Brad Jacobs has built multiple billion-dollar companies (QXO, XPO, United Rentals, and United Waste). In this interview he tells you exactly how he did it. We discuss how to read anyone during an interview through a series of intentional questions, the exciting role of AI and technology in the future of business, and where money-making ideas hide in companies. Jacobs also shares how his training in math and music made him a better business operator, the one thing he focuses on to grow his businesses, how to spot big trends before everyone else, and the only thing a company should focus on for success. Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 01:13 - The future of AI 03:50 - How to think rationally 05:17 - The major trend 07:26 - The research process 09:58 - On asking better questions 16:04 - On rearranging your brain 18:52 - On music, math, simplicity, and business 28:55 - Leverage, debt, and optionality 31:40 - What it takes to take contrarian bets 37:14 - Confidence and parents 46:50 - Why negative-only feedback is detrimental for employees 52:43 - Money lessons 54:42 - A deep dive on M&A (Jacobs' secret sauce to growing his companies) 01:04:20 - Questions to immediately get to know anyone 01:07:43 - On boards and board meetings 01:13:26 - On decision-making 01:20:06 - The role of capital markets 01:22:10 - The type of person you don't want to hire 01:27:45 - The best capital allocators 01:30:22 - Biggest lesson Jacobs learned from the past year 01:33:49 - On success *Shane Parrish* Instagram: X: LinkedIn: Books: Website: Newsletter: *Brad Jacobs* LinkedIn: QXO: *The Knowledge Project* features in-depth conversations with the top CEOs, investors, and business leaders to uncover the timeless principles that drive success. Learn more at