By Big Shot
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The podcast currently has 24 episodes available.
In this special live episode of Big Shot, recorded at StartupFest, we are excited to welcome Heather Reisman, the trailblazing entrepreneur behind Indigo Books & Music. Heather's remarkable journey began as a single mother learning to code to support her children.
Fueled by grit, a bit of luck, and a talent for connecting with extraordinary people, Heather built Indigo into Canada’s largest bookseller. However, Heather's ambitions extend beyond her role as founder and CEO. She is also a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and philanthropist, having contributed $100 million to the University of Toronto and supported various causes through her foundation, HSEG, which aids the education of lone soldiers after their service in the IDF. In today’s conversation, we talk about:
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In This Episode We Cover:
(05:08) Welcome Heather Reisman
(05:35) What it was like growing up in the Reisman household
(10:26) Heather’s experience working at her mother’s retail store
(11:15) Heather’s early passion for books
(12:44) Why Curiosity is the key to everything
(14:00) Heather’s coding journey as a single mom
(16:00) Why Heather quit her job after an undeserved demotion
(17:00) Heather’s time working at a consulting firm
(19:00) Co-founding Paradigm
(19:56) Heather’s thoughts on change and why she left consulting
(24:29) Why Heather left Cott
(26:55) Heather’s depression and the book that kickstarted the next chapter of her life
(20:24) The Borders deal that never worked out
(33:00) Raising $25 million and founding Indigo
(37:19) The story of acquiring Chapters
(39:45) Integrating Chapters
(42:13) How the ‘New Coke” failure inspired Heather to keep Chapters and Indigo separate
(43:20) Why Heather founded an e-reader company called Kobo
(48:47) Selling Kobo to Rakuten for $315 million
(50:19) The power of Heather’s Picks
(52:13) Taking Indigo private
(53:00) Heather’s literacy goals and the importance of curation
(57:00) How Heather balances work and family life
Where To Find Heather Reisman:
X: https://x.com/heatherreisman
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heatherreisman
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hreisman
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-reisman-3bab2319
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/discover/heather-reisman-indigo
Where To Find Big Shot:
Website: https://www.bigshot.show/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bigshotpodcast
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bigshotshow
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigshotshow/
Harley Finkelstein: https://twitter.com/harleyf
David Segal: https://twitter.com/tea_maverick
Production and Marketing: https://penname.co
Harley Finkelstein and David Segal are back with Season 3 of Big Shot! Today, we chat with beauty industry icon Bobbi Brown. Known for her work as a makeup artist, Bobbi’s expertise has been showcased on the covers of leading magazines, including Cosmopolitan, Allure, Mademoiselle, and Teen. She’s the author of nine beauty books, with five achieving bestseller status.
In 1991, Bobbi founded Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, which Estée Lauder acquired for $74.5 million four years later. Bobbi had a 25-year non-compete with Estée Lauder, and as soon as that expired, she launched her latest company, a clean beauty brand called Jones Road.
In our conversation, we discuss the following:
How chutzpah and optimism landed Bobbi her first Vogue cover
How Bobbi developed her first lipstick and the original ten that became the brand’s foundation.
