Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Shaun Gold. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Shaun, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

It is hard to narrow down a single story behind my mission, especially as my story is one that can be called “out of the box.” As a lifelong entrepreneur, I have always gravitated to a variety of interests and pursued them, even though my peers may have said I was random. I entered the world of nightlife and hospitality while still in high school and built a brand and business that continues to be strong almost two decades later. I have worked with a variety of startups, lectured at multiple universities, appeared on Jeopardy, wrote film and television scripts, started a substack newsletter for mental health, and write content for various websites. I think if my story has a lesson it is that you should always be flexible and choose personal growth over safety, defining your life rather than having society define you.

Shaun, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I started my entrepreneurial pursuits as a child, simply because I wanted things and needed money. My parents encouraged these pursuits as they taught me valuable lessons along the way. I had an e-commerce store when I was thirteen, an educational assistance business by sixteen, and broke into the world of hospitality and nightlife at seventeen (throwing my first parties in the Bahamas during spring break). Nightlife would be a watershed moment and peak experience for me, which drove my actions. It was the reason I chose to attend the University of Miami over far superior schools and was the scariest gamble of my life at that point (which was totally worth it). I went on to work with and open some of the top nightclubs in the world, building valuable relationships and gaining priceless experience. This continues today as I act as a super connector for Breakwater Hospitality Group, who are behind popular concepts such as the Wharf, Carousel Club, and CHI (with further concepts opening later this year). During the week, I advise multiple startups as well as work in content creation. My latest role is with OpenVC, a platform that helps investors and founders find each other in a more efficient way.

What has always set me apart from others is my professionalism, work ethic, and drive. I always sough to provide my clients with superior service by being reliable, dependable, and professional. So many people are the opposite of these ideals and I have always strived to go above and beyond. Whether it was getting my guests in on a sold out night or providing a superior piece of content for readers, I always strive to be the best. I encourage everyone regardless of their position or business to do the same. It doesn’t cost but it does pay.

I am proud that throughout the years I still have clients from around the world who seek me out and who remember the experience. As I curate the YouTopian Journey substack, it also brings me a great deal of pride to see my work truly benefitting people from all walks of life who desire to be mentally stronger.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

There is a quote from the Odyssey that I know by heart and frequently recite to anyone who is facing hardship and needs a little resilience in their life.

“And what if one of the gods does wreck me out on the wine-dark sea? I have a heart that is inured to suffering and I shall steel it to endure that too. For in my day I have had many bitter and painful experiences in war and on the stormy seas. So let this new disaster come. It only makes one more.”

We need more resilience in society because it is the resilient who endure and eventually emerge victorious. You will never just have one failure, but multiple.

I have been involved in startups that have failed, never once collecting a dime for any work completed or my time. I have been involved in parties that have failed, destroying my reputation and what little resources I had saved. But I think my most public failure was when I lost on Jeopardy in front of millions of people. As a lifelong fan, I had made it on the show but the categories were extremely difficult that day. Regardless, I pressed on and it was my lack of knowledge on a daily double that cost me the game (for those wondering Montreal is an island. Don’t make my mistake).

But I didn’t let it break me. I am in the pool for two other gameshows and I continue to go forward, despite the failure and setback. As I told the late, great Alex Trebek, “winning is for losers.”

Have you ever had to pivot?

Like the majority of people, the pandemic had a major effect on me. Prior to the pandemic, I was slowly weening away from nightlife and instead focusing more on startups and content. The pandemic altered everything. My film project was put on hold and my hospitality run had come to an end. I pivoted to other areas, but even my startup and small business clients were cutting costs. Despite this, I pressed forward, creating the YouTopian Journey, networking virtually, and keeping my head up. When I fortuitously received a call from Emi Guerra of Breakwater Hospitality Group with an offer to come back into the world of hospitality, I was initially resistant. Despite these reservations, I accepted and became the super connector. It was one of my best decisions.

We all need to realize that life has no set paths. We have only our own path, which takes us through fetid swamps, dark wood, and what seems like insurmountable mountains. However, we must blaze our own trail. It is up to us to be able to pivot, to wrestle with our plans, and to be flexible.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.shaungold.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamshaungold/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shaun.gold.1
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaungold/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/YoutopianJ
• Other: https://youtopianjourney.substack.com/ https://www.openvc.app/ https://www.amazon.com/Shaun-Gold/e/B00ZJ2DWP4