Episode notes
In this episode, William Green chats with Christopher Begg, a renowned hedge fund manager who is the CEO & CIO of East Coast Asset Management. Chris is also an adjunct professor at Columbia Business School, where he teaches the prestigious Security Analysis course that Ben Graham taught to Warren Buffett in 1951. Here, Chris shares rich insights about Tesla, Alphabet, SpaceX, Constellation Software, & the art of discovering great investments hidden in plain sight.
IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:03:30) How writing helps Chris Begg to “compress complexity into essence”
(00:10:38) How to succeed by slowing down, training your attention, & going deep
(00:32:48) How Alphabet embodies everything he seeks in a long-duration compounder
(00:38:44) How fears of AI disruption created enticing bargains among software stocks
(00:43:18) Why he focuses on great businesses with 8 layers of competitive advantage
(00:55:04) What he learned from Buffett & Munger about the power of deserved trust
(01:02:17) What ancient cathedrals can teach investors about businesses that endure
(01:08:15) Why he steered clear of Elon Musk, then changed his mind & bet big on Tesla
(01:24:58) What investors don’t yet see about the emerging capabilities of SpaceX
(01:33:04) Why he reveres right-brained investment giants like Bill Miller & Nick Sleep
(01:38:52) How Chris structures his life to create enduring value
(01:51:43) How to prosper mightily without engaging in “extractive short-termism”
(01:59:00) How a magical experience with his son reveals the true meaning of wealth
Disclaimer: Slight discrepancies in the timestamps may occur due to podcast platform differences.
BOOKS AND RESOURCES
- Inquire about William Green’s Richer, Wiser, Happier Masterclass.
- Christopher Begg’s investment firm, East Coast Asset Management.
- Robert Pirsig’s books Zen & the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance & Lila.
- Iain McGilchrist’s books The Matter with Things & The Master & His Emissary.
- Christopher Begg’s song, The Great Work.
- William Green’s podcast episode with Daniel Goleman & Tsoknyi Rinpoche.
- William Green’s 2025 podcast episode with Christopher Begg.
- William Green’s 2023 podcast episode with Christopher Begg.
- William’s book, Richer, Wiser, Happier.
- Follow William Green on X.
- Related books mentioned in the podcast.
- Ad-free episodes on our Premium Feed.
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