Keith Gill's (Roaring Kitty) role as an activist investor, first with GameStop and now with Chewy, was a recurring theme throughout the conversation.
Galloway shares personal stories and insights from his experiences as an activist investor, including his proxy fight with Red Envelope.
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing Starboard Value's activist involvement with Autodesk, including their demands and potential impact.
Elliott Management's activist investment in Texas Instruments and its proposal to improve cash flow is a key topic discussed in the episode, highlighting the role of activist investors.
The podcast episodes cover various examples of activist investing, where investors with large stakes in public companies seek to influence the company's strategy, management, and operations.
For instance, the episodes discuss Elliott Management's activist involvement with Southwest Airlines Southwest Changed Flying. Can It Change Itself? and Autodesk Activists at Autodesk's Door, as well as Starboard Value's campaign targeting Texas Instruments Activists: Higher All-Time Highs, Please. The episodes also touch on activist situations at other companies like Chewy Chewy's New Kitten and Red Envelope, the latter covered in an episode with Scott Galloway Conversation with Jared Cohen - The Macroeconomic Environment + Life After Power.
Activist investing can involve various tactics, from acquiring large stakes, pushing for board seats, and advocating for strategic and operational changes to unlock shareholder value.