Newsletter - The Sentinel #5

Dear Influidencers,

This month, life and work led me to unexpected places like Oslo, and also to "home-like" environments—London, Marseille, and Athens. After 18 months of traveling, I no longer have the luxury of constant novelty. Some places call me back, even as new frontiers keep whispering.

Over the past few weeks, staying grounded felt more essential than ever, as markets and trade tensions moved through yet another cycle of mood swings. It’s striking how far our concerns as investors can be from what preoccupies the rest of the world—including the businesses we invest in.

Yesterday, I was honored to be featured in Edwin Dorsey's Sunday’s Idea Brunch (and a warm welcome to the new readers joining from Edwin’s blog!). I shared how Influidence was born out of a need for freedom, integrity, and depth. We discussed my research journey, lessons from my time as a fund selector, the power of commercial instinct in asset management, and why randomness—when embraced with clarity—can be one of investing’s greatest teachers.

→ Read the full interview here

Back to the newsletter: this edition brings together a portfolio of reflections, from the intricate rhythms of Norway to the Greek yogurt champion, and a great conversation with one of the few who dared build a financial bridge into freight futures.

This Month’s Research & Insights

From Ports to Portfolios: Conversations on Shipping.

Last month, I published a Note on Shipping that explored how oceans shape our daily lives and economies more than we think. That piece opened unexpected doors—including a conversation with one of the rare investors who built a public gateway into freight futures.

For an hour, I sat down with John Kartsonas, founder of Breakwave Advisors, for an unusual exchange on a volatile, misunderstood space that sits at the heart of global trade. From Wall Street IPOs in the 2000s to launching BDRY and BWET, John retraces the journey behind his mission to democratize access to freight futures.

The interview goes beyond market talk—it’s about staying contrarian, understanding cycles, and the quiet conviction it takes to build something niche. 

P.S. An analysis of Breakwave's ETFs is coming very soon.

Kri Kri: Hidden Giant in Greek Yogurt

When I started paying attention to Kri Kri, I didn’t begin with numbers—I began with the streets. The name was everywhere: on yogurt cups, ice cream freezers, in conversations with locals. Trusted, quiet, ever-present.

What I found is a company that builds—not with noise, but with precision. Based in Serres, Greece, Kri Kri has grown into a yogurt & ice cream powerhouse through operational excellence, smart international moves, and a restless culture of improvement. From private label contracts in the UK to branded products across Europe, their model scales with quiet strength.

More than the numbers, it’s the way people talk about Kri Kri—with pride, respect, and consistency—that convinced me. This isn’t just a dairy business. It’s a long-term compounder in disguise.

Read the full analysis here.

Postcard from Oslo: Quiet Wealth, Careful Power

My visit to Oslo was brief, with no time for deep wandering, yet the city still found a way to speak. It wears its wealth with restraint—Teslas glide across cobbled streets, shops blur design and function, and silence holds space alongside snow.

Norway’s economy is a study in balance: oil-funded, future-focused, and globally invested, yet deeply local in rhythm. From fjords to sovereign funds, Oslo reminded me that power doesn’t need to be loud to be lasting.

What’s Next

The next leg of the journey takes me to Germany—Frankfurt and Berlin, to be precise—before returning to France and then, gloriously, to Omaha for a grand finale.

I can’t wait to share more of what I’m working on!

As always, if something caught your eye or you want to discuss a specific insight, feel free to reach out. And if you know someone who’d enjoy this newsletter—forward it their way.

Yours faithfully,

Marie

P.S. You can find the archives of The Sentinel on the website!