The POZCAST: Decoding Success with Adam Posner

Latest Episodes:

Allison Baum Gates: The Disruptor's Journey: From Trading Floor to VC Oct 17, 2025

Show notes

#thePOZcast is proudly brought to you by Fountain - the leading enterprise platform for workforce management. Our platform enables companies to support their frontline workers from job application to departure. Fountain elevates the hiring, management, and retention of frontline workers at scale.
To learn more, please visit: https://www.fountain.com/?utm_source=shrm-2024&utm_medium=event&utm_campaign=shrm-2024-podcast-adam-posner.

Thanks for listening, and please follow us on Insta @NHPTalent and www.youtube.com/thePOZcast

For all episodes, please check out www.thePOZcast.com

Summary
In this episode of the #thePOZcast, Adam Posner interviews Alison Baum Gates, an early-stage tech investor and author of 'Breaking Into Venture.' They discuss Alison's journey from the trading floor to venture capital, the importance of a global perspective, and the evolving landscape of entrepreneurship and employee well-being. Alison shares insights on the VC mindset, the challenges of writing a book, and the impact of AI on business and the writing process. The conversation culminates in a discussion about defining success and the importance of creating opportunities for others.

Takeaways
- Alison's parents' careers were disrupted by technology, influencing her career choices.
- She transitioned from finance to venture capital to be on the disrupting side.
- The trading floor experience taught her about opportunity spotting and creativity in finance.
- Living globally has given her a competitive advantage in evaluating investments.
- A VC mindset is essential for navigating today's abundant career opportunities.
- Writing her book was a way to save time and share knowledge about venture capital.
- Venture capital is not just glamorous; it requires hard work and patience.
- Measuring progress in venture capital is crucial to avoid FOMO.
- Success is defined by the number of successful people one creates.
- AI is changing the landscape of entry-level jobs, making it essential for new graduates to adapt.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Alison Baum Gates and Her Journey
01:17 The Impact of Technology on Career Paths
02:43 Lessons from the Trading Floor
06:34 Global Perspective and Competitive Advantage
10:59 The VC Mindset: Thinking for Abundance
13:21 Writing 'Breaking Into Venture' and Its Purpose
15:14 The Reality of Venture Capital
16:50 Self-Discovery Through Writing
19:44 AI's Role in Writing and Business
21:02 The Dual Nature of Entrepreneurship Today
21:53 Navigating the Entrepreneurial Landscape
25:08 The Role of Semper Virens
29:52 The Impact of AI on Entry-Level Jobs
32:34 Evaluating Founders and Building Relationships
35:00 FOMO in Venture Capital
36:51 Defining Success in Career and Life

Mike & Kass Lazerow: Shoveling $hit: The Messy Path to Success Oct 10, 2025

Show notes

Thanks for listening, and please follow us on Insta @NHPTalent and www.youtube.com/thePOZcast

For all episodes, please check out www.thePOZcast.com

Summary
In this engaging conversation, Adam Posner interviews Kass and Mike Lazarow, successful entrepreneurs and authors of 'Shoveling Shit: A Love Story About Entrepreneurship's Messy Path to Success.' They discuss the authenticity of their writing process, the importance of feedback, and how to stay motivated in the face of setbacks. The Lazarows share insights on navigating remote work culture, the significance of work-life integration, and the value of building a strong company culture. They emphasize the importance of networking, philanthropy, and defining success beyond monetary gains, ultimately highlighting the journey of entrepreneurship as a series of challenges and triumphs.

Takeaways
- The writing process was a new venture for both authors.
- Authenticity in storytelling is crucial for connecting with readers.
- Entrepreneurship involves overcoming numerous setbacks and failures.
- Feedback is essential for growth and should be viewed as a gift.
- Setting clear priorities helps in focusing on what truly matters.
- Remote work presents challenges for maintaining company culture.
- Work-life integration is more realistic than work-life balance.
- Quality time with family is more important than quantity.
- Hiring should focus on soft skills and cultural fit.
- Building a strong company culture requires transparency and trust.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Lazaro Duo
02:47 The Authenticity of Writing Together
06:05 The Meaning Behind 'Shoveling Shit'
08:58 Staying Motivated Through Setbacks
11:48 The Importance of Feedback
14:50 Setting Priorities and Focus
17:48 Navigating Remote Work Culture
20:56 Work-Life Integration vs. Balance
23:44 Quality Time with Family
26:36 Hiring and Team Dynamics
29:45 The Role of Culture in Organizations
32:37 The Power of Networking
35:48 Defining Success Beyond Money
38:46 Philanthropy and Company Culture

