The Mello Millionaire with Tommy Mello

Mello Studios
  • 4.4 (28)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Build. Scale. Inspire. Welcome to The Mello Millionaire podcast, where billionaire entrepreneur Tommy Mello sits down with the sharpest minds in business—from scrappy founders to powerhouse CEOs—to uncover the real strategies behind extraordinary success. Whether you're hustling in the trenches or scaling your next big venture, each episode will push you to think bigger, act bolder, and rewrite what’s possible—for your business, your family, and your future.

  1. FEB 27

    Silicon Valley Legend Bill Gurley on Backing Uber and Betting Big

    Bill Gurley is a longtime Silicon Valley investor, entrepreneur, and thought leader on innovation, market dynamics, and career strategy. As a General Partner at Benchmark, he has backed iconic companies including Uber, Zillow, OpenTable, Grubhub, and Nextdoor, helping shape the modern internet economy. Before venture capital, Bill was a top-ranked Wall Street analyst covering Amazon’s IPO and began his career as a design engineer at Compaq. Known for his deep thinking on network effects, marketplace economics, and disruptive technology, he has become one of the most respected voices in venture capital. His book, Runnin’ Down a Dream: How to Thrive in a Career You Actually Love, distills decades of investing, learning, and reflection into a blueprint for building a meaningful, differentiated career in an age of rapid technological change. Check Out My Social Media: Tiktok  ⟶ https://www.tiktok.com/@officialtommymello Instagram ⟶ https://www.instagram.com/officialtommymello/ Facebook ⟶https://www.facebook.com/thomasmello/ My other podcast: Home Service Expert ⟶ https://open.spotify.com/show/4WHQ3ldGThHsP1cfzNF33G Live Q&A submission form: https://homeserviceexpert.com/questions 00:00 Introduction to Bill Gurley and His Journey 03:04 The Inspiration Behind Writing a Book 06:14 Identifying Key Traits in Successful Entrepreneurs 08:59 The Importance of Continuous Learning and Humility 12:01 Navigating Career Choices and Regrets 14:56 The Impact of Technology on Employment 17:49 Mentorship and Leadership Lessons 20:57 Reflections on Major Investments and Market Disruption 24:14 Advice for Young Entrepreneurs 27:06 The Role of Passion in Career Success 30:02 Closing Thoughts and Encouragement

    39 min

  2. FEB 20

    The Truth About Loneliness and Burnout with Dr. Guy Winch

    Dr. Guy Winch is a licensed clinical psychologist, bestselling author, and leading voice in the science of emotional health. With more than 35 million TED Talk views and books translated into nearly 30 languages, he has helped bring the conversation around emotional hygiene into the global mainstream. While mental health often focuses on diagnosable conditions like depression and anxiety, Dr. Winch’s work centers on the everyday emotional injuries like rejection, failure, burnout, loneliness, guilt, and heartbreak. He promotes the science-based tools we can use to treat these injuries before they escalate. His TED Talks, including Why We All Need to Practice Emotional First Aid and How to Fix a Broken Heart, have become some of the most widely viewed psychology talks in the world. He is the author of the bestselling books Emotional First Aid, How to Fix a Broken Heart, The Squeaky Wheel, and Mind Over Grind: How to Break Free When Work Hijacks Your Life. In addition to maintaining a private practice in New York City, he co-hosts the Ambie-nominated Dear Therapists podcast with Lori Gottlieb and writes the popular “Dear Guy” advice column for TED. Through his clinical work, global keynotes, and advisory roles with governments and major organizations, Dr. Winch advocates for integrating the science of emotional health into daily life, empowering individuals to build resilience, strengthen relationships, and protect their psychological well-being in an increasingly demanding world. Check Out My Social Media: Tiktok  ⟶ https://www.tiktok.com/@officialtommymello Instagram ⟶ https://www.instagram.com/officialtommymello/ Facebook ⟶https://www.facebook.com/thomasmello/ My other podcast: Home Service Expert ⟶ https://open.spotify.com/show/4WHQ3ldGThHsP1cfzNF33G Live Q&A submission form: https://homeserviceexpert.com/questions Learn more about Guy Winch here: https://www.instagram.com/guywinch/?hl=en

