A Founder's Life

Leo Gestetner
  • 5.0 (5)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Join me as I explore the powerful intersection of entrepreneurship, health & wellness, and parenthood. In each episode, I’ll be interviewing inspiring individuals who excel in one or more of these areas, sharing their stories, insights, and lessons. My goal is to provide valuable takeaways that can help you thrive both personally and professionally.

  1. When Your First Business Fails - Lindsay Gorril - S6 - E2

    2D AGO

    When Your First Business Fails - Lindsay Gorril - S6 - E2

    This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz, helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing founders@thankz.com with the subject line Founder’s Life. 🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life  • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife    • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/  • Instagram: @afounderslife    • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslife 👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Lindsay Gorrill Website: https://www.stargoldcorp.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsay-gorrill-b98b07176/ In this episode, Lindsay Gorrill shares his remarkable journey from chartered accountant to mining entrepreneur — building multiple mines around the world and navigating the extreme highs and lows of entrepreneurship. Lindsay talks about starting his first company with just $60,000, nearly going bankrupt, building operations across India and Canada, and why gold and silver remain critical hedges in a world filled with debt. We also explore the realities of the mining industry today, the importance of environmental responsibility, how travel shaped Lindsay’s worldview, and the mindset required to survive the brutal early years of entrepreneurship. What you’ll learn: • Why belief in yourself is essential for entrepreneurs • The brutal early failures behind successful companies • How global travel shaped Lindsay’s leadership philosophy • The reality of building a mine from discovery to production • Why gold and silver may play a critical role in the future economy ⏱️ CHAPTERS  0:00 – From Chartered Accountant to Mining Entrepreneur 1:00 – The First Mine and Early Failures 2:17 – Global Mining Projects & India Expansion 7:26 – Family, Balance & Life Outside Business 11:23 – Pivotal Moments and Advice for Entrepreneurs LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/leogestetner Website leogestetner.com/leo Subscribe Now! youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

    15 min
  2. Building Wealth Without Losing Your Soul - Ken Salazar - S6 -E1

    4D AGO

    Building Wealth Without Losing Your Soul - Ken Salazar - S6 -E1

    This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz, helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing founders@thankz.com with the subject line Founder’s Life. 🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life  • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/  • Instagram: @afounderslife   • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslife 👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Ken Salazar LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ken-salazar-00198a8/ Website: https://www.gosilveredge.com/ Email: ken@gosilveredge.com Ken Salazar is a serial entrepreneur with over 20 years in payments and fintech. From investment banking during the tech bust to scaling and exiting a payments business — and later buying it back — Ken shares hard-earned lessons about growth, leadership, and purpose. We talk about why America is still behind in payments innovation, how COVID accelerated digital adoption, and why scaling too fast can destroy a company. But more importantly, Ken opens up about a deeply personal realization at age 31 — when outward success left him feeling completely empty. What you’ll learn: • Why founders must not “scale broke” • The hidden dangers of private equity pressure • How success can mask personal emptiness • The discipline behind faith, fitness, and family • Why you can’t do anything alone — but must own everything yourself ⏱️ CHAPTERS  0:00 – From Investment Banking to Payments 1:49 – Reinventing Payments & Fintech Exit 13:29 – Faith, Family & Daily Discipline 35:16 – Success Without Fulfillment 37:42 – Don’t Scale Broke & Final Advice LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/leogestetner Website leogestetner.com/leo Subscribe Now! youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

    36 min
  3. A Founder's Life Season 5 Recap

    FEB 26

    A Founder's Life Season 5 Recap

    Season 5 was about more than business. It was about: • Vision before revenue • Growth through discomfort • Learning from failure • Contentment over ego • And building support systems that matter If you missed an episode, go back and catch up now. Season 6 is coming soon. Subscribe so you don’t miss it. LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/leogestetner Website leogestetner.com/leo Subscribe Now! youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

