Exit Paradox

Brett Gelfand. A second-generation exited founder, he has successfully built and sold a company, just like his dad. Now, they're in business together. In this episode, Brett shares with us insights from both his and his father's post-exit experiences, the keys to successful business partnerships, finding love, and thriving as a digital nomad.

_____________________________________________________

Timestamps: 
00:01:00: The early journey into business and entrepreneurship 
00:01:22: Entering the cannabis industry 
00:01:56: Decision to avoid traditional nine-to-five job 
00:02:44: Becoming CEO at age 
00:03:26: The drive to solve problems in the industry 
00:04:19: Change in motivation after business exit 
00:06:12: Shifting from a fear-driven approach to a passion-driven one 
00:08:20: Considering other industries and opportunities 
00:10:51: Decision to sell first business and focus on another 
00:11:25: Feeling after selling first business 
00:14:34: Shifting perspective on money and success 
00:16:15: Parents' influence on entrepreneurship journey 
00:17:26: Starting a business with father 
00:19:24: Challenge and benefit of working with a family member in business 
00:21:01: Decision to go into business with father and learning through the process 
00:22:38: Growing up in a business-oriented family 
00:23:21: Impact of business partnership on personal relationships 
00:24:58: Parents' reaction to business partnership 
00:25:33: Impact of financial freedom on happiness 
00:28:14: Experience of travel and luxury after financial security 
00:29:11: Reflection on the journey of building and selling a business 
00:31:35: Learning lessons from the entrepreneurial cycle 
00:35:21: Experience and benefits of globetrotting 
00:43:39: The role of therapy in personal growth 
00:44:36: Lessons from a Life Coach 
00:57:18: Transitioning from Entrepreneur to Family Man 
01:02:57: Preparing for Parenthood 
01:03:39: How Brett Wants to be Remembered 
01:05:23: Entrepreneurship as Freedom 
01:06:13: Discussing personal freedoms and lifestyle 
01:07:35: Reflecting on retirement and the necessity of growth 
01:08:22: The role of financial success in personal growth and risk-taking 
01:09:41: Investment philosophy and financial strategy 
01:11:39: Closing the discussion and expressing gratitude

Timo Armoo is a post-exit prodigy, who sold his first business at the age of 17, then aced an 8-figure exit at 27. He’s a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, Huffington Post’s Entrepreneur of The Year, and one of The Times' most influential media figures. Beyond TV and book deals, he’s a magnetic speaker and the incredible friend who pushed me to launch this podcast. Timo’s here to inspire us with his no-nonsense wisdom on post-exit success in life and business.

_____________________________________________________

 TIME STAMPS: 
00:00:00: Intro 
00:01:12: Background 
00:01:20: Starting the First Business, Fanbyte 
00:02:01: Fanbyte's Growth and Success 
00:03:15: The Rise of Influencer Marketing and Formation of Fanbyte 
00:03:51: Motivation Behind Starting Fanbyte 
00:04:33: Reflection on Entrepreneurial Journey 
00:06:09: After Selling the Business 
00:10:07: Reflection on Selling the Business and Significance 
00:12:23: Post-Business Activities 
00:17:00: Planning for the Future and Next Business Adventure 
00:19:36: Motivation for Next Business 
00:21:16: Reflection on Success and Luck 
00:22:49: School days and meeting intelligent peers 
00:23:43: Starting Entrepreneur Express 
00:24:19: Significance driving ambitions 
00:24:42: Thoughts on future business ventures 
00:25:08: Partnership dynamics at Fanbite 
00:28:02: Zones of genius 
00:30:22: Different mindsets of business founders 
00:30:41: Post-exit emotional stages 
00:33:12: Money meaning: ownership of time and optionality 
00:36:35: Abundance mindset and its impacts 
00:38:24: Changing relationships post-exit 
00:39:26: Money's role in shaping social circles 
00:41:45: Intentionally creating a circle with like-minded individuals 
00:43:03: Deciding the type of conversations and people to be around 
00:44:24: Managing money and portfolio strategy
 00:45:39: Mental struggle of adjusting to wealth 
00:51:11: Reconsidering the motivations for angel investing 
00:57:03: Power of manifesting and visualizing your goals 
01:03:06: The importance of serving others and spirituality 
01:06:27: Motivation and community building 
01:08:00: Life, Fitness and Health 
01:08:47: Regrets, Challenges and Aims 
01:13:33: Building a personal brand 
01:18:00: Choosing the right Platform 
01:19:19: Non-obvious ways to monetize a personal brand 
01:20:41: Legacy and Remembrance

Seven years after stepping away from his highly successful business, Kunal Tulsiani has gained profound personal insights into purpose, meaning, and fulfillment. 

