The Long Game with Eric Becker

Episoder

• From Serial Entrepreneur to Hospitality Legend: Larry Levy 21.07.2026 43min

  If you've enjoyed a meal at a major sporting event anywhere in the country, chances are Larry Levy's team has served you.   What began as a small delicatessen in Chicago has grown into one of the largest hospitality networks in sports, serving Major League Baseball, NFL stadiums, NBA arenas, as well as major events like the Kentucky Derby and the Grammys.   Larry Levy is a pioneer in hospitality and the best at what he does. He co-founded Levy Restaurants, a company that fundamentally reinvented how we experience food in sports and entertainment.   Through decades of reinvention, Larry has consistently turned opportunity into category-defining businesses by combining creative vision, operational discipline and an obsession with the guest experience.   As a longtime mentor to Eric Becker, Larry shares the defining moments of his career, the bold risks behind his biggest turning points and the leadership philosophy that guided a lifetime of innovation.   Key Takeaways: Why exceeding expectations is powerful business strategy Why culture and hiring matter at scale How passion and experience can be leveraged into a competitive advantage For founders and executives, this episode explores entrepreneurship, hospitality innovation and what it really takes to build a business that transforms an entire industry. Listen and subscribe: Subscribe to Cresset Podcasts Newsletter: https://cressetcapital.com/podcasts/entrepreneurs/ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-long-game-with-eric-becker/id1896628025 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033g1SCSMkQQXnNfn2SQV9 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cressetwealth/podcasts  Eric Becker LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ebecker1/ Eric Becker: https://cressetcapital.com/about/team/eric-becker/ The Long Game book: https://longgamebook.com/
• Postgame Play: Finding Your Leadership Edge in the AI Era 14.07.2026 12min

  Former Fast Company Editor-in-Chief and Rapid Response host Bob Safian says the difference between companies that endure and those that fade often comes down to how clearly they understand who they are under the pressure of change.   In this Postgame episode, Eric Becker unpacks his conversation with Bob Safian on the patterns of great leadership and why strategy is your story, particularly during unprecedented AI uncertainty.   For founders, executives and next-generation leaders, this episode explores what it really takes to build and sustain great leadership during rapid innovation. Listen and subscribe: Subscribe to Cresset Podcasts Newsletter: https://cressetcapital.com/podcasts/entrepreneurs/ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-long-game-with-eric-becker/id1896628025 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033g1SCSMkQQXnNfn2SQV9 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cressetwealth/podcasts  Bob Safian LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-safian/ Rapid Response Podcast: https://www.rapidresponseshow.com/ Eric Becker LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ebecker1/ Eric Becker: https://cressetcapital.com/about/team/eric-becker/ The Long Game book: https://longgamebook.com/
• How Great Leaders Will Emerge During the AI Revolution: Bob Safian 07.07.2026 46min

  Bob Safian, former Editor-in-Chief of Fast Company and host of Rapid Response, has been described as having a "near clairvoyant ability" to spot emerging business trends early. Bob joins Eric Becker on The Long Game for a conversation on leadership, innovation, and the companies he's identified as category-defining.   In this episode, Bob breaks down what makes a founder truly "backable," drawing from his experience profiling early-stage leaders like Mark Zuckerberg and Brian Chesky. He explores the patterns that show up again and again in companies that go on to define entire industries.   Eric and Bob also dive into the future of AI and what it means for productivity, how it will reshape the workforce, and why the next decade will reward people who can adapt quickly and make disciplined decisions in times of uncertainty.   Key Takeaways: Why storytelling and strategy are closely aligned in great companies The traits that consistently show up in successful founders The most important qualities leaders need to succeed in an AI world How great leaders balance conviction with flexibility in times of uncertainty   For founders, executives and entrepreneurs, this episode is a deep dive into how successful companies are built through clarity of principles, disciplined decision-making, and the ability to pivot when everything changes.   Listen and subscribe: Subscribe to Cresset Podcasts Newsletter: https://cressetcapital.com/podcasts/entrepreneurs/ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-long-game-with-eric-becker/id1896628025 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033g1SCSMkQQXnNfn2SQV9 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cressetwealth/podcasts  Bob Safian LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-safian/ Rapid Response Podcast: https://www.rapidresponseshow.com/ Eric Becker LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ebecker1/ Eric Becker: https://cressetcapital.com/about/team/eric-becker/ The Long Game book: https://longgamebook.com/
• Postgame Play: The Courage to Make the Hard Call 30.06.2026 13min

