Category: Culture Is Strategic

Think Like an Owner Podcast Interview

At Greybull, we love situations where our co-owners managing our investments think like owners — because they are owners. It is a wonderful situation. I recently had an enjoyable conversation with Alex Bridgeman who has a podcast titled “Think Like an Owner” — it is… Continue reading

Just Do It: Shoe Dog Shares Deep Stories of Business

Attending the Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting this past weekend reminded me of Buffett’s book recommendation of “Shoe Dog” by Nike’s Phil Knight a couple of years ago. “Phil is a very wise, intelligent, and competitive fellow who is also a gifted storyteller,” said Buffett. That… Continue reading

Roger Murphy’s Significant Life & Murphy Business Brokerage

Living a significant life that has a significant positive impact on others is a great accomplishment.  I believe that the investments of Greybull Stewardship are a force for good in the world and have a significant positive impact.  That is certainly true for business brokerage generally, Roger… Continue reading

Culture Eats Strategy for Lunch

The massage school where I am a co-owner, the National Holistic Institute, recently had our annual all staff gathering in Northern California.  It is a big investment, but also a critical culture investment to get everyone on the same page.  In a school, the interactions… Continue reading

Cheers to the Greybull All-Star Management Teams and CEOs

I love the companies Greybull Stewardship has invested with and I love working with the all-star management teams running those businesses.  As we turn the corner into 2016, those are my overwhelming thoughts and feelings.  Greybull All-Star Management Teams Here are some of the reasons why:… Continue reading

Ownership Mind: A Prerequisite for Equity Owning

There is an old fashion idea that one “should dress for the position that you want.”  If you want to be a bank executive, you should wear a suit and tie even if your current role does not require it.  Not sure this reference is totally relevant… Continue reading

Super Investor, Seth Klarman, on Lessons Learned from Buffett

Seth Klarman has a legendary hedge fund that you may not know, the Baupost Group.  His returns in that fund have been Buffett-like. He is a value investor . . . truly, not just someone who likes to say that word.  His insights are treasured,… Continue reading

Three More Lessons from Warren Buffett and Berkshire Hathaway

Two recent items helped me draw lessons for how I want to manage my investment firm, Greybull Stewardship.  The first is Warren Buffet’s memo that he sent last month to the managers of the 80 businesses of Berkshire, and the other is in the book,… Continue reading

Resilient Companies Balance Continuity with Shock Absorption

Time can be an overlooked element in business.  Time can be an enemy, and time can be a friend.  Understanding the impact of time on your business separates the best business minds from the rest.  Time affects the pace of change for components of your business, your… Continue reading

My Co-Owners Are Best Part of Investing

The best part of Greybull Stewardship for me is working with the people at the portfolio companies once the investment is done.  The initial discovery process is fun — meeting the management for the first time, understanding what has made the company successful, and exploring… Continue reading