Lucas Bean

CEO @ Social Proof | Leader, Ai, Adtech, Analytics, AiO, Fintech, Games, Entertainment, Web3, Creator Economy | ex Atari, Sony, Experian, Deloitte | User Acquisition Expert | speaker, advisor, ENTP

I’m a seasoned tech executive with deep entrepreneurial experience ready to help you build, scale and win.

I'm top 3 globally in:
• User acquisition
• Retention
• Community building
• UX optimization

20+ years in marketing, data science and product leadership
Author of Community Market Fit - Published April 2025 
Ex-Atari, Sony Pictures, Experian, Deloitte
Founder, CEO, GM, CMO, COO, SVP of Marketing & Ops

I specialize in scaling businesses fast through:
• User acquisition & retention strategy
• Data-driven marketing
• Product development
• P&L management
• Advanced automation
• Consumer experience design
• Growth operations

Proven wins:
✔️ Helped raise over $50M in venture capital
✔️ Built & exited a solo venture at $500K+/year
✔️ Took an adtech company public (founded in 2008, IPO in 2017)
✔️ Executive roles at 3 companies that exited for $1.4B+ combined

Marketing expertise:
• Copywriting
• SEO
• Email marketing
• Content creation
• Influencer strategy
• Video & display ads
• Marketing automation
• Flywheel effects
• Full-stack paid media (desktop/mobile)

Industry experience:
Fintech, Adtech, Gaming, Entertainment, Dating, Web3, Creator Economy, Social E-commerce

Leadership style:
I’ve built scrappy teams from scratch and turned underperforming teams into high-output machines.

I believe complex systems can be distilled into simple, marketable messages that resonate deeply with customers, fans, and stakeholders.

Now? I’m focused on helping others build fast, scale smart and stand out.
Open to clients, partnerships, and strategic opportunities.

GM & Head of Product 

Strategic Consulting to startups, founders, executive management of fortune 1,000 companies. Providing expert advice and execution on Web3, NFT, Operations, General Management, digital marketing efforts, Web3 onboarding, core operational issues, Data Analysis, Strategy, P&L Management, Product Development, Product Innovation, User Experience, User Acquisition & Retention. 

I help turn new and existing businesses into finely tuned digital powerhouses by auditing current 
 internal processes. I then use analytics, acquisition, retention, mentoring & media management to determine KPI's and hyper improve performance metrics with precise strategic tactics. 

Channels Leveraged: Analytics, Influence Marketing, Community Building, Social, Display, Search Paid + Natural, email, mobile.

Current Business fields of expertise (no one is an expert, always learning):
NFTs
Web3 (P2E Gaming, Metaverse etc.)
Gaming and esports 
Mobile Gaming
Fintech
Influence Marketing
e-commerce (social selling)
Entertainment 
Mobile Apps
Digital Products
Digital & IRL Events

10 things to ask in your next Job Interview,
(And what NOT say):

Interviews are like any first meetings,
Awkward and uncomfortable.

They only give you 60 minutes to:

✅ See if you’re a fit.
✅ Sell your strengths.
✅ Show your enthusiasm.

To do your research is to be prepared
Practice what you'll say and how you'll say it

Avoid saying these 10 things:
(And what to say instead)

1/ "I don't have any questions."
↳ Why: Shows zero preparation or interest
↳ Instead: Ask specific questions about the team's current projects or culture

2/ "I’ll take any job right now."
↳ Why: Signals desperation, kills your negotiating power
↳ Instead: Highlight skills that match specific role

3/ "I don't like taking direction."
↳ Why: Makes you seem un-coachable
↳ Instead: Share how you've grown from feedback

4/ "I don’t have any weaknesses."
↳ Why: Sounds unrealistic and arrogant
↳ Instead: Share a real weakness and how you're improving

5/ "I hate my current boss."
↳ Why: Raises red flags about professionalism
↳ Instead: Focus on your career growth goals

6/ "I'll figure it out as I go."
↳ Why: Suggests you don’t prepare
↳ Instead: Emphasize your (proven) ability to learn quickly

7/ "This is a stepping stone for me."
↳ Why: Companies don't want to invest in short-term employees
↳ Instead: Share your interest in growing with the company

8/ "What's your work-from-home policy?" (too early)
↳ Why: Makes work flexibility seem like your top priority
↳ Instead: First discuss role, fit and get them interested

9/ "What time do people leave?"
↳ Why: Implies you're just watching the clock
↳ Instead: Ask about daily workflows and responsibilities

10/ "I don't handle stress well."
↳ Why: Suggests you'll crack under pressure
↳ Instead: Describe how you organize work to manage deadlines

Remember:
Be Prepared and be positive, they go a long way.


P.S. What's your #1 interview tip? 👇



♻  Repost toinspire your network 
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Lucas Bean 

20 years Marketing, Data Science & Product Executive | Author of Community Market Fit | ex Atari, Sony, Experian, Deloitte | User Acquisition & Retention Expert | consultant, speaker, advisor, Ai Automation Expert

No alternative text description for this image

This is why most people quit.

When
it takes
more work
than we thought
it would.

It’s way easier to:

- quit
- make excuses
- get discouraged
- go watch Netflix
- grab a bottle of booze
- go and smoke weed and zone out 


Instead, set yourself up to win by:

- setting time blocks
- setting expectations
- setting up exact tactics
- setting up a realistic timeline


Our aspirations are always greater
then the reality of how much work it is.

