Writing this blog post was as spontaneous as it gets—maybe that’s just how introverts culminate, by randomly launching personal journals for the world to see. If you’d asked me last year, I’d have politely smiled and given you the side-eye. But here we are, riding the energy of the holiday season and finally releasing my first blog post. It feels like that classic “How I spent my summer break” assignment—only I’m pretty sure I never actually turned that in. So, here goes nothing!
2024 felt like the longest year in recorded history. Maybe it’s because I’ve absorbed a ton of experiences and lessons that made the days stretch out in my mind—good stuff, tough stuff, you name it. In the spirit of turning the page and embracing a fresh start, I figured I’d share some of my personal wins, reflect on key lessons, and set the stage for what’s next. Spoiler alert: it’s not all sunshine and roses, but there might be a surprise or two along the way. Here’s to hoping it resonates with some of you (and if not, at least I can say I’ve finally completed that “school assignment”!).
One of my biggest highlights this year was getting to brand and co-produce a couple of seriously cool Breathwork sessions at Academy. I teamed up with my friend Shane Cole—who rocked the facilitator role like a pro—and I have to give a special shoutout to his girlfriend, Anna, who helped us keep everything running smoothly.
Not gonna lie, I got high on my own supply by attending both workshops. There’s something so surreal about holotropic breathing techniques—it’s like a natural, mind-blowing journey that left me both energized and introspective. I walked away from both sessions unusually focused and clear about my purpose in this world. (I’ll go into more detail about that in another post, so stay tuned.)
Shane and I actually met at SSBD Music Festival back in 2023, when our camping spots happened to be right next to each other. Pure chance, right? Check out their aftermovie clip below.
He mentioned he was facilitating a breathwork workshop at the festival and invited me to join. I thought, “Heck yeah, why not?” And the rest, as they say, is history—we ended up producing two events together in 2024! We’re hoping to bring another session to life next year, so stay tuned (sign up for my newsletter if you’re curious).
I also helped brand, design, and develop Shane’s breathwork website—Inspiratus Breathwork—which is all about empowering people to discover their own path through breathing. The core principles behind Inspiratus resonate deeply with me:
Before diving into breathwork, I was already no stranger to event production. I used to run these wild, live-band karaoke nights—kinda like open mic on steroids—where amateurs and seasoned musicians jammed together on the same stage. We called them Revel Sessions, and honestly, they were just as chaotic and fun as they sound. Big shout out to the real MVP, Mark Jablonski, who kept Bardot Hollywood from crumbling under our rowdiness. He was the General Manager at the time, and he somehow managed to keep all of us troublemakers in check and still be super accommodating. We owe you one, Mark!
One of my proudest moves this year was upgrading my living situation to one of the dopest apartment communities in Hollywood. It had been on my radar for a while, thanks to friends who already lived there and wouldn’t stop raving about it. So, I finally took the plunge—and let’s just say, the hype was definitely real.
In the year I’ve been here, I’ve met a ton of new, awesome neighbors who’ve quickly become friends. We travel, go snowboarding, and find any excuse to hang out. Seriously, it’s like having a built-in adventure squad right outside my door. Dream “neighbor” team, indeed!
A leap of faith in starting my growth marketing agency turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made—especially now that we’re celebrating a 50% year-over-year growth in top-line revenue.
The first year was totally crazy; half the time I wasn’t sure if this whole venture would even work out. But I just kept sketching ideas on my whiteboard and hustling forward (pic of said messy whiteboard coming right up). At the time, I was basically running on the belief that if you squeeze every last minute out of your day, something good is bound to happen… eventually.
Summit Growth Agency Inc (my marketing venture) works with clients across Entertainment, Live Events, eCommerce, Wellness, Professional & Local Services, Technology, and Brick-and-Mortar businesses. This variety keeps us on our toes and sharpens our problem-solving skills, pushing us to adapt and innovate every single day. We thrive on branding, website development, SEO, digital ads, conversion rate optimization, analytics, and growth hacking.
And if you’re curious about the scope, we manage an annual advertising spend of over $5 million—proof that we’re all-in on helping our clients succeed. Stay tuned for more blog posts, where I’ll be diving into the details of our various projects.
