Matthew Weiss

Second Lieutenant Matthew Weiss is an Intelligence Officer in the United States Marine Corps. Previously, he worked in mergers and acquisitions at a cutting-edge defense technology company. He holds a BS and an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. Most importantly, he is a member of Generation Z who cares deeply about solving this issue of service.

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

We have very regimented days in the military but it always starts with a workout and making your bed. After that, carving out creating thinking blocks as well as intense doing blocks are key.

How do you bring ideas to life?

I wrote a national best-seller and then appeared on many media campaigns and sites.

What’s one trend that excites you?

Gen Z realizing that trade work and apprentice-ship skills are the key to success, not necessarily a college degree.

What is one habit that helps you be productive?

I keep a journal and I write down key thoughts throughout the day and every week I summarize them.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Stay the course! You’ve always had a plan so life is about executing it.

Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you.

The military is the greatest job training program that the country has to offer.

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

Meditate, try to reduce meat and alcohol intake, read often.

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

If it’s in the day I run or workout, at evening I write or read.

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

I am all about networking. It is all about who you know. Network alwyas.

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

Failed my first startup idea. I realized sometimes you have to just keep pushing and the best rewards come at the end of the compounding period.

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

Entrepreneurship through acquisition. Many business owners are looking to retire and pass down their businesses so this is a great investment thesis.

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

Calendly to schedule meetings.

What is the best $100 you recently spent?

Free wifi here on deployment to conduct higher quality interviews.

Do you have a favorite book or podcast from which you’ve received much value?

All-in because it talks about contemporary issues.

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

Oppenheimer because he showed the inspiration and genius to get major projects done.

Key learnings:

• Gen Z is a generation that needs to be taught skilled and challenged to be brought into the workforce
• The military is a great path for Gen Z to learn skills
• We must rethink military service in the country to make it more appealing to our youth