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 > 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

Don’t let 2025 get away from you 


share this to help others in your community 
Follow me Lucas Bean for more
We need you back Mr. Obama

Be brave enough to suck at something new 


Scared to:

→ write that article 
→ publish that video
→ post that comment 
→ send that DM to someone
→ Just do it and figure it out later


Your goals should be that of action:

→ have a sense of urgency
→ take action instead of overthinking
→ Focus on the future, not on the past 
→ plan 20% and execute 80% of the time

A ship does not sail on yesterday's wind. 

________________________________

♻️ share to help others take the leap

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li_at

JSESSIONID

Talks about #ai, #web3, #adtech, #entrepreneurship, and #influencermarketing

Increase your luck surface area by showing up

90% of success is literally just showing up.

So create your own luck 

How many:

days
weeks
months
decades

were they showing up consistently? 

They showed up everyday and you call it luck?

It only takes that one time to land an opportunity of a lifetime or to miss it. 

Be consistent.


Follow me Lucas Bean for more

I’ve learned not to hold people hostage 
to who they used to be.

We all carry outdated versions of ourselves: 

mistakes we’ve made
ignorance we’ve acted on 
pain caused before we knew better 

I’ve seen how one bad chapters can become someone’s whole story in the eyes of others 

But people grow
They stumble
They learn 

They often try to make things right. 

We all have regrets
but that doesn’t mean we can’t begin again.
I’ve watched friends become softer,
more grounded. 

Change isn’t always dramatic
it’s often slow and quiet. 


But it’s real. 


When we dismiss someone for who they were
we miss who they’ve worked to become.

No one should be forever judged
by a version they’ve outgrown.

If we offer ourselves grace
we should offer it to others too.

♻️ Share this with someone who inspires you 
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A lot must go wrong 
Before 

it can go right. 

Don’t worry about being too early 

Worry about being too lazy 

Worry about not giving up 

It only takes once 

Follow me Lucas Bean for more

Hard truth: every relationship is transactional
(here's how to make it work for you)
 
Every connection runs on exchange.
Some trade trust, others trade time or attention
The flow is always there.


Work is clear.
You get paid. You perform.
The deal is direct and defined.

Friendship is quieter.
No terms, but the contract exists.
Support, loyalty and time are traded.


Scarcity mindset
When you meet someone for gain,
you think short term.
You ask before you give.
Trust fades before it grows.


Growth mindset
See people as long term partners.
Invest first. Listen first. Give first.
That is how trust compounds.


Here are 8 ways to build social capital:

1. Play long term games
↳ Act like every bond will last decades.

2. Build before you need
↳ Offer help early, without a return.

3. Make introductions
↳ One link can create years of value.

4. Stay in touch
↳ Send notes. Celebrate wins. Show up.

5. Invest in depth
↳ Spend real time when it matters most.

6. Earn reputation
↳ Do work that speaks when you are silent.

7. Be patient with asks
↳ Quick favors reveal short term thinking.

8. Think in decades
↳ What if this person stayed for 40 years?


Charisma can open doors fast.
But trust keeps them open.
Short term charm fades.
Consistency endures.


Strong relationships are built slowly.
They outlast opportunity.


P.S. Do you agree? 

P.P.S. which is is your favorite? 


♻ Share if you believe real trust compounds.
🔔 Follow me Lucas Bean for more leadership

10 Signs You're Emotionally Intelligent:
(and you might not know it)

First how do you define emotional intelligence?

Emotional Intelligence is the ability to recognize, 
understand and manage emotions in yourself and others.


The pros: 
These powerful skills help you bring out the best
in both yourself and others.


The cons:
They can leave you feeling drained and exhausted
having to manage peoples emotional state to get the best out of them. 


10 signs you are an emotional intelligent powerhouse:

1. You sense what people need
↳ You can tell when someone needs to talk
 vent or just be left alone.

2. You read between the lines
↳ A short “okay” in Slack tells you everything you need to know.

3. You absorb emotional tension
↳ People naturally calm down when talking to you
 even if you don't say much.

4. You speak everyone’s language
↳ You know exactly who needs all the details 
 and who just wants the headlines.

5. You catch unsaid questions
↳ You notice when someone wants to speak but stays silent.

6. You feel others' stress
↳ Deadlines, tough meetings you feel nervous for your coworkers 
 even when you’re not involved.

7. You notice fake enthusiasm
↳ You can tell the difference between genuine excitement
 and polite agreement.

8. You're everyone’s reality check
↳ People often ask, "How did that really go?" 
 because they trust your judgment.

9. You sense when meetings go off track
↳ You recognize the moment people start checking
 their phones more.

10. You spot hidden burnout
↳ You notice when colleagues aren’t themselves
 even if they try to hide it.


♻️ Repost to inspire someone.
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You're never too important to be kind
(weakness or a strength)

I used to think:
Do good work and it will speak for itself
That being too kind was a weakness
Show weakness and you get hurt

that kindness had to be earned
never given freely.

But here’s the truth:

The strongest leaders...
Heck the strongest people I’ve seen?

They lead with kindness.
↳ Its not weakness.
↳ It's not people-pleasing.
↳ Just real kindness.

They set standards ➟ without shame.
 They give tough feedback ➟ without cruelty.
 They inspire ➟ without ego.

Here’s what I’ve come to know  ↓ 

→ Kindness is strength.
 → Fear doesn't buy loyalty.
 → You can can still win without being feared. 

Now I lead with 5 daily rules:

1. Being kind won’t make everyone like you
 ↳ But it will make people feel safe around you.

2. Being kind is infectious 
 ↳ People will start following your lead 

3. Empathy isn't weakness 
 ↳ It unites your team in understanding

4. Kindness doesn’t lower expectations
 ↳ It raises people to meet them.

5. Respect isn’t optional
 ↳ It’s the foundation of true leadership.


💬 Know a leader like this?

