Description

In this episode of the S2G Podcast, Sanjeev Krishnan, Managing Partner at S2G, chats with Tonya Bakritzes, CMO at S2G, about why we’ve entered the Age of Adaptation—an era defined by volatility and disruption as well as immense opportunity. 

From climate change and AI to geopolitical shifts and rising capital costs, Sanjeev breaks down the four forces reshaping markets and what it will take to build companies that don’t just survive, but thrive in this environment. In this conversation, we explore why resilience is no longer a vague concept but a measurable, investable opportunity, the need to price climate volatility into capital markets, the battery demand that comes with the rise of AI, and the delicate balance between supply chain sovereignty and dependence on Chinese manufacturing. If you want to understand the forces reshaping our world and how to build and invest in businesses that can thrive, not just survive, in this era of volatility, this episode is a must-listen.

Key takeaways:

1. Adaptation is Investable: Adaptation is no longer just about risk management—it’s a growth opportunity. Sanjeev explains why investing in resilience can deliver market-rate returns. 
2. Four Forces are Reshaping the Market: AI, geopolitical shifts, a changing monetary regime, and climate volatility are rewriting the playbook for businesses and investors. Understanding these forces is essential to navigating today’s rapidly evolving landscape.
3. AI’s Dual Role in Productivity and Power Demand: AI is both a transformative tool and a driver of major new energy and battery needs. Sanjeev explores why AI will accelerate automation but also place huge demands on power infrastructure and critical minerals.
4. A U.S.-China Decoupling Will Be Expensive: Reshoring mission-critical manufacturing will take massive investment and could drive inflation. Sanjeev challenges us to think about what we really need to build domestically and who will bear the cost. 
5. Anti-Fragile Businesses Will Win: Sanjeev emphasizes that companies that are built to absorb shocks, whether geopolitical, economic, or climate-related, will not just survive but potentially outperform. 

This content is for informational purposes only, should not be taken as legal, business, tax or investment advice, or be used to evaluate any investment or security, and is not directed at any investor or potential investor in any investment vehicle sponsored by S2G. Investing involves risk, including the risk of loss. Specific companies mentioned in this podcast are for educational purposes and should not be construed as an endorsement of any kind. S2G holds positions in the companies referenced, but this podcast is for information purposes only and is not intended to promote any such company. All views of the guests on this podcast are solely their opinions and do not reflect the opinions of S2G. Any past performance discussed is not indicative of future results. Chuck Templeton is a Managing Partner at S2G Investments. All Chuck's views, and the views of the guests on this podcast, are solely their opinions and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of S2G. The views expressed herein are opinions based on certain assumptions and subject to change.

For more important information, please see s2ginvestments.com/disclosures.