Video Interviews — Capture Your Flag

Family Foundations

Cathy Erway on Learning Passions From Role Model Grandparents

In Chapter 1 of 20 in her 2014 Capture Your Flag interview, author and food writer Cathy Erway answers "What Were Your Grandparents Like and How Did They Influence Your Development?" Erway shares how one grandfather shared his appreciation for music and writing poetry with his grandchildren, influencing their artistic education path. Her other grandfather showed Erway an appreciation for having a passion for cooking and gardening.

Cathy Erway is an author, food writer, freelance copywriter, radio show host and teacher focused on healthy food advocacy. Her second book, "The Food of Taiwan: Recipes From the Beautiful Island" is a cookbook featuring Taiwanese recipes ranging from homestyle dishes to street food favorites. Her first book, "The Art of Eating In" developed from her blog "Not Eating Out in New York".  Erway earned a BA in creative writing from Emerson College. 

Cathy Erway on How Fourth of July BBQs Build Family Traditions

In Chapter 2 of 20 in her 2014 Capture Your Flag interview, author and food writer Cathy Erway answers "What Childhood Experiences Have Been Most Fundamental in Shaping Who You Are Today?" Erway shares how every Fourth of July her family and neighbors would come together for a barbeque to make large meals together. She shares how each year had a different theme and how Fourth of July BBQ food would be more than hamburgers and hot dogs.

Cathy Erway is an author, food writer, freelance copywriter, radio show host and teacher focused on healthy food advocacy. Her second book, "The Food of Taiwan: Recipes From the Beautiful Island" is a cookbook featuring Taiwanese recipes ranging from homestyle dishes to street food favorites. Her first book, "The Art of Eating In" developed from her blog "Not Eating Out in New York".  Erway earned a BA in creative writing from Emerson College. 

Cathy Erway on Identifying Sources of Strength and Struggle

In Chapter 20 of 20 in her 2014 Capture Your Flag interview, author and food writer Cathy Erway answers "At This Moment in Time, What are the Sources of Strength and Struggle in Your Life?" Erway shares how friends and family have been sources of strength for her. She shares how her family has come together in unexpected ways to encourage her while she writes her cookbook on Taiwanese food. Erway shares how it can be difficult to adapt to the many changes that come with freelance writing project work and how she is working on balancing change and consistency.

Cathy Erway is an author, food writer, freelance copywriter, radio show host and teacher focused on healthy food advocacy. Her second book, "The Food of Taiwan: Recipes From the Beautiful Island" is a cookbook featuring Taiwanese recipes ranging from homestyle dishes to street food favorites. Her first book, "The Art of Eating In" developed from her blog "Not Eating Out in New York".  Erway earned a BA in creative writing from Emerson College. 

Phil McKenzie on How West Indian Grandmothers Inspire Family Values

In Chapter 1 of 20 in his 2014 Capture Your Flag interview, entrepreneur Phil McKenzie answers "What Were Your Grandparents Like and How Did They Influence Your Development?" McKenzie shares how his West Indian grandmothers shaped his family values, teaching him to appreciate life and also what it means to be a committed caretaker in a large family. Being around them gives him the confidence to aspire high and develop a strong sense of ambition.

Philip L. McKenzie is the Founder of Influencer Conference, a global content platform that brings together tastemakers in the arts, entrepreneurship, philanthropy and technology to discuss influencer culture. Previously, he led an influencer marketing agency and was an equities trader at Goldman, Sachs & Co. He earned an MBA from Duke University and a BBA from Howard University.

Phil McKenzie on How Financial Planning Goals Change With Age

In Chapter 19 of 20 in his 2014 Capture Your Flag interview, entrepreneur Phil McKenzie answers "As You Get Older, How Are Your Financial Planning Goals Changing?" McKenzie shares how life in his 40s has shifted his attention from personal financial security to focusing on caring for aging parents, siblings and relatives. He shares how this translates into creating a sense of urgency as an entrepreneur to create focus and structure that creates greater financial stability.

Philip L. McKenzie is the Founder of Influencer Conference, a global content platform that brings together tastemakers in the arts, entrepreneurship, philanthropy and technology to discuss influencer culture. Previously, he led an influencer marketing agency and was an equities trader at Goldman, Sachs & Co. He earned an MBA from Duke University and a BBA from Howard University.

Mike Germano: Having a Baby and Selling a Business in the Same Year

In Chapter 1 of 23 in his 2014 Capture Your Flag interview, VICE Media Chief Digital Officer Mike Germano answers "Since We Spoke a Year Ago, What Has Been the Most Exciting Thing to Happen in Your Life?"  In the year in between his last Capture Your Flag interview and this one, Year 5 in his career documentary, Germano shares what it was like starting a family - becoming a first-time father - and selling his business Carrot Creative to VICE Media in the same year. On top of it all, he and his business partner also invest in a pizza restaurant, Forino, giving him a place to celebrate all the positive news.

