Ari Katz. Exited Founder: Why Psychedelics as My New Venture
Mar 21, 2024
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Ari Katz, exited founder of a top dermatology chain, shares his transition to revolutionizing mental health with psychedelic medicine. Topics include selling his business, seeking help for mental health, utilizing financial freedom, launching Roar, the effects of psychedelics, and applying neuroplasticity for personal growth.
Transitioning from business success to mental health advocacy through psychedelics.
Navigating the complexities of partnership and business dynamics with a spouse.
Strategic decision-making post-exit emphasizes trust and alignment in evaluations.
Benefits of psychedelics like ketamine in promoting neuroplasticity and breaking habitual thought patterns.
Deep dives
Transition from Business Exit to Mental Health Focus
After a successful exit from creating a leading dermatology chain, Ari Katz shifted his focus to transforming mental health care through psychedelic medicine. This transition stemmed from a personal journey to find meaningful purpose beyond financial success. By embracing his obsession with mental health, Ari embarked on a mission to revolutionize mental health care.
Challenges of Working with Family and Building a Business
Working alongside his wife in building a business posed unique challenges, especially with balancing personal and professional dynamics. Ari's experience highlighted the complexities of navigating family relationships while growing a successful business. Compartmentalizing roles and establishing trust were crucial elements in managing these intricate dynamics.
Navigating Liquidity Events and Decision-Making Process
Ari's journey through navigating liquidity events showcased the importance of strategic decision-making and collaboration. Facing opportunities and challenges post-exit required focused efforts and prioritization as Ari and his wife evaluated various offers. Their process emphasized the significance of trust and alignment in making impactful decisions.
Exploration of Ketamine and the Potential of Psychedelics in Mental Health
Ari delved into the realm of psychedelics, particularly ketamine, as a catalyst for mental health exploration and transformation. He highlighted the neuroplasticity effect of psychedelics in breaking habitual thought patterns and promoting self-discovery. Ari emphasized the importance of intention setting and optimal settings for maximizing the therapeutic benefits of psychedelic experiences.
Lessons Learned Post-Success
Recognizing the need to invest in self before making an impact on others post-success, the speaker emphasizes the importance of personal growth. This includes physical, mental, and spiritual well-being to be in the best state to climb the 'second mountain' in life. Moreover, the speaker highlights a significant shift towards making a difference and leaving a legacy as a newfound goal after financial success, focusing on endeavors beyond monetary gains and striving for impact and meaning.
Investing in Self and Purpose over Money
Reflecting on the transition from achieving financial stability to seeking a deeper purpose, the speaker shares insights on the multifaceted nature of wealth. While money can provide comfort and opportunities, true fulfillment lies in utilizing resources for personal growth and contributing positively to the world. The narrative underscores the importance of balancing financial success with a meaningful legacy driven by values and impact.
Challenges and Responsibilities of Success
Amidst the luxury of time and financial security post-exit, the speaker discusses the inherent challenges and responsibilities that accompany success. From the pressures of starting a new business to the global concerns and inequalities that keep the speaker awake at night, a deep sense of duty towards making a difference emerges. Additionally, the joy derived from family time, spirituality, and contributions to the greater good outweigh materialistic pursuits, emphasizing a shift towards purpose-driven decisions and meaningful connections.
Ari Katz teamed up with his celebrity doctor wife to create and sell one of the largest dermatology chains in the US. The exit afforded him the time and resources to explore his longstanding obsession with mental health. Ari’s new purpose? To revolutionize mental health care by advancing the psychedelic medicine movement. In this inspirational episode, Ari opens up about his journey from business exit to a life filled with meaning and fulfillment, driven by a powerful new purpose.
Timestamps:
00:00:00: Intro
00:01:18: Welcome
00:01:49: Ari's previous dermatology business
00:02:34: Partnership and business dynamics with his wife
00:10:37: Selling the business
00:13:56: Post-exit reflections
00:19:05: Mental health
00:21:30: Decision to seek help for mental health
00:21:44: Overcoming Depression and Anxiety
00:24:01: Discovering Natural Alternatives to Conventional Medications
00:24:47: Utilising Financial Freedom for Personal Growth
00:26:26: Facing the Second Mountain - Shifting the Focus from Personal to Community Centric
00:27:13: Launch of the new company, Roar
00:28:11: The Effect of Psychedelics
00:31:30: Pioneering Psychedelics in the Startup Space
00:32:08: Exited Founders and Psychedelics
00:32:28: Taking a Leap into Psychedelics
00:33:10: Recommended Psychedelic for Beginners
00:36:11: Applying Neuroplasticity Through Psychedelic Medicines
00:38:31: Breaking Habits with Neuroplasticity
00:39:01: Ketamine Assisted Therapy and Ego Dissolution
00:40:34: Perspective on Psychedelics
00:41:35: Comparing Ketamine to Other Psychedelics
00:42:50: Concerns About Psychedelic Experiences
00:44:14: Discovering Psychedelic Medicine Through Media
00:45:37: Abuse of Psychedelic Drugs and the War on Drugs
00:49:52: The Impact of Politics and Divisiveness on Mental Health
00:51:26: The Risks and Stigmas Around Psychedelic Medicines
00:53:24: Exploring The Spiritual World with Psychedelic Medicines
00:56:58: Realizing Personal Potential and Striving for Self-Improvement
00:58:07: Re-evaluating the Definition of Success
00:59:10: Personal Success Definition
01:00:04: Business Success and Liquidity Event
01:01:22: Psychedelic Medicine and Personal Growth
01:02:07: New Business Announcement - Betterness
01:03:03: Current Medications and Supplements
01:07:06: Dealing with ADHD
01:13:46: Choosing People to Spend Time With
01:16:28: A Perfectly Fulfilling Life for Ari
01:18:12: Rating Personal Fulfilment
01:20:30: Perception of Wealth & Fulfillment
01:26:41: Perspective on Global Issues
01:28:39: Joy Derived from Family, God and Spirituality
01:32:13: Learning after Selling the Company
01:37:17: Striving for perfection and the role of luck in success
01:37:49: Importance of sharing entrepreneurial stories and overcoming challenges
01:38:14: Gratitude and appreciation for the podcast and its host, Anastasia
01:38:58: Concluding the conversation and future meeting plans
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