Interview with the soul behind Startup Wise Guys (Part II)

"Inside Out"?is an interview series that explores the personal journeys of successful individuals. Our focus is on the inner challenges, victories, and growth that led to their success, with an occasional discussion of how it applies to their professional lives. We believe that true success stems from inner development and aim to inspire others to follow their personal callings. By sharing their stories, our guests help connect the dots between inner growth and external achievement. This initiative is part of?Spirit X.?

The first part?of the interview can be found?here.

Are you involved in any charitable work? And do you share information about it on social media or keep it private?

I tend to keep it more private. For instance, we donated several cars to Ukraine, but I don't think I posted about it. It may have been posted by someone else. I believe that when you first start doing charitable work, you may feel proud and want to share it. However, as time goes on, you realize that what you do is more important than who knows about it. I still do charitable work even if I don't share it on social media.

However, when it comes to young entrepreneurs that we train in summer school, I share the fact that I bought a scholarship for one of the students. I believe that it's important to support and give opportunities to those who can't afford it. Summer school is a good way for young people to try out entrepreneurship and see if it's for them or not. If we only sell tickets, then only wealthy kids can attend. By buying a scholarship for a student who can't afford it, I'm doing my part to help level the playing field.

I believe it's important to help people and give them a chance, especially those who don't have a safety net. People who have more resources and a safety net are more willing to take risks, and entrepreneurship involves risk.

Have you ever had regrets or done something in the past that you can't accept now?

Yes, there have been things in the past that I wouldn't do again. However, it's important to try to understand the other person and communicate effectively to find a mutually satisfying solution. If that's not possible, it's important to end things on good terms. People change and have different goals, and that's okay. It's important to have a better understanding of your partners, whether it's in business or in your personal life, and to put aside your own ego.

May I ask how much and how often you eat and how much you sleep?

I eat small amounts frequently, which is just how my body works. Typically, I get around 7-8 hours of sleep per night, which is pretty average for most people.

Can you explain what the term "call of the soul" means to you?

To me, it means living a life where you strive to be a good person in all aspects of your life, whether it's personal or professional. It's about treating others well, not taking advantage of them, and helping them be their best selves. Having a purpose or mission in life that you enjoy is also important because, ultimately, it's the impact you leave on others that matters. It's not about leaving behind a big building or material possessions, but rather, it's about the memories and positive impact you have on people's lives. If I were to imagine my own funeral, I would want to hear from many founders who say that I had a positive impact on their lives and helped them when they needed it.

I'm content with what I'm doing because it's what I truly enjoy. Investing and helping people launch their own companies, as well as creating new financial instruments, is my passion. Recognition or not, I don't mind because doing what I love is more important to me. I have the freedom to choose and I've chosen to stick with what I love.?

Alright. Let's talk about inner wins. I believe that these are the most challenging ones because it's difficult to battle ourselves. You mentioned that you learned to listen and empathize with others, which is a significant win because it involves putting aside our egos and considering other perspectives. Another win, I think, would be learning to manage our ego, not suppressing it entirely but keeping it under control. What other victories have you achieved internally?

I believe that everyone has their own character, and mine is not easy either because I have an inner drive that constantly pushes me to strive for more. This can be annoying for people around me who aren't wired the same way. So, I need to manage my drive and not be too forceful with others who don't share the same motivation.

But you don't push your kids too hard, right?

I try to guide my children in a gentle way because I believe they should pursue their own dreams and happiness. I could be more forceful, but I give them the freedom to experiment and find their own path while providing support along the way. As a father, I do believe in pushing our children but not necessarily dictating their direction. So, I do push them a bit, but not excessively.

Have you had any other inner wins?

I believe that people often learn the most from difficult times. You don't usually learn when everything is going well but rather when things get tough. I have had my fair share of troubles. In fact, during an exercise we did in school in California, where we drew our life lines, mine looked like a sinusoid going up and down many times. During those down times, I learned a lot about myself and about others, and I had to figure things out. When things were going well, I would often be too distracted to learn anything new. But during tough times, like going through a divorce or when my business was struggling, I learned a lot. Even having a fight with a partner can teach you a lot. Life is full of these kinds of phases.

What are your guiding principles?

For me, it's all about relationships with people. In your personal life, it's important to strive to be a good person, whether that means being a good father, husband, or son. It's crucial to make time for your loved ones, to understand their unique needs, and to nurture those relationships. The same is true in business, where taking care of your partners, being proactive, and investing time and energy into those relationships are key. Balancing these different aspects of life can be challenging, but the main goal is always to be a good person and build strong relationships.

Do you separate work from family time??

Personally, I think I manage it pretty well. I do talk a little bit about business with my son because he's interested in it, and my wife, who's also in business, wants to discuss it more than I do. However, I generally prefer to keep work discussions to working hours. Being present with people is essential, and finding common ground with family members is important. Each person has different interests, and it's crucial to discover what they are and spend quality time doing them together. My partner and I enjoy water sports, traveling, skiing, and other activities. For instance, I went to the cinema with my daughter last night, and we had a spa weekend with my wife before that. Ultimately, it's about discovering what works for each individual and finding ways to engage with them on that level.

Do you have any interest in reading books?

Yes, I do like to read books. However, I must admit that I don't get the opportunity to read as much as I would like to because I have many other commitments keeping me busy. Nonetheless, reading is something that I enjoy.

What kind of sports do you enjoy doing?

Well, this morning, I did a bike ride in my kitchen. During the summer, I enjoy water sports like jet skiing and boating. I don't consider myself a very sporty person, though. I do just enough to stay active.

How do you recharge your batteries and maintain your energy levels?

For me, getting enough sleep is crucial. Spending time with friends and discussing business, and getting good results in business also gives me energy. However, I believe that energy levels are partly innate. Some people naturally have higher energy than others. Personally, my main energizer is my vision, mission, and passion for what I do. Building something new and working with great people gives me a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction that energizes me. When a business succeeds, it makes me feel happy and motivated.

Do you have any mentors or people in your life who have significantly impacted you, whether it be a teacher, family member, or friend?

Yes, I have a friend who is incredibly intelligent and provides me with unique perspectives on life that have positively influenced me.

Thank you, Herty! Thank you for empowering others to make an impact.

Author:?

Andrew Rudchuk, contributor at?Spirit X.?

P.S.

Mention the people you would like to know more about! We will reach out to them and conduct an interview.