Our Host's Story with Adam Kaufman

This episode of the Up2 Podcast is a bit different as we turn the tables on our host, Adam Kaufman, to learn more about him! Chrissi Sanders, founder of Next Play, a sports advisory firm, steps in as guest host. She asks Adam about his values, his career path and what makes him the perfect host for a podcast about humble leadership. 

Growing up in Washington D.C., Adam anticipated a career in politics. After several years in D.C., he never would have predicted moving to Cleveland, Ohio. Adam was recruited to become president at Healthnetwork Foundation, a role which he felt underqualified. Adam spent a decade connecting discerning families to the best healthcare in the country, prioritizing not only their wellbeing, but their privacy. 

"...When you can help someone with their most sensitive matters -- like their health -- ...you can really earn meaningful trust and relationships.”

While working to improve the health of others, Adam faced his own significant health scare. This unexpected obstacle led him to reflect on his personal and professional goals and he decided to move into a new professional direction. Although venture capital is not for everyone, Adam loved the high-risk, high-reward and entrepreneurial spirit of the environment. 

“That's how I discovered that I really liked this world of early-stage startups and working with entrepreneurs and investors and matching them together, and the high-risk, high -reward nature of early stage companies... it just gets my belly rumbling and it was an unexpected fondness that I developed over time.”

Adam has formed relationships with entrepreneurs and investors across the country, many who have been guests on the Up2 podcast. Adam shares with Chrissi the importance of balancing relationships, a concept Adam refers to as Relationship Equity. 

"If you think of an ATM machine, you make deposits into your ATM and you can make withdrawals from your ATM. Relationships are similar. You want to invest in a relationship. You can make a withdrawal once in a while, but hopefully your deposits are greater than your withdrawals.”

In addition to nurturing relationships, Adam values authenticity and realness. He explains the benefits of being true to yourself and your story; the more authentic you are, the more people are drawn to you. 

"I encourage all of us to not just talk about our successes. If we also lean into our failings and our worries, that can be a good thing, as it draws others closer to us.”

To learn more about Adam, click here and listen to his full episode on the Up2 podcast or tune in wherever you listen to podcasts. 

Click here to read the full episode transcript.