Episode
MTV CO-FOUNDER: building a $7bn Media Empire with ZERO experience in TV | Tom Freston
- Published
- Mar 3, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 3800
- Processing state
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- http://www.crisiswhatcrisis.com
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Summary
From building a multimillion-dollar clothing business in India only to be wiped out by a global trade embargo, to redefining pop culture for a generation at MTV and Nickelodeon, Tom Freston’s career is a masterclass for any aspiring entrepreneur. In this episode, Tom joins me to discuss the resilience required to reach the top and the sheer guts needed to start over when it's all taken away. He shares his "decidedly non-traditional" path to the C-suite and why humility, earnestness, and curiosity are the ultimate defining traits for success. POWERED BY KINGSLEY NAPLEY: I know what it is to have the right legal support around you when facing crisis. Kingsley Napley are the kind of lawyers I wish more people knew about – there to help you make the right decisions, protect what matters and build real resilience when the pressure is on. This episode is powered by Kingsley Napley, visit www.kingsleynapley.co.uk for more details. IN THIS EPISODE, WE EXPLORE: Building the MTV empire: The legendary "I Want My MTV" campaign and the David Bowie sauna story. The reality of being fired as the boss at Viacom by Sumner Redstone and receiving a hero’s send-off from 1,000 employees. Returning to Afghanistan to help launch the country’s first television network. Why stepping off the "conveyor belt of conformity" is the best classroom for a young person today. LESSONS YOU’LL LEARN Skills are transferable: It’s never too late to change careers. Optimism is a competitive advantage: back yourself when no one else will The most successful careers are rarely the most conventional Know when to disappear: recovery needs space, don't rush the next move Hire people smarter than you: it's your best protection against your worst instincts TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - Intro 04:44 - Stepping off the conveyor…