Antatole Faykin on Where to Get Relationship Advice in Your Mid 30s

In Chapter 4 of 12 in his 2012 Capture Your Flag interview, entrepreneur Anatole Faykin answers "At This Point in Your Life, Where Are You Seeking Advice and Coaching?"  Faykin still finds himself asking his closest friends for advice.  He finds the friends he has known a long while are able to understand where he is coming from and give him answers.  Faykin finds this useful asking his friends about what it is like to settle down and start a family. 

Anatole Faykin is an entrepreneur currently working on a new startup as part of the Startup Chile incubator program in Santiago, Chile.  Previously, Faykin founded Tuanpin, a Shanghai, China-based daily deals site he grew to 25 employees and sold in the fall of 2011. He has worked for British Telecom in London, Intel in Shanghai, American Express in New York, and Oracle in San Francisco as well as several startups. He holds an MBA from the NYU Stern School of Business and a BS in computer science and biology from the California Institute of Technology.

Anatole Faykin on How Personal Priorities Change With Age

In Chapter 5 of 12 in his 2012 Capture Your Flag interview, entrepreneur Anatole Faykin answers "How Are Your Personal Priorities Changing as You Get Older?"  Faykin notes how not settling down in a marriage while he was in his 20s has him looking for love in his mid-30s.  As he looks for a long-term relationship that he hopes turns into marriage and starting a family, Faykin notes the challenge of having big conversations on early dates.  He also addresses challenges that come from society not encouraging waiting to get married as well as the challenge that comes with his jet setting international lifestyle. 

Anatole Faykin is an entrepreneur currently working on a new startup as part of the Startup Chile incubator program in Santiago, Chile.  Previously, Faykin founded Tuanpin, a Shanghai, China-based daily deals site he grew to 25 employees and sold in the fall of 2011. He has worked for British Telecom in London, Intel in Shanghai, American Express in New York, and Oracle in San Francisco as well as several startups. He holds an MBA from the NYU Stern School of Business and a BS in computer science and biology from the California Institute of Technology.

Anatole Faykin: How Entrepreneurship Facilitates Personal Growth

In Chapter 7 of 12 in his 2012 Capture Your Flag interview, entrepreneur Anatole Faykin answers "How Have Your Entrepreneurial Experiences Helped You Grow as a Person?"  Faykin shares how his experience building teams, products and businesses as an entrepreneur have made him more confident.  He gains confidence as he builds experience.  He notes why it is important not to confuse confidence for arrogance or foolishness. 

Anatole Faykin is an entrepreneur currently working on a new startup as part of the Startup Chile incubator program in Santiago, Chile.  Previously, Faykin founded Tuanpin, a Shanghai, China-based daily deals site he grew to 25 employees and sold in the fall of 2011. He has worked for British Telecom in London, Intel in Shanghai, American Express in New York, and Oracle in San Francisco as well as several startups. He holds an MBA from the NYU Stern School of Business and a BS in computer science and biology from the California Institute of Technology.

Conrad Doucette on How Personal Priorities Change With Age

In Chapter 1 of 19 in his 2012 Capture Your Flag interview, musician Conrad Doucette answers "How Are Your Personal Priorities Changing as You Get Older?"  In his younger days, Doucette notes how his life was more narrowly focused.  As he gets older and his family relationships grow, he becomes more aware of the people in his life and caring for their respective needs and wellbeing. 

Conrad Doucette is a Brooklyn musician and the drummer for Takka Takka, which released its 3rd studio album, AM Landscapes, in late 2012.  He has performed with Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead, The National, Alina Simone, and many other leading acts.  When not performing music, Doucette is the communications and brand director at music licensing and publishing startup Jingle Punks.  Doucette earned a BA in History from the University of Michigan.

Conrad Doucette on How Reflection Informs Personal Growth

In Chapter 4 of 19 in his 2012 Capture Your Flag interview, musician Conrad Doucette answers "What Role Has Reflection Played in Shaping Your Personal Growth?"  When Doucette looks back on his past, he reflects on decisions he did and did not make.  As he gets older, he finds he is better prepared to think through why he made those decisions and how to better prepare for the future. 

Conrad Doucette is a Brooklyn musician and the drummer for Takka Takka, which released its 3rd studio album, AM Landscapes, in late 2012.  He has performed with Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead, The National, Alina Simone, and many other leading acts.  When not performing music, Doucette is the communications and brand director at music licensing and publishing startup Jingle Punks.  Doucette earned a BA in History from the University of Michigan.

Conrad Doucette on How Family Relationships Change With Age

In Chapter 6 of 19 in his 2012 Capture Your Flag interview, musician Conrad Doucette answers "How Are Your Family Relationships Changing As You Get Older?"  Doucette notes how he is becoming more aware of what his family members have gone through in the past.  As he gets older he seeks to learn and appreciate the lives of his parents.  As an uncle watching his nieces and nephews growing up, Doucette is reminded of a child's view of the world. 

Conrad Doucette is a Brooklyn musician and the drummer for Takka Takka, which released its 3rd studio album, AM Landscapes, in late 2012.  He has performed with Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead, The National, Alina Simone, and many other leading acts.  When not performing music, Doucette is the communications and brand director at music licensing and publishing startup Jingle Punks.  Doucette earned a BA in History from the University of Michigan.

How Nieces and Nephews Inspire Creative Thinking - Conrad Doucette

In Chapter 7 of 19 in his 2012 Capture Your Flag interview, musician Conrad Doucette answers "What Have You Found Most Gratifying About Being an Uncle?"  Doucette, an uncle to multiple nieces and nephews, details the joys of having young children in his live.  He finds it eye-opening to see things through a child's eyes, especially creative tools.  Seeing the creative side flourish in his nieces and nephews provides Doucette creative inspiration in his music writing and playing. 

Conrad Doucette is a Brooklyn musician and the drummer for Takka Takka, which released its 3rd studio album, AM Landscapes, in late 2012.  He has performed with Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead, The National, Alina Simone, and many other leading acts.  When not performing music, Doucette is the communications and brand director at music licensing and publishing startup Jingle Punks.  Doucette earned a BA in History from the University of Michigan.

How Being Assertive Builds Confidence - Conrad Doucette

In Chapter 19 of 19 in his 2012 Capture Your Flag interview, musician Conrad Doucette answers "Where Are You Becoming More Confident?"  Doucette notes how he is becoming more confident by asserting himself.  He notes how he is becoming more aware in his life and career and the experience that comes with it.  By being more aware, Doucette better knows when to assert himself and take action, which gives him confidence he can do it more regularly and in different aspects of his life.  It teaches Doucette to bring out the best in other people and to identify his own weak points and make them stronger.  As he sets future goals, including releasing and promoting a new Takka Takka album - AM Landscapes - and playing with musicians outside his band. 

Conrad Doucette is a Brooklyn musician and the drummer for Takka Takka, which released its 3rd studio album, AM Landscapes, in late 2012.  He has performed with Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead, The National, Alina Simone, and many other leading acts.  When not performing music, Doucette is the communications and brand director at music licensing and publishing startup Jingle Punks.  Doucette earned a BA in History from the University of Michigan.

Matt Ruby on How Childhood Independent Play Develops Imagination

In Chapter 1 of 19 in his 2012 Capture Your Flag interview, standup comedian Matt Ruby answers "What Childhood Experiences Have Been Most Fundamental in Shaping Who You Are Today?"  Ruby talks about why being left alone to play encouraged his imagination and creative development. 

Matt Ruby is a standup comedian and comedy writer based in New York City.  He produces a video comic strip at Vooza.com, co-produces the weekly show "Hot Soup", co-hosts the monthly show "We're All Friends Here", and writes a comedy blog "Sandpaper Suit".  Ruby graduated from Northwestern University. 