How organic networking was a big part of Bobbi’s success
The Estée Lauder acquisition of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics and Bobbi’s friendship with Leonard Lauder
How Bobbi prioritized motherhood over work
Life after the non-compete: Her new partnerships and Jones Road
And so much more
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In This Episode We Cover:
(04:28) How Bobbi got started by cold-calling models and agencies
(10:30) How Bobbi learned entrepreneurship skills at Emerson
(12:52) Bobbi’s first lipstick and the beginnings of her makeup empire
(17:39) The Bergdorf Goodman deal that almost fell apart
(21:30) A chance encounter in an elevator that led Bobbi to her second chemist
(22:10) Meeting Jeff Zucker’s grandmother and landing a regular spot on The Today Show
(26:15) Trailblazing the natural makeup movement
(34:10) Bobbi’s meeting with Leonard Lauder of Estée Lauder
(35:59) How Bobbi was able to prioritize her kids
(39:20) The sale to Estée Lauder
(42:54) How Bobbi celebrated and shared her wealth with her family
(43:45) The first freestanding store, and how Leonard Lauder supported Bobbi
(47:00) The decline of Bobbi’s relationship with Estée Lauder that led to her leaving
(51:30) The Just Bobbi curated collection at Lord and Taylor
(53:30) How Bobbi moved on from the drama at Estée Lauder
(1:00:01) Launching Jones Road
(1:08:55) Miracle Balm’s instant popularity
(1:10:20) Bobbi’s response to a TikTok influencer trashing her foundation
(1:13:43) Bobbi’s thoughts on selling her new company
(1:14:45) Bobbi’s partnership with her son, Cody
(1:17:03) New learnings at Jones Road
(1:18:28) Bobbi’s thoughts on chutzpah
(1:19:25) Bobbi’s perspective on health and longevity
(1:20:36) What being Jewish means to Bobbi
(1:23:15) The secret to Bobbi’s successful marriage and partnership
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Where to find Bobbi Brown:
X: https://x.com/justbobbibrown
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justbobbidotcom
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JustBobbiDotCom
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@justbobbibrown
Where To Find Big Shot:
Website: https://www.bigshot.show/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bigshotpodcast
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bigshotshow
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigshotshow/
Harley Finkelstein: https://twitter.com/harleyf
David Segal: https://twitter.com/tea_maverick
Production and Marketing: https://penname.co
In this episode of Big Shot, we sit down with the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of G-III Apparel Group, Morris Goldfarb. Morris took over running his father’s company at the age of 24. His journey is deeply rooted in the inspiring legacy of his father, Aron Goldfarb, a Holocaust survivor who immigrated to the U.S. and founded G-III in 1956. Morris has transformed the company from a small women's leather outerwear business into a global fashion powerhouse, managing brands like DKNY, Calvin Klein, and Tommy Hilfiger. In our conversation today, talk about:
The emotional impact of being the son of a Holocaust survivor
Morris’s strategies for growing the family business and taking it public
The setbacks G-III faced in 1995 and how Morris was able to successfully pivot the business
Brand acquisitions and licensing that became the bread and butter of G-III
Morris’s life outside work, including family and philanthropic accomplishments
And much more!
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In This Episode We Cover:
(01:50) Morris’s childhood in Israel and New York
(04:42) Morris’s dad, Aron Goldfarb’s memoir about the Holocaust, Maybe You Will Survive
(08:54) How Morris was affected by the Holocaust survival stories of his family and friends
(10:20) Aron Goldfarb’s clothing business and why he wanted Morris to get a city job
(12:36) How Morris took over the family business at the age of 24
(14:30) Morris’s ambition and early years expanding G&N Sportswear
(16:05) Morris’s consulting and building factories in South Korea
(19:59) G-III’s journey to going public
(22:40) Why Morris had to pivot the business in 1995 and move towards licensing
(31:50) The current state of G-III
(32:52) How Morris fought nepotism working at his father’s company
(34:17) Acquisitions that grew G-III
(38:18) An explanation of how licensing works at G-III
(40:18) The pitfalls of direct to consumer businesses
(42:26) Morris’s thoughts on licensing vs. owning brands
(43:24) Morris’s partnership with Carl Banks
(46:30) Morris’s family life and what it’s like working with his son
(50:53) Why G-III is not a great fit for most emerging brands
(52:50) What made Morris finally feel like he’d made it
(54:29) What chutzpah means to Morris
(54:55) Morris’s philosophy on giving back and why he built a Jewish cemetery in Poland
(59:18) Why Jews have made so many contributions to business, science, and academia
—
Where to find Morris Goldfarb:
Website: https://ir.giii.com/management/morris-goldfarb
Where To Find Big Shot:
Website: https://www.bigshot.show/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bigshotpodcast
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bigshotshow
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigshotshow/
Harley Finkelstein: https://twitter.com/harleyf
David Segal: https://twitter.com/tea_maverick
Production and Marketing: https://penname.co
When you think about a "convenience store manager," you probably don't imagine a future billionaire. But that's exactly the path Ron Shaich took from humble beginners selling Tollhouse cookies to a $7.5 billion restaurant empire. In this episode of Big Shot, Harley Finkelstein and David Segal welcome Shaich, the founder of Panera Bread, who shares his incredible journey from a nonprofit convenience store to his pivotal decision to create Panera Bread. Ron is a master at finding the trends others can't see before becoming popular. He shares the challenges and successes that defined his path, highlighting the power of adaptability and innovation. And breaks down the difference between risk-taking and risk-avoidance, and how leaning into one over the other can lead to incredible success.