Mike Germano is Chief Digital Officer at VICE Media, a global youth media company based in Brooklyn, New York. Germano joined VICE Media via its 2013 acquisition of Carrot Creative, a social media agency he co-founded and led as CEO. 

Mike Germano on Setting Aspirations as a New Father

In Chapter 3 of 23 in his 2014 Capture Your Flag interview, VICE Media Chief Digital Officer Mike Germano answers "To What Do You Aspire as a Father?" Germano shares how he aspires to be a supportive, encouraging father who pushes his son, and hopefully future children, to be the best they can be. He builds upon the support received from his own parents to look for ways to get behind his child's passions and help them learn and grow.

Mike Germano is Chief Digital Officer at VICE Media, a global youth media company based in Brooklyn, New York. Germano joined VICE Media via its 2013 acquisition of Carrot Creative, a social media agency he co-founded and led as CEO. 

Mike Germano on How Parents React to Becoming Grandparents

In Chapter 4 of 23 in his 2014 Capture Your Flag interview, VICE Media Chief Digital Officer Mike Germano answers "How Have Your Parents Transitioned into Becoming Grandparents?" The oldest of three siblings, Germano is the first child in his family to have a baby. His parents, both Italian-American, react with joy and pour their love into their new grandson.

Mike Germano is Chief Digital Officer at VICE Media, a global youth media company based in Brooklyn, New York. Germano joined VICE Media via its 2013 acquisition of Carrot Creative, a social media agency he co-founded and led as CEO. 

Mike Germano on Balancing Service and Self to Live a Fuller Life

In Chapter 5 of 23 in his 2014 Capture Your Flag interview, VICE Media Chief Digital Officer Mike Germano answers "How Are You Learning to Better Balance Service and Self in How You Live Your Life?" Germano shares just how much changed in his life when he learned his wife was pregnant with their first child. He notes how before it had been about serving others and then, with the baby on the way, it made him realize he needed to take care of himself. This meant putting family first and making time away from the office. It also meant putting a higher priority on eating healthier and exercising more regularly. He notes how selling his business helped give him financial freedom to better balance work and home and, with this, actually be able to give more at work each day.

Mike Germano is Chief Digital Officer at VICE Media, a global youth media company based in Brooklyn, New York. Germano joined VICE Media via its 2013 acquisition of Carrot Creative, a social media agency he co-founded and led as CEO. 

Mike Germano on Debunking the Business is a Family Myth

In Chapter 6 of 23 in his 2014 Capture Your Flag interview, VICE Media Chief Digital Officer Mike Germano answers "How Was Creating a Company Like Building a Family?" Germano often hears how building a company is like raising a family. He disagrees and debunks the "business as family" myth, noting that while you can pivot from a business model or stop a business you cannot stop a family.  He notes while you can fire employees you can never fire your kids. Germano notes that, yes, caring is a part of both, however family decisions and business decisions have very different contexts.

Mike Germano is Chief Digital Officer at VICE Media, a global youth media company based in Brooklyn, New York. Germano joined VICE Media via its 2013 acquisition of Carrot Creative, a social media agency he co-founded and led as CEO. 

Mike Germano on Identifying Sources of Strength and Struggle

In Chapter 21 of 23 in his 2014 Capture Your Flag interview, VICE Media Chief Digital Officer Mike Germano answers "At This Moment in Time, What Are the Sources of Strength and Struggle in Your Life?" Germano shares how his wife provides him the support he needs to succeed professionally and how time spent with his son makes him stronger. He also shares his struggle with wanting to please everybody and worrying about too many outsider requests can cause him to lose focus.

Mike Germano is Chief Digital Officer at VICE Media, a global youth media company based in Brooklyn, New York. Germano joined VICE Media via its 2013 acquisition of Carrot Creative, a social media agency he co-founded and led as CEO. 

Jullien Gordon on Rethinking Career as an Expecting Father

In Chapter 1 of 19 in his 2014 Capture Your Flag interview, business coach and public speaker Jullien Gordon answers "Since We Last Spoke a Year Ago, What Has Been the Most Exciting Thing to Happen in Your Life?" Gordon shares the big news that he and his wife will be expecting their first baby in six months. Preparing to be a first-time father pushes Gordon to re-evaluate his life and the role he wants to play as a parent and working dad.

Jullien Gordon is a business coach and consultant to organizations, individuals and teams who want to increase performance, motivation, engagement and retention. Gordon is also a public speaker on career planning for colleges, conferences, and corporations. He earned a BA from UCLA and MBA and M. Ed degrees from Stanford University. 