Matt Ruby on How Family Supports Creative Career Aspirations

In Chapter 2 of 19 in his 2012 Capture Your Flag interview, standup comedian Matt Ruby answers "Where Has Your Family Been Most Supportive in Your Career Development?"  Ruby found support in his Mom, an artist and arts supporter, who encouraged him to perform.  He also finds family comfort with leaving each other alone a positive in fostering his imagination and creativity.  Matt Ruby is a standup comedian and comedy writer based in New York City.  He produces a video comic strip at Vooza.com, co-produces the weekly show "Hot Soup", co-hosts the monthly show "We're All Friends Here", and writes a comedy blog "Sandpaper Suit".  Ruby graduated from Northwestern University. 

Matt Ruby on How Family Relationships Change With Age

In Chapter 3 of 19 in his 2012 Capture Your Flag interview, standup comedian Matt Ruby answers "How Are Your Family Relationships Changing As You Get Older?"  Coming from a small family, Ruby realizes the importance of building better bonds with his father and sister and puts an emphasis on hanging out more frequently than he did in the past. 

Matt Ruby is a standup comedian and comedy writer based in New York City.  He produces a video comic strip at Vooza.com, co-produces the weekly show "Hot Soup", co-hosts the monthly show "We're All Friends Here", and writes a comedy blog "Sandpaper Suit".  Ruby graduated from Northwestern University. 

Matt Ruby on How to Rebound From Rejection

In Chapter 6 of 19 in his 2012 Capture Your Flag interview, standup comedian Matt Ruby answers "How Do You Deal With Rejection?"  Ruby, a self-appointed rejection expert, offers tips on how to get through those moments.  He learns along the way that putting up with the bad parts helps you get to the good parts.  He notes the importance of having a positive self-image that is grounded so you understand why you are getting rejected when trying to hit your goals. 

Matt Ruby is a standup comedian and comedy writer based in New York City.  He produces a video comic strip at Vooza.com, co-produces the weekly show "Hot Soup", co-hosts the monthly show "We're All Friends Here", and writes a comedy blog "Sandpaper Suit".  Ruby graduated from Northwestern University. 

Matt Ruby on How Personal Priorities Change With Age

In Chapter 8 of 19 in his 2012 Capture Your Flag interview, standup comedian Matt Ruby answers "How Are Your Personal Priorities Changing as You Get Older?"  Ruby notes how personal connections are becoming more important to him as he gets older.  Also, he notes how before he wanted to experience a lot of little things and now he prefers to do big things while getting things done with his work.  He talks about how mortality is a motivator and Matt Ruby is a standup comedian and comedy writer based in New York City.  He produces a video comic strip at Vooza.com, co-produces the weekly show "Hot Soup", co-hosts the monthly show "We're All Friends Here", and writes a comedy blog "Sandpaper Suit".  Ruby graduated from Northwestern University. 

Matt Ruby on How to Break Out of a Comfort Zone

In Chapter 11 of 19 in his 2012 Capture Your Flag interview, standup comedian Matt Ruby answers "What is Your Comfort Zone and What Do You Do To Break Free of Living In It?"  Ruby notes how his comfort zone is actually being in an uncomfortable place.  His life is always about doing new things, moving to new places, trying new stuff, and hanging out with new people.  After performing comedy for over five years, Ruby finds himself trying to stick with things more often and more fully embrace who he has met and what he has done. 

Matt Ruby is a standup comedian and comedy writer based in New York City.  He co-produces the weekly show "Hot Soup", co-hosts the monthly show "We're All Friends Here", and manages a comedy blog "Sandpaper Suit".  Ruby graduated from Northwestern University. 

Garren Katz on What Gets Easier and What Gets Harder

In Chapter 1 of 15 in his 2012 Capture Your Flag interview, business and personal coach Garren Katz answers "What is Getting Easier and What is Getting Harder in Your Life?"  Katz finds himself stressing less and getting more comfortable with the decisions he makes.  As far as what is getting harder, Katz notes a growing challenge in his life is taking on more responsibilities that come with his desire to live better and more fully. 