The episode is filled with incredible takeaways, including:
How Ron has the best-performing restaurant stock of all time (44x return compared to the S&P 500)
Why his first store in college was a spite store
What he learned from his IPO with Au Bon Pain
How he created an entirely new category, “Fast Casual”
And so much more
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In This Episode We Cover:
(02:35) Ron’s early years growing up in New Jersey in a family of left-wing political activists
(07:50) Ron’s gap year working for a congressman
(09:45) How a false accusation of shoplifting prompted Ron to open a convenience store
(14:50) How Ron fell in love with business and his time at Harvard Business School
(19:28) The rewards of entrepreneurship
(20:40) What business has in common with politics
(23:22) How Ron made money selling flea collars in college
(26:00) Why Ron got his inheritance early
(27:35) Ron’s work in DC as President of Targeting Systems
(29:08) How Ron opened The Cookie Jar in Boston
(31:43) Ron’s partnership with Au Bon Pain’s founder, Louis Kane
(39:44) Ron and Louis’s exceptional friendship and partnership
(42:25) The importance of empathy and the insights that it brought Ron
(48:35) How Ron created a brand new category, bakery cafe
(51:50) How Ron felt right before Au Bon Pain’s IPO
(53:00) The downsides of going public
(54:50) Ron’s means, ends, and by-products framework
(57:20) What Ron learned from watching his parents face death
(1:00:13) How Ron organized his life
(1:03:35) Ron’s purchase of the St. Louis Bread Company
(1:07:28) How Ron’s trend studying led him to fast casual dining
(1:13:52) The transformation of St. Louis Bread into Panera
(1:15:33) Why Ron decided to sell Au Bon Pain to focus on Panera
(1:20:25) The rapid growth stage of Panera
(1:22:51) Ron’s philanthropy with No Labels and Panera Cares
(1:25:14) The painful journey of transforming Panera
(1:32:09) Thoughts on success, chutzpah, and the Jewish entrepreneurial spirit
(1:34:28) Why entrepreneurs are risk avoiders
(1:35:34) Why Ron sees building organizations as a way to impact the world positively
(1:37:44) Ron’s investment company, Act 3, and the problem with short-termism
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Where to find Ron Shaich:
Website: https://www.ronshaich.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronshaich/
X: https://x.com/shaich
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shaich
Where To Find Big Shot:
Website: https://www.bigshot.show/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bigshotpodcast
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bigshotshow
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigshotshow/
Harley Finkelstein: https://twitter.com/harleyf
David Segal: https://twitter.com/tea_maverick
Production and Marketing: https://penname.co
In this episode of Big Shot, we sit down with Wall Street titan Leon Cooperman. The son of working-class Polish immigrants and a first-generation college graduate, Leon founded Omega Advisors after a successful 25-year career at Goldman Sachs, where he rose to become Chairman and CEO of Goldman Sachs Asset Management.
Despite being one of the richest men on the planet, Leon lives modestly, even still changing his own lightbulbs.
In this fascinating conversation, he shares insights on achieving success in business, marriage, and family, along with his philosophy on giving back, inspired by the belief that "a man's net worth is measured not by what he earns but by what he gives away." Leon even gets political and shares his thoughts on former President Trump. We can’t wait for you to listen.
