By Phil Michaels
4.8
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The podcast currently has 44 episodes available.
Today’s guest on the “Phil with F30” podcast is Gabe Kennedy – Founder of Plant People
Forbes List: USA
Year: 2020
Category: Food & Drink
Gabe Kennedy takes an experimental approach to life. His career started after attending the Culinary Institute of America and Cornell University. A private equity firm employed him, but he left to be a contestant on Anthony Bourdain’s reality TV competition - and he won!
Being the winner led him to a variety of experiences in the food industry. But after a traumatic spinal injury from skiing, his focus was on healing his body in non-traditional methods.
That led him to start Plant People and creating a CBD-based supplements brand, plus other plant-based products. The company sells products including infused olive oil, sleep drops, and face masks. They’ve already raised capital from Unilever.
In our conversation, Gabe shares his journey, and answers the question, “How can we be a business and build an industry that stands for equity and access, social justice, climate justice, and embodies all the values and philosophies we truly feel a business should step into.” We discuss:
Holistic science-the inspiration for products.
Make a decision and move forward.
Doing a good job now is better than doing a perfect job later.
Starting on a shoestring budget.
Spend time on what you are good at. Find others with different skill sets.
The purpose of Plant People is to heal and connect people and the planet through the power of plants. Gabe has a coupon offer for you to try one of his products.
Take advantage and enjoy the show!
“Under 30 Seconds Round”
1. What is the book you’ve gifted more often than any other book, and why?
Way of the Peaceful Warrior, Dan Millman. It inspires the way I walk through life.
2. What’s one of the best investments and one of the worst investments you’ve ever made and why?
Best - Investing in myself.
Worst - When I buy an avocado and it’s rotten.
3. What’s the most impactful thing you do in your Morning and Evening routines?
AM - Meditation. Either breathing or guided.
PM - Cooking my own food. I draw the line between business and personal time before bedtime.
4. Pretend you won the Peter Thiel Fellowship and you were going to get money to start a business instead of going to college, what’s the very first thing you’d do to start a new business?
I’d find where I can contribute the most and have an intersection between passion and purpose.
5. What’s something you never knew you needed?
A King size bed and a good mattress. A full-size computer monitor.
In the REVIEW SECTION, please let me know…
The city / country you’re tuning in from!
How Gabe Kennedy’s story has inspired you! And, your favorite part of this episode!
Tell me the questions you’d like me to ask future Forbes 30 Under 30 Members!
GUEST INFO: Gabe Kennedy - Founder - Plant People
CONTACT: Twitter @gabekennedy, Instagram COMPANY: @plantpeople, PERSONAL: @gabe_kennedy
WEBSITE: www.plantpeople.co
COUPON CODE DISCOUNT for audience: "forbes15"
HOST INFO: Phil Michaels
SOCIAL: @iamphilmichaels
YOUTUBE: www.youtube.com/philmichaels
PODCAST WEBSITE: www.philwithF30.com
PHIL’s WEBSITE: www.iamphilmichaels.com
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Today’s guest on the “Phil with F30” podcast is Jason Gui – Co-Founder of Vue
Forbes List: Asia
Year: 2017
Category: Industry & Energy
Jason Gui, Co-Founder of Vue, had difficulties in finding a target market for the first version of his smart glasses. At one point, he cut back to a skeleton staff and had little in the bank account. He didn’t agree on taking a new direction with his co-founder, but he listened to her, anyway.
With smart pivoting and firm due dates, the second product version of his smart glasses helped him bring in over $2.2-million on Kickstarter. He sold $4-million in its first year of launch, becoming the top eyewear Kickstarter campaign of all time.
Vue smart glasses are stylish and built for everyday use. They track your activities like steps, posture, and calories, taking calls, and listening to music without the intrusive earbuds.
This MIT Innovator Under 35-Asia list winner has a long list of lessons for entrepreneurs. We discussed:
Revising a product to serve a different market than intended.
The value of listening to a co-founder who disagrees with you.
The journey in making quick pivots with due dates.
How to engage media in the early stages of product development.
The importance of asking those outside the inner circle for product and marketing opinions.
Joint ventures and new distribution channels.
Differing from Google Glass.
Jason has offered a discount on a purchase for these fantastic glasses. I hope you give them a look. Enjoy!
