Creator Method Podcast

O.D. Kobo is an accomplished alternative asset manager and global investment strategist with nearly three decades of experience in the finance and technology sectors. 

Kobo specializes in partnering with state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and state-owned investment funds (SOIFs), including sovereign wealth funds (SWFs), to manage and structure large-scale capital initiatives. He has developed a significant network of relationships through collaborations with financial institutions, family offices, and capital market participants across Asia, Europe, Africa, Russia, and the Gulf. 

Kobo has helped facilitate joint ventures with governments and public-private entities, focusing on mergers and acquisitions and capital raising for high-value projects with an aggregate value exceeding $10 billion dollars. 

Recognized for his expertise in capital structuring, debt financing, equity formation, and cross-border deal management, he maintains close associations with institutions such as Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), Alibaba, Asia Pacific Royalties LP Fund (APAC), Bank of China, Belt & Road EPC LPF (BRF), Chelsfield Partners, China Investment Corporation (CIC), China Mobile, CITIC Group, Focus Media, Haitong Securities, Olayan Group, Public Investment Fund (PIF), and Qatar Investment Authority (QIA). 

He has also partnered directly with prominent figures, including HH Al Thani (former Prime Minister of Qatar, Chairman of the QIA), Roman Abramovich (Millhouse Capital), Richard Caring (Caprice Holding), Ding Lei (Netease), Teddy Sagi (Labtech, Playtech), among others. 

In 2018, he led strategic investments in BTC and Ethereum, positioning PIR Equities as one of the UK’s early institutional investors in digital assets. 

Earlier in his career, Kobo built and sold companies to firms including QIA, MetLife, Lenovo, American Movil, Tencent, Yahoo, and NetEase.

Chapters: 
00:00 Introduction to O.D Kobo
00:38 The Stress of High-Stakes Dealmaking
01:28 Meeting Odi Kobo: A Personal Story
05:48 O.Ds Early Life in Hong Kong
06:42 Navigating Cultural Identity
10:45 Educational Journey: From Hong Kong to London
26:02 First Business Ventures: Lottery.com
32:02 Domain Squatting Success
40:33 Living the High Life in London
46:21 Building an Investment Network
48:27 Young Millionaire in Late 90s London
49:22 Moving to Hong Kong and Starting Sinoshin
50:44 Structuring Deals and Investor Relations
53:27 Life in Hong Kong and Early Investments
01:00:15 Massive Returns and Managing Investor Expectations
01:16:31 Transition to Beijing and Starting 360
01:32:11 The Quest for a Hundred Million
01:32:42 Meeting Rahman Abdul Alassir
01:35:18 The Deal Makers
01:37:16 Structuring the Big Deal
01:40:38 Scaling the Internet Company
01:41:50 The Geneva Meetings
01:47:13 The Doha Presentation
01:58:14 A New Chapter in London
01:58:56 Taking a Year Off
02:13:08 Back to Business in Hong Kong
02:17:17 The Challenges of High-Stakes Real Estate Deals
02:17:52 Building Relationships in China
02:18:22 Living in Beijing: The Good and the Bad
02:18:43 Understanding the Belt and Road Initiative
02:19:42 China's Role in Global Infrastructure
02:26:00 The Future of Data Centers
02:34:05 The Stress of Moving Large Sums of Money
02:37:06 Reflections on Career and Life Choices
02:43:55 The Impact of Global Events on Personal Life
02:48:24 Concluding Thoughts and Future Outlook

Gary Lipovetsky: https://www.instagram.com/garylipovetsky
O.D Kobo: https://www.instagram.com/odkobo

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In this powerful episode of RISE, Gary Lipovetsky and guest co-host Chris Adamo interview Chris Wilson, who shares the life-changing incident that set him on a transformative path. Chris opens up about his difficult upbringing, family struggles, and the dangerous conditions he grew up in. He reflects on the family trauma that shaped his early years and the events that ultimately led to his imprisonment. From launching a business while incarcerated to creating "The Master Plan," Chris' story is one of resilience, redemption, and hope. He discusses the importance of addressing trauma and mental health, the impact of his foundation's work in rehabilitation, and his experiences with the White House. Chris offers insightful advice and final thoughts on overcoming adversity and making a lasting impact on the world. Don't miss this inspiring episode of Rise.

