Life Profits

Geoff talks with Defne Gencler, the Founder of Laurelleaf. After finding herself sitting at her desk one afternoon with nothing to do, Defne realized that her start-up job wasn't for her. She subsequently tested the waters as a freelancer and worked for big companies like Google and Viacom, learning more about what she did and didn't want out of work with each step. We talk about figuring out what you want and deliberately working towards it, as well as the pros and cons of always being the new kid when you grow up with a very international upbringing. 

Dimitris Georgakpoulos built a software tool to help him collect rent payments from a few tenants he had living in a duplex. He kept building—calmly and diligently—for 15 years. The result? A $580M acquisition by a public company. Dimitris' story is proof that you can build something wildly successful, reject hustle culture, and be home to have dinner with your wife and kids every night.

You know Justin Welsh—he's the Godfather of solopreneurship and one on the most popular online creators today. We discuss the pros and cons of social media when you have over 1M+ followers, Justin's self-proclaimed addiction to the traditional levers of success, and how Justin is working to pursue his interests without needing to monetize them as he considers where he focuses his time and attention next.

Shannon Sneed is a Copywriter and Communications Consultant—and also happens to be our last guest, Mac Martine's, wife! Shannon shares her perspective on living abroad with her family, why the hustle culture of the US no longer works for her, and she makes her case for living a more European lifestyle. If you're looking for permission to live your life differently, this is the episode for you.

A conversation with Mac Martine, an indie hacker who previously bootstrapped his SaaS start-up to $60k in MRR before exiting his business. Mac is now working on two new software projects and has spent the last two years living abroad, primarily in Croatia in Spain. Mac shares his perspective on living abroad with his wife and 10 and 12 year old boys, as well stories from the 13 countries they visited.

The podcast delves into the transformative power of an empathetic workplace and the balance between personal fulfillment and professional success. It discusses the evolution of company culture, highlighting the importance of hiring wisely and cultivating shared values. Listeners hear about the challenges of managing a startup while living a nomadic lifestyle, with practical tips for balancing work and family commitments. The concept of 'life profitability' is explored, encouraging a blend of work and leisure through envisioning an ideal day filled with both productivity and joy.

Adii Pienaar, Co-founder of WooCommerce, shares his journey as a three-time entrepreneur focused on intentional growth. He candidly discusses the emotional toll of financial missteps and the balance between work and family life. Adii explores the notion of being a 'seeker,' advocating for personal growth beyond financial success. He gives insights into selecting fine South African wines, enriching the conversation with personal anecdotes and recommendations. Ultimately, he emphasizes flexibility in daily routines to craft fulfilling days.