Dr. Tony Jacob is an investor, philanthropist, and entrepreneur committed to innovation and personal growth. His work spans emerging markets, cryptocurrency, AI, and traditional sectors like oil and gas. Alongside his professional ventures, Tony is actively involved in environmental conservation, such as ocean cleanups and reforestation projects. Tony’s approach combines strategic decision-making with a strong passion for fostering relationships and driving positive global change through his investments and philanthropic efforts.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
I start my day by dropping off my kids, then I head to the gym and go for a walk. During that time, I usually make phone calls, especially internal calls with my investment team. Almost every day, I have lunch with someone, either for work or just to catch up socially. In the afternoon, from about 1 to 4 p.m., I focus on deep work. I also have a standing 4 p.m. meeting with entrepreneurs or other dads here in Boise, where we connect and hang out. I’m typically home by 5:15 p.m. to spend time with my family until bedtime. Having a routine really helps me stay productive—without it, I tend to get bored easily.
How do you bring ideas to life?
When it comes to bringing ideas to life, I spend a lot of time upfront doing my due diligence and really thinking things through before jumping in. I like to take my time to understand if an idea is really going to work. Once I decide it’s worth pursuing, I move quickly, test things out, and pivot if needed. But these days, it’s mostly about people—assembling the right team is crucial. I’ve learned that choosing the right managers, leaders, and investors is key, and that’s something I’ve had to grow into over time through trial and error.
What’s one trend that excites you?
One trend that really excites me is cryptocurrency, specifically Bitcoin-based lending. I think anything in the Bitcoin space is fascinating and holds a lot of potential. I’ve been spending time and energy there. Another area that interests me is AI. Although it’s a bit of a buzzword right now, I believe AI will become deeply integrated into our lives in ways we can’t fully imagine yet—kind of like when the iPhone first came out. I’m also investing in oil and gas because, despite everything, I don’t think fossil fuels are going anywhere anytime soon.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
One habit that helps me stay productive is getting out of the house. Since I don’t have a traditional office or desk anymore, I like to change up my environment by going to different coffee shops. It keeps things fresh and helps me stay focused.
What advice would you give your younger self?
The advice I’d give my younger self is to spend more time really getting to know people on a deeper level. I used to just trust what people said at face value without digging into what made them tick or why they did what they did. Over time, I’ve realized how important it is to understand people better before jumping into business with them or bringing them onto my team. I wish I had been more patient and invested in understanding others earlier in my career—it would have saved me from a lot of mistakes.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
Something I believe that almost nobody agrees with me on is that Bitcoin will become the world currency within the next 20 years. It’s a pretty forward-thinking idea, and I get a lot of pushback, especially from people who haven’t been exposed to it much. But I really believe it’s where things are headed.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
One thing I repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do is to always remember people’s names and something about them. I make a point to never say no to a conversation, no matter who it’s with. So many doors have opened for me just by being open to meeting new people and having those conversations, even if I didn’t know where they would lead. It’s not about networking for the sake of it—it’s about genuinely getting to know people. I wish I had been better at this when I was younger.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
When I feel overwhelmed or unfocused, I go on vacation—or at the very least, I step away for a walk. I’ve learned that when you’re feeling that way, it’s usually because you’re doing too much or not saying “no” enough. Taking a break helps me reset and get perspective. I also remind myself that the world keeps spinning without me, and most things aren’t as urgent as they seem. It’s important to step away and clear your mind so you can come back more focused.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
One strategy that has really helped me grow my business and advance in my career is learning how to delegate effectively. Early on, I struggled with it because I wanted to control everything, but once I realized the power of trusting others and letting go, things changed. Having an assistant, who can anticipate my needs and keep things organized, has been a game-changer. It allows me to focus on the bigger picture while knowing the day-to-day tasks are handled. Delegation has freed up my time and energy to really grow and scale my business.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
One failure in my career was going into business with a friend. We had great intentions, but we didn’t set clear expectations for each other from the start. It ended up costing us not just financially but also the friendship, which was the hardest part. I learned the importance of laying everything out upfront—goals, roles, and expectations—before starting any business relationship, even with friends. It was a tough lesson, but it taught me to never skip those crucial conversations, no matter how close you are to someone.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
One business idea I’m willing to give away is to focus on building a business structure where everyone feels like they’re winning. It’s crucial to set things up so that the people you work with—whether it’s partners, employees, or investors—are all aligned and feel valued. It’s not just about scaling a business, but making sure the foundation is strong and everyone’s expectations are clear. Trusting your gut and, most importantly, trusting the people you work with is key. Setting that structure up properly from the beginning is what makes all the difference.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
We use Kanban systems to manage our boards. It’s fantastic. That’s my number one productivity hack.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
The best $100 I recently spent was on flowers for my wife. It might sound simple, but it’s something that always pays off in a big way. It brightens her day, strengthens our connection, and reminds me how important the little gestures are in maintaining relationships. Plus, a happy wife really does lead to a happier life!
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
Honestly, I don’t really dive into books or podcasts as much anymore. Instead, I’ve found the most value in conversations with people—both those who are older and have already made the mistakes, and those who are much younger with perspectives. That mix of experience and new thinking has been my best teacher. I do sometimes use AI to get summaries of books, but real-life interactions with people have been way more insightful for me recently.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I recently enjoyed watching The Penguin on HBO. It’s dark, gritty, and completely absorbing—a bit of a train wreck you can’t look away from, but in the best way. I’m also a big fan of sci-fi, so I loved watching The Lord of the Rings series on Amazon. Shows like these are my way of unplugging and just enjoying a good story.
Key learnings
- Stick to a daily routine—focus in the morning, deep work in the afternoon.
- Prioritize family time to recharge and stay motivated.
- Maximize efficiency by combining tasks like calls during walks or lunch.