Garren Katz is a business and personal coach based in State College, PA and advises his national client base on small business management, entrepreneurship, relationships, and personal finances.  He is also an active angel investor in several business ventures.  He earned his BA from Western Michigan University. 

Transcript: 

Erik Michielsen: What is getting easier and what is getting harder in your life?

Garren Katz: I would say life, actually, is getting easier. Trusting myself, trusting that whatever decision I choose is going to work out and it’s going to work out well. Not stressing as much about the little things that really don’t matter. The older I get the more clear, the more in focus priorities become. That’s getting easier. What’s getting harder is as I take on more in life, strengthening that inner accountability to be able to execute, you know, playing a bigger game, living a bigger life. I wouldn’t say that’s dauntingly harder, but it is more challenging. It’s a great challenge but that’s getting harder.

Garren Katz on Finding Nontraditional Career Inspiration

In Chapter 2 of 15 in his 2012 Capture Your Flag interview, business and personal coach Garren Katz answers "What Role Has Family Played in Shaping Your Career Aspirations?"   Katz notes how both his father and stepfather owned their own businesses.  Watching each manage his respective small business teaches Katz to understand job options beyond 9 to 5 careers.  Katz also takes inspiration from his mother, who changes career in her late 40s, and learns to appreciate having a continuing curiosity to expand interest and skills in life.  Garren Katz is a business and personal coach based in State College, PA and advises his national client base on small business management, entrepreneurship, relationships, and personal finances.  He is also an active angel investor in several business ventures.  He earned his BA from Western Michigan University. 

Transcript: 

Erik Michielsen: What role has family played in shaping your career aspirations? 

Garren Katz: You know both my father and my stepfather own their own businesses, so I would say I always, you know, I grew up in an environment where a 9-to-5 job was never the norm, and it gave me a lot of confidence to perhaps not take the traditional -- some of the more traditional paths career-wise. So I think that definitely shaped me the fact that both male—significant male figures in my life own their own business.

 And then my mother, she’s the vice president of a college in the Midwest. She really found her stride later in life, in her late-40s and now is extremely accomplished, and I think that even gave me a lot of confidence to understand that, you know, the journey can be long, and it is exactly that, it’s not this scripted, you know, pap-pap-pap-pap-pap and end up here. You can really find yourself in your 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, the opportunity is always there to find yourself and so I think at whatever age you are, you should still be seeking and looking to hit your stride, and even if you think you’ve hit your stride, continue to look because there’s always fantastic opportunities to expand yourself.

Garren Katz on How to Talk About a Career Change Decision

In Chapter 3 of 15 in his 2012 Capture Your Flag interview, business and personal coach Garren Katz answers "How Did You Set Expectations With Others and Yourself Making a Career Change?"  Katz notes how he was uncertain how to talk about his experiences and intentions going through the process.  Over time, Katz gets more clear on his journey and goals and in turn is better able to answer questions about why he did what he did. 

Garren Katz is a business and personal coach based in State College, PA and advises his national client base on small business management, entrepreneurship, relationships, and personal finances.  He is also an active angel investor in several business ventures.  He earned his BA from Western Michigan University. 

When to Leave a Cruise Control Job and Change Careers

In Chapter 4 of 15 in his 2012 Capture Your Flag interview, business and personal coach Garren Katz answers "What Has Been Most Challenging About Changing Careers and Becoming a Coach?"  For Katz it is finances.  Working in sales for many years, Katz finds it easy to be on cruise control.  Moving into coaching, Katz starts from scratch not only from a financial perspective but also from a confidence perspective.  He talks about his experience building a new foundation in his new career. 

Garren Katz is a business and personal coach based in State College, PA and advises his national client base on small business management, entrepreneurship, relationships, and personal finances.  He is also an active angel investor in several business ventures.  He earned his BA from Western Michigan University.