If you'd like to apply to be an executive producer, please complete the form here https://shorturl.at/xLQUW
In This Episode We Cover:
(05:34) Leon’s background growing up in the Bronx
(07:36) Why Leon quit dental school and switched to economics
(09:28) How Leon got 16 job offers after graduating and why he went with Goldman Sachs
(11:00) Why Goldman Sachs was so successful
(12:35) How Leon’s father reacted to him dropping out of dental school
(13:25) Leon’s promotion to partner at Goldman Sachs
(15:30) Why Lee says he never learned how to live rich
(17:58) Leon’s philanthropy and why it’s so important to him
(19:51) Leon’s thoughts on protestors at Columbia
(25:58) Why there are many significant contributions to humanity made by the Jewish people
(29:30) Why Leon left Goldman Sachs and founded Omega
(33:10) The rogue employee that caused Leon to be accused of insider trading
(36:20) Why Leon considers Henry Singleton brilliant
(42:52) What Leon loves to do
(43:57) Leon’s hands-on approach to philanthropy
(46:17) Why Leon went to Xerox out of college(and why he left to go back to school)
(50:15) Leon’s successful marriage and his big takeaway
(51:45) Why Leon stuck it out with Goldman Sachs for so long
(53:25) Lessons from William Hurt and Teddy Roosevelt
(54:40) Why Leon changes his own lightbulbs in spite of his arthritis
(55:37) How Leon raised his kids to be self-starters
(57:00) David Rubenstein’s recent purchase of the Orioles
(57:57) Leon’s 40 businesses
(59:25) What chutzpah means to Leon and the importance of respect
(1:00:15) Leon’s thoughts on capitalism as an equalizer
(1:04:41) Leon’s political views
(1:06:02) Why Leon would never vote for Trump
(1:07:01) Leon’s father and the impact he had on him
(1:09:10) How Leon chooses institutions to donate to
(1:10:45) How Leon handles setbacks
(1:12:35) Why Leon thinks the country isn’t at its best
(1:13:40) Leon’s thoughts on AI
(1:14:22) Leon’s mother and her impact on him
(1:15:36) Why it’s common for Jewish people to have a fallback plan
(1:17:35) Advice on investing
(1:21:05) How Leon evaluates companies
—
Where to find Leon Cooperman:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leon-cooperman-8ab35024/
Book: From The Bronx To Wall Street: My Fifty Years in Finance and Philanthropy: https://www.amazon.com/Bronx-Wall-Street-Finance-Philanthropy/dp/1642256226
Where To Find Big Shot:
Website: https://www.bigshot.show/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bigshotpodcast
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bigshotshow
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigshotshow/
Harley Finkelstein: https://twitter.com/harleyf
David Segal: https://twitter.com/tea_maverick
Production and Marketing: https://penname.co
In this episode of Big Shot, we sit down with another legendary real estate developer, Larry Silverstein. Best known for the 99-year lease he signed for the World Trade Center, just six weeks before 9/11, Larry’s story is one of persistence and strategic partnerships—and a whole lot of chutzpah. He shares with us today how he leveraged partnerships, refurbished properties on a shoestring budget and built a business that today is valued at over $10 billion. As with many successful Jewish entrepreneurs, family is at the center of it all, and Larry speaks with extreme gratitude about his children and wife Klara. You won’t want to miss hearing about how Larry very narrowly missed being at ground zero during 9/11, and how his wife supported his efforts in rebuilding the World Trade Center.
If you'd like to apply to be an executive producer, please complete the form here https://shorturl.at/xLQUW
In This Episode We Cover:
(03:19) How Larry got established in real estate with no money
(09:59) Why Larry turned down a 100k profit on his first contract
(12:51) How Larry leveraged investors to land million-dollar properties
(14:22) The low-budget, resourceful way Larry’s team refurbished buildings
(16:31) How Larry collaborated with competitors in purchasing 711 Fifth Avenue
(24:42) Coca-Cola’s purchase of 711 Fifth Avenue
(26:43) Why Larry worked with partners
(27:33) The beginning of Larry’s journey toward buying the World Trade Center
(35:22) How Silverstein Properties built their own electric plant
(45:28) The drama of signing Salomon Brothers
(52:44) Larry’s accident and acquiring the World Trade Center
(58:45) Why Larry was absent from the building on 9/11
(1:00:20) How Larry decided to rebuild the World Trade Center
(1:04:21) When Larry knew he made it
(1:06:28) Larry’s philanthropic efforts paying the tuition of medical school students
—
Referenced:
Harry Helmsley: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Helmsley
711 Fifth Avenue Purchased from Columbia Pictures: https://www.nytimes.com/1978/04/23/archives/realty-news-fifth-avenue-third-avenue-executives-named.html
George Kaufman’s obituary: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/26/obituaries/george-s-kaufman-who-revived-astoria-studios-dies-at-89.html
Peter Feinberg obituary: https://www.nytimes.com/1990/03/15/obituaries/peter-i-feinberg-79-real-estate-developer.html
Port Authority to lease World Trade Center to Silverstein Properties: https://www.panynj.gov/port-authority/en/press-room/press-release-archives/2001_press_releases/port_authority_toleaseworldtradecentertosilversteinpropertiesinc.html
World Trade Center history: https://www.911memorial.org/learn/resources/digital-exhibitions/world-trade-center-history
Ed Koch: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ed_Koch
Salomon Brothers: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salomon_Brothers
Mortimer Zuckerman: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mortimer_Zuckerman
