228. Startup Life Is a Rollercoaster: Real Talk from Startup CEO David Metz

World's Greatest Boss

In this episode of World’s Greatest Boss, I’m joined by David Metz, CEO and founder of PrizeOut, a startup that helps credit unions and gaming platforms reward their users with high-value digital gift cards. David shares how he scaled his company from his couch to over 50 employees, what he’s learned about leadership, hiring, and culture along the way, and how AI is transforming the startup landscape.

We talk candidly about the chaos of startup life, how to hire top talent in today’s challenging market, why referrals beat resumes, and how generalists (finally) get their time to shine. David also drops real-talk advice on why soft skills now matter more than ever, and the personal toll entrepreneurship can take without a solid support system.

Whether you’re growing your team, figuring out how to lead through uncertainty, or just trying to make sense of AI’s impact on the workplace, this one’s for you.

WHAT YOU’LL HEAR IN THIS EPISODE:

[1:12] Why David’s team fell in love with credit unions and how PrizeOut serves them

[3:46] From gaming to gift cards - how PrizeOut started and evolved

[5:14] Building a 50+ person team and navigating remote vs. in-office culture shifts

[7:02] The AI revolution and what it means for your job (and your kids’)

[10:20] Real-world ways to use AI in hiring and operations today

[12:50] What actually works when hiring great people (hint: it’s not LinkedIn)

[14:32] The problem with AI-assisted projects in interviews

[16:14] David’s hiring framework: IQ, EQ, BQ (business quotient), and PQ (PrizeOut quotient)

[17:17] “Business is easy. People are hard.” Why leadership is emotionally exhausting

[19:53] Culture is a reflection of the founder - how David builds with intention

[22:37] Leadership habits David’s working on now

[23:28] The one thing every entrepreneur must have to survive the rollercoaster

LINKS & RESOURCES:

• Learn more about PrizeOut
• Connect with David Metz on LinkedIn or email him directly at [email protected]
• Take the CliftonStrengths Assessment to discover your top talents

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