Innovation, Discipline, and the Future of Private Markets with Christopher Zook (Ep. 7)
How do discipline, innovation, and access to opportunity shape the future of wealth?
In this episode of the G360 Wealth Podcast, Sam Diarbakerly sits down with Christopher Zook, Founder and Chairman of CAZ Investments. They discuss health as a foundation for leadership, democratizing access to private investments, and why innovation is critical for advisors and families today.
Christopher also shares his approach to evaluating thousands of opportunities each year and the role of GP stakes in building resilient portfolios.
Christopher discusses:
- Why personal discipline in health and routines strengthens decision-making in business and investing
- The “20 billion in 20 years” goal at CAZ and how it aligns the firm and investors toward meaningful impact
- The democratization of private investments and why access matters for more families today
- The importance of innovation in alternatives, GP stakes, and thematic investing strategies
- How families can teach the next generation about wealth through philanthropy, structured conversations, and real-life investment examples
- And more!
Resources:
Connect with Sam Diarbakerly:
Connect with Christopher Zook:
About Our Guest:
Christopher Zook is the Founder, Chairman, and Chief Investment Officer of CAZ Investments. He has more than 30 years of experience investing in both traditional and alternative asset classes. Christopher recently co-authored “The Holy Grail of Investing,” with Tony Robbins, which became a #1 New York Times Bestseller. Christopher was honored with the Texas Alternative Investments Association’s (TAIA) Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his contribution and sustained support of the industry in Texas. He is a regular contributor to major media outlets, including CNBC, Fox Business, and Bloomberg. Prior to starting CAZ Investments in 2001, Christopher served in senior leadership positions with Oppenheimer, Prudential Securities, Lehman Brothers, and Paine Webber.
Christopher is actively involved in public policy and frequently serves as a resource to state and local officials. In 2019, Christopher was appointed by the Governor to serve on the State of Texas Pension Review Board, where he chairs the Investment Committee. He also served two terms as a member of the Greater Houston Partnership’s Executive Committee and is a past President of the “C” Club of Houston.
Christopher is a graduate of Texas Tech University, where he was honored as a Distinguished Alumni. A lifelong Houstonian, he is a former Vice-Chairman of the Deacons and served for more than a decade on the Finance Committee at Second Baptist Church. He has held leadership positions on a variety of charitable boards, including his current role on the board of Elizabeth Ruth’s Home, an organization serving adults with autism. Christopher previously served as President of the Board of Trustees of Avondale House and President of The Children’s Fund. He is a proud father to Christopher, Jr. (and daughter-in-law, Cecelia Zook, grandson “Tripp” and granddaughter Madelyn) and husband to his high school sweetheart, Lisa.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed