The Things We Have to Do: Bogumil on Just Press Record with Matt Zeigler

<p>I’m reposting today an interview that Matt Zeigler kindly conducted with me recently. It just so happens that today is my birthday, which makes it feel like the right moment to share this deeply personal conversation about a chapter in my life and career when uncertainty was at its peak and the road ahead felt anything but clear.</p><p>In this impromptu conversation, recorded one summer morning, I reflect on what happened during that time, what I learned from it, and how those experiences continue to shape me today. Along the way, you’ll hear stories and moments I’ve never shared publicly before.</p><p>I also encourage you to read the thoughtful profile Matt wrote about me on his wonderful <em>Cultish Creative</em> blog, <a href="https://cultishcreative.com/p/grow-your-network-bogumil-baranowski-is-a-little-polish-bumblebee" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">linked here</a>. While you’re there, take some time to explore—and follow—his beautifully written, thoughtfully curated work. I’m grateful for the care and generosity he brings to every conversation and every story he tells.</p><p>Bogumil Baranowski joins Matt Zeigler to explore why failure is feedback and how persistence can turn rejection, uncertainty, and personal obstacles into life-changing opportunities. Bogumil shares his journey from Poland to a career in New York investing, the green card rejection that nearly ended it, and the unlikely path that eventually led him to ask Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger a question at the Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting.<br>Topics covered:</p><ul><li><p>Why failure should be treated as feedback rather than defeat</p></li><li><p>What Joseph Moore’s struggle to publish How to Get Rich in American History teaches about resilience</p></li><li><p>How personal conviction helps people continue when success appears statistically unlikely</p></li><li><p>Why creating a podcast can preserve valuable conversations and connect overlooked ideas</p></li><li><p>How podcast hosts cross-pollinate insights between investors, authors, and thinkers</p></li><li><p>Bogumil’s decision to leave Europe and build an investing career in New York City</p></li><li><p>The visa challenges and green card rejection that almost forced him to leave America</p></li><li><p>How hope and persistence helped him restart the immigration process</p></li><li><p>The unlikely story of asking Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger a question at Berkshire Hathaway</p></li><li><p>Why obstacles can help people develop strengths that others do not possess</p></li><li><p>How an outsider’s perspective can create an advantage in investing and creative work</p></li><li><p>Why people should embrace the experiences that make them different<br></p></li></ul><p>Timestamps:<br><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjNC_kGPfQw" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">00:00</a> Why some goals become things you have to do<br><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjNC_kGPfQw&t=180s" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">03:00</a> Joseph Moore and the history of getting rich<br><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjNC_kGPfQw&t=364s" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">06:04</a> Why location matters when building and preserving wealth<br><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjNC_kGPfQw&t=500s" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">08:20</a> Failure is feedback<br><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjNC_kGPfQw&t=570s" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">09:30</a> Why important ideas often face rejection<br><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjNC_kGPfQw&t=783s" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">13:03</a> Turning private conversations into a public podcast<br><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjNC_kGPfQw&t=1000s" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">16:40</a> Learning through other people’s experiences<br><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjNC_kGPfQw&t=1088s" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">18:08</a> Cross-pollinating ideas between great investors<br><