  For retail legend and transformative CEO Mindy Grossman, knowing when to walk away isn't just an instinct; it's a strategy for success. In this Postgame episode, Eric Becker shares how recognizing a moment of truth might just be your greatest asset.   If your business has reached an inflection point, learn how Mindy built a career defined by bold risk-taking and building authentic company culture.   Listen and subscribe: Subscribe to Cresset Podcasts Newsletter: https://cressetcapital.com/podcasts/entrepreneurs/ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-long-game-with-eric-becker/id1896628025 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033g1SCSMkQQXnNfn2SQV9 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cressetwealth/podcasts  Mindy Grossman LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mindy-grossman The Consello Group: https://consello.com/ Eric Becker LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ebecker1/ Eric Becker: https://cressetcapital.com/about/team/eric-becker/
• Mindy Grossman on Reinventing Retail Culture: Lessons from Oprah, Nike, and Ralph Lauren 23.06.2026 59min

  Mindy Grossman is an experienced retail leader who spent her career building and scaling some of the world's most iconic brands, from Nike to Ralph Lauren to contributing to the evolution of HSN's retail ecosystem. Throughout her career, Mindy has helped organizations navigate change and pursue growth through strategic leadership and innovation. A relationship-driven mentor and a true architect of modern retail culture, Mindy joins Eric Becker to explore the defining moments, bold decisions, and leadership philosophy behind her extraordinary career in retail. Mindy shares behind-the-scenes stories from working alongside legendary founders like Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren, Phil Knight, Barry Diller and Oprah Winfrey, and what it really takes to revitalize legacy brands, build a strong company culture and consistently turn disruption into long-term opportunity. Key Takeaways: Transformation lessons from Nike, Ralph Lauren, and HSN — and what drives lasting business growth Why consumer obsession is the foundation of strong brands and authentic company cultures How to lead through crisis, disruption, and uncertainty while embracing calculated risk The importance of making values-based decisions, including knowing when to walk away Mindy's "Purpose Filter" framework for navigating opportunities, challenges, and career decisions For founders, executives, and entrepreneurs, this episode explores leadership and retail culture transformation, and what it really takes to renew iconic brands by focusing on the fundamentals. Listen and subscribe: Subscribe to Cresset Podcasts Newsletter: https://cressetcapital.com/podcasts/entrepreneurs/ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-long-game-with-eric-becker/id1896628025 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033g1SCSMkQQXnNfn2SQV9 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cressetwealth/podcasts  Mindy Grossman LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mindy-grossman The Consello Group: https://consello.com/ Eric Becker LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ebecker1/ Eric Becker: https://cressetcapital.com/about/team/eric-becker/ The Long Game book: https://longgamebook.com/
• United Airlines Postgame Play: Your Job Is to "Wow" 16.06.2026 11min

  This Postgame Play focuses on Eric Becker's key takeaways from his conversation with United CEO, Scott Kirby, and his "every flight has a story" leadership mentality. Scott says one of the most critical long game plays for any business is simply to "WOW." For Scott, that means everything from redesigning the customer experience to preparing for industry shifts before competitors see them coming.   This is your "no excuses" game plan to help your business take flight.   Listen and subscribe: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-long-game-with-eric-becker/id1896628025 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033g1SCSMkQQXnNfn2SQV9 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cressetwealth/podcasts  Scott Kirby LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jscott-kirby/ United Airlines: https://www.united.com/en/us Eric Becker LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ebecker1/  Eric Becker: https://cressetcapital.com/about/team/eric-becker/  The Long Game book: https://longgamebook.com/  Cresset website: https://cressetcapital.com/podcasts/entrepreneurs/ 
• United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby: Big Bets Leading the World's Largest Airline 09.06.2026 28min

