From Goldman Sachs to Fortress: Drew McKnight’s Lessons in Risk & Resilience

Drew McKnight is co-CEO of Fortress Investment Group, where he has spent more than two decades helping build one of the world’s leading alternative asset managers. In this episode, Drew takes us inside the world of private credit and distressed investing—from his early days at Goldman Sachs and Fir Tree to joining Fortress and ultimately helping lead the firm.

Drew also shares how his years as a championship lacrosse player at UVA shaped his approach to competition, resilience, and leadership. The conversation goes deep into Fortress itself, including its public offering, acquisition by SoftBank, return to private ownership, and the transition from founder-led leadership. Drew also pulls back the curtain on investments including Red Lobster, Krystal, Arcis Golf, and Theranos, offering a candid look at what happens when investments don’t go according to plan—and why resilience matters just as much in investing as it does in sports.

In this Episode

[03:09] Inside Fortress Investment Group & the Private Credit Business

[05:46] From Virginia Beach and UVA Lacrosse to Goldman Sachs

[14:22] Fir Tree, Joining Fortress & Building a Career in Distressed Credit

[20:06] Taking Fortress Private, SoftBank & the Co-CEO Transition

[29:57] Leadership Lessons, Resilience & the Loss of Josh Pack

[34:16] Krystal, Red Lobster & Arcus Golf

[43:24] Theranos, Harry Macklowe & High-Risk Structured Deals

[50:18] Charles Cohen, Personal Guarantees & Enforcing Credit Agreements

[57:03] The U.S. Economy, AI, Data Centers & the Future of Private Credit

[01:13:31] Dallas, MP Materials, the Texas Business Environment & Lessons From a Career in Investing

Learn more about Fortress

Thanks to Our Sponsors

Our Presenting Sponsor is Lynn, Pinker, Hurst & Schwegmann. To learn more visit: ⁠lynnllp.com⁠. And thank you for your support.

⁠Arcis Golf⁠: A premier owner and operator of private, resort, and daily-fee clubs, delivering exceptional experiences and meaningful local impact.

Gliden: Learn more at ⁠glidenindustries.com⁠

Brownlee Wealth Management: Visit ⁠bwmplanning.com⁠ to Learn More.

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