    4 min
  4. What Startup Failure Taught Me About Fear - Brad McGinity - S5 - E18

    FEB 18

    What Startup Failure Taught Me About Fear - Brad McGinity - S5 - E18

    This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz, helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing founders@thankz.com with the subject line Founder’s Life. 🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life  • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife    • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/  • Instagram: @afounderslife    • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslife 👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Brad McGinity LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mcginity/ What happens when your career in SaaS, your faith, your marriage, and your health all collide in real life? Brad McGinnity, Chief Revenue Officer at Tithely, shares his journey from stumbling into startup sales to leading revenue at a 50,000-customer global fintech platform serving churches and nonprofits. We talk about startup pressure, almost running out of cash, getting married young, raising three daughters, rebuilding after divorce shaped his teenage years, and why he believes in exercising every single day — no matter what. What you’ll learn: • Why founders shouldn’t chase the exit • How near-bankruptcy builds confidence • The “GPA method” for balancing life roles • Why exercise is non-negotiable for leaders • How faith and business can align ⏱️ CHAPTERS 0:00 – SaaS Career, Tithely & Serving Churches 3:08 – Marriage, Kids & Building a Family Young 5:38 – Soft 60, Health Habits & Daily Discipline 13:54 – The GPA Method for Life Balance 18:23 – Divorce, Startup Fear & Advice to Founders LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/leogestetner Website leogestetner.com/leo Subscribe Now! youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

    22 min
  5. Building Trust, Media, and Community at Scale - Jeffrey Hayzlett - S5 - E17

    FEB 11

    Building Trust, Media, and Community at Scale - Jeffrey Hayzlett - S5 - E17

    This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz, helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing founders@thankz.com with the subject line Founder’s Life. 🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life  • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/  • Instagram: @afounderslife   • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslife 👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Jeffrey Hayzlett Website: https://c-suitenetwork.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hayzlett/ Podcast: All Business with Jeffrey Hayzlett What happens when an entrepreneur stops chasing plans—and starts building momentum instead? In this episode, Jeffrey Hayzlett, Chairman of the C-Suite Network, former Fortune 100 CMO, media executive, and serial entrepreneur, shares his unfiltered journey from early entrepreneurship to Kodak, Bloomberg, Celebrity Apprentice, and building one of the largest trusted executive networks in the world. We talk about leadership, time protection, media as a business strategy, family, health, mentorship, and why success comes from focusing on hearts and minds—not just scale. What you’ll learn: • Why most careers aren’t planned—and why that’s okay • How Jeffrey built and sold hundreds of companies • Why leaders must guard their time relentlessly • The shift from “spray and pray” marketing to community • How family, health, and mentors shaped his leadership ⏱️ CHAPTERS  0:00 – Entrepreneurial Beginnings & Early Wins 3:42 – Kodak, Media, and the Shift to Digital Leadership 6:30 – Building the C-Suite Network & Trusted Communities 16:03 – Family, Health & Personal Rhythms 32:04 – Mentorship, Pivotal Moments & Advice for Founders LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/leogestetner Website leogestetner.com/leo Subscribe Now! youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

    32 min
  6. How to Build Businesses That Last Generations - Tim Metzner - S5 - E16

