Episode 29: Why Real Founders Build a Life, Not Just a Career (with Erik Reynolds, Entertainment Executive, Game Studio Co-Founder, and Creative Operator) Part 1

This episode was supposed to be a podcast introduction.Before every episode of Closing Conversations, Max usually jumps on a quick intro call with the guest before the actual recording. It’s meant to be simple: get to know each other, talk through the flow, and make sure the real conversation feels natural.But this one with Erik Reynolds was too good not to share.So instead of leaving it on the cutting room floor, we turned it into part one of a two-part episode.Erik has worked across video games, music, PR, film, television, esports, and creative strategy — including leading communications for major gaming companies, working with artists and brands, building media ventures, and now co-owning a video game studio.In this episode, we talk about:- Why some dreams belong in your eulogy, not just your résumé- How grief, divorce, music, hockey, and therapy can reshape a life- Why founders need real boundaries if they want to last- The difference between working hard and being consumed by work- Why stability meant something different to previous generations- How technology made everyone reachable all the time- Why business can be a form of art- What it means to build companies around passion, timing, and lived experienceErik brings a rare mix of creative instinct, business experience, and emotional honesty. This conversation starts as an introduction and quickly becomes something much bigger: a discussion about scars, reinvention, work, family, creativity, and building a life you actually want to live.Whether you’re a founder, seller, leader, creator, or just someone trying to figure out what the next chapter should look like, this episode is a reminder that the real work is not just building something impressive.It is building something that still feels like you.🎙️ Hosted by Max Notis | Learn more at comissionsales.comConnect with us:Erik Reynolds: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikleereynoldsMax Notis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxnotis/CoMission: https://www.linkedin.com/company/comissionsales/