Jullien Gordon on Buying a Home as a Newlywed Couple

In Chapter 3 of 19 in his 2014 Capture Your Flag interview, business coach and public speaker Jullien Gordon answers "How Did You and Your Spouse Go About the Decision to Buy Your First Home?" Gordon shares how he and his wife decided to become first-time homeowners. He notes the myth of American Dream home ownership, given the bank owns most of the home given the loans needed for financing. He and his wife look for creative ways to maintain financial freedom and buy a three-family home that can also be used as a rental property to offset mortgage costs.

Jullien Gordon is a business coach and consultant to organizations, individuals and teams who want to increase performance, motivation, engagement and retention. Gordon is also a public speaker on career planning for colleges, conferences, and corporations. He earned a BA from UCLA and MBA and M. Ed degrees from Stanford University. 

Jullien Gordon on Learning to Leave Work at Work

In Chapter 4 of 19 in his 2014 Capture Your Flag interview, business coach and public speaker Jullien Gordon answers "What Have You Learned About Managing Expectations at Home While Building a Business?" Gordon shares how he decided to stop working from home and get an office. He shares how he uses the office space to create a boundary between work and home so he can be more present at night with his wife and focus on her and not work.

Jullien Gordon is a business coach and consultant to organizations, individuals and teams who want to increase performance, motivation, engagement and retention. Gordon is also a public speaker on career planning for colleges, conferences, and corporations. He earned a BA from UCLA and MBA and M. Ed degrees from Stanford University. 

Jullien Gordon on Investing in Coaches to Improve Life and Career

In Chapter 8 of 19 in his 2014 Capture Your Flag interview, business coach and public speaker Jullien Gordon answers "At This Moment in Your Life, Where Are You Seeking Advice and Coaching?" Gordon shares how investing in coaches has helped him personally and professionally. Professionally, Gordon hires a marketing coach to get clear on his audience and better understand their needs. Personally, Gordon and his wife invest in a relationship coach to help them identify, set and achieve goals and priorities as a married couple.

Jullien Gordon is a business coach and consultant to organizations, individuals and teams who want to increase performance, motivation, engagement and retention. Gordon is also a public speaker on career planning for colleges, conferences, and corporations. He earned a BA from UCLA and MBA and M. Ed degrees from Stanford University. 

Jullien Gordon on Committing to Help an Alcoholic Family Member

In Chapter 12 of 19 in his 2014 Capture Your Flag interview, business coach and public speaker Jullien Gordon answers "How Do You Measure the Quality of Relationships in Your Life?" Gordon shares how he measures relationships based on deep or frequent contact. He notes how he has reprioritized the relationship he has with his mother, a recovering alcoholic. Going through Al-Anon, a program for relatives of alcoholics, Gordon realizes he can do more than hand off responsibility to his mom's Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) sponsor. He chooses to make a daily commitment to call his mom each day and be there for her on her recovery journey.

Jullien Gordon is a business coach and consultant to organizations, individuals and teams who want to increase performance, motivation, engagement and retention. Gordon is also a public speaker on career planning for colleges, conferences, and corporations. He earned a BA from UCLA and MBA and M. Ed degrees from Stanford University. 

Jullien Gordon on Identifying Sources of Strength and Struggle

In Chapter 19 of 19 in his 2014 Capture Your Flag interview, business coach and public speaker Jullien Gordon answers "At This Moment in Time, What Are the Sources of Strength and Struggle in Your Life?" As an expecting father, Gordon shares how his wife is a source of strength for both business and family. Gordon struggles with the isolation and loneliness of entrepreneurship. He looks to how thought leaders such as Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, and Jay-Z have benefitted from the power of two. He turns his attention to finding a business partner who can provide accountability and motivation to raise his game and bring out his best.

Jullien Gordon is a business coach and consultant to organizations, individuals and teams who want to increase performance, motivation, engagement and retention. Gordon is also a public speaker on career planning for colleges, conferences, and corporations. He earned a BA from UCLA and MBA and M. Ed degrees from Stanford University. 

Matt Curtis on Building a Hard Work Ethic One Project at a Time

In Chapter 1 of 20 in his 2014 Capture Your Flag interview, Matt Curtis answers "Where Did You Learn Your Work Ethic?" Curtis learns his work ethic by watching his grandfather constantly help others and find projects to do. Curtis takes this own approach in his life, building his work ethic by always finding a project to do where he can help others, including his current work on a urban rail system for Austin, Texas.

Matt Curtis is the director of government relations at HomeAway Inc. Previously he was deputy to Austin mayors Lee Leffingwell and Will Wynn. He has represented the City of Austin at the U.S. Conference of Mayors and the National League of Cities. In 2011, Curtis joined the Harvard Kennedy School Urban Policy Advisory Board to work on national best practices facing American cities. He earned his bachelor's degree in radio, television and film from the University of North Texas.