The Palumbo Podcast: Your journey to a work optional lifestyle

Philip Palumbo
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Business
  • Weekly

The Palumbo Podcast is an interview series that will profile Founders of successful private businesses. Listen in as they share their struggles and successes on their journey to the top as well as how they think about money and financial freedom. Learn how to reach your full potential in business and your life.

  1. 20h ago

    Why Municipal Bonds May Be One of Today's Best Investment Opportunities with Andrew Clinton

    Interest rates, inflation, government debt, and global conflicts are creating uncertainty across financial markets. But for fixed income investors, today's environment may also present an opportunity to capture attractive yields without taking on additional equity risk. Philip Palumbo sits down with Andrew Clinton, CEO and Founder of Clinton Investment Management, to discuss the outlook for interest rates, the municipal bond market, and where investors can find value in today's fixed income environment. Drawing on more than 30 years of experience managing municipal bond portfolios, Andrew shares his perspective on how energy prices influence inflation and interest rates, why government deficits may not be the only factor driving yields, and why today's starting yields are particularly attractive for investors seeking tax-free income. They also explore how investors should think about bond price fluctuations, why selling during periods of rising interest rates can mean missing significant opportunities, and how active management can add value through credit selection, yield curve positioning, and portfolio construction. What You'll Learn How global conflicts and rising energy prices influence inflation and interest rates. Why oil prices, economic growth, and bond supply all play a role in determining market yields. How government deficits and potential tax increases could affect the fixed income market. Why Andrew believes today's municipal bond yields offer compelling taxable-equivalent returns. How municipal bonds generate income through coupon payments and why investors should understand principal fluctuations. Why rising interest rates can create buying opportunities rather than reasons to sell. How active bond management helps investors navigate interest rate risk and protect principal. Why the shape of the yield curve matters when constructing a fixed income portfolio. How reinvestment risk can affect investors who rely on short-term bonds. Why selective exposure to single-A-rated municipal bonds can offer additional yield without taking on disproportionate credit risk. What the Federal Reserve's dual mandate means for interest rates, inflation, and employment. How artificial intelligence could influence productivity, employment, and long-term inflation. Andrew Clinton is the CEO and Founder of Clinton Investment Management, LLC, where he oversees municipal bond portfolio construction, investment strategy, and portfolio management. Founded in 2007, Clinton Investment Management specializes in actively managed municipal bond portfolios for high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and institutional investors. Prior to founding the firm, Andrew began his career in 1993 at UBS Global Asset Management, where he built and managed separately managed municipal investment capabilities. As Senior Portfolio Manager, he oversaw more than $4.5 billion in municipal assets, managing portfolios for high-net-worth, ultra-high-net-worth, and institutional clients. Andrew is a member of the CFA Institute and the New York Society of Security Analysts. He earned a BS from Marist University with a concentration in finance and international trade management. Learn more about Andrew Clinton: Website: https://www.clintoninvestment.com/member/andrew-clinton/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewclinton1 The Palumbo Podcast, hosted by Philip Palumbo, features successful founders, entrepreneurs, and professionals who share the experiences, strategies, and lessons behind building successful businesses. Website: https://palumbowm.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/palumbowm/ Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-palumbo-podcast-your-journey-to-a-work/id1621594362 Subscribe to The Palumbo Podcast for more conversations about entrepreneurship, business growth, investing, market strategy, and wealth creation