  Scott Kirby, CEO of United Airlines, joins Eric Becker to discuss what it takes to lead the world's largest airline through periods of crisis and transformation. As United celebrates its 100th anniversary, Scott shares how he approaches leadership with a "startup mindset," and how the airline is elevating the customer experience through technology and radical transparency. With 100,000 employees, Scott offers insights into how he structures his day and optimizes performance while moving 175 million passengers per year and leading once of the largest workforces in the world.   Key Takeaways: How United created a "startup mindset" inside a 100-year-old company How technology is reshaping the future of air travel The leadership lesson behind the "No Excuses, Sir" philosophy How United is creating a culture of "Wow" for its customers Why great CEOs protect time for thinking, curiosity, and challenging conventional wisdom For founders, executives, and leaders navigating uncertainty, this episode offers an inside look at the mindset, systems, and decision-making behind one of the world's most complex businesses. Listen and subscribe: Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-long-game-with-eric-becker/id1896628025 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/033g1SCSMkQQXnNfn2SQV9 YouTube https://youtu.be/TvuOYCVk0sg  Scott Kirby LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jscott-kirby/ United Airlines https://www.united.com/en/us Eric Becker LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ebecker1/  Eric Becker https://cressetcapital.com/about/team/eric-becker/  The Long Game book https://longgamebook.com/  Cresset website https://cressetcapital.com/podcasts/entrepreneurs/ 
• Blackrock Postgame Play: Lead through AI and a Radical Future of Work 02.06.2026 9min

  As Chief Investment Officer of Global Fixed Income at BlackRock, Rick Rieder oversees more than $3.3 trillion in assets. In this Postgame, Eric Becker breaks down the surprising quality Rick Rieder looks for when investing in any company, and it's whether the CEO is willing to "be in the mess." For entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders navigating uncertainty or leading through change, this episode offers practical insight into how disciplined leaders stay adaptable and position themselves ahead of where the world is going next. Listen and subscribe: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/blackrocks-rick-rieder-inside-the-mind-of-a-%243/id1896628025?i=1000769554278  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5GrjgvD083iFvMN4OQC53h?si=5ybDri3TS1OLtwNnVUhc_Q  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cressetwealth/podcasts  Rick Rieder LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-rieder-b64336249/  BlackRock: https://www.blackrock.com/us/individual  Eric Becker LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ebecker1/  Eric Becker: https://cressetcapital.com/about/team/eric-becker/  The Long Game book: https://longgamebook.com/  Cresset website: https://cressetcapital.com/podcasts/entrepreneurs/ 
• Biltmore Estate's Fifth-Generation Legacy 25.05.2026 52min

  What does it take to preserve America's largest privately owned home for five generations? Ryan Cecil and Chase Pickering, descendants of George Vanderbilt and fifth generation leaders of the historic Biltmore Estate, join Eric Becker to share the story behind one of America's most iconic families and the estate they've called home for over 130 years. From the Great Depression to World War II to COVID-19, they reveal the lessons learned across generations, the mic-drop moments that defined their family legacy, and the "can't stand still" philosophy that's made Biltmore one of the most visited historic homes in the United States.   Ryan and Chase also share insights into the family's governance, offering a rare glimpse at how legacy families operate, including high-stakes decision-making, conflict-resolution and succession planning.    Key Takeaways: How to be a super steward and grow a multi-generational family business Best practices for succession planning and governance How to balance tradition with innovation Why great businesses need a "can't stand still" mindset A masterclass in stewardship that blends tradition, innovation and long-term vision. Listen and subscribe: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/biltmore-estates-fifth-generation-legacy/id1896628025?i=1000769554249  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2CWN1YCHearFB8o9UqAUgN?si=YB2L6DCYS_qPyhHGEIBh1w  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cressetwealth/podcasts  Chase Pickering LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chase-pickering-8027047/  Biltmore: https://www.biltmore.com/  Eric Becker LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ebecker1/  Eric Becker: https://cressetcapital.com/about/team/eric-becker/  The Long Game book: https://longgamebook.com/  Cresset website: https://cressetcapital.com/podcasts/entrepreneurs/ 
• BlackRock's Rick Rieder: Inside the Mind of a $3.3 Trillion Investor 25.05.2026 46min