Salomon Will Move to the World Trade Center: https://www.nytimes.com/1988/11/29/nyregion/salomon-will-move-to-trade-center.html
The Collapse of Drexel Burnham Lambert: https://www.nytimes.com/1990/02/14/business/the-collapse-of-drexel-burnham-lambert-key-events-for-drexel-burnham-lambert.html
NYU School of Medicine Offers Full-Tuition Scholarships to All New & Current Medical Students: https://nyulangone.org/news/nyu-school-medicine-offers-full-tuition-scholarships-all-new-current-medical-students
—
Where to find Larry Silverstein:
Silverstein Properties: https://www.silversteinproperties.com/
The Rising: The Twenty-Year Battle to Rebuild the World Trade Center: https://www.amazon.com/Rising-Twenty-Year-Battle-Rebuild-Center/dp/0525658963
Where To Find Big Shot:
Website: https://www.bigshot.show/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bigshotpodcast
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bigshotshow
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigshotshow/
Harley Finkelstein: https://twitter.com/harleyf
David Segal: https://twitter.com/tea_maverick
Production and Marketing: https://penname.co
In this episode of Big Shot, we're honored to host business mogul Peter May. But his path to managing more than $7 billion is not what you might expect. What started as a career as an accountant at the prestigious KPMG quickly became something much different once Peter crossed paths with Nelson Peltz, igniting a dynamic partnership that spanned decades. Together, they founded Triarc Companies and pioneered innovative funding strategies, revitalizing numerous struggling businesses. They eventually sold the company and founded Trian Partners, a multi-billion dollar investment firm. Peter's commitment to philanthropy extends beyond financial contributions, as he invests his time and expertise. Notably, his impactful work with Mount Sinai Health Systems and Operation Exodus showcases his dedication to making a difference. Join us as Peter generously imparts invaluable insights and practical wisdom applicable to all aspects of life.
In This Episode We Cover:
(07:28) What it was like growing up during the Cold War in Long Island
(12:12) How his father was a great role model
(14:33) Peter’s time at The University of Chicago
(16:25) How Peter was inspired by his father’s saying, “Do more than what’s expected of you”
(22:24) The Jewish value of education
(24:53) How Peter was able to avoid being drafted to Vietnam
(30:59) Getting started as an accountant at KPMG
(32:40) How Peter met Nelson Peltz
(34:24) The importance of adding value
(36:11) The origins of Home Depot
(38:16) How Peter and Nelson Peltz went into business together
(41:00) When Peter and Nelson took their company public
(44:25) What happened after Peter and Nelson sold Flagstaff foods
(49:20) Peter and Nelson’s funding strategy emerges
(50:42) How MPM group consulting got its start
(51:57) What constructive capitalism is
(54:10) How Peter and Nelson bought Triangle Industries
(1:00:29) How Peter and Nelson transformed Triangle and made it profitable
(1:03:18) The purchase of America Can and National Can
(1:17:03) The meaning of Nelson’s phrase “I’d rather be rich than right”
(1:18:53) Why Peter doesn’t look back much
(1:20:14) Why chutzpah is so quintessential to the Jewish entrepreneurial experience
(1:22:23) Why Peter doesn’t feel like he’s made it still
(1:23:30) About “engaged philanthropy” and how Peter helped turn around Mount Sinai Health
(1:30:15) Peter’s advice to the next generation
(1:33:26) About Operation Exodus
(1:36:33) Peter’s legacy—
Referenced:
Green tea benefits: https://www.firebellytea.com/blogs/all/green-tea-benefits
Firebelly Tea: https://www.firebellytea.com/
The University of Chicago: https://www.uchicago.edu/en
Pogroms: https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/pogroms
Nelson Peltz: https://www.forbes.com/profile/nelson-peltz/
Arthur Anderson: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_Andersen
KPMG: https://kpmg.com/
Emerson Radio: https://www.emersonradio.com/
Bernard Marcus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernard_Marcus
Mike Milken: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Milken
Saul Steinberg: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saul_Steinberg
Victor Posner: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victor_Posner
Alcoa: https://www.alcoa.com/global/en/home/
Mount Sinai Health System: https://www.mountsinai.org/
Engaged philanthropy: https://engagedgiving.org/philosophy
Operation Exodus: https://operationexodususa.org/
—
Where to find Peter May:
Mount Sinai Health: https://www.mountsinai.org/about/board-leadership/peter-may
Wendy’s: https://www.wendys.com/who-we-are/board-directors/peter-may
Where To Find Big Shot:
Website: https://www.bigshot.show/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bigshotpodcast
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bigshotshow
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigshotshow/
Harley Finkelstein: https://twitter.com/harleyf
David Segal: https://twitter.com/tea_maverick
Production and Marketing: https://penname.co
In this episode of Big Shot, we're thrilled to welcome the incredible David Rubenstein! As a co-founder of The Carlyle Group, one of the globe's top private equity firms, David's journey from a Baltimore kid with big dreams to a presidential advisor and business mogul is truly inspiring. Join us, as David reveals how he overcame rejection after President Carter lost his re-election and pivoted into private equity. Learn why he's dedicated to giving back through initiatives like the Giving Pledge, and get ready for some thought-provoking insights, including why hiring geniuses might not be the best idea and tips on avoiding spoiling your kids.
