How to Become Really Good from the Founder of San Francisco’s Leading Restaurant Group with David Steele
Episode 89. It’s hard to create one successful business, but if you can take what you learn from doing one thing and apply it to another the opportunities are endless. They key: getting really good at one thing.In this episode of the Lifetime at Work Podcast, host Greg Martin interviews David Steele, a successful restaurateur and founder of One Wealth Advisors. They discuss David's journey from working in the restaurant industry during high school to founding a highly successful restaurant group in San Francisco and a thriving financial planning practice. Key topics include his love for hospitality, the transition to wealth management, building successful businesses through systematic processes, and career advice for young professionals. David also shares insights on the evolution of the restaurant industry, the impact of the Me Too movement, and the role of technology and AI. Additionally, David talks about his involvement in other entrepreneurial ventures, including a restaurant company in New York, a rock and roll band management company, and a yoga studio.00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:23 Meet David Steele: Restaurateur and Financial Planner01:16 David's Journey: From Restaurants to Wall Street02:55 The Allure of the Restaurant Industry05:15 Hospitality in Finance: A Unique Perspective07:01 Starting Flour + Water: Challenges and Successes12:16 Universal Business Principles for Success16:21 David's Diverse Ventures and Board Roles18:00 Building Systematic Processes for Success30:23 Empowering Teams and Delegation31:44 The Evolving Restaurant Industry35:20 Final Thoughts and Contact Information
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36:49
A Journey in Finance, to at Mission Fixing Homeownership with Frank Rhode
Episode 88. How do you put yourself in the position as a founder to solve a really big and complex problem—while building a great company along the way?In this episode of the Lifetime at Work podcast, host Greg Martin interviews Frank Rohde, founder and CEO of Ownify, about his diverse career in financial services and his mission to make homeownership more accessible for first-time buyers. Frank discusses his early life in Germany, his transition from banking and consulting to launching financial startups, and the challenges he faced during the .com bust. He explains the impetus behind Ownify and how the company aims to reduce barriers to homeownership through innovative financing solutions. The conversation also covers the broader economic factors affecting housing affordability and the balance of creating impactful work that also yields financial returns.00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:23 Meet Frank Rohde: From Wharton to Ownify01:06 Frank's Early Life and Career Beginnings02:51 Consulting at Oliver Wyman07:29 The Dot-Com Boom and Bust15:25 Joining FICO and Leveraging Data17:23 Nomis Solutions: Price Optimization in Financial Services21:34 Navigating the Financial Crisis23:13 Reflecting on Career and Future Goals26:15 Identifying the Housing Crisis27:12 The Genesis of Ownify28:07 Economic Factors Affecting Home Ownership30:30 Challenges for First-Time Home Buyers37:45 Ownify’s Innovative Solution46:39 Balancing Financial Return and Impact50:12 Conclusion and Call to Action
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52:04
Building and Buying E-Commerce Businesses with Neil Twa
Episode 87. Neil Twa has built the type of business that can be repeated again and again. He’s in the world of e-commerce and has lots to share after trying again and again, failing and finding the way.In this episode of the Lifetime at Work podcast, host Greg Martin interviews Neil Twa, CEO of Voltage Holdings. Neil shares his unconventional career journey, from learning about the internet to having to file for personal bankruptcy for a failed venture to working his way up in the corporate tech world at Sprint and IBM. Following a personal tragedy, Neil made the leap to entrepreneurship, building a successful e-commerce business through innovative product strategy rather than invention. They discuss the evolution of e-commerce, the importance of automation, and practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. He emphasizes the need for a purpose-driven approach and strategic thinking in building a sustainable and profitable business.00:23 Meet Neil Twa: From Fighter Pilot Dreams to E-commerce Expert01:23 Neil's Early Career and Internet Beginnings04:00 Transition to Entrepreneurship and Early Challenges10:03 The Shift to Affiliate Marketing and E-commerce12:25 Understanding E-commerce and Amazon's Role20:45 The Power of Data and Innovation in E-commerce26:25 Testing the Engine: 18 Months of Discovery26:51 Rapid Brand Launches and Market Domination27:21 Teaching and Scaling: From Employees to Partners28:47 Acquiring and Automating Businesses30:21 Veteran-Focused Business Growth31:28 The High Voltage Business Builders Podcast32:09 Building an Eight-Figure Business Strategy34:21 The Importance of Patience and Realistic Expectations35:06 The Role of the Operator in Business Success45:26 Creating Value and Purpose in Business47:31 Special Offer and Final Thoughts
