Expertise: Being.

Interests: Family, friends, nature, wine…in that order, and preferably simultaneously.

Background: Environmentalist turned i-banker turned tech CEO turned global real estate investor. Only in America.

Favorite meal: Had a summer heirloom salad, charcol-grilled cote de bouef, and 1989 Las Cases bourdeaux at Spago last month that was otherworldly.

Recent purchase: A watch designed by Max Bill, the famous Swiss architect and designer (www.maxbillwatches.com) .

Hidden talent: House and breakbeat DJ.

Book / Film recommendation: Edward Abbey, A Fool’s Progress..

Restaurant recommendation: Mas Farmhouse in Greenwich Village.

If I had $20, I’d…Give it to my sister who teaches kindergarten in Oakland and often funds school supplies for her underprivlidged kids out of her own pocket.

Transformative travel experience: Kenya, 1989, semester-long NOLS course, life-changing experience (www.nols.edu).

Favorite neighborhood (can be anywhere in the world): Tie between Coyoacan in Mexico City and Cadaques at the very northeast tip of Spain.

Dream holiday: 12 sun-filled days with my wife, sans kids, at the Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru/Maldives in private villa #225 (to be exact).  

If I could solve one problem, it would be: Cancer.

I wish people cared more about: The oceans. 

Recent aha! moment: Achieving my goals by releasing control.

The world would be a better place if: Fox news went off the air.