Amira Barger: The Price of Nice: A Call to Action Oct 03, 2025

Show notes

Thanks for listening, and please follow us on Insta @NHPTalent and www.youtube.com/thePOZcast

For all episodes, please check out www.thePOZcast.com

Summary
In this episode of #thePOZcast, Adam Posner interviews Amira Barger, an executive VP at Edelman Communications and author of 'The Price of Nice.' They discuss Amira's upbringing, her journey into healthcare communications, and the importance of empathy in leadership. Amira shares insights from her book, emphasizing the dangers of being too nice in professional settings and advocating for the need to disrupt the status quo. The conversation also explores the power of storytelling, the importance of building foundations in leadership, and the significance of shared values in driving impactful change.
Takeaways
- Amira's upbringing as a minister's child shaped her empathetic approach to healthcare.
- Healthcare is a human right, and access to it is crucial.
- The book 'The Price of Nice' challenges the notion of being overly nice in professional settings.
- Being too nice can protect existing power structures and hinder progress.
- Nerve is necessary for effective leadership and communication.
- Storytelling is a powerful tool for transformation in organizations.
- True leadership involves building other leaders and fostering collaboration.
- Shared values are essential for effective teamwork and community building.
- Niceness often prioritizes comfort over necessary confrontation.
- Personal growth is a continuous journey of unlearning and relearning.

BEST OF: Tucker Max: From Fratire King to Self Publishing Empire- 4x NY Times Best Selling Author Oct 01, 2025

Show notes

Thanks for listening, and please follow us on Insta @NHPTalent and www.youtube.com/thePOZcast

For all episodes, please check out www.thePOZcast.com

This Episode’s Heavy Hitters:

- The price for being a lawyer is your soul. This comes from Tucker’s personal experience.

- The two years he spent in Hollywood were the “worst two years” of his life; and is also where Tucker realized he wasn’t a “soulless, sociopathic, narcissist.”

- Buddha’s “core principle” to “do your work, then help others do theirs” is Tucker’s guiding principle in life, and it’s taken him 42 years to truly understand the meaning and significance of it.

- The reason he makes his clients at Scribe participate in “read-alouds” of their book before publishing is because he once read his own audiobook and realized how many things he would’ve changed, even though he edited the script on paper many, many times already.

- A brand is a construction of who you are, so when people “rebrand” themselves, sometimes all it is is a reconstruction of people’s perception of you.

- If you want real change, you have to really change.

Fighting the Right Fight: Aleks Svetsky on Bitcoin, Entrepreneurship & Personal Growth Sep 26, 2025

Show notes

Thanks for listening, and please follow us on Insta @NHPTalent and www.youtube.com/thePOZcast