  2. Oct 30

    Rafael Rivera on Employee Ownership and Business Growth

    On this episode of The Palumbo Podcast, Philip Palumbo speaks with Rafael Rivera, a member of KKR's Capstone team and Human Capital Center, about how broad-based employee ownership programs align incentives, improve engagement, and help businesses create long-term value. Rafael explains how KKR structures employee ownership programs so employees participate in a company's growth, often receiving a significant payout when the business is sold. He shares examples of frontline employees identifying operational improvements, explains why financial education and transparency matter, and breaks down how companies build a culture where people think and act like owners. He discusses KKR's broad-based ownership programs, including an example involving truck drivers who suggested changing how compensation was structured. Their ideas helped connect day-to-day decisions with the company's costs and performance. Rafael also explains how employee payouts are tied to financial results and why the potential reward needs to be meaningful enough to motivate people. Whether you're a business owner considering employee incentives or a leader looking for ways to improve performance, this conversation offers a practical look at the connection between people, ownership, and business value. Why employee ownership can improve business performance: Sharing the upside gives employees a financial reason to look for ways to grow revenue, reduce waste, and improve operations. How to decide whether sharing equity is worth it: Consider whether the expected improvement in business value justifies the portion of upside allocated to employees. What makes an employee ownership payout motivating: The potential reward needs to be meaningful relative to employees' compensation and the time they must wait to receive it. How phantom equity works: Employees participate in a pool linked to the company's growth without receiving individual shares, with payouts often made when the business is sold. Why financial transparency matters: Regular updates on revenue, cash flow, and progress toward goals help employees understand how the company is performing. How financial education encourages ownership thinking: Employees who understand how the business makes money are better equipped to identify improvements and control costs. Why employee engagement is a business priority: A more engaged workforce can support productivity, retention, safety, and stronger operating results. How to create a culture of ownership: Pair financial incentives with communication, employee feedback, education, and visible investment in people's well-being. The first steps in a business value creation plan: Establish a clear direction, identify a few key priorities, select the right leaders, and track progress consistently. Why frontline employees matter to growth: People closest to daily operations often see practical opportunities to improve the customer experience, reduce waste, and strengthen performance. Rafael Rivera is a Director on KKR's Capstone team and a member of its Human Capital Center, where he focuses on employee engagement and broad-based ownership programs across KKR's portfolio companies. Before joining KKR in 2024, he worked at McKinsey & Company on organizational transformation and change management. He holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and an MPA/ID from Harvard Kennedy School. KKR Profile: https://www.kkr.com/about/our-people/rafael-rivera Website: https://palumbowm.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/palumbowm/ Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-palumbo-podcast-your-journey-to-a-work/id1621594362 Follow The Palumbo Podcast for more conversations with founders, investors, and business leaders about building stronger companies and creating lasting value.

  3. Sep 18

    How To Communicate with Executive Presence When Seconds Matter

    When you have seconds to make an impression, knowing your subject isn't enough. You also need to know how to communicate it. On this episode of The Palumbo Podcast, Philip Palumbo sits down with Emmy Award-winning journalist turned executive presence coach and strategic communication advisor Ann Keil Dux. Ann explains how leaders, founders, and experts can communicate with greater confidence and impact, whether they're appearing on television, presenting to a prospective client, pitching an idea, or leading a meeting. Ann shares why experts often struggle to turn their knowledge into a message that actually connects, and why the key is combining the facts with a compelling story. She breaks down her "problem-solution fit" approach, explains why you should never bury the lead, and shows how understanding your audience changes the way you communicate. The conversation also explores storytelling, authenticity, emotional intelligence, body language, and what Ann calls "felt authority." She explains why your experiences, failures, setbacks, and personal stories can become powerful sources of credibility rather than things you need to hide. What You'll Learn - Why expertise alone isn't enough when communicating with an audience. - How to connect data with a story that gives people a reason to care. - Why you should never bury the lead when seconds matter. - How the problem-solution fit helps you differentiate yourself. - Why audience segmentation matters in presentations, meetings, pitches, and media interviews. - How to create a stronger opening that immediately earns attention. - How "felt authority" brings together your words, tone, and body language. - How to use body language effectively on camera, especially during tighter shots. - Why your personal experiences can strengthen your professional brand. - How storytelling and emotional intelligence help leaders build trust. About Ann Keil Dux Ann Keil Dux is an Emmy Award-winning journalist turned executive presence coach, strategic communication advisor, and founder of Dux Communications. After a successful career in television news and high-stakes reporting, she transitioned into helping executives, founders, and leadership teams communicate with greater confidence, clarity, and impact. Her work combines communication strategy, executive coaching, media training, and storytelling to help leaders show up as the strongest version of themselves. Ann holds a Global Executive MBA from the University of Miami and has completed ICF Executive Coach Training. Connect with Ann: LinkedIn: Ann Keil Dux Website: Dux Communications Connect with Phil: Website: palumbowm.com Instagram: @palumbowm If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to The Palumbo Podcast, leave a review, and share the episode with someone looking to become a stronger communicator and leader.

