What if the biggest edge in investing isn’t capital or strategy—but how clearly the world understands you? In this episode, I sit down with Jennifer Prosek, Founder and Managing Partner of Prosek Partners, to discuss how branding, narrative, and communication have become core drivers of success in financial services. Jennifer explains why firms went from ignoring marketing to depending on it, how “efficiency and preference” directly impact fundraising and deal flow, and why owned media and the “digital blink” now shape first impressions. We also explore how founders should think about storytelling, differentiation, and building long-term trust in an increasingly competitive capital landscape.

Highlights:

• Why branding went from irrelevant to essential in finance
• The concept of “efficiency and preference” in fundraising
• Why most first meetings are actually second meetings
• How the “digital blink” shapes investor perception instantly
• Why owned media is the highest ROI strategy today
• The biggest mistake GPs make when going on podcasts
• How to compete for retail capital without massive budgets
• Why narrative clarity is the foundation of all marketing

Guest Bio:

Jennifer Prosek is the Founder and Managing Partner of Prosek Partners, a leading global marketing and communications firm specializing in financial services. She has built the firm into one of the most influential platforms in the industry, advising top asset managers, private equity firms, and financial institutions worldwide. Jennifer is also a published author, board member, and active investor in communications technology, with deep expertise at the intersection of brand, capital markets, and reputation.

Are you interested in sponsoring the How I Invest Podcast? Please email David Weisburd at david@weisburdcapital.com.

We’d like to thank AlphaSense for sponsoring this episode!

Sponsor:

AlphaSense is the AI-powered market intelligence platform trusted by 85% of the S&P 100, helping investment professionals make faster, more confident, data-driven decisions. Built for hedge funds, asset allocators, private venture capital firms, and investment bankers, AlphaSense uses advanced AI and powerful search across premium proprietary content to surface the insights that matter most—before the market moves. Elevate your research and stay ahead of the competition. Visit https://www.alpha-sense.com/howiinvest/ to learn more.

Stay Connected with David Weisburd:

X/Twitter: @dweisburd LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dweisburd/ Weisburd Capital: https://www.weisburdcapital.com/

Stay Connected with Jen Prosek:

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-prosek/

Questions or topics you want us to discuss on How I Invest? Email us at david@weisburdcapital.com.

Disclaimer:

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, financial, legal, or tax advice. Nothing in this episode should be interpreted as an offer to buy or sell any securities or to participate in any investment strategy. All opinions expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the views of Weisburd Capital. Participants may hold positions or have financial interests in the companies, funds, or investments discussed. Any references to specific investments are for illustrative purposes only. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of capital. Past performance is not indicative of future results, and any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties. Any third-party data or opinions have not been independently verified. Listeners should conduct their own research and consult their own advisors before making any investment decisions.

(0:00) Why the Financial Crisis Created a Marketing Boom No One Expected (1:50) How Branding Went From Useless to Mandatory Overnight (3:49) The Real Reason Private Markets Are Chasing Retail Investors (5:29) How Smaller Firms Compete Against Blackstone and KKR (8:01) Why Getting on a Platform Means Nothing Without Demand (9:27) The Hidden ROI of Brand: Efficiency and Preference (12:03) Why Podcasts Are the Most Powerful Asset in Finance Today (14:50) The Biggest Mistake GPs Make Before Doing Media (16:23) The Lowest-Cost Strategy That Actually Builds a Brand (18:30) Why Your Reputation Is Now Controlled by AI