Join host Gary Lipovetsky, the renowned serial entrepreneur, business partner, and husband to social media celebrity Valeria Lipovetsky, in this captivating podcast "RISE, Life Stories of Accomplished Individuals". Gary not only delves deep into the lives of notable figures to extract their fascinating origin stories and the hurdles they faced, but he also meticulously draws out the specific knowledge and expertise they hold in their respective fields. Through in-depth interviews, Gary unravels the secrets to their achievements and highlights the value of their unique experiences and insights. Tune in to gain invaluable wisdom from these remarkable individuals and be inspired to reach new heights of success.

Timestamps: 
00:00 The Incident That Changed Everything
00:16 Chris Wilson's Early Life and Family Struggles
00:54 Introduction to Chris Wilson's Story
03:26 Chris's Journey to Success
07:02 Growing Up in Dangerous Conditions
09:22 The Impact of Family Trauma
28:23 The Incident Leading to Prison
42:19 Discussing Success and Challenges
43:12 Life in Prison: Harsh Realities
43:49 Starting a Business in Prison
46:05 The Master Plan: A Path to Redemption
48:01 Unpacking Trauma and Mental Health
49:03 Foundation Work and Rehabilitation
53:08 Funding and Impact of the Foundation
01:07:13 Experiences with the White House
01:18:52 Final Thoughts and Advice

Gary Lipovetsky: https://www.instagram.com/garylipovetsky
Chris Wilson: https://www.instagram.com/chriswilsonslife
Chris Adamo: https://www.instagram.com/chrisadamo

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Join host Gary Lipovetsky, the renowned serial entrepreneur, business partner, and husband to social media celebrity Valeria Lipovetsky, in this captivating podcast "RISE, Life Stories of Accomplished Individuals". Gary not only delves deep into the lives of notable figures to extract their fascinating origin stories and the hurdles they faced, but he also meticulously draws out the specific knowledge and expertise they hold in their respective fields. Through in-depth interviews, Gary unravels the secrets to their achievements and highlights the value of their unique experiences and insights. Tune in to gain invaluable wisdom from these remarkable individuals and be inspired to reach new heights of success.

In this episode of RISE, host Gary Lipovetsky sits down with Anne Mahlum for a deep dive into her journey of resilience, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Anne shares her early life experiences, how she overcame adversity, and the lessons she learned during her college years and early career. They discuss her success in starting and scaling SolidCore, the challenges of nonprofit leadership, and her personal motivations and inspirations. Anne also reflects on navigating the COVID-19 crisis, building community, and transitioning from a founder-centric to a founder-influenced leadership style. From selling her company to embracing public speaking, Anne's story is a testament to perseverance and empowerment. The episode wraps up with her insights on women asking for more, finding love, and gaining a fresh perspective on life in Miami. Don't miss this inspiring conversation!

Gary Lipovetsky: https://www.instagram.com/garylipovetsky
Anne Mahlum: https://www.instagram.com/annemahlum

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Join host Gary Lipovetsky, the renowned serial entrepreneur, business partner, and husband to social media celebrity Valeria Lipovetsky, in this captivating podcast "RISE, Life Stories of Accomplished Individuals". Gary not only delves deep into the lives of notable figures to extract their fascinating origin stories and the hurdles they faced, but he also meticulously draws out the specific knowledge and expertise they hold in their respective fields. Through in-depth interviews, Gary unravels the secrets to their achievements and highlights the value of their unique experiences and insights. Tune in to gain invaluable wisdom from these remarkable individuals and be inspired to reach new heights of success.

On this episode of RISE Gary Lipovetsky sits down with David Centner for an enlightening conversation.  Dive into David's impressive accomplishments and ventures, and hear the heartwarming story of his flash mob proposal. Learn about the significance of community and education, and get insights into David's early life and struggles. Discover how meeting Layla transformed his business, and explore the journey of his first internet company, including taking the company public and his early ventures in online advertising. Uncover the story behind his third company, reverse auctions, and the creation and exit of Highway Toll Administration. David shares his diverse business ventures and experiences in construction, school policies, the technology ban and children's content. All that and more on this Episode of RISE

Gary Lipovetsky: https://www.instagram.com/garylipovetsky
David Centner: https://www.instagram.com/david_centner

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Join host Gary Lipovetsky, the renowned serial entrepreneur, business partner, and husband to social media celebrity Valeria Lipovetsky, in this captivating podcast "RISE, Life Stories of Accomplished Individuals". Gary not only delves deep into the lives of notable figures to extract their fascinating origin stories and the hurdles they faced, but he also meticulously draws out the specific knowledge and expertise they hold in their respective fields. Through in-depth interviews, Gary unravels the secrets to their achievements and highlights the value of their unique experiences and insights. Tune in to gain invaluable wisdom from these remarkable individuals and be inspired to reach new heights of success.

