The Long Game Ep 04 | BlackRock Postgame Play Learn to Lead Through the Pivots

Why It Matters

Rieder’s insights show that adaptive leadership and thoughtful AI integration are decisive factors for enduring corporate performance in an increasingly volatile market.

Key Takeaways

• Recognize moments of truth in business to guide strategic pivots.
• AI will boost productivity, lower inflation, but requires policy guidance.
• Successful leaders stay in the mess, not detached from operations.
• Flexibility and daily adaptation are core competencies for long‑term firms.
• Personal mottos like “work hard, play hard, give back, reboot” reinforce discipline.

Summary

The Long Game episode 04 features a candid conversation with Rick Rieder, BlackRock’s chief investment officer of global fixed income, who oversees a $2.4 trillion portfolio. Host Eric Becker frames the dialogue around two core principles – recognizing moments of truth and staying flexible – as essential for leaders who aim to build companies that endure for centuries.

Rieder stresses that markets punish perceived weakness, so leaders must confront “moments of truth” head‑on and pivot when conditions shift. He highlights AI’s potential to lift productivity and ease inflation, while warning that policymakers will need robust data to manage workforce transitions. The discussion also underscores the value of being “in the mess,” meaning executives should stay close to operational details rather than remain detached.

Memorable soundbites include Rieder’s mantra, “I’m not in the business of being right, I’m in the business of generating returns,” and his daily motto, “work hard, play hard, give back, reboot.” These reflections illustrate a mindset that blends humility, relentless focus, and a willingness to adapt.

For CEOs and investors, the episode reinforces that long‑term success hinges on continuous learning, agile decision‑making, and proactive engagement with emerging technologies and societal impacts. Companies that embed these habits are better positioned to navigate volatility and sustain growth over the next century.

Original Description

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

Rick Rieder: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-rieder-b64336249/

BlackRock: https://www.blackrock.com/us/individual

The Long Game book: https://longgamebook.com/

Cresset Podcasts: https://cressetcapital.com/podcasts/entrepreneurs/

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.

Cresset is a firm built by clients, for clients. As an independent, award-winning multi-family office and private investment firm, we are reimagining the way wealth is experienced. Our purpose is to help ensure that both wealth and life are fully optimized*—integrated, intentional, and aligned with each client’s vision of success.

We provide access to the caliber of talent, ideas, and investment opportunities typically available to the largest single-family offices and institutions. Our approach is personalized, entrepreneurial, and client-first.

Proudly owned by our clients and employees, Cresset was built to endure. We are creating a 100+ year firm—one focused on delivering an exceptional experience, not only for the families we serve but for the team that serves them. Recognized by Barron’s and Forbes among the nation’s top multi-family offices* Cresset is guided by long-term relationships, shared success, and a belief that wealth should serve a life well lived. Learn more at www.cressetcapital.com.

*Disclosures related to awards, recognitions, and rankings available here: www.cressetcapital.com/about/rankings-and-awards/

*Cresset was recognized in Barron’s Top 100 RIA Firms. Each year’s rankings awarded by Barron’s in September and determined using proprietary algorithms based on data covering July of prior year through June of award year.

*Cresset was recognized in Forbes Top RIA Firms. Each year’s rankings awarded by Forbes in October based on data covering April of prior year through March of award year and determined using proprietary algorithm based on qualitative and quantitative data developed by SHOOK Research.

**Wealth Optimized, Life Elevated refers to the firm’s philosophy and process in providing advisory and planning services and is not intended to convey a guarantee of results.

Cresset refers to Cresset Capital Management, LLC and its respective direct and indirect subsidiaries and controlled affiliates. For full list of Cresset subsidiaries and controlled affiliates, please see cressetcapital.com/disclosures/