Britt Harris, CEO/Founder of On Eagles Wings Advisors, Episode 271
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Britt Harris is a legendary figure in finance, having served as CIO for top-five investment funds across Endowments, Public Funds, Private Funds, and Hedge Funds—an achievement unmatched in the industry. Currently, he leads On Eagles Wings Advisors and has previously served as CIO for UTIMCO, the largest endowment for public education in the U.S. He also led Bridgewater Associates and Verizon. Despite his remarkable career, Britt’s journey is defined by his commitment to significance over success, inspired by his faith and the mentorship of Bob Buford.
In this episode of The Wow Factor, Britt Harris shares his life story from his roots as a fourth-generation Aggie to becoming one of the most influential investors in the world. He discusses how Bob Buford’s teachings helped him see that life’s highest calling is significance, not just success. He also opens up about the importance of faith, family, and generosity, and how he and his wife, Julia, set a financial finish line that has guided their life of purpose and impact for over 43 years.
This conversation is filled with lessons on leadership, decision-making, and living a life of impact and purpose, making it a must-listen for anyone looking to balance career success with meaningful contributions to others.
“This is a generation that desperately wants to be taught. They want to be mentored. They're unmoored. They really want to be successful. They’ve got the technical parts down, but they don’t have the relational parts.” — Britt Harris
“Success is not the top of the ladder. Significance is.” — Britt Harris
“Every great company has a defined culture that is extreme. It’s not just something on the wall or something people hear about once a year. It permeates the company. When you walk in as an employee, you either love it or you don’t.” — Britt Harris
This Week on The Wow Factor:
Success vs. Significance: How Bob Buford’s mentorship taught Britt that life’s highest calling is significance, not just success.
Financial Finish Line: Why Britt and Julia set a financial finish line at age 45 and how it shaped their life of generosity and purpose.
The Titans of Investing: How Britt’s passion for teaching and mentorship led to the creation of a program that’s shaped over a thousand future leaders at Texas A&M and the University of Texas.
Leadership and Influence: Lessons from managing some of the world’s largest endowment funds and leading eight major companies.
Faith and Family: How Britt prioritizes his faith, family, and friendships, juggling the ‘glass and rubber balls’ of life to maintain balance and purpose.
Decision-Making Framework: The five Fs—Faith, Family, Friends, Fitness, and Finance—that guide Brit’s decisions in life and business.
Living Generously: Insights on why generosity is a discipline that needs to be developed early in life.
Work-Life Balance Myth: Why Britt believes true work-life balance doesn’t exist but living a life of purpose and passion does.
Britt Harris’s Words of Wisdom:
Life’s true purpose lies in pursuing significance over success by living generously, staying grounded in faith, and impacting others through leadership and mentorship. His philosophy centers on balancing faith, family, and purpose to create a meaningful legacy.
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