The 92 Report

Show Notes

Ted Caplow graduated with a degree in social science and has had a career in engineering and entrepreneurship. He describes his initial interest in science and his experience with physics at Harvard, which he found challenging. Ted shares his interest in humanities, particularly theater, and his involvement in various theater activities at Harvard. He discusses his consideration of theater conservatory programs and urban planning after graduation.

Joining the Peace Corps and Sailing across the Atlantic

Ted recounts his application to the Peace Corps and the unexpected technical fields he was qualified for, which were teaching English or beekeeping. This led him to reconsider his career path. He describes his sailing adventure across the Atlantic Ocean with his family and friends. They left shortly after graduation and the trip lasted six months. They stopped in the Azores for a couple of weeks, onto Gibraltar and Spain, through the Mediterranean. They stopped in Sardinia and stayed in Malta for a month; they sailed to Greece, the islands and Cyprus where they stopped and decided whether to continue around the world or go back to real life.

Returning to New York and the Theater Industry

Ted returned and went to New York where he joined the theater industry, working on production and starting his own theatrical company. Ted talks about his involvement in the theater industry, including producing interdisciplinary performances and meeting his first wife through a mutual friend. He describes his transition from theater to entrepreneurship. He started his own company and a non-profit theater company. This lasted a few years before Ted felt he should focus on a more technical field and he discusses the separation between creative pursuits and technical professions. Ultimately, he decided to pursue urban planning and his interest in sustainable development.

A Shift to Engineering

Ted shares his experience at Princeton and Columbia, where he pursued a PhD in engineering, despite initial doubts about his qualifications. He reflects on the challenges and rewards of his academic journey, including the intense environment at Princeton and the decision to pursue a master's degree instead of a PhD. He wrote his masters' thesis on solar power. Moving on from academia, Ted's next job was with a yacht designer. He then ran his friend's restaurant for two years before going back to school and earning his PhD. in engineering at Columbia in 2004.

The Development of the Science Barge

Ted explains his idea to create a sustainable technology laboratory in the Bahamas, why he became interested in hydroponics, and why he didn't go to the Bahamas. He explains how the original idea evolved into the Science Barge in the Hudson River. The Science Barge was a hydroponic greenhouse with solar panels, wind power, and aquaponics, designed to educate schoolchildren about sustainable technologies such as recycling the waste water. Ted discusses the challenges of moving the barge every two months and the decision to find a permanent home for it in Yonkers, and how this venture inspired the SunWork Center project.

Sustainable Development Success Stories

He highlights the success of the SunWork Center, a greenhouse on the rooftop of PS 333 in Manhattan, and the expansion of New York SunWorks to over 300 schools. Ted describes the development of Bright Farms, a commercial company that grew local produce in greenhouses on top of grocery stores. He shares the challenges and successes of Bright Farms, including partnerships with major retailers and the acquisition by Cox Enterprises. Ted reflects on the importance of sustainable design and the impact of his work on the food industry. He discusses the evolution of his design firm, Caplow Manzano, and its focus on creating durable, resilient homes that prioritize human health and environmental sustainability.

Technological Innovation in Building

Ted talks about his personal journey and the diverse skills he has developed over the years. He reflects on the importance of technological innovation, the role of engineering in his work, and the difficulty of navigating and innovating around all the components of building houses. Ted shares his plans for expanding his design firm's impact and the potential for scaling sustainable design solutions.

Harvard Reflections

He expresses gratitude for the opportunities and challenges that have shaped his career and looks forward to continuing his work in sustainable design and education. He mentions E.O. Wilson for Evolutionary Biology as an incredible talent and researcher in that field. He also mentions a poetry class with Seamus Heaney. He also mentions a class on China and one on Africa that he found inspiring and eye opening, and taking classes on Shakespeare from actors in the repertory theater.

