success in career and health.
Netflix’s 'Full Swing' executive producer Chad Mumm discusses the inception of “Full Swing,” the LIV Golf controversy, and his creative process for creating hit TV shows.
‘Formula 1: Drive to Survive’ Director Martin Webb explains the nuts and bolts of his creative process, interview technique, and the importance of compelling storytelling
…The above is only an excerpt. Read the full article below:
PROFILES.
— The founder who built the world’s biggest boutique fitness company [**HIGHLY RECOMMEND**]
— The age-gappers defending their relationships
— The self-made billionaire who never read an investment book
— The unknown actress playing Duchess Kate Middleton
— The couple that’s been married for 82 years
PEOPLE TO KNOW.
The founder who built the world’s biggest boutique fitness company: In 2015, California entrepreneur Anthony Geisler began acquiring small studio chains like CycleBar, Pure Barre, Row House, and Rumble Boxing. Geisler has quietly built the world’s biggest boutique workout empire, Xponential Fitness Inc. To get there, he employed a growth model more typical of a McDonald’s or Dunkin’ Donuts. Instead of owning all the studios, Xponential franchises them, selling investors rights to the brand along with a business plan and the promise of corporate support. So why have so many of the franchisees declared bankruptcy, lost their retirement savings, or suffered nervous breakdowns? (Bloomberg)
“This franchise is really sophisticated with their messaging and really good at getting new blood and sucking them dry.”
The age-gappers defending their relationships: In 2019, we all saw the graph tracking Leonardo DiCaprio’s age alongside the ages of his successive girlfriends. As DiCaprio moved through his 30s into middle age, the age range of his girlfriends never topped 25. Increasingly, people engaging in online conversations about age gaps assert that any relationship between a person in their early or even mid-20s and someone older is inherently predatory. But what if the people in age-gap relationships are happy and satisfied? Why is it so hard for us to believe them? (New York Magazine)
“I had to prove to people I loved that I wasn’t being taken advantage of.”
The self-made billionaire who never read an investment book: Finance whiz Thomas Peterffy made his fortune trading options, making markets and building a brokerage for sophisticated traders. Now he’s sharing his investment wisdom—including why he relies on his own research when placing risky bets. (Forbes)
“People who write investment books, you have to ask yourself the question: Why would they do that? If they really knew something, they would keep it to themselves.”
The unknown actress playing Duchess Kate Middleton: Meg Bellamy was working at Legoland when she was chosen to play Britain’s future queen in the Netflix series, The Crown. Now she’s on the brink of stardom. What was it about Bellamy that prompted executives to take a chance on her for this role? (The New York Times)
“I hope that I’ve done Kate justice.”
The couple that’s been married for 82 years: Carla, who’s 100, and Jack, who just turned 105, celebrated a major milestone in August: 82 years of marriage. “We’re very lucky,” said Carla, who has short-term memory loss. This is a profile of a couple truly in love, and it reads like the real-life story of ‘The Notebook.’ (LA Times)
“They grew up together and now they’ve grown old together, and their relationship remains so strong. [Their marriage] has taught me unconditional love.”
—
This edition doesn’t include the audio and video sections because I didn’t want to overwhelm you with recommendations (and the newsletter got too long). Regular programming back next week!
1/2 marathon: get it girl! Consistent training and good 👟 = finish line 💪🏼🏃🏻♀️