Say It Skillfully® is a show that helps you to benefit from Molly Tschang’s expert guidance on the best possible ways to speak your mind at work in a positive and productive manner. Episode 192 is proof our passions in life can come seemingly out of nowhere. Molly’s friend Mark Axelowitz takes us behind the scenes of his life journey—making his way to and excelling in a Wall Street career and then (when least expected) a surprise acting career, starring opposite none other than Robert De Niro three times!
When Mark was 9, his father lost the entire family savings in the stock market. All 4 kids had no choice but to work. Mark delivered newspapers and caddied, and it was his flourishing landscaping business over a decade that covered his clothes, cars and saving for college. He recalls the deep embarrassment—worst house, worst car, having almost no furniture. While his father, who lived until 101, said losing everything was the best thing that could have happened because he had 4 children who weren’t spoiled, Mark learned at a young age the necessity of making money.
Staying home for college was the only option, taking 3 jobs: mowing lawns, packing trucks for UPS and working in the Hofstra computer center. Hear Mark recount his early roles and never looking back after his brash foray onto Wall Street. He became a top financial advisor, working with many of the most successful hedge funds, private equity funds and key players in entertainment. I won’t spoil how Mark’s 2nd career in acting transpired—you have to hear it to believe it. Don’t miss how Mark epitomizes leaning into discomfort (a.k.a. freakin’ out) as the path to growth.
Married 34 years, in business with a partner he’s known 43, relationships have been Mark’s bedrock, as has serving his community. Mark shares (while not his intention) “100%—I owe my success to giving back … without philanthropy I’d never have met Ray Dalio, Bill Ackman, … or been an actor.”
The moral of Mark’s amazing journey: “helping others is the best way to help yourself.” Tune in for his many inspiring learnings to succeed on your terms and learn how to navigate life while being invaluable and true to yourself. And be on the lookout for Mark in the release of Wise Guys February 2024 (bit.ly/3qkXtXr)
Molly’s thought for the week (a favorite of Mark’s)
The true measure of a man is not by how many servants he has but how many men he serves.” —D.L. Moody
