Ep 90: A Conversation with Wall Street Pioneer Ethan Penner

Is greatness a choice? If so, why doesn't everyone choose greatness? And more broadly, what are the prerequisites for a great society?
This week, I'm joined by Ethan Penner, author of the new book "Greatness is a Choice" and one of the most influential figures in modern real estate. In his early 30s, Ethan pioneered the creation of commercial mortgage-backed securities and helped build a new market at a critical moment in history. We discuss his journey from the streets of Yonkers to the heights of Wall Street and what he learned from industry greats like Sam Zell.
Ethan is also a student of history, religion, and philosophy who cares deeply about advancing freedom and helping others find purpose in life. His new book argues that most people misunderstand greatness and equate it to the top one percent of society. Rather, he believes that greatness is a daily decision to choose excellence, and by deliberately choosing excellence we can bring newfound meaning and fulfillment to our daily lives. Through concise and pointed chapters, like "The Debilitating Effects of the Victim Mentality" and “Equality Is Not the Point," Ethan diagnoses where our modern culture has gone awry and offers an antidote that can inspire us all to pursue greatness.

[@dexinvictus6103]

Great topics. I literally told someone the other day that, for some reason, people are afraid of greatness

[@AmericanOptimist]

Thanks for watching!

[@KaromahHijrah]

😢

[@jacobgrant8188]

Been listening to this podcast for a while.
The intro always feels like the theme of the "United States faction" of a military strategy game. Epic. 🇺🇸

[@Louisgachot]

This guy was great and very interesting. A few of his points reminded me from Yaron Brook's "equal is unfair". Will be buying his book.

[@ericwoodruff3295]

Great ep!

[@RuberSocks]

The analogy of coddling children making them start to cry--and then applying that to the adult world--really hit me. It's so obvious when he explains it that way.

[@editamayor1378]

Hi?

[@hongda4648]

ອ ອ ອ😮