“Under 30 Seconds Round”
1. What is the book you’ve gifted more often than any other book, and why?
A Short History of Nearly Everything, Bill Bryson. The book gives me a perspective of how the world works, why there are countries and governments, how things take form etc.
2. What’s one of the best investments and one of the worst investments you’ve ever made and why?
Best - Financial investments. I watch what goes on in China and then see how things replicate in the U.S. I especially watch the trends relating to Covid.
Worst - Stock investments where I didn’t understand the fundamentals or the industry where I was putting my money.
3. What’s the most impactful thing you do in your Morning and Evening routines?
AM - For over 10 years I’ve made it a habit to think about who I am going to help each day. I try to help someone every day.
PM - I don’t want regrets so I ask if there is something else I want to do. I think about living my life as if each day was the last.
4. Pretend you won the Peter Thiel Fellowship and you were going to get money to start a business instead of going to college, what’s the very first thing you’d do to start a new business?
Before expanding on an idea I would talk to people who are older and more experienced. I’d find people who have different perspectives.
5. What’s something you never knew you needed?
A co-founder who may not agree with me. I’ve also learned you can’t do everything on your own.
In the REVIEW SECTION, please let me know…
The city / country you’re tuning in from!
How Jason Gui’s story has inspired you! And, your favorite part of this episode!
Tell me the questions you’d like me to ask future Forbes 30 Under 30 Members!
GUEST INFO: Jason Gui – Co-Founder of Vue
CONTACT: Twitter @jason1081 and Instagram @jason1081nz
WEBSITE: http://vueglasses.com/
COUPON CODE DISCOUNT for audience: PHILSPODCAST for $30 off
HOST INFO: Phil Michaels
SOCIAL: @iamphilmichaels
YOUTUBE: www.youtube.com/philmichaels
PODCAST WEBSITE: www.philwithF30.com
PHIL’s WEBSITE: www.iamphilmichaels.com
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Today’s guest on the “Phil with F30” podcast is Bonnie Burton – Video Game Producer at Bungie
Forbes List: USA
Year: 2020
Category: Games
At age 12, Bonnie Burton became the 1st Female Pro Gamer Ever! It started as a family bonding event, with Bonnie and her brothers traveling from city to city in an unknown phenomenon–playing computer and console games in live tournaments. It was the early stages of Esports that we know today.
The game industry, not always female-friendly, eventually welcomed Bonnie when she pursued one of her passions-working for Bungie. That company has the team that created the famous video game Halo, one of the all-time highest-grossing media franchises.
Today she works at Bungie on the Destiny franchise.
In our conversation, Bonnie shares her journey including:
How she started the journey to playing Halo at home, to competitive tournaments.
Her approach to working in a male-dominated industry.
Using powerful mantras to direct her focus to achieve goals.
How coaching affects her life and those she coaches.
Bonnie also shared how she pursued her goal of being hired in a very competitive industry. I hope you enjoy her story as she continues to expand her goals and inspire other gamers.
“Under 30 Seconds Round”
1. What is the book you’ve gifted more often than any other book, and why?
Coaching for High Performance, Sarah Cook
Learned Optimism, Martin E.P. Seligman
2. What’s one of the best investments and one of the worst investments you’ve ever made and why?
Best - Coaching programs. I didn’t realize the impact it would have on my life.
Worst - I’d buy a better couch that isn’t cheap. You’re going to spend a lot of time on it.
3. What’s the most impactful thing you do in your Morning routine and the most impactful thing you do in your Evening routine?
AM - I wake up and immediately drink water.
PM - I use an app to remind me of what I am grateful for that day or in general.
4. Pretend you won the Peter Thiel Fellowship and you were going to get money to start a business instead of go to college, what’s the very first thing you’d do to start a new business?
I’d spend time researching more about how health is linked to “gaming” abilities. I’d set up a coaching practice for gamers so they can be their best.
5. What’s something you never knew you needed?
A digital wellness timer that’s on my phone. It limits the time I can be on social media.
In the REVIEW SECTION, please let me know…
The city / country you’re tuning in from!
How Bonnie Burton’s story has inspired you! And, your favorite part of this episode!
Tell me the questions you’d like me to ask future Forbes 30 Under 30 Members!
