Connor Teskey: The 90% Rule, AI Infrastructure, and the Future of Investing - The Knowledge Project Recap

Podcast: The Knowledge Project

Published: 2026-03-17

Guests: Connor Teskey

What Happened

Brookfield Asset Management, led by Connor Teskey, manages about a trillion dollars globally, with a focus on high-quality assets that embody the backbone of the global economy. These investments span crucial sectors like infrastructure, real estate, and private equity, with a significant portion in areas that were not previously investable, such as solar, nuclear, and telecom towers.

Brookfield's strategy is built on a '90% rule', making investment decisions when they are 90% certain to ensure a high success rate. They mitigate risk by securing key contracts early and focus on asset-level, non-recourse, long-term fixed-rate financing to further safeguard against market volatility.

The investment approach at Brookfield emphasizes collaboration and cross-vertical expertise sharing, which enhances decision-making processes. The firm's investment committee process involves continuous iteration and feedback, with a strong focus on downside protection and a global perspective on capital allocation.

Connor Teskey attributes his career success to mentorship, a strong work ethic, and availability, while Brookfield values a meritocratic environment that fosters intellectual curiosity and teamwork. The company identifies and nurtures young talent by granting significant responsibility and accountability early on.

AI plays a significant role at Brookfield, both in infrastructure investment and within their businesses for enhancing efficiency and productivity. Applications include pricing models, factory configuration, and preventative maintenance. Brookfield encourages experimentation with AI across its 500 companies, sharing successful applications to drive innovation.

Brookfield has ambitious growth plans, aiming to double its assets to $2 trillion by 2030. They anticipate an increase in institutional allocations to alternatives and recognize the untapped potential of the individual investor market. The acquisition of Oaktree highlights a strategic move to broaden product offerings and leverage countercyclical strengths.

Brookfield's unique position as a direct owner-operator allows them to focus on operational improvements for returns, rather than quick cash extraction. Their strategy includes buying businesses with long-term cash flow visibility and implementing non-negotiable global standards, such as health and safety, within the first 100 days of acquisition.

Connor Teskey balances work and family life by prioritizing both and becoming more efficient with his time. His competitive nature drives him to constantly improve and grow, staying informed through extensive reading of work-related materials and news.

Key Insights

• Brookfield Asset Management manages around $1 trillion globally, focusing on high-quality assets in sectors like infrastructure and real estate. Their strategy emphasizes securing key contracts early to mitigate market risks.
• Connor Teskey's career success is attributed to mentorship and a strong work ethic. Within Brookfield, a meritocratic environment fosters intellectual curiosity and teamwork, with young talent given significant responsibility early on.
• AI is integral to Brookfield's strategy, enhancing productivity through applications like pricing models and preventative maintenance. They encourage innovation by allowing their 500 companies to trial AI applications and share results.
• Brookfield's growth strategy includes doubling their assets to $2 trillion by 2030 and tapping into the individual investor market. Their acquisition of Oaktree expands their product offerings and leverages countercyclical strengths.