Meet Andy Gutman

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Andy Gutman a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Andy, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
I stumbled upon my purpose inadvertently. For years, I quietly wrote poems, songs and stories, keeping my writing hidden, fueled by the fear that it might not be deemed worthy. Then, a decision crystallized within me: regardless of its perceived worth, I wanted to craft a legacy for my daughter through the creation of a children’s book. “Charlie The Caterpillar” was born, initially intended solely for her and perhaps her future children. However, the experience gave me a newfound confidence.

Although my intention was humble, the impact rippled beyond my expectations. I found myself engaging in readings at schools, fostering an environment that encouraged children to discover their own self-worth. The book became a conduit for reading to children at schools and in other settings, and during one of these events, a young girl approached me, declaring “Charlie The Caterpillar” as her favorite and expressing her aspiration to become a writer. This encounter sparked a realization—I could make a difference in the world, even if it was just one person at a time.

Motivated by this insight, I began to collaborate with non-profits and schools. The focus shifted towards empowering children to embrace their potential as authors from a young age, instilling in them the confidence to conquer any challenge. Now, everything I write revolves around this central theme: making a positive impact in lives and contributing to the collective effort to create a better world.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
In my life, I encompass a diverse array of roles. Foremost among them is my role as a father, a source of immense pride. Additionally, I am a businessman and a dedicated entrepreneur, I express myself through writing as an author, channel creativity into music as a songwriter, and nurture my imaginative side as a dreamer. What sets me apart is the intriguing journey I’ve undertaken. While I diligently pursued my business aspirations in commercial real estate, my other passions took a backseat until a pivotal moment—an unfortunate loss of a colleague. When I was growing up, I had dreams of being a musician, aspiring to be a singer despite my lack of vocal prowess and a musician despite discovering a lack of talent with instruments.

Adjacent to my office was a gentle soul, always planning the joys of retirement—spending quality time with family, traveling. Yet, fate intervened abruptly, reminding me of life’s fleeting nature and unfulfilled dreams. His story became my catalyst for change, prompting me to recognize that the only impediment to achieving my goals was self-imposed.

Months of study and research led me to the realization that the pursuit of my musical dreams required action. I ventured into song production, facing setbacks and blunders but ultimately producing over 500 of my songs and have now licensed over 30. Moreover, I transitioned into the realm of children’s literature, authoring seven books with an eighth in progress. Today, I approach every dream with unwavering determination, seizing each day’s potential.

Even within my day job in commercial real estate, creativity has become my ally. I infuse passion into every task, embracing a relentless pursuit of my aspirations. My life has become a tapestry woven with diverse experiences, and I greet each endeavor with an enthusiasm that permeates everything I do.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

I consider three elements crucial for achieving success: a tireless work ethic, the application of creativity to discover new solutions, and an authentic hunger for success. My dedication to hard work remains unwavering, matching or surpassing the level of commitment from the outset of my career. The same fervor that drove me in the early stages persists, fueling my ongoing pursuit of success.

In my daily life, I intertwine creativity with an ambition to set higher standards and scale new heights. This synthesis ensures that every task becomes an opportunity for innovation and advancement. With these principles at the forefront, I find that I never truly “work” a day—my passion for what I do transforms each moment into a source of fulfillment.

I cherish the excitement of each new day, viewing challenges as stepping stones and opportunities as avenues for growth. Embracing these three pillars, I approach my professional journey with genuine enthusiasm, savoring the joy that comes from a harmonious blend of hard work, creativity, and an unyielding drive for success.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

The invaluable lessons my parents and grandparents imparted to me boiled down to two fundamental principles that converged towards the same outcome: being exemplary role models. Witnessing my father’s tireless dedication to his job, consistently reaching new heights in his career, left an indelible impression on me. Their influence extended beyond mere words, as my parents instilled in me the paramount importance of hard work and a steadfast work ethic.

My journey into the realm of diligence commenced during middle school when I undertook the responsibility of delivering newspapers. Since high school, I maintained a continuous string of employment, juggling various jobs while pursuing my college education. I assumed roles such as Resident Advisor, worked in the snack shop, performed night maintenance, and undertook nighttime security duties. Remarkably, none of these felt like mere labor; rather, they became avenues through which I took pride in a job well done.

I embraced the ethos of industriousness instilled by my parents, recognizing that hard work is not just a means to an end but a source of personal pride. The satisfaction derived from making my parents proud, knowing that their commitment to instilling a strong work ethic had resonated deeply within me, has been a driving force in my life.

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