Timestamps:

04:26: Exploring Career Paths

15:45: Entrepreneurial Ventures and Personal Life

31:56: The Science Barge and Educational Initiatives

48:06: Commercial Ventures and Bright Farms

55:37: Personal Reflections and Future Plans

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Show Notes:

Lloyd opens the conversation by talking about the infinite opportunities at Harvard and encourages incoming freshmen to make the most of their time there. Lloyd shares his initial plan to study pre-med but also pursued fine arts, specifically architecture, and theater work. He mentions meeting Professor James Stilgoe at the Graduate School of Design, which opened his eyes to opportunities beyond STEM.

From Cornell to New York City

Lloyd discusses his decision to attend Cornell and his subsequent move to New York City. He had two job offers: working at Disney or a consulting firm, but chose the consulting firm due to financial needs. Lloyd worked for a boutique workout restructuring organization in New York City and later joined Starwood Capital Group. He was asked to open the London office for Starwood Capital Group in 2001, combining his interests in architecture, finance, and real estate. He honed his skills as an investment guy over the next few years before moving into entrepreneurship.

Founding Yoo Capital

In 2010, Lloyd and his business partner founded Yoo Capital, focusing on real estate private equity. The firm aimed to be responsible and institutional in their investments, creating global iconic destinations in London. Yoo Capital has invested in various sectors, including live theaters, film and television studios, music arenas, hotels, and restaurants. The firm has also created incubator spaces for startups and supports educational programs at Imperial College London and other institutions.

About Yoo Capital

Yoo Capital has committed to contributing 50% of all housing built in central London to government affordable housing. The firm has partnerships with major names in hospitality, food, beverage, music, and entertainment. Yoo Capital's investments are considered strategic to the national interest and socially responsible. The firm ensures accessibility in their destinations, ranging from affordable to high-end options.

Professional and Personal Goals

Lloyd shares his practice of journaling since 1997, mapping out his personal and professional goals. He contributes the success of his journey to education, skills learned, and opportunity to his passions professionally. He and his wife have created an ethos to build opportunities and contribute to social value that they have impressed upon their children. Lloyd discusses the importance of setting targets and reviewing progress regularly. He emphasizes the significance of maintaining a work-life balance and involving his family in the planning process, and he explains his setting targets and weekly review process.

Challenges of Brexit and COVID-19

Lloyd recounts the challenges faced during the Brexit vote and the COVID-19 pandemic. He explains the firm's strategy of being prudent and risk-averse, often forward-selling properties to secure investments. Lloyd shares a story about forward-selling and transforming a million square feet of residential property during the recession. Lloyd describes many of the exciting rejuvenation projects that invest in both the buildings and benefit the community with housing, entertainment, art, and businesses. The firm's approach has allowed them to weather economic storms and continue growing. Lloyd also mentions what he has learned from working with theatres.

Harvard Reflections

Lloyd credits Professors James Stilgoe and Harvey Cox as influential figures in his life. He discusses how Professor Stilgoe's course on the History of the American Built Environment broadened his perspective. Lloyd appreciates Professor Cox's course on Jesus in the world, which reinforced his Christian beliefs. Both professors' teachings have shaped Lloyd's approach to business and personal life.

Guiding Beliefs at Work

Lloyd explains how his Christian beliefs guide his professional decisions and the firm's ethos. He emphasizes the importance of humility and collaboration with world-class partners. Lloyd shares how the firm's investments are rooted in creating socially responsible and accessible destinations. He highlights the significance of maintaining a moral fiber in all business dealings. Lloyd discusses the firm's future plans, including expanding their investments in central London. He mentions ongoing projects like the Camden Film Quarter and the transformation of Olympia. The firm aims to continue creating iconic destinations that are both financially successful and socially responsible. Lloyd expresses his gratitude for the opportunities and challenges that have shaped his journey.

