What happens when the immigrant hustle meets Wall Street power? You get a front-row seat to a billion-dollar deal—and the personal cost of it. Join Divya Parekh for a gripping conversation with Butch Meily, the man who stood beside Reginald F. Lewis—America’s first Black billionaire dealmaker—through every twist of triumph and tragedy. From private jets and IPOs to ethical dilemmas and a burning mansion in the Hamptons, this is more than a business story. It’s about two outsiders navigating race, greed, loyalty, and legacy in 1980s America. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to win at the highest level—and what you might lose along the way—this is the episode you’ll never forget. Discover More! 👉 Visit Beyond Confidence Radio and subscribe! https://www.beyondconfidenceradio.com/
00:26 Show introduction and host Divya Parekh’s focus on leadership, relationships, and living a fulfilling life.
01:11 Divya encourages audience feedback and introduces the guest, Butch.
03:06 Butch shares the positive impact his parents had on his values and ambitions.
03:57 Butch describes coming to the U.S. from Manila, experiencing cultural differences, and falling in love with America.
05:30 Butch’s education, early career in PR, and first encounter with Reginald Lewis.
06:49 The transformative phone call from Reginald Lewis’s wife that led to a major opportunity.
07:32 Importance of being prepared for opportunities; advice he gives his son about readiness.
07:55 Butch on how people can prepare themselves: education, hard work, persistence, and faith.
09:04 Deeper introduction to Reginald Lewis and the PR issue Butch resolved for him.
10:42 Discusses seeing Reginald Lewis for the first time and Lewis’s historical significance.
13:18 Butch reflects on his work with multiple CEOs and the unique lessons from each.
14:31 Lessons from Reginald Lewis: persistence and overcoming adversity.
15:30 Lessons from working with other CEOs: faith, hard work, and joy in business.
17:05 Experiences with “tyrant” or toxic bosses in his PR career.
18:48 Advice for dealing with toxic bosses if leaving isn’t an option: alliances and self-confidence. 21:35 Importance of objectively evaluating if the boss is toxic to everyone or just you.
21:58 On building relationships and support systems to cope with workplace stress.
23:35 Regrets about focusing too much on work at the expense of personal relationships.
26:01 Observations about happiness: ordinary people often happier than high-powered business leaders.
28:07 How to have difficult conversations with clients and the importance of honesty.
30:27 Building credibility so you can speak truth to power in the workplace.
32:33 Introduction to leveraged buyouts (LBOs) and their resurgence in modern business.
36:33 Butch’s current focus: nonprofit work, startups, and career fulfillment after personal loss.
39:21 Book promotion: “From Manila to Wall Street,” contact info, and upcoming events.
41:27 Final message: “Keep going no matter what”—perseverance through tough times.
Also available in
https://www.iheart.com/podcast/209-beyond-confidence-27597098/episode/inside-the-billion-dollar-dream-280780372/
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-billion-dollar-dream/id1447287496?i=1000712709135
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