I’m excited to share my conversation with my friend Erik Huberman-Founder & CEO of Hawke Media. We explore his entrepreneurial journeys, from growing up in Ojai to founding Hawke Media, the fastest-growing marketing agency on the US West Coast. We explore the power of emotional connection in branding, paralleling Nike's strategy, and delve into Erik’s book, "The Hawke Method,”--emphasizing the importance of awareness, nurture, and trust in brand building. We delve into the perils of client concentration, the role of in-house recruiters, the growth strategy involving mergers and acquisitions, and Hawke Ventures--a VC fund that he spun out of the agency. Additionally, we touched on the impact of AI on the economy and the importance of adaptability, networking, and resilience in business. Our conversation also covers the challenges of managing energy and balancing business with personal life.  Erik also shares his personal story of overcoming intense anxiety during a tumultuous period, highlighting the significance of empathy and self-care. Erik is one of the good guys, and the number of insights we packed into this episode is fantastic.