Business School with Sharran Srivatsaa

- The Next Billion by Sharran Srivatsaa - https://sharransrivatsaa.substack.com/

Hiring A-players? Forget the traditional interview playbook. Learn the new way to assess talent and make smarter hiring decisions.

In today’s episode, Sharran walks us through the modern interview process he uses to hire top talent at Acquisition.com. Ditching outdated behavioral interviews, he shares a three-part method that goes beyond scripted answers and reveals how candidates actually think and work in real-life situations.

Whether you're hiring for your team or looking to enhance your interviewing skills, this episode will teach you the techniques to spot the true A-players.

“The most-cited meta-analysis of hiring is called the Schmidt and Hunter study. They found that work sample tests, essentially giving the candidates something to do with case studies and problem-solving simulations, like getting them to actually think through a situation, outperform every single traditional interview when it comes to predicting future performance.”

- Sharran Srivatsaa

Timestamps:

02:47 - Why traditional interviews are ineffective for modern roles

05:01 - The Reverse Consulting Method: Assessing how candidates think through real-world problems

07:05 - The power of asking for "bad ideas" to assess judgment and decision-making skills

09:18 - Giving candidates real project ownership to gauge their problem-solving abilities

10:31 - The importance of managing complexity and setting the right interview conditions to see candidates shine

11:36 - Recap of the three essential techniques for modern interviewing

Resources:

- Board Member: ARC Multifamily Real Estate Investing - https://arcmf.com/

- Board Member: The Real Brokerage - https://www.joinreal.com/

Connect with Sharran:

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sharransrivatsaa/

- YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzpl_gT1bVB1iNZl9yQbWuA?sub_confirmation=1

- Threads - https://www.threads.com/@sharransrivatsaa

How Billionaires Avoid Taxes Dec 30, 2025

Show notes

- The Next Billion by Sharran Srivatsaa - https://sharransrivatsaa.substack.com/

Most people think taxes are unavoidable once their investments grow. But billionaires play a completely different game. In this episode, Sharran breaks down the single strategy the wealthiest individuals use to access liquidity without selling assets or paying capital gains taxes.

You’ll learn how securities-based lending works, why borrowing is not a taxable event, and how billionaires like Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and others use their portfolios as personal banks. More importantly, Sharran explains how this strategy applies to everyday investors with far smaller portfolios.

Sharran also walks through the real risks—margin calls, interest rate exposure, and poor capital allocation—so you understand when this tool is powerful and when it can destroy wealth.

If you want your money to keep compounding while still funding real estate, business growth, or new opportunities, this episode gives you the playbook.

“The greatest hack in wealth creation is to become your own bank so that you can borrow from yourself.”

- Sharran Srivatsaa

Timestamps:

01:16 - How billionaires avoid taxes without loopholes

03:05 - Why selling assets triggers wealth destruction

05:17 - Securities-based lending explained step by step

06:51 - Real example: Borrow vs. sell

10:26 - Margin calls and how investors get wiped out

11:30 - Safe borrowing rules to protect your portfolio

13:23 - How to set up a securities-backed line of credit

15:25 - Key takeaway from today's episode

Resources:

- Board Member: ARC Multifamily Real Estate Investing - https://arcmf.com/

- Board Member: The Real Brokerage - https://www.joinreal.com/

Connect with Sharran:

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sharransrivatsaa/

- YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzpl_gT1bVB1iNZl9yQbWuA?sub_confirmation=1

- Threads - https://www.threads.com/@sharransrivatsaa

What Rich People Do Naturally Dec 23, 2025

Show notes

- The Next Billion by Sharran Srivatsaa - https://sharransrivatsaa.substack.com/

Everyone wants to be rich, but most people don’t know that the habits of the wealthy are often very different from what society expects. In this episode, Sharran breaks down the five core actions and mindsets that set the rich apart. For example, rich people understand that every decision comes with a cost, and they make those decisions with full awareness of what’s at stake.

They aren’t concerned with impressing others. It’s not about flaunting wealth; it’s about building wealth through sound decisions and actions. Plus, they fix problems through behavior changes, not just apologies, and they consistently try again even after failure. Finally, rich people give the greatest gift: their full attention.