One thing I’m particularly proud of is our ability to support both established businesses and brand-new ventures. Helping new businesses has been especially challenging (and rewarding) because it means starting from scratch and betting on the founders' business acumen—an element entirely out of our control. It’s a high-stakes game, but the wins make it all worth it.
Let’s talk about balance—work/passion/life balance, to be exact. Writing this is making me question if I truly have it figured out or if I’m just kidding myself (or maybe low-key manifesting something better). Let’s break down what that juggling act looks like for me:
Truth be told, I don’t know if I’ve nailed the whole balance thing yet. But hey, at least I’m consciously trying! We’ll see if 2025 is the year I finally strike that perfect work-play-love equilibrium—or if I continue to creatively wing it. One thing is for sure–I will be attending Lightning in a Bottle festival again in 2025.
Lessons learned are bridges we build for others to cross. Writing them down turns fleeting experiences into something tangible that can inspire or guide someone else. Sharing what we’ve discovered might be exactly what someone needs to hear. Our lessons become part of a larger tapestry of growth, enriching others and shaping the path forward.
I’ve learned over the years, especially this year, that letting yourself get distracted is a surefire way to accomplish very little in life. Sure, some distractions are harmless or even beneficial, but let me break down what didn’t work for me:
My two guiding systems are the Time Management Matrix (shown in the image below) and the OKRs system (Objectives and Key Results). I’ll dive deeper into both in another blog post.
When it comes to optimizing your time management, my best advice is to start by being more mindful of Quadrants 3 & 4 (distractions and time wasters). This includes certain activities and types of relationships (hello, toxicity) that take up a lot of your time and attention but produce very little value. A day one quote from my UCLA days really stuck with me: “Diamonds polish diamonds.” However, Quadrants 3 & 4 type relationships are more about the types of people who simply drag you down with them into the abyss.
I randomly stumbled upon a YouTube video around the end of 2020 that shared Elon Musk's thoughts on accumulating knowledge. At the time, I was a huge fan of the TSLA boss. He likens learning to growing your own tree: you start with roots, then branches, and finally the smallest leaves. The roots are the foundation and by far the most important part—they open up a lot of possibilities down the road.
Inspired by this analogy, I decided to lay out a path for acquiring the foundational skills necessary to become a top marketer, which eventually led me to start my own marketing company. For me, that path included graphic design, video editing, web development, earning an MBA and a few more disciplines. These were the roots that provided a sturdy base for everything that followed.
The smallest leaves represent very specialized skills or perhaps something even deeper. For me, it’s continuing to learn data science, which has been on pause for a few years as I focus more on building my foundational knowledge. Currently, I’m in the phase of growing out the branches of my tree. I doubt I’m at the leaf level yet, although I love being hard on myself, so who knows?
Around 2022/23, I decided to draw my own knowledge tree, which I’m showing below. It may not be fully up to date—haha—but it gives you the idea. I think my roomie at the time, Jeff, added a few branches like Wellness, Meditation, Gym, Nutrition and, most importantly, Occasional brewskis to bring me down to earth. 🤣
Oh, I actually did some digging and managed to find that video for you if you care to watch.
Kindness goes a long way, especially when paired with constructive criticism. If disagreements or arguments arise, let the data do the talking. It’s a much better foundation for resolving issues than relying on authority, personal biases, or emotions.
That said, this can be incredibly challenging—especially for those of us who sometimes (okay, often) think we’re the smartest ones in the room. Not going to lie, I’ve caught myself falling into that trap more times than I care to admit. But recognizing it is half the battle, and observing others do the same has been a humbling reminder to keep my own biases in check.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that your purpose is not a static destination. It’s okay to shift gears, reevaluate, and pivot when something doesn’t feel right anymore. It doesn’t have to be a complete reinvention or a brand-new "tree", either. Sometimes, a subtle adjustment—a new branch, if you will—is all you need to get back on track. Growth isn’t always dramatic; sometimes, it’s about refining what’s already there.
This year's quarters 2 and 3, without a doubt, were the least productive and least enjoyable for me. I found myself stuck in bad habits and falling into a comfort zone that bred complacency. It was a frustrating place to be, and I knew I wasn’t operating at my full potential.
What changed? A moment of anger—a wake-up call, really—that pushed me to reorganize my priorities and reignite my drive. With some external pressures in the mix, I was furious with myself, but I channeled that energy into grit and determination. The result? A much-needed shake-up that helped me get back on track.
For me, grit means doing your absolute best every single day—or at least almost every day (we all need a break sometimes). It’s about staying consistent, pushing through challenges, and refusing to give up when things get tough. This mindset has been a cornerstone of how I tackle both personal and professional obstacles.
I’ve found that a combination of digital tools and analog methods works best for keeping my life and work organized. For example:
Daily planning includes time blocking, so I’m never left wondering what I should be doing next. Having a clear, well-thought-out plan ensures I’m working efficiently and effectively. Bonus: keeping my thoughts and tasks organized has even made it easier to fall asleep at night—less mental clutter, more peace of mind.
As I close the chapter on this year and look ahead, I’m setting some ambitious goals for 2025. These aren’t just resolutions; they’re intentions I’m ready to act on. Here’s what’s on my list:
A fresh chapter calls for a fresh look. One of my top priorities is to launch the rebranded website for my agency. Beyond aesthetics, it’s about showcasing our capabilities in a way that reflects our growth and ambition. I’m also planning to bring more talent onto the team to help sustain the momentum and continue driving success for our clients.
This year, I want to turn my weekly soccer games into something bigger: an actual soccer club. The plan? Weekly practices paired with league games on the weekends. Think community, camaraderie, and competition all in one. If you’re interested—or know someone who’d love to join—let me know. Spots on the roster are waiting to be filled!
Nothing excites me more than watching my clients grow. In 2025, I aim to take things to the next level, helping them achieve (and surpass) their goals. Whether it’s driving revenue, scaling their presence, or innovating in their space, I’m ready to push the boundaries alongside them.
Accountability is a game-changer when it comes to staying on track. This year, I want to create a community or club where members can connect, support each other, and maintain a tight daily structure to achieve their goals. It’s about fostering a culture of encouragement, discipline, and progress—together. I plan to launch a pilot program with about five members, working closely with them on a weekly basis. Let me know if you’d like to apply to join.
I want to dive into music production by forming a global team of talented musicians to create something truly unique. The project will be released under an anonymous artist name, keeping the focus on the music itself (and storytelling). Here’s a little teaser for what to expect: a blend of retrofuturism and post-modern soundscapes, inspired by future garage and wave influences. Think dramatic synths, melodic basses, and a touch of nostalgic vibes woven into every track. It’s an exciting creative challenge, and I can’t wait to see where it leads!
Lastly, I want to step into 2025 with an even greater focus on radical honesty and ownership in all areas of my life. For me, this means showing up authentically, admitting mistakes when they happen, and taking responsibility for outcomes—good or bad. It’s not always easy, but it’s the kind of leadership I want to embody.
As I reflect on the past year, I want to give a special shoutout to some incredible people and communities who’ve made a lasting impact on me.
This one goes to Anna, a graphic designer I’ve been lucky to work with for nearly two years now. Hailing from Ukraine, Anna has impeccable taste in style and creative direction. She’s been a rock for so many of my projects, and I wish her nothing but peace and happiness in 2025.
Shoutout to the entire Insomniac Clubs crew, from marketing coordinators to designers to directors and executives and all the operations rockstars. Major congrats on acquiring two new venues in 2024! This powerhouse team is now managing a total of eight stunning venues, plus the Day Trip parties. You all continue to set the bar higher and inspire those of us in the industry. Keep crushing it!
A huge shoutout to Solay, Scott, and Dash—the heart of the Men of Means community. That Tulum retreat journey was one of the best things that’s ever happened to me (if you know, you know). The energy, the growth, and the connections we forged there were unforgettable.
To my former roomie and longtime friend, Jeff Steinka—our bond grew to a whole new level during the Men of Means Tulum retreat. The camaraderie was unreal! We first met back in 2010 when we were young club promoters riding the wave of the booming EDM scene. Life took us on separate paths for about a decade, but we reconnected and have been sharing all the professional knowledge we’ve gathered over the years. Here’s to many more shared adventures and collaborations, Jeff!
Shoutout to Tori Baek, who I met through Jeff Steinka back in 2022. Tori has an impressive background in marketing and influencer partnerships, and we clicked almost instantly. Our personalities meshed so well that we decided to team up on a project together. Now, I can’t say too much—Tori likes to keep things under wraps—but let’s just say it involves an unusual jewelry piece. Stay tuned for more hints… maybe! 😉