Timestamps:

04:22: Transition from Harvard to Early Career

08:53: Social Responsibility and Strategic Partnerships

12:15: Personal and Professional Growth

21:54: The Weekly Review Process

24:22: Founding Yoo Capital

32:19: Understanding the Theatre Business

43:06: Influence of Harvard Professors

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Show Notes:

Trisha Pérez Kennealy describes her initial stint in New York in commercial banking, followed by investment banking and studying to become a chef at Le Cordon Bleu in London, where she lived for three years. She moved back to the United States, settling in Lexington. She has three children and while they were little, she was active in town meetings, became a town official, and advocated for public education.

In 2010, Trisha bought a property near the Battle Green in Lexington and converted it into a luxury hotel with 22 guest rooms and a restaurant. It opened in 2014 and has since received four stars from Forbes and earned Michelin Keys status. Trisha still runs the inn today.

An Entrepreneurial Spirit

Trisha shares that she always knew she would be an entrepreneur, influenced by her Puerto Rican heritage and her father's business. She ran the dance and theater program for Cambridge City School kids during her undergrad years, which was an entrepreneurial endeavor. Trisha admired successful businesspeople who transitioned to public service and felt that her banking experience would be an asset to any entrepreneurial venture. She talks about how her background and family influenced her love of cooking. She emphasizes the importance of cooking and is a firm believer that food is medicine. She also emphasizes the importance of "breaking bread" as a strong element of building a successful and supportive community.

Creative Pursuits and Community Building in the Kitchen

Trisha talks about how her background and family influenced her love of cooking. She emphasizes the importance of cooking and is a firm believer that food is medicine. She also emphasizes the importance of "breaking bread" as a strong element of building a successful and supportive community. Her passion for cooking, developed from a young age, led her to pursue professional chef training at Le Cordon Bleu. Trisha explains that her training at Le Cordon Bleu was technical and applicable to various culinary traditions, not just French cuisine. She talks about finding the best ingredients and how to do as little as possible to the ingredients, and the importance of technique. She explains how she is influenced by her passion for agriculture and local products.

Running a Luxury Inn

Trisha describes the Inn at Hastings Park, highlighting its focus on American design aesthetic and high-touch service and the lengths she went to in the design and decor. The restaurant menu is developed with a focus on New England cuisine and offers a well-curated dessert menu. Trisha describes featured items on the menu and discusses the challenges of running a small luxury inn, including the tech-intensive nature of the business and the importance of data management. She emphasizes the value of hiring well-trained staff and being willing to learn and get hands-on with various tasks. Trisha mentions she was surprised to find that it's easier to run a larger property due to fixed costs, but smaller properties offer more personalized service. She highlights the importance of personalization and making guests feel seen and valued, and explains how they have supported long-stay guests during challenging times like medical treatments or family emergencies.

Accolades for the Inn

Trisha talks about the impact of receiving a Michelin Key, which brought significant press coverage and increased visibility. She shares her passion for teaching people how to cook through social media, which has led to meaningful interactions with her followers. Trisha describes the importance of making cooking approachable and encouraging people to experiment with recipes. She mentions the success of her social media content, including videos and reels, which have reached a wide audience.

The Value of Serving in Public Office

Trisha reflects on her role as the Senior Class Gift Chair, which fostered lifelong friendships and a deep commitment to giving back to Harvard. She discusses her involvement in various alumni activities, including serving on the Dean's Advisory Council for the Radcliffe Institute. Trisha shares her experience as a representative for town meetings in Lexington, where she worked on appropriations for the municipality and schools including, zoning policy, and capital expenditures. She emphasizes the importance of civic engagement and the value of serving in public office to bring new perspectives and ideas.

Historical Preservation and Community Engagement

Trisha highlights her work on the town's Tourism Committee, which led to the construction of a new visitor center in Lexington. She describes the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, which was celebrated with significant events and community involvement. Trisha shares her pride in preserving the tradition of hospitality in Lexington through the Inn at Hastings Park. She reflects on the importance of historical preservation and community engagement in her work.

