After success, what's next? NEXT with Michael Sonnenfeldt invites you ringside to conversations exploring life after major success – the prism where wealth, purpose, and legacy converge. Through intimate discussions with leading entrepreneurs and investors , uncover the playbooks for navigating life’s next phase. From managing wealth and identity to creating impact that endures. Learn from real stories of reinvention, purpose, and legacy from leaders who’ve been there.
NEXT with Michael Sonnenfeldt
Claim This Podcastby Michael Sonnenfeldt
4.8(9 reviews)
7 episodes
Updated Daily
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Podcast Overview
After success, what's next? NEXT with Michael Sonnenfeldt invites you ringside to conversations exploring life after major success – the prism where wealth, purpose, and legacy converge. Through intimate discussions with leading entrepreneurs and investors , uncover the playbooks for navigating life’s next phase. From managing wealth and identity to creating impact that endures. Learn from real stories of reinvention, purpose, and legacy from leaders who’ve been there.
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Publishing Since
12/30/2025
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Recent Episodes
May 12, 2026
Shane Neman: How a Great Entrepreneur Becomes an Even Greater Investor
<p>Host Michael Sonnenfeldt sits down with Shane Neman, serial entrepreneur, investor, and founder of Neman Ventures, to explore his evolution from startup founder to high-conviction investor. Born to Iranian immigrant parents who arrived in the U.S. as refugees, Shane shares how adversity, reinvention, and grit shaped his worldview from an early age. After leaving medical school during the dot-com boom, Shane went on to bootstrap and scale two successful technology companies: Junebug, a digital nightlife and ticketing platform, and EZ Texting, one of the first SMS marketing platforms in the U.S. He reflects candidly on the emotional realities of entrepreneurship, including the crises that almost ended his business, operating without venture capital, and the lessons learned from rebuilding after failure.</p><p>Today, Shane manages over $850M in assets across his family office and venture portfolio, with investments in more than 50 breakthrough companies spanning AI, deep tech, consumer, and real assets. Michael and Shane explore how Shane transitioned from operator to investor and developed a concentrated, conviction-driven investment philosophy rooted in deep research, firsthand diligence, and pattern recognition. Shane also shares insights on lifelong learning, evaluating risk over time, raising resilient children, and the skills he optimizes for most in an AI-driven world. Together, they unpack what separates exceptional entrepreneurs from exceptional investors and why humility, curiosity, and self-awareness remain durable competitive advantages.</p><p>Giving Moment</p><p>Join this season's philanthropic giving moment where every donation made in Q1 2026 will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $100 per gift ($10,000 per organization). Donate at <a href="www.muus.com/giving" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">www.muus.com/giving</a>.</p><p>Topics</p><p><br />02:30 – Coming to America and lessons from adversity<br />06:15 – Early entrepreneurial instincts, nightlife culture, and learning human psychology<br />08:00 – The failed dot-com startup and what it taught him<br />09:30 – Building Junebug & transforming nightlife ticketing<br />11:00 –EZ Texting and launching the future of SMS marketing<br />13:00 – Scarcity mindset vs. abundance mindset and valuing time over money<br />15:15 – Why Shane believes founders should avoid raising venture capital if possible<br />17:00 – The T-Mobile crisis that nearly destroyed EZ Texting<br />20:15 – Transitioning from founder to investor <br />24:00 – Bootstrapping vs. fundraising and the psychology of ownership<br />25:30 – Most critical skills in an AI-driven world<br />26:30 – Shane’s “barbell strategy” across deep tech, venture, and real assets<br />31:00 – Convoy, Figure AI, and how Shane evaluates asymmetric risk<br />34:00 – Obsessive learning and becoming a better investor<br />38:00 – Shane’s decision-making frameworks and lifelong learning habits<br />40:00 – Post-conversation reflections with Michael & Isaac Sonnenfeldt<br />41:00 – Reinvention, resilience, and returning to your strengths<br />44:00 – Prioritization frameworks: family, business, and philanthropy<br />46:00 – Lessons on risk tolerance, entrepreneurship, and conviction<br />50:00 – Approach to investing and wealth preservation<br />56:30 – Final reflections and Tip Jar recommendations</p><p>Mentioned</p><p><a href="www.tiger21.com" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">TIGER 21</a> is the premier peer membership organization for ultra-successful entrepreneurs, investors, and executives. Through confidential forums and shared experience, members gain perspective on wealth, leadership, and life beyond success.