Joe De Sena grew up in New York City in a neighborhood and a life reminiscent of the movie "Goodfellas." In the pod, the two native New Yorkers discuss how in the early 70s De Sena's mother's transition into a more zen lifestyle turned his world upside down and how an opportunity to clean a pool made way for one of his first-ever business ventures. His hustle led to an unlikely admittance to Cornell and a career on Wall Street. There he encountered greed that drove a change in his priorities, leading him to create Spartan Race. Finally, De Sena shares the long road to launching a global brand, how he's handled adversity, and what's next, including his new CNBC show “No Retreat: Business Bootcamp.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices