In this episode, we dive into an insightful conversation with Mike Cagney, an influential entrepreneur recognized for his pivotal role in the fintech space. Mike co-founded SoFi, one of the most successful financial startups of all time, and later established Figure Markets, emphasizing blockchain to innovate and disrupt traditional financial markets.

We explore Mike's experiences with cryptocurrency, his strategies for navigating complex negotiations, and his views on the future of blockchain in the financial ecosystem. Mike also shares valuable lessons from his entrepreneurial journey, including the intricacies of managing investor relations, regulatory challenges, and cultural dynamics within a fast-growing startup. This episode is packed with actionable insights for entrepreneurs, fintech enthusiasts, and anyone interested in blockchain technology.

00:23 Introducing Mike Cagney: FinTech Pioneer

01:09 Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Insights

03:01 The Future of Payments and Stablecoins

06:09 Disrupting Capital Markets with Blockchain

08:18 Overcoming Blockchain Skepticism

17:18 Navigating Regulatory and Lobbying Challenges

27:53 Lessons from SoFi: Equity Splits and Fundraising

31:33 The $10 Million Mistake

32:12 Negotiating with Rakuten

32:48 The SoftBank Pitch

33:53 The $175 Million Commitment35:19 SoftBank Backs Out

37:01 The Board Pitch

39:42 Reallocating Founder Equity

44:46 Lessons on Culture and Hiring

48:51 Navigating Near-Death Experiences

51:36 Final Thoughts on Negotiation

In this episode, Don Faul, the CEO of CrossFit, shares his remarkable career journey, emphasizing the key lessons in leadership and negotiation he learned along the way. Starting his career as a Marine platoon commander, Don transitioned to Silicon Valley, working at Google, Facebook, and Pinterest during their early and hyper-growth phases before leading CrossFit. The discussion covers his leadership approach, negotiation tactics, and the strategies that helped transform CrossFit into a global fitness powerhouse.

Whether you're interested in the dynamics of leadership, the intricacies of negotiation, or the evolution of a fitness brand, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. Tune in to learn about the negotiation principles Don applied both internally and externally and the importance of understanding and aligning with people's motivations.

00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Guest Don Faul

01:04 Don Faul's Career Journey

02:38 The CrossFit Experience

08:39 Challenges and Changes at CrossFit

19:56 Management and Innovation at CrossFit

27:20 Reflections on Leadership and Negotiation

28:05 Reflecting on Negotiation Lessons from the Marines

28:30 Managing Emotions in High-Stress Situations

29:52 The Importance of Taking a Step Back

30:29 Early Career Decisions and Learning from Mistakes

31:22 Navigating Free Speech Challenges at Facebook

32:15 Internal Negotiations and Policy Conflicts

41:23 Lessons from Pinterest: Scaling and Structuring

46:47 Overcoming Challenges in Equity Compensation

52:31 Negotiating with Big Brands as a Small Company

56:59 Final Thoughts and Reflections

In this episode, we delve into the remarkable journey of Chad Hutchinson, one of only seven individuals to have played in both the NFL and the MLB. Chad was both a pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals and a quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys. But he didn't just hang up his boots and call it quits after his pro-sports career: he went back to the bottom of the finance world and worked his way to becoming a Partner at the successful PE firm Arctos, pioneering sports franchise acquisition.

Discover how Chad transitioned from the ultra competitive world of sports to a thriving career in finance. Chad shares insights on his decision-making processes, from choosing between MLB and NFL offers to navigating complex negotiations with sports team owners in private equity. Learn about the values and lessons Chad acquired from his mentors and the pivotal moments that shaped his path. Don't miss Chad's inspiring story and his practical wisdom on achieving success in multiple high-stakes arenas.

00:00 Introduction to Winning and Success

00:19 Meet Chad Hutchinson: Dual-Sport Athlete

01:03 Chad's Early Life and Sports Beginnings

01:58 High School Breakthroughs and College Decisions

04:32 Negotiation Lessons from Scott Boris

08:19 Transition to Professional Baseball

10:24 Steroid Era and Lessons from Mark McGuire

16:25 Transition to Professional Football

20:03 Negotiating with Jerry Jones

26:13 First NFL Game Against Peyton Manning

28:03 Transition from Sports to Finance

29:12 Facing the Daunting Transition from Sports to Finance

29:47 Building Marketable Skills and Networking

30:39 Humbling Beginnings in the Workforce

32:20 Navigating the Financial Crisis and Buying Distressed Assets

33:26 Grit and Persistence in Business

34:38 Experience at Sixth Street and Learning Agriculture

39:21 Transition to OSE Partners and the Business of Sports

51:56 Investing in College Sports and NIL

58:20 Rapid Fire Questions and Final Thoughts