My First Million

Josh Elman, a tech veteran from LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Robinhood, shares his insights on navigating Silicon Valley's growth landscape. He debates whether to start your own venture or ascend the ranks at a startup. Elman discusses emerging technologies with 10x potential, the concept of the 'meta-verse', and how AI will influence our social interactions. He also reflects on the impact of the show Black Mirror and shares personal stories from his early days in the tech world, highlighting the power of intelligent communities.

Join Harley Finkelstein, President of Shopify and e-commerce innovator, as he shares his insightful journey from law to leading a major tech company. He humorously discusses unique recruitment tactics, and highlights the rise of independent brands like Gymshark during the pandemic. Harley vividly outlines the evolving retail landscape, emphasizing the power of direct-to-consumer strategies. Plus, hear his thoughts on why aspiring entrepreneurs should consider starting their own Shopify stores instead of going through traditional education.

Austen Allred, founder of Lambda School, shares his journey from living in a car to leading an innovative online education platform focused on success-based payment models. He dives into the challenges of the education sector and the financial dynamics behind college admissions, uncovering hidden revenues from application fees. Austen also discusses how Mormon culture shaped his entrepreneurial spirit and the evolving workplace dynamics, especially in relation to employee productivity and monitoring in the remote work era.

In this engaging discussion, tax expert Kelly Erb shares her insights on President Trump's tax returns and key advice for business owners looking to minimize tax liabilities. She explains the strategic importance of accounting for legitimate expenses and the benefits of different business structures like LLCs versus corporations. They also delve into how some companies project scale while relying on a small workforce. The conversation highlights the nuances of financial planning and the impact of corporate responsibility in today's political climate.

This podcast dives into some intriguing entrepreneurial stories, including a listener's journey of selling an erotic newsletter for $75K. The hosts explore niche markets, particularly in footwear and nursing apparel, and brainstorm innovative business solutions like a leak-proof meeting app. They also discuss the power of AI in enhancing email communication and generating content, revealing both the excitement and concerns associated with this technology. Plus, there's a fascinating insight into Jeff Bezos' internal newspaper strategy at the Washington Post.

In this discussion, Steph Smith, a trends expert at The Hustle and indie hacker, shares her insights on innovative company perks for remote work and the untapped potential of celebrities' online presence. Steph pitches ideas for compliance services and exploring insider trading as a gauge of business success. Additionally, the group brainstorms around one-person operations and the unique needs of Gen Z in corporate training, offering a fresh take on engagement strategies.

The conversation dives into Frank Slootman's insights on operational intensity and leadership challenges. They discuss Rocket Internet's strategy of cloning startups for smaller markets. The fascinating journeys of industry leaders like Danny Meyer and Hamdi Ulukaya take center stage. The logistics of niche markets like water delivery are explored, along with the quirky concept of an 'Uber for evictions.' Finally, they touch on the complexities of student debt and the understated potential of blue-collar businesses.

The hosts dive into the pros of buying businesses instead of starting anew, revealing why this approach can yield faster success. They brainstorm on Kanye West's ambitious plans to revolutionize the music industry with a Y-Combinator-like model. A jaw-dropping story about a 20-year-old multi-millionaire highlights unconventional paths to wealth. The conversation on domain names underscores their impact on branding, while bubble hotels present a new twist in the hospitality scene, blending luxury and nature into a unique experience.

Sam Parr is back, diving into his recent health challenges and reuniting with Shaan Puri. They discuss Kat Cole’s impressive corporate rise and share insights on innovative food delivery services. The duo explores the world of rolling venture funds, shedding light on their mechanics and advantages. A captivating conversation also highlights inspiring journeys in the food industry, from waitress to CEO, and clean cooking initiatives in Africa. Tune in for a mix of personal stories and entrepreneurial wisdom!

In this engaging conversation, Kat Cole, COO & President of Focus Brands, shares her inspiring journey from waitress to corporate leader. She discusses her innovative ideas, like an app that assesses lifestyle sustainability and a hybrid restaurant concept she terms 'food as pharmacy.' Kat also reflects on the impact of the pandemic on the food industry and her thoughts on ghost kitchens. Her insights on navigating challenges with humility and leveraging support in leadership are both refreshing and motivating.