Episode 72. In this episode of the 'Lifetime at Work' podcast, host Greg Martin interviews Molly Magarik, a seasoned professional in government and political consultancy. The conversation explores Molly's career journey from a political science major with healthcare interests to a deputy cabinet secretary during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Molly shares insights on the interplay between campaigns and government service, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on public health policies, and the intricacies of working in a politically charged environment. They also discuss the personal and societal dynamics of political careers, the importance of internships, and advice for those looking to enter the political arena.

Molly's reflections on the recent presidential election, change management, and the future of political dialogue in the U.S. offer valuable food for thought.

• 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
• 00:17 Meet Molly McGarrick
• 00:21 Molly's Early Career and Political Beginnings
• 01:12 Career Path and Personal Insights
• 06:23 The Impact of Internships
• 07:37 Fast-Paced World of Political Campaigns
• 13:01 Navigating Government and Public Health
• 15:23 Challenges During the COVID-19 Pandemic
• 21:44 Political Philosophy and Career Motivation
• 26:46 Making Tough Decisions in Leadership
• 27:52 Reflections on the Recent Election
• 28:20 Understanding Disaffection in America
• 29:37 Challenges of Change Management
• 30:17 Fear and Change in Society
• 31:22 The Role of Conversations in Society
• 32:58 The Impact of the Pandemic on Social Dynamics
• 34:06 The Entrenched Political System
• 39:11 Advice for Aspiring Politicians
• 39:59 The Value of Internships and Networking
• 45:05 Personal Reflections on Career and Mentorship
• 48:29 Future Goals and Career Aspirations
• 52:05 Closing Thoughts and Contact Information

Episode 71. In this episode of the Lifetime at Work podcast, host Greg Martin interviews Adam DeMartino, co-founder of the once very hot venture capital backed mushroom startup called Smallhold.

DeMartino shares his entrepreneurial journey to get him to starting Smallhold, from discovering his love for early stage business, to the highs of raising significant venture capital and facing the challenges that led to the company's bankruptcy and restructuring.

They discuss the intricacies of mushroom farming, the impact of venture capital, and the values that drive DeMartino's work. This candid conversation offers insights and lessons for current and aspiring entrepreneurs as they question what it means to be successful and to fail.

• 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
• 00:17 Meet Adam DiMartino
• 00:19 The Rise and Fall of Smallhold
• 01:34 Adam's Journey Before Smallhold
• 06:07 The Birth of Smallhold
• 06:16 Adam's Motorcycle Adventure
• 10:44 Entrepreneurial Spirit and Family Influence
• 12:56 Building the Mushroom Business
• 15:13 Scaling Up and Seeking Investment
• 26:25 Expanding to the Texas Market
• 26:49 Pandemic Accelerates Growth
• 27:08 Mushroom Kits: A Pandemic Success
• 29:06 Building Farms in Texas and New York
• 29:31 Facing Bankruptcy and Reorganization
• 32:42 Lessons from the Journey
• 38:09 The Importance of Fungi
• 43:24 Advice for Young Entrepreneurs
• 47:42 The Power of Mushrooms
• 49:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Episode 70. In this episode of the Lifetime at Work podcast, host Greg Martin interviews Eugene Polevoy, co-founder of Blue C Capital, a private equity firm focused on investing in service-based businesses.

Eugene shares his career journey from being an automotive mechanic to starting his own private equity fund. They discuss Eugene’s early days in investment banking at BMO, his extensive experience in private equity at ONCAP and Imperial Capital, and his strategic approach to investing in service-based businesses.

Eugene highlights the importance of having a unique angle, leveraging digital marketing skills, and making data-driven decisions. He also talks about the challenges he faced and the factors that led him to establish his own firm.

• 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
• 01:11 Eugene's Current Role and Focus
• 03:25 Early Career and Background
• 07:05 Transition to Private Equity
• 11:16 Learning and Growing in Private Equity
• 14:49 Insights on Investment Banking
• 19:10 Developing Investment Strategies
• 22:52 Balancing Fund Mandates and Flexibility
• 25:38 Leveraging Digital Marketing in Business Growth
• 27:22 Transition from ONCAP and New Opportunities
• 27:53 Exploring the Auto Aftermarket and Housing Industries
• 30:46 Challenges and Decisions in Private Equity
• 33:15 Building Frontier and Entrepreneurial Ventures
• 38:55 Raising Capital and Investment Strategies
• 46:35 Finding Your Niche in Service-Based Industries
• 50:27 Conclusion and Contact Information