    47 min

  3. FEB 13

    How Alex Bean Created A $2.5B FinTech Company in his 30s

    Alex Bean is the co-founder of Divvy, an expense management platform that was acquired by BILL.com for $2.5 billion in 2021. He is a founder, operator, investor, and author dedicated to helping entrepreneurs build meaningful companies and navigate the often-overlooked realities that come after success. Having experienced hyper-growth, acquisition, and the personal complexities that follow, Alex now focuses on supporting founders through both the business and human sides of entrepreneurship. He is the Managing Partner of Tandem, an investment firm built to back founders who are actively in the arena. At Tandem, he invests in founder-led companies with strong go-to-market fundamentals, while also building a community centered on purpose, relationships, and long-term impact. His investment philosophy prioritizes founder quality, resilience, and product-market fit, with a hands-on approach to scaling. Alex is the author of Factory for Good: The Pitfalls of Prosperity and How to Avoid Them, where he explores the emotional side of wealth, identity, and success—topics rarely discussed in startup culture. Through his writing, speaking, and work with founders, Alex helps the next generation build not just valuable companies, but lives and legacies rooted in clarity, contribution, and purpose. Check Out My Social Media: Tiktok ⟶ https://www.tiktok.com/@officialtommymello Instagram ⟶ https://www.instagram.com/officialtommymello/ Facebook ⟶https://www.facebook.com/thomasmello/ My other podcast: Home Service Expert ⟶ https://open.spotify.com/show/4WHQ3ldGThHsP1cfzNF33G Live Q&A submission form:https://homeserviceexpert.com/questions Learn more about Alex Bean here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexbean 0:00 - Introduction and Happiness Audit 5:52 - Founding and Growth of Divvy 11:44 - Challenges and Successes in FinTech 17:36 - Product Market Fit and Early Days 23:28 - Post-Exit Reflections and New Ventures 29:20 - Balancing Personal and Professional Life 35:12 - Philosophy on Wealth and Legacy 41:04 - Final Thoughts and Advice for Entrepreneurs

    48 min

  4. FEB 6

    Gary Vee's No BS Advice for Building a Business Empire

    Gary Vaynerchuk — widely known as GaryVee — is a serial entrepreneur, global marketing authority, investor, and six-time New York Times bestselling author. He is the Chairman of VaynerX, CEO of VaynerMedia, and Creator and CEO of VeeFriends.Before founding VaynerMedia, Gary first gained recognition by growing his family’s wine business from $3 million to over $60 million in annual revenue. He's now running a global advertising and communications agency helping Fortune 1000 brands compete for consumer attention. He's a prolific angel investor who made early investments in Facebook, Twitter, Uber, Snapchat, Venmo, Coinbase, and Tumblr. He is also the co-founder of VaynerSports, Resy (acquired by American Express), and Empathy Wines (acquired by Constellation Brands).Through his content, keynote speaking, bestselling books, and daily documentation of life as a CEO, Gary reaches more than 50 million followers worldwide and generates billions of impressions annually. Known for his ability to spot cultural shifts early and translate them into practical business strategy, Gary helps leaders understand how attention, relevance, and execution drive long-term brand and company growth in an ever-evolving digital economy. Check Out My Social Media: Tiktok ⟶ https://www.tiktok.com/@officialtommymello Instagram ⟶ https://www.instagram.com/officialtommymello/ Facebook ⟶https://www.facebook.com/thomasmello/ My other podcast: Home Service Expert ⟶ https://open.spotify.com/show/4WHQ3ldGThHsP1cfzNF33G Live Q&A submission form:https://homeserviceexpert.com/questions Learn more about Gary: https://www.instagram.com/garyvee/?hl=en