For all episodes, please check out www.thePOZcast.com

Summary
In this engaging conversation, Adam Posner interviews Aleks Svetsky, an entrepreneur and author, who shares his journey from being the son of a factory worker in Australia to becoming the CEO of StatLantis, a next-generation social network for travelers. They discuss Alex's influences, including Steve Jobs, his experiences in the FinTech space, and his insights on Bitcoin as a savings vehicle. Alex also delves into his book, The Uncommunist Manifesto, and the socio-economic implications of Bitcoin. The conversation explores the challenges of product development, the importance of personal growth, and how to define success in one's life.
Takeaways
- Aleks Svetsky's journey is shaped by his desire to be different from his parents.
- Traveling extensively has influenced Alex's perspective on life and business.
- Steve Jobs' uncompromising nature inspired Alex's entrepreneurial spirit.
- Bitcoin is viewed by Alex as a savings vehicle rather than an investment.
- The Uncommunist Manifesto presents a case for liberty and responsibility.
- StatLantis aims to revolutionize travel recommendations through social connections.
- Saying no to opportunities can lead to greater focus and success.
- Success is defined by fighting the right fight and facing challenges head-on.
- The importance of personal growth and learning from failures is emphasized.
- Alex believes that Bitcoin holders will shape the future socio-economic landscape.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Alex Svetsky and His Journey
03:03 Exploring Life in Brazil and Personal Evolution
05:46 The Entrepreneurial Spirit: From Early Failures to Success
09:06 The Bitcoin Revelation: Understanding Its True Value
11:54 The Uncommunist Manifesto: Bitcoin and Societal Change
15:02 The Future of Bitcoin: Wealth, Influence, and Responsibility
21:16 The Future of Bitcoin and Capital Allocation
21:59 The Uncommunist Manifesto: A New Perspective
24:35 Introducing Settlantis: A New Social Discovery App
27:45 The Evolution of Settlantis: From Web to Mobile
31:09 Navigating Entrepreneurial Challenges and Pivots
33:47 Defining Success: The Fight Worth Fighting
42:25 Connecting with Alex Svetski: Final Thoughts

Salad Dressing Success: The Greg Vetter Story Sep 19, 2025

Show notes

Thanks for listening, and please follow us on Insta @NHPTalent and www.youtube.com/thePOZcast

For all episodes, please check out www.thePOZcast.com

Takeaways

- Behind every entrepreneur is a compelling origin story.
- Family influences can shape entrepreneurial spirit.
- Turning a family recipe into a business can be transformative.
- Overcoming skepticism is part of the entrepreneurial journey.
- Funding a startup often requires personal sacrifices.
- Building a brand involves navigating manufacturing challenges.
- Demos and customer engagement are key to market entry.
- Trusting your gut is crucial in business decisions.
- Mentorship plays a vital role in entrepreneurial success.
- Success is defined by time, health, and family love.

The Devil Emails at Midnight: Lessons from Bad Bosses: Mita Mallick Sep 12, 2025

Show notes

Thanks for listening, and please follow us on Insta @NHPTalent and www.youtube.com/thePOZcast

For all episodes, please check out www.thePOZcast.com

Summary
In this conversation, Adam Posner and Mita Mallick explore the complexities of leadership, particularly focusing on the impact of bad bosses and the importance of inclusive leadership. Mita shares insights from her new book, discussing how bad bosses can emerge from various pressures and stresses, and emphasizes the need for self-reflection and accountability in leadership roles. They delve into the significance of recognition, coaching, and creating a culture of openness, while also addressing the challenges of micromanagement and disengagement in the workplace. The discussion highlights the evolving nature of leadership in today's world and the importance of fostering a supportive environment for employees.
Takeaways
- Bad bosses can emerge from personal and professional stress.
- Self-awareness is crucial for effective leadership.
- Recognition and appreciation can significantly impact employee morale.
- Micromanagement often stems from personal insecurities.
- Creating a culture of vulnerability encourages open communication.
- Feedback should be framed as coaching rather than criticism.
- Disengagement in the workplace can spread like a virus.
- Leaders should model the behavior they want to see in their teams.
- Hiring processes should focus on facts over feelings.
- Leadership is about empowering others, not just directing them.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Inclusive Leadership and Bad Bosses
03:00 The Impact of Personal Experiences on Leadership
05:57 Understanding the Roots of Bad Boss Behavior
09:10 The Role of Self-Awareness in Leadership
12:05 The Importance of Recognition and Visibility in the Workplace
14:42 Creating a Culture of Vulnerability and Feedback
17:55 Accountability and Self-Reflection in Leadership
21:47 Understanding Exit Interviews and Team Dynamics
23:00 Leadership's Role in Organizational Culture
24:24 Assessing Leadership Qualities in Interviews
27:02 Self-Reflection for Bad Bosses
28:37 The Importance of Storytelling in Leadership
30:28 Disengagement: The Silent Culture Killer
32:00 Navigating Bad Bosses: Strategies for Employees
33:18 The Shift Towards Employee Well-Being
34:52 Coaching vs. Directing: A Leadership Approach
37:25 Raising Kind and Inclusive Future Generations
39:00 Looking Inward: Accountability in Leadership

