In this episode of Keep Hustling, host Aaron Gordon sits down with Mickey Abbatiello to explore his unconventional path from finance to entrepreneurship and innovation at Ralph Lauren. Mickey shares how growing up with an entrepreneurial father in the Bronx shaped his hustle, from launching a basketball training app in college to starting a subscription sock business. He highlights the value of big corporate experience, why taking risks and consistent action matter, and how putting ideas into the world opens unexpected doors. Mickey also offers advice to aspiring entrepreneurs and discusses bridging old-school brands with new technology. The episode wraps up with his favorite quote—It all started with a mouse—inspiring listeners to start small and aim big. Get To Know Mickey Abbatiello Mickey Abbatiello is a dynamic digital strategy and innovation expert currently leading initiatives at Ralph Lauren. As the founder of Mick Mentor, he is dedicated to empowering young professionals through the integration of technology, branding, and proactive action. With a keen focus on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, web3, and augmented reality, he inspires businesses to embrace innovation and creativity.

In addition to his role in digital strategy, Mickey serves as a financial advisory consultant, balancing his expertise in finance with his entrepreneurial passion as a business owner. He is a co-founder of Balitello Fashion Company and the OneBasketball App, showcasing his versatility and dedication to shaping the future of both the fashion and sports industries.

3 Episode Key Takeaways 1. Embrace the Hustle - Even When It's Messy: Mickey’s journey shows that taking imperfect action and just starting—whether launching an app with no prior experience or selling socks from your desk—can teach you more than endless planning ever could.


2. Turn Fear Into Fuel: The episode underscores that fear, especially financial uncertainty or the intimidation of leaving a stable job, is a common roadblock. Mickey and Aaron highlight that pushing through fear and failure leads to growth, resilience, and new opportunities—even if the first idea doesn’t strike gold.


3. Build Skills in Any Environment: Whether in a nine-to-five or working for yourself, the skills you gain—like managing people, communicating, and problem-solving—are invaluable. Mickey’s story proves that both corporate experience and entrepreneurial side hustles prepare you for bigger opportunities, and that every role can add to your entrepreneurial toolkit. Show Overview: 00:00 Entrepreneurial Shift: Breaking Traditions 04:25 Benefits of Big Company Experience 09:00 Parental Influence on Entrepreneurs 10:15 Nontraditional Work Schedule Benefits Family 13:47 Passion Beyond Nine-to-Five 17:53 Socks: The Subtle Fashion Statement 22:51 Chasing Dreams in Established Brands 24:35 Career Shift: Embracing Tech Innovation 28:29 LL Cool J: Hustle and Detail 33:13 Gift Shares: Disney Recommendation