    37 min

  5. JAN 31

    From Gas Station Cashier to $1,000,000 CEO with Shirin Behzadi

    Shirin Behzadi is a transformational CEO, investor, board member, and bestselling author whose career is defined by resilience, disciplined leadership, and purpose-driven growth. After arriving in the United States alone at 17 and working as a gas station cashier, Shirin built a remarkable business career spanning finance, private equity, and franchising. She rose from CPA and CFO roles to become CEO of Home Franchise Concepts, where she led the company’s transformation into a billion-dollar platform of home services brands, overseeing hundreds of millions in systemwide sales and a successful private equity-backed exit.Today, Shirin serves as a trusted advisor, board director, and keynote speaker, helping leaders turn adversity into strategic advantage. She has raised more than $900 million in private equity, served on corporate and nonprofit boards, and is a passionate advocate for inclusive leadership and women’s empowerment. Her national bestselling memoir, The Unexpected CEO: My Journey from Gas Station Cashier to Billion-Dollar CEO, chronicles her journey from war-torn Iran to the C-suite and offers a powerful framework for leading with vision, empathy, and courage. Known for her ability to combine operational excellence with human-centered leadership, Shirin inspires executives and entrepreneurs to build enduring success — because they can. Check Out My Social Media: Tiktok ⟶ https://www.tiktok.com/@officialtommymello Instagram ⟶ https://www.instagram.com/officialtommymello/ Facebook ⟶https://www.facebook.com/thomasmello/ My other podcast:Home Service Expert ⟶ https://open.spotify.com/show/4WHQ3ldGThHsP1cfzNF33GLive Q&A submission form: https://homeserviceexpert.com/questions Learn more about David: ⟶ https://www.linkedin.com/in/shirin-behzadi/ 00:00 The Power of Empathy in Leadership01:24 Shereen's Journey: From Iran to CEO02:43 Overcoming Adversity: The Path to Resilience09:24 The Secret Sauce of Business Success14:03 The Superpower of Adversity19:33 Leadership Lessons: CFO vs. CEO Perspectives24:35 Life After a Life-Threatening Experience30:56 Balancing Life: Priorities Beyond Finance34:27 Navigating Burnout and Finding Growth35:15 The Unexpected CEO: A Roadmap for Success

    39 min

  6. JAN 23

    This CEO saved Jamba Juice from Bankruptcy with James D. White

    James D. White is a transformational leader with more than three decades of experience operating at the highest levels of the consumer products, retail, and restaurant industries. Best known for leading the turnaround and reinvention of Jamba Juice, James guided the company’s evolution from a made-to-order smoothie concept into a globally recognized, health-focused lifestyle brand. Across executive roles at companies including Gillette, Safeway, Nestlé Purina, and Coca-Cola, he developed a deep operating playbook rooted in brand leadership, disciplined execution, and long-term value creation. Beyond the CEO role, James is one of the most sought-after board leaders in modern business, having served on more than 20 public and private boards including Panera Bread, The Honest Company, Simply Good Foods, CAVA, Affirm, and Medallia. In 2020, he co-founded Culture Design Lab to help CEOs and executive teams intentionally design organizations built for performance, resilience, and purpose. He is also the co-author of the national bestseller Culture Design: How to Build a High-Performing, Resilient Organization with Purpose, published by Harvard Business Review Press — a practical framework shaped by decades of real-world leadership and boardroom experience. Check Out My Social Media: Tiktok  ⟶ https://www.tiktok.com/@officialtommymello Instagram ⟶ https://www.instagram.com/officialtommymello/ Facebook ⟶https://www.facebook.com/thomasmello/ My other podcast: Home Service Expert ⟶ https://open.spotify.com/show/4WHQ3ldGThHsP1cfzNF33G Live Q&A submission form: https://homeserviceexpert.com/questions Learn more about James: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-d-white-086ab2153 00:00 The Essence of Leadership 03:06 Transforming Company Culture 05:49 Navigating Challenges at Jamba Juice 08:57 Recruitment and Team Dynamics 12:08 The Importance of Continuous Learning 15:09 Balancing Personal and Professional Life 18:12 The Role of Technology in Leadership 20:50 Building a Leadership Pipeline 23:46 The Impact of AI on Business 27:05 Lessons from Boardroom Experiences 29:58 Final Thoughts on Leadership and Culture