Harvard Reflections

Trisha discusses the impact of the Constitutional Law course with HW Perry, which taught her to explore both sides of an argument and think rigorously. She mentions her admiration for Michael Sandel, who encouraged critical thinking and the exploration of ethical questions. Trisha emphasizes the importance of learning how to think and express opinions at Harvard, which has been valuable in her professional and personal life. She reflects on the broader impact of her Harvard education, which fostered a lifelong commitment to learning and service.

Timestamps:

02:46: Entrepreneurial Spirit and Early Influences

09:24: Transition from Banking to Culinary Arts

18:00: Challenges and Lessons in Running a Luxury Inn

25:48: Impact of Michelin Key and Social Media Engagement

29:29: Role as Senior Class Gift Chair and Town Meeting Member

36:05: Significant Projects and Achievements

39:17: Influence of Harvard Courses and Professors

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Rana Dershowitz went straight to Harvard Law School after graduating in 1992, partly due to the economy and her love for learning. She describes her experience at Harvard Law School, including her role as a law school "old timer" in Cambridge. After law school, Rana moved back to New York and started working on Wall Street, initially hating the big law environment but appreciating the people she worked with.

Entertainment Law at Madison Square Garden and onto Sports Law

Rana discusses her career counselor's advice to explore sports law, which she had overlooked despite her involvement in sports and technical theater at Harvard. She took a six-month leave of absence and was offered a job in sports law the day she started her leave. Rana worked in entertainment law at Madison Square Garden (MSG) from 2001 to 2007, handling legal work for the Knicks, Rangers, and the WNBA's New York Liberty. She met her future husband during this time and moved to Colorado in 2007, where she continued her legal career.

Joining the US Olympic Committee and Life in Colorado

Rana joined the US Olympic Committee (USOC) as Deputy General Counsel in 2007, becoming interim General Counsel and then General Counsel and Head of Government Affairs. She describes the challenges of commuting between Colorado Springs and Denver, with her husband working in Bould, while managing her job and family life. Rana and her husband moved to Basalt, Colorado, in 2011, where she continued her legal work, joined the Aspen skiing company, and became involved in the Aspen community. She transitioned to a part-time role at Aspen Skiing Company while working as Phil Weiser's policy director for his gubernatorial campaign.

Challenges and Opportunities at the US Olympic Committee

Rana explains the unique structure of the USOC, which is federally chartered and subject to congressional oversight, unlike most Olympic committees. She discusses the complexities of funding and intellectual property rights, including the USOC's unique trademark rights. Rana highlights her work on safe sport initiatives and the challenges of managing independent national governing bodies for various sports. She reflects on the legal and operational complexities of hosting Olympic Games in the United States and the international dynamics involved.

Working at Madison Square Garden and New York Liberty

Rana shares a story that reflects her personal connection to Madison Square Garden. She describes the structure of MSG, which owns the building, the Knicks, the Rangers, and the Liberty, and her role in handling sponsorships and league rules. Rana recounts her involvement in the New York Liberty's WNBA finals run in 1999, feeling proud to be part of the team's success. She also discusses her role in managing entertainment acts during team sports events at MSG and shares a few of her proudest moments.

Policy Work and Campaign for Phil Weiser

Rana explains her role as Phil Weiser's policy director, focusing on active listening and building a grassroots campaign across Colorado. She outlines key issues the campaign is addressing, including affordability, climate change, water resources, and public lands. Rana emphasizes the importance of bridging urban-rural divides and finding innovative solutions that benefit the entire state. She highlights the campaign's efforts to address youth mental health and promote outdoor activities for children.

Rana's Broader Role at Aspen Skiing Company

Rana discusses her expanded role at Aspen Skiing Company, overseeing sustainability, community engagement, planning and development, and PR.

She describes her transition to leading mountain operations and her current role that spans looking into employee housing and childcare. Rana reflects on the importance of understanding systems and structures beyond legal work, drawing on her experiences at Aspen.