 Tag them below 👇

♻️ Repost if you believe being kind is a strength. 
Follow me Lucas Bean for more 

(Shout out to Luke Tobin for the essential message and image)

If I could teach one habit that changes everything.

 It would be this:

- Take nothing personal
- Let things go
- Stay focused

When you do that,
it’s hard for anything to stop yo

Two things that hold most people back:

1. Fear of failure.
2. Fear of embarrassment. 

Everyone has to climb cringe mountain 
to make it to the land of cool. 
Easy to say right?

The only true way to beat the thing
is by doing the thing. 

So just start doing it.

don't think about doing it
don't write about doing it 
don't say you're gonna do it tomorrow
don't tell someone else you're doing it 

just do the thing. 

when you find one path that doesn't work
take another path.

You're aloud to change course 
anytime you want to, 
as many times as you want. 

who cares what anyone thinks. 


When I ran marketing for a fortune 500 brand
I had major restrictions on me

→ My job
→ My boss
→ The optics 
→ The company I worked for

You're not aloud to be an online person
when you worked at a fortune 500 company
and anytime you're speaking anywhere
you are speaking for that brand

today, its different. 

brands are looking for:

→ people that have audiences already. 
→ that can articulate and communicate well. 
→ That aren't scared to talk to people or the camera. 
→ That think fast on their feet. 

Today you have access to the biggest stage in the world
You don't need a Tedtalk

You need your smart phone and thick skin. 

Thats it. 

Use that smart phone
Develop that thick skin 
or you'll always fear
going for it.

♻️ Share this with some one who needs to hear it 
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Here are 10 ways emotionally intelligent people manage toxicity:


1) They practice healthy coping mechanisms to calm their mind.
2) They set firm boundaries against toxic behavior
3) They rise above pettiness and refuse to engage in toxic behavior.
4) They seek constructive solutions rather than dwelling on negativity.
5)They avoid negative individuals who don't take responsibility.
6) They remain confident in their values and are unfazed by others' opinions.
7) They have high emotional awareness & can manage emotions effectively.
8) They let go of their ego and focus on peaceful solutions.
9) They persevere in finding healthy solutions despite difficult personalities.
10) They learn from the past with toxic people. 


Which one is your favorite?
Tell me below


♻ share to help other high EQ people like you 
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Here is a list of things that are not doing the thing:

“Preparing to do the thing 
isn't doing the thing.

Scheduling time to do the thing isn't doing the thing.

Making a to-do list for the thing isn't doing the thing.

Telling people you're going to do the thing isn't doing the thing.

Messaging friends who may or may not be doing the thing 
isn't doing the thing.

Writing a banger tweet about how you're going to do the thing 
isn't doing the thing.

Hating on yourself for not doing the thing 
isn't doing the thing.

Hating on other people who have done the thing 
isn't doing the thing.

Hating on the obstacles in the way of doing the thing 
isn't doing the thing.

Fantasizing about all of the adoration you'll receive once you do the thing 
isn't doing the thing.

Reading about how to do the thing 
isn't doing the thing.

Reading about how other people did the thing 
isn't doing the thing.

Reading this essay isn't doing the thing.

The only thing that is doing the thing is doing the thing.” 
— Strangest Loop

Now go do the thing 🛠️

Feeling stuck? 
That's because 

you are.

New results don’t come from old habits.
Change isn’t luck. 
It’s action.

You want a new future?
Do something different today.

Hard truth:
You’re not stuck because life’s unfair.
You’re stuck because comfort feels safer than change.

♻️ Share this with someone who needs to hear it 
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There is someone out there right now

less talented than you, living your dream life 


Do you know what the difference is 
between you and them? 


They took action. 

That's it. 

They started before they were ready. 


Does that make you upset? It should. 


Here is a simple framework to action today:


- Find a topic you like
- Start writing about that topic
- Start talking about that topic
- Start posting content about that topic
- Start making videos talking about that topic
- JUST START ALREADY


It really is that easy. 
It doesn't have to be perfect. 


The common things that hold people back:

- Peoples opinions 
- Fear of embarrassment
- Fear of being on camera 
- Fear of things not being perfect 
- Fear of pigeon holing themselves 
- Fear of speaking to people in a public setting


People will either:

- Love you (customers)
- Hate you (who cares)
- Join you (network)
- Follow you (students)
- Ignore you (already are)


Consistency + action will change your life. 



Sharing this post on your timeline 🚀

Follow me Lucas Bean 



#PersonalGrowth
#Challenges
#LinkedInCommunity

9 Soft Skills that will accelerate your career
(and what to avoid while learning them)

Most people obsess over technical skills.
 But soft skills?
That’s where real growth happens.

Here’s a quick list of what to do and what to avoid:

1. Emotional Intelligence
 ✅ Listen first, react second (count to 5!)
 ❌ Don’t send that angry email right away

2. Public Speaking
 ✅ Tell stories, not just facts
 ❌ Don’t read your slides word-for-word

3. Active Listening
 ✅ Put the phone down
 ❌ Don’t think about your reply while they’re talking

4. Time Management
 ✅ Block time for focused work
 ❌ Don’t say yes to every meeting

5. Adaptability
 ✅ Try new tools and methods
 ❌ Don’t say “but we’ve always done it this way”

6. Problem-Solving
 ✅ Break it into small chunks
 ❌ Don’t jump to conclusions

7. Conflict Resolution
 ✅ Tackle issues early
 ❌ Don’t avoid hard conversations

8. Written Communication
 ✅ Edit for clarity
 ❌ Don’t send emotional emails

9. Decision Making
 ✅ Gather input first
 ❌ Don’t let analysis paralysis kill progress

Want to grow faster in your career?
Get better at these 9 skills daily.