    51 min

  7. JAN 16

    How to Win in Business and Marriage (Without Burning It All Down) with Mike & Kass Lazerow

    Kass and Mike Lazerow are serial entrepreneurs, early-stage investors, and New York Times bestselling authors, best known for their company's $745 million acquisition by Salesforce in 2012. As co-founders of GOLF.com and Buddy Media, they helped shape the early digital and social media landscape. Kass and Mike have founded multiple ventures and backed more than 100 startups, including breakout successes like Scopely and Liquid Death. In total, the companies they’ve built and supported have generated more than $10 billion in realized value. Today, Kass and Mike operate a diverse portfolio spanning venture capital, healthcare, executive recruiting, and sports. Their debut book, Shoveling $h!t: A Love Story About the Entrepreneur’s Messy Path to Success, became an instant bestseller for its candid look at what building real businesses actually demands. Known for their clarity, discipline, and long-term mindset, Kass and Mike are widely respected voices on entrepreneurship, leadership, and the realities behind sustainable success. Check Out My Social Media: Tiktok  ⟶ https://www.tiktok.com/@officialtommymello Instagram ⟶ https://www.instagram.com/officialtommymello/ Facebook ⟶https://www.facebook.com/thomasmello/ My other podcast: Home Service Expert ⟶ https://open.spotify.com/show/4WHQ3ldGThHsP1cfzNF33G Live Q&A submission form: https://homeserviceexpert.com/questions 00:00 The Entrepreneurial Journey Begins 02:00 Building Successful Companies 06:02 Investing in the Future 09:50 Navigating Post-Exit Challenges 15:12 The Role of Emotional Intelligence 20:05 Advice for New Entrepreneurs 25:11 The Importance of Health and Longevity 29:52 Final Thoughts and Book Recommendations

    46 min

  8. JAN 9

    Dare To Fly: How Martha McSally Transformed Fear into Fearless Leadership

    Martha McSally is America's first female fighter pilot in combat, former U.S. Senator, decorated combat veteran, and one of the most accomplished leaders to ever serve in both the military and public office. Over a 26-year career in the United States Air Force, she broke barriers as one of the first women to fly combat missions in a fighter jet and later went on to command at the squadron level, leading in environments where precision, accountability, and trust were non-negotiable. She flew hundreds of hours in close-air-support missions across the Middle East and Afghanistan, earning multiple military honors for her service. After retiring from the Air Force as a Colonel, Martha transitioned into public service, representing Arizona in Congress before serving in the United States Senate. Across both arenas, she became known for her disciplined leadership style, willingness to take responsibility under pressure, and commitment to mission over ego. Today, she is a sought-after voice on leadership, resilience, and service — bringing hard-earned perspective from the battlefield, the halls of government, and life beyond titles. Check Out My Social Media: Tiktok  ⟶ https://www.tiktok.com/@officialtommymello Instagram ⟶ https://www.instagram.com/officialtommymello/ Facebook ⟶https://www.facebook.com/thomasmello/ My other podcast: Home Service Expert ⟶ https://open.spotify.com/show/4WHQ3ldGThHsP1cfzNF33G Live Q&A submission form: https://homeserviceexpert.com/questions Learn more about Martha here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martha_McSally 00:00 Breaking Barriers: Martha McSally's Journey to Fighter Pilot 06:13 Leadership Lessons: Building Unbreakable Leaders 11:51 The Power of Self-Discovery and Authenticity 17:59 Reflections on Life, Legacy, and Abundance 23:47 Navigating Politics: A Call to Duty 30:11 Final Thoughts: Embracing Inner Work and Authenticity

    35 min
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4.4
out of 5
28 Ratings

About

Build. Scale. Inspire. Welcome to The Mello Millionaire podcast, where billionaire entrepreneur Tommy Mello sits down with the sharpest minds in business—from scrappy founders to powerhouse CEOs—to uncover the real strategies behind extraordinary success. Whether you're hustling in the trenches or scaling your next big venture, each episode will push you to think bigger, act bolder, and rewrite what’s possible—for your business, your family, and your future.

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