Electric Cars

At the tender age of twenty-five, Brandon Card achieved the coveted millionaire status. Yet, this significant financial milestone did not bring him the profound satisfaction he had anticipated. His professional trajectory, marked by successful stints at tech giants like Microsoft, Oracle, and IBM, was outwardly impressive. However, beneath the surface, a yearning for something more meaningful simmered. His early angel investments, a daring foray into the volatile world of nascent startups, yielded substantial returns, but the material acquisitions that followed—luxury cars, multiple homes, and a boat—proved to be fleeting sources of joy. Card found greater fulfillment in empowering other innovators through his investments, realizing that true impact transcended personal gain. The onset of the pandemic, coupled with devastating personal losses, further crystallized his understanding: genuine wealth lies not in financial accumulation, but in health, purpose, and the strength of human connections. This realization fueled his commitment to fostering a supportive environment at his own AI venture, Terzo, where employee well-being, particularly mental health, became a cornerstone of his leadership philosophy.

The Evolution of an Entrepreneur: From Corporate Ladders to Compassionate Leadership

In the vibrant year of 2020, at a pivotal moment for artificial intelligence, Brandon Card embarked on a new chapter, co-founding Terzo, an innovative AI platform designed to streamline third-party spending for businesses. This bold move saw him leave a secure corporate path and personally inject a million dollars into his vision. Almost immediately, the world was plunged into the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic, a period that brought immense personal hardship for Card, including the loss of his grandmother and a young cousin. The profound vulnerability he felt for his family led him to temporarily relocate to upstate New York to be close to them, underscoring the fragility of life and the limitations of wealth in ensuring safety and comfort. This tumultuous period reinforced his conviction that monetary success, while useful, paled in comparison to the paramount importance of health and strong familial bonds. By 2022, despite the initial struggles, Terzo had secured a Series A investment of $16 million, marking a significant triumph. However, tragedy struck again in January 2024 with the untimely passing of his co-founder and close friend. This devastating loss tested his resilience, with many questioning the company's future. Yet, fueled by determination and a desire to honor his friend's legacy, Card continued to propel Terzo forward, nearing his ambitious goal of cultivating a billion-dollar enterprise.

Brandon Card's journey offers a powerful lesson: true prosperity extends far beyond financial ledgers. His experience demonstrates that while early wealth can provide opportunities, genuine happiness and fulfillment are cultivated through purpose, meaningful relationships, and a steadfast commitment to the well-being of oneself and others. His dedication to destigmatizing mental health in the workplace, particularly within his own company, is a commendable and forward-thinking approach. By openly sharing his own therapeutic experiences and aspiring to integrate in-house mental health support, he is actively shaping a corporate culture that values human flourishing as much as, if not more than, financial performance. This commitment not only honors the memory of his co-founder but also serves as an inspiring blueprint for other organizations, advocating for a more compassionate and holistic model of success in the modern business landscape. His story resonates as a testament to resilience, empathy, and the pursuit of a richer definition of wealth.

Skateboarding icon Tony Hawk shares insights into his evolving perspectives on family, career, and physical activity as he navigates life in his late fifties. He highlights the profound shift in his priorities, emphasizing the joy of grandparenting, the deliberate efforts to dedicate more time to loved ones, and a refined approach to his professional endeavors. Hawk underscores the importance of staying active, not just through skateboarding, but also through other forms of exercise, recognizing these as key to maintaining both physical and mental vitality. His reflections offer a unique glimpse into the life of a legend who continues to embrace new chapters with grace and enthusiasm.

Hawk, a father of several grown children, reflects on the journey of parenthood, noting that each child requires a distinct approach. He mentions the impending college departure of his youngest, a milestone that brings a mix of nostalgia and new challenges. With years of experience guiding five children into adulthood, he and his wife have honed their parenting skills, although some perennial parental struggles, like getting a teenager to tidy their room, persist. The arrival of his nearly two-year-old grandson has introduced him to the unique pleasures of being a grandparent – a role, he notes, that allows for pure, unadulterated fun, free from the disciplinary duties of a parent.

Over the years, Hawk has consciously restructured his life to better integrate his demanding career as an athlete and entrepreneur with his family responsibilities. He candidly admits that balancing these roles was a learning process, but with age, he has become more adept at prioritizing. This newfound skill has not only enhanced his effectiveness in his career but, more importantly, has allowed him to be more present for his children and grandson. He acknowledges that saying 'no' to certain opportunities, however enticing, has been empowering. His decisions are now guided by a larger vision: how an opportunity benefits the skateboarding community as a whole, rather than solely personal gain. This thoughtful approach reflects a deeper maturity and a desire to leverage his influence for a greater purpose.

His relationship with skateboarding has also transformed. While he still embraces the sport, his perspective on risk has evolved. Now at 58, he eschews the high-flying aerial maneuvers of his youth, opting instead for intricate techniques and challenging tricks that offer a different kind of exhilaration. Each successful 'ollie' is no longer taken for granted but is cherished as a precious gift. This shift signifies a profound appreciation for his continued ability to engage with his passion, a sentiment that resonates deeply as he approaches his sixties. He expresses immense gratitude for being able to continue what he loves, albeit with a modified approach that prioritizes longevity and sustained enjoyment.

Beyond skateboarding, Hawk has incorporated other physical activities into his routine, including weightlifting and stretching, practices he neglected for much of his career. These additions are part of his commitment to the 'Move Like A Champion' initiative with Qunol, emphasizing that movement, in any form, is vital for staying youthful. Whether it's dancing, walking a pet, or playfully chasing a grandchild, physical activity and play are crucial for both physical health and mental well-being. He fondly recalls a recent beach outing with his family, where the simple joy of tossing a Frisbee and hearing his children's laughter underscored the profound value of these spontaneous, shared moments. These small, interconnected experiences, he concludes, are the true treasures of his life, symbolizing unity, activity, and happiness among his loved ones.