Embark on an enlightening journey through entrepreneurship with Nancy Twine and host Gary Lipovetsky on RISE podcast! From the transformative power of kindness to strategic insights on launching a podcast, this episode delves deep into the entrepreneurial realm. Join us as we explore Nancy's journey from Goldman Sachs to beauty entrepreneurship, navigating early career challenges, and unlocking growth with influencer partnerships. Discover how to redefine success, embrace selectivity, and stay grounded amidst success. With discussions on the importance of authentic connections, community, and networking, this episode offers invaluable wisdom for aspiring and seasoned entrepreneurs alike. All that and more on this episode of RISE with Nancy Twine and Gary Lipovetsky!

Timecodes: 

00:00 The Power of Kindness and Authentic Connections

01:09 Redefining Success in Podcasting

01:50 Embracing Selectivity and Saying No

03:08 The Journey from Goldman Sachs to Beauty Entrepreneurship

05:26 The Impact of AI and Future Predictions

08:14 Launching a Podcast to Share Entrepreneurial Insights

09:46 Staying Grounded Amidst Success

13:21 Navigating Early Career Challenges in Finance

25:21 The Transition from Finance to Entrepreneurship

32:53 Unlocking Growth with Influencer Partnerships

35:27 The Power of Authentic Connections in Business

36:10 Navigating the Balance Between Passion and Business Feasibility

38:18 The Evolution of Influencer Marketing in Brand Strategy

43:51 The Importance of Community and Networking for Entrepreneurs

50:06 The Journey to Selling a Company: Insights and Strategy

58:44 Building a Legacy Through Entrepreneurial Support and Grants

Gary Lipovetsky: https://www.instagram.com/garylipovetsky/

Nancy Twine: https://www.instagram.com/nancytwine/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join host Gary Lipovetsky, the renowned serial entrepreneur, business partner, and husband to social media celebrity Valeria Lipovetsky, in this captivating podcast "RISE, Life Stories of Accomplished Individuals". Gary not only delves deep into the lives of notable figures to extract their fascinating origin stories and the hurdles they faced, but he also meticulously draws out the specific knowledge and expertise they hold in their respective fields. Through in-depth interviews, Gary unravels the secrets to their achievements and highlights the value of their unique experiences and insights. Tune in to gain invaluable wisdom from these remarkable individuals and be inspired to reach new heights of success.

Welcome to episode 42 of The RISE Podcast, where we explore resilience, innovation, and empowerment. In this episode, we sit down with Steve Schwartz, The Tea Blender, tracing his journey from humble beginnings to entrepreneurial triumph. We delve into tea's global impact, its cultural significance, and health benefits. Discover the genesis of Art of Tea and its evolution into a thriving business. Explore the therapeutic aspects of tea blending and its role in promoting mindfulness. Learn about the challenges faced and strategic moves made, including expansion to Miami and navigating COVID-19 through e-commerce. Join us as we uncover the art of tea blending, entrepreneurship, and the power of building a brand. 

Timestamps:

00:50 Introducing Steve Schwartz: The Tea Blender
02:30 The Global Impact of Tea: From the White House to Google
03:29 The Journey of a Tea Blender: Learning and Growing
05:17 The Cultural Significance and Health Benefits of Tea
21:32 From Family Struggles to Entrepreneurial Success
28:59 The Genesis of Art of Tea: A Blend of Passion and Purpose
32:09 From Living Room to Expanding Business: The Growth of a Tea Empire
33:06 Tea as Therapy: Blending for Health and Wellness
35:03 The Ritual of Tea: A Mindful Practice for Well-being
36:31 Exploring the Science and Varieties of Tea
38:10 Tea and Presence: The Power of Being in the Now
40:33 Integrating Tea into Daily Rituals and Education
49:55 The Business of Tea: Custom Blends and Corporate Clients
01:04:43 The Move to Miami: Expanding Operations and Embracing Community
01:14:41 The Pivot to E-Commerce: Navigating Business During COVID-19
01:16:43 The Power of Influencer Partnerships and Brand Evolution
01:27:04 Becoming a Media Company: The Future of Branding and E-Commerce
01:33:29 Personal Connections and Future Plans: Wrapping Up