In this episode, he shares how these insights now direct and drive his post-exit journey. He also offers actionable advice for you and me to live a more meaningful life.

_____________________________________________________

00:00:00 Intro 
00:01:03: Introduction 
00:04:04: Personal journey into Philosophy and Spirituality 
00:08:29: Career beginning in Real Estate Development 
00:12:32: Importance of maintaining discipline 
00:16:02: Transition from selfish to selfless 
00:19:57: Applying Vedantic principles to business and personal life
00:21:09: Leaving the Oligarch and Starting Own Property Business 
00:23:05: Desire to Teach Philosophy 
00:24:46: Naming of Family Office - Impact Assets 
00:26:30: Finding Balance in Desire for Business and Self-Actualisation 
00:27:52: Conflict Between Desire for Wealth and Spirituality
00:29:50: Concept of Managing Desires Over Wealth Management
00:31:21: The Case Study of Post-Exit Entrepreneurship
00:34:31: Understanding True Nature from an Entrepreneur Perspective
00:36:20: Desire for Control vs Spiritual Growth
00:38:57: The Role of Agitation in Sparking Bliss
00:39:56: Stages of Spiritual Development 
00:40:08: Levels of Spiritual Growth 
00:44:07: Building a Philosophy-focused Business 
00:46:52: Impact Investing 
00:50:20: Principles of Self Discovery 
00:52:39: Process of Having a Charitable Disposition 
00:54:25: Developing Intellectual Capacity for Control 
00:56:10: Reading Philosophy for Self Development 
00:59:33: Post Exit - Finding a Purpose 
01:00:10: The significance of action and reaction 
01:01:18: Discussion about the book "Die with Zero" 
01:02:10: Changing mindset from scarcity to abundance
 01:04:43: Incorporating philosophy into daily life
 01:06:15: Managing one's energy and giving within capacity 
01:09:33: Moving from selfish to unselfish 
01:12:47: Concept of meditation and achieving a still mind 
01:14:40: Thoughts on silent retreats and frustration of the mind 
01:15:35: Insights on different forms of yoga and pathways of learning 
01:17:57: Concluding thoughts

After selling his first business 15 years ago, David Goldberg became obsessed with the idea of making it absurdly easy for entrepreneurs to have an outsized social impact. This led to the creation of Founders Pledge, a community of experienced entrepreneurs who have now collectively pledged over $10 billion to charities. In this episode, he guides us on how to think about our post-exit impact in a rational and authentic way.

 👤 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidjonathangoldberg?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app 

🖥️ Founders Pledge: https://www.founderspledge.com/ 

_____________________________________________________

 Timestamps: 
00:01:08: The Purpose of Life and Time
 00:03:29: Drive and Work Ethic 
00:03:42: David's thoughts on Identity 
00:05:16: Secrets to a Successful Romantic Relationship 
00:06:00: What keeps David up at night 
00:07:56: Waking up Motivation 
00:08:30: How David wants to be Remembered 
00:08:44: Parent's Expectations 
00:10:02: Value of Formal Education and Start of Career 
00:13:36: David's First Business 
00:17:15: Developing Communication Skills 
00:18:20: The moment of Business Exit 
00:19:44: Motivation for the First Business 
00:20:10: Changes after Business Selling 
00:20:40: Upbringing and "winning the life lottery" 
00:21:31: Decision to do more than amass wealth 
00:22:28: Challenges and obstacles in philanthropy efforts 
00:24:07: Journey to discover true purpose 
00:24:38: Process and experience of self-growth 
00:26:26: Learning to think critically through formal education 
00:30:03: Undergoing the cultural shift of studying abroad 
00:32:05: Founders Forum group and understanding real poverty 
00:33:22: Redefining success after selling first business 
00:35:57: Encountering true poverty in Southeast Asia 
00:37:09: Using resources effectively for maximum impact 
00:37:49: The problem of "poverty tourism" 
00:39:09: How compassion plays a role in business success 
00:40:31: Introduction to Founders Forum and efforts to help social entrepreneurs 
00:41:04: Reasons why the initial idea didn't work. 
00:42:08: Evaluating the potential of startups
 00:42:27: The challenge of execution in social businesses 
00:43:06: Pivoting to support commercial entrepreneurs 
00:45:10: Founders Pledge 
00:47:23: The relationship with Founders Forum 
00:50:31: Aim to give effectively in Founders Pledge 
00:52:06: Resolving the problem of global donations 
00:55:02: Funding model of Founders Pledge 
00:56:56: The reality of Donor Advised Funds 
01:00:06: The challenge of raising funds annually 
01:02:20: Focus on impact in Founders Pledge 
01:03:33: Present commitments and funds injected in Founders Pledge. 
01:04:29: Scaling up 01:05:32: Mental health as a neglected area 
01:06:17: Introduction of non-profit working on mental health treatment in Africa 
01:07:35: Effects on post-exit journey of founders who pledged 
01:08:02: Role of philanthropy after exit 
01:11:36: Introduction to Founders Pledge 
01:15:02: The spiritual journey through Founders Pledge
 01:15:43: Introduction to Pledge Ventures 
01:18:02: Rules and initial fundraising for Pledge Ventures 
01:20:53: Commencement of investment through Pledge Ventures 
01:25:05: Introduction to the Foundry program 
01:25:54: Bespoke research programs for larger sums of yearly philanthropy. 
01:26:03: The Order of Giving and the Importance of Knowledge 
01:26:41: The Foundry Program 
01:27:26: Partners, not Clients 
01:28:07: Improving The Efficiency of Giving
 01:29:19: Transparency in Philanthropy 
01:30:00: Aligned Incentives with Members and Issues with Charities 
01:31:03: The Importance of Community in Philanthropy
 01:32:04: Future Impact and Growth of the Organization 
01:32:46: Efficiency and Control in Giving
 01:33:18: Pledges and Donations: Freedom of Choice
 01:34:03: The Organization’s Differentiating Factors 
01:35:11: Final Words