P.S. Which of these do you need to work on most?

♻ Repost to help someone level up
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5 ways to crush it on Linkedin in 2026:
(its not what you think)


𝗩𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁

On LinkedIn, your content must deliver real value.
Think actionable insights, career hacks, or deep dives into industry trends.

Your audience is here to learn and grow professionally, so make every post count.



𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗜𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝗢𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹

It’s all about the conversation.
Don’t just broadcast; interact.
Comment, respond, and engage.
Build a community, not just a following.

Your network's growth depends on the relationships you cultivate.



𝗠𝗶𝘅 𝗜𝘁 𝗨𝗽

Keep your content arsenal diverse.
Text, videos, stories – use them all.
Different formats appeal to different people and keep your feed dynamic.
Remember, variety can be the key to keeping your audience hooked.



𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗹𝗴𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗺 𝗚𝗮𝗺𝗲

Learn LinkedIn's rules and use them to your advantage.
Hashtags? Timing? Conciseness?

It’s not just what you say, but how and when you say it.



𝗕𝗲 𝗨𝗻𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗮𝗯𝗹𝘆 𝗬𝗼𝘂

Consistency in your branding and authenticity in your message are non-negotiable.



𝙋𝙚𝙤𝙥𝙡𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙤𝙬 𝙥𝙚𝙤𝙥𝙡𝙚, 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙛𝙞𝙡𝙚𝙨.

Share your real experiences and thoughts.
Be the thought leader people can relate to and trust.



𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗲𝗱𝗜𝗻 𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗮 𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸.

Provide value
engage genuinely
vary your approach
understand the mechanics
stay true to your unique voice.


Share this to help your community 
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Which one do you like the most?

#entrepreneurship
#Innovation
#Digitalmarketing

5 ways to crush it on Linkedin

The average person sits for 12 hours a day 
(Moving will increase your EQ)


Research shows that people who engage in regular physical activity 
will have higher levels of emotional intelligence


So here are 15 habits to increase your emotional intelligence:

1. Dedicate at least 30 mins to physical activity daily.
2. Use a fitness tracker to monitor your daily steps.
3. Participate in group fitness classes for motivation.
4. Use a standing desk while working.
5. Hold meetings while walking instead of sitting.
6. Go outside during lunch when the weather is nice.
7. Challenge yourself by setting achievable fitness goals.
8. Choose stairs over elevators whenever possible.
9. Walk or bike to work if feasible.
10. Incorporate stretching exercises into your daily routine.
11. Stand up and stretch every hour.
12. Use apps or alarms to remind you to move every hour.
13. Engage in active family outings like hiking or biking.
14. Dance to your favorite music as a fun way to get moving.
15. Do simple exercises like leg lifts or seated marches at your desk.

A sedentary lifestyle is also a silent killer,
that takes away our health every day we don't move.

The less time you spend sitting during the day,
the better your chances of living a healthy life. 🙏

♻️ Repost this to spread the message
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10 Signs You work for a Visionary Leader

Most people just want to 
order people around 

but the smart ones listen first
Great leaders reveal themselves in small ways


Here’s what to look for in your next interview:


✅ Says “we” not “I”
They focus on team not personal glory

✅ Gives credit to others
Big wins are shared not hoarded

✅ Open body language
They lean in not cross arms and shut down

✅ Welcomes your questions
Curiosity is encouraged not feared

✅ Owns their mistakes
Blame is replaced by responsibility

✅ Talks about the big picture
Vision beats busywork every time

✅ Puts people first
They make time for those who matter

✅ Talks about learning
They are students not know it alls

✅ Inspires not intimidates
You feel lifted not smaller around them

✅ You feel it in your gut
If it feels right it usually is


Great leaders do not need to say they lead
You can feel it in every word and choice

Which one stood out to you most

♻ Share this with someone who is job hunting
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How to respond to criticism at work:
(and what NOT to say in response)

Most people shut down when they’re criticized.

The truth?
That reaction kills your credibility.

You know what works? Owning it and asking for clarity.

I used to react badly to criticism.

Even when it wasn’t personal:
↳ Yeah, it’s terrible
 ↳ I was wrong
 ↳ I blew it

🚩 Taking criticism poorly hurts growth.

Here’s how high performers handle criticism and stay respected:

Presentation Criticized
 ❌ Yeah, it’s terrible
 ✅ What can I improve?

Decision Questioned
 ❌ I was wrong
 ✅ Explain your concerns?

Work Criticized
 ❌ I failed badly
 ✅ What does good look like?

Missed Deadline
 ❌ I blew it
 ✅ Let’s set a more realistic deadline

Strategy Challenged
 ❌ The plan was flawed
 ✅ Let me walk you through it

Unprepared
 ❌ I’m not ready
 ✅ I don’t know right now, let me get that answer for you

Numbers Are Wrong
 ❌ I’m not wrong
 ✅ I’ll review the numbers and get back to you

Idea Rejected
 ❌ I guess my idea sucks
 ✅ What does a good idea look like to you?

Going Off‑Track
 ❌ I’m lost
 ✅ Let’s get back on track shall we?

Bad Communication
 ❌ I’m awful
 ✅ Let me explain this more clearly

Overstepping
 ❌ My bad, that’s just me
 ✅ Let’s be clear about boundaries up front

Priorities
 ❌ No idea
 ✅ Let’s confirm what’s most important

Your words have meaning.
Your response shapes how you are perceived.
Choose your words wisely.

Take nothing personal even when it was meant that way

P.S. Which one of these will you use in your next tough conversation?