</p><p>Shane's podcast and course recommendation - <a href="https://fs.blog/membership/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">The Knowledge Project</a></p><p>Michael's play recommendation - <a href="https://proofbroadway.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Proof</a> on Broadway</p><p>Follow and Connect</p><p>Shane Neman | <a href="https://www.shaneneman.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Website</a> | <a href="linkedin.com/in/shaneneman" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">LinkedIn</a></p><p>Michael Sonnenfeldt | <a href="www.muus.com" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Website</a> | <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-sonnenfeldt-84072225/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">LinkedIn</a> | next@muus.com</p>
March 24, 2026
Joe Neiman: DealerClub CEO on Personal Transformation, Meditation, and Realizing What Matters Sooner
<p>Host Michael Sonnenfeldt sits down with Joe Neiman, a serial entrepreneur in the automotive technology space and 2X exited co-founder of ACV Auctions and DealerClub, digital marketplaces that transformed the wholesale vehicle industry. Starting as a car dealer, Joe built ACV into a category-defining powerhouse that scaled to over 50,000 cars sold per month and reached a $5B+ market cap. In 2024, he founded DealerClub, which was acquired just 3 months after launch. Joe has built his career by deeply understanding operator pain points and rethinking how markets function at scale.</p><p>Joe also shares candid reflections on the personal evolution behind his success—how early experiences with fear and uncertainty became a driving force for growth, and how learning to challenge limiting beliefs shaped both his leadership and decision-making. The conversation explores Joe's "know better" philosophy, leadership transitions from control to influence, and the importance of introspection, family, and health. Joe also discusses his approach to learning, navigating high-stakes environments, and building a life that balances ambition with long-term well-being.</p><p><br></p><p>Topics</p><p>00:01:32 – Childhood: work ethic, exposure to economic diversity </p><p>00:04:25 – Core driver: fear as motivation</p><p>00:05:28 – First win: flipping cars and entrepreneurial spark</p><p>00:07:36 – Mindset: proximity + thinking bigger</p><p>00:09:21 – Entry into car auctions & car dealer world</p><p>00:11:14 – How the wholesale car market works</p><p>00:13:03 – Why Carvana/CarMax/ACV win (process + scale)</p><p>00:14:08 – ACV origin: solving auction inefficiencies</p><p>00:16:23 – Innovation: fully digital, fast auctions</p><p>00:20:32 – Reaching Scale: 50 → 50K cars/month</p><p>00:21:48 – Leadership shift: founder → non-CEO</p><p>00:24:21 – Tradeoff: dilution vs growth</p><p>00:26:11 – Exit timing & stock lessons</p><p>00:27:12 – DealerClub: same idea, improved trust model</p><p>00:29:43 – Fast acquisition (3 months) to $25M offer</p><p>00:31:39 – Lifestyle shift: intense → balanced</p><p>00:32:28 – Cost of success: delayed gratification</p><p>00:34:26 – Marriage & founder support system</p><p>00:36:52 – Health risks: stress & burnout</p><p>00:38:41 – Post Exit Future: learning, aviation, challenges</p><p>00:40:25 – Advice: meditation for clarity</p><p>00:42:00 – Closing</p><p><br></p><p>Mentioned:</p><p>Join this season's philanthropic giving moment where every donation made in Q1 2026 will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $100 per gift ($10,000 per organization). Donate at <a href="https://www.muus.com/giving" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">www.muus.com/giving</a>. </p><p>Joe’s podcast recommendation - <a href="https://www.wakingup.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Waking Up</a> - Meditation App</p><p>Michael’s book recommendation - <a href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/665634/1929-by-andrew-ross-sorkin/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">1929: Inside the Greatest Crash in Wall Street History and How It Shattered a Nation</a> by Andrew Ross Sorkin.