Episode 95. We tend to glamorize the entrepreneurs out there. The ones we follow and hear about are usually wildly successful and have made it many times over. But that isn’t quite the story of most business founders.

In this episode of the Lifetime at Work podcast, hosted by Greg Martin, serial entrepreneur Dave Burnett discusses his multifaceted career. Burnett shares his experiences running a promotional products business and a marketing agency, along with past ventures and key learnings from both successes and failures.

The conversation delves into his early days playing junior hockey, his pivot to entrepreneurship following a short-lived hockey career, and his involvement with companies like Achievers. Burnett also offers insights into adapting in the face of technological advancements like AI and maintaining a healthy relationship with money. Key takeaways for aspiring entrepreneurs include the importance of client feedback, staying updated with trends, especially in digital marketing, and finding balance and support in one’s personal life.

• 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
• 00:23 Meet Dave Burnett: Serial Entrepreneur
• 02:06 Dave's Early Life and Hockey Career
• 05:11 First Foray into Business: The Beer Rep
• 08:35 Founding Achievers.com
• 11:44 Promotional Products and Marketing Ventures
• 14:06 Lessons from Entrepreneurship
• 18:59 Navigating Failures and Learning from Mistakes
• 22:39 The Role of AI in Business
• 24:10 AI's Impact on Various Industries
• 25:51 The Journey of AI Adoption
• 27:30 Real Business Impacts of AI
• 28:31 The Role of AI in Content Creation
• 31:04 Encouraging AI Use in Education
• 33:22 Entrepreneurial Challenges and Money
• 42:27 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
• 46:50 Conclusion and Contact Information

Episode 94. At first the definition of success can seem pretty easy, but over time what success means to each of can change. Sometimes to get it we also have to change the path.

In this episode of the Lifetime at Work Podcast, host Greg Martin interviews Carolina Lasso, a seasoned marketer with a prominent career at Google. Carolina shares her journey from burning out at Google to discovering her true purpose, which led her to become an author and a purpose coach.

They delve into her early career, her experience with mental health challenges, and her subsequent quest for a meaningful life. The conversation covers the concept of success, societal expectations, individual purpose, and the transformative power of helping others.

Carolina also discusses her latest book, 'The Purpose Reset,' co-authored with colleagues, and its focus on finding purpose at individual, team, and organizational levels. They wrap up with practical advice on integrating purpose into everyday life and the importance of authentic self-reflection.

• 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
• 00:23 Meet Carolina Lasso: From Google to Purpose
• 01:37 Carolina's Journey: From Burnout to Purpose
• 04:07 The Meaning of Success and Personal Fulfillment
• 09:18 The Turning Point: Panic Attacks and Self-Discovery
• 11:54 Writing 'The Purpose Reset' and Its Impact
• 16:31 Purpose in Work and Life: A Balanced Approach
• 23:44 The Helpers High: Why Helping Others Feels Good
• 25:31 Maslow's Hierarchy and Finding Fulfillment
• 27:29 Balancing Corporate Ambitions with Personal Purpose
• 29:08 The Importance of Authentic Living
• 31:24 A Near-Death Experience and Its Lessons
• 34:46 The Power of Reflection and Legacy
• 37:53 Connecting Through Success and Purpose
• 38:46 The Role of Risk in Personal Growth
• 42:45 Final Thoughts and How to Connect

Episode 93. What’s an agency business and what do you do after building one to 100 people and then selling? Retire?

In this episode of the Lifetime at Work podcast, host Greg Martin interviews John Ghiorso, founder of Orca Pacific, an Amazon media agency, which he successfully built and sold. John shares his journey from an accidental agency owner to a seasoned entrepreneur now setting up a venture studio model to launch multiple niche-focused marketing agencies.

Key topics include the dynamics of running and scaling agencies, the importance of aligning company values, the impact of AI on agency businesses, and strategies for hiring and retaining top talent.

• 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
• 00:23 John’s Agency Journey
• 01:30 Understanding the Agency Business
• 03:12 Starting and Scaling an Agency
• 05:28 Retirement and New Ventures
• 08:10 Hiring and Retaining Talent
• 12:32 Company Culture and Values
• 19:12 Deciding to Sell the Business
• 22:09 Personal and Market-Based Reasons for Selling
• 23:01 Navigating the Competitive Landscape of Amazon Agencies
• 24:41 The Impact of COVID-19 on Business Strategy
• 25:27 The Acquisition Process and Choosing the Right Partner
• 26:49 Life After Acquisition: Working with Media Monks
• 29:11 Reflections on Entrepreneurship and Leadership
• 31:23 Advice for Aspiring Agency Professionals
• 34:32 The Future of Agencies in an AI-Driven World
• 43:31 Key Traits for Successful Agency Leaders
• 46:56 Resources and Final Thoughts