FEG INSIGHT BRIDGE PODCAST

Commanding Heights: The Investment Journey of Josh Harris

Written by FEG | November 4, 2025

What sustains true dynasties in finance and sports? Great people, strong values and a culture of accountability.

In this episode, host Greg Dowling welcomes Josh Harris—founder of 26North, co-founder of Apollo Global Management, and managing partner of the Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Devils, and Washington Commanders. Josh reflects on his journey from Wall Street to the world of sports, sharing lessons on building enduring institutions, transforming franchises into global media powerhouses and leading with trust and purpose. The conversation explores how finance, philanthropy and legacy intersect—and why the future of investing is more human than ever.

Tune in for a thoughtful exploration of institutional leadership, the state of alternative investing, and how Josh Harris is shaping a legacy built on purpose and people.

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Josh Harris believes that enduring leadership is built on stewardship, adaptability, and a deep commitment to relationships.
  • He sees hard work and a culture of excellence as essential for earning trust, differentiating firms, and connecting with clients.
  • Legacy, in Josh’s view, is defined not by performance metrics but by the people you mentor, the culture you shape, and the values you uphold.
  • As technology transforms the investment landscape, Josh argues that empathy and purpose will become the most valuable assets in the advisor’s toolkit.




Episode Chapters
0:00 Podcast Introduction
0:29 Introducing Josh Harris 
1:54 Growing Up in Chevy Chase, Maryland
2:48 Catching the Finance Bug at Penn
3:50 From Wharton to Wall Street
5:47 The Early Years at Apollo
7:05 Top Accomplishment at Apollo
7:32 Evolution of Private Equity
9:36 Launch of 26North
11:52 Driving Investor Returns
14:48 A Culture-First Environment
16:19 Unexpected Lessons from the Start-Up Journey
18:10 The Changing Face of Private Credit
21:31 Critiquing Private Credit
22:30 Art of Investing in Sports Franchises
24:02 The Sports Investment Thesis
25:58 Synergies in Owning Multiple Sports Franchises
26:34 Balancing Long-Term Vision with Victory Today
28:09 Investing in the Sports Franchise Ecosystem
30:58 Finding Your Franchise Quarterback
31:35 Philanthropic Endeavors
33:13 Lessons in Leadership & Success