As the saying goes, it’s lonely at the top. As a founder, entrepreneur, or business owner it’s all to easy to feel isolated and alone. The host of The Deep Wealth Podcast and post-exit entrepreneur Jeffrey Feldberg speaks with Leo Popik, founder of Leading Peers.
Leo is not just a talented individual but an entrepreneur through and through. In this episode, he shares his journey, insights, and what makes Leading Peers unique.
Leo shares his story. "I started my entrepreneurial journey with a travel business in Argentina in 2003," Leo explains. Initially focusing on incoming travel, his business soon expanded to corporate travel and events. Success followed, but come 2008, Leo decided to venture on his own, rebranding his company and growing it steadily.
However, when the pandemic hit, Leo's thriving business was challenged like never before. "These were gut-wrenching times," he recalls. Forced to let go of his dedicated team, Leo did some soul-searching. This led to the birth of Leading Peers, a supportive space for CEOs and business leaders to grow.
Leo’s entrepreneurial journey began in Argentina in 2003 with a travel business. He saw success early on, expanding his business to include corporate travel and events. “We really had two divisions of the company,” Leo recalls. His journey wasn’t smooth sailing, though. In 2008, he decided to start his own agency, Exclusive South America, which later rebranded to ESA Latin America. His business grew to 45 full-time employees and $12 million in annual revenue. Leo shares, “I learned a lot of lessons, a lot of great things that I did, but also a lot of mistakes that I made along the way.”
What sets Leading Peers apart? It's the culture and the DNA. Jeffrey delves into why CEO groups like Leading Peers are important, even if you're busy. "How critical is it to have a confidential space to share anything?" Jeffrey asks.
Leo highlights that being part of Leading Peers means having a support system. "You learn how to think better and differently," he says. The community encourages members to share their challenges and receive unbiased advice. "It's about training yourself to think and changing your mindset," Leo adds.
During the pandemic, Leo saw a gap in the market. He wanted to create a support system for CEOs and entrepreneurs who couldn’t afford the high fees of existing mastermind groups. From this vision, Leading Peers was formed in June 2020. Leo explains, “I’m passionate about four things. I’m passionate about leadership, about entrepreneurship, about personal development, and about bringing people together and creating collaborative communities.”
The essence of Leading Peers is its strong community and growth-oriented mindset. “We have grown to 120 members in 20 different boards,” says Leo. This growth is a testament to the value and support that Leading Peers offers its members.
Facing Challenges Together
One significant trend affecting businesses today is artificial intelligence (AI). "AI is making its way into businesses and changing the game," Leo points out. From designing solutions to using chatbots, businesses are experiencing this tech revolution. Leading Peers helps members understand and adapt to these changes.
Additionally, economic and political trends are impacting businesses. "We see a slowdown in the stock markets and uncertainties due to political climates," Leo explains. Having a peer group where you can discuss these challenges and find solutions is invaluable.
Jeffrey and Leo dive deep into the benefits of CEO peer groups. For those unfamiliar with such groups, it can seem daunting to join. However, the support and growth that come from being part of a community of like-minded individuals are invaluable. Leo emphasizes, “Learning how to think is more important than learning any piece of knowledge that exists.”
For seasoned members, the unique value that Leading Peers brings lies in its core values: trust, growth mindset, accountability, meaningful relationships, and servant leadership. Unlike traditional board of directors, a CEO peer group offers unbiased, honest feedback from people who are in the same boat as you. “It’s about creating this powerful community,” Leo notes, “because by the very nature, CEOs are at the top and it’s lonely at the top.”
Current Trends: AI, Geopolitics, and Elections
The conversation also touches on current trends affecting businesses today. Leo highlights the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI). He says, “Anything that has to do with machine learning, data processing, incorporating language learning models, translation, using avatars, having intelligent chatbots, all of those things are making their way into businesses.”
On the economic and political front, the upcoming elections and geopolitical issues create uncertainty. Leo observes, “This is creating a lot of uncertainty, and I see that there's a bit of a slowdown in the stock markets.” Despite these challenges, he remains optimistic that things will improve after the elections.
Real Stories, Real Solutions
Jeffrey emphasizes the importance of sharing real experiences. "Sometimes, you need to hear that you're not alone," he says. Leo agrees, noting how members of Leading Peers support each other. "Every time someone shares a challenge, others pull them out," he says. This communal support helps members stay motivated and find solutions to their problems.
Leo talks about the unique features of Leading Peers that set it apart. "We focus on personal growth, building meaningful relationships, and servant leadership," he explains. Trust and growth mindset are key values that drive the community.
A notable feature is how members can connect with each other anytime. "Each board has its chat, and members can reach out 24/7," Leo adds. This constant support system ensures that CEOs don't feel isolated.
The Future is Bright
Leo's journey and the success of Leading Peers highlight one essential message: the best is yet to come. Whether you're facing technological changes or economic uncertainties, having the right support system can make all the difference. "Embrace change, learn, and grow," Leo says. "Your best days are ahead."
Leo’s journey and insights are a treasure trove of knowledge for any business owner or aspiring entrepreneur. From starting successful businesses to facing challenges head-on and creating thriving communities, Leo’s story is one of perseverance, adaptability, and growth.
In wrapping up, Jeffrey asks Leo if there’s any final message he’d like to share. Leo encourages listeners to reach out and connect, offering personalized conversations to explore how Leading Peers can benefit them.
In addition to a CEO peer group, look to the Deep Wealth Podcast as a resource to help unlock massive success. "Every episode is crafted to help you grow your profits and optimize your life," says Jeffrey. So, don't miss out on the latest insights and strategies from industry leaders.
Remember, your wealth isn't just about money in the bank. It's about the depth of your journey and the impact you create. Join us on this journey of growth and success. As we love to say at Deep Wealth, may you continue to thrive and prosper while remaining healthy and safe. Thank you for listening!
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And that's a wrap on another insightful episode of the Deep Wealth Podcast. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and strategies to grow your business and create lasting wealth.
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