  4. Jul 10

     7 Ways to Build a More Valuable Business Before You Sell

    Many business owners spend decades building a successful company, yet very few prepare for the moment when someone wants to buy it. In this episode of The Palumbo Podcast, Philip Palumbo sits down with Alan Scharfstein, Founder and CEO of The DAK Group, to discuss how entrepreneurs can maximize the value of their business long before they decide to sell. Drawing on more than four decades of experience advising middle-market business owners, Alan explains why becoming "exit ready" isn't about planning for retirement. It's about building a stronger, more valuable company every day. The conversation also explores why many owners wait too long to prepare, what private equity firms are really looking for, and why strategic buyers often pay dramatically higher multiples than financial buyers. Whether you're planning to sell in two years or twenty, this episode provides practical guidance for building a business that's attractive to buyers while creating more options for your future. Key Topics Why every business owner should always be exit ready, even if selling is years away How customer concentration and supplier dependency affect buyer risk Why preparing for an exit should start several years before selling What strategic buyers value that financial buyers often don't How private equity firms evaluate acquisition opportunities Why founders should perform due diligence on buyers before accepting an offer Website: https://dakgroup.com/about-us/our-team/alan-scharfstein/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-scharfstein-0350ba31 Host Links Website: https://palumbowm.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/palumbowm/

  5. Jul 3

    How REITs Build Passive Income and Wealth

    Many investors dream of building wealth through real estate, but few want the headaches of managing tenants, repairs, financing, and maintenance. In this episode, Philip Palumbo sits down with David Auerbach, Chief Investment Officer of Hoya Capital, to explain why Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) have become one of the most overlooked income-producing investments available today. David explains how REITs work, why they distribute most of their earnings as dividends, and how investors can own some of the world's highest-quality commercial real estate with just a few dollars. Philip and David compare owning rental properties versus investing in publicly traded REITs, discussing leverage, tax treatment, dividend income, liquidity, appreciation potential, and long-term wealth creation. The conversation also explores how REIT ETFs provide diversification across multiple real estate sectors while eliminating many of the responsibilities associated with property ownership. With interest rates, inflation, and commercial real estate dominating headlines, David explains why many publicly traded REITs may be entering a stronger investment environment. He discusses dividend growth, merger activity, cap rates, financing conditions, and why long-term investors should understand the opportunities that exist across different REIT sectors. Whether you're building an income portfolio, investing for retirement, or looking for real estate exposure without becoming a landlord, this episode provides a practical framework for evaluating REIT investments. Key Points Learn how REITs generate passive income through commercial real estate ownership. Understand the biggest differences between owning rental property and investing in REITs. Why dividend growth matters more than short-term stock price movements. How REIT ETFs provide diversification across multiple real estate sectors. Why interest rates have a significant impact on REIT valuations. How commercial real estate cash flow supports long-term dividend income. Why publicly traded REITs offer greater liquidity than private real estate investments. How dividend reinvestment can accelerate long-term wealth building. What investors should understand about REIT taxation and ordinary income. Why today's REIT market could present attractive long-term opportunities. David Auerbach is the Chief Investment Officer of Hoya Capital Real Estate and publisher of the widely followed Daily REITBeat newsletter. With nearly 25 years of experience analyzing publicly traded real estate securities, he specializes in REIT investing, dividend strategies, and commercial real estate markets. Guest links Website: https://www.hoyacapital.com/executive-team LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-auerbach/ Connect with Phil Website: https://palumbowm.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/palumbowm/ If you enjoyed this conversation, follow The Palumbo Podcast for more interviews with successful investors, entrepreneurs, and financial experts sharing practical strategies for building long-term wealth.

