Value Creators
Welcome to the Value Creators podcast, the ultimate destination for business enthusiasts seeking to unlock the secrets of success through the lens of Austrian economics. Join Hunter Hastings and a variety of insightful guests as they delve into engaging conversations with business owners and esteemed practitioners from leading business schools.
In each episode, the Value Creators podcast goes beyond the surface-level discussions of traditional business strategies and explores the profound impact of Austrian economics on the world of entrepreneurship. Drawing upon the rich principles and theories of this school of thought, our host uncovers hidden gems and actionable insights to help listeners improve their businesses.
With a keen focus on value creation, this podcast aims to inspire and empower listeners to elevate their businesses to new heights. By exploring the ideas of Austrian economics, which emphasize individual decision-making, market dynamics, and the importance of entrepreneurship, our interviews shed light on innovative strategies and approaches to succeed in today's dynamic business landscape.
We'll present a diverse range of guests, including successful business owners who have effectively applied Austrian economics principles to their enterprises. Listeners will gain invaluable knowledge about strategic decision-making, market-driven innovation, and the importance of understanding human action in business contexts.
Additionally, the podcast features discussions with esteemed practitioners from renowned business schools. These experts provide listeners with a broader perspective on how Austrian economics can be effectively integrated into business curriculums, enabling aspiring entrepreneurs to sharpen their skills and gain a competitive edge.
Whether you're a seasoned business owner, an aspiring entrepreneur, or a curious mind intrigued by the intersection of Austrian economics and business, the Value Creators podcast is your go-to resource. Tune in to each episode to explore thought-provoking discussions, actionable advice, and captivating stories that will inspire you to unleash your full business potential.
Are you ready to uncover the secrets of successful businesses through the principles of Austrian economics? Join us on the Value Creators podcast and embark on an enlightening journey that will revolutionize the way you approach entrepreneurship.
Value Creators
Episode #61. Democratizing Alternative Investments Through Innovation, Liquidity, and Design: A Conversation with Kim Flynn
The term alternative investments refers to investment opportunities that the financial regulators want to preserve for financial elites and protect from the average “retail investor” like you and me. They’re investments like venture capital, private equity, and hedge funds. They’re too sophisticated for individuals who are not “accredited”. These potentially high-yielding investments must be fenced off from broad accessibility. Too risky for the plebes.
But, despite the regulators, financial markets are evolving to make alternative investments more accessible, liquid, and tailored to individual investors. How do you design products that combine institutional sophistication with retail access—without compromising on structure, performance, or trust? Through customer-centric design: knowing customers well and giving them access to products that meet their needs and give them new choices.
In this episode of the Value Creators Podcast, Hunter Hastings talks with Kim Flynn, President of XA Investments, a pioneer in private market innovation and product design. Kim shares how her firm is breaking down barriers in the investment landscape, from new fund structures to investor education and cutting-edge indexes.
Key insights include:
• Why the term “alternatives” is evolving into a broader concept of private markets.
• How products like interval funds and tender offer funds balance liquidity and long-term investing.
• The importance of demand-focused product design and timing innovation to market needs.
• How educational tools like the XAI Interval Fund Index create transparency and drive adoption.
• Why creativity, empathy, and structured iteration are critical in financial product innovation.
Whether you're an investor looking to access private equity or a product builder seeking to serve new markets, this episode provides a playbook for innovation at the intersection of finance, entrepreneurship, and education.
Learn how venture-mode creativity is coming to financial markets—and how the next generation of investment products will empower everyone.
📚 Resources:
➡️ Learn What They Didn’t Teach You In Business School: The Value Creators Online Business Course
Learn more about XMS Capital
Connect with Kim Flynn on LinkedIn
Connect with Hunter Hastings on LinkedIn
Subscribe to the The Value Creators on Substack