In This Episode We Cover:
(03:40) Welcome David Rubenstein
(04:50) Why David and Harley both maintain their bar memberships
(05:37) Why education is important to the Jewish people
(07:30) David’s upbringing in Baltimore
(10:00) The difficulties that come with raising children when you’re wealthy
(11:30) David’s relatively laid-back parents
(13:34) The Jewish youth group that fueled David’s drive for more
(14:15) David’s first job out of law school
(15:25) How David became an advisor to President Jimmy Carter
(16:42) The years of struggle after Jimmy Carter failed to get re-elected
(20:41) How the Carlyle Group got their start
(24:36) Carlyle’s “bear hug” on Chichi’s
(27:22) David’s growth strategy for Carlyle focusing on diversification and globalization
(31:30) David’s mom’s philanthropy
(34:14) What the Giving Pledge is
(36:43) David’s philosophy on philanthropy
(39:33) An explanation of the Magna Carta, its failure, and the anti-semitism of the day
(42:22) David’s focus on patriotic philanthropy
(46:47) How David became the fundraiser for Carlyle
(47:56) How Carlyle was able to build a lasting company
(49:27) Why reasonably intelligent people make better employees than geniuses
(50:04) The cultural values that make Jewish people successful and want to give back
(54:10) Antisemitism in the US and Europe
(54:28) Why David still doesn’t think he’s made it
(55:33) Tips on raising kids and the three ways to influence people as a leader
—
Referenced:
David Rubenstein on Patriotic Philanthropy: https://www.whitehousehistory.org/the-white-house-1600-sessions/david-rubenstein-on-patriotic-philanthropy
Shelley v. Kraemer: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shelley_v._Kraemer
Virtual Jewish World: Baltimore, Maryland: https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/baltimore-jewish-history-tour#google_vignette
Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP: https://www.paulweiss.com/
Ted Sorensen: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ted_Sorensen
William Simon: https://www.philanthropyroundtable.org/hall-of-fame/william-simon/
G. William Miller: https://home.treasury.gov/about/history/prior-secretaries/g-william-miller-1979-1981
Edward J. Mathias: https://www.carlyle.com/corporate-overview/operating-executives-advisors/edward-j-mathias
T. Rowe Price: https://www.troweprice.com/
The Mellon family: https://www.forbes.com/profile/mellon/?sh=21c04b3f6c8b
Greenmailing: https://www.investopedia.com/terms/g/greenmail.
Mike Milken: https://milkeninstitute.org/staff/mike-milken
Frank Carlucci: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Carlucci
John Major: https://www.britannica.com/biography/John-Major
Why are there so many Jewish Nobel winners?: https://www.thejc.com/lets-talk/why-are-there-so-many-jewish-nobel-winners-ctycke48#
—
Where to find David Rubenstein
X: https://twitter.com/DM_Rubenstein
Website: https://davidrubenstein.com/
Where To Find Big Shot:
Website: https://www.bigshot.show/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bigshotpodcast
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bigshotshow
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigshotshow/
Harley Finkelstein: https://twitter.com/harleyf
David Segal: https://twitter.com/tea_maverick
Production and Marketing: https://penname.co
We’re back with Season 2 of Big Shot! In this episode of Big Shot, we're joined by Fran Weissler, a seven-time Tony award-winning producer and one-half of the dynamic duo behind Chicago, the longest-running American musical. Fran's journey epitomizes Jewish chutzpah, marked by bold choices—from leaving her first marriage to making decisive moves in her Broadway career. Today, Fran shares with us stories from her journey, including breaking into Broadway at the age of 50 and producing Othello with a star-studded cast featuring James Earl Jones and Christopher Plummer. We also talk about her successful marriage and business partnership of 55 years, how Fran navigated challenges working with chauvinists and demanding actors, and how she finally started to slow down a little bit at the age of 90.
