Forum Radio: Steven Hirth

Steven Hirth (New York) is a longstanding friend and member of Forum 500. Both the consummate East Coast gentleman and a true international, Steven travels widely throughout the year for both work and pleasure. He is the Founder and Principal of S.H.Hirth and Associates, an international merchant banking boutique modelled after pre-World War II European merchant banks. His family office concentrates on North and Central American real estate and global private equities. 

Steven talks here with Jessica Fellowes about the values he holds dear, how his childhood as an immigrant shaped him, the importance of cultivating genuine friendships and, of course, the delights of grappa. 

'One of the ethos which I live by is very simple. To the world, you're one person, and to one person, you are the world. I apply that to all of my investments. When we invest in growth companies or sometimes start-up companies, we focus on bringing our capital to the table. And when I define what, how I define capital, it's human capital, moral capital, social capital, financial capital, cultural capital. I always say marriage is cheaper than divorce. So we don't get involved in many projects, but when we get involved, we immerse ourselves.'

This episode was edited by Vanessa Heaney. 

Music by Alex Vickers