I’m reposting today an interview that Matt Zeigler kindly conducted with me recently. It just so happens that today is my birthday, which makes it feel like the right moment to share this deeply personal conversation about a chapter in my life and career when uncertainty was at its peak and the road ahead felt anything but clear.

In this impromptu conversation, recorded one summer morning, I reflect on what happened during that time, what I learned from it, and how those experiences continue to shape me today. Along the way, you’ll hear stories and moments I’ve never shared publicly before.

I also encourage you to read the thoughtful profile Matt wrote about me on his wonderful Cultish Creative blog, linked here. While you’re there, take some time to explore—and follow—his beautifully written, thoughtfully curated work. I’m grateful for the care and generosity he brings to every conversation and every story he tells.

Bogumil Baranowski joins Matt Zeigler to explore why failure is feedback and how persistence can turn rejection, uncertainty, and personal obstacles into life-changing opportunities. Bogumil shares his journey from Poland to a career in New York investing, the green card rejection that nearly ended it, and the unlikely path that eventually led him to ask Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger a question at the Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting.
Topics covered:

Why failure should be treated as feedback rather than defeat
What Joseph Moore’s struggle to publish How to Get Rich in American History teaches about resilience
How personal conviction helps people continue when success appears statistically unlikely
Why creating a podcast can preserve valuable conversations and connect overlooked ideas
How podcast hosts cross-pollinate insights between investors, authors, and thinkers
Bogumil’s decision to leave Europe and build an investing career in New York City
The visa challenges and green card rejection that almost forced him to leave America
How hope and persistence helped him restart the immigration process
The unlikely story of asking Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger a question at Berkshire Hathaway
Why obstacles can help people develop strengths that others do not possess
How an outsider’s perspective can create an advantage in investing and creative work
Why people should embrace the experiences that make them different

Timestamps:
00:00 Why some goals become things you have to do
03:00 Joseph Moore and the history of getting rich
06:04 Why location matters when building and preserving wealth
08:20 Failure is feedback
09:30 Why important ideas often face rejection
13:03 Turning private conversations into a public podcast
16:40 Learning through other people’s experiences
18:08 Cross-pollinating ideas between great investors
20:24 Bogumil’s decision to pursue investing in New York
21:42 Visa problems and a rejected green card application
24:00 Starting the immigration process again
26:14 Why persistence matters more than the size of the goal
27:46 Asking Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger a question
31:42 Why failing is part of trying
33:53 The unexpected connection to The King’s Speech
35:29 Turning perceived weaknesses into strengths
37:29 Where to find Bogumil’s writing and podcasts
Podcast Program – Disclosure Statement

Blue Infinitas Capital, LLC is a registered investment adviser and the opinions expressed by the Firm’s employees and podcast guests on this show are their own and do not reflect the opinions of Blue Infinitas Capital, LLC. All statements and opinions expressed are based upon information considered reliable although it should not be relied upon as such. Any statements or opinions are subject to change without notice.

Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed.

Dr. Paul Hokemeyer: Fragile Power: Why Having It All Is Never Enough