Harvard Reflections

Rana shares her initial reluctance to follow in her family's legal footsteps but eventually being drawn to law by her interest in the "Justice" class. She credits the course for shifting her perspective and leading her to law school. She also mentions auditing the "Thinking about Thinking" class taught by Stephen Jay Gould, Robert Nozick, and Alan Dershowitz, and reflects on the importance of considering different perspectives in policy work and legal decision-making.

Timestamps:

02:26: Transition to Sports Law and Madison Square Garden

05:23: Joining the US Olympic Committee and Family Life in Colorado

13:15: Challenges and Opportunities at the US Olympic Committee

20:38: Experiences at Madison Square Garden and New York Liberty

31:34: Policy Work and Campaign for Phil Weiser

40:33: Rana's Broader Role at Aspen Skiing Company

44:24: Reflections on Harvard

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Show Notes:

Eugene Kim shares his post-graduation journey staying in Boston to finish research at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute which was part of his thesis and also laid down the groundwork for his own cancer research which he has conducted over the years. He credits his understanding of science to his time at Harvard. He also worked at the now-closed Love the Border Cafe. Eugene reflects on the valuable lessons learned from working at the cafe and describes the unique subculture of the cafe's staff, including the Brazilian kitchen staff and the diverse backgrounds of the waiters and waitresses.

Securing a Position in Research

Eugene talks about his major in biochemical sciences and his interest in molecular biology. He describes how he got involved in research at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, working with a researcher named Sam Speck. Eugene details the hands-on experience he gained, including growing bacteria, running gels, and learning the importance of meticulous work, and shares memorable experiences of working there, including biking through snow to continue his research during a Thanksgiving blizzard.

Enrolling in Columbia Medical School

Eugene discusses his decision to attend Columbia Medical School in New York City, influenced by his desire to learn in a bustling city and study at a school that was his top choice. Eugene talks about his four years in medical school, his general surgical training, and working in a cancer research laboratory and developing an interest in pediatric cancer. Eugene recounts his experience during 9/11, including the hospital's response and his involvement in helping first responders at Ground Zero. He reflects on the impact of 9/11 on the New York City community and the long-term health effects on residents.

A Focus on Pediatric Surgery

Eugene explains his transition from adult surgery to pediatric surgery, driven by his desire to help children. He describes his training at Cincinnati Children's Hospital and the competitive nature of obtaining a spot in pediatric surgery training. Eugene shares his experience in Houston, Texas, and the importance of mentorship in his career. He discusses the challenges and rewards of being a pediatric surgeon, including the need to specialize in various areas of surgery. Eugene emphasizes the importance of mentorship in his career and his efforts to mentor young surgeons and researchers. He describes the physical and mental demands of long surgeries and the importance of staying physically fit. Eugene discusses the impact of new technologies on pediatric surgery, such as robotic surgery and advanced imaging techniques. He reflects on the importance of remaining open-minded to new technologies and incorporating them into his practice.

Harvard Reflections

Eugene reflects on his time at Harvard, including his interest in art history and Japanese art and history taught by John Rosenfield. He shares his appreciation for the seminar course with Mark Ptashne, which deepened his interest in molecular biology. He also mentions an Introduction to Architecture course with James Ackerman. Eugene discusses the importance of taking courses outside of his major and the impact of these courses on his career. He reflects on the value of the requirements at Harvard and how they broadened his perspective and knowledge.

A Journey into Wine

Eugene shares his interest in wine, including his extensive collection and the impact of the Palisades fire on his collection. He describes his journey into wine, including learning about different regions and types of wine. Eugene recounts a memorable experience of tasting rare wines with the head red wine maker from Penfolds in Australia. He reflects on the importance of balancing professional and personal interests and the joy of sharing his passion for wine with others.

Timestamps:

04:44: Early Research Experience at Harvard

08:13: Medical School and Early Career

18:46: Transition to Pediatric Surgery

40:09: Mentorship and Professional Development

44:03: Personal Interests and Hobbies

51:03: Reflections on Harvard and Beyond

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