Anthony Pompliano on Chasing Freedom, Balance, and Navigating Crypto’s Ups and Downs Anthony Pompliano, widely known as Pomp, is a leading voice in crypto and finance, founder and CEO of Professional Capital Management, and host of the popular Pomp Podcast. In this episode of When Shift Happens, @APompliano sat down with me to unpack his personal journey, mindset, and insights on success, balance, and the crypto world. ​ From Childhood Drive to Life Lessons in Mortality ​ Anthony’s entrepreneurial drive feels innate. When he started his first business at 12, he wasn’t after money, but the freedom to spend without permission and control his own time. A profound military experience in Iraq shaped his “one day it’ll be my day” mentality, and at 20, after a fellow soldier’s death, he confronted mortality. He resolved to squeeze as much out of this life as he could, and this lesson still fuels his relentless yet thoughtful approach to life and work. ​ The Power of Asking ​ A fundamental theme throughout our conversation was the importance of simply asking. Anthony emphasizes, “If you ask, you’ll receive,” and shares how the most important “yes” in his life came from his wife. This philosophy has propelled his career, whether reaching out to podcast guests or seizing opportunities. ​ Anthony also challenges the notion that success requires laser focus on a single goal. “You don’t have to be Elon Musk,” he says, advocating instead for pursuing multiple ventures or interests, even if related. This broad approach teaches pattern recognition and mental flexibility, both in business and in life. He also remarked on the importance of intentionality in diverse pursuits, including hobbies, which are just as valuable as a traditional hustle. ​ Hustling, Media Leverage, and Loving What You Do ​ Despite podcasting’s current saturation, Anthony highlights how quickly hard work can scale impact. His podcast became a key leverage tool, enabling him to connect with influential figures who benefit from exposure to his growing audience—a mutually beneficial network built on authenticity. ​ He acknowledges that not everyone loves every aspect of their work, especially “HR stuff,” but distinguishes himself with a revealing question: “What were you doing on Saturday?” For Anthony, weekends at the office aren’t a burden but a freedom to focus deeply, away from management duties. This shift from “I have to do this” to “I get to do this” powers his sustained passion and productivity. ​ Designing a Balanced Life and Facing Reality ​ Anthony pushes back against the glorification of burnout, advocating for intentionally designing a life that blends professional and personal seamlessly. By bringing his young kids to the office on Saturdays, he ensures quality family time while staying productive. Setting boundaries—like leaving work on time and prioritizing mornings and evenings with family—are key to sustainable success. “Don’t be that guy who works 80 hours a week for 50 years and then he dies,” he warns. ​ On mental health, Anthony offers a candid view influenced by 50 Cent’s words: “Depression is a luxury.” While acknowledging real struggles, he notes a surge of performative behaviors and cultural shifts amplified by social media. He simplifies his approach to evaluating people with two questions: “Are they hurting anyone? And are they happy?” For himself, he proudly states he’s “ecstatic” because he has maintained an alignment with his expectations and reality. ​ Crypto, Time, and Resilience ​ Anthony pulls no punches in admitting that most people enter crypto to make money. The capitalistic drive hooks newcomers, who often then discover the deeper ethos of decentralization and financial freedom. Interestingly, he began mining Ethereum before fully embracing Bitcoin and remains cautious about publicly endorsing altcoins, knowing his large audience listens carefully. He calls Bitcoin “the S&P 500 of crypto,” a relatively safe, long-term asset, and prides himself on intellectual independence amidst the tribalism that often divides the crypto community. ​ While reflecting, Anthony mentioned that his biggest regret isn’t missed investments but time wasted when younger. He admires young people with clear goals and intentionality, stressing that “time is the most expensive asset.” When faced with harsh criticism and market crashes like FTX and Luna, Anthony stood firm. Unlike some who retreated, he read every negative comment, determined to learn and remember who truly supported or opposed him. He sees these setbacks as humbling fires that sharpen resilience: “Crypto accelerates the crash and burn,” but surviving it leads to becoming a better investor and builder. ​ Giving Back, Fatherhood, and Lifelong Learning ​ For Anthony, living an extraordinary life is deeply personal, and there is no single formula. Success, to him, simply means being happy, which comes from aligning expectations with reality. He expresses gratitude for his health, loving family, and opportunities, while recognizing the fragile balance of social mobility. ​ A core lesson Anthony shares is the power of abundance through generosity: “The more you help other people become successful, the more success finds you.” This service mindset replenishes rather than drains and forms the foundation of how he manages his media brand, offering value first and trusting that opportunities will follow. ​ Fatherhood dramatically reshaped Anthony’s outlook. Now, every investment decision is made with his children’s future in mind. He focuses on resilience, compounding growth, and building enterprises his kids can eventually lead, not for conquest, but for a lasting legacy. ​ Anthony closes with humility and a growth mindset: “You never become the master; you’re always a student.” In the fast-evolving worlds of crypto and life, curiosity and learning remain essential survival skills. His journey is a blueprint of persistence, intentionality, and balance — offering invaluable insights for entrepreneurs, investors, and curious minds alike. ​ 👉If you enjoyed reading the summary, head over to When Shift Happens on YouTube or your favorite podcast platform to access the full convo.