Inside Great Minds A Lifetime of Skill Building, David Gow of Gow Media
With a background working in the early dot-com bubble, David gained many skill sets and talents that prepared him for success as an entrepreneur later in life.
At 40, David had the rare opportunity to buy a radio license. From there, David expanded the business with the help of talented radio personalities who knew the inner workings of a media business better than he did. Ultimately, David further expanded beyond radio into digital print media with CultureMap, InnovationMap, and AutomotiveMap!
Adam goes in-depth with David on how he has shifted gears into building a SPAC (SportsMap Tech Acquisition Corp) which can't go public just yet and raise money to acquire a company (ideally) within the sports and tech space.
In this episode, Adam and David explore:
- David's journey from consultant to CFO, COO, to founder.
- Principles used to develop his skills and grow his business
- Critical thinking in his decision making
- Challenges he overcame through acquisitions
- Defining SPAC and why he entered that space
Here are a few breakthrough quotes you'll hear in this episode with David Gow:
"The other thing that I think has really been important to me over the course of my career, is listening to others. I worry listening is almost a lost art in today's world, and particularly [because of] mobile devices and distractions. … And people want to just jump to conclusions. But I think it's really important to hear out and listen to all the underlying assumptions that lead to those conclusions."
"I really do love the optionality of our business and optionality in life. We are in a place where we can do lots of different things."
"I really do have a passion and an excitement for learning – learning new abilities, new skills, new information … I would encourage everyone to continually grow in knowledge and skills. So much of learning is listening to people and listening intently."
"Every 20-something person wants to do something significant in life, wants to do something important, wants to have real weight about their work and where they lay it, they want to be sure they become something, and to find a great outcome. And it's really hard in your 20s, to know what that's going to be. There's a sense of restlessness about that because you don't know where you're going to go and how you're going to get there … I say take a deep breath and those in their 20s should invest in learning and growing functions and skillsets and capabilities. Work hard and don't feel so restless. It will work out."
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ABOUT DAVID GOW David Gow is the CEO of Gow Media, a large multi-platform media company, based in Houston. Gow Media's portfolio of digital content sites includes Culturemap, Sportsmap, Innovationmap, and Automotivemap.com. Gow also owns a popular sports radio station in Houston, ESPN 97.5FM and SportsMap Radio, one of the country's largest national sports radio networks.
In addition to his work at Gow Media, Gow is Chairman and CEO of a SPAC, which completed its IPO in October, raising $115M. The SPAC, SportsMap Tech Acquisition Corp., has a focus on the sports-tech industry. The board of the SPAC includes leaders in the sports industry, including Reid Ryan, Oliver Luck, Steve Webster and David Graf.
Prior to entering the media business, Gow was the first CFO and ultimately the CEO of Ashford.com, a company that grew to over $50M in revenues. As CFO, Gow managed a successful IPO, raising over $75M with Goldman Sachs as the lead underwriter. As CEO, Gow grew a profitable corporate gifts business to complement the company's e-tailing business. Ashford.com was sold to GSI Commerce in 2002 and is still a leading online destination for watches. Prior to Ashford, Gow served as Director of Corporate Strategy at Compaq Computers. Among the projects he led, Gow managed the integration of two acquisitions, Digital and Tandem Computers, for all of Compaq North America. Prior to Compaq, Gow worked as a management consultant at McKinsey & Co. While there, he consulted for companies in diverse industries, including technology, media, retail, and energy. Gow left the firm after attaining the position of Engagement Manager. Gow's educational background includes a MPP degree from Harvard University and a Bachelor's degree from Williams College. David has been married to his wife, Audrey, for over 30 years and together they have five children.
RELATED LINKS David Gow's LinkedIn LinkedIn CultureMap InnovationMap Automotivemap.com ESPN 97.5 + 92.5 SportsMap Radio
ABOUT INSIDE GREAT MINDS WITH ADAM OUTLAND
Why do so many of us fall short of our capacity for greatness? It often relates to our decision-making principles in work and life. Adam Outland interviews small business owners who are growing the next big idea, and fortune 500 CEOs who make decisions that affect thousands. Inside Great Minds leans on Adam's experience as a coach and consultant to allow listeners to see into the thinking and journey of those who are making an impact.
ABOUT ADAM
Adam Outland is a sales expert and coach for Southwestern Consulting.
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