109: How I Built a Life I Don't Need a Vacation From

For years, I chased the dream that everyone told me would bring happiness—big title, high salary, working at the top of my industry in New York City. In 2016, I had it all: I was the Chief Information Officer, working on Madison Avenue, climbing toward an IPO with equity and prestige. But deep down, it felt like hell.

I remember the breaking point clearly—another phone call to my wife, telling her I wouldn’t make it home for dinner. Again. I had three young kids at home, a beautiful family I barely saw, and despite all the money and success, I felt exhausted, frustrated, and empty.

This video is the start of my journey to build something radically different: a life I didn’t need a vacation from.

I dive into the painful realization that chasing traditional success was costing me everything that really mattered. I share how I began to redesign my life, step by step—rethinking what work meant, redefining success on my own terms, and learning to prioritize freedom, presence, and purpose over status.

This isn’t a get-rich-quick story. It’s about alignment. It’s about creating a sustainable lifestyle where your values match your calendar. In this episode, I open up honestly about what pushed me to make a change and the early steps I took to get out of the rat race.

If you've ever felt stuck in a career that looks good on paper but drains you daily, this story is for you. I hope it inspires you to ask better questions and start building a version of success that actually feels like your own.