#79 - Ric Elias: Earning the gift of life

38 snips

Nov 11, 2019

In this conversation, Ric Elias, founder of Red Ventures and a survivor of US Airways Flight 1549, shares his gripping experiences and insights. He opens up about facing death mid-flight and the profound shift in his perspective that followed. Ric discusses the importance of time as our ultimate currency, reevaluating life success, and raising children amid achievement culture. He also shares powerful anecdotes of gratitude, community responsibility, and his approach to business and philanthropy, making it clear that life is about connections and living without regrets.

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ANECDOTE

Life Before the Crash

Ric Elias was in NYC for business and planned to coach his son's basketball team upon returning to Charlotte.
He describes his life as generally happy but stressful due to his growing company, Red Ventures.

ANECDOTE

The Crash

Ric recounts the US Airways Flight 1549 crash, from the explosion to the brace for impact announcement.
He felt certain of death and experienced regret over unsaid goodbyes and ego-driven conflicts.

INSIGHT

Facing Mortality

Despite certainty of death, Ric wasn't afraid but felt sadness over his life ending prematurely.
He regretted prioritizing his ego and neglecting his parental role.

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In this episode, Ric Elias, founder of Red Ventures, opens up about the fateful day he knew for certain that he was going to die as a passenger on US Airways Flight 1549. Ric dives deep into how that day impacted his life, greatly changed his perspective, and improved his relationship with his family and the broader community. We also talk about his incredible role as CEO of an enormous company, his remarkable work in philanthropy, and all the wisdom he has acquired in his extraordinary life. We discuss:

Ric’s life leading up to the day of the plane crash [5:30];
The plane crash—What it’s like knowing you’re about to die, feelings of regret and sadness [11:15];
The improbable plane landing in the Hudson River [19:00];
Emotions after the safe landing (and a story he’s never told before) [25:45];
A powerful story about Captain Sully [29:30];
Earning his second chance at life, and playing the “infinite game” [38:30];
Why time is the ultimate currency, and how (and why) to say “no” [46:15];
Raising kids in an achievement culture, Ric’s definition of life success, and what Ric wants to instill in his kids [53:00];
What Ric believes is actually worth getting upset, and the organizations that are taking steps to help people [1:09:00];
The core principles of Red Ventures (Ric’s company) [1:19:15];
Ric’s tips for developing business acumen and negotiation skills [1:29:30];
What qualities does Ric look for in people he wants to work with? [1:32:50];
What is the next big problem that Ric wants to solve? [1:35:30];
What is the most challenging part of your business today? [1:37:30];
If Ric could go back and talk to himself in the morning before getting on that plane, what would he say? [1:39:15]; and
More.

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