Gary Lipovetsky: https://www.instagram.com/garylipovetsky
Steve Schwartz: https://www.instagram.com/artofteala/?hl=en

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Join host Gary Lipovetsky, the renowned serial entrepreneur, business partner, and husband to social media celebrity Valeria Lipovetsky, in this captivating podcast "RISE, Life Stories of Accomplished Individuals". Gary not only delves deep into the lives of notable figures to extract their fascinating origin stories and the hurdles they faced, but he also meticulously draws out the specific knowledge and expertise they hold in their respective fields. Through in-depth interviews, Gary unravels the secrets to their achievements and highlights the value of their unique experiences and insights. Tune in to gain invaluable wisdom from these remarkable individuals and be inspired to reach new heights of success.

Embark on a journey from corporate life to influencer with Cristina Cataman in this episode of the RISE Podcast. From navigating the unpredictable landscape of content creation to embracing cultural differences and finding humor in heritage, Cristina shares her bold transition, financial challenges, and insights into the influencer industry amidst the backdrop of COVID. Delve into discussions on handling criticism, overcoming language barriers, and unraveling geopolitical complexities like the Ukraine-Russia conflict and Moldova's identity. With laughter, resilience, and a vision for the future, Cristina unveils her plans for expanding creative horizons and collaborative endeavors, offering a candid and inspiring glimpse into the world of content creation. Don't miss this captivating conversation filled with wit, wisdom, and laughter, as Cristina Cataman shares her unique journey and perspectives.


Timestamps:
00:00 Navigating the Unpredictable World of Content Creation
01:01 Welcome to RISE Podcast: A Candid Chat with Cristina Cataman
01:46 From Corporate Auditor to Comedy Influencer: Cristina's Journey
03:45 Embracing a New Life: Cristina's Bold Move to Canada
08:33 The Creative Spark: Transitioning to Influencer Life During COVID
15:01 The Cultural Comedy of Cristina Cataman: Finding Humor in Heritage
23:13 Navigating Financial Instability in the Influencer Industry
25:00 The Launch of a New Podcast and Future Content Strategies
25:39 Dealing with Criticism and Hate in the Public Eye
29:17 Exploring Cultural Differences: Eastern European vs. North American Perspectives
38:34 A Unique Encounter: Valeria's Story
39:21 Cultural Differences and Communication Styles
41:06 Navigating Language Barriers and Misinterpretations
42:04 Discussing the Complexities of the Ukraine-Russia Conflict
42:27 Exploring Moldova's Political Landscape and Cultural Identity
45:20 Personal Histories and the Impact of War
55:00 The Challenges and Joys of Being an Influencer
01:00:24 Future Plans and Expanding Creative Horizons
01:11:21 A Comedic Collaboration Idea and Wrapping Up

Gary Lipovetsky: https://www.instagram.com/garylipovetsky/
Cristina Cataman: https://www.instagram.com/cristinacataman/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join host Gary Lipovetsky, the renowned serial entrepreneur, business partner, and husband to social media celebrity Valeria Lipovetsky, in this captivating podcast "RISE, Life Stories of Accomplished Individuals". Gary not only delves deep into the lives of notable figures to extract their fascinating origin stories and the hurdles they faced, but he also meticulously draws out the specific knowledge and expertise they hold in their respective fields. Through in-depth interviews, Gary unravels the secrets to their achievements and highlights the value of their unique experiences and insights. Tune in to gain invaluable wisdom from these remarkable individuals and be inspired to reach new heights of success.

Join us for an insightful journey in this episode of the RISE podcast, where we redefine consistency and explore the art of making better choices. Follow Greg Scheiman’s personal journey from facing challenges to achieving triumphs as we delve into crafting a fulfilling life through effective strategies and realizations. Discover the power of scheduling and prioritizing to maximize your life, along with practical advice on fitness in middle age and fostering confidence. Explore the interconnection of fitness, health, and personal growth, and address controversial topics such as age gap relationships and the realities of divorce in midlife. From embracing technology and navigating parenting challenges to prioritizing self-care and setting examples, we cover it all. Plus, gain insights into career success, the pursuit of happiness, and the role of hobbies in enhancing life quality. Subscribe now for more empowering conversations on the RISE podcast!