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In This Episode We Cover:
(02:35) Fran’s childhood and life before Broadway
(07:04) Why Fran decided to end her first marriage
(08:59) How Fran met Barry and got started in theater
(15:02) The early days of NAMCO producing plays for Catholic schools
(19:00) Fran’s first Broadway show, Othello, with James Earl Jones
(21:52) How Fran got Christopher Plummer to play Iago
(31:34) What it was like to win a Tony for Othello
(33:33) How firing Peter Coe accelerated Fran’s career as a producer
(45:30) Fran’s chutzpah
(48:20) How Fran and Barry balance each other out as a team
(51:14) How Fran handled working with the chauvinist Anthony Quinn
(1:00:15) A compromise made with Kathleen Turner
(1:03:26) The Queen of Broadway: Fran’s identity separate from Barry
(1:05:28) Fran and Barry’s rare, beautiful marriage
(1:09:32) How Fran and Barry revived Chicago and made the longest-running American show
(1:19:11) Fran’s advice for aspiring producers
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Referenced:
NAMCO: https://www.namcousa.com/
Othello at the Winter Garden Theater (1982): https://playbill.com/productions/othellobroadway-winter-garden-theatre-1982
James Earl Jones: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000469/
Christopher Plummer: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001626/
Lucy Kroll: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucy_Kroll
Stratford Festival: https://www.stratfordfestival.ca/
Lou Pitt: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1018725/
Zoe Caldwell: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0129807/
Robert Whitehead: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0925723/
Medea 1982 playbill: https://playbill.com/production/medea-cort-theatre-vault-0000003496
Chicago: https://chicagothemusical.com/
Phantom of the Opera: https://us.thephantomoftheopera.com/
When Kathleen Turner Brought Maggie the Cat Back to Broadway: https://playbill.com/article/when-kathleen-turner-brought-maggie-the-cat-back-to-broadway
Zorba the Greek 1983 playbill with Anthony Quinn: https://playbill.com/production/zorba-broadway-theatre-vault-0000012262
Encores: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Encores
The economics of Broadway shows: https://thehustle.co/the-economics-of-broadway-shows/
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Where to find Fran Weissler:
Website: https://www.namcousa.com/
Where To Find Big Shot:
Website: https://www.bigshot.show/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bigshotpodcast
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bigshotshow
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigshotshow/
Harley Finkelstein: https://twitter.com/harleyf
David Segal: https://twitter.com/tea_maverick
Production and Marketing: https://penname.co
When you sit down with iconic entrepreneurs for two to three hours, it's hard to include every story in an episode. But that doesn't mean every story isn't worth telling. On this episode of Big Shot shorts, you'll hear some wild tales that didn't make it into individual episodes of season 1. You'll learn how Ed Sonshine anticipated the 2008 crash, what Aldo Bensadoun did to break into America when so many others failed, how Charles Bronfman shaped Canadian pride, and Jonathan Wener's wild story about acquiring a massive art collection. These are the stories that, once you hear them, you'll want to retell to others.
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In This Episode, We Cover:
(00:20) Harley and David have an epiphany about their Canadian upbringing
(01:50) Every Canadian retailer fails, except for one
(02:10) Why this bonus episode was necessary
(03:10) Jonathan Wener's family collection of 140 paintings
(05:55) How Ed Sonshine anticipated the 2008 housing crash
(10:00) How passing up on a round of golf was one of Ed Sonshine's best decisions
(17:45) How Charles Bronfman was behind Drake's start
(18:30) Why Charles Bronfman created Heritage Minutes
(22:25) How Aldo Bensadoun succeed in America when so many others failed
(28:25)The only lawsuit Jonathan Wener faced in 52 years
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Where To Find Big Shot:
Website: https://www.bigshot.show/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bigshotpodcast
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bigshotshow
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigshotshow/
Harley Finkelstein: https://twitter.com/harleyf
David Segal: https://twitter.com/tea_maverick
Production and Marketing: https://penname.co
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