Three Key Takeaways from Our Jim Ware Interview
Listen to the episode:
Jim Ware: The Culture Factor – How Great Investment Teams Win
Interviewing Jim Ware was a real treat for me. As someone who has bought nearly all of his books—read them too!—and been clearly influenced by his thinking in my own approach to managing investment teams, it was a true pleasure to spend an hour with him. His insights on the importance of culture, creativity, and curiosity for investment organizations were both affirming and enlightening.
Having conducted due diligence on hundreds of investment firms and thousands of managers over the years, I believe that a strong, positive culture is critical—not just to a firm’s internal dynamics, but to its long-term performance. When a team genuinely believes in its philosophy, feels psychologically safe, and actually enjoys the work, the job becomes more than a job. It becomes a higher calling. That kind of culture tends to show up in better results and richer experiences for clients. Culture is an edge.
Our hour-long conversation was a treasure trove. Here are my top three takeaways:
1. Culture is a Leading Indicator of Performance
Jim emphasized that culture is not just a soft concept—it’s a measurable, leading indicator of investment team success. His firm uses an Organizational Health Survey to assess aspects like culture, strategy, and alignment. Strong cultures are built on clear purpose, well-defined values and behaviors, and an environment where employees feel safe, valued, and developed.
He also pointed out common blind spots in many firms: a lack of client-centricity, unclear priorities, and unaddressed internal frictions. His advice? Use repeatable, data-driven methods to assess and improve culture.
2. Creativity and Curiosity Drive Outperformance
To beat the market, investment teams must think and act differently. Jim stressed the importance of nurturing creativity and curiosity, both individually and institutionally.
He shared practical techniques—like carving out time for deep, uninterrupted thinking and practicing mindfulness through meditation or breathing exercises. He also encouraged developing self-awareness to recognize when we're in an open versus defensive mindset, and to ask thoughtful questions that cultivate curiosity.
3. Align with Your Genius
Jim spoke candidly about his own practices to stay grounded and energized, including daily transcendental meditation and the use of Holosync, a tool for synchronizing the brain’s hemispheres.
His broader point was powerful: Discover what energizes you—your "genius"—and aim to spend 80% of your time there. He also spoke about the value of coaching to uncover limiting beliefs and unlock purpose. The more aligned you are with your true strengths and interests, the more energy and fulfillment you’ll bring to your work—and your life.
Bottom Line
Great cultures create great performance. When investment firms prioritize a positive work environment, the benefits ripple outward—to the team, the individuals, and most importantly, the clients.
Give the episode a listen—and let me know what you think.
Listen here