♻️ Repost to help your network elevate 
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How high performers respond to criticism. 
Lucas Bean

Seth Yakatan

Raising & Selling 📈 $1B+ Raised 💰 22 Companies Sold 🤝

Are you struggling to communicate your vision to the capital gatekeepers?

Are you exploring selling your business but don’t know anything about:
✘ Due diligence
✘ Term sheets
✘ Earnouts

Friend, you're lucky you found me...

I'm Seth Yakatan.

I have 30-odd years experience as a corporate finance professional.

My specialties are:
💰 Raising money
🤝 Selling companies

And I’m f**king good at it.

I’ve raised over $1B and sold 22 businesses.

My career has mostly been supporting small-cap and major corporations seeking capital to grow, or
to find strategic acquirers.

Most of these companies are in: 
— biotech
— cannabis
— pharmaceuticals
— DTC consumer goods

I’ve been on boards, taken companies public, gone up against multinational corporations, raised from VC and PE funds.

All of it. 
Many times over.
Whatever your problem is, I’ve seen it before.

But let me level with you:

What I REALLY love is helping people to get to the finish line.

Talking to entrepreneurs excites me.

But in my experience, entrepreneurs are mostly s**t at raising capital and selling companies.

** They just don’t understand investors **

And that’s where I come in.

Together, we workshop: 
✔ Your pitch
✔ Your deck
✔ Your strategy 

And help you raise the capital to GROW and SELL your business.

If you need this help—and almost every business does—send me a DM.

Like, now.

Don't lose another potential investor or acquirer with the wrong pitch.

Seth ✌️

Co-Founder

Merchant Bank / Advisory / Family Office

While politicians are arguing about hemp, Kratom is being sold as a “natural wellness supplement.”

But let’s STOP pretending.

This is NOT chamomile tea.

This is NOT “plant-based stress relief.”

This is an unregulated opioid analogue with street-corner quality control.

And it’s ending up in gas stations, smoke shops, and TikTok “self-care” feeds.


>> Whats Happening?

Kratom is being sold everywhere with little to no restrictions.

And, IMO, it is DANGEROUS.

It contains mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, compounds that we know:

→ Bind to mu-opioid receptors
→ Produce opioid-like euphoria and sedation

And it creates tolerance and withdrawal patterns basically indistinguishable from low-grade opioid dependence.

California’s Department of Public Health just issued a formal advisory (NR25-016) warning that:

Kratom products are ILLEGAL to manufacture and sell in the state.

Claims about pain, anxiety, or withdrawal treatment are unproven.

And that multiple fatal overdoses have already been linked to kratom in Los Angeles County

This is not “maybe dangerous.”…this is DOCUMENTED harm.


>> Why This Matters?

OxyContin addiction didn’t start because people wanted to get high.

It started because people were in pain, desperate & were told something was safe and “less addictive.”

We have seen this movie before and I know exactly how it plays out.

Kratom is unregulated, inconsistently dosed and frequently adulterated.

And marketed using the same language pattern that launched the opioid epidemic:

“Natural”, “Safer than pharmaceuticals”, “Helps with withdrawal”

The result is people self-dosing their way straight into dependency.

Not because they’re reckless.

But because the product is designed to look harmless.

And the supply chain knows exactly what it’s doing....


>> What Am I Watching?

The pattern is repeating: 

Normalization via wellness marketing (“It’s just a plant.”)

Distribution concentrated in deregulated retail (Vape shops, convenience stores, social media DMs.)

Dependence masked as “daily routine" (Users don’t realize they’re sick until they stop.)

Regulators reacting only after deaths accumulate.

If we wait for “more data,” we are doing nothing more than running the Purdue Pharma playbook in slow motion.

This is not a supplement it’s an unregulated opioid with branding.

Kratom should not be sold.
Kratom should not be normalized.
Kratom should not be framed as “self-care.”
Kratom should be STOPPED.

When you want to push the boundary, what do you do?

TRY HARDER.
 
So I am honored to announce my latest collaboration with Fat Nugs Magazine x Seth Yakatan: A New Live Industry Series

>>> WHAT ?
I'm teaming up with Fat Nugs Magazine to launch a brand-new live discussion series spotlighting cannabis products and brands. 
 
And to start we're tackling pre-rolls - a category whose growth cannot be denied.

>>> WHO ?
Andrew Wells
Cesar Angobaldo
Courtney Zalewski
Fernando Bent-Mullings
Mei-Ling Campbell
Timeka Drew
Catherine Sidman
Luna Stower, MAT, CG ✨

>>> WHEN ? 

The series kicks off with its first episode Thursday, November 20th at 11AM EST/ 8AM PST.

FNM Presents: Voices of the Plant w/ Seth Yakatan
Preroll Edition 
Business. Culture. Community.

 
Sign up here: https://lnkd.in/geV4jVmy 

& MARK YOU CALENDARS for Thursday, November 20th at 11AM EST/ 8AM PST.

You want your 15 minutes of fame?

Then find me and my man Lance C. Lambert ✓ in VEGAS....

My friends at Fat Nugs Magazine have made the questionable decision of giving me a camera and a microphone (LOOK OUT!!!)

Fat Nugs Magazine  x PufCreativ event, Light Up Las Vegas, is going to be 🔥 

Me + Lance, badass activations, the food, infused beverages, live art, live music from John Shute's band, Bubala, the Faces of Cannabis, and I GOT A MIC!!!

Fat Nugs Magazine
John Shute, MBA
PufCreativ

Getting pumped for earnings season ???

WELL I AM...

Talking about Q2 a while back with the squad from 

The Dales Report

How do you think that that Q3 is going to look ???

