#116 From Bankruptcy to Billions: How David Meltzer Lost and Found Himself

There's a difference between making money and building wealth.

Between achieving success and sustaining it.

David Meltzer learned this the hard way when he lost over $100 million and had to tell his mother he'd lost her house too.

In this powerful conversation with Genea, David shares the three distinct phases of his entrepreneurial journey and the internal shifts that changed everything.

This isn't your typical rags-to-riches story.

It's about the hidden costs of building from scarcity, the emptiness that can come with external success, and the moment David discovered that his biggest problem wasn't his circumstances, it was his relationship with them.

The insights David shares go straight to the heart of what it means to build something sustainable:

🔹 Why making millions from scarcity will always lead you back to zero

🔹 The dangerous world of "for me" thinking that still operates from scarcity

🔹 What his mother saw that he couldn't, and how it saved his life

🔹 The practical difference between giving more and asking for more than more

If you're building something meaningful but struggling with the internal game of entrepreneurship, this conversation will shift how you see success, money, and your own journey.

 

Connect with David: 

Get David’s life hack book for free → email him at david@dmeltzer.com and ask for the book you heard about on the Be the Wolf podcast. 

 

Website: https://dmeltzer.com/

Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/davidmeltzer11

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidmeltzer/

Twitter: https://x.com/davidmeltzer

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmeltzer2/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@davidmeltzer

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/davidmeltzer

About David:

David Meltzer is the Chairman of the Napoleon Hill Institute and formerly served as CEO of the renowned Leigh Steinberg Sports & Entertainment agency, which was the inspiration for the movie Jerry Maguire. He is a globally recognized entrepreneur, investor, and top business coach. Variety Magazine has recognized him as their Sports Humanitarian of the Year and has been awarded the Ellis Island Medal of Honor.

 

As Executive Producer of the Apple TV series 2 Minute Drill and Office Hours, as well as Entrepreneur's #1 digital business show, Elevator Pitch, David brings unmatched insights to audiences worldwide. His journey has been featured in books, movies, and TV, including World’s Greatest Motivators, Think and Grow Rich, and Netflix’s Beyond the Secret. His life’s mission is to empower OVER 1 BILLION people to be happy!

This simple yet powerful mission has led him on an incredible journey to provide one thing… VALUE. In all his content and communication, that’s exactly what you’ll receive.

 

Connect with Genea:

[free guide] Grow Your Business and Love Doing it with the 3 secrets the business gurus NEVER talk about: http://bethewolfgift.com/

Website: http://bethewolfnow.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/geneabarnes/