    FEB 5

    How to Build Businesses That Last Generations - Tim Metzner - S5 - E16

    This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz, helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing founders@thankz.com with the subject line Founder’s Life. 🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life  • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife    • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/  • Instagram: @afounderslife    • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslife 👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Tim Metzner LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timmetzner Company's Site: https://www.fireroad.io/ Free daily booster shot of motivation: www.dailymo.co What does balance actually look like when you’re building companies and raising a family at the same time? In this episode, Tim Metzner, serial entrepreneur, ecosystem builder, and co-founder of FireRode, shares his journey from early startup life to building venture-backed companies while staying deeply present as a husband and father of four. We talk about family integration, health rhythms, faith, seasons of intensity, and why building with the right people matters more than doing everything yourself. What you’ll learn: • Why balance comes in seasons, not perfection • How to integrate family into entrepreneurship • Why health and fitness must be calendar “rocks” • The power of building with the right people • How faith shaped Tim’s leadership journey ⸻ ⏱️ CHAPTERS (5 total, accurate) 0:00 – Early Startup Life & Ecosystem Building 2:51 – FireRode, Investing & Tech-Enabling SMBs 5:30 – Family Integration & Being a Present Founder 9:17 – Health, Fitness & Sustainable Energy 19:23 – Faith, Identity & Advice for Founders LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/leogestetner Website leogestetner.com/leo Subscribe Now! youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

    22 min
  7. Building a Career Without Burning Your Life - Jimmy Zipursky - S5 - E15

    JAN 28

    Building a Career Without Burning Your Life - Jimmy Zipursky - S5 - E15

    This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz, helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing founders@thankz.com with the subject line Founder’s Life. 🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life  • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife    • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/  • Instagram: @afounderslife    • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslife 👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Jim Zipursky Websites: www.cfaw.com and www.cfaw.com/omaha LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-zipursky-2343281/ What does a balanced life really look like after decades of entrepreneurship? In this episode, Jim Zipursky, Managing Director of Corporate Finance Associates Omaha and Chairman & CEO of CFA Worldwide, shares his unconventional path into investment banking, growing up in a family of entrepreneurs, navigating bankruptcy, building a global M&A firm, and learning over time how to slow down and enjoy life. We talk about family-first culture, long-term thinking, health, travel, and why founders don’t need to sprint forever to build something meaningful. What you’ll learn: • Why Jim says he was “the least qualified” for his role and why it worked • Lessons from family businesses, failure, and resilience • How CFA works with founder-led companies on M&A • Why family truly comes first in Jim’s life and firm • Slowing down, health, travel, and long-term balance LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/leogestetner Website leogestetner.com/leo Subscribe Now! youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

    18 min
  8. Designing a Business That Supports Your Life - Stacy Ennis - E14 - S5

    JAN 21

    Designing a Business That Supports Your Life - Stacy Ennis - E14 - S5

    This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz, helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing founders@thankz.com with the subject line Founder’s Life. 🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life  • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife    • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/  • Instagram: @afounderslife   • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslife 👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Stacy Ennis Website: https://stacyennis.com Podcast: Beyond Better Instagram: @stacyennis - https://www.instagram.com/stacyennis/ LinkedIn: Stacy Ennis - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacylynn/ Youtube:  https://youtube.com/@UCSSBgjPbZEJyUOAYGcAoVYQ  What if hustle culture is actually working against you? In this episode, Stacy Ennis, book strategist, entrepreneur, and host of Beyond Better, shares why rest, health, and intentional living are essential for sustainable success. We talk about designing a business around life (not the other way around), avoiding burnout, and redefining productivity for the long term. What you’ll learn: • Why hustle culture leads to diminishing returns • How rest improves clarity and performance • Designing a business that supports family and health • Recognizing burnout before it forces a stop • Stacy’s approach to sustainable success ⏱️ CHAPTERS  0:00 – Hustle Culture vs. Restoration 3:02 – Stacy’s Path Into Books & Entrepreneurship 7:14 – Family, Health & Lifestyle Design 12:28 – Burnout, Balance & Sustainable Performance 17:06 – Advice for Founders Building Long-Term Success LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/leogestetner Website leogestetner.com/leo Subscribe Now! youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

    19 min
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About

Join me as I explore the powerful intersection of entrepreneurship, health & wellness, and parenthood. In each episode, I’ll be interviewing inspiring individuals who excel in one or more of these areas, sharing their stories, insights, and lessons. My goal is to provide valuable takeaways that can help you thrive both personally and professionally.

Information

  • Creator
    Leo Gestetner
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    96
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 A Founder's Life
  • Show Website
    A Founder's Life