Hit me in the Comments....

and thank you Shadd Dales + Anthony Varrell

Well folks, I have to admit that I was WRONG… I know, SHOCKER 😱

About 3 months ago I put up a post on AYR Wellness.

I said RIP…

But suddenly, AYR has come back from the dead…

Last week AYR Wellness Inc. announced that it was going to initiate CCAA proceedings. 


>> What's Happening?

On November 17, core assets of AYR’s subsidiaries will be transitioned to a newly formed acquisition vehicle (NewCo) owned by certain AYR senior note holders.

Basically this means that the lenders are going to run the company to try to get a recovery.

This is the same thing we’ve seen with several other companies…


>> Why is it Relevant?

1. Note trend
2. See #1

Just another case of investors taking the keys and trying to operate…


>> What Am I Watching?

This is about the fourth version of this flavor, will see if it tastes any different.

This industry has now become an SOP for the ‘equitization of debt and operate’ strategy…

Grabbing popcorn….

Hit the Debt Wall Jokes in the comments please.

BIG SCANDAL in NY this past month…

Omnium Health just found out the hard way that renting your license isn’t the same as running a business.


>> What’s Happening?

NY state says Omnium was renting out warehouse space to unlicensed operators and then moving products through its own distribution channels.

The regulators are moving to yank Omnium Health’s permits and hit them with 7-figure fines, and recall $10M worth of product.


>> Why is This Important?

This is the first major enforcement under the state’s new crackdown.

It signals a shift from “we’re building the market” to “we’re cleaning it up.”

And now the fallout is real:

Multi-million dollar recall.
Permanent ban on participation.
Dozens of brands hurt.


>> What Am I Watching?

I have called out that New York’s cannabis roll out experiment has been chaos from DAY ONE.

Slow licensing, illegal stores on every block, and bureaucrats chasing their tails.

But this move finally shows they’re willing to go after the suits, not just the bodegas.

It’s a warning shot.

Maybe, just maybe New York will clean up its act?

You enjoy your freedom ?

Then thank a VETERAN...

I am honored that members of my family have proudly served to ensure that my butt can. go get a burger fries and a coke...

Lets give it up for a REAL AMERICAN HERO...

Evan Hunt

Evan is a:

— Decorated 20-year veteran and combat aviator
— Community and business leader
— Texas family man
and has NO AGENDA other than his SERVICE !

He's running for U.S. Congress in Texas as a Democrat. 

He's taking on MAGA extremism and wants to recapture the House in 2026.

You can donate to help his cause here: https://lnkd.in/gQana6Wu

Who keeps me bullish?

Wyld & Aaron Morris

In ANY other industry, THAT'S A ROLL-UP PLATFORM.

General Catalyst (CALL ME)

Thanks to the gents From the Weeds to the Clouds - Michael Krefman + Michael Peterson

The 5 Stages of Grief: Cannabis Edition


Stage 1: Denial

For everyone: The initial shock and disbelief that loss has occurred, acting as a buffer against overwhelming emotions.

For us: The initial shock that prices are NOT going to stay high forever and act as a buffer against the mountain of debt raised.


Stage 2: Anger

For everyone: A natural reaction to loss, where one may feel frustration, resentment, or rage at the situation.

For us: Manifests in yelling at A/R collections, city counsel meetings, boardrooms, or in the comments on LinkedIn.


Stage 3: Bargaining

For everyone: Negotiate with fate or a higher power to undo the loss, often involving phrases like "If only..." or "What if...".

For us: “Well I can just SELL the license, not pay taxes, not pay suppliers, vendors, employees or investors and get my creditors to amend and extend, plus FEDERAL HAS TO come soon, right??”


Stage 4: Depression

For everyone: Feelings of sadness, despair, and hopelessness set in as the reality of the loss becomes clearer.

For us: This market SUCKS, this industry SUCKS, these people SUCK, this government SUCKS. 


Stage 5: Acceptance

For everyone: Reach a point where the loss is acknowledged and understood, and one begins to adapt to the new reality.

For us: Lower prices, market volatility, hope for “catalysts” and a maybe we never get a Federal “save”.

Plus, all this s**t I’m eating is making my stomach stronger!

Did this resonate with anyone??

Hit those comments.

Do you have a functioning company?

i.e. Are you generating CASH FLOW??

Then consider yourself SUCCESSFUL, because you are in the MINORITY
in c@nnabis.

So what advice do I give you....???

Well with 5 companies over $150M in revenue in receivership...

1. STAY IN IT
2. STAY IN IT
3. STAY IN IT!!!

And thanks to my friend Scott Greiper for moderating a great panel....

Alcohol has a BIG problem brewing…

People ain’t pounding brews like they used to.

Now, some Bev/Alc folks on this platform seem to want to downplay this.

Maybe they’re too invested in the space?
Maybe they’re pushing a narrative?
Maybe they’re afraid?

Which is understandable when you see the numbers…

Because the data don’t lie.

From a recent research report from Jefferies:

“Alcohol consumption has dropped from a peak of 9.5L in 2021 to 8.3L by end of 2025. In the absence of a major intervention, e.g. a severe tax increase / regulatory headwind, the industry could be close to trough. However, we now build in a further step down to 7L, which would take alcohol consumption to lower than 1960s levels (7.8 litres).”

But don’t worry. It’s ALL GOOD.


>> What's Happening?

Common logic dictates that alcohol is the next tobacco.

Beer sits at a -27% discount relative to staples, compared to its 20Y average discount of 7%.

Harm reduction has driven lower consumption overall.

And the COVID bump is over.


>> Why It Is Important?

The sector NEEDS a catalyst

Wellness is NOT going away and consumers continue to choose health…

And as everyone who follows me knows, THC beverages are eating everyones lunch.


