Next Legacy Perspectives

The skillset of a startup founder and that of a public company CEO are oftentimes very different. Thus, it is rare that one CEO will lead a company throughout this journey. Sprout Social founder, Justyn Howard started the company in 2009. More than a decade later, Justyn is almost a year into his stint as the CEO of a public company. In fact, all four founders still work for the company. Hear about Justyn's journey and how the future might be even brighter in this unique founder's story. Justyn also offers candid thoughts on how to lead as an introvert, the risk profile of a business owner, and why his favorite hobby outside of work is, well, work.

Pro skateboarder was once considered a fringe sport for outsiders. When Mikey first picked up a skateboard, this was the case. Fast forward several decades, skateboarding has exploded in popularity, and the business opportunities for the sport's elite have grown along with it. Mikey has been both a symptom and a cause of this trend. His brand, identity, and priorities have evolved during this time as well. Hear Mikey discuss the business of skateboarding, the ways in which he has built passive income for himself and other athletes of a similar mindset, and how his purpose has evolved to fit his passion both as a boarder and an investor.

Mark has been an entrepreneur and professional investor for most of his adult life. His perspective on investing and the founder journey is flavored by an empathy for the difficulty that starting a company entails but also enthusiasm for how amazing it can be when everything ultimately goes right. There is lots in this podcast for both entrepreneurs and aspiring VCs. Mark offers his perspective on what it means to be entrepreneur friendly. He divulges how VC firms reward top performers and provide a feedback loop for underperformers as well. He shares the investing themes he is currently excited about but also reveals how those themes tend to emerge across the firm. In a role he describes as "half psychologist and half bartender," Mark also talks about portfolio construction when he feels "every company is gonna be the next Google" at the time of investment.

Christian Ponder is no stranger to success. Yet, this candid conversation delves more into his struggles than his highlight reel. Christian's vulnerability and reflectiveness around what drove him to success, but also what ultimately held him back, exposes a realness not often seen in a superstar. Christian shares insight on his faith, questions around his identity as he left the game of football, self doubt, and how he is cultivating a new passion by diving into the world of entrepreneurship. His story will hit home with anyone looking for inspiration to have the courage to be vulnerable.

Ryan Darnell has a fascinating story from college athlete, to working on Kenny Chesney's rum company, to starting a VC firm. Max Ventures is an early stage fund that focuses mostly on NYC and the Nordics, specifically Sweden. Hear Ryan talk about why this unique geographic focus has been a winning formula and how they have approached growth as they embark upon Fund III. Ryan's thoughtful approach to VC has allowed him to back some of the hottest startups in NYC. Any aspiring VCs will find his advice helpful on the chicken & egg challenge of track record vs. raising capital.

Vernon Davis has worn many hats. He is one of the fastest tight ends to ever put on an NFL uniform. He collected Super Bowl trophies and Pro Bowl accolades. He is also an artist, an avid curling fan, and a successful investor. As an investor Vernon has had some huge hits in franchising and startup investing, but he has also learned some tough lessons about trusting the wrong people to manage his wealth. This week's Next Play Perspectives podcast delves into all of these topics and more.

After a storied college football career at Notre Dame, Rick Mirer was the #2 pick in the NFL Draft and the Rookie of the Year in his first season. From there, he went on to play for seven NFL teams over twelve seasons. Rick credits this exposure to so many different teams, playbooks, and cultures for his knack for building relationships in his life since he retired in 2004. Rick is now the owner of Mirror Wines, a business he has been cultivating for the last decade. Their Napa Valley wine is poured at some of the nicest restaurants in the country. Rick and Ryan's conversation covers the wine business, personal investing, plenty of football, and much more.

Do you know many NCAA football players who major in mechanical engineering? That anomaly is just the tip of the iceberg in the many ways that Zane Beadles defies stereotypes and carves his own path through life. Hear this thoughtful recently retired NFL trench warfare specialist share his mentality on and off the field. From blocking for Peyton Manning to protecting his family's nest egg from unforeseen risks, the themes that guide Zane outlook and philosophy remain remarkably consistent.

Brendon Ayanbadejo grew up in the housing projects of Chicago. Yet, even today, he reflects on the formative lessons he learned in those tough, early years in orienting him to achieve all manners of success. Brendon is a Super Bowl Champion, a 3x Pro Bowler, and one of the largest OrangeTheory Fitness franchisees in the country. He doesn't shy away from putting his goals and ambitions out there publicly, instead feeling that his openness on such matters forces him to hold himself accountable and allows others to be inspired by the long odds Brendon has overcome time and again. Brendon is a pioneer in the LGBTQ community, having used his platform to support equality, and specifically same-sex marriage, dating all the way back to his playing days, which at the time, was rare candor from an active NFL player. Tune in to hear Brendon talk about his success in building an OrangeTheory fitness empire that dwarfs the wealth generation he saw from being an NFL player. Brendon is sure to inspire you to set big goals and work relentless to achieve them.

Rhone founder Nate Checketts shares his founding insights into building one of the most successful direct to consumer luxury men's athletic wear brands. Nate dives into time management, balancing entrepreneurship with fatherhood, channeling failure to drive future success, and many more broadly applicable insights. Nate also offers strong opinions on when to use your gut versus when to lean on data, productivity hacks (hint: busier is better & planning is key), and his tricks for an angel investing track record with an impressively high hit ratio. Nate's impressive résumé comes packaged alongside a values-driven leader for whom financial returns are more of a by-product than a stated goal.