Learn these simple yet powerful habits anyone can start implementing today.

“Rich people understand trade-offs. The one thing rich people understand is that every choice costs something.”

- Sharran Srivatsaa

Timestamps:

01:38 - Understanding trade-offs: Every decision comes with a cost

03:12 - Stop trying to impress others: Focus on building wealth

04:53 - Fix problems through behavioral changes, not apologies

06:21 - Keep going: The power of trying one more time

07:55 - Giving attention: How attention builds influence and wealth

09:40 - Recap: What rich people do naturally

Resources:

- Board Member: ARC Multifamily Real Estate Investing - https://arcmf.com/

- Board Member: The Real Brokerage - https://www.joinreal.com/

Connect with Sharran:

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sharransrivatsaa/

- YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzpl_gT1bVB1iNZl9yQbWuA?sub_confirmation=1

- Threads - https://www.threads.com/@sharransrivatsaa

The Algorithm Is Lying To You Dec 16, 2025

Show notes

- The Next Billion by Sharran Srivatsaa - https://sharransrivatsaa.substack.com/

Social media has become part of our everyday lives, but that doesn’t make it trustworthy. The most dangerous part isn’t the misinformation itself–it’s how believable it looks.

In this cautionary episode, Sharran exposes how social media algorithms manipulate what you believe, especially about money. He reveals that most viral financial content isn’t built to help you–it’s built to profit from your clicks. Backed by shocking data from FINRA, Sharran explains why over 70% of online finance posts fail basic compliance standards and how influencers earn more from your attention than your success.

He dives into the psychology of algorithmic incentives, showing how platforms reward confidence over accuracy and how that distorts the truth. You’ll also learn three simple rules to spot fake gurus and protect yourself from misleading advice online. Stop making decisions based on what you see or hear from social media-verify the information from more reliable sources.

“Whoever is shouting loudest–the biggest, loudest advice–about money is often giving the worst advice about money.”

- Sharran Srivatsaa

Timestamps:

02:04 - What FINRA discovered about viral finance posts

02:44 - Why algorithms push bad financial advice

04:31 - The “algorithm economics problem” explained

06:22 - The hidden business model behind finance influencers

09:09 - What good financial content should include

10:35 - The three rules to protect yourself from bad advice

12:43 - Why you should always verify with “boring sources”

Resources:

- Board Member: ARC Multifamily Real Estate Investing - https://arcmf.com/

- Board Member: The Real Brokerage - https://www.joinreal.com/

Connect with Sharran:

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sharransrivatsaa/

- YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzpl_gT1bVB1iNZl9yQbWuA?sub_confirmation=1

- Threads - https://www.threads.com/@sharransrivatsaa

Followers Are Officially Dead Dec 09, 2025

Show notes

- The Next Billion by Sharran Srivatsaa - https://sharransrivatsaa.substack.com/

Is your follower count lying to you? Sharran reveals why social media followers are officially dead and why that’s actually great news. In this episode, he breaks down how algorithms have shifted from social media to interest media, meaning your audience is no longer the people who follow you–it’s whoever the algorithm decides will care about your content.

Sharran shares the real metrics that matter now (spoiler: it’s not likes) and explains why saves and shares are the new currency of reach. You’ll learn how to engineer viral growth by asking one simple question before hitting publish: “Why would someone share this?”

This episode will completely change how you think about social media, virality, and growth in the creator economy.

“No post goes viral without massive shares.”

- Sharran Srivatsaa

Timestamps:

01:07 - Real examples: 16K followers, 2.3M views

02:04 - Why your followers aren’t your audience anymore

04:09 - The only metrics that matter: saves and shares

05:21 - The one question that drives virality

06:22 - The psychology behind shareability

08:05 - Why “interest media” is here to stay

10:02 - The new rule of content creation

Resources:

- Board Member: ARC Multifamily Real Estate Investing - https://arcmf.com/

- Board Member: The Real Brokerage - https://www.joinreal.com/

Connect with Sharran:

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sharransrivatsaa/

- YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzpl_gT1bVB1iNZl9yQbWuA?sub_confirmation=1

- Threads - https://www.threads.com/@sharransrivatsaa

Learn Any Skill 10x Faster Dec 02, 2025

Show notes

- The Next Billion by Sharran Srivatsaa - https://sharransrivatsaa.substack.com/

Most people think success comes from working harder, but the real edge comes from learning faster. In this episode, Sharran reveals the three shortcuts that will help you master any skill 10x faster.

