Howard Marks

But I said in there that the key among partners is to have shared values and complementary skills.

And we absolutely shared values.

We're all family men and conservative people and somewhat risk averse and so forth.

Andrew points out we probably could have used one founder in the mix who wasn't quite as risk averse, but we did okay.

But we had complementary skills.

And I could do things in the outside community that Bruce maybe couldn't do, although he's better at it than he thinks, but had no interest in doing.

And he could do things in terms of managing money that I couldn't do.

But the great news is we each accepted the truth of what I just said.

And so that produces a lot of respect, mutual respect.

And that's why we've had such a great partnership for 35 years.

You know what, Ben?

If you're not competitive, you shouldn't be in the investment business.

When I'm asked for career advice, when I speak to students nowadays, I say something very, very much in line with what you just said, Ben.

I say, look for something that plays to your strengths.

and avoids your weaknesses, and that you'll enjoy doing.

And it sounds like that's what you've done.

And turn it around.

We are so lucky to have the ability to do something we enjoy.

And take that out of the equation.

What are you left with?