Timestamps:
00:00 Redefining Consistency and Making Better Choices
02:44 Greg's Personal Journey: From Challenges to Triumphs
09:43 Crafting a Fulfilling Life: Strategies and Realizations
16:51 The Power of Scheduling and Prioritizing in Maximizing Life
30:01 Fitness in Middle Age: Realistic Goals and Sustainable Practices
42:28 Navigating Sexuality and Confidence in Middle Age
45:20 The Impact of Physical Fitness on Perception and Sexuality
47:12 The Interconnection of Fitness, Health, and Personal Growth
55:18 Addressing the Controversy of Age Gap Relationships
57:26 The Challenges and Realities of Divorce in Midlife
01:02:05 Embracing Technology and Parenting Challenges
01:02:39 The Significance of Self-Care and Setting an Example
01:06:20 Exploring Career Success and the Pursuit of Happiness
01:19:36 The Role of Hobbies in Enhancing Life Quality



Gary Lipovetsky: https://www.instagram.com/garylipovetsky

Greg Scheinman: https://www.instagram.com/gregscheinman

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Join host Gary Lipovetsky, the renowned serial entrepreneur, business partner, and husband to social media celebrity Valeria Lipovetsky, in this captivating podcast "RISE, Life Stories of Accomplished Individuals". Gary not only delves deep into the lives of notable figures to extract their fascinating origin stories and the hurdles they faced, but he also meticulously draws out the specific knowledge and expertise they hold in their respective fields. Through in-depth interviews, Gary unravels the secrets to their achievements and highlights the value of their unique experiences and insights. Tune in to gain invaluable wisdom from these remarkable individuals and be inspired to reach new heights of success.

"Welcome to the latest episode of RISE! In this captivating instalment, we embark on the remarkable journey of Michal Berski, founder of CurlSmith, as he shares his inspiring story. From his upbringing in Communist Poland to identifying market gaps and founding CurlSmith, Michal's narrative is one of resilience and entrepreneurship. Join us as we explore pivotal moments such as raising funds, leveraging the power of community on Instagram, and the crucial role influencers play in brand growth and authenticity. Discover the emotional rollercoaster of selling a business and the importance of celebrating small victories along the way. Stay tuned to learn about Michal's exciting new venture in the beauty industry, and subscribe to RISE for more empowering conversations and insights!"

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction: The Journey of Michal Berski
05:48 Early Life and Growing Up in Communist Poland
25:39 The Birth of CurlSmith: Identifying a Gap in the Market
33:32 The Art of Raising Money: Lessons Learned
40:59 The Power of Community: Building an Instagram Following
01:03:58 The Crucial Role of Influencers in Brand Growth
01:06:29 The Impact of Influencer Partnerships on Brand Authenticity
01:15:20 Post-Sale Reflections and Future Ventures
01:20:01 Insights on Wealth, Happiness, and Entrepreneurship
01:22:41 Final Thoughts and Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs


Gary Lipovetsky: https://www.instagram.com/garylipovetsky
Michal Berski: https://www.instagram.com/michalberski

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join host Gary Lipovetsky, the renowned serial entrepreneur, business partner, and husband to social media celebrity Valeria Lipovetsky, in this captivating podcast "RISE, Life Stories of Accomplished Individuals". Gary not only delves deep into the lives of notable figures to extract their fascinating origin stories and the hurdles they faced, but he also meticulously draws out the specific knowledge and expertise they hold in their respective fields. Through in-depth interviews, Gary unravels the secrets to their achievements and highlights the value of their unique experiences and insights. Tune in to gain invaluable wisdom from these remarkable individuals and be inspired to reach new heights of success.

Embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth as Kute Blackson, renowned author and speaker, shares profound insights and experiences in this enlightening episode of RISE. Delve into the essence of identity, gratitude, and life's purpose, exploring Kute's near-death experience, his arrival in the U.S., and the struggles he faced. Gain wisdom on manifesting dreams, aligning with your soul, and viewing life as a university for spiritual evolution. Explore spirituality in daily habits, the connection between spirituality and sexuality, and reflections on the state of religion and spirituality in today's world. Learn how to live authentically, embrace freedom, and connect deeply with your soul's journey. Join us in this empowering conversation that will inspire you to embark on your own path of self-discovery, purpose, and enlightenment with Kute Blackson.

Gary Lipovetsky: https://www.instagram.com/garylipovetsky/

Kute Blackson: https://www.instagram.com/kuteblackson/

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