The Long Game with Eric Becker

There are more than 30 million businesses in the United States alone. Within ten years, nearly 70% will disappear, and in a century, fewer than half of one percent will remain. In a culture obsessed with speed, scale, and short-term wins, is it still possible to build something that lasts? The answer is yes.The Long Game is a podcast from bestselling author and entrepreneur Eric Becker, Founder and Chairman of Cresset, a multi-family office managing over $235B in assets. Inspired by his book, the series explores what transforms early success into enduring relevance.Each episode features candid conversations with founders, CEOs, and multigenerational leaders behind iconic organizations. From global brands to family enterprises, guests share the decisions, discipline, and long-term thinking required to evolve from startup to scale, and from market leader to lasting legacy.While many companies are built for exit, Becker makes a different case: build as if you'll own the business for t

The Long Game with Eric Becker is a business podcast hosted by Eric Becker, with 24 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Eric Becker hosts The Long Game with Eric Becker, a business show with 24 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

• 

  Episode #21

  Barnes & Noble CEO James Daunt: What Most Turnaround CEOs Get Wrong

  Sep 28, 202627 minS1

  For James Daunt, saving bookstores didn't start with technology or corporate strategy; the key was re-establishing booksellers. In this episode, retail turnaround leader James Daunt breaks down one of the most remarkable retail turnarounds in recent years. He shares how he helped revive Barnes & Noble with an unconventional approach focused on creating a personalized experience customers can't find online. Key takeaways: How empowering frontline operators can outperform top-down strategy How reducing bureaucracy can help companies refocus on customer value Why legacy brands compete through experience, trust and high standards How AI and technology are reshaping retail and publishing For founders, CEOs, entrepreneurs, retailers and anyone building a brand meant to last, this conversation offers powerful insights on leadership, innovation and cultivating customer loyalty. 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 James Daunt LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-daunt-07687a5b/ Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.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/

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #20

  Biltmore Postgame Play: Implement the Family Meeting

  Sep 21, 202611 minS1

  For Biltmore Estate's fifth-generation leaders, Chase Pickering and Ryan Cecil, the family meeting isn't just a tradition; it's the foundation for a family legacy. In this Postgame episode, Eric Becker shares how the strongest family businesses build structure and governance long before moments of crisis arrive. Eric also reflects on his own experience creating an "ethical will," and how it became a critical source of guidance during the most difficult chapter of his life. For any families thinking about succession planning and generational wealth, this episode breaks down why the real work of succession isn't in the documents—it's about stewardship, communication, and growing a strong family network. 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/

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #19

  Hasbro CEO Chris Cocks on the Business of Play

  Sep 14, 202644 minS1

  For Chris Cocks, staying relevant as a 100-year-old company means knowing which principles to protect and which ideas to reinvent. In this episode, Eric Becker sits down with Chris to explore how iconic brands navigate innovation and rapid technological change. They discuss Hasbro's approach to deciding when to swing for the fences and when to play Moneyball. From creative risk-taking to the three pieces of advice that helped him build a career he loves, Chris shares how enduring companies adapt through disruption while staying anchored to the values and products people connect with most. Key Takeaways How to know when to swing for the fences and when to play "Moneyball" in business strategy How diversification helps organizations take bold risks and withstand disruption How legacy brands like Hasbro create emotional connection for both employees and global fan communities Chris Cocks' three most important lessons for long-term success If you're building a company, leading through change, or thinking about the future of leadership in the age of AI, this conversation offers a sharp look at what keeps businesses evolving for generations. 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 Chris Cocks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ccocks/ Hasbro: https://corporate.hasbro.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/

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #18

  Ferragamo Postgame Play: Your Legacy is Customer Obsession

  Sep 8, 202610 minS1

  For over 100 years, the Ferragamo family has been on a first-name basis with the global luxury fashion world. In this Postgame episode, Eric explores the Ferragamo family's relentless focus on constantly evolving with its customers. Ferragamo has struck a balance in what it means to maintain tradition and craftsmanship with its longtime fans while also building a new customer base through spontaneity and creativity. Their secret? Innovation and a deep-rooted commitment to upholding the principles of a four-generation family through thoughtful and disciplined succession planning. This is a must-listen for anyone leading a family business, modernizing a brand or building a legacy designed to last across generations. 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 James Ferragamo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-ferragamo-698b1a/ Ferragamo: https://www.ferragamo.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/

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #17

  How a 100-Year Empire is Redefining the Future of Luxury

  Aug 31, 202643 minS1

  James Ferragamo is a third-generation leader and Chief Product Officer of Ferragamo, one of the world's most iconic luxury brands. For more than 100 years, Ferragamo has set the standard for continuous reinvention throughout the unprecedented evolution of retail. Founded in 1927 by legendary shoemaker Salvatore Ferragamo, the company grew from a small artisan workshop in Florence into a global fashion house known for impeccable craftsmanship, relentless attention to detail and an ethos of bold innovation. In this episode, Eric Becker sits down with James Ferragamo to explore the remarkable origin story behind the Ferragamo family business and the defining moments of truth that have shaped the brand across generations. They also explore how Ferragamo balances tradition with modern luxury and the family governance structure behind its legacy. Key takeaways: Why enduring brands stay true to their DNA while constantly evolving Why customer experience and attention to detail remain central to brand longevity How the Ferragamo family approaches stewardship and succession The role of AI in modern luxury retail For founders, executives and entrepreneurs, this episode explores family business leadership, luxury brand strategy, succession planning and building companies designed to last for generations. 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 James Ferragamo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-ferragamo-698b1a/ Ferragamo: https://www.ferragamo.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/

  ListenShow Notes

Recent guests on The Long Game with Eric Becker. Study who booked and why before you pitch.

Based on semantic analysis of episode topics and host coverage, this show is a strong guest fit for executives in:

Industry fit is computed by PitchCentric using vector embeddings of the show's episode catalog.