Peter Burns

Peter J. Burns III is a seasoned entrepreneur with a dynamic career spanning over four decades. Hailing from a distinguished New England family, Burns began his entrepreneurial journey while studying at the University of Virginia, where he launched a successful moped rental business on Nantucket Island. This venture set the foundation for his prolific career, during which he has started over 150 companies, ranging from FinTech innovations to international real estate developments. Burns’ ventures also include significant engagements in cryptocurrency mining and international capital funds, notably founding Ethiopian Capital Partners. With an educational background from the United States Military Academy Preparatory School, the McIntire School of Commerce, and Harvard Business School’s Owners and Presidents Management Program, Burns combines robust academic insights with real-world experience. Residing in La Jolla, California, he continues to mentor young entrepreneurs and spearhead new business opportunities across the globe.

What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?

I believe in maximizing the morning hours for critical thinking and strategic planning. I usually begin by reviewing my schedule and prioritizing tasks for the day. Productivity for me comes from strict time management and always pushing forward on new projects. I make sure each day includes a mix of operational oversight, business development, and time for mentoring my team.

How do you bring ideas to life?

Once I have a concept, I outline the steps needed to launch, determine the resources required, and push to get a prototype or initial service offering out as quickly as possible. Feedback is crucial, so I iterate based on real-world use rather than prolonged deliberation.

What’s one trend that excites you?

Cryptocurrency and blockchain technology excite me the most. The potential for decentralization in finance and other sectors holds tremendous promise for creating more efficient and accessible systems globally.

What is one habit that helps you be productive?

Delegation. Recognizing that I cannot do everything myself and trusting my team to handle tasks allows me to focus on high-impact activities that truly require my attention.

What advice would you give your younger self?

I would tell my younger self to take more calculated risks and worry less about failure. Each failure is merely a stepping stone to greater successes.

Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?

I believe that traditional education is often an impediment to entrepreneurial success. Real-world experience and self-directed learning can provide more practical knowledge and resilience than formal education.

What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?

The value of expanding your professional and personal connections cannot be overstated; opportunities often come from the most unexpected places.

When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?

I take a step back and prioritize. Once I have clarity, I can refocus on what’s most important.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?

Embracing change and adapting quickly has been critical. The business landscape constantly evolves, so staying flexible and ready to pivot has allowed me to thrive where others might hesitate.

What is one failure in your career,  how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?

One of my earliest ventures was a spectacular failure due to poor market timing and underestimation of regulatory challenges. I overcame it by taking the lessons learned into my next venture, focusing more diligently on market research and compliance.

What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?

An app that connects tourists with local experiences not typically accessible through traditional travel agencies could be a hit. Think of ‘Airbnb experiences’ but with a hyper-local and authentic twist.

What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?

Confluence. It helps me keep track of different projects and tasks, allowing me to delegate effectively and monitor progress across my ventures.

Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?

The book “Zero to One” by Peter Thiel has been influential. It advocates for thinking boldly and differently about business, which resonates deeply with my approach to entrepreneurship.

What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?

I enjoyed watching “Billions” because it depicts the high-stakes world of finance and power, blending real-world intensity with dramatic storytelling, which I find both entertaining and insightful.