Ted Leonsis

Dec 13, 2024

Ted Leonsis is the CEO of Monumental Sports, a former AOL executive, and author of The Business of Happiness. He shares his journey from an immigrant background to academic and professional triumphs. Ted discusses how happiness underpins success and how integrating joy into the workplace can transform organizations. He emphasizes resilience, teamwork, and the importance of mentorship. The conversation also touches on his experiences in tech entrepreneurship and the necessity of taking action to find purpose and fulfillment in life.

Ask episode

Chapters

Books

Transcript

Episode notes

Intro

00:00 • 2min

From Brooklyn Dreams to Academic Triumphs

01:38 • 14min

From Liberal Arts to Tech Entrepreneurship

15:26 • 3min

Happiness as a Foundation for Success

18:15 • 6min

The Art of Taking Action and Finding Purpose

23:53 • 3min

The rise of Theodore Roosevelt

Edmund Morris

This book is the first in a trilogy by Edmund Morris and details the life of Theodore Roosevelt from his birth in 1858 through to 1901. It includes his family history, his turbulent childhood illnesses, his education at Harvard, and his early involvement in politics. The biography explores Roosevelt's passion for learning, his various roles such as New York State Assemblyman, Civil Service Commissioner, New York City Police Commissioner, and Assistant Secretary of the Navy. It also covers his leadership of the Rough Riders in Cuba and his eventual rise to the Vice Presidency, setting the stage for his future as President of the United States.

The business of happiness

6 Secrets to Extraordinary Success in Work and Life

Ted Leonsis

In this book, Ted Leonsis shares his philosophy on achieving happiness and success. He outlines six key practices: setting and working towards goals, participating in communities of interest, finding an outlet for personal expression, expressing gratitude, expressing empathy by giving back, and finding a higher calling. Leonsis draws from his own life experiences, including his early success and later life-changing events such as a near-fatal plane crash, to illustrate how these practices can lead to a fulfilling life. The book is a blend of personal anecdotes and practical advice on pursuing happiness and success[2][4][5].

The Old Man and the Sea

Ernest Hemingway

The novella tells the story of Santiago, an old Cuban fisherman who has gone 84 days without catching a fish. Determined to break his unlucky streak, Santiago ventures far into the Gulf Stream, where he hooks a giant marlin. Over the course of three days, he battles the marlin, showing respect and admiration for the fish. Despite eventually killing the marlin, Santiago's catch is devoured by sharks on his journey back to shore. The story highlights Santiago's endurance, his deep connection with nature, and the themes of struggle, dignity, and the indomitable human spirit.