Chapter Twelve – Connections and the Next Gold Mine
Stanford had become more than just a school; it was a stage on which I quietly built influence and prepared for the life I intended to lead. I wasn't merely a student anymore — I was a strategist, observing patterns, analyzing trends, and positioning myself in both tech and finance. Every lecture, every seminar, every casual conversation carried the potential to become a stepping stone toward my future.
One of the most important connections I made was Peter Thiel, my senior studying psychology. From the moment we met, we clicked. His sharp intellect, innovative thinking, and keen understanding of human behavior made him someone I could both learn from and collaborate with. We spent countless hours discussing market psychology, business strategy, and the hidden rules of tech startups. Peter had a natural talent for seeing opportunities that others overlooked, and I had the experience of foresight, strategy, and capital from my rebirth. Together, we began building a small but powerful network in Stanford's tech ecosystem, quietly connecting with other students, professors, and local entrepreneurs who shared our ambitions.
Beyond Peter, I also began carving out my own reputation. My Black Monday thesis drew attention from several professors who were impressed by the depth of my research and analysis. While I didn't intend to exploit this knowledge directly — I had already mapped out my long-term investment plan — understanding the market dynamics of crashes, investor psychology, and panic-driven sell-offs gave me an analytical edge. Knowledge, I reminded myself, was never wasted. Each lesson learned could later be converted into calculated moves in the market, securing wealth and influence with minimal risk.
Alongside academics, I focused on building connections in finance. Professors with Wall Street experience, alumni who had worked in venture capital, and tech entrepreneurs became part of my growing network. Each conversation was an opportunity, each introduction a bridge to future deals or investments. I understood early that money alone would not grant me power — connections were just as crucial, if not more. Wealth without influence was unstable, easily disrupted by larger players or unforeseen events.
Time passed quickly. By 1989, Stanford was buzzing with graduation celebrations. Peter Thiel, finishing his degree, and I marked the occasion with a mix of reflection and anticipation. Our discussions, full of debate and strategy, strengthened both friendship and mutual respect. The campus, vibrant with energy, ambition, and creativity, reminded me that I was in the right place to turn my plans into reality.
And then came the opportunity I had been waiting for: February 1990 — the IPO of Cisco Systems. I had studied the company in detail, understanding its networking technology and its potential to dominate the future of computing. At the IPO, its valuation was modest, barely hinting at the empire it would become by 2000. Most investors saw a standard tech company. I saw a decade-long gold mine.
This was not a short-term gamble; it was a strategic, long-term play. Cisco would form the backbone of my next wave of wealth, allowing me to hold, accumulate, and grow quietly over the next ten years. Patience, once again, would be the greatest ally in my strategy.
As 1990 approached, I felt the world shifting beneath my feet. The game had grown bigger, the board wider, and the stakes higher. I had the money, the knowledge, the connections, and the timing. And above all, I had patience. The next phase of my journey — turning foresight into empire — was about to begin.