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49:48
Don’t Waste Time, Work That’s Worth It with Georgina Enthoven
Episode 86. If we each have 90,000 hours to work in our lives, what’s the best use of this time? What is the best way to balance the “feel good” part of your work with the “making money” park?In this episode of the Lifetime at Work Podcast, host Greg Martin welcomes Georgina Enthoven, a venture capitalist and author of 'Work That's Worth It'. They discuss Georgina's global career experience, the struggle of balancing income with meaningful impact, and the importance of finding a job that aligns with personal values. Key topics include the effective altruism movement, the societal pressures young professionals face, and strategies for finding fulfilling career paths that combine income and impact. Georgina also shares insights from her book and personal journey, highlighting the need for rewarding career choices that align with both financial and altruistic goals. The conversation touches on the influence of having children, the role of role models, and provides practical advice for young professionals aiming to make a positive difference in the world through their careers.00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:23 Meet Georgina: A Journey Across Continents01:15 Balancing Ambition and Heart in a Career02:11 The Struggle Between Income and Impact03:43 Finding Fulfillment in Meaningful Work05:16 The Importance of Aligning Career with Values08:16 Effective Altruism and Personal Fulfillment10:19 Real-Life Stories of Impactful Careers13:29 Navigating Financial Pressures and Career Choices14:43 The Concept of 'Enough' and Career Satisfaction15:43 Personal Reflections on Career and Impact22:51 Advice for Young Professionals Seeking Impactful Careers23:57 Exploring B Corps and Ethical Companies24:30 Combining Income and Impact in Various Industries24:59 Strategic Career Moves for Greater Impact25:54 Balancing Career and Personal Life31:41 The Role of Financial Security in Career Choices33:32 Elon Musk as a Role Model39:35 Introducing the Book: Work That's Worth It42:22 The Importance of Community and Connections44:40 Podcast and Final Thoughts
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Going to Work at a “Rocket Ship” Startup to Make it Rich with Nahed Khairallah
Episode 85. Finding a fast growing business that is ready to grow like a rocket is tough, but we’ve all heard the stories of employees who join early and cash-in big with stock options on an exit. The nuances behind finding, nurturing and growing those companies is hard. Sometimes the great ideas with lots of momentum go to zero.In this episode of the Lifetime at Work Podcast, host Greg Martin interviews Nahed Khairallah, an HR expert and former founder who has worked with over 100 companies. Karela shares his unique journey from IT to HR, driven by curiosity about why successful companies fail. They discuss the common pitfalls of scaling startups, particularly issues with founders hoarding work and rapid, unmanaged hiring. Karela offers insights into identifying when to hire, fixing internal processes first, and engaging employees in the company’s vision. Learn valuable lessons on building strong organizational infrastructure and the importance of effective communication from an HR professional who emphasizes process improvement over immediate hiring.00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:23 Meet Nahed Khairallah: HR Expert and Founder01:20 Nahed's Journey into HR03:39 Pro Bono Work and Building Expertise11:42 Scaling Companies: Common Challenges15:51 Identifying a Good Place to Work21:21 Hiring the Right People for Startups26:09 Hiring the Right People: Key Strategies27:09 Addressing Internal Issues: A Case Study34:58 Transforming Company Culture42:14 The Role of HR in Scaling Startups43:37 Podcast Insights and Common Themes48:10 Connecting with the Podcast Host
About Lifetime at Work: Finding the Meaning in Our Careers
Your career is more than just a job—it’s a chance to create an impact and find personal fulfillment. This podcast explores the journeys of business leaders, uncovering how work shapes our lives, the world, and what makes a career truly meaningful. Hosted by Greg Martin, a Toronto-based investment banker and M&A advisor, the show dives into the deeper questions behind our careers—why we work, what drives success, and how our professional lives shape the world around us. In an era of AI, career freedom, and globalization, the meaning of work is evolving, leaving many to question its true purpose.Through conversations with founders, business leaders, and investors across private equity, public markets, and venture capital, the podcast uncovers insights from those who have built, grown, and influenced some of North America's most successful companies. It also features advisors, consultants, and investment bankers who help shape the future of business, sharing lessons from their wins, losses, and defining career moments.
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