  6. Jul 1

    Why Smart Money Stays Bullish

    Markets feel uncertain, but some of the sharpest minds in investing still see opportunity ahead. In this episode of The Phil Palumbo Podcast, Phil sits down with macro strategist Jack Janasiewicz to break down inflation, interest rates, recession fears, AI, commodities, and where the smartest capital is positioning right now. Jack shares why he believes equities can keep climbing, what the Fed may do next, and the biggest risks investors should actually be watching. Inside this episode: Why recession fears may be overblown How AI spending could fuel the next bull market The truth about rates, inflation, and affordability Where opportunities may exist in equities, commodities, and financials If you want clear thinking in a noisy market, this conversation is for you.

  7. Jun 18

    How to Break Through Business Growth Plateaus with Matthew Pohl

    Why do so many businesses hit a ceiling just when things start working—and what separates the ones that break through from the ones that stall? Matthew Pohl shares a framework that turns business complexity into predictable growth. Matthew Pohl, Founder & CEO of The ReWild Group, joins Philip Palumbo to break down what actually causes businesses to stall—and how to move past it using a stage-based approach to growth. After building, scaling, and ultimately selling his own company at a significantly higher valuation than expected, Matthew discovered a simple but powerful truth: most business owners aren’t stuck because they lack effort—they’re stuck because they’re using the wrong systems for the stage they’re in. What Causes Business Growth Plateaus? Most entrepreneurs assume more effort equals more growth. Matthew explains why that mindset eventually breaks down. As businesses scale, complexity—not effort—becomes the real constraint. He introduces the idea of “organizational rewilding,” a way of diagnosing what stage your business is actually in and aligning leadership, structure, and systems accordingly. Why Growth Stops (Even When Sales Don’t) Matthew shares how businesses often confuse revenue growth with true organizational health. Without the right structure in place, growth creates friction instead of momentum. He also breaks down the hidden indicators that signal when a business has outgrown its current operating model. Building Businesses That Scale Intentionally From employee count and complexity curves to owner-centric vs. enterprise-centric thinking, Matthew outlines how leaders can redesign their business to scale without burning out. This episode is for founders, operators, and leaders who feel like they’re pushing harder but getting less return—and want a clearer way forward. KEY TAKEAWAYS How to identify the exact stage your business is operating in before making strategic changes. Why employee count is often a stronger indicator of business complexity than revenue. How to recognize when your business systems are creating friction instead of growth. Why most growth plateaus are caused by misaligned structure, not lack of effort. How to shift from owner-centric decision-making to enterprise-centric leadership. What “organizational rewilding” means and how it applies to modern business scaling. How to diagnose hidden bottlenecks that don’t show up in financial reports. Why adding more sales without structural change can actually slow a business down. How stage-based growth thinking simplifies decision-making under complexity. How successful founders redesign roles, systems, and leadership as they scale. GUEST BIO Matthew Pohl is the Founder & CEO of The ReWild Group, a company focused on helping business owners scale using stage-based organizational growth frameworks. After building and selling his own business at a significantly higher valuation than expected, he now teaches leaders how to navigate complexity and scale intentionally. GUEST LINKS Website: https://www.rewildgroup.com/matthew-pohl-bio YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@rewildgroup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewepohl/ HOST LINKS Website: https://palumbowm.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/palumbowm/

  8. May 29

    Why Relationships Build Billionaires

    Success in real estate is not just about properties. It is about people, timing, and building systems that scale. In this episode of The Palumbo Podcast, Phil sits down with Anthony Scavo, President and Managing Partner of Basis Industrial, to break down how he helped grow the company from a small operation into a 7 million square foot industrial real estate powerhouse. Anthony shares the lessons he learned working alongside billionaire real estate families, why operations and relationships matter more than most founders realize, and how Basis Industrial is positioning itself for a massive future exit. Anthony also opens up about making the leap from employee to entrepreneur in his mid-40s, the realities of scaling a company with thousands of tenants, and why today’s real estate market still offers huge opportunities for patient investors. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why communication and relationships drive business growth How industrial real estate creates long-term wealth The mindset behind scaling toward a billion-dollar exit If you want to understand how real estate empires are truly built, this conversation delivers an inside look from someone doing it in real time.

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The Palumbo Podcast is an interview series that will profile Founders of successful private businesses. Listen in as they share their struggles and successes on their journey to the top as well as how they think about money and financial freedom. Learn how to reach your full potential in business and your life.

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