BEST OF: Steve Robinson: Former Chick-fil-A CMO Shares The Special Sauce Sep 10, 2025

Show notes

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review: https://ratethispodcast.com/thepozcast

Thanks for listening, and please follow us on Insta @NHPTalent and YouTube@ Youtube.com/thePOZcast

Chris Kline: Bitcoin IRA: Pioneering the Future of Retirement Sep 05, 2025

Show notes

Thanks for listening, and please follow us on Insta @NHPTalent and www.youtube.com/thePOZcast

For all episodes, please check out www.thePOZcast.com

Takeaways

- Bitcoin IRA was the first platform to allow Bitcoin in retirement accounts.

- Explaining crypto to older generations requires patience and clarity.

- Bitcoin's scarcity is a key factor in its value.

- People fear the unknown more than the known.

- The retirement crisis necessitates alternative investment strategies.

- Dollar cost averaging helps mitigate emotional trading decisions.

- Security in crypto is paramount, with a focus on custody solutions.

- Building a strong team culture is essential for company growth.

- Success is defined by free time and presence with family.

- The future of finance may involve strategic partnerships with traditional banks.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Bitcoin IRA and Predictions

02:46 Explaining Crypto to the Older Generation

06:02 Understanding Bitcoin's Scarcity and Value

08:47 The Fear of the Unknown vs. the Known

11:44 Personal Journey into the Crypto World

14:45 The Evolution of Bitcoin IRA

17:56 The Future of Bitcoin and AI Integration

20:48 Retirement Crisis and Alternative Investments

23:48 Dollar Cost Averaging Explained

26:49 Overcoming Hesitations in Crypto Adoption

30:06 Security in Crypto: The Pentagon of Custody

32:50 The Benefits of Using an IRA for Crypto Investments

35:46 Building Teams and Company Culture

38:47 Defining Success and Work-Life Balance

41:50 Future Predictions and Closing Thoughts

Transforming Work Culture with Jamal Marshall Aug 29, 2025

Show notes

Thanks for listening, and please follow us on Insta @NHPTalent and www.youtube.com/thePOZcast

For all episodes, please check out www.thePOZcast.com

Summary
In this episode of the #thePOZcast, Adam Posner interviews Jahmaal Marshall, a corporate wellness advocate and founder of Listen Then Speak. They discuss Jamal's journey from a challenging childhood to a successful career in coaching, emphasizing the importance of mental health, the impact of social media on workplace culture, and the misconceptions surrounding incarcerated individuals. Jamal shares insights on the significance of vulnerability in leadership, the role of AI in the workplace, and how to redesign corporate culture for better employee well-being. The conversation concludes with Jamal's definition of success and the importance of authenticity in both personal and professional life.
Takeaways
- Jahmaal Marshall is on a mission to transform how we work.
- The journey from childhood influences to career choices is significant.
- Social media can create unrealistic expectations about work culture.
- Vulnerability in leadership is essential for authentic connections.
- Work-life balance is a myth; focus on work-life rhythms instead.
- AI should enhance human capabilities, not replace them.
- Success is defined by authenticity and being true to oneself.
- It's important to have a support system of trusted individuals.
- Burnout is a real issue that needs to be addressed in corporate culture.
- You can only do what you can; it's okay to say no.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Jahmaal Marshall and His Mission
02:56 Jahmaal's Journey: From Childhood to Career
05:58 Transitioning from Justice to Coaching
08:44 The Impact of Social Media on Work Culture
12:03 The Role of the Church in Jahmaal's Life
14:50 Finding Purpose in Coaching
17:57 Misconceptions About Incarcerated Individuals
20:44 The Importance of Offline Time
23:49 The Birth of Listen Then Speak
27:02 Navigating Corporate Culture and Burnout
29:48 The Role of AI in the Workplace
32:52 Redesigning Corporate Culture
35:54 Vulnerability in Leadership
38:39 Defining Success and Authenticity
41:48 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

The POZCAST: Decoding Success with Adam Posner

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected