In this thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation, Kevin Rice sits down with Nick Tran, President and CMO of the joint venture between Diageo and Main Street Advisors, to talk about what it means to design a life, not just a career.

Nick shares how taking a mid-career sabbatical and moving his young family to London became one of the most rewarding chapters of his life. Over three years and 23 countries, he learned that kids are far more adaptable than we give them credit for and that presence, not perfection, is what they remember most.

Together, Kevin and Nick explore how to balance ambition with intention, the importance of setting boundaries in high-pressure roles, and the mindset shifts that come from slowing down. Nick also opens up about his parenting approach from limiting social media and encouraging curiosity to teaching kindness, generosity, and resilience as the skills that will matter most in the future.

Finally, Nick reflects on his career path from leading global marketing at TikTok, Taco Bell, and Samsung, to helping others find their voice as leaders. He shares why he measures success by the number of people from his teams who have gone on to become CMOs, and why he believes personal branding is essential for every modern professional.

In This Episode You’ll Learn:
• Why designing a life matters more than chasing titles
• How living abroad can reshape family connection and perspective
• The power of intentional parenting and setting family milestones
• Why screen time and social media guardrails are essential for kids
• How to teach generosity, kindness, and resilience through action
• Why curiosity and learning how to learn matter more than hard skills
• How to build authentic relationships that elevate your career
• Why personal branding is a critical leadership skill

Top Takeaways:
• Presence and boundaries create balance in demanding careers
• Travel teaches adaptability, empathy, and global perspective
• The best lessons for kids come from lived experience, not lectures
• Generosity and curiosity are the foundation of lifelong leadership
• Building others up is the true measure of success

About Nick Tran:
Nick Tran is the President and CMO of the joint venture between Diageo and Main Street Advisors, overseeing brands like Lobos 1707 and Ciroc Vodka. Previously, he led global marketing at TikTok, Samsung, Taco Bell, and Hulu, where his work helped define cultural relevance for modern brands. Nick is also a devoted father who believes leadership starts at home, through presence, purpose, and the courage to design life intentionally.