</p><p><a href="https://www.muus.com/podcast/www.tiger21.com" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">TIGER 21 </a> is the premier peer membership organization for ultra-successful entrepreneurs, investors, and executives. Through confidential forums and shared experience, members gain perspective on wealth, leadership, and life beyond success.</p><p><br></p><p>Follow and Connect:</p><p>Joe Neiman | <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-neiman-577181aa" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Website</a></p><p>Michael Sonnenfeldt | <a href="www.muus.com" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Website</a> | next@muus.com</p><p><br></p>
February 23, 2026
Peggy Styer: Solving Hard Problems for Mission Critical Customers
<p>Host Michael Sonnenfeldt sits down with national security entrepreneur and investor Peggy Steyer, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Razor’s Edge Ventures. A pioneer in defense, cyber, space, and AI investing, Peggy previously built Blackbird Technologies into a premier provider of mission-critical solutions for intelligence, defense, and law enforcement customers before its record-setting acquisition by Raytheon. She later co-founded Raven Wing, which was acquired by Boeing, and went on to launch Razor’s Edge, generating more than $1 billion in shareholder returns over the past five years.</p><p>Peggy shares candid insights on building companies where lives are on the line, transitioning from operator to investor, and creating high-performance teams drawn from both special operations and elite technologists. Key topics include scaling in national security markets, Blue Ocean strategy vs. crowded competition, the proper role of boards and investors, asymmetric warfare and emerging threats, AI and geopolitical risk, founder resilience, partnership dynamics, and balancing mission critical leadership with family life and long-term purpose.</p><p><br /></p><p>Giving Moment:</p><p>Join this season's philanthropic giving moment where every donation made in Q1 2026 will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $100 per gift ($10,000 per organization). Donate at <a href="www.muus.com/giving" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">www.muus.com/giving</a>.</p><p><br /></p><p>Topics:</p><p><br /><strong>00:01:48</strong> – Childhood, Navy upbringing, and early influences<br /><strong>00:03:38</strong> – The layoff that sparked her entrepreneurial path<br /><strong>00:05:18</strong> – Motivations beyond money<br /><strong>00:06:04</strong> – Founding Blackbird & solving national security tech problems<br /><strong>00:09:10</strong> – Women in national security & leadership advice<br /><strong>00:14:56</strong> – The role of spouses and support systems<br /><strong>00:18:27</strong> – Building, scaling, and exiting Blackbird & Raven Wing<br /><strong>00:23:33</strong> – Transition from CEO to venture investor<br /><strong>00:26:41</strong> – The proper role of a board vs. CEO<br /><strong>00:30:52</strong> – Razor’s Edge strategy & Blue Ocean investing<br /><strong>00:35:33</strong> – Responsibility in national security work<br /><strong>00:38:14</strong> – Geopolitics, deterrence & asymmetric threats<br /><strong>00:42:19</strong> – AI, China, and the future of technology<br /><strong>00:45:22</strong> – Investment mistakes & lessons learned<br /><strong>00:46:52</strong> – Advice for young entrepreneurs<br /><strong>00:49:20</strong> – Books, leadership insights & closing</p><p><br /></p><p>Mentioned:</p><p><a href="www.tiger21.com" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">TIGER 21</a> is the premier peer membership organization for ultra-successful entrepreneurs, investors, and executives. Through confidential forums and shared experience, members gain perspective on wealth, leadership, and life beyond success.</p><p><br /></p><p>Peggy’s book recommendation - <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2199.Team_of_Rivals" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln</a> by Doris Kearns Goodwin</p><p><br /></p><p>Follow and Connect:</p><p>Peggy Styer | <a href="https://www.razorsvc.com/about.html" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Website</a></p><p>Michael Sonnenfeldt | <a href="www.muus.com" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Website</a> | next@muus.com</p><p><br /></p>
7 total episodes available
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