My guest today is Richard Steel. Since he sold his business - Steel Media - over 10 years ago, Richard embarked on a remarkable journey. He led a public company, authored a book, provided counsel to the White House, joined the Harvard Business School Alumni Board and established a philanthropic fund. His unique philosophy emphasizes the creation of what he calls a "portfolio of interests".

My guest today - Michael Sonnenfeldt - is the source of ultimate wisdom on the life after a liquidity event. He has build and sold multiple companies and is the celebrity founder of TIGER 21, an exclusive global community of ultra-high-net-worth investors. Michael creates exquisite art, collects photography and runs a venture philanthropy firm focusing on climate change. We discuss the importance of post-exit introspection, how a liquidity event teaches us humility, rules of prudent spending, capital preservation vs angel investing, and how to decide whether to start a new business or focus on passive investing.
 
Follow Michael Sonnenfeldt on: linkedin.com/in/michael-sonnenfeldt-84072225/twitter.com/mwsonnenfeldtsonnenfeldt.comen.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_W._Sonnenfeldt

Timestamps 
00:00:37: Introduction of Michael, Founder of Tiger21

00:01:53: Discussion on investors

00:02:05: Challenges of investing

00:02:39: Handling Success and Entrepreneurship

00:04:17: Discussion on Turning into an Investor after Being an Entrepreneur

00:06:44: Setting realistic passive returns

00:18:49: Discussion on Family Offices

00:23:49: Michael's personal motivations and the foundations of his success

00:24:55: Michael's ambition and challenges in the early years

00:27:37: Michael's personal experience of hearing loss and its impact on his life

00:28:53: Reflection on the role of luck in building businesses

00:29:04: Discussing the Role of Luck in Success

00:32:46: Overcoming Responsibility and Trauma After Business Success

00:34:46: Navigating Early Success and Future Ventures

00:39:46: Balancing Entrepreneurship and Introspection

00:43:59: The Intersection of Politics, Philanthropy, and Investment

00:49:02: Discovering Philanthropy

00:55:14: Importance of Travel and Cultural Awareness Post-Exit
00:56:22: Passion for Art, Photography and Fashion

00:58:00: Building a Large Photographic Archive

00:58:44: Handling Estates of Important Photographers after they Pass On

00:59:40: Estate Management of Deceased Photographers

01:00:20: Fulfillment in Life

01:01:41: Artwork and Business

01:02:37: Loneliness After Founders Exit

01:03:10: Isolation After Wealth Creation

01:05:10: Inherited Wealth Management

01:06:02: Shift in Wants After Selling Business

01:09:36: Turning Down Family Members' Investment Requests

01:12:07: Generosity Vs Enabling Bad Behavior

01:12:47: Parenting with Wealth

01:14:50: Responsibility Coupled with Inherited Wealth

01:15:14: Preparing Children for Inheritance

01:16:30: Selecting People to Surround Yourself With

01:20:15: Striving for a Life of Meaning and Purpose

01:24:50: Evolution of Tiger Organization and its impact

01:26:54: The Experiences and Learnings from a Long Term Marriage

My guest today is Adrien Cohen, a remarkable entrepreneur. He built and sold his first business, Lazada, for $3 billion and led the rapid growth of Tractable, a multi-billion-dollar AI company for accident and disaster recovery. In our conversation, Adrien candidly shares his journey to finding his life's purpose, why he quit a lucrative job at Goldman Sachs and prefers venture philanthropy over impact investing, his tips for a happy marriage, and the intriguing story of his parents keeping their wealth a secret until he made his own mark Adrien lived in France, China, Vietnam and the UK.

