Multiple Exits, Fast Cars & Saying no to Elon with Kelly Smith

Kelly Smith has had an incredibly diverse career and is a true business renaissance man. 5 exits. Investor in companies which were acquired by ESPN, Amazon and Google. Vice President of Digital for Starbucks China when the company was experiencing massive growth opening a store a day. Chief Digital Officer at MGM Resorts International, Hagerty and now Athletic Greens.

Kelly and I talk about what it’s like transitioning from start-up founder to a Fortune 100 corporate role. His successful track record for building companies that get acquired. Digital transformation and the future of the online art space.

We also talk about German cars, Swiss watches and other luxurious spoils awarded to those bold entrepreneurs who are comfortable taking risks. There is a lot of great wisdom in this episode and Kelly is an all-around good guy with great stories to tell.

Discussion Topics:

(1:40) Fast dad cars.

(6:34) Entrepreneur to intrapreneur.

(12:30) 5 exits.  What’s the secret?

(17:50) Venture capital & investing.

(20:18) Saying no to Elon Musk.

(23:49) Digital transformation mindset.

(31:48) Building a new category of product with Athletic Greens.

(38:11) Imagekind and the online art market.

(51:00) Rapid fire questions.