GUEST INFO: Bonnie Burton – Video Game Producer of Bungie
CONTACT: Twitter @BonnieXburton and Instagram @BonnieXburton
WEBSITE: PERSONAL: https://bonnieburtoncoaching.as.me/
COMPANY: https://www.bungie.net/
HOST INFO: Phil Michaels
SOCIAL: @iamphilmichaels
YOUTUBE: www.youtube.com/philmichaels
PODCAST WEBSITE: www.philwithF30.com
PHIL’s WEBSITE: www.iamphilmichaels.com
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Today’s guest on the “Phil with F30” podcast is Marek Kubik – Market Director of Fluence
Forbes List: Europe
Year: 2017
Category: Industry (Energy)
Marek Kubik is a recognized influencer and leader in the energy industry. Early in his career, Marek had an instrumental role in developing the 10MW Kilroot Energy Storage Array. It was the first utility-scale commercial battery energy storage project in Europe, and one of the largest systems in the world.
Marek is a director and founding member of energy storage tech powerhouse Fluence, a company that delivers a fleet of nearly 2000MW of energy storage solutions on six continents.
Marek has a passion for accelerating the world’s transition to sustainable energy. And he’s great at putting high-tech issues in easy-to-understand terms.
In our conversation we discussed energy storage:
What it is.
How it solves the problem of limited fossil fuels.
How it can quickly reduce emissions leading to climate change.
Understanding grid infrastructure and how to reimagine it.
The joint venture with Siemens and an alternative method of supporting entrepreneurs.
You can read more of Marek’s thought leadership ideas on LinkedIn. Enjoy the show!
“Under 30 Seconds Round”
1. What is the book you’ve gifted more often than any other book, and why?
Thinking, Fast and Slow, Daniel Kahneman. It’s a fascinating insight into human psychology.
2. What’s one of the best investments and one of the worst investments you’ve ever made and why?
Best - My Apple watch. It’s great for data collection.
Worst - A gym membership. I found other tools to exercise that lead to my exercising more.
3. What’s the most impactful thing you do in your Morning and Evening routines?
AM - I make my bed first thing in the morning because of the science of doing this task every day.
PM - I shut off my phone before bed because I’m a workaholic.
4. Pretend you won the Peter Thiel Fellowship and you were going to get money to start a business instead of going to college, what’s the very first thing you’d do to start a new business?
I’d explore my interest in sustainable aviation.
5. What’s something you never knew you needed?
Flight radar. I like how you can track the plane and figure out where it is so I know ahead of time if it’s delayed.
In the REVIEW SECTION, please let me know…
The city / country you’re tuning in from!
How Marek Kubik’s story has inspired you! And, your favorite part of this episode!
Tell me the questions you’d like me to ask future Forbes 30 Under 30 Members!
GUEST INFO: Marek Kubik – Market Director - Fluence
CONTACT: Twitter @mlkubik and Instagram @goodsophism
WEBSITE: http://www.fluenceenergy.com/
HOST INFO: Phil Michaels
SOCIAL: @iamphilmichaels
YOUTUBE: www.youtube.com/philmichaels
PODCAST WEBSITE: www.philwithF30.com
PHIL’s WEBSITE: www.iamphilmichaels.com
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Today’s guest on the “Phil with F30” podcast is Lucas Sin – Chef of Junzi Kitchen
Forbes List: USA
Year: 2020
Category: Food & Drink
It was his Asian parents’ dream to send him to the U.S. for higher education so he didn’t end up working in some low paying kitchen. So it’s ironic that this son left Hong Kong, went to Yale, and returned to a Chinese kitchen. Lucas Sin, Chef of Junzi Kitchen, has four locations in NY City and New Haven, Connecticut. Lucas raised over $5-million in funding, including an investment from the co-founder of PF Changs.
Lucas’s recipe for success is based on his curiosity about American Chinese cuisine with a dash of cognitive science!
In our conversation Lucas shares:
The importance of apprenticing-scrubbing dishes and working your way up.
Searching for nuances of Chinese American food.
Being quick to abandon things that don’t work or improve it, so it does.
Understanding the customer experience.
With ingenuity and quick pivoting, Junzi Kitchen stayed open during the pandemic. Lucas organized a system to work with existing programs and invited other restaurants to feed front-line workers with safe and scalable ways that meet hospital standards. He continues feeding workers by taking donations.
Consider making a donation. And if you get the opportunity, eat more fried noodles–Junzi’s Chow Mein. It’s really good!
“Under 30 Seconds Round”
1. What is the book you’ve gifted more often than any other book, and why?
Lydia Davis books. She packs an immense amount of meaning in a few sentences in her short stories.
2. What’s one of the best investments and one of the worst investments you’ve ever made and why?
Best - Exercise resistance bands.
Worst - An air fryer.
3. What’s the most impactful thing you do in your Morning and Evening routines?
I don’t have a morning or evening routine. I have a coffee machine that wakes me up better than an alarm clock.
4. Pretend you won the Peter Thiel Fellowship and you were going to get money to start a business instead of going to college, what’s the very first thing you’d do to start a new business?
I believe in going to school. It made me a more curious and empathetic being. I’d also invest in real-life work experience.
5. What’s something you never knew you needed?
Espresso, Aero Press, and drip coffee machines.
In the REVIEW SECTION, please let me know…
The city / country you’re tuning in from!
How Lucas Sin’s story has inspired you! And, your favorite part of this episode!
Tell me the questions you’d like me to ask future Forbes 30 Under 30 Members!
GUEST INFO: Lucas Sin – Chef of Junzi Kitchen
CONTACT: Twitter @chinesechipotle & Instagram @lucas.sin
WEBSITE: http://www.junzi.kitchen/
COUPON CODE DISCOUNT for audience:
MAKE A DONATION: https://www.junzi.kitchen/shareameal
HOST INFO: Phil Michaels
SOCIAL: @iamphilmichaels
YOUTUBE: www.youtube.com/philmichaels
PODCAST WEBSITE: www.philwithF30.com
PHIL’s WEBSITE: www.iamphilmichaels.com
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Today’s guest on the “Phil with F30” podcast is Alina Alam – CEO of Mitti Cafe
Forbes List: Asia
Year: 2020
Category: Social Entrepreneurship
Dear Listeners,
There are a billion people across the world with disabilities and 70-million in India. With compassion and determination for creating a world that’s more inclusive, Alina Alam, CEO Mitti Café has helped people with physical, intellectual, and psychological disabilities to become productive, while showcasing their skills to earn a living.
She won the Mindtree Helen Keller Award, Times of India She Unlimited Award, and India’s Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
I am so humbled and proud to share Alina’s journey of starting Mitti Café, sponsored and located in corporate offices in four cities in India. It’s a sustainable non-profit and a model that could be replicated around the world.
It’s incredible how executing a goal of social responsibility is keeping the cafe workers employed, even during COVID-19. The cafes are closed, but the disabled adults are giving back and continuing to work by serving those even more disadvantaged. So far, they have served 274,000 meals and drinking water to daily wage earners who are now unemployed because of the pandemic, and others who are homeless.
There is so much for all of us to take away from Alina’s remarkable cause and story. Unfortunately, COVID-19 has been devastating to the people Alina has given an opportunity. The project needs funds to keep operating.
I’m asking all my listeners to help contribute to Alina’s work with a contribution to her outstanding mission that will surely make you feel part of the greater purpose. Your gift will truly make an impact in saving the employees of Mitti Café as they continue to feed and serve others. And you will be part of the movement to create awareness for the cause of equal opportunities in employment.
I am grateful for our conversation. It’s inspirational.
With gratitude,
Phil Michaels
“Under 30 Seconds Round”
1. What is the book you’ve gifted more often than any other book, and why?
How to Stop Worrying and Start Living, Dale Carnegie. It presents practical solutions to problems.
2. What’s one of the best investments and one of the worst investments you’ve ever made and why?
Best - My time and money into the cafe.
Worst - Even in a bad investment you can still learn from the experience.
3. What’s the most impactful thing you do in your Morning and Evening routines?
AM - Running - a great exercise.
PM - I write everything that was amazing that day to end on a positive note.
4. Pretend you won the Peter Thiel Fellowship and you were going to get money to start a business instead of going to college, what’s the very first thing you’d do to start a new business?
Reach out to mentors.
5. What’s something you never knew you needed?
A paper and pencil to enhance my creativity.
In the REVIEW SECTION, please let me know…
The city / country you’re tuning in from!
How Alina Alam’s story has inspired you! And, your favorite part of this episode!
Tell me the questions you’d like me to ask future Forbes 30 Under 30 Members!
GUEST INFO: Alina Alam – CEO of Mitti Cafe
CONTACT: Twitter @mitti_cafe & Instagram cafemitti
WEBSITE: http://mitticafe.org/
COUPON CODE DISCOUNT for audience: MitticafeRETURNturngift
Fundraising campaign: bit.ly/help-mitticafe
Also mentioned in this episode: www.volunteerworld.com
HOST INFO: Phil Michaels
SOCIAL: @iamphilmichaels
YOUTUBE: www.youtube.com/philmichaels
PODCAST WEBSITE: www.philwithF30.com
PHIL’s WEBSITE: www.iamphilmichaels.com
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Today’s guest on the “Phil with F30” podcast is Mia Park – Co-Founder of Sundae School & Sundae Flowers
Forbes List: USA
Year: 2020
Category: Art & Style
Mia Park is the co-founder of Sundae School & Sundae Flowers. Don’t jump to conclusions on what it is they sell!
Sundae School is a boutique fashion smoke wear brand based in NY. “Smoke wear” is a label for high fashion apparel and accessories to wear when you’re smoking weed. Sundae Flower is a cannabis brand that sells cannabis flowers without harmful chemicals.
Mia and her best friend since elementary school were raised in South Korea, then immigrated to the U.S. where they discovered marijuana at boarding school.
They have combined their longtime love affair with cannabis into a career with a clothing collection that’s been featured at NY Fashion Week, Barneys NY, and is recognized by celebrities including John Legend and Lil Nas X. Their Cannabis Flower sells at some of the biggest California dispensaries, including Eaze and The Apothecarium. Sundae Flower is known for the slowest-burning, slimmest joint on the market.
It almost seems comical to know their hobby led to a big break that came from an Instagram DM from the high-end store Barneys.
All misconceptions and laughs aside, Mia shared some serious entrepreneurial insights including:
Doing the research to create a quality cannabis product.
Partnering with minority manufacturers, distributors, and flower farms.
Increasing diversity in the cannabis industry.
Staying true to her Korean heritage.
Working with a lean, small team.
Due diligence on the people you may want as a sustainable partner.
Staying true to her values by asking, “What do I like?”
I hope you enjoy the show!
“Under 30 Seconds Round”
1. What is the book you’ve gifted more often than any other book, and why?
Night Falls Fast: Understanding Suicide, Kay Redfield Jamison. It gets you to think about life optimistically.
2. What’s one of the best investments and one of the worst investments you’ve ever made and why?
Best - My sister. She is my support.
Worst - A Bird of Paradise Tree. It was expensive, and I don’t know how to take care of them.
3. What’s the most impactful thing you do in your Morning routine and Evening routines?
AM - We start the day with a green tea ceremony. It helps to clarify my goals.
PM - On Friday nights we smoke joints.
4. Pretend you won the Peter Thiel Fellowship and you were going to get money to start a business instead of going to college, what’s the very first thing you’d do to start a new business?
I would call my mentors. They’ll give me the right advice to start anything.
5. What’s something you never knew you needed?
Google Calendar. It’s an inseparable part of my life.
In the REVIEW SECTION, please let me know…
The city / country you’re tuning in from!
How Mia Park’s story has inspired you! And, your favorite part of this episode!
Tell me the questions you’d like me to ask future Forbes 30 Under 30 Members!
GUEST INFO: Mia Park – Co-Founder of Sundae School & Sundae Flowers
CONTACT: Instagram FASHION: @sundae.school CANNABIS: @sundae.flower MIA: @miamiapark
WEBSITE: Fashion: https://sundae.school/ & Cannabis: https://sundae.flowers/
NEW PRODUCT: Holiday Korean Jesus Collection, New Asian-flavor inspired cannabis gummies
HOST INFO: Phil Michaels
SOCIAL: @iamphilmichaels
YOUTUBE: www.youtube.com/philmichaels
PODCAST WEBSITE: www.philwithF30.com
PHIL’s WEBSITE: www.iamphilmichaels.com
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Today’s guest on the “Phil with F30” podcast is Kimeshan Naidoo – CTO & Co-Founder of Unibuddy
Forbes List: Europe
Year: 2020
Category: Social Entrepreneurship
I teach entrepreneurs that it’s important to focus on the number one reason your customers want your product or service. Kimeshan Naidoo, CTO, and Co-Founder of Unibuddy is a master at finding out his client’s pain points and knows how to create a product and service based on that.
His product, Unibuddy, helps students select the right university for higher education in a way that updates antiquated university recruiting methods. Over 250-thousand students have used the product with great enthusiasm.
Unibuddy is a fast-rising tech company with 300 universities using the product in 30 countries. Unibuddy has raised $12-million and has offices in London, New York, and Bangalore.
In our conversation we discuss:
How Unibuddy was developed to meet a need that’s an industry disrupter.
The importance of creating a product that solves problems with an easy client interface and deployment.
How Unibuddy speaks the language of Gen Z.
Using peer-to-peer communications to benefit potential students.
How potential student questions (data collection) can benefit university marketing efforts.
Future markets.
Kimeshan keeps improving his product. Recently, a new live video streaming feature was added and is proving to be invaluable to students and universities during the pandemic.
“Under 30 Seconds Round”
1. What is the book you’ve gifted more often than any other book, and why?
Measure What Matters, John Doerr. The strategies apply to organizations and your personal life.
2. What’s one of the best investments and one of the worst investments you’ve ever made and why?
Best - Just starting. I also bought some good cryptocurrency early on.
Worst - I thought investing in Nelson Mandela coins would have more value.
3. What’s the most impactful thing you do in your Morning and Evening routines?
AM - I started to read philosophy instead of emails first thing. I’m reading Meditations, Marcus Aurelius.
PM - I do non-reactive things such as flossing my teeth.
4. Pretend you won the Peter Thiel Fellowship and you were going to get money to start a business instead of going to college, what’s the very first thing you’d do to start a new business?
I would start a think-tank or incubator that would try to figure out how to produce leaders who could improve governments around the world.
5. What’s something you never knew you needed?
Sleep. It’s the best thing you can do for yourself.
In the REVIEW SECTION, please let me know…
The city / country you’re tuning in from!
How Kimeshan Naidoo’s story has inspired you! And, your favorite part of this episode!
Tell me the questions you’d like me to ask future Forbes 30 Under 30 Members!
GUEST INFO: Kimeshan Naidoo – CTO & Co-Founder of Unibuddy
CONTACT: Twitter @kimeshan_ Instagram kimeshan_n
WEBSITE: https://unibuddy.com/
HOST INFO: Phil Michaels
SOCIAL: @iamphilmichaels
YOUTUBE: www.youtube.com/philmichaels
PODCAST WEBSITE: www.philwithF30.com
PHIL’s WEBSITE: www.iamphilmichaels.com
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Today’s guest on the “Phil with F30” podcast is Farryn Weiner – Founder of FarrynHeight
Forbes List: USA
Year: 2014
Category: Marketing & Advertising
By recognizing her skills as a storyteller and marketer, Farryn Weiner positioned herself as the leader of social strategy for Michael Kors. When social media was in its infancy, Farryn took a risk in creating the first Instagram ad ever! That risk paid off and proved that Farryn was ahead of the trend in creating social media and understanding consumer behavior shifts. Farryn has also held social media positions at Jetsetter.com and the Sweet Green restaurant chain.
When the entrepreneurial itch came, she started FarrynHeight. Her work is still about telling stories to build brands while helping companies identify and solve their marketing challenges.
I’m impressed with Farryn’s ability to inspire business leaders to access their core values. It’s also a reflection of how she leads her life and her business.
We discuss:
The excitement of creating the first Instagram ad.
Using critical feedback.
The importance of authenticity in brand building.
Her focus on strengths, not weaknesses.
Self-funding success.
Shedding fear.
Big sister leadership style.
Hiring for strengths and values, and not skills.
Farryn shares valuable work and life lessons. It’s also a common theme in her new podcast. I hope you enjoy our conversation.
“Under 30 Seconds Round”
1. What is the book you’ve gifted more often than any other book, and why?
How Will You Measure Your Life? by Clayton Christensen, James Allworth and Karen Dillon. Clayton is the first person who got me thinking about how I can be happy and successful in my career at the same time.
2. What’s one of the best investments and one of the worst investments you’ve ever made and why?
Best - Investing in myself.
Worst - Thinking about what I should invest in.
3. What’s the most impactful thing you do in your Morning and Evening routines?
AM - Concentrate on breathing.
PM - Take a bath when I can as it’s a forced calm.
4. Pretend you won the Peter Thiel Fellowship and you were going to get money to start a business instead of going to college, what’s the very first thing you’d do to start a new business?
I would “ask why,” start understanding the why, and look for the problem rooted in the why.
5. What’s something you never knew you needed?
An infrared sauna and a heated blanket.
In the REVIEW SECTION, please let me know…
The city / country you’re tuning in from!
How Farryn Weiner’s story has inspired you! And, your favorite part of this episode!
Tell me the questions you’d like me to ask future Forbes 30 Under 30 Members!
GUEST INFO: Farryn Weiner - Founder of FarrynHeight
CONTACT: Twitter @jetsetfarryn and Instagram @jetsetfarryn
WEBSITE: https://www.farrynheight.com/
PODCAST: www.farrynheight.com/podcast
HOST INFO: Phil Michaels
SOCIAL: @iamphilmichaels
YOUTUBE: www.youtube.com/philmichaels
PODCAST WEBSITE: www.philwithF30.com
PHIL’s WEBSITE: www.iamphilmichaels.com
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Today’s guest on the “Phil with F30” podcast is Gavin Armstrong - Founder of Little Iron Fish
Forbes List: USA & Asia
Year: 2016
Category: Social Entrepreneurs
In multiple cultures and religions, the fish is a symbol of luck and prosperity. But it took more than just luck to make my guest, Gavin Armstrong a Forbes 30 under 30 list winner in three continents in the same year–a first for anyone mentioned on the Forbes List!
Gavin Armstrong is the founder of Lucky Iron Fish. The “fish” is a small piece of iron that one drops into a pot of boiling water when cooking. As a result, the fish helps reduce iron deficiency, a major cause of anemia and one of the world’s biggest malnourishment problems.
CNN said, “This little iron fish is fighting a global health problem.” Gavin’s Lucky fish is available in over 80 countries and has improved the lives of a million people around the world.
Gavin created his company while a Fulbright scholar at Auburn University. He was also awarded the prestigious Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award.
In our fast-paced conversation Gavin shared:
How he learned firsthand about the malnourishment problem of 5-billion people no one talks about.
His path of overcoming being bullied and how it led to his business success.
Research into cultural diversity on making a lackluster piece of iron into a fish icon.
Crafting a communications message to overcome product acceptance obstacles.
How investors invest in leaders, no matter what the product.
The motivation for making the product sustainable and scalable.
There are so many great lessons to be gained from Gavin’s story. I hope you enjoy it!
“Under 30 Seconds Round”
1. What is the book you’ve gifted more often than any other book, and why?
The Blue Sweater: Bridging the Gap Between Rich and Poor in an Interconnected World, Jacqueline Novogratz. It actually teaches how a business can help the world.
2. What’s one of the best investments and one of the worst investments you’ve ever made and why?
Best - Hiring my Vice-president of Operations. I paid her even before paying myself.
Worst - Unnecessary software purchases.
3. What’s the most impactful thing you do in your Morning and Evening routines?
AM - Coffee check-ins with our small team. It’s important to keep up the community aspect.
PM -There’s a point in the evening where I can’t listen to any news. Decompression and sleep are important.
4. Pretend you won the Peter Thiel Fellowship and you were going to get money to start a business instead of going to college, what’s the very first thing you’d do to start a new business?
Build an advisory team. You can’t do it alone.
5. What’s something you never knew you needed?
Friends. A work-life balance is actually going to help you in both your personal and professional life.
In the REVIEW SECTION, please let me know…
The city / country you’re tuning in from!
How Gavin Armstrong’s story has inspired you! And, your favorite part of this episode!
Tell me the questions you’d like me to ask future Forbes 30 Under 30 Members!
GUEST INFO: Gavin Armstrong - Founder - Lucky Iron Fish
CONTACT: Twitter @GavinA09 and Instagram @LuckyIronFish
WEBSITE: https://luckyironfish.com/
HOST INFO: Phil Michaels
SOCIAL: @iamphilmichaels
YOUTUBE: www.youtube.com/philmichaels
PODCAST WEBSITE: www.philwithF30.com
PHIL’s WEBSITE: www.iamphilmichaels.com
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