In this powerful and deeply emotional inspirational leadership story, host Jitesh Vaswani sits down with entrepreneur, mentor, and humble leader David Guttman, who shares the extraordinary real-life near-death experience that changed his entire life. At just 24 years old, David was told he had six months to live, and that moment became the greatest comeback story — transforming everything he believed about success, identity, purpose, and leadership.
From climbing the corporate ladder to hitting rock bottom and facing mortality, David reveals how leadership lessons from adversity shaped him into a leader driven by service over ego. He explains how surviving a misdiagnosis helped him understand what truly matters in life after loss, showing that external achievements mean nothing without meaning, humility, and contribution.
Today, David builds companies rooted in humanity and trust, proving that humility in leadership and listening are real strengths. He openly shares his view on education, asking the bold question: Is an MBA worth it anymore? After publicly tearing up his Wharton MBA, he launched a movement shifting focus from theory to real-world ownership and purpose.
This episode is a masterclass in finding your purpose, choosing service over status, and discovering life purpose after hitting rock bottom. It challenges you to rethink success and reflect on gratitude after a near-death experience.
If you’re looking for perspective, healing, or direction, or wondering what facing mortality taught him about success, meaning, and leadership, this conversation will change how you see life.
Links Mentioned in Episode
🧘♂ Learn Art of Living Part 1: https://bit.ly/3ZDssMJ
🔥 Shankara: https://bit.ly/3SPGVBE
🔥 Sri Sri Tattva: https://bit.ly/4mWKO5q
📲 Follow Jitesh Vaswani Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jiteshvaswani | YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beyondtheknownpodcast
📲 Connect with David Guttman YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialDavidGuttman | Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daverguttman/