You’ll discover how to reach out directly to experts using his “Magic DM Script,” the AI prompt that instantly identifies the 20% of knowledge that creates 80% of your results, and the “Learning Dogma” method that turns new insights into lifelong wisdom. These are the frameworks Sharran uses to learn anything at lightning speed without wasting hours in the YouTube rabbit hole or reading a dozen books.

If you’ve ever wanted to fast-track your growth, this episode is your blueprint.

“When you listen to something, you get to learn it once. When you teach something, you get to learn it twice (that's a Jim Kwik quote, by the way). But when you document something, you get to learn it forever.”

- Sharran Srivatsaa

Timestamps:

02:02 - Why speed of learning is the ultimate advantage

03:37 - Shortcut #1: The Magic DM Script

07:44 - Shortcut #2: Using AI to identify the 20% that matters

11:41 - Shortcut #3: The Learning Dogma framework

13:55 - Why frameworks boost recall and retention

14:56 - Recap: Learn Any Skill 10x Faster

Resources:

- Board Member: ARC Multifamily Real Estate Investing - https://arcmf.com/

- Board Member: The Real Brokerage - https://www.joinreal.com/

Connect with Sharran:

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sharransrivatsaa/

- YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzpl_gT1bVB1iNZl9yQbWuA?sub_confirmation=1

- Threads - https://www.threads.com/@sharransrivatsaa

How to Become a Super Human Nov 25, 2025

Show notes

- The Next Billion by Sharran Srivatsaa - https://sharransrivatsaa.substack.com/

Are you curious to know what it takes to become a superhuman? In this powerful episode, Sharran reveals the secrets to becoming the best version of yourself by sharing the framework for personal growth. Forget the self-help jargon–this episode breaks personal growth down to simple, actionable steps that will accelerate your transformation.

Sharran explains how personal growth is like math and how changing your behavior with a proven system can help you achieve extraordinary results. He also explores the importance of learning, intelligence, and wisdom, breaking down how we all can level up in every area of our lives.

If you're ready to accelerate your personal growth and become the best version of yourself, listen now, and share this episode with a friend who’s ready for extraordinary growth.

“Growth is math. I just want you to know this: An input creates an output. If you just know that, if you can figure out the right input, you will get the output you want.”

- Sharran Srivatsaa

Timestamps:

02:27 - The problem with the traditional school system

05:02 - The math of personal growth

06:34 - Learning and why it matters

08:10 - Understanding intelligence and learning rate

10:32 - Wisdom: The stockpile of lessons over time

12:31 - The “When-Then” algorithm: A framework to change your behavior

17:34 - The power of modeling: Learning from those ahead of you

21:10 - How to use feedback for personal growth

23:27 - Applying the “When-Then” behavior formula to everyday life

Resources:

- Board Member: ARC Multifamily Real Estate Investing - https://arcmf.com/

- Board Member: The Real Brokerage - https://www.joinreal.com/

Connect with Sharran:

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sharransrivatsaa/

- YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzpl_gT1bVB1iNZl9yQbWuA?sub_confirmation=1

- Threads - https://www.threads.com/@sharransrivatsaa

Your LLC Won’t Protect You Nov 18, 2025

Show notes

- The Next Billion by Sharran Srivatsaa - https://sharransrivatsaa.substack.com/

If you think an LLC automatically protects your personal assets, think again. In this episode, Sharran breaks down this common misconception among business owners. He shares the real story of a friend who lost his house despite setting up an LLC, showing how improper implementation can leave you vulnerable.

Sharran talks about the importance of maintaining a proper legal separation between business and personal assets, outlining the crucial steps you need to take to avoid costly mistakes.