>> What Am I Watching?

I’m paying attention to what the young people are doing, and you might have noticed that they ain’t drinkin’!

Most Analysts now think alcohol consumption is set to FALL by 2% per year over the next decade.

What area is growing?

(Hint: HEMP/THC Beverages)

We’re standing at the dawn of a new era in social consumption folks.

Want to see me in a SUIT???

Well if you are Inside the Beltway today there is a CHANCE...

You'll find me in my clown suit, all dressed up for my crew at IgniteIt Cannabis.

See you today in the District for my photo opp.

Use my link and get in at a discount: https://lnkd.in/e45zHKrW

I Failed As An Odds Maker
And almost got run out of Vegas as a result !!!

What I Thought ??? 
I used to believe I could predict things. 
I thought outcomes were logical: 
Markets mature THEN prices stabilize 
Regulators see tax revenue AND regulation eases 
Consumers migrate to legal markets WHILE illicit fades 
Capital flows to efficiency LETTING good operators win 
None of that happened.

What I Learned ??? 
Regulation became politics: NOT economics 
Taxation became punishment: NOT policy 
Consumers followed availability: NOT governance 
And capital flowed to the loudest or biggest: NOT the best
So, I tried to be an odds maker and failed..

What Did I Learn ??? 
The cannabis and hemp space is not a market it's a game of unlocks: 
Access unlocks: Who can sell where 
Distribution unlocks: Who gets shelf space 
On-Premise unlocks: Who gets to shape consumer behavior 
Regulatory unlocks: Which side of the line you operate on

The people who win are not the ones with the best products
They're the ones with the best positioning when the unlock happens
I wasn’t wrong about the demand…I was wrong about the sequencing

So I failed as an odds maker, and changed my lens 

I stopped predicting when something will change 
I started positioning for what happens when it does 

I don’t need to guess the date Congress wakes up 
I just need to be on the board when they do
You don’t have to be an oddsmaker… 
You just have to be aligned when the unlock hits. 
And that’s a game I like my odds in.

Today I give THANKS...

That I am not a Turkey...although some of you might beg to differ....

Thats it...

Happy Holidays !!!

And make sure you tell someone you love them today....

When something that NEEDS to exist but doesn't, what do you do?

YOU CREATE IT.
 
So I am honored to announce my latest collaboration with Fat Nugs Magazine

A new series of LinkedIn Live sessions to educate, spotlight and discuss critical issues around PRODUCTS.

Why? 

Because Instagram is NOT a safe space and LinkedIn seems to have critical mass for OUR INDUSTY.
 
I'm teaming up with Fat Nugs Magazine to launch a brand-new live discussion series spotlighting cannabis products and brands. 

Expect we will amplify voices from every corner, deeply knowledgeable professionals to everyday consumers.

Episodes will stream across multiple platforms, giving an unfiltered look at the products, stories, and people behind them.
 
And to start we're tackling pre-rolls - a category whose growth cannot be denied.

Expect 8 panelists to break down the good, the bad, and the ugly of pre-rolls,

Panelists will also get the chance to sample prerolls LIVE, bringing real-time reactions and insights to the conversation.

This isn’t just another panel, it’s the start of an honest, wide-open dialogue about the products that define our industry.

The series kicks off with its first episode Thursday, November 20th at 11AM EST/ 8AM PST.

FNM Presents: Voices of the Plant w/ Seth Yakatan
Preroll Edition 

Business. Culture. Community.
Welcome to Voices of the Plant - the new Fat Nugs Magazine LinkedIn Live series that brings real conversations from the heart of cannabis.
 
Sign up here: https://bit.ly/3LpTDXd

& MARK YOU CALENDARS for Thursday, November 20th at 11AM EST/ 8AM PST.

You doing anything today??
 
Fat Nugs Magazine x Seth Yakatan present: The Plant Panel

We're hosting a new LinkedIn live with some of the sharpest minds working in cannabis.

Andrew Wells
Cesar Angobaldo
Courtney Zalewski
Fernando Bent-Mullings
Mei-Ling Campbell
Timeka Drew
Catherine Sidman
Luna Stower, MAT, CG ✨

TODAY: November 20th at 11AM EST/ 8AM PST.

FNM Presents: The Plant Panel w/ Seth Yakatan

Episode one is the Preroll Edition 

Business. Culture. Community.

Sign up here: https://lnkd.in/geV4jVmy

Believe it or not, I continue to hear from people that c@nnabis is NOT efficacious.

“Cannabis doesn’t really work for pain, sleep, or anxiety.”

I hear this from people who have:
— Never read a single clinical data table
— Never treated a patient
— Still think weed = teenagers + Bob Marley poster

Meanwhile, the SCIENCE is right there.


>> What’s Happening?

Recent clinical evaluations show consistent, measurable benefits:

Pain: 
→ Patients report statistically significant reductions about 0.5cm on a 10cm scale across populations. 
→ No placebo, that’s real analgesic effect at scale.

Sleep: 
→ Cannabis improves subjective sleep quality. 
→ If you’ve ever actually not slept, you know that you feel in the morning matters more than what your polysomnography printout says.

Anxiety: 
→ At appropriate dose and context, cannabinoids produce reliable anxiolytic effects, especially CBD.
→ THC requires respect and calibration yes. But to pretend it “doesn’t work” is just LAZY.

These effects are real, repeatable, clinically observed, and patient-reported across thousands of data points.

This is evidence!!!


>> Why Does This Matter?

There is a massive cultural blind spot around what counts as “meaningful efficacy.”

We are conditioned to think only in miracle outcomes:

— Erase all pain
— Cure insomnia
— Eliminate all anxiety

That’s not how real medicine works.

Real medicine is incremental improvement that accumulates into quality of life.

And cannabis delivers exactly that.


>> What Am I Watching?

The brands, operators, clinicians, and researchers who will win the next decade are the ones who:

1. Respect the evidence
2. Respect individual response and dosing
3. Position cannabis as a meaningful tool in the therapeutic toolkit
4. Communicate in clinical, human terms

Because here’s the TRUTH:

Cannabis works. It’s medicine. PERIOD.

So when someone dismisses cannabis because it’s not a miracle cure…

They’re telling you they don’t understand patients, medicine, or reality.

(and if you don’t know who is with me in the picture DO YOUR HOMEWORK)

So Ohio just issued a BAN on THC drinks, gummies, other hemp products…

Is this just another domino to fall in the ever changing Hemp landscape?

I’ve seen this movie before, pretty sure I now how it is going to end…

Alcohol lobby keeps making it RAIN!!


>> What’s Happening?

Ohio Gov. DeWine just dropped a 90-day ban on intoxicating hemp products — drinks, gummies, the whole lot.

The justification? Predictably it was to “protect the children…”

The reality is this is just another political move after months of legislative inaction.


>> Why It Matters?

Let’s be clear: This isn’t about safety. It’s about control.

Hemp beverages have been sitting on shelves for years — in gas stations, grocery stores, and yes, maybe even in a few PTA moms’ purses. 

But now they’re suddenly dangerous candy? Please.

What’s really happening is that regulators are scrambling because hemp is moving faster than their tax codes and licensing frameworks.

Meanwhile, the consumer is left wondering why they can buy 1.5L of vodka at Target but not a 5mg seltzer.


>> What Am I Watching?

I’m watching who profits from the pause. Follow the money and, more importantly, the LOBBYING.

Does this becomes a blueprint: ban first, regulate later? (n=2 Ohio and California?)

How do brands now pivot? On-premise and licensed retail just became the only legal outlets for 90 days.

I hate watching growth and innovation get punished for outpacing bureaucracy.

And Ohio just told every hemp company: “Thanks for the R&D, we’ll take it from here.”

So your cannabis company “got international distribution?”

Well….let’s look a little more closely here shall we:


THE REASON PEOPLE ARE RUNNING OVERSEAS

Domestic cannabis margins are garbage right now.

Wholesale prices down 40–70% in key markets in 24 months.

Effective tax rates north of 60% because 280E is the IRS’s medieval torture device.

45%+ of “multi-state operators” are over-levered and drowning in debt like college kids with their student loans.

So everyone says the same thing:

“We’ll just go international. Less competition. More upside. Cleaner markets.”

Yes. But also NO.

International IS an opportunity… it’s just not the one you think it is.


THE ACTUAL RISKS (THESE ARE NOT THEORIES)

Currency risk
— Mexico, Colombia, Israel, Thailand have all experienced 5–35% currency swings in the last 18 months. Your “15% margin” becomes a rounding error.

Political volatility
— Governments change & cannabis policy gets rewritten in the hallway on the way to the vote.

No brand memory
— Your U.S. brand means nothing to a consumer who has never seen THC sold legally… ever.

Supply Chain Reality
— “We have a distributor” ≠ you have distribution. You have a person with a PDF and enthusiasm. Ask anyone who has done cross-border THC/GMP transport.
The paperwork alone can send a grown adult into silent prayer.


SO WHEN DOES INTERNATIONAL WORK?

When you stop trying to export identity and start importing infrastructure.

The winners will be the ones who:

1. Partner with local operators who already own distribution
2. Don’t show up loud but show up boring
3. Aren’t dependent on the U.S. capital mood swings
4. Understand on-premise unlocks will take years, not quarters
5. Oh and you know…have a grown-up strategy!


WHEN DOES IT FAIL?

When you think: “We found a supplier and a buyer… we’re global now.”

No, you’re not.

You just created a customs liability and a future LinkedIn apology tour.

I am bullish on international markets. 

There is real opportunity.

But don’t confuse “different” risk with “less” risk.

International is not your lifeboat.

It’s a rope bridge in a windstorm.

Still walkable.

Just don’t do cartwheels on it….

Big revealing news NO ONE was talking about:

This entrenched strategic jumped form factor and doubled down on the industry.


>> What Happened? 

The Boston Beer Company is expanding its “beyond beer” play.

Its brand Emerald Hour is launching THC gummies in Canada. 

These vegan gummies contain 5 mg THC, and the product is hitting dispensaries in Ontario and Alberta.


>> Why Does This Matter?

This is major because Boston Beer is signaling serious commitment to cannabis AND NOT just beverages (well, after the Hemp ban…pffft).

They are leveraging Bev/Alc cred into a new category, attempting to transfer brand equity from “beer & seltzer” into THC edibles.

The REAL question: Are they poised to win, or is this just a land grab without the operational muscle of a cannabis native?


>> What Am I Watching?

Will Boston Beer ramp distribution quickly (600+ dispensaries for the beverages already) and build meaningful shelf-presence?

How will Boston Beer execute operationally: supply chain, compliance, packaging, vegan/clean-label positioning?

Will this move prompt other major beverage players to accelerate into cannabis edibles, or has Farm Bill repeal made everyone gun-shy??

Success will be visible when margin expands, repeat consumer behavior is high, and the brand becomes credible not just in beer.

If you’re playing the game, EYES WIDE OPEN…this is a flanking move worth tracking. 

If you’re counting on it to drive immediate growth or dominance, chill.

Either way we just moved to DEFCON 2… 

And if you needed any further examples that alcohol was Donald Ducked then here you go.

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The Battle

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Likes

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