Follow Adrien Cohen on: linkedin.com/in/adrien-cohen-883a1527/

Timestamps 
00:00:00: Introduction

00:01:44: Early Motivation

00:03:28: Relationship with Judaism

00:04:36: Being a spoiled rich kid

00:05:20: What parents did right

00:06:07: The world is competitive

00:09:41: Defining success

00:10:52: Leaving Goldman Sachs

00:14:21: Starting e-commerce in Vietnam

00:16:33 Motivation

00:17:32 Critical Thinking

00:18:19 Exit from Lazada

00:19:43: Current stage of his new venture

00:23:58: Dealing with feelings of being an imposter

00:25:25: Discussing financial success and its responsibilities

00:27:13: The responsibility of exited founders to make a difference
00:30:02: Discussing the unique time in history for young, self-made individuals

00:31:58: Channelling guilt and insecurities into action

00:32:48: The mission to cure paralysis

00:34:10: Sharing personal tragedy and its impact

00:38:11: Introducing the concept of venture philanthropy

00:42:24: The structure and aim of the venture philanthropic fund

00:45:22: Choosing people to surround oneself with

00:47:16: The Secret Superpower - Using Empathy and Acceptance

00:50:00: Rules, Principles, and Lessons for Creating a Unified Relationship

00:57:10: Dealing with the Control Freak Aspect

00:59:16: Balancing Work, Life, and Family

01:01:12: Raising Children with Integrity and Humor

01:02:07: How to Be Remembered - Leaving a Lasting Impact and Legacy

Mimi Ikonn sold her company, Luxy Hair, 5 years ago, traveled the world, wrote two books, and gained a massive social media following. Her latest business, Intelligent Change, helps people live happier, more fulfilling lives. 

Mimi's zest for life and the transformative power of gratitude will leave you with a fresh perspective on personal well-being and the pursuit of purpose. Tune in for a dose of positivity and wisdom!

00:00:00: Introduction and overview of the episode 

00:00:06: Introduction of Mimi Ikonn and her ventures 

00:00:26: Achievements in the first year of business 

00:01:00: Mimi's gratitude for the platform and her reflection on financial freedom 

00:01:47: Mimi's self-awareness about financial abundance and its impact 

00:04:04: Mimi's perspective on the power and influence of businesses 

00:04:45: Mimi talks about her purpose and how she wants to be remembered 

00:05:55: Mimi discusses her influence and control over her actions 

00:06:51: Mimi talks about her childhood and the origin of her dreams 

00:09:48: Mimi's definition of success and the importance of feeling good and fulfilled 

00:12:00: Mimi's reflection on her journey after attaining financial abundance 

00:17:51: Discussion on the hunger for freedom and realization of its abundance 

00:20:10: Mimi shares about the need for stability and community in the abundance of freedom.

00:21:45: Pragmatism vs. passion in building a business 

00:22:33: A shift from not wanting to work to wanting to work 

00:23:14: Realization from building Luxy Hair 

00:24:03: Marketing strategies for Luxy Hair 

00:25:26: Work-life balance and stepping in and out of "hustle mode"
00:26:23: The process of selling Luxy Hair and what came afterwards 

00:28:46: Re-framing the concept of work as art

00:30:12: Memory of money and its influence on our attitude towards work and business 

00:31:50: The natural inclination towards creation and problem-solving in business ventures 

00:34:27: Creation of Intelligent Change and the Five Minute Journal 

00:40:27: Role and responsibilities in Intelligent Change today 

00:42:24: Personal transition: Separation from her husband Alex Ikonn 

00:43:20: Belief in Dreams and Living the Potential 

00:43:47: Navigating Relationships: Conscious expansion and maintaining respect 

00:46:31: Addressing Divorce and Its Impact on Children 

00:52:05: Defining the Next Dream: Authenticity & Potential Personal Development 

00:54:21: The Role of Friendships 

00:56:46: Living a Life of Purpose: A life Guided by Love 

01:04:28: Approach to Psychedelics and Meditation. 

01:05:58: Meditation Practice and its Importance 

01:08:19: Comparison with Psychedelic Experiences 

01:09:29: Advantages of Meditation 

01:10:05: Personal Experience with Anxiety and the Role of Meditation 

01:10:47: Overcoming Fear through Love and Meditation 

01:12:09: Conclusion and Appreciation for Deep Conversations 

Join me for a riveting interview with the legendary Pete Henderson, an exited founder whose life could be a blockbuster biopic. In this episode, the former war journalist turned serial entrepreneur shares his mind-blowing adventures, including building businesses in African war zones, surviving a lion's attack, spending a decade living in Kenya after his exit, writing a bestselling book, and his current mission to combat global hunger.

Timestamps:

00:00:02: Dramatic introduction

00:00:31: Introduction to Exit Paradox Podcast

00:00:49: Guest Introduction: Pete Henderson

00:01:13: Pete's Mission to End World Hunger

00:01:28: Pete’s Experience as a War Cameraman

00:05:31: Impact of Technology and Media

00:05:56: Development of Nutritious Food Bar

00:09:03: Pete’s Early Life

00:10:49: Lion Attack Incident

00:14:23: Selling First Business and Attending Harvard

00:15:53: Pete’s First Business as a DJ

00:16:36: Transition Into Television Business

00:18:13: Building a media company

00:19:09: Growing and selling the business

00:19:47: Life after selling the company

00:23:27: Starting a new business

00:28:15: Venture in Telecommunication

00:32:06: Introducing Site: Sustainable Impact Trading Ecosystem

00:33:56: Future plans for 'food' venture

00:39:06: Building a microalgae farm in Zimbabwe
00:43:13: Reflecting on life and personal values

00:43:46: Discussing parenting based on personal experiences

00:45:54: Experience living in Africa and the children's outlook on life

00:46:55: The children's transition to British boarding schools

00:46:26: The role of money and wealth management

00:52:29: Sharing an intensifying experience in South Africa during apartheid

00:55:56: Meeting Sister Barnard and learning a valuable life lesson

00:56:40: The decision to write a book for his children

00:58:25: Defining success

00:58:44: Introduction to Pete, "the food chap"

00:59:37: Discussing role models

01:01:16: Emphasizing the power of thinking

01:02:06: What keeps Pete awake at night

01:04:55: Feelings of guilt about financial success

01:06:35: Regrets on selling a business

01:07:20: Discussing joys in life

01:07:51: How Pete wants to be remembered

01:08:23: Finding fulfillment through witnessing history

01:09:39: Final advice for listeners

My today's guest, Vikrant Bhargava, is a masterful businessman and an inspiring human being. Vikraint took his company public with an initial evaluation of $8.5B, which skyrocketed to $12B within just one month. Since then he's been applying his business acumen to tackle the world's biggest and nastiest problems. In our conversation, we'll delve into how and why he is pursuing this path, what brings him joy and fulfillment, and what fuels his boundless energy, curiosity, and compassion. Today is Vikrant's first public interview since the IPO 18 years ago and his first podcast interview ever.

Timestamps 
00:00:00: Introduction and starting point

00:06:08: Importance of education and its relevance for children of exited founders

00:15:51: Transition from a student to a start-up founder

00:22:44: Vikrant's financial journey and perspective on "paper money"

00:23:26: Going public and financial stability

00:24:46: First public interview and going public

00:25:18: Being publicly recognized

00:26:03: Preparing for going public

00:26:22: Company's valuation and public impression

00:27:48: The moment of financial settlement

00:28:20: The impact of financial success

00:29:06: The luxury of time and money, dealing with boredom

00:30:57: Exit from business

00:31:41: Sense of Identity with financial stability

00:34:29: Post exit stagnation

00:35:21: Moving from Gibraltar to London
00:37:10: Transition in thought process about wealth

00:38:30: Managing wealth

00:41:17: Cultivating a culture of giving in India

00:43:52: Impact of philanthropic activities

00:44:01: Balance between investment and giving

00:45:02: Impact beyond material possessions

00:45:57: Discussing Old Money vs New Money

00:47:10: Learning to Say No after Wealth

00:48:06: No Loans, Only Gifts

00:49:22: Missing Running a Business Day-to-Day

00:50:17: Missing the Creativity in Business

00:52:27: Business and Philanthropy

00:53:52: Founder's Pledge and Giving Better

00:58:45: The Purpose and Meaning of Wealth

01:02:06: Concerns and Worries

01:02:38: How to be Remembered