If you're a business owner, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to learn how to protect what you've worked so hard for.

“In court or in process or in procedure, documentation will beat memory every single time.”

- Sharran Srivatsaa

Timestamps:

01:43 - The myth of LLC protection and real-life story

04:40 - Piercing the corporate veil: what it means and why it matters

05:21 - The importance of separating business and personal finances

09:30 - The role of proper documentation in safeguarding your assets

15:27 - How small mistakes can put your LLC protection at risk

19:20 - Recap: Your LLC won't protect you

Resources:

- Board Member: ARC Multifamily Real Estate Investing - https://arcmf.com/

- Board Member: The Real Brokerage - https://www.joinreal.com/

Connect with Sharran:

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sharransrivatsaa/

- YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzpl_gT1bVB1iNZl9yQbWuA?sub_confirmation=1

- Threads - https://www.threads.com/@sharransrivatsaa

4 Mistakes First-Time Investors Make Nov 11, 2025

Show notes

- The Next Billion by Sharran Srivatsaa - https://sharransrivatsaa.substack.com/

If you think investing is just about picking the right deals, think again. The biggest losses don’t come from bad investments–they come from avoidable mistakes. In this episode, Sharran reveals the four traps that new investors often fall into and the simple decision frameworks that protect your money, confidence, and future wealth.

He breaks down why embarrassment is expensive, how peer pressure can destroy portfolios, why the wrong operator can cost you everything, and how FOMO can lead smart people into making poor decisions. A lot of people don’t fail because the market beat them–they fail because they allow emotions and ego to get in the way.

Get ready to learn how to think like a disciplined investor and make smarter moves from day one. Listen in to upgrade your investing mindset and avoid the painful lessons most people learn the hard way.

“You don’t get rich by investing–that's a myth. You get wealthy by learning to become a good investor.”

- Sharran Srivatsaa

Timestamps:

01:41 - The real danger of your first few investments

03:06 - Mistake #1: Hiding your ignorance instead of asking questions

05:32 - How investing in groups sharpens your discipline

06:24 - Mistake #2: Peer-pressure investing & the script that saves you

09:45 - How to reject deals without burning relationships

10:50 - Mistake #3: Trusting operators blindly

11:31 - Why good operators matter more than good ideas

13:57 - Mistake #4: FOMO & chasing trends

15:12 - Evaluate every deal against your next financial goal

19:32 - The real path to becoming wealthy

Resources:

- Board Member: ARC Multifamily Real Estate Investing - https://arcmf.com/

- Board Member: The Real Brokerage - https://www.joinreal.com/

Connect with Sharran:

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sharransrivatsaa/

- YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzpl_gT1bVB1iNZl9yQbWuA?sub_confirmation=1

- Threads - https://www.threads.com/@sharransrivatsaa

How Mortgage Rates Work Nov 04, 2025

Show notes

- The Next Billion by Sharran Srivatsaa - https://sharransrivatsaa.substack.com/

Mortgage rates are the single most important financial metric you must know as an adult. Why? Because if you don’t understand them, you can’t truly forecast the overall health of the economy or how consumers feel about spending, saving, and investing.

In this episode, Sharran breaks down the fundamentals of mortgage rates and why they matter far beyond real estate. He explains what a mortgage actually is, how interest rates are calculated, and the three biggest factors keeping rates higher than expected.

He also shares practical insights for anyone looking to buy a home right now, as well as what smart buyers can do to navigate today’s tough lending environment.

Whether you’re a homeowner, investor, or just trying to understand the financial landscape, this episode will help you see how mortgage rates shape everything–from housing demand to economic confidence.

Tune in now to learn how mortgage rates really work and what they reveal about the future of the economy.

“When things feel risky, everything gets expensive.”

- Sharran Srivatsaa

Timestamps:

01:44 - Why mortgage rates are at their current level

03:03 - What is a mortgage?

03:14 - How mortgage rates are calculated

05:26 - 3 Things that keep mortgage rates high

09:52 - What to do if you want to buy a house now

Resources: