Money never sleeps, and neither do the smartest wealth creators. Jason Mercer, a finance and investment expert, breaks down the strategies that affluent individuals use to generate passive income while catching Z's. This conversation with a longtime friend evolved into a masterclass on wealth-building through strategic investment.

With a background spanning investment banking at elite firms to his current role leading Cleveland Avenue's CAST US fund, Mercer's journey illuminates the critical decisions that shape financial success. Perhaps most compelling is his work addressing the stark disparities in venture funding - while Black and Latinx entrepreneurs represent about a quarter of the US population, they receive less than 2% of venture capital dollars. The $70 million CAST US fund directly tackles this imbalance, investing in underrepresented founders with unique cultural perspectives who create products that authentically resonate with diverse consumers.

The conversation ventures deep into the symbiotic relationship between product development, brand building, and market strategy. For early-stage companies, Mercer advises focusing first on creating exceptional products that solve real problems, then building brand infrastructure as you scale. Without strong branding, customers need products to be drastically better or cheaper to switch; with powerful brand equity, they'll stay loyal despite minimal differences. This balance becomes critical as companies grow - maintaining scrappy "hand-to-hand combat" customer acquisition strategies even while incorporating sophisticated digital marketing.

Looking toward 2025's investment landscape, Mercer predicts improvement but cautions founders to prioritize efficiency over "growth at all costs" mentality. The most attractive companies will demonstrate solid growth (30-50%) while moving toward profitability, rather than tripling revenue with unsustainable burn rates.

As you build your business or investment portfolio, remember: true wealth comes from creating systems that generate returns while you sleep.

What happens when a creative team finally meets in person after working virtually? In this special takeover episode, The Carbon Thread team gathers during their retreat to discuss the power of storytelling, personal connection, and building authentic partnerships.

Morgan kicks things off by exploring how storytelling helps people understand different perspectives – like how everyone can attend the same party yet walk away with completely different experiences. This naturally flows into what the team has learned about each other during their time together, from personal quirks to work styles that only become apparent when you're sharing the same space.

The conversation deepens as each team member shares their non-negotiables in professional relationships. Whether it's kindness, integrity, showing up on time, or refusing to work with those who nickel and dime, these values reveal what has made their collaboration successful. When the discussion turns to personal purpose – their individual "why" – vulnerability emerges as each person articulates what drives them, from helping others achieve goals to connecting people through meaningful storytelling.

Perhaps most compelling are the origin stories of how this team came together. Through Instagram hashtags, mutual connections, and persistent follow-ups, The Carbon Thread formed organically around shared values and complementary skills. Even when fear threatened to hold them back – whether launching a business, raising rates, or taking on new challenges – they found the courage to start by focusing on possibility rather than limitation.

For anyone building a team, pursuing creative work, or seeking more authentic connections, this conversation offers a candid look at how purpose-driven individuals can find their tribe and create something greater than what any could accomplish alone. Ready to connect with like-minded creatives who value authenticity over artifice? This episode is your invitation to the party.

The secret ingredient behind marketing success isn't just creativity—it's the operational systems that make everything possible. In this thoughtful exploration of marketing operations, we pull back the curtain on how structured processes create client confidence and enable creative freedom rather than restricting it.

What does it truly mean when a client says those magic words: "I know if you're handling it, I don't have to worry about it"? This level of trust doesn't happen by accident. We discuss how careful infrastructure building, consistent communication practices, and detailed planning create the foundation for successful marketing partnerships.

The conversation delves into the delicate balance between efficiency and creativity, revealing how the right systems actually enhance innovation rather than stifling it. We share candid stories about learning through failure, the courage needed to have difficult conversations with clients, and why sometimes taking two steps backward is necessary to move ten steps forward in your marketing evolution.

Perhaps most valuable is our discussion of what happens behind the scenes—the post-project debriefs that function as "game film" for continuous improvement, the art of not panicking when plans go sideways, and the importance of letting experts shine in their respective domains. These operational practices separate good marketing from truly exceptional work.

Ready to transform your marketing operations? Listen for practical insights on building systems that scale, creating client trust, and maintaining creative excellence even as your processes become more sophisticated.