  Rick Rieder, CIO of Global Fixed Income at BlackRock, joins Eric Becker to share how he approaches markets, investing, and risk at one of the world's largest asset management firm. From an early career mistake that reshaped his investment philosophy to overseeing trillions in assets, Rick explains why markets don't always reward being "right", and why humility, adaptability, and curiosity are critical for long-term success.   Eric and Rick also discuss leadership under pressure, what actually drives high-performing investment teams, and the essential skills investors need in the age of AI.   Key Takeaways: Why being "right" isn't enough in investing How top investors think about risk, uncertainty, and blind spots What separates strong investment committees from weak ones Why great leaders thrive "in the mess" How AI is reshaping markets and asset management   Listen and subscribe: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/biltmore-estates-fifth-generation-legacy/id1896628025?i=1000769554249  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2CWN1YCHearFB8o9UqAUgN?si=YB2L6DCYS_qPyhHGEIBh1w  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cressetwealth/podcasts  Rick Rieder LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-rieder-b64336249/  BlackRock: https://www.blackrock.com/us/individual  Eric Becker LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ebecker1/  Eric Becker: https://cressetcapital.com/about/team/eric-becker/  The Long Game book: https://longgamebook.com/  Cresset website: https://cressetcapital.com/podcasts/entrepreneurs/ 
• The Multi-Gen Black Family Who Built America: Dr. Cheryl McKissack Daniel 25.05.2026 38min

  Dr. Cheryl McKissack Daniel, Chair of the Board, McKissack & McKissack, joins Eric Becker to share how she leads one of America's oldest family-owned businesses, spanning over 230 years and five generations. From enslaved ancestors who were master builders to leading a firm responsible for over $50 billion in construction projects, Cheryl shares lessons on leadership, resilience, and building a lasting business legacy.   Cheryl says that for family-owned companies, business is personal, and that pressure drives leaders to take bold risks, stay agile, and never settle for mediocrity. She also emphasizes the power of owning mistakes, a mindset that has shaped the firm's culture, performance, and long-term success.   Key Takeaways: How to sustain a multi-generational family business Why 100-year companies take the biggest risks How high-performing leaders avoid mediocrity and drive excellence Why resilience, adaptability, and strategy fuel long-term business success The importance of accountability: why great leaders own their mistakes Listen and subscribe: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-multi-gen-black-family-who-built-america-dr/id1896628025?i=1000769554152  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5cIdRegONwaf8wvBS55ouf  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cressetwealth/podcasts  Cheryl McKissack Daniel LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryl-mckissack-daniel-b580a17/  McKissack & McKissack: https://mckissack.com/  Eric Becker LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ebecker1/  Eric Becker: https://cressetcapital.com/about/team/eric-becker/  The Long Game book: https://longgamebook.com/  Cresset website: https://cressetcapital.com/podcasts/entrepreneurs/   Historic photographs courtesy of Metro Nashville Archives
• Sneak Peek: The Multi-Gen Black Family Who Built America 21.05.2026

  Dr. Cheryl McKissack Daniel, Chair of the Board, McKissack & McKissack, joins Eric Becker to share how she leads one of America's oldest family-owned businesses, spanning over 230 years and five generations.
• Sneak Peek: Biltmore Estate's Fifth-Generation Legacy 20.05.2026

  What does it take to preserve America's largest privately owned home — for over 130 years? Get a first look at Eric Becker's conversation with Ryan Cecil and Chase Pickering, 5th-generation descendants of George Vanderbilt and leaders of the iconic Biltmore Estate. From surviving the Great Depression to navigating COVID-19, they share the philosophy and family principles behind one of America's most enduring legacies. Full episode drops May 26th. Follow The Long Game so you don't miss it.
• The Long Game Podcast with Eric Becker 12.05.2026 2min

  The Long Game Podcast hosted by Eric Becker, Co-Founder and Co-Chairman of Cresset. Each episode features candid conversations with influential founders, CEOs and multigenerational stewards of iconic institutions. From global brands to family enterprises, these leaders share the decisions, discipline and long-term vision required to move from startup to scale and from market leader to enduring legacy. Drawing on insights from Becker's bestselling book The Long Game, and conversations with founders, CEOs, investors, and institutional leaders, the podcast offers practical wisdom for navigating uncertainty, resisting short-term pressure, and compounding advantage over time. Through relationships built over decades, Becker has earned the trust of influential business and cultural leaders